by Zoe Chant
Be mine, he growled through the bond. Be mine forever. Have my cubs.
Something inside her unfurled at the possessive, proud words. She was trembling now, every of his thrusts filling her with heat until it felt like they’d burn up together. Need made her clutch at his shoulders, her nails marking his skin. The thought that one day soon, there’d truly be cubs and kittens to raise and love together was fanning the heat to such intensity that for a moment, even when she opened her eyes, all she could see was bright, blinding light.
And then orgasm crashed through her, making her cry out. Her nails dug deep into his skin as the heat of his own orgasm filled her, again and again as she cried out his name, trembling in endless waves of pleasure.
She was still trembling long minutes later, when her heart was finally beginning to calm down. At last, she managed to unwind her legs from around him. Even with the support of the water, she felt boneless, thoroughly satiated, so that walking back to the house seemed like an impossible task.
Darrell didn’t look much better. His chest was still heaving as he looked at her with his passion-dark eyes. Together, they made it to the small strip of beach. And there they curled up together, allowing the sun to dry their skin while they rested in each other’s arms, the mate bond flowing between them full and calm, like sweet honey, or golden silk billowing in the wind.
She’d come home. She’d truly come home. Maybe not to this cabin—but to him.
This is what home is like, Carrie thought, and nuzzled against Darrell, for the first time in her life completely at peace with her past.
Epilogue: Carrie
She crouched behind a pile of wood, her body quivering with excitement. She could hear the banging sound of a hammer repeatedly coming down onto a nail.
Her sensitive nose picked up the scent of sweat and wood polish, and the faint, remaining traces of fresh paint. A breeze that came in from the lake overlaid it all with the scent of water and sun-warmed sand.
Her whiskers twitched, her ears pointing forward to catch even the smallest sound.
There were mice rustling in the bushes behind her, but she paid no attention to them. In the poplar behind her, a squirrel was making a chattering noise, but she ignored it, too.
Carrie was focused solely on her hunt.
Patiently, she’d lain in wait as only a cat could, not a single muscle moving as she waited for the perfect moment.
Again the hammer came down. Had her prey realized the danger he was in? There was the smallest shift in the rhythm of the hammering.
With bated breath, Carrie waited, her tail twitching, swishing back and forth as she made herself wait.
Again the hammer fell down. This time, the sound was deeper. With a satisfying thud, the nail was at last driven completely into the wood.
And Carrie charged.
Fast as a rocket, she came racing across the patio, and before her prey had even had a chance to straighten, she jumped.
It was a perfect kill.
It would have been, that is, if her prey had been a mouse.
Instead, her prey was a grown, muscle-bound male, chest glistening in the sunlight as he worked on the patio.
He made a satisfying oof as Carrie landed on his back.
Playfully, she batted at his hair—and then she was off again, elegantly jumping down onto the patio, her tail held high in challenge.
And now the hunt was on.
She turned the corner, leaving the patio behind for the green grass that grew here. Before her, a small cherry tree jutted out from the grass. She swerved around it—it would take a few more years until it would be tall enough to climb.
Her ears pointed back. She picked up the rustling sound of clothes being dropped—and then, at last, there was the playful growl of a bear. Darrell had shifted for her.
In exhilaration, Carrie pounced, landing atop another stack of wood. From there, she jumped to a windowsill—and then it took only one further jump to make her way onto the small balcony that opened to their bedroom, just as they had planned.
The bedroom itself was still a work in progress. The floor was finished, but they had not yet decided on the wallpaper. But they had a bed, and a large walk-in-wardrobe, and so Carrie was content to pore over wallpaper samples while Darrell finished the floors in what would hopefully one day become the kids’ bedrooms.
Carrie’s ears perked up.
It was suspiciously silent beneath her. Had Darrell figured out her hiding place? But she’d made it up here before he’d even had a chance to turn the corner...
Crouching low to the ground, she looked down.
There was no bear to be seen—and no sexy human either.
Everything was silent. When she sniffed the breeze, she could still pick up the scent of her mate. But the wind came from the wrong direction; all it told her was that Darrell wasn’t in the garden in front of her.
Was he hiding behind the corner, waiting for her to show herself so that he could pounce...?
She shifted a little further forward, until she could keep the corner of the house in her sight.
Nothing.
Her whiskers quivered at the excitement of the hunt. How much longer would she have to wait?
The leaves of the small cherry tree rustled in the wind. In the forest beyond their garden, she could hear the chirping of nervous birds who must have picked up on the presence of both bear and cat.
But there was no sign of Darrell that her cat could make out.
She inched still closer to the edge of the balcony.
Was it worth it to risk the jump and investigate around the house...?
With a roar, Darrell came barreling into view—but not from the left, as she had expected. He must have known that she was trying to trick him, and had taken the other way around the house.
Carrie crouched down even further, her tail vibrating with delight as she watched him race into the garden from the right—only to stop, his head turning back and forth in obvious suspicion as he didn’t find her waiting for him.
That was when Carrie pounced.
Her body made a perfect arch as she jumped straight from the balcony onto the back of the bear, balancing herself with the help of her claws in his coarse fur.
With a surprised oof, the huge, strong body collapsed beneath her.
You won. I’m dead, the amused voice of her mate informed her.
She purred with fierce happiness as she walked across his shoulders, kneading his fur with her paws in victory.
No one can trick a cat, she said smugly through the bond.
And then, at last, she shifted, Darrell’s form shifting beneath her at the same time.
They came to rest together in a tangle of naked limbs, breathless and laughing, looking up at the small branches of the cherry tree that stretched above them.
“Maybe I’m just letting you win,” Darrell said, grinning at her. “Ever considered that?”
“Ha!” Carrie leaned over him, her hands sliding over his firm pecs until she had him pinned down by the shoulders. “You’ve let me win the past ten times?”
Darrell was still grinning. “Bears are very generous creatures.”
“Is that so?” Carrie gave him an arch look before she collapsed into laughter once more. “Don’t try too hard. I’m not sure the walls are going to hold up to a bear trying to climb our balcony.”
With a wicked smirk, Darrell rolled them around. Then he pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. “I promise. There’s too much left to do on the kids’ rooms to try and demolish our balcony just yet.”
Carrie threaded her fingers through his hair until he finally obliged her with a real kiss that left her breathless and dazed. His hard body pressing against her was kindling new heat in her belly.
“Mmm,” she murmured, completely losing track of what she’d been intending to say.
“Now,” Darrell said throatily, “we’ve got a few hours left until your dad’s going to visit. Which means that you could let me
finish the patio. Or...”
“Or?” Carrie asked, her hands sliding down his arms, admiring the strength of the corded muscles.
“Or you could let me carry you inside and show you just what a bear is capable of when he isn’t letting you win,” Darrell said, his voice a sexy growl vibrating deep in his chest.
“Oh,” Carrie breathed, feeling the heat of his desire come pulsing through the mate bond. “I’d like that. I’d like that very much.”
The bond between them surged with power as Darrell stood, effortlessly lifting her. She held on to his broad shoulders, surrounded by the overwhelming force of their bond that was pulsing in every cell of her body.
Before them, the house rose, walls painted white, curtains billowing in the summer breeze. Next spring, the cherry tree would bloom for the first time, and hopefully, her dad would still be in town to see it.
And maybe, by then, she’d be able to tell him that he hadn’t just suddenly become a dad, but would soon be a grand-dad, too...
Carrie closed her eyes, feeling Darrell’s arms tighten around her as he carried her inside. Deep in her heart, something was shining, like her own private little star—no, it was much stronger than that. Like the sun itself, Darrell’s love was fierce and bright inside her.
Her mate. Her soulmate.
Her brave bear guard who’d faced assassins for her, and who’d helped her to find the deeply buried shifter part of her soul.
Neither of them might have had a real home growing up, but that no longer mattered. Because they were building their own home, and their own family. And it was perfect.
You’re perfect, Darrell whispered through the bond.
The bedroom walls were still bare as he gently set her down on their bed. The house smelled new, like wood polish and paint. It smelled like new beginnings.
No. We’re perfect, Carrie answered, sending all her love through the bond. Then she held out her arms to him, taking a deep breath of the sexy, earthy scent that clung to his skin.
We’re perfect, he sent back. His lips trailed down the side of her face, nuzzling her throat. We’re perfect.
This was what home was really like. And she’d found it at last.
***
A note from Zoe Chant
Thank you for buying Bear Guard! I hope you enjoyed it. If you’re starting the series here and would like to know more about the bear shifters of Linden Creek, the first four books are Bear Cop, Hunter Bear, Wedding Bear and Fighter Bear.
Please click on the title to write a review of Bear Guard. I love hearing what my readers think!
If you’d like to be emailed when I release my next book, please click here to be added to my mailing list. You can also visit my webpage, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.
And keep paging through to read a special sneak preview of another book I wrote, Fighter Bear.
***
More Paranormal Romance by Zoe Chant
Bear Cop. (Enforcer Bears #1). A curvy baker with a troubled past + a protective bear shifter cop with a secret of his own + an accident that leaves them stranded in the wilderness = one untamed romance!
Hunter Bear. (Enforcer Bears #2). A currvy artist who fears she's lost her muse + a scarred, reclusive bear shifter hunting danger + a mysterious treasure map = one adventurous romance!
Wedding Bear. (Enforcer Bears #3). A curvy librarian in desperate need of a date + a bear shifter in search of a home + the past that's pursuing him = one sweet and steamy small-town romance!
Fighter Bear. (Enforcer Bears #4). A curvy veterinary technician longing for a family + a lonely bear shifter with a wounded heart + a family farm in jeopardy = one exciting rural romance!
The Easter Bunny's Bear. A BBW bunny shifter with a pony farm + a lonely bear shifter hunting a dangerous werewolf + a criminal werewolf pack causing trouble = one steamy springtime romance!
Bearista. A tough bear shifter bodyguard undercover in a coffee shop + a curvy barista with an adorable 5-year-old + a deadly shifter assassin = a scorching thrill ride of a romance!
The Dragon Prince’s Baby Bargain. This dragon will set your heart on fire! He's a dragon prince promised in an arranged marriage to a princess who's just disappeared. She's a lonely virgin on vacation who just happens to look exactly like the missing princess. Has he got an offer for her...
Mated to the Storm Dragon. A curvy artist down on her luck + a dragon shifter running out of time + a powerful enemy with an ancient grudge = a romance as hot as dragon fire!
Tropical Bartender Bear (Shifting Sands Resort #3). A curvy black woman in disguise + a hot bartender bear shifter + a male beauty pageant at a shifters-only resort = a romantic adventure that bares it all!
Private Eye Bear’s Mate. A curvy, independent radio DJ + a protective bear shifter detective + a scary stalker = one thrilling romance!
Bear Mechanic. A curvy woman desperate to protect her little brother + a bear shifter mechanic who will do anything to keep his mate from harm + a team of shifters determined to help their friend and his mate = one action-packed romance!
Firefighter Griffin. (Fire & Rescue Shifters # 3). A curvy single mom burned by love + a unique half-eagle, half-lion shifter firefighter with a wounded soul + the little boy who brings them together = one heart-warming romance!
Alpha Bear Detective. A brave woman in deadly danger + a bear shifter police detective who will protect her with his life + a frightening foe = one thrilling romance!
Bodyguard Bear. (Protection, Inc. # 1). A curvy paramedic who witnesses a murder + the sexy bear shifter bodyguard sworn to protect her with his life + firefights and fiery passion = one hot thrill ride!
And many more!
***
If you love Zoe Chant, you’ll also love these books
The Billionbear's Winter Angel, by Annora Lynn. Curvy Ella meets handsome billionaire bear shifter Martin at a holiday fundraiser. When Ella is kidnapped, only Martin's polar bear can find her in the freezing cold of this snowy winter's night.
Billionbear Heir, by Annora Lynn. Curvy fashion designer Cat returns to her hometown—only to stumble straight into the arms of bear shifter Marius, heir to a fortune. Can Cat learn to love again, and can Marius protect his new-found mate and reclaim his father's legacy?
Laura’s Wolf, by Lia Silver. Werewolf Marine Roy Farrell, scarred in body and mind, thinks he has no future. Curvy con artist Laura Kaplan, running from danger and her own guilt, is desperate to escape her past. But together, they have all that they need to heal. A full-length novel.
Prisoner, by Lia Silver. Werewolf Marine DJ Torres is a born rebel. Genetically engineered assassin Echo was created to be a weapon. When DJ is captured by the agency that made Echo, the two misfits find that they fit together perfectly. A full-length novel.
Partner, by Lia Silver. DJ and Echo’s relationship grows stronger under fire... until they are confronted by a terrible choice. A full-length novel.
Mated to the Meerkat, by Lia Silver. Jasmine Jones, a curvy tabloid reporter, meets her match in notorious paparazzi and secret meerkat Chance Marcotte. A romantic comedy novelette.
The Christmas Tree Bear, by Rosie Lynne. Bear shifter Willis Barnett meets his fated match in Charlotte Caldwell when she hopes to earn extra money as Santa Helper’s on Willis’ family farm turned Christmas Tree Town for the holidays. A romantic comedy novella.
The Strength of the Pack, by Jorrie Spencer. Seth Kolski, a werewolf, hides his heritage and passes for normal. Until he meets Jamie.
Taming the Beast, by Honey Dover. Beauty is a paranormal investigator hired to deal with a man cursed to become a monstrous beast. Helping him recover his humanity will change her life.
Claimed by the Wolf, by Candi Jackson. Zenobia Jones ends up pregnant after a night with a billionaire—and lands herself in a war between werewolf packs. A full-length novel.
The Right Bear's Arms, by Nora Eli. After a sizzling one night stand with bear shifter Jake, curvy Katie realizes her perfect man is ever
ything she's tried to avoid. If they can both stop running from their pasts, they may find a destined future together.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing, by Lauren Esker. Curvy farm girl Julie Capshaw was warned away from the wolf shifters next door, but Damon Wolfe is the motorcycle-riding, smoking hot alpha of her dreams. Can the big bad wolf and his sheep shifter find their own happy ending? A full-length novel.
Handcuffed to the Bear (Shifter Agents # 1), by Lauren Esker. A bear-shifter ex-mercenary and a curvy lynx shifter searching for her best friend's killer are handcuffed together and hunted in the wilderness. Can they learn to rely on each other before their pasts, and their pursuers, catch up with them? A full-length novel.
Guard Wolf (Shifter Agents # 2), by Lauren Esker. Avery is a lone werewolf with no pack; Nicole is a social worker trying to put her life back together. When he comes to her door with a box of orphan werewolf puppies and danger in pursuit, can two lonely people find the family they've been missing? A full-length novel.
Dragon’s Luck (Shifter Agents # 3) by Lauren Esker. Gecko shifter and infiltration expert Jen Cho teams up with sexy dragon-shifter gambler "Lucky" Lucado to win a high-stakes poker game. Now they're trapped on a cruise ship full of mobsters, mysterious enemy agents, and evil dragons! A full-length novel.
Discovering the Dragon, by Sofia Stone. When reporter Chloe Martin investigates Lancaster Gold, she finds herself tangled up with the oldest son—Isaac Lancaster, billionaire dragon shifter.
***
Fighter Bear
By Zoe Chant
Special Sneak Preview
Lily Carmichael had been driving all day and a good part of the night. She’d stopped in a dingy little motel, just long enough to get some sleep, but by dawn she was back on the road again in her battered little Subaru.
The sun was coming up over the mountains that now loomed before her. It painted the snow-covered crags in warm light, and the breathtaking hues of pink, orange and red that she still remembered from childhood holidays at her uncle’s farm.