Protected by the Bear

by Vanessa Devereaux

  “When Sophie’s older, she can play with me and Sam.”

  “I’m sure she’ll like that,” said Chloe.

  “And your new brother or sister,” said Lilly.

  “Him or her too. Do you have a dog?” Kaitlin asked Chloe.

  “Not right now, but I did when I was about your age.”

  “We have Barney.”

  “And what sort of dog is Barney?” asked Chloe.

  “He’s a pom-pom.”

  “She can’t say Pomeranian,” said Lilly.

  “They’re so cute and cuddly,” said Chloe.

  “He sleeps on the bed with me,” said Kaitlin.

  “Yeah, they’re just like teddy bears,” said Chloe. Should she have said teddy bears? What did bears think of teddy bears?

  “I love bears,” said Kaitlin as they pulled into the parking lot at Hannah’s.

  “Well, thank you for the ride.”

  “Anytime,” said Lilly. “And we’ll probably see you again.”

  “I hope so.” She carried Sophie to the back entrance and headed up the stairs. Bear had told given her a clean bill of health. He’d asked her if she needed a prescription for birth control. Did he sense that she and Ash were growing close? Had Ash said something?

  Sophie stirred and Chloe stroked her cheek.

  Maybe it was the post pregnancy hormones, but she didn’t think she could wait much longer for Ash to make love to her.

  ****

  “This was a dumb idea,” said Ash, wrapping his jacket around Chloe’s shoulders.

  “No it wasn’t.”

  The fact that she was shivering told him otherwise. He looked up in the sky. At least the clouds were parting and the sun was going to be out any second, which should warm things up.

  He took a bite of the salmon sandwich Hannah had sent along with them. Sophie made a gurgling sort of sound and then she smiled at him.

  “Hey, did you see that?” asked Chloe. “She smiled. She gave you her first smile.”

  Ash was sort of choked up about it. Out of everyone who was around the little girl, she’d chosen him for the honor.

  “Maybe she likes bears,” said Ash.

  Chloe took a handful of the chips before tucking in the blanket around Sophie’s legs. She’d put her in a quilted coat and also a knitted hat. She was already looking like a great mother.

  “Would I be allowed to see you as a bear?”

  Ash looked up. He’d never been asked a request like that before.

  “I mean, if humans aren’t allowed to see you like that, I understand.”

  This had implications. They usually did this before they had sex for the first time. It was a bear shifter’s chance to brag and show their partner what they had to offer. His cock went hard thinking about it.

  “Sure, I don’t see any problem with it. You won’t be scared?”

  “I’ll know it’s you, so no.”

  “Okay, I have to take my clothes off and maybe I should go behind that tree and…”

  “I’ve felt you cock, so you don’t have to worry about that.”

  Oh yeah, how could he have forgotten about that? “But I still think I should shift over there out of sight, at least for the first time you see me.” He walked over to the tree, took off his clothes, the chill in the air quickly taking the edge off his erection. Ash relaxed his muscles and let himself shift, suddenly very grateful that he now had a thick fur coat covering his body. He walked out.

  Shit, what if she was scared? What if this was more than she’d counted on? What if she ran away screaming? How had the other guys handled their mates seeing them like this for the first time?

  He got closer to her. She didn’t look scared. She looked in awe. He hoped that he wouldn’t scare Sophie, but maybe it was a good thing if she continued to see him like this while she was really young because by the time she was a toddler, even older, she wouldn’t think twice about it.

  Wait, did that mean he was going to be in her life for that long? Him and Chloe? Him, Chloe, and Sophie?

  Chloe put her hand out and ran her fingers through his pelt.

  Did she realize how excited that made him feel? His nerve endings were on fire and in a very good way.

  She stroked his head and looked into his eyes. “You are beautiful,” she said. She put her face toward him and he nudged her cheek with his muzzle. She wouldn’t understand the significance of that, but it was the first step toward getting horizontal and doing the wild thing.

  She touched him again, sinking her nose into his fur. She was taking in his odor. He was taking in hers. She was aroused. Her sweet scent overwhelmed his bear nostrils. He nudged her. After this, he was going to either have sex with her or go home and pleasure himself for the rest of the day.

  Chloe ran her hands down his legs. “So strong and powerful,” she whispered in his ear.

  He must be dreaming. She’d checked him out like he was a potential mate. How lucky could a bear get? He obviously couldn’t tell her that he was going back toward the tree to shift, so when he turned around and headed that way, he hoped she’d figure it out.

  ****

  Wet panties. The thought that the strong beast was Ash had turned her on like never before. She’d have an uncomfortable ride home. Ash walked back out from the tree. “I love bears even more now,” she said.

  “You ready for the toasted marshmallows before we head out of here?”

  He’d remembered she loved S’mores and the fact that she’d told him that her love for bears had gone up a notch or two had made him smile. Her heart skipped a beat. “I am.”

  “I’ll just go get everything from the car and be right back.”

  Sex and S’mores. Why had she thought of that?

  She checked that Sophie was still wrapped up tight and when she looked up, Ash was back in his bear form. He stood by the tree on the other side of the picnic table.

  “Ash, you are one sexy bear?”

  “Chloe.”

  Holy shit, he could even talk as a bear.

  “Ash, did you say something to me?”

  “Chloe, I’m behind you.”

  She turned around to see Ash standing there with the box of Graham crackers and bag of marshmallows in his hands.

  She looked back to the bear. “One of your shifter friends?”

  “No, that’s a real bear, but just keep calm and whatever you do, don’t move.”

  The bear could probably hear her heartbeat picking up. Was she perspiring too despite the cold air? The bear got up on its hind legs and made the sort of sound she’d heard on the nature shows.

  Sophie chose that moment to start crying. Her baby girl. She had to protect Sophie. She’d have to ignore Ash’s suggestion that she shouldn’t move. In fact, she’d already turned a deaf ear to his keep calm command, too. She made a quick movement to her right and grabbed the handle of Sophie’s carrier.

  Damn, she should have listened to Ash because the bear was coming toward them. She screamed, but then saw a flash of fur and knew that Ash had shifted and was jumping toward the bear to protect them.

  Both of them made growling sounds as they wrestled with one another.

  What if Ash was killed because she hadn’t listened? What if the bear came after her and Sophie? She had to get her to safety, but at the same time, she couldn’t leave Ash alone. She’d put Sophie in the car and come back. If Ash didn’t make it, then she’d use herself as bait to lure the bear away from the car and Sophie.

  She ran as Sophie’s crying got louder. “It’s okay. I’m going to put you in here and go and try to help Ash.”

  She placed the carrier on the back seat, closed the door, and ran back down the slope to see that Ash—yes, she was pretty sure it was him on his back legs—giving a ferocious growl. The other bear suddenly retreated and ran toward the woods.

  Ash got back on all fours, and she could see blood on his fur. His clothes lay in a pile by the picnic table. She scooped them up and took them to him. She stroked
his head as he lay on the ground and she stood back in amazement as he slowly transformed back into his human form.

  His back and arms were covered in scratches, and a deep wound had opened up the skin on his shoulder.

  “Ash, that was all my fault.”

  He remained on the ground, breathing heavily. “Where’s Sophie?”

  “I took her to the car.”

  “Good.”

  He stood up. She knew this was no time to be admiring his body, but she couldn’t help but notice his chiseled muscles, the six-pack abs and, yes, his cock. She couldn’t take her eyes off it. It had felt big in her hand, but actually seeing it took her by surprise.

  She swallowed. She didn’t have a lot of sexual experience, but she knew enough to know Ash was well-endowed. Chloe could see him shivering, so she took the tablecloth and wrapped it around him. “You’re cut and torn. We need to get you cleaned up.”

  “I’ll be fine. We shifters can heal quicker than you can. How’s my shoulder looking?”

  “It’s a nasty gash.”

  He put his clothes back on.

  “I didn’t know that was a real bear,” said Chloe as they walked toward the car.

  “The food brought him out. He’s probably looking for a last meal before he hibernates.”

  Chloe opened the car door and Ash sat down. He took one of the baby wipes and dabbed the blood from his arm.

  “He wanted to check you out, too. You’re very attractive to a bear.”

  Was he joking with her, making her feel good, or what? “Do I have a buy bear repellant?”

  He didn’t respond, but simply pulled her toward him and kissed her. She’d never been kissed quite like this before. His tongue tickled her lower lip and then slipped inside her mouth, making her panties wet.

  “I think we better head back, get me cleaned up, and then, with your permission, I’d like to fuck you,” he said.

  Chapter Ten

  He hadn’t meant to say it quite like he had. But her requesting to see him as a bear and then the fight with the other bear—the real one—and yes, he believed it wasn’t the food that had brought the bear to Chloe. Bears loved curvy women. The whole thing had stirred him up. He’d guessed since the first time he’d set his eyes upon her that she might be mate material. Now he was going to fuck and claim her.

  He’d intended to be romantic and take her out, lead up to this, but this afternoon, the true bear had been brought out of his body and soul.

  She’d insisted she clean his wounds before they got down to business so he didn’t get infected. Chloe dabbed at his shoulder with the antiseptic wash. He pulled down her panties. She was creaming and he was getting the scent of it, making his cock sit up on his belly. He ran his hand down the front of her stomach.

  “You’ll have to excuse the bigger than normal bulge there,” she said.

  “I love it,” he said, thinking way, way ahead to one day her carrying his baby inside there. “Open your legs for me.”

  She leaned over and kissed him as she did what he asked. The scent grew stronger and so did his need to be inside her. He pushed his fingers through the thick, dark curls—something that he’d always loved about humans. Hers was even thicker and more glorious than other women he’d been with. He lifted her sweater over her head and removed her bra.

  He kissed her right nipple as he drove his finger down over her clit and into the warm, moist folds.

  “Your fingers are cold,” she whispered.

  “Nope, your pussy lips are hot.” He couldn’t wait; he pushed his finger inside her. “Feel okay?”

  “Your cousin gave me the okay to have sex if I wanted.” She kissed him again, this time playfully biting his lower lip.

  He delved deeper, loving what he felt and adoring what he smelled. Moisture ran over his finger as he pushed in and out of her. She wrapped her arms around him.

  “I’m supposed to be seeing to your wounds.”

  “I’m seeing to your pussy and that takes preference.” He pressed his nose and mouth against her chest, taking in the perfume on her skin as his finger moved faster. He loved her little groans and moans. He looked down, almost laughing as her toes wiggled. Her pussy was clamping down on his finger and he knew she was almost there, just a little more, a little tickle at the back of her pussy. It spasmed and gave more of a rush of cream that crept down his finger and onto his hand. He took it out looked up at her. Her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were flushed.

  Just wait until she learns what I can do. Something that no other man has ever done to her before.

  “Do you have condoms, because I don’t?” she asked.

  “A bear is always prepared.”

  “I thought that was a boy scout. Were you ever one of those?” She grinned at him.

  He tapped her on the nose. “Nope, never a boy scout.” He kissed her again, sliding her gently back onto the bed, where he opened her legs and took in the beauty between them—the curls and the bright pink pussy lips. He licked his lips, thinking he’d make a feast of her down there, but not now.

  He reached into the back of his jeans and pulled out his wallet. He only had one condom with him. He always kept it in reserve just in case he had sex with a human. Only one rubber and he wanted to fuck her over and over again, so he’d better make this a good one.

  Ash reached between her legs, spread her labia, and saw the prize waiting for him, that sweet opening he was so looking forward to meeting. He tore open the package and quickly sheathed himself. He wasn’t fond of these things, but even paradise had its drawbacks. Ash rubbed his hands up and down Chloe’s thighs before pushing himself into her opening and then, inch by inch, glided his cock into her pussy. It felt like sheer heaven.

  “You okay?” he asked her. He knew it hadn’t been that long since she’d given birth. He had needs, but he wanted to be gentle so it wouldn’t put her off being with him again.

  “I’m fine, and when are you going to start fucking me?”

  Wow, he loved it when a sweet innocent beauty like Chloe talked dirty to him.

  He began thrusting inside her, closing his eyes and feeling like his body was floating around the room. She held his arms, rubbing her hands over the bear tattoos on his biceps, igniting his nerve endings and making him feel happy not only in his body, but in his soul, too.

  She began a low groan at the back of her throat. It was time to give her an extra special treat.

  ****

  Chloe thought that she was imaging things. Ash wasn’t moving, but his cock was beating a steady rhythm inside her. And, holy macaroni, did it feel fantastic.

  She opened her legs wider, allowing him to sink deeper into her channel. Wow, that was even better. She’d read about the G-spot, thinking that it was a myth, but Ash may have found hers.

  Chloe bit her lip as the first orgasm took hold of her. She almost bit her tongue it was so good. And another one was heading her way. Was it possible to have one that soon? Guess she was more sexually naïve than she’d thought.

  She clawed at the bed covers as another one washed over her and then another. She pounded the bed with her fists, wanting more and more and raising her body up toward Ash’s.

  “Okay, baby, it’s my turn now.” He began thrusting again. He was grunting almost, crying out, and then she felt the pressure in her channel telling her he’d also found sexual nirvana.

  They lay together, breathing in unison. He pulled out and rolled to the side of her, spooning her and kissing the side of her neck. He put his hands around her belly. She knew she had lots of baby weight to lose, but the best thing was he didn’t seem to care.

  He nuzzled into the back of her neck. “Um, this feels good. So good I don’t think I want to move for the rest of the day.”

  “How about a nap?”

  “Music to my ears because I have the night shift at the hospital.”

  Sophie chose that moment to begin a whimper that turned into a full cry.

  “I think she needs feeding,�
� said Chloe.

  “You go do that and then maybe she can snuggle with us. Like one big bear family.”

  Chapter Eleven

  If only she still had her phone with the camera, she would have taken a shot of Ash and Sophie asleep together. Her little baby napping on Ash’s bare chest, drool rolling from her lips onto his skin. Ash too had his mouth open and, yes, he snored. She wasn’t sure if that was the bear or the man part of him that did that. Her own father was also a snorer, often waking her and her mother up in the middle of the night.

  Ash looked so rested and peaceful and she hated disturbing him, but he’d told her to set the alarm for four p.m., which she had, but she’d woken about fifteen minutes ago and it was now close to four.

  She got into the bed and tapped his arm. “Ash, it’s almost four,” she whispered into his ear.

  His nose twitched, Sophie made a gurgling sound, but they both slept on, Sophie putting her hand near his throat and snuggling closer to him.

  “Ash, it’s time to get up.”

  Sophie was the first to stir, her eyes looking at Chloe as if to say, “but I was having such a good time with Ash.”

  Ash slowly stirred and then yawned. “Wow, I haven’t slept that well for ages. Must be this cute little girl.” He lifted her up and handed her to Chloe.

  “You have some baby drool on your shoulder,” said Chloe.

  “Did you do that to me?” Ash asked Sophie.

  “Well, at least she doesn’t snore.”

  “I don’t snore,” said Ash.

  “How do you know if you’re asleep?”

  “Sophie would tell me, right, Soph?”

  Soph, is that what he was going to call her? She’d chosen the name Sophie as soon as she’d made up her mind she was going to run away and keep the baby growing inside her. She’d read Sophie’s Choice in high school. It had moved her to tears and she’d fallen in love with the name, vowing to name her daughter after the character if she ever had one. Now, she did.

  “Is it okay if I shower here?” asked Ash.

  “Sure, and you want me to make you something to eat?”

  “Sandwich would be great.”