I was never permitted to speak to boys growing up, I went to an all-girls school, so I didn’t even have the opportunity during my hours away from my bodyguards. The only men or boys I’ve ever know belong to Father’s business associate’s kids, but we were never left alone so I’ve never even kissed the opposite sex. When I was fifteen and reading romance novels I used to dream of the day I’d get my first kiss and how someone else’s lips would feel on my own.
My life has been censored in so many ways that I’m thankful that Rosa would sneak me her books after she’d finish reading them, it was our small rebellion from Father. Mother would buy them and give them to Rosa since we weren’t permitted televisions in our rooms, and we were told what we could and couldn’t watch when we went into the family room.
My life has been so sheltered that I’m not sure how I’ll fit into the biker world. I fear I’ll make a fool of myself once I get a taste of freedom.
Draegon Teaser
Draegon
* * *
As I pull into my garage, I think about the past week. While my clan isn’t bothered in the community, we generally have a one-week getaway in the Adirondack mountains where we can remain in bear form. I enjoy the camaraderie among the clan, but feel alone and that feeling is amplified whenever everyone gets together. My parents have told me that I will know when I find my mate, but after years of near-misses, I am still alone. At thirty-five, I long to find her so that we can build the family I’ve always dreamed of having.
Walking into the house, I call out to Lucy, the border collie mix who appeared on my property one day, a scared, tiny puppy. She didn’t realize that she wasn’t supposed to like me, and she allowed me to nurse her back to health. A faithful companion for the past two years now, she was looked after by my mother while I was away. Most of the time, the elders go, but this time, Mom decided to stay home, which worked out perfectly. Lucy comes bounding up to me, tail wagging and eyes shining. “C’mon, girl, let’s get the clothes in the wash and head out for a walk, yeah?” I scoff at myself. Here I am, talking to a dog. On some level though, she understands because she drags my duffel bag towards the laundry room, causing me to laugh.
Clothes now washing, I quickly change into cargo shorts. It’s been hotter than normal and because I’m already hot-natured due to my bear, I rarely wear a lot of clothes. I’m one of the bigger bears in the clan, standing at well over six feet five inches, with a muscular build that helps to keep the younger bears in check. I head out the back door and onto my deck and take a moment to breathe in the fresh air I missed while gone. Nothing like being home, that’s for sure. Walking down the back stairs with Lucy prancing by my side, I reminisce about my recent trip. There had been a few other clans there and I had held high hopes that I would find “her” but once again, I came up empty. Something has to give and soon. I need an heir. Can’t do that without a mate.
Reaching the water’s edge, I watch as Lucy frolics in the water. I laugh as she swims out to a rock and then with reckless abandon and a look on her face that could only be described as a smile, she jumps off and into the water. Swimming back out, she shakes off and starts nosing around along the brush.
Lost in thought, I don’t hear her barking right away, but when I do, I sense something is very wrong. She’s never barked in that manner and I can see her pushing her snout against something lying next to the water. I amble down toward her and catch a whiff of something. Stopping in my tracks, I draw in a deep breath and my senses go on high alert. Hell, even my bear has awakened. We have to helphe yells, clamoring to get out.
Sniff.
There it is again – blood. Pain. Fear. Terror. Picking up my pace, I begin running to where Lucy is now pushing at whatever is on the ground. As I approach, my bear begins clamoring louder in my head.
That scent.
Whatever it is, it has my bear on high alert as I move closer.
I cautiously approach Lucy and see what looks like a bloody sack of rags. Peering closer, I can see a small, feminine hand and that is what Lucy is presently nudging and whining over. I gently push back the hair that’s covering the woman’s face and my breath catches in my throat. Despite the blood and bruises, I can see a delicate, almost dainty profile with a mass of long, curly auburn hair. Glancing over her, I see a curvy body that calls to me...to us. I reach out a hand that is surprisingly steady and search for a pulse and when I find it, I blow out a breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.
“Alright, Lucy. Let’s see if we can help her,” I say to the dog, who’s now sitting here watching me, her mission accomplished. Gently picking up the woman, I begin walking back toward the house, questions flying through my head.
Who is she? How did she end up on my property? Who would hurt someone so tiny? Why on earth is my bear going nuts at her scent?
* * *
Wyndi
* * *
Warm. I feel so warm after being cold forever. Snuggling closer, I sleep.
Reclaiming Maysen Page 17