Polar Heat

by Simone Beaudelaire

Russell glanced at Riley. She had all the potatoes cut and in the water. He set the pot on the stove and cranked the fire to high, adding a liberal pinch of his sea salt.

  “The three cubs soon realized that they, like their goddess mother, could change forms at will, and they mimicked all the creatures in the forest. They also had self-awareness a normal bear does not possess. They were sentient, intelligent, shape-shifting bears.

  “Later, humans came to this area, the Den'a, whom anthropologists call Athabaskans. The shifter bears had bred with normal bears over many generations, and the gene pool was getting a bit thin, but the shifters realized these humans were more like them: Sentient, thinking creatures. So they took their form and began to interact with them. Most of the Den'a family groups feared these white-haired strangers and ran from them. Only one small family, isolated from the others, welcomed them. They had the strongest Shaman tradition of all the groups, which fit in well with the idea of bears that could become human. Over time, an arrangement was made whereby each generation a human from among the Den'a and a bear shifter would mate, to infuse fresh blood into the communities.” He stopped, a bit lost in his story.

  “So is that what you mean by half? Half Den'a, half shifter?”

  Russell nodded. “Leave it to you, Riley, to see exactly what I mean. My father is a holy man in the village. He also has shifter blood, as did his father. It has become a family legacy. The village is still a tiny and isolated community. You won't have any of my cousins in your class. We have developed a distinct culture and even a separate language from the rest of the Athabaskans. Interestingly, this blending of blood also affects the bear gene. Once human blood entered the shifters' line, they could only turn into humans and bears. The other animal forms were lost.”

  “How interesting,” Riley replied. She fell silent and Russ could practically see the gears turning in her head.

  “Would you set the table, please?” he asked, opening the cabinet above them and wondering how she would react to dishes that looked like they were made of wood. She met his eyes and smiled. Typical Riley. She seems able to absorb anything I throw at her. He stirred the potatoes and rummaged in the fridge for milk. The butter and potato masher waited on the counter.

  She set plates at the table, and then with another questioning glance, rooted around until she found cups, forks and steak knives. He waited for his territorial bear to rise and start growling, but it didn't. Apparently, he trusts her.

  And the man Russell trusted her too. It transcended any rational explanation. He simply knew, without a doubt, that Riley was the one.

  Russell stirred the potatoes again, adjusting the heat to be sure they didn't boil over. Washing starchy water from the stove drove him nuts. He turned the heat on under the oily skillet. Then he turned to see Riley standing beside the bay window opposite the fireplace, staring out into the swirling snow. Russell approached and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on the top of her head.

  “It's so peaceful out there. Pure and white,” she said in a soft, wistful voice. “It feels like nothing bad could ever touch me here.”

  “You have a guardian of more than usual strength,” he replied. Her shampoo teased his nose with a soft floral scent.

  “So it would seem. Am I truly safe, Russell?”

  He kissed her hair. “Yes, love. There's a whole lot of teeth and claws between you and any bullying older brother.”

  “If only you could defend me against memories.”

  Russell tightened his arms around her. “Then we should make some new memories. How does that sound? Let the bad ones float away. Send them into the snow, never to be seen again. Keep the ones that make you happy. And we'll add to that list.”

  Riley turned in his embrace, her luminous eyes glowing. “How can I feel so much so fast?” she asked. “We've barely met.”

  “Every relationship starts somewhere,” he replied. “Even the ones that last a lifetime were once new.”

  “Is that how you see this?” she asked, and he could tell that this question, at least, was not idle.

  “I do,” he said, in his most serious tone. “But why worry about lifetimes now? Let's enjoy being in a brand new and very promising relationship. What do you say?”

  “Yes,” she answered simply, just as the timer on the stove chimed.

  “Hold that thought.” Russ kissed the end of Riley's nose before hurrying back to slap the two small steaks in the pan, where they hissed loudly. A tantalizing aroma of cooking meat spread through the cabin.

  Riley jumped into action, draining the potatoes and mashing them with the ingredients he'd set out. How nice to have a helper. It allowed him time to open a can of beans and heat them up as well.

  A moment later he dished up two plates of food, steaming hot and fragrant. Riley eyed the feast hungrily.

  “Wine?” he asked, and she agreed with a shrug and a nod.

  Russ poured two glasses of Shiraz and joined Riley at the table. “Sure you're legal?” he quipped.

  She giggled and pushed on his shoulder. “Quit teasing, old man.” They both laughed, then they applied themselves to their dinner.

  Riley, Russ noted, ate with intense concentration, as though every forkful of food meant so much more than mere sustenance. He sipped his wine as he watched her eat, his own food forgotten on his plate. Eat, man. You do have it bad, don't you? Shaking off rumination, he began to work on his own meal, but his eyes wanted to stray across Riley's curves. Her breasts curved under the front of his sweatshirt, practically begging to be touched, and the sight of her slender legs, bare from mid-thigh to mid-calf, would remain forever etched in his memory. The girl captivated him, from the curve of her jaw to the delicately pulsing artery in her neck, her dainty collarbone, her narrow waist. She's the real feast here. Riley lifted her eyes from her plate and caught him staring at her. Her face pinkened. Then she shocked him by reaching across the table and stroking the stubble on his cheek.

  “The food is delicious, Russell,” she commented. “Thank you.”

  He set down his fork so he could capture her hand and lifted it to his lips. “I needed to be sure my sweet lady was well cared for,” he replied, enjoying the darkening color of her cheeks. “Have you had enough?” He indicated her plate, where most of the food had disappeared.

  “Yes, thank you,” she replied. “It was so good.”

  Russell's own plate was not nearly as empty as usual, but his stomach no longer growled, so he scraped the remnants into the trash and rinsed the dishes before tucking them into the dishwasher. Riley followed suit.

  Tasks complete, they stopped dead in the middle of the kitchen, staring at each other. Riley's lower lip found its way between her teeth. She looked so heart-meltingly uncertain. “What is it?” Russell asked.

  “I…” her pale face darkened to scarlet and she broke eye contact, lowering her gaze to the floor.

  Russ closed the distance between them in an instant, gathering her close. “What is it, Riley,” he murmured into her ear.

  Riley slipped her arms around his neck and laid her cheek on his chest. She wants a hug? That's easy enough. Warming her in his embrace, Russell took in her scent again. Something nervous and embarrassed had wormed its way in, as well as an anticipation that stole his breath and made his heart pound. She knows what she wants. She just doesn't know how to say it.

  Reasoning that she could always stop him, he released the hug and guided her across the open floor of the cabin to a wide leather armchair facing the fireplace. He sank down on the comfortable surface and pulled her onto his lap. One big, rugged and calloused hand cupped her face, drawing her close. His lips trailed across her cheek, seeking her lips and then claiming them in a lush, open-mouthed kiss.

  “Do you want this?” he projected into her mind as his tongue plunged between her lips. The intimate contact seemed to thaw her nervous stiffness. Her shoulders relaxed and her body molded itself into the unyielding wall of his torso.

  “I wa
nt you,” she replied without speaking, but must have known he would hear her. The targeted thought could only have been deliberate.

  “And you have me,” he sent back, confirming her message had been received. She inhaled sharply. “And I have you. This is meant to be Riley. We're meant to claim each other.”

  Shyly, her tongue crept to his and touched. The love play of the kiss increased in heat and tempo as they took turns possessing each other's mouths. Russ coaxed Riley to enter and rewarded her with a teasing lick. With one hand he still held her face, keeping her a willing captive to his embrace. With the other, he stroked her back up and down. Riley clung to his shoulders as though to a lifeline. She's drowning in desire already, from only a kiss. Pressing, testing the limits of her willingness, he slipped his hand around her body and laid it flat on her belly. The small outward curve fluttered under his touch. She seemed to sense that the moment was poised on a razor's edge. Whether he moved up or down, she would be forever changed. For moment her body tensed, and then the tension melted like snow in sunshine, pooling in liquid desire he could smell as well as sense. In passion, her scent grew even more enticing. His bear urged action, as did his sex, which ached with readiness, hard and throbbing with the need to plunge into her. Rational man fought with ancient instinct. I can't hold out long. I need her too much. Deliberately he moved upward, cupping the softness of one breast.

  Riley captured Russ' lower lip and nibbled, seeming to desire a distraction from his first intimate touch. He allowed the move. Slow and easy, baby girl. Take it at your own pace. She made no move to pull back from his exploration, however, and her nipple welcomed him, rising to touch his palm. He thumbed the peak and was rewarded with a wave of pleasure he could feel radiating from her. Her kiss turned desperate. He let her ravage his mouth, but still his fingers stroked and played over the tender tip of her breast. He could feel how much she liked his touch, but her mind had awakened and was nervous.

  “So sweet,” he murmured against her lips. Then, in a slow, deliberate movement, he fisted the fabric of her sweatshirt and lifted it high, raising his head so he could see what he had been touching. Round, upright globes of medium size tantalized him with cherry pink nipples set in smooth, pale skin. Despite the fire, the coolness in the room quickly teased the peaks even more erect. They seemed to beg for his attention. Russ reached for the as-yet unstimulated breast, but Riley stayed his hand with a soft touch of her fingertips.

  With a gulp, she moved of her own accord, lifting the sweatshirt over her head and tossing it aside.

  Now clad only in a pair of blue lace panties and his funny knitted socks, she lifted her head defiantly, daring him to comment.

  “You're gorgeous, Riley,” he said, running gentle fingers down her shoulder and arm to her hand, where he laced their fingers together. “Beautiful and brave. I'm so glad you're mine.”

  She closed her eyes, thick dark lashes sweeping her cheeks. He touched his lips to her eyebrow.

  “May I touch you some more? I want to make you feel good.”

  Her eyes flew open and she inhaled a slow, deep breath. Though it seemed her words had abandoned her, her body acquiesced to his request, back arching to offer her breasts to his touch. Not wanting to torture her with anticipation, he took her invitation immediately, cupping the soft fullness and stroking the silky skin. This time, he lowered his head and kissed her nipple, then glanced up to gauge her reaction. She seemed to be considering, so he opened and delivered a gentle suck.

  This time Riley's gasp was one of pure, startled pleasure. Her fingers laced into his hair, holding him right where she wanted him. He licked and nibbled one nipple, stroked and tugged the other. Riley emitted a soft moan. Russell smiled against her breast. Once again, uncertainty had faded to acquiescence. He released her and indulged in another long look. Her lips were slightly parted, her intoxicating eyes hazy. Her nipples glistened in the firelight. Her breath came in little pants. She's almost ready already. Time to take her to another level. His bear protested with an almost audible roar. Soon, buddy. You won't regret the wait.

  Russell cupped Riley's panties, laying his hand flat on her mound. Her passion tears had soaked the fabric. He deliberately moved the scrap of lace to the side, baring her completely to his touch.

  “Russ!” she gasped. Then her inhalation faded to a moan as he ran two fingers up and down her slick folds, anointing them with her juices in preparation for an even more intimate touch.

  “I want to give you pleasure, Riley. Will you let me? Should I stop?” Even as he asked the question, he pushed one finger into the opening of her body and was unsurprised to find his passage partially blocked. “Why, Riley, are you a virgin?” he teased.

  “Not…” she sucked air into her lungs. “Not for much longer. Don't stop, Russ.” Deliberately she spread her thighs.

  Humbled by her trust, Russell set out to bring his lady as much pleasure as he could. His aimless stroking soon settled in on her clitoris and he set out to make Riley feel good by moving the swollen nub in a slow circle.

  Her moans changed to whimpers and even more moisture slicked her folds. “Your body wants me, little girl,” he told her.

  Her response was somewhat less than coherent.

  Recalling how tight and unyielding her innocent passage had been, Russ changed his motion, working her clit with this thumb so he could open her with his fingers. Slowly he inserted one again, and the clinging wetness nearly broke his control. Bear and man wanted into that tiny well with equal fervency. Determined to give Riley the best possible awakening, he grimly fought down his own urges. First she clenched against his invasion, but gradually her body acclimated. Another whimpering sob escaped her. This time he pressed two fingers into her well, pushing right to the barrier that denied him full access to her body. Easing his fingers in and out in a gentle imitation of intercourse, he worked her clitoris with his thumb and waited. Riley's every breath caught on a sob as her peak neared. Soon she would be writhing in his arms. Soon… soon… soon… NOW.

  Riley cried out sweetly as her body reacted. Her sex clamped down on his fingers and her clit throbbed under his thumb. Every muscle locked and trembled as her pleasure peaked. Russell looked on in approval as his lady enjoyed her orgasm. Gently he eased his fingers deeper until he once again encountered her barrier. Allowing one claw to extend, he punctured the membrane. That will help with what's to come. And as he hoped, she seemed not to notice. Long moments passed as Riley squirmed in ecstasy, but at last she fell limp, her cheek on his shoulder. He kissed her hair again.

  “Feel good?” he asked, unable to conceal completely the rumble in his voice. His bear would not be denied much longer. Time to move while I still have control.

  “Mmmmm,” she answered in a wordless hum. He grinned. Speechless. Not bad.

  Russ tucked one finger under Riley's chin and lifted her face, kissing her back to awareness.

  “Your turn?” she asked sweetly, though she looked a bit nervous now.

  “My turn,” he agreed. “Now, earlier, you asked me if there were any bear courtship rituals you should know about. There is one.” He set her on her feet and walked her over to the rug in front of the fireplace. She watched in unabashed curiosity as he stripped off his sweater and pants.

  Swallowing hard, Riley shimmied her panties down her legs, taking the socks along, so she stood nude before him. “What would that be?”

  Russ couldn't tear his eyes off the vision of feminine beauty before him. Though petite and slender, Riley was still no stick figure. Softly curving breasts, belly, hips and thighs graced her frame. Mine! Man and bear snarled together. He stepped close, pulling her into his arms for a tender kiss. He sank to his knees, drawing her with him, but then instead of lowering her to her back, he turned her away from him.

  “The first time we have sex, it has to be in this position,” he told her, urging her forward.

  She turned to look over her shoulder. “This time?”

  “Yes, only this
time. After that, I plan to try out every position there is with you, Riley. Is that okay?”

  “Uh…” the corners of her eyes tightened. “Let's get this one done first.”

  “Right. Sorry, sweetheart. I'm not really myself right now. I want you so bad. Are you okay?”

  “I feel very… exposed,” she replied. “Russ, before I chicken out, you should probably hurry.”

  Russell laid his hand on her hip, stroking to soothe her. He understood why she felt exposed. Every inch of her glistening sex lay bare for his perusal. Her clitoris stood proud and dark against the pink folds. He couldn't help but touch it again. Riley gasped. “Muh… more?” she stammered.

  “Do you think I'll ever get tired of watching you come? I don't,” he replied. It took every ounce of willpower Russ possessed to pleasure Riley once more. He penetrated her with one and then two fingers, but without the barrier of her hymen, he was able to enter her fully, preparing her to receive what he was aching to give her. So soon after her last climax, he was able to bring her to pleasure quickly. Within a few short moments, her hips were rocking and her body clenching as ecstasy swept her. Russell withdrew his fingers. Grasping his erection with one hand, he lined it up with her opening. Despite his preparations, she still seemed impossibly tiny. She sucked air through her teeth and her body tensed, but Russ didn't retreat. A sharp nudge pushed the crown of his sex into her. Another nudge and the head disappeared. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the sight of their bodies slowly merging. Riley gasped and hissed but never protested. With short, gentle thrusts, Russell progressed deeper and deeper until, after what seemed like an eternity, he had filled her completely. Her depth matched him well, and the sensation of wet, throbbing heat caressed him with the most indescribable pleasure. Unable to contain himself, Russell threw back his head. The bear roared in triumph, forcing an ursine bellow through his human throat.

  Not much time remained to Russ to enjoy mating his woman. He had waited too long. But he did take a moment to cover Riley, laying his chest fully against her back, the way a bear would do. In a soft undertone, he articulated words ancient beyond human measurement. Then he lifted his body upright and grasped Riley's hips in his hands. “All right, love. You're doing so well, and I'm almost there. Are you hurting?”