Bear-ly A Hero (Bear Claw Security 2)

by Terry Bolryder

“Then we’ll take a break. A day at least,” he said. Then he walked out the door to go change.

  She tingled at the thought of doing it again, or even better, doing it as many times as she wanted through the rest of her life, and felt her wolf pacing anxiously inside her.

  Mine, her animal said.

  Hell yeah! Her human agreed. She pulled on her robe and went out to heat up their dinner, for once not caring at all about the calories.

  15

  Limes found himself really enjoying Pride and Prejudice as he watched it with Jamie. He had opened a package of cookies after dinner and was loving watching her eating them. She enjoyed food, and he enjoyed her curvy little body. Every last bit.

  As long as she was happy, he was happy, too. She could be little and soft, and he could be the strong, scary one to protect her from the world.

  It occurred to him that those were definitely forever thoughts. He was already thinking about growing old with her, getting married, spending a life together. Maybe having some cubs that would surely run away from their grumpy dad but love their adorable mom.

  He sighed, liking that idea.

  She looked up at him. “Enjoying the movie?”

  “Uh, yeah,” he said, paying attention to the TV again. It was hard to want to watch a screen when he had a delectable woman right next to him. Her pretty dark hair was in tight, fuzzy curls, and he loved the way it gave her a soft halo around her head. She looked comfortable and warm, the opposite of how she’d looked earlier in the day, after the kidnapping.

  “I never get tired of watching this. Good, old-fashioned true love,” she said.

  “Is this the kind of thing you write in your novels?”

  Her eyes flashed up at him, clearly embarrassed, though she had no reason to be. “No. Yes. Maybe. It’s none of your business.”

  He grinned and tightened his arm, bringing her even closer. She had a cookie in her hand and had been bringing it to her mouth but had forgotten about it and was gaping up at him instead.

  He leaned forward and grabbed the cookie with his teeth, and she scowled at him as he ate it, laughing.

  He grabbed another and put it up to her lips, and she bit it, pouting.

  “Come on. Tell me about your work,” he said. “It’s a big part of your life, right?”

  She shook her head. “I mean, it’s not how I make a living. I haven’t published anything. I just like… escaping into other worlds when I get home. Worlds with heroes and good men and true love.”

  The words bit at him. She should have had a world like that all the time.

  “Well, you have a hero now,” he said.

  “Do I?” she asked.

  He let out a breath, his heart pounding inside him. “Yes. You do.”

  She sighed and snuggled in, taking another cookie. “Okay then, I’ll tell you about my work.”

  So she did, and he listened eagerly. He learned that she only did it on the side because it was a fun hobby, but she needed the stability of her day job to support herself.

  She talked about how it was fun to go be alone, to have no boss bothering her and no co-workers harassing her.

  “So why don’t you just do it full time?” he’d asked.

  “It’s too much of a jump,” she said. “Maybe someday.”

  Hm.

  When she was done telling him what kinds of books she liked to write, what she liked about romance, and what she was working on now, Limes was realizing just how much he loved the sound of her voice.

  How he could just sit and listen to her as long as she could talk. How he wanted to do this every day and never wanted this job to end.

  Not that it was a job anymore. No, it had stopped being a job a long time ago.

  “I hope you’ll let me read it someday,” he said.

  “Maybe someday,” she said. Then she put her hands up to her face and grinned in embarrassment. “No, I don’t think I could.”

  “I understand,” he said, holding her close. “I’ll just have to hack in sometime and steal it.”

  “No!” she yelled, pulling on his collar adorably. “You can’t.”

  “It should be shared with the world,” Limes said. “You are a great person, and I’m sure your story is great.”

  She harrumphed and sat back, watching the movie. “Fine. Maybe someday, like I said.”

  He grinned and pulled her back against them so they could watch a movie. As they were sitting, he heard his phone beep from the kitchen counter and groaned.

  “Did you get ahold of Bronson and Cage before we…” She bit her lip, a small grin on her face.

  “Before we had hot, hot sex?” he asked in a low voice, his eyes playful.

  “Yes,” she said.

  “Yes,” he said. “That’s probably them texting back.” They were supposed to look into the Tribunal thing and get back to him on what could be done. “Should I go check it?”

  “What do you think is the next step?” she asked.

  “Not sure,” he said. “That’s why they’re texting me.”

  He got up reluctantly, leaving her comfy on the couch without him. He picked up his phone and saw that Bronson said he was going to call in the morning with an update. Limes texted back that was fine with him.

  He just wanted to enjoy the movie and a little more time with his mate.

  * * *

  The next morning, Jamie took another day off to stay home and recover from everything that had happened. She was working on her computer, on her new story, when Limes poked his head in to say he was going to be on a Skype call with Bronson and Cage.

  She nodded and went back to her writing.

  It seemed unreal that this could be over pretty soon. That Limes and her would have to have a bigger conversation about the future than they’d had. How would that go?

  She put her cheek in her hand and rested it there, unable to concentrate on her book.

  She could hear Limes talking from the living room, just bits and pieces of conversation, though she wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. She definitely heard the words “alpha female,” and that started up a whole new wave of memories again.

  They’d said that to her so many times, and she still didn’t understand quite what it had meant.

  Those wolves might have adopted her into their pack, but they had never been family. She closed her eyes against the memories that threatened to overwhelm her, trying to forget she’d even thought of it.

  Then her phone buzzed. She groaned when she saw it was a text from Milo.

  She pressed the ignore button, and the text disappeared. She didn’t even care what he had to say.

  But the phone buzzed again. She sighed and picked it up, this time looking at the messages there.

  Calling out of work again? Be careful, said the first one.

  She scoffed. Milo might see her as property, but she had the same right to take her days off as anyone else. Even if she hadn’t allowed herself that privilege in a long time.

  The second text gave her more pause.

  He only wants you because you’re an alpha female.

  She frowned. How did Milo know? What was he talking about?

  She didn’t want to text him, but she couldn’t just let it sit. She cast a furtive glance at the door, making sure it was closed and Limes was still in the living room. She had a feeling that even for the sake of more information, he might not approve.

  But this was her boss and her life, and Limes didn’t have any say over her in that way, at least not yet.

  What do you mean? she texted back.

  After a small pause, he replied. Surely you know about alpha pheromones. He followed up with a weird smiley emoticon.

  Her stomach felt cold. She rubbed it, wondering if she’d eaten, and then remembered Limes had made pretty terrible omelets for them. They had tasted fine because she liked him too much to care about little things like burned eggs or sloppily cut peppers.

  Pheromones?

  I’m a shifter, Milo texted. No
t like you or that beast you have around. The one you’re home with. I’m sure he’s as drawn to you as I am. The difference is I’m not under any illusion that it’s anything more than a reaction to your chemicals. You were made to attract males. You do a good job. However, if I were you, I’d feel bad not telling that big bear you’re with why he’s so suddenly in love with you.

  She gaped at the phone. Pheromones? Was that a thing?

  Just think about it. How many men in the office pant after you. How other wolves treat you. Just think about it, and if you want a man who can give you what you need while not pretending it’s anything more, give me a call.

  She swallowed, anger rising in her like bile as she tossed the phone to the side. It wasn’t true. It wasn’t true.

  But didn’t it all make sense? The way her packmates had tried to attack her, the way men seemed to behave like animals… the way a tall, handsome, grumpy man had transformed into a kind, generous lover who only wanted to please her and couldn’t seem to resist her?

  She put a hand up to her mouth. Holy shit. How was she going to tell him?

  She stood and opened the office door, looking down the hall to where he was talking to his friends on the phone.

  Would they tell him? Her heart pounded. She wanted to tell him first. But she had to know for sure.

  Who could she ask about such a thing?

  But as she sank back against the wall next to the door, she knew it was true. She could think of the effect she had on the men around her, the way their eyes seemed to light up.

  Even the way Limes had come on to her that day after work. He’d pinned her to the wall, but he’d said it would be a mistake. Yet he’d kept going because the sex was so hot for both of them.

  The difference was he was affected by chemicals, and she simply thought he was hot and was growing to think he was hotter every day.

  No, if she were honest, she was falling in love with him.

  She tried to think back to any indication he was in love with her. Anything at all. She thought about when she’d asked him if he thought she was meant for him, and he’d said maybe, that she made him feel like no one else ever had.

  He’d said so many things about how surprised he was this was happening, how shocked he was that he’d come to care for her, was opening up to her, was ravenous for her.

  She thought of the transformation he’d made over the past few days.

  Oh no.

  She put a hand into her hair as she heard Limes come pounding down the hallway. She looked up to see him in a good mood, his piercing winking in the light as he strode toward her, a pleasant look on his face.

  How did she tell him?

  Luckily, he was fine being the one doing the talking. “I talked to Bronson and Cage. They have something scheduled with the Tribunal, and hopefully this’ll be over soon…” He trailed off as he saw her. “Jamie? You okay? You look sick.”

  She nodded, feeling herself shake as she looked up at him. That tenderness in his eyes, it couldn’t be only pheromones, could it?

  She remembered him asking her, several times now, how it was she kept attracting creeps. Even he had realized something was wrong. She just thought all men were bad.

  No, just bad to her because she emitted irresistible “take me” hormones.

  “They also gave me the number of a contact who’s a wolf. An alpha in another pack, if we want help. Depending on what happens, I may call him.”

  Her eyes flew open, and she pushed to a standing position. “Can I call him?”

  Limes raised a dark eyebrow. “Why?”

  “Please,” she said. “I need to ask something. About something I remember.”

  Limes reluctantly pulled out his phone and gave her the number. “Can I at least be in on the call?”

  “No!” she said a little too quickly. “I mean, it’s personal. I’m sorry.”

  He nodded. “I guess I’ll trust you.” He put his hands behind his head. “Funny how easy that’s becoming.”

  She nodded. “I’ll be back. I’m going to take it in my room. Please don’t listen.”

  She left Limes in the hallway, looking after her, as she took her phone to her room and dialed the number.

  16

  A half hour later, she knew everything she needed to. Pheromones were real, and the ones alpha female wolves emitted were powerful. The man on the phone couldn’t say for sure, but he definitely thought them strong enough to affect other species.

  She sat on her bed, spinning the phone in her hand. She had to tell Limes. Had to ask him what she thought. She took a deep breath to call him but didn’t get a chance before he poked his head in the door.

  “Is something wrong?” he asked.

  She shook her head. “It’s fine.” But it wasn’t. Her heart felt like it was going to explode. Even if Limes said what was between them was real, how would she ever know? “No, it’s not fine,” she said. “How do you feel about me?”

  He was wearing a tight white tee that hugged his muscles and had intricate black artwork scrawled over the front. He had a leather cuff on his wrist, which only accentuated his forearms. His jeans were low slung and hugged taut thighs.

  He took a seat next to her on the bed,

  putting an arm around her. “What’s wrong?”

  She pulled out from under him and pointed at the chair next to the bed. “Sit there. I can’t think with you touching me.”

  His brows lowered, his face tightened slightly, but then he sighed and did as she said. “This good enough?” he asked, looking slightly hurt. “What’s going on? We had an amazing night last night, and this morning was great, and now you look like you’re going to kill someone.”

  She swallowed. “I just need you to describe how you feel about me, in your own words.”

  He took a deep breath and leaned back in the chair, looking unbearably handsome. “I guess… it’s hard to explain.”

  “Try,” she said, trying to keep the desperation out of her voice.

  “It’s like… I’m drawn to you,” he said. “Like… I don’t know. From the start? I just couldn’t stay away.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  He threw his hands up. “I don’t know!” He glared at her. “I don’t get why you’re suddenly quizzing me like this. I don’t like getting the third degree. I thought you were happy with how things were going.”

  Ah, there was the prickly Limes. The one she hadn’t seen in a while. Apparently, this kind of conversation brought that out in him. But still, she had to know. She tried to calm herself, slowing and lowering her voice.

  “I just need to know,” she said. “It’s important.”

  “I care about you,” he said. “A lot. I don’t think I could leave you.”

  “Why?” she asked again. What was she hoping he’d say? That he loved her? Somehow, she doubted that was forthcoming. Though the wolf on the phone hadn’t said anything about love, he’d made it clear that basically every other emotion could be felt from pheromone influence.

  But yes, she was hoping he loved her. Because as she watched his handsome, long body sprawled out in front of her, she knew she loved him and that she’d do anything to keep him from harm.

  Even if it meant telling him he wasn’t really as into her as he thought, to save him from making the mistake of being with her just because of some chemicals.

  He was agitated, but he sat up slightly, as if seriously trying to think. “I don’t know. I care about you. I’d do anything for you. I find you… irresistible.”

  “Is that it?” she asked.

  He looked at her blankly. “What else do you want? Commitment? I can do that.”

  “No,” she said, feeling hollow. “Not commitment.”

  He looked slightly angry at that. “You don’t want commitment? Well, I do.”

  “No, it’s not that I don’t want commitment. I want…” She shook her head, putting her hand over her face. There was no way to really explain this.

  “Are you ju
st upset that our time together is coming to a close?” he asked, scooting the chair forward so he could come closer. “Because I’m not leaving here. Even after talking to Cage and Bronson, I was going to come and ask you if you were cool still exploring things. You know, after the job is done.”

  He looked away. “You know, I didn’t want to scare you away, because men have been so pushy.” He reached out to touch her chin, lifting her downcast gaze to his. “But I totally can see why they all want to lock you down. After all, I never want to lock pretty much anyone down, and you got me.”

  She gulped back a sob that was forming in her throat and prayed her eyes would stay dry. “No, you don’t get why they want me,” she said. “Or why you want me. But you will.” She pulled out the phone and handed it to him. Would he still keep the offer to stay after he saw what was on it?

  He looked down at the phone and smirked. “Ugh, that Milo douche. I forgot I need to take care of him, too.”

  “Scroll down,” she said in a commanding voice.

  Limes glanced at her, but did as she said. Then he froze, his body going perfectly still as he read what was on the screen.

  He sat back for a moment. When he looked up at her, his face was perplexed, his green eyes lit with irritation. “You can’t possibly believe this, can you? That I’m only into you because of your smell?”

  She sighed. “It’s not smell. It’s pheromones, powerful molecules that attract those of the opposite sex.”

  Limes frowned, looking at the texts again. “My feelings for you aren’t because of a molecule.”

  She shook her head. “I called your wolf contact. He confirmed it. Think about what you just said to me while I list off how alpha female pheromones make males feel.” She put her fingers up to check off symptoms. “Racing heartbeat. Increased sexual desire. A sense of having to have her. A sense of being fated.”

  “What do you mean fated?” he asked hoarsely.

  “He didn’t go into detail, just that they would feel like it was meant to be. Maybe wishful thinking,” she said, ticking off another finger. “Possessive urges. Need I go on?”

  Limes looked like his head was spinning. He leaned back in the chair, phone in hand, which was limp against his leg. He didn’t seem to know what to say.