“I’ll help.” She followed Gray into the kitchen and stood back while he pulled out smoked sausages, peppers, onions, and fajita wraps. “I can cut the veggies, if you want to go out and get the grill started.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
“All right.” He opened a cabinet next to the sink and pulled out a cutting board and then plucked a knife off a stainless steel magnetic strip holding an assortment of knives on the wall above the stove. He set them on the center island next to the vegetables. “You don’t have to worry about washing anything. I took care of that when I bought them last night.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“Be right back.” He grabbed the sausage and a roll of aluminum foil off the counter and walked outside through the French doors on the other side of the room.
She set to work chopping the peppers and onions into small strips. She’d just finished up and was rinsing her hands at the sink when Gray reentered the room.
“These look perfect.” He pulled out a sheet of aluminum foil, set it on the counter, and poured the veggies onto the center.
She dried her hands and watched as he folded the aluminum foil over the tops and sides, creating a little packet for the grill. “That’s a neat trick.”
“Anything that cuts down on dishes.” He winked.
“I hear you.” There was nothing she hated quite as much as hand washing dishes.
“I’m just going to pop these on the grill with the meat.”
She followed him outside and looked around while he head toward a stainless steel propane grill on one side of the patio. There was a modest smoky glass table and matching gray wicker furniture with thick, plush cushions. The grass was cut short and lush green bushes were planted against the back of the house. Trees towered over the border of the property.
Gray closed the lid on the grill. “What would you like to drink? I have water, milk, lemonade or soda.”
“Lemonade sounds good, if it’s not too much trouble.”
“Not at all. Make yourself comfortable while I go grab the drinks.”
She pulled out one of the chairs and sat down. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes, letting the sunshine warm her face. The savory smell of their lunch wafted over to her on a soft breeze. Her mouth watered and her stomach growled.
“You weren’t kidding about being hungry.”
Mara’s eyes snapped open. She jerked her head up and watched Gray set a pitcher of lemonade and two glasses full of ice on the table. “The food smells good.”
“It should be done soon. That’s one of the great things about grilling. Everything cooks fast.” He filled both their glasses, then pulled out the chair opposite her and took a seat.
She reached for hers and took a sip. “This is good. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
They made small talk until Gray got up to check on the food and deemed it ready. He pulled everything off the grill and carried it over to the table on serving platters. For the next few minutes they ate and enjoyed the beautiful weather.
When Mara had her fill, she dropped her cloth napkin beside the empty plate in front of her and sat back against the ornate wrought iron chair. “You know, I wasn’t sure what to expect when you invited me over to your house for dinner, but lunch was really delicious.”
Gray smiled at her across the patio table. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. There are a few more sausages if you want more.” He popped a forkful of grilled kielbasa, peppers, and onions into his mouth and chewed.
“No way. I couldn’t eat another bite.” Everything had tasted so good, she’d managed to pack away an impressive amount of food. She’d forgotten how much better things tasted when cooked on a grill.
“Are you sure? I picked up a fresh apple pie from the bakery for dessert and have some slow churned vanilla ice cream in the freezer to go with it.”
She groaned, already able to taste the warm flaky crust, tart apple, and creamy ice cream. “That sounds mouth-watering. I might be persuaded to share dessert with you in a little while.”
“Good. I’d hate to have to eat all that pie by myself.” He winked at her and used a napkin to wipe his mouth. “So, are you the kind of person who naps after a big meal or walks it off?”
“Usually the latter. What about you?”
“The same. If you’re interested, we can take a walk around the property. Maybe by the time we get back, we’ll be ready for dessert.”
“Okay. Let’s go for a walk.” She could stand to work off a few of the calories anyway. If she didn’t start getting a little more exercise, then she was going to balloon up like an inflatable pool toy. Since she was already a little on the plump side, her doctor had requested she try not to gain more than twenty to twenty-five pounds during her pregnancy. So far she hadn’t gained anything, but that was mostly due to the intermittent nausea. The second she started feeling better, she had a feeling it would be much harder to rein in her appetite.
Gray stood and held his hand out to help her up. She took his hand and rose to her feet. Hand in hand, they walked across the yard toward the trees. As they got closer, she noticed they were headed toward a well worn path leading into the forest. “Do the trees mark the beginning of National Forest land?”
“No. I own around fifty acres, give or take a little. My parents never saw the point of clearing it all and I’m kind of glad they didn’t. The woods are peaceful. I like long walks when I need to think things out. It’s good for when I want to shift, too.”
“How often do you feel the need to shift?” She asked out of curiosity.
“Several times a day.”
“Really? You change that often?” She had no idea shifters transformed back and forth that much.
“No.” He laughed. “I think I misunderstood your question. I feel the urge to shift several times a day. Strong emotions tend to bring out my animal nature more than anything. Most of the time I resist the instinct for one reason or another. I really don’t shift into my bear form as much as I’d like to.”
“How come?”
“Safety mostly. No matter how far shifter rights have come, it’s still dangerous for us to run around in our fur. Even if there aren’t any shifter-phobic nuts around, there are predators to avoid and legal hunters who don’t notice or care about the difference between wild animals and us.”
“I’m sorry you have to deal with that nonsense. It seems like such a shame that people can’t get over themselves and accept those who’re different. The stigma attached to shifters is ridiculous.”
“Humans have a long history of fearing things they don’t understand. It’s one of the reasons shifters stayed hidden for so long.”
“I guess so.” She glanced up at him. “Just for the record, I still think it sucks.”
He smiled and swung their clasped hands. “Me too.”
They quietly strolled through the woods for awhile. Mara enjoyed the scenery and the company of the man by her side. After a bit, curiosity got the best of her. “So, does this trail lead somewhere or just fizzle out?”
“It does, but I’d much rather show you than tell you.”
Mara nodded. “I can be patient as long as you don’t keep me waiting too long.”
“Just a few more minutes. I promise.”
“Cool.” They walked a little further. She heard the surprise long before she saw it. The sound of running water grew louder with every step they took until what started as a quiet babbling turned into a roaring cascade.
She sped up, anxious to see what lay ahead, and ran out into a clearing at the end of the path. Up ahead, she could make out the white ripples of water surging over a small waterfall. The closer she got, the more she could see of the waterfall and the pond below. “Oh wow. This is beautiful.”
“Mara,” Gray hollered. “Stop!”
“What?” She skidded to a halt and looked back over her shoulder at him. “Why?”
His eyes flashe
d an inhuman shade of black. Something rippled under the smooth skin of his face and neck, reminding her of the animal lurking just beneath the surface.
“There’s a black bear and her cubs just ahead of you, Mara. She senses our presence and she isn’t happy about it.”
She jerked around, looking for the threat, and spotted a mama bear and two small cubs down by the water less than one hundred feet from where she stood. The big black bear was staring their way. “Oh shit.”
“Everything will be fine, but I want you to slowly back up and get behind me.”
Her pulse kicked into high gear as she followed his orders. Visions of the protective mama charging and ripping them both to shreds with her razor sharp claws sprang to the surface of Mara’s mind and scared the crap out of her.
In what felt like an eternity, but couldn’t have been more than a handful of seconds, she reached Gray’s side. “What now?”
Gray didn’t take his gaze off the bear. “Run!”
She looked back and blanched at the sight of the big bear rushing toward them. Without thinking, she grabbed Gray’s arm and tried to drag him backward with her. “Come on. Let’s go.”
His feet didn’t budge. “Go! I’ve got this.”
Before she could ask what he meant, fur sprang from his pores and the terrible cracking noise of bones snapping echoed through the forest. She released him and took off running back down the path the way they’d came. Between one heartbeat and the next she stopped and turned back, too terrified for Gray’s wellbeing to go any further. There wasn’t anything she could do to protect him from the female bear, but she could damn well stay and make sure he wasn’t left alone should he need help.
Gray’s clothes shredded under the strain of his burgeoning transformation from man to beast. He dropped onto all fours, let out an ear piercing roar, and charged toward the rampaging mama bear.
She stood frozen and watched as the two bears collided and lifted up on their hind legs to swat at each other with massive claws. The black bear was smaller and leaner than Gray’s heavily muscled grizzly bear form, but twice as vicious in her pursuit to chase away what she’d undoubtedly deemed a threat to her cubs. She slashed and snapped at Gray, trying to hurt him. In contrast, Gray seemed to be trying to scare her off without harming her. He roared and used his larger bulk to force her backwards.
The black bear dropped back onto all fours and raced off toward where she’d left the cubs playing by the water. Gray chuffed and swiveled his broad head around to look Mara’s way. He trotted toward her at a sedate pace.
Despite knowing the bear was Gray, a blast of anxiety shot through her as he approached. In bear form, Gray was huge. Even on all fours, he was almost as tall as her. She called his name as he drew near. “Can you still understand me?”
The grizzly bear jerked his broad head up and down.
“Is that a yes?”
He repeated the same head movement.
Mara grinned, pleased. “Are you okay?”
Another nod.
She looked him over, searching for wounds. Although it was hard to see anything through all the fur, there were a few areas where his hair was matted and bloody. “Are you going to shift back so I can check to see how bad your wounds are?”
He shook his head.
“Okay then.” Feeling daring, she stepped closer. “Can I touch you?”
He nodded again.
Taking him at his word, she inched forward and slowly extended her hand. She stroked the top of his head between his ears. His soft fur tickled her palm. Joy bubbled up inside her at being allowed to rub him in this form. She scratched behind his ears and laughed at the way he pushed up into her touch. “You like that, huh?” She rubbed him harder. “You’re beautiful like this.”
He shook his head.
“You don’t like being called beautiful? How about extremely handsome and virile?”
He nodded and chuffed.
“Handsome and virile it is then.” With a grin, she rubbed her hand over his head and the back of his neck. Dating a shifter was definitely different, but it wasn’t without its perks.
Chapter Six
Gray had never been so thankful to return home to Marion. Under normal circumstances, he enjoyed visiting the New York office. Manhattan was one of his favorite cities. He loved the anonymity of the crowds and the bustling nightlife. Living there full time would have been a nightmare, but short term visits were always hectic and fun.
This trip had been different. The minute he’d stepped out of the helicopter and set foot in the city, something had felt off. His bear had been restless and agitated, hovering right beneath his skin.
It had taken him days to figure out the problem. Mara. He’d left her behind, pregnant and unclaimed, and his bear was pissed. The human half of his psyche knew she was fully capable of taking care of herself and their unborn cub, but the bear didn’t understand human behavior or rationalizations. His wilder instincts didn’t give two shits about his career or business responsibilities. Every fiber of his being shouted for him to get back on the helicopter and return home. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option.
The best he could do was call Mara every evening. Using FaceTime or Skype would have been better, but neither choice was available since Mara’s cell phone was older than dirt and her laptop didn’t have a working webcam. Hearing her voice soothed his nerves, but it was a temporary fix.
Fighting his own nature like that had been futile, but necessary to ensure the family business continued to grow and flourish. The energy he’d expended on self-control alone left him exhausted and ornery. By the end of his final day in town, he was sure his subordinates were glad to be rid of him and his bad temper.
He vibrated with impatience the entire helicopter ride home. As soon as they touched down on the helipad, he unlatched his safety belt and yanked off his headphones. He didn’t wait for the rotors to slow before he jumped out, ducked to avoid the blades, and made for the roof access door that would take him to the stairwell and down to his waiting car.
He was already dialing Mara’s number as he burst through the ground floor exit and hustled across the asphalt lot. “Hey,” he said the second she answered. “Guess who’s back in town?”
“Is this Leroy, my big hulking prison pen pal?”
“Very funny.” He used his free hand to dig his keys out of his pocket and unlock his vehicle.
“I thought so.”
“So, I’m back a day early and would really like to see you. How about I pick you up and take you out for dinner?” He climbed into the vehicle and shut the door, sequestering himself inside what felt like hell on wheels. The interior had to be over one hundred degrees.
“I would love that,” she said with a sigh. “I’m not sure I’m up to going out tonight though. The morning sickness is really kicking my butt—whoever decided to call it morning sickness should be shot, by the way—and I’ve been working on boxing up the rest of Grandma’s things all day. I’m filthy and exhausted.”
“How about I bring dinner to you instead of going out? We can eat and veg out on the couch afterward.” Actually, that sounded better than going out anyway. He started the engine, rolled down the windows, and cranked up the air conditioning.
“I don’t know. I want to see you, but I look like hell and I doubt I’d be very good company anyway.”
“I’ll take my chances.” There was nowhere he’d rather be than next to his cranky, pregnant mate. He didn’t care if she was in sweats or covered in dust. He’d take her any way he could get her. “Are you craving anything special?”
“No. Not really.”
“All right. I’ll pick up something good and be there in about an hour.”
“I guess I’ll see you soon then. Drive safe.”
“Will do.” He hit the disconnect button and dropped the phone in the cup holder beside him. All he had to do was figure out the best dinner for a woman with a queasy stomach, swing by his house to clean up and change into
something more comfortable than the suit he currently wore, and get his butt over to Mara’s house within the next hour. Piece of cake.
Forty-five minutes later, he jogged up Mara’s porch steps and knocked on the front door.
She opened with a smile. “Hey stranger.”
“Hey beautiful.” Despite what she’d claimed on the phone, he’d never seen a more beautiful woman. She made a messy bun, oversized T-shirt, and yoga pants look good. He pulled her into a one-armed hug and kissed her hello. As soon as their lips touched, the bear inside him calmed, satisfied by her closeness. He pulled back long before he was ready and stared down at her. “I missed you.”
She caressed the side of his face and kissed him softly. “You say the sweetest things.”
“I mean every single word.”
“I know you do.” She stepped back. “Come on in.”
“Thanks.” He closed the door behind him. “How’re you feeling?”
“I’m okay at the moment. A little hungry actually. What did you decide on for dinner?”
“I got chicken fried rice, egg rolls, and pork potstickers. If none of that sounds good to you, I can always go back out and fetch something else.”
“No need. Chinese food sound fantastic. I’ll go grab some plates and utensils.”
“I can help.” He followed her into the kitchen and helped set the table. “What do you have to drink? I forgot to bring that.”
Mara opened the refrigerator and looked inside. She glanced over her shoulder at him. “I have water, milk, and juice.”
“Water’s good.”
“All right.” She pulled out two bottles of water, carried them over, and set one next to each plate.
They sat across from each other and took turns filling their plates. Once he was finished, Gray took a drink of water and looked over at her. “So, you said you were boxing up your grandma’s stuff today? You weren’t lifting anything heavy, right? I read somewhere you’re not supposed to lift anything over ten or fifteen pounds when you’re pregnant.”
“Don’t worry. I didn’t hurt myself or the baby by lifting boxes filled with old clothes and accessories.” She shoved a forkful of fried rice into her mouth and chewed.
The Playboy Bear's Baby: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance Page 5