Wild Bear Mates: Paranormal Bear Shifter Reverse Harem Romance

by Lilly Wilder

  Adam copied. Only Gerard was left.

  “Well fuck me. I’ll do it tomorrow.”

  “Maybe we should get a new couch?” Adam asked.

  “No. This will be our fucking couch.”

  “Our fucking, fucking couch.” Ian snorted.

  I stuck my tongue out and laughed. “You are a cheese ball.”

  “You know you love it.”

  “I want you all to be inside me again.” I’m not sure why I said it. It just appeared on my lips.

  “Fuck woman, can’t you wait?” Ian smacked my upper thigh.

  Gerard paled a bit. “Don’t worry. We have plenty of time. Tomorrow is another day.”

  Tomorrow was another day. And I was going to have my three warriors at once again. Perhaps one of these days Vivica would be up for an experiment again.

  “I think it is time we all went to sleep.” Gerard got up first and collected his clothes from the floor.

  “We can’t sleep. We’re supposed to guard the cabin tonight.” Adam’s voice was gravely and low. He cleared his throat and spoke again. “Let’s get some coffee. That should perk us up.”

  Ian turned towards me. “I’m going to sleep in the bedroom with you. If that’s okay. I just don’t want to take any chances.

  “Just let me sleep in between you and Vivica. I don’t want her waking up to a man next to her. We don’t know what’s going on in her mind yet.”

  “I agree. I’m just going to run to the bathroom, and I’ll be in.”

  I gathered up our clothes and carried them to the hamper. I was feeling a bit warm, so I chose a short-sleeved ensemble from the closet. I was too tired to shower. In the morning. Besides if I didn’t shower, wouldn’t that give me a better chance of being pregnant? I wish I would have paid better attention during sex ed. I spent so much time worrying about how not to get pregnant, I’d completely blanked on the fertility part. Ah well, I guess I would just have to leave it up to the Goddess as best as I could. I changed into my pajamas, turned off the closet light, and tiptoed into the bedroom.

  Snuggling under the covers, I listened to Vivica’s deep rhythmic breathing. Ian walked quietly in from the bathroom. The bed creaked a bit when he climbed inside. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck. I breathed in his warm scent. Why had I never noticed how good he smelled before? Folding into his chest, I snuggled in and drifted off.

  -23-

  When I woke up, I was alone in bed. Chatter floated in from the living room. Vivica’s shrill laughter drowning out the specific words. She was up and laughing. I couldn’t have asked for a better sign. I hobbled to the bathroom, blinking away my heavy sleep. After I peed, I splashed some water on my face and looked in the mirror. My face was crinkled where I’d laid across the sheets. I’ve definitely looked better. Maybe once I got some coffee, I would feel a little perkier.

  Running a brush through my hair to try and tame the frizz, I remembered last night’s romp. We were getting the hang of this group sex thing. It was a lot harder than it looks. After I combed through my snags and rubbed a bit of oil in my hair, I went out into the living room.

  Vivica, Adam, Ian, and Gerard were all gathered around the dining room table. A mound of breakfast food covered the tables. Omelets, pastries, waffles, pancakes, hash browned potatoes, turkey bacon and sausage patties, and a giant fruit salad sat in the center of the table. Everyone had heaping portions on their plates. I grabbed a plate and began piling food onto it. I was starving.

  “We’re going to start interviewing shapeshifters today.” Gerard said with a mouthful of waffles.

  “What are you going to ask?”

  “I’m going to try and see who would have a motive to sell off our breeders. Anyone with a reason to try and hurt us. At least if we touch base with everyone, we’ll have an idea of how to narrow it down.”

  Adam smacked a piece of paper that was on the table. “I’ve got a list of all of our tribe members. We’ve already crossed out the ones that were in the healing compound, confirmed at nighttime duties, and all of the children. We’re going to interview all of the warriors first, then the youngest men, then continue on from there.”

  “Are you sure a woman wasn’t responsible?” I asked.

  Adam blinked for a few seconds. “Why would you think it’s a woman?”

  “Well, I’m just thinking about motive. A man could have a few motives: revenge or money. But, a woman could also be getting rid of the competition.”

  Gerard raised his eyebrow. “Getting rid of the competition?”

  “Well, yeah, I mean, all of us as breeders are technically competition. At least until a breeder is chosen by their mate. So, perhaps it could be a woman with her eye on a particular breeder or a stake in the outcome at least.”

  “We’ll look into it. First, we’ll interview the men though. I’m betting that even if there is a woman involved, she must have had one of the warriors help her. The speed alone of the snatches would tell you that. Possibly several shapeshifters.”

  “I won’t rest until I know who took us. It can’t happen again.” Vivica looked pensive. I met her eyes.

  “Do you remember anything that might help them?”

  “I’ve told them all I know.” Her eyes avoided mine.

  “Did they speak to you while they were transporting you?” I asked. She shook her head.

  “When I was grabbed, everything happened so fast. I didn’t get a good look. And then they put something over my head. I think it was a man that was carrying me. They were extremely large and strong. But, when I arrived at the other tribe, I think I heard a woman’s voice. She sounded old.”

  “We’ve discussed details with Vivica. She doesn’t need to go into everything right now.” Gerard put his hand on Vivica’s arm as a protective gesture. That was sweet. But, a well of concern reached my chest. What was Vivica not telling me? What had the other tribe done to her? Said to her? Why did she arrive looking so damn pale? And why did she feel comfortable talking to the guys about it, but not me? This is not about you, Cat. How can you be so selfish right now?

  The guys stood up. Ian wiped his mouth with a napkin and tossed it onto the table. Charming. They all waved and said their goodbyes and headed out to perform the interviews. Again, I was struck with the sense of déjà vu. What was I missing? Vivica continued to pick at her plate.

  “Aren’t you hungry?”

  “Not really. I made a big show of eating for the guys because they were staring at me. I couldn’t take it. But now, I think I made a mistake and ate too much.”

  “Are you okay?” I regretted the words as soon as I spoke them. “I know you’re not okay. What I mean, is that if you want to talk about something you can tell me. I’m really worried about you.”

  Vivica smiled weakly. “I appreciate that.” She dropped her fork.

  “Do you mind if I go lay down for a bit?” She’d only gotten up a few hours ago. How could she already be tired again?

  “Of course not. Just let me know if you need anything.” She smiled again and went back into the bedroom. With the guys gone and Vivica back in the bedroom, there was nothing left to do but entertain myself with some bad television. Although I used to make fun of reality shows, some of the ones that Ian watched were quite entertaining. The drama was easy to follow, although highly illogical, and the emotions that it stirred up was quite alarming. I already had favorite people on the show that I wanted to check up on. What’s happening to me? After shoveling some more food onto my plate, I made my way to the couch and turned on the latest season of Single and Mingle.

  Not long after my second cup of coffee, the doorbell rang. I set my cup down and walked over to answer. Peeking between the crack of the door and the frame, I spotted Arkan and Kara. I wondered what they would want.

  “Hey guys! It’s been a long time. How are you?” Didn’t they have things to do in the middle of the day? I opened the door and motioned inside. Their smiles were s
tretched tightly but didn’t appear genuine. Why were they trying to appear so cheerful?

  “How’s everything?” Arkan headed for the couch. “We’re just here to check up on you. We’ve been trying to maintain contact with all of the new breeders. You know, make sure that everything is going well. Especially in light of these recent…uh…disappearances.”

  “Kidnappings you mean?” Arkan’s face screwed up in confusion. Kara’s forehead crinkled.

  “The alleged kidnappings. I think that these women just wandered off. There’s no way that someone could penetrate our security. We’ve got guards and shapeshifters all around the camp. And besides why would anyone kidnap a spoken-for breeder?”

  Why indeed. And why was Arkan so convinced that these women disappeared on their own. Didn’t the council share what I saw with everyone? “Yeah it’s really weird. Don’t you think it’s weird that they would all try and run away on the same night?” The warriors rescued all of the women from the other tribe. Didn’t they announce all of this?

  “Maybe they all ran away together, somewhere.” Kara cleared her throat.

  “Right. Well. We just came to check on you and see how things are going. Have you been successful in breeding yet?” What did they mean successful?

  “You mean, am I pregnant?”

  Arkan raised his hands up in a gesture I didn’t recognize. I turned towards Kara. She nodded.

  “Well. I have no idea.”

  “You haven’t told anyone about…uh..our slipup during tryouts have you?” Arkan’s gaze was smoldering. His handsome features were exactly as I remembered them. But for some reason, his look sent a chill through me. Was he this…creepy before?

  “No of course not. I told you I wouldn’t. So, I didn’t. I haven’t. I won’t.”

  “Whew. What a relief. I was worried a bit when I hadn’t heard from you.”

  Was I supposed to contact him again? No one had ever said I was supposed to. My breeders had been keeping me so busy that the thought of contacting another man seemed insane.

  “This might sound a little odd to you. But, would you mind taking a pregnancy test? It should be just about that time.” What, were they tracking my cycles now? How long had it been since I’d gone through try outs? With everything going on, time seemed quite fluid. When was the last time I even looked at a calendar? Or the moon for that matter? And why would I take a pregnancy test now. Is that the only reason why they came over here? Don’t let them know you’re onto them.

  “Sure, I don’t mind. Actually, I’m super curious. But I don’t have any tests in the house. I guess maybe I’ll get my breeders to go to the store and get some. They should be back any minute.”

  Kara and Arkan exchanged glances. “We’ve actually got one right here. It won’t take long. If you go ahead and take it now, we’ll know the results before your breeders get back. We wouldn’t want to have to tell them about our little mistake unless we know we have to, right?” Although her tone was forced pleasant, I could detect a bit of a sinister threat behind it. Were they trying to somehow make me feel guilty about what had happened? I didn’t know the rules and I certainly didn’t know that I was going to end up a breeder to three warriors. And the guys would be dicks if they tried to make me feel bad about my past. Isn’t jealousy something only for the uneducated and less developed tribes anyway?

  “Well, if you give me the test. I’ll hurry up and take it before they get back.” I echoed their request. There was something amiss with this visit and it was more than a slipup in self-control. They were trolling for information. I could smell it. But why?

  Kara pulled the test out of her jacket pocket and handed it to me. “I’ll be right back.” I didn’t want to leave them alone in the house, but I needed to go take the test so they could leave.

  I went to the bathroom, leaving the door open a crack so that I could hear into the living room. If they began to move around, I would go out and investigate. Don’t take the test. What if I am pregnant with Arkan’s baby? They wouldn’t harm me, would they? How could I get around taking the test? Maybe instead of peeing on it, I could run water on it? Would that look the same as a test that was taken? I guess I would have to try. I turned the faucet on to a light trickle. Holding the test stick underneath of the stream of water, I wet the absorbent tip just enough to where it turned colors. Smart ass stick. I put the cap back on and waited. I flushed the toilet. Maybe they were listening. I also ran the water and fiddled with the soap dish to make it sound like I was washing my hands. I carried the test laid flat horizontally on my palm.

  When I made it to the living room, I put the test onto the table. I decided to play dumb. “How long do we have to wait until we know?”

  “Usually it’s about five minutes.” How many times had they done this?

  “I’m a little nervous.” That was the truth. Although it had nothing to do with the test results.

  “Don’t be nervous. If it’s positive, we’ll take care of it.” Kara gave a formal smile.

  She didn’t say she’d take care of me. It. She’d take care of it. As if it was something you could simply cross off your to do list. I felt a bit nauseated. What did that mean? What were they planning on? My hands began to shake.

  “So, let’s pass some time. Tell me, how are things with your new breeders.”

  What did he want to hear? That things were great or that they sucked? “Um, you know it’s an adjustment.” Don’t give details. Avoid the questions.

  “I’ll bet. Three men at once. I’m sure it’s hard to please them all.”

  Do people normally come into others houses and interrogate them? I smiled sweetly. “I do my best.” Good girl. Keep knocking back those questions. You only have to make it five minutes. Then you can pretend to be distraught and hustle them out.

  “Have you guys had any major disagreements yet?” The look on my face must have betrayed how I felt. “I mean, don’t hesitate to use us as a resource. We’ve got years of experience with breeder and warrior relationships and we’re also more familiar with shapeshifting in general.”

  “Um, nothing so far. But, you know I’m a witch, so things are usually quite easy for me.”

  Arkan laughed a bit. “That’s right. The world’s first witch to become a shapeshifter breeder in a thousand years. You’re going to be written into history.” Here’s hoping.

  “Well, I don’t know that yet. One step at a time. Getting pregnant is just the first step. Surviving pregnancy and labor is another story.”

  “If humans can do it, so can you, trust me.” Kara sounded bored. She looked at her watch. “One more minute.”

  “I just want to do my best to serve the tribe. I have a soft spot for underdogs.” Arkan’s happy mask rippled for a second.

  “What the hell do you mean underdogs? This tribe’s done nothing but take, take, and take for years.”

  I raised my eyebrow and delicately posed a question I now desperately wanted the answer to. “Oh? What do you mean?”

  Arkan opened his mouth to answer, but Kara slapped him across the chest with her arm. “It’s time.” She held up the pregnancy test to the light. “There’s only one line.”

  I held my breath. Would the pregnancy test look like someone had peed on it? Would she be able to tell the difference?

  “Well shit. She’s not pregnant. I guess you aren’t a super breeder after all.” Arkan’s face fell. Why did he look so sad that his accident hadn’t resulted in an illicit child?

  “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

  Kara rattled on. “Oh, it’s neither. We’re just collecting information. We’ve always got a plan, no matter what happens.”

  A tingle appeared on the back of my neck. I was missing something. And I needed them out of here. “Well, I’m really beat. This week has taken it out of me. When can you guys come back for another chat? Perhaps all of us can have dinner sometime this week?”

  Kara winced.

  “Um
, we’re going to be really busy this week coming up, but maybe some other time.” Arkan cleared his throat.

  Yeah right. They just came over here to see if I was pregnant. So what’s next? They walked towards the door.

  “It was really great seeing you guys. Don’t be such strangers.” I put a fake bounce in my voice.

  “Oh, we won’t my dear. We’ll see you soon.” Kara’s voice was as smooth as syrup.

  As soon as they left, I shut the door and bolted it behind them.

  Vivica’s voice rang out in the emptiness causing me to jump three feet in the air.

  “They’re up to something.”

  I turned towards her. She was clutching the door frame. A pale look of terror was set on her face.

  “You’re telling me. They just made me take a pregnancy test.”

  “I know. I heard the whole thing. They gave me the creeps. How did we ever think they were nice?”

  I wasn’t sure. What about them had changed? I couldn’t put my finger on it, but it was almost as if the air surrounding them had changed.

  “What are we going to do?” Vivica asked, still clutching the door frame. I walked across the room and put my arms around her.

  “We’re going to tell the guys everything when they get home. And we’re going to prepare for them just in case they try and show up again.”

  “What do you mean prepare?” Why did I keep forgetting I was a witch?

  “I’ll show you. I need your help. My magic isn’t very powerful, but I’ve got an idea.” Vivica nodded and took my hand. We spent the rest of the afternoon mixing potions, crushing herbs and stirring remedies. By the time the guys walked through the door, we were ready to lay out our plan.

  -24-

  “They made you what!” Gerard’s face was nearly purple with rage. He slammed his fist on the table so hard that the forgotten dirty dishes rattled.

  “Kara and Arkan came here with a pregnancy test.” If I was going to get through this entire story, Gerard was going to need to control his temper. “They made it seem casual, but I could tell they were invested in the results.” I wasn’t comfortable pushing any further than I did.