The Bear's Seer (The Dragon Ruby Series Book 7)

by Leilani Love

  The rest of the kids piled out of the trailer, stretching as they walked up to Liam. "Let’s see what they have here for supplies."

  Emily and Madison fell in step behind Talon, Dominic, and Liam as they walked up the three steps to the door. The doorknob turned easily, but when Liam tried to push it open, it stuck until he rammed it with his shoulder.

  He coughed as stale, dry air hit him and reached for a light switch, flipping it up and down to no avail.

  "I'm going to walk around and see if there’s a generator or circuit breaker they keep off while no one is here," Dominic said.

  "I'll go with you," Talon volunteered, and they walked around the women, who’d stayed near the stairs on the porch.

  Once Liam’s eyes adjusted to the dark of the house, he stepped in. The cabin had a small kitchen and a few chairs set up. Aligned against the wall were several backpacks of supplies along with sleeping bags. The gentle hum of a motor clicked on, and Liam grinned when he heard his son shout, "Try the lights now!"

  Emily took a step behind him to the doorway, and when she flipped the switch this time, the lights came on. "Aside from a little dust, this place is way better than I pictured, " she confessed.

  "You two take a look around. I’m going to take one of these out and cover Hunter in the back. I don’t think bringing him in would be a good idea in case he wakes up," Liam said as he grabbed one of the many sleeping bags.

  Emily placed her hand on his arm before moving deeper into the cabin. Madison shifted her weight from one leg to the other, her eyes going back to the trailer before she followed Emily inside.

  Stepping into the trailer, Liam’s heart tightened in his chest. Hunter’s labored breathing worried him. He sounded like a dog panting on a hot summer day. They needed rest and a plan to get help, but he worried this delay might cause more issues for his son.

  He unrolled and unzipped the sleeping bag, covered Hunter, and gently tucked the blanket around him. Despite the air being cool, heat radiated off Hunter. As a shifter, they ran a little hotter than the average human, but this felt more like a high fever. Combine that with the way his skin was so pale and his cheeks sunken in from his weight loss, and Liam worried that, despite their best effort, he wouldn’t be able to save his son.

  Reaching up and stroking Hunter’s hair, Liam tucked a few stray strands behind his ear. "Listen here. I need you to be strong enough to keep fighting whatever that witch did to you, son. We’re almost to the healers. We just need to come up with a plan...and get some rest. I need you to be strong. Okay?"

  There was a long moment of silence as Liam stroked his son’s hair just as he had when he wasn’t feeling good as a child. A twig snapped behind him, and he spun around to see Dominic standing in the doorway. "If you’re waiting for an answer, I don’t think you’re going to get one tonight."

  "No, probably not," Liam said. After giving Hunter a kiss on the top of his head, he exited the trailer.

  "You know this isn't your fault, right? I mean, I know you promised Mom to protect us from all things, but we’re grown and don't live in a bubble. I technically knew witches existed, I just...didn't know know," Dominic said as he closed the trailer door and locked it.

  A small chuckle escaped Liam. "The rational part of me is very aware I'm not responsible for everything that could possibly happen to you guys. But the parent part of me will probably always be riddled with guilt when something does."

  "So, you're a bear shifter who admits to being bi-polar," Dominic joked, giving him the cheesiest grin.

  "Worst bear joke ever," Liam mumbled as they rejoined the others.

  Inside the cabin, they all gathered around a table with the map spread across it. Emily studied it intently. Her eyes narrowed, so focused he wondered if she was even aware he was in the room. When her head came up, she gave him a soft smile before looking back at the map.

  Dominic checked out the cabin, opening the doors to the rooms and peeking in. "This place is actually perfect. There are three bedrooms with six beds total. I figure Talon and I can sleep in that room, Madison can sleep in there, and you two can bunk in there." Dominic pointed to a room on the other side of the house and with the biggest cheesy grin and wink, he whispered, "Thought you could use some privacy."

  Shaking his head, Liam stood next to Emily. "What do you see?"

  Emily pointed to a spot on the map. "We are here. This main road leads to the base of these mountains where my children and pack live. Based on where I feel the...block, I believe we’ll run into the witches here."

  The area that Emily pointed out appeared to be about seventy-five miles from the town. Close enough that most would have felt they were in the clear but far enough away that a lot could happen before the wolves showed up to save them.

  "You said there were also dragons?" Talon asked.

  "Yes. My son is mated to a dragon," Emily said, standing a little taller.

  "Do you see a way for us to get help without alerting the witches?" Dominic asked as he studied the map.

  There was only one main road that led up to the town from this side of the mountain. Studying the maps, Liam noticed several trails that the rangers would take through the woods.

  "These are service roads all along here. I think the best thing would be if Talon and Madison took one of those Jeeps and followed the service road up this way here, following the river. You would have to leave early in the morning, but it’s far enough away from the main road, I don’t think they’ll be watching it."

  Talon nodded before asking, "What if we get there and your kids don’t believe us? Wouldn’t it be better if you and Madison went and got help and I stayed with my family?"

  "The witches will feel it if I leave your brother. If you run into any wolves or dragons on the trail, tell them you were sent to see Damien and Hope by their mother. That will at least make sure you get to my children."

  "And once we get to them, what do we say?" Madison asked.

  "Tell them, ‘She needs your help to keep her promise in that letter. She wants nothing more than to be there for you and see her grandbabies be born.’”

  Madison smiled softly, and Liam took Emily’s hand. "We should probably also mention the witches."

  Everyone laughed, and despite the fact that they had napped on the drive, he could see how tired everyone was. "Why don’t we get some sleep? I'll wake up early and make sure at least one of those Jeeps is running before the sun comes up.”

  Dominic tossed a sleeping bag to each person. Talon pointed to the room at the back of the cabin. "Madison, you take that room. We’re going to take the one next to you."

  The three of them left Liam and Emily standing there holding sleeping bags. The floorboard creaked under Emily as she shifted her weight and adjusted the sleeping bag in her arms. Her eyes averted, not looking at him. Liam had no idea what would happen tomorrow, but tonight, he had a chance to spend a few moments alone with her.

  “Emily,” he whispered, waiting for her to look at him.

  Time ticked and she finally looked at him, her gray eyes meeting his as he reached out a hand and held his breath, waiting for her to decide.

  Chapter 19

  Time seemed to stand still as she looked at Liam’s outstretched hand. Tonight, they would be alone. He didn’t know what was going to happen tomorrow, but if life had taught him anything, it was not to let these moments pass him by.

  With a deep breath, she raised her hand and placed it in his. Her eyes met his, and in a low, thick voice, he whispered, "Are you sure?"

  Giving him a small nod, Emily whispered, "Yes."

  He gave a gentle tug and pulled her against his side as he led her into the room. There were two full beds. He looked between them and narrowed his eyes at the offending nightstand separating them. He took the sleeping bag from her and could feel her eyes on him as he unzipped it and put it on the bed closest to the door before doing the same to his bag and placing it on top like a blanket.

  He removed his clo
thes, leaving himself in just boxers. Standing before her, he smiled when she let out a giggle as she toed off her shoes. The room was so quiet, each tooth of her zipper as it came undone echoed. They were both widows with full-grown children of their own and were acting like teenagers about to experience their first time.

  Emily removed her bra from under her shirt and stood before him wearing just a T-shirt and black panties. She shifted her weight from side to side, and he took a step toward her, wrapping his arms around her. Her beautiful gray eyes searched his face. Before he could open his mouth, she placed her finger on his lips, effectively stopping him from whatever he was going to say. "Let's go to bed."

  He kissed her finger and nodded then scooped her up and carried her to the bed, placing her on it gently. He walked around and crawled in with her, and she laughed as the bed dipped and she fell into his arms.

  Frustrated by the lack of space, he frowned and debated pushing the two beds together when Emily cupped his cheek. "I think you have probably been too big for this bed since you were a wee little bear cub, huh?"

  He chuckled and shrugged, brushing his lips against hers. "I guess it’s a good thing you are such a teeny thing."

  Emily grinned. "I have a funny feeling you would find a way to make it work regardless."

  Liam was happy to see her lips curve in a smile before her eyes closed, and he brought his lips to hers. This first kiss was sweet. Slow.

  It didn’t take long for the kiss to deepen. She let out a soft happy sigh, her lips parted, and his tongue thrust deep into her mouth to spar with hers. She placed her leg up on his thigh, opening herself to him, and he growled.

  Liam placed his hand on her knee and slid it up the soft skin of her thigh to her hip. He pulled her closer to him before his finger traced her panties to the juncture between her thighs. His thumb slid under the material and brushed her heated flesh. She sucked on his tongue and arched against him.

  Her hips started moving on their own, and he moaned softly, shifting so she could lay on her back and he could move on top of her. When he broke the kiss, she whimpered.

  The material between them did nothing to shield him from the heat coming from her or to stop his cock from pressing against her.

  Wiggling against him, she let out a throaty gasp that caused his cock to twitch. Her eyes flew open, and he looked down at her, mesmerized by the beauty that shone through, even in the darkness of night. Small beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he tried to hold back, wanting to be gentle. Emily cupped his cheek with her hand and smiled up at him.

  "My mate," Liam whispered as he turned and kissed her palm

  His words made her pause, and she tensed under him. Liam had no doubt she felt the bond between them. Fate had gifted them both a second chance.

  When she didn’t speak, Liam wondered if he was wrong. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against hers. "Tell me to leave. Tell me to sleep in the next bed. I’m afraid if we keep going, I will claim you."

  Emily’s lips curved into a smile against his before she gently nibbled on his lips. "If fate has seen fit to bless me twice in one lifetime, I would be a fool to let you go, Liam. I was just startled. But now I understand why I couldn’t quite see you in my vision. Please stay with me."

  Liam groaned then bent down and kissed her. This one didn't start soft like before. It was claiming, meant to give as much pleasure as it took. Her tongue dueled with his, tasting, exploring.

  Breaking the kiss, he smiled at the small whimper that escaped her as he kissed along the column of her neck. When he got to the base, his tongue licked her sensitive flesh before he gently bit. Tilting her head in an act of submission, she gasped when he bit just a little harder, not breaking the skin, but teasing her for what was to come.

  Liam wanted nothing more than to claim her now. Sink his teeth into her flesh and leave his mark on her. Despite that need, he wanted to prolong their pleasure. He wanted it to be as perfect for her as it would be for him.

  Reluctantly he pulled away just long enough to remove the rest of their clothes before, he kissed his way lower, stopping first at one of her beautiful breasts. They were almost big enough to fit in the palm of his hand. Gently massaging them both, he brought one hard peak into his mouth and sucked, loving the way she gasped and rubbed her body against his. Kissing his way to her other breast, he treated it to the same delicious torture.

  Emily’s body arched and rubbed against him. He loved the way her body fit against his. When he released her nipple, she made a cute whimpering sound as she tugged at his hair, encouraging him to kiss her again. Grinning, and determined not to be distracted from his goal, he kissed his way down her stomach. There were light stretch marks that had never faded, and he kissed and licked each of them as he made his way lower.

  He settled between her thighs, his shoulders pressing her legs apart. He growled hungrily at the woman before him. Using his tongue, he licked up her slit, collecting her sweet honey on his tongue.

  When he got to her clit, he moaned and flicked it gently with his tongue. She was not a virgin, but it had been a long time since she had been with anyone, and he wanted to make sure she received as much pleasure as he could give before finally claiming her.

  With each lick, each flick of his tongue, the muscles in her body tensed. She grabbed his hair, and her hips came up off the bed as she whimpered, "Liam. Please...I…"

  He pulled back and looked up at her. "I got you, Emily. Just let go. I will put you back together again."

  With that, he doubled his efforts. She twisted under him, her cries of pleasure getting louder and louder until she roughly pulled on his hair and her hips bucked up and she screamed out her release. He eagerly lapped at her core until he finally felt her start to relax.

  He raised himself up her body and settled his hips between hers. His cock painfully hard and ready, he looked down at her flushed cheeks and the satisfied smile on her lips. Liam rolled his hips, and she moaned and rocked her hips against his.

  Emily’s eyes fluttered open and her gray eyes met his, a dreamy expression on her face, her lips curved in a satisfied smile. He groaned and thrust forward. Her silky warm body hugged his like a glove, and he fought the urge to come on the spot.

  Keeping himself still inside her, he waited for her to adjust to him. When her hips bucked under him, he slowly pulled back, loving the way her body gripped his before pushing forward again. She met each of his thrusts with one of her own. Her nails slid down his back until they cupped his ass. Her nails dug in, encouraging him to move faster, deeper.

  It didn’t take long before Liam felt his control slipping. He wanted to hold off for as long as he could, but each sound of pleasure she gave, each thrust she matched with one of her own, brought him so much pleasure, it made it harder and harder for him to last. He buried his face against the crook of her neck. His bear just below the surface caused his teeth to lengthen. He nuzzled her neck before nipping at her skin.

  With a small gasp, Emily whimpered, "Please. Please, Liam."

  She tilted her head and buried her face against his neck, tracing her teeth along the column until she reached the base and bit him. Hard. A large growl escaped him as he sunk his teeth into her skin. When the sweet coppery taste of her blood hit his tongue, he knew he had claimed her just as she had him.

  He felt more than heard her scream of pleasure as her body spasmed around his hard cock, milking him, encouraging him to join her. He thrust deep into her, growling into her neck as he joined her in sweet release.

  He didn’t know how long he stayed that way, buried deep within her as her body tightened around his. When he felt her tongue come out and lick where she had bitten, he moaned and did the same. For her, the movements were symbolic for the mating ceremony. Magically, he knew he would bear her mark just as she would his.

  Licking where he bit, he marveled at the woman in his arms. Pulling back to look down at her, he brushed her hair away from her face and smiled at the soft sound
of protest when his body finally softened and slid from hers.

  As he studied her, he loved how her lips were swollen from his kisses and parted as she breathed a little heavier than normal. Her hair was a bit tousled, and when she opened her eyes and met his, the slightly dreamy look they gave him made him smile in unmistakable male pride.

  "My mate," he whispered as he slid one finger along the side of her cheek.

  "My bear," she said, giving him a smile that made his heart race. When she yawned, he knew their small break from reality would only last a few more hours. As much as he wanted to make love to her again, she would need her strength tomorrow.

  Liam moved so he was on his side and tucked her up against him. Nuzzling the back of her neck, he whispered, "Go to sleep, mate. The sun will be up in a few hours, and tomorrow is going to be a long day."

  It didn’t take long before her breathing evened out and the soft sound pulled him under to join her in sleep. His last thought was that tomorrow he would make sure both Emily and his son made it past the witches safe and sound.

  Chapter 20

  The feel of the bed shifting woke her, and the events of last night came rushing back. She had mated with Liam. A bear shifter she had just met. And the night before she was reuniting with her children. That mating mark she wore on her neck would be fresh for all to see and secure his spot by her side with the wolves.

  Stretching, she rolled over just in time to see him pulling up his pants. When he turned and looked at her, he seemed uncertain as he approached the bed. "Sorry for waking you. I was hoping to let you sleep for a few more minutes."

  "Today…today, I will get to see my kids. I can’t believe I managed to fall asleep last night. I've been dreaming of this moment for so long," Emily said as she sat up. Suddenly feeling shy, she pulled the blanket up to shield herself from his view.

  She knew she was being silly, but with the light streaming in from the window, making it easy for him to see all of her, she felt self-conscious.