by Anya Nowlan
“I’d suggest you more than think about it. Just because we’re one clan doesn’t mean I will stop my friend here from raining his special brand of violence down on you. We don’t take kindly to shifters invading our lands. The piles of bodies of your wolves scattered about Cabinet should tell you as much.” Jackson smiled at the end of his words with a chilling grin. Ryder considered the Arder Alpha for a moment, taking in the sight of Jackson at his best and at his worst. He knew that the man was not making things up. As rational as he was, Jackson was ready to let Ryder roll over the wolves if need be. Ryder wasn’t sure whether he was supposed to feel flattered or insulted at being treated like a strategic weapon, but whichever option he landed on, he gained a whole new kind of respect for his friend. His sharp blue gaze returned to the Kadins, and Jackson’s hand fell from his chest.
“Noted,” Daren said with a nod, the smile dimming on his lips. “I assume you expect us to walk?” he asked, cocking a brow.
“Yup! We can use some new trucks! Yours should do nicely,” Julian hollered from down the line, receiving a roll of laughter in reply. Several wolves snarled but that only seemed to fuel the general amusement in the rows of werebears. They’d come there tonight, ready to fight and die. All things considered. Walking away with nearly ten new trucks was not a bad night’s work.
“Well then. Until next we meet,” Daren said smoothly, giving a mock bow to Jackie before he twirled around on his heel.
“Wait!” Ryder called, and Daren turned around with a curious quirk of his brow. “Why did you do it? Why did you want Bitterroot?” he asked, surprised by the desperation in his tone. The one thing he had never managed to figure out, no matter how hard he tried, was why the Kadins had come for his clan to start with. Now he found it harder than ever to believe that it was just about the land. Daren Kadin was far too smart for that, and Rose… well, she was special. Daren gave him a toothy grin, his eyes flashing deep golden.
“Honor,” he said simply. “I’ve lived all my life in my father’s shadow, behind the backs of the pack Alphas. Behind the Master. No more. I’m going to carve out my own kingdom, one place at a time. In ten years, I’ll have more lands than all those packs put together, and they’ll bitterly regret driving me and my mate from their midst. I’ll teach them what it means to disrespect an Alpha like me,” Daren snarled – a primal reaction, and the first time Ryder saw the man be anything less than in control. He took a few steps and, in the beams of light, turned into a large, imposing dark-coated wolf. The beast shifted faster than the bears ever could, warping in a matter of seconds from man to animal. He let out a long, piercing howl that was echoed by the others as they turned one by one.
Rose shifted right after her mate, and Ryder couldn’t help but admire the dainty grace of her small, light colored paws as she sprang past the wolves and took a spot at the head of the pack. She was faster than any of them, even Daren, and she led them back up to the mountains, the wolves snapping and snarling at the bears as they passed.
She’s trouble, Ryder thought darkly. Daren he could understand, but his steely-eyed mate… she was a whole different kind of predator. She’d seen things in her life, there was no doubt about it. And he knew from experience that there was no one more dangerous than a shifter with nothing to lose. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he now understood Daren. The right kind of woman could drive a man to lengths he would never have thought he could or would go to. Ryder almost had to wonder what they’d done to Rose to make Daren so wildly adamant about getting payback.
When the last tip of a wolf’s tail disappeared behind the peak of the mountain they’d come down, a roaring victory cry rumbled over the werebears. Jackie flew into Ryder’s arms, and she wiped the stern worry from his face with the sweetest of kisses. He smiled, his arms bracing her as she clung to him, all warm and soft and inviting.
“We did it!” she whispered in his ear, the cheers growing to deafening volumes around them.
“We did,” he agreed. And I hope we never have to do it again.
“Alright! We’ve got some tires to change!” Jonah yelled, drawing laughter.
“And some rest to grab! I think we can all use some hibernation time, so let’s get this done fast,” Jackson added, receiving even louder cheers. They weren’t going to let their guard down, but things were finally rocking into place for the soon to be Arder-Bitterroot clan.
Ryder kissed Jackie deeply, everything around them disappearing into the backdrop. She pulled back a little, cupping his face with her hands.
“I love you, Ryder.”
“I love you too. And I’m never going to let you go.”
And he meant it. No matter what, he wasn’t going to let anything happen to his mate, his cubs or his people again. He wasn’t going to let anything ruin his happiness, of that he was sure.
EPILOGUE
This time, Jackie wasn’t going to swallow her tears.
Fuck it, it’s my party and I can cry if I want to, she thought, a wide smile perched on her lips as a tear rolled down her cheek. She was dressed in a deep green gown that showed off her lovely cleavage and her delicious curves just in the right kind of way. She knew she’d made the right choice by the completely pained look that had been on Ryder’s face even since she’d walked up to him on the clearing and taken his palms in hers in front of their clans. Or clan, as it would soon be. His gaze kept scorching a path down her body, and she knew exactly what he was going to do to her the moment they were alone. She couldn’t wait.
Her ears hummed, and she’d barely caught a word he’d said to her. She’d heard him practicing the vows enough times to know them by heart, anyway. He looked into her eyes, his blue pools filling her with a sense of all-encompassing warmth and happiness. Things were finally right again, and soon, she would be forever tied to Ryder. Just like it was always meant to be.
“I promise, in front of the spirits and our clan, that I will protect you with everything I’ve got. I will love you, no matter what happens. I will trust you even when I cannot trust myself. I will never leave you wanting, never give you reason to doubt that I love you more than anything. My life is hollow without you, and with our clan as my witness, I promise to never let our bond waver. I will be your mate.” Ryder grinned as he finished, squeezing her hands in his big palms.
Jackie licked across her lips, trying to focus enough to keep her voice from breaking when it was her turn to speak. She could feel everyone’s eyes on her as the countless werebears surrounded her and Ryder in a full circle, encapsulating them in the collective positive energy. It was pure magic, and the air crackled with electricity, the early spring sun making the melting snow sparkle. They were standing on the spot where Ryder’s cottage had burned down, no sight of a werewolf anywhere around them. It was two years and two weeks since Bitterroot had been attacked. It had seemed only fitting to make their new beginning where they’d suffered their greatest loss.
“I promise, in front of the spirits and our clan, that I will stand beside you,” she started, her voice ringing clear. Her eyes were locked with Ryder’s, and his palms were hot against hers. He looked adorably nervous. “I will keep you and protect you, love you and adore you until the end of our days. I will do whatever it takes to make you and me into us. I will be your mate,” she finished. The words were so simple, and tradition demanded just a few lines. It was alright by her. If she’d have to talk any longer, she might just explode with happiness. Ryder grinned, and she let out a little yelp as he pulled her to him. Jackie easily fell into the passionate kiss, her eyes fluttering closed and the crowd of quiet werebears drifting out of thought. When Ryder finally broke the kiss and scooped her up in his arms, the bears erupted in a loud roar of joy.
Jackie giggled, kissing Ryder’s cheek. He was beaming, and she couldn’t believe the transformation he had gone through. When she had arrived back in Montana, he’d been a wreck of a man, plagued by hiding his plans for so long and feeling like he’d failed her and his people u
tterly and completely. There was still a shadow hanging over him, but it had got much better, she thought. They’d gone to each of the graves that morning before the ceremony, and he’d had a moment with the spirits. Slowly, together, they had managed to face their demons and started to learn how to live with them. Ryder and Jackie’s was only the first in a row of weddings planned for the spring. Jonah and Callie were next, and Jackie was more than sure that her other two brothers would not take long to follow the lead.
Ryder carried her through the congratulating wall of clan mates, all wishing the best of luck to them. He set her down, and she was immediately smothered under hugs and kisses. It was a momentous day. With the marriage, the Arders and the Bitterroots would truly become one clan. Jackson and Ryder hadn’t taken long to agree that Jackson would be the Alpha and Ryder his second in command, but in control of all the old Bitterroot lands that had been reclaimed from the Kadins. The wolves had gone running with their tails tucked between their legs, though Jackie doubted it would be the last time they heard of the cunning pack of werewolves.
Tess hugged Jackie the tightest, big tears shimmering in her eyes.
“I’m so glad this all turned out the way it did,” Tess said, reluctant to let go. Susie and Callie were right there as well, smiling and congratulating Jackie. The gathering of current and soon to be Arder women was full of the sassiest, toughest and most loving mates any werebear could ever hope for. And they’d all found their happiness, even if some of them had had to wait far too many years for it.
“Me too,” Jackie whispered softly, looking over her shoulder at Ryder, who was standing right behind her, his hand on her back.
I will stand beside you. No matter what.
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Hearts Laid Bear
Kacey Green is a curvy woman whose had just about enough of men who think she should worship the ground they walk upon. While she will fight tooth and nail for her patients, the curvy nurse rarely finds the courage to speak her mind when it comes to matters of the heart. At least that's how it has always been. Until a handsome, mesmerizing man contacts her on SassyDate, a shifter-human dating app, and turns her world upside down. Suddenly, Kacey doesn't want to settle anymore. She is hungry for all life has to offer and it better include one hot werebear cowboy!
Warren Sawtooth is a man of simple pleasures. Work has always been enough to keep him busy, but lately, he's been missing something else. Or a someone else. Preferably a sassy, curvy bride. When the Alpha of his former clan gives him an ultimatum that could make Warren leave behind everything he has built, he knows there's no time to waste. He has been given one chance at happiness and he'll be damned if he messes it up!
The Mate: Chosen by the Alpha
A dark night and a full moon...just the right time for an Alpha to chase and claim his mate.
Bridget, a feisty bartender, has locked up for the night and started heading home down a wicked path that leads through the woods. Distant wolf howls slink closer bit by bit, until she can almost feel their breath on her neck. It seems the further she goes, the closer they get.
Until they're right there next to her. A desperate escape takes her to a forest meadow, where the pack surrounds her. To her surprise, they desire something rather surprising from her - the Alpha has chosen her to be his mate. It is a small bit of solace that the Alpha is the man she has long had her eye on - the dark and dangerous Varo.
Will Bridget find her happiness in the strong arms of the shifter Alpha?
The Bond: Bound to the Bear
A werebear can have only one mate and often, he doesn't find her. Will she find him instead?
Caleb thought he had found the one woman who was just right for him. One disastrous evening and he fears he has lost her forever. But will the invisible bond between werebear and mate bring the two together?
Missy, a curvy and fiery-haired waitress, has set off on a daring adventure to find the only man who has ever made her feel like she could love and be loved. Finding him is no easy task, but the heart wants what it wants. The sight of his muscled body and soulful eyes makes her stomach flutter and she can't say no. She has to find him, whatever it takes.
Will the brave woman find her bear and will the eldest Walker brother be blessed with a sexy mate?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anya Nowlan loves sex and writing about it. The sexier and naughtier the better. She mostly writes paranormal and fantasy erotic shorts, focusing on shifters and their lucky mates. Her stories are bite-sized, just what you need to soothe that craving for brave women and growly alphas with a big side-order of smutty sex.
Anya lives in Boston with her boyfriend and several dogs of varying sizes and levels of mischief. She can't go through a day without chocolate and has an unhealthy addiction to purses, but every girl is allowed her little vices, right?
If you have enjoyed her shorts or want to just shoot the breeze a little, don't hesitate to contact Anya via e-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnyaNowlan
Homepage: http://www.anyanowlan.com
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Table of Contents
A SMALL OUTTAKE…
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FIND HER BEAR
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
EPILOGUE
WANTING HER BEAR
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
EPILOGUE
SAVING HER BEAR
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
EPILOGUE
NEEDING HER BEAR
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
EPILOGUE
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