Bear Shifters of Alaska: Three Book Bundle

by Jenny Brex

  “You know, when I was studying bears, I could never reveal that I was a shifter to my classmates or professors. And that was fine, but I couldn’t help but wonder what parts of what traits I’d picked up. I remember my mother shifting as a child, but other than school and stuff…well, it wasn’t a part of me.”

  “It was always a part of you. It never left,” he answered with a smile.

  “Thank you for this today. My mother has been ill. We didn’t know if she was going to make it much longer, but she had a miraculous turn-around.”

  “Wow, I’m so sorry about the illness, but that’s great to hear she’s doing better.”

  “Anyway, she said something about her bear refusing to let go, you know, it kept her fighting for her life.”

  “That’s amazing, but it doesn’t surprise me. The inner strength of a bear can be as massive as the outer strength.”

  Keyoni sat back up. “How do I get back?”

  He almost didn’t want her to shift back. She’d been so free and happy, and willing to talk and spend time with him. It was selfish, but he wanted to stay this way. Instead, he sighed and told her to focus on being human. It was all about focus, both directions, but you had to master it by putting everything into the thought.

  She nodded in understanding. “Okay, I’m going to try.”

  “Okay, let’s do this,” he said.

  She awkwardly found her way back, then panicked.

  Jake tried not to stare. Holy hell, his cock engorged and grew in the blink of an eye. There she sat, naked and beautiful. Her clothes had shredded as she shifted.

  “Don’t look at me,” she snapped.

  Jake took his shirt off, then wrapped it around her.

  She’d frozen in place as he reached around her and placed his shirt over her, offering her some privacy. His gesture was so sweet, but it was his chest and shoulders she couldn’t look away from. Something inside of her was speaking. She swallowed hard and followed the curve of his shoulders down to his muscled arms.

  Jake watched her inability to hide the desire building up in her eyes. A smile crept over his lips. He wanted to say something cocky and playful, but was hesitant. She was different. He needed to be thoughtful and gentle, not arrogant.

  He reached up and touched the side of her face, cupping it tenderly in his hand. Keyoni’s gaze moved from his body back up to his face. Her bottom lip quivered in anticipation. Jake leaned in a little closer, then whispered. “May I?”

  She didn’t know what to say. She’d never…

  When he kissed her, she sighed and parted her lips. What was happening? Everything tingled inside.

  Jake drew his other hand up to her face. He raked his fingers up through her hair and pulled her closer.

  Keyoni cooed, and let him in, just for this moment in time. What happened there would stay there. One kiss, and she’d be done.

  Instead, she came undone.

  Jake nudged her against him and laid her onto his chest in the grass. He wrapped his arms lovingly and protectively around his girl, knowing they were meant to be together.

  Keyoni was losing her head. It was drifting somewhere above. She couldn’t sense time or space, but ached for more of his soft lips and warm mouth on hers. He kissed her with passion, with desire, with need, and for one tiny moment in time she felt complete.

  Her head was dizzy with lust, but the fraction of time ended. She snapped back to reality, remembering where she was, who she was with, and what was happening. Keyoni pulled back. “I…I can’t do this.”

  The couple sat up.

  “I’m sorry,” Jake started, ready to take the blame.

  “No, I think I wanted you to. It’s just…yeah, weird.”

  “Come on,” he said. He stood and offered his hand. “Why don’t I take you back? Unless, maybe you want to get a bite to eat and tell me more about these sun bears you’re fascinated with and why you need to move to the other side of the world.”

  “I’m naked.”

  “Right,” he said with a schoolboy grin. “I hadn’t noticed.”

  She smirked and pulled his flannel shirt tighter around her soft curves. Gathering the bits of clothing she’d torn out of, she tossed them in the back of his truck before getting inside.

  Chapter 9

  When they got to her street, she spotted her father’s car was in the driveway. “Oh boy, I can’t go in now. He won’t understand. I don’t want him to jump to conclusions.”

  “You can come to my place and we’ll get you some different clothes. I’ve got to have something you can put on for the time being.”

  “I feel bad; I want to see him. My mother might be home from the hospital, but…” She paused. “You know what, let’s just go in. He knows I’m not like that.”

  “I’m not sure it’s such a good idea that I come in with you. I’m shirtless and you’re wearing my shirt and not much else,” he reminded her.

  “But I have my shredded clothes in the back of the truck. Evidence,” she said.

  “It’s your call,” he answered.

  “I’m an adult. It’s okay. Let’s just stop.”

  Jake hesitated and then turned into her driveway. “Why don’t I wait out here?”

  “Coward,” she teased, then slid out of the truck, wrapping his shirt around her tighter.

  “Coward? Hell, yes!” he joked and got out of the truck. He’d stand by her side.

  When she opened the door, she called out. “Mom, Dad? I have company.”

  “In here,” her father called out. “One second.”

  They stepped inside.

  Keyoni’s father came out of the bedroom and slapped his hand over his eyes. “Go get dressed, young lady.”

  “Yes, sir.” She sneaked by him and scrambled into her bedroom.

  “And for you,” he said, pointing in Jake’s direction, “get the hell out of my house.”

  “Wait,” Keyoni called from her room. “Dad, he was helping me shift. I tore my clothes.”

  “You shifted?” he asked, his voice changing.

  “Yeah,” she answered. Joy sprang from her. “It was amazing.”

  “You haven’t…”

  “I know.” She came back into the room wearing a t-shirt and jeans. She balled up the shirt in her hands and tossed it back to Jake.

  “Thanks,” he said and put it back on. He could smell her scent on it. It was dizzying.

  “I was almost afraid to stop home, afraid you’d well, sort of like you started to do…but I wanted to see Mom. Is she home?”

  “We bring her home tomorrow,” he said. “They’re running some tests. Who is your friend?”

  “Jake Marchetti,” Jake said, offering his hand.

  “Right, I’ve seen you around. I think I know your father. Left town a couple of years ago, right?”

  “Yeah, he got a job on the east coast. Sir, about your daughter—”

  “Jake, you don’t have to. He knows me,” she said.

  He looked at Keyoni, then at Mr. Kalani. “About your daughter, I’d like to take her out to eat if that would be okay. She was telling me about her bear studies and how she’s fascinated with sun bears. I’d like to hear more.”

  Mr. Kalani laughed and teased. “Sun bears. She’s drawn to the smallest, elusive bear. I study the largest. I’ve tried to convince her polar bears are where it’s at, but I guess she’s got to do her own rebellious thing. Anything to be different than her father.”

  She leaned up and kissed her father’s cheek. “Dad, are you okay if I go out? Do you want me to stay and keep you company?”

  “No, go! I’m about to nap. Enjoy yourself.” It was nice to see his daughter happy and smiling. And he wasn’t sure who this guy was in relation to his daughter, but to see her socializing and spending time with a friend was wonderful. She’d spent so many years alone, that to see her with company filled his heart.

  “You’re sure? Do you want me to bring you something home?”

  “Oh, now you’re talk
ing my language,” he said. Mr. Kalani reached into his back pocket to get some money.

  “Not necessary,” Jake said. “Please, put your wallet away. What can we get you?”

  “A big, fat mooseburger would be great. Thanks,” he said. He playfully added to Keyoni, “I like this guy.”

  Jake grinned. Score!

  “He’s okay,” she said with a shrug, then walked past Jake and out the door.

  “Wait for me.” Jake quickly spun around and chased behind her. He wasn’t sure what just happened, but he’d gone from her barely opening the door on seeing him to her climbing into his truck to share a meal. Whatever magic was in the air, he hoped it lasted.

  Chapter 10

  “They get this crest across their chest, and each one has its own markings. So, they’re like fingerprints, unique to themselves. Oh, and they walk a little differently, since they adapt to the trees. Their tongues are longer so that they can get into where the insects and honey are. Oh, and their eyes are more close-set than say a polar’s, to aid in their tree-climbing. They use their claws and dig at the bark. They eat mostly fruit and insects, but sometimes eat lizards and small birds, too.”

  “They sound kind of like a lot of other bears.”

  “But, they’re not. They’re nocturnal and small. And secluded. And far away,” she added. She’d always fantasized about the far away part. Just like starting over in Hawaii, she would start over in Southeast Asia. Secluded, far away— safe from feelings. Safe from feeling things she didn’t know how to deal with like what happened earlier. That wasn’t supposed to happen. She wasn’t supposed to be sitting across from Jake. And she wasn’t supposed to like when he held her and kissed her, but she did.

  “Their chemical communication…oh dear, your eyes are glazing over. I’m sorry. I’ve gone on and on. Anyway, I’d like to study more about different ways they communicate and document it. On top of which…right. I’ll stop here. Tell me what you’ve been doing.”

  “My eyes didn’t glaze over,” he corrected.

  “They so did,” she answered with a laugh. “I’m not afraid to call you out on it. It’s my fault. As you can see, I get excited talking about them.”

  “And you weren’t the least bit curious about your own bear?”

  She looked down. How do you explain the fear that fills you, when you’re afraid it will bring back the past? Afraid that you’ll run from your own shadow again after finally growing courage and independence as an adult? Keyoni looked back up. “There were times, but after a long enough span without her by my side…”

  He watched her stall. She couldn’t find her words. He patiently waited, wanting to hear what she’d say.

  “I guess I left the past in the past, is all.”

  “And today?”

  “Changed my world. It was such a rush, my adrenaline is still pumping like crazy, but I know it won’t be that way every time.”

  “And you and me?”

  She shook her head. “There is no you and me. That was a mistake. An accident. It was the adrenaline. I appreciate what you did for me, but that…that won’t happen again.”

  “That’s a shame. I kind of enjoyed it,” he said quietly.

  “Kind of?” She arched an eyebrow.

  “I’d have to do it again. You know, just to figure it out.”

  She playfully kicked him under the table. “You’re mean.”

  “No, I’m reformed. Remember? I was mean. I’m not anymore. I grew up.”

  Keyoni grew serious. “Seriously, thank you for today. I was almost afraid to try, but having you there, guiding me back through the process…I didn’t feel so alone. I usually am alone.”

  “Doesn’t it get lonely?”

  “Honestly? Sometimes, but then you don’t get hurt.”

  Jake looked down. “I’m an ass. I’m so sorry that I hurt you, that the other kids…that we all…”

  She shot her hand up. “It’s okay. Let it go. Besides, being a loner will be important in my study of the bears. Moving to Southeast Asia, living in the forest, it’s not like I’ll be able to take my entire life with me.”

  “You’re really going?”

  “Two years,” she said, crossing her fingers. “Polar bears first, maternity dens, which I was supposed to be studying. We’ll go out next week, after my mother gets home. We were supposed to go out-”

  “I know. I was going to drive you,” he started, then stopped.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” Shit.

  “What were you saying?”

  Jake sighed and looked up at the ceiling. He drew a deep breath, then told her. “I arranged to be your driver so I could see you again. I guess it all worked out. Here we are.”

  She froze up. “You what?”

  “I hated how that happened the other night, you know, and well…anyway, long story short, I arranged with Jerry to be your driver so we could spend some time together.”

  “After I told you to leave me alone? You went behind my back and pulled something so manipulative?”

  “Whoa, you make it sound bad. I’m not some sort of stalker. I just wanted to see you.”

  “Because?”

  “I’m attracted to you. There I said it, okay? Yes, I’m attracted to you. Yes, I wanted to spend time with you.”

  “So today, the apology…did you play me?” Her insides scrunched up. Hostility crowded her mind, anger wanted to strike out as the reality of the day slapped her in the face. He came over, said nice stuff, hoping she’d fall for it. He wanted a piece of ass.

  She was so fucking gullible. She fell right into his game plan unknowingly. When she asked for his help, she had no idea his apology was simply to get closer, since his driving plan fell through. Shit. And she was naked, and the shirt— it was all just an act. She ended up in his arms, kissing him, like he’d been aiming for all along. It wasn’t natural how things played out…but planned.

  “Played you? What are you talking about? The apology was sincere. It still is.”

  “No. You know what, I don’t think anything about you is sincere. You saw something you wanted and went after it. Well, guess what, I won’t let you corrupt me like that. This piece of ass is not for sale.” Keyoni stood up. “I’m out of here.”

  “Keyoni, wait.”

  “I’ll get a ride. Stay away from me.”

  Jake slammed his fist on the table as she walked out the door. So close.

  The waitress showed up not much long after with a take-out box. “Here’s the moose burger to go, and if there’s anything else, dessert, coffee, just let me know. Otherwise, I’ll leave the check.”

  “The check is fine, thanks.” He was left with a white Styrofoam box for Mr. Kalani.

  Yep. If Jake was one thing, it was stubborn. He threw money on the table to cover the bill, then picked up the take-out box. He had a meal to deliver. Coincidentally, it was at the very place he was heading.

  Chapter 11

  Jake ran out to his truck and jumped in. Not much time had passed, and he found her on the side of the road walking. She was heading back home. Jake pulled up alongside of her and rolled his window down.

  Keyoni looked over, flipped him the bird, then turned away and kept walking.

  “Come on, I’ll give you a ride home.”

  “I’m not interested in a ride from a first-class manipulator,” she answered.

  Jake moved at a crawl. He shouted out his window. “I’ll just follow you, then.”

  “Stalker,” she spat at him.

  “Trying to make sure you get home safely. You could call your father or a cab? Right, yeah, not a lot of cabs up this way. Of course, I could offer you a ride home. I am going that way. I have the burger for your father.”

  Keyoni didn’t answer. She simply continued to walk.

  “Come on, it was a misunderstanding. You’re making more out of this than it is. I like you. Is there a crime in that? And you like me, too. It’s okay to admit it.”

  “I don’t l
ike you. Go away.”

  He continued to creep alongside of her in his truck. He waved a car around him. “How about we talk about it?”

  “There’s nothing to talk about.”

  “You kissed me,” he started.

  “You kissed me.”

  “True. True, I did kiss you, but you kissed me back. There wasn’t an ounce of hesitation on your part. In fact, you kept kissing me. That wasn’t some peck on my check. I’m pretty sure your tongue was in my mouth.”

  She turned and glared at Jake. Shooting him a dirty look, she focused straight ahead again and kept walking.

  “Keyoni, please, give me a chance. How am I supposed to explain to some girl that I haven’t seen in years that for some reason my bear thinks you’re the one that I’m supposed to spend my life with, you know, my fated mate, when she won’t even talk to me?”

  She stopped in her tracks. “What?”

  “Please, get in.”

  She reached for the door handle. Getting in, she leaned against the door after buckling her seat belt. What the hell did it even mean? She’d heard her mother use the expression, but never really thought much about it. It obviously didn’t apply to her. She was nobody’s cup of tea. She was just some outcast that was left with the genetics of a bear mixed in with her human DNA. “I don’t understand this shifter stuff very well, but what the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  Jake sighed. “Let’s drop this off for your father, then we can sit and talk. We can talk at your house, in my truck, back at the restaurant, I don’t care where, but we need to have this conversation.”

  “Fine. I’ll give you a handful of minutes to unravel the mess you’ve created. Nothing more, nothing less, got it?”

  “Thank you.”

  The sky was covered with clouds. Rain would turn to sleet, then snow by evening. It was the time of year that was undecided. The crest of a season meant people were preparing for the winter. It turned crisp up there well before the lower states. Snow had already settled on many towns, but it was hit or miss and their area had been glossed over the last few storms, leaving behind dustings and not much more. It was warmer than usual, and people took advantage of the time outside in lighter clothing. Soon, everything would be boots, bulky jackets, and hats and scarves. The precipice of change was upon them.