Mandy paced across the confines of the bedroom and then stopped beside her mate and gave him a solid kick in the thigh for good measure. She had never realized training a bear could be so difficult, but he was stubborn and a complete idiot for thinking he could manhandle her. She left the room and searched the cabin until she found what she needed.Dragging, pulling, and sliding, she eventually got him onto the bed. Using all the rope she found, she tied him to the four posters, spread eagle. She then made herself some food. After cleaning the kitchen and then the water from the bathroom floor, she filled a large bucket with ice and water, giving it a few minutes to become as cold as possible, and then, without a care for the mattress, she upended the bucket over his head. He shook his huge body and roared louder than she'd ever heard. With all four limbs tied to the bed he couldn't shift without dislocating his joints. She'd noticed his swollen pinky, but decided it could wait until
Honey grabbed her hair but didn't pull. He wanted to be sure she couldn't run. Ever so slowly, he brought her face closer to his. When their lips almost touched, he whispered, "Kiss me again."She sighed into his mouth and indulged the request. He pulled her close, fingers of one hand around the side of her neck, then rolled so she lay beneath him, and let the kiss continue. When he finally lifted his head, her hooded gaze enchanted him and arousal pulsed between them again. "Wrap your legs around my waist." He breathed across her skin then waited until she complied. "Hold on," he managed to say before the force of their combined lust made speaking impossible.He wasn't slow or gentle. His hips surged forward as he repeatedly buried himself in his mate - quick, hard, and all consuming. She matched him thrust for thrust until she let go and exploded with a powerful orgasm that also took him over the edge.He moved away from her hot skin, but placed his hand on her stomach. The bed, w
Feathery hair tickling her stomach along with the distinct sound of sniffing woke Mandy the following morning. She couldn't help her giggle. When she could speak, her voice was low and throaty from sleep. "What are you doing, you crazy bear?"He glanced up and smiled. "Hmm, you smell delicious, more so than usual. I think you're ovulating.""Really?" Her sleep dissipated fast.He kissed her belly and traveled upward, giving a long wet lick to each nipple before nibbling at her neck. He ran his nose slowly along the sensitive skin beneath her jaw.A groan escaped Mandy's lips. "You need to hurry." His teeth scraped her sensitized flesh. "Ahh... we... we must take advantage of this for as long as possible."His husky laugh blew across her ear. "I seem to remember a certain stubborn she-wolf who took her time when her mate needed things to progress a little faster.""That was playing. This is serious business." She arched her back and pressed herself closer to his incredibly warm bo
Honey didn't return before Sonora picked her up, which put angst in each step Mandy took as she got ready. The man needed to communicate. He seemed to be two different people... sometimes fun and carefree, but most often serious and all he-bear. She preferred the carefree Honey more and knew she'd need to work on him so he-bear didn't make regular appearances.The trip into town was uneventful. They took The Kodiak's large truck and had a man at the hardware store load a new front door for the cabin. Mandy picked up her package, but blushed slightly when Sonora asked about it. "It's a surprise for Honey and I'll let him tell you if he wants." Mandy knew this was one surprise Honey wouldn't be sharing."Don't spoil him too much or he'll go soft," Sonora teased."I'd like to make something special for dinner, too, if you don't mind stopping at the grocery store."Sonora nodded with a smile and muttered under her breath, "Soft it is."They arrived home two hours later. Honey stood in
They approached the large unassuming cabin and Honey yanked her hand slightly when he felt hesitation in her step. The door opened and his mother gestured them inside.Mandy took Sonora's hand. "I'm sorry we're imposing on you. Honey insisted, but I know it's rude to just come over."Sonora's lips tilted in a soft smile. "You're always welcome, but I'm curious..." She looked back and forth between Honey and Mandy. " - why didn't you make the meal you planned earlier?" Without waiting for an answer, Sonora continued, "Come in and sit down so I can get some food in my son's stomach. He's grumpy when he hasn't eaten, which I'm sure you've discovered."The alpha sat waiting at the head of the table with a steady glare. Honey took the chair across from him after pulling out one for Mandy.The Kodiak's voice boomed through the room. "Your she-wolf needs to do her duty and take care of you."Honey placed his hand on Mandy's leg and squeezed gently.It didn't stop her. "I'm sorry for bei
While in the kitchen with Sonora, Honey's mother had explained to Mandy that her surprise package would drive him crazy. She also advised Mandy not to wait too long before giving it to him or she'd have a very grumpy mate on her hands. With the bears' legends of fierceness, Mandy thought it funny that their curiosity tended to get the better of them.When they entered their cabin after dinner, she had noticed Honey's eyes stray to the package. She knew he wanted to see what was inside, but her he-bear was too stubborn to ask.She carried the plainly wrapped box into the bedroom and handed it over. He may have acted like he didn't care, but he didn't hesitate as his large fingers tore into the paper. Once he cast aside the wrapping, he quickly opened the lid. His fingers froze as he looked up at his mate. "What the hell?" Then he lifted the top item from the box.Mandy watched as what she bought dawned on her perplexed mate. His face turned pink, and she couldn't help but giggle. "I
Honey had no time to do more than try to reach for Mandy when a furious she-wolf, in human form, tackled him backward against the bed. Grabbing Emily's hands to stop her pummeling was nearly impossible, and she managed to get a nice left hook to his nose."Stop, you crazy fool. Don't hurt him, he's my mate," Mandy screamed."Not for long," Brandt said. Honey took his eyes off Emily and saw Mandy picked up from the floor by Brandt.Another punch to his nose was his reward for disregarding Mandy's sister. He heard a loud oomph, saw Brandt bend double, and then his armless mate jumped on Emily's back, pushing her tightly into Honey's chest."A wolf sandwich. How tasty." Dmitri's laughter rang out from the bedroom doorway."You said she wasn't here." Brandt's angry words came through on a groan."She wasn't the last time you asked." The vampire looked at the three struggling people on the bed. "If you're able to stand up straight," he looked at Brandt, "I think we should probably get
They never made it back into their costumes, but Honey did nail the front door shut from the inside and promised he would un-pry it in the morning. Mandy lay snuggling on his chest because he refused to let her stand on her head until the morning.Within a short time, Mandy knew their quest for a child failed. "What if we cannot make a baby?" she asked softly.Honey tried to hold back his low grumble, but the subject matter made it futile. "Then we won't have a baby for many years to come. They tell me it's easier to allow your mate to breed with a human after a hundred years or so, but I have my doubts." The grumble grew louder.She pulled a small tuft of hair on his chest. "Stop that. You don't scare me, but I also don't see having sex with a human as a solution."He growled again, but let her keep talking."I'm worried about your father and what he will do to you."Honey took her hand and kissed the backs of her fingers. "That's my worry, not yours. He will not kill me, especi
VedaWe hear the music before the lights come into view. The party is outside on the large patio at Dmitri's house. Nikka decorated with white sparkling lights and paper lanterns. The music is unknown to me, which isn't a surprise. Technology is not my friend and I prefer the peace of the forest.Dmitri's voice echoes over the music. "Welcome, Veda, Witch from the line of Josephine, mate to Tyboll, and new member of the bear clan."The music shuts off suddenly and I can do nothing but return the formal greeting. "Thank you, Black Demon Bringer of Death, mate of Nikka, Liege to the bear clan."A restless mumble from the bears fills the night. Have I said something wrong? Tyboll's hand tightens on mine. Nikka appears slightly shocked before she steps forward and wraps me in her arms. "What have I done," I ask her silently."You're fine. He just hasn't used his full title in centuries," she replies into my mindI turn to Dmitri, who looks at his mate with a soft smile. "I am sorry,
TybollShe shows me her circle of herbs - explains about upsetting the balance and using all the Goddess's gifts wisely. I listen. Part of me is terrified and the other in awe. To live separately from everyone to hide your secrets takes great sacrifice.She understands my need to examine what I've learned. She heads to the cabin to cook while I go running as bear. She holds no fear that I will give away her secrets. We are mates. Her secrets are mine.I close my mind from Dmitri as I think about all Veda has told me. I shouldn't have been surprised when the largest bear of our clan blocks my path a few miles from my cabin. The Kodiak, alpha to the greatest clan, stands in front of me. He is also my brother by blood and like most brothers, we have our differences. This situation will be no different."Tyboll," his snarly voice rings through my head."Alpha," I reply pleasantly."You don't fool me. You are mated to the witch. Did it occur to you that I should be informed of this?"
VedaTyboll's new rule works. Less talking and more sex. This is one demand I am incapable of dismissing. We are stretched out on the bed with me lying on top of him. His fingers run up and down my back while he breathes into the hair against my neck. Where he bit me is sore, but I wouldn't dream of complaining. It feels right. Being in my mate's arms is right. I whisper a silent thank you to the Goddess.Tyboll answers. "You're welcome."I roll my eyes, but don't bother correcting him. I'm actually thankful to him, too."Come on, woman, we're taking a bath." He lifts me as he stands. I'm cradled in his arms and feel incredibly safe. And loved.Does he love me? I'm careful to keep this thought from drifting into his mind. Nikka told me how to do it. I just need to practice. He doesn't respond, so I must have been successful. Tyboll lowers my feet to the floor when we're in the bathroom. I watch as he leans over and turns on the water. His back and thighs are muscular and sexy. His
Tyboll"I've listened to you shout for an hour now. Calm yourself, bear."I hear the end of patience in Dmitri's voice. I take several deep breaths and try to do as my liege says. It isn't easy. I keep thinking of meat. Each time I do, I feel nauseated and my anger rekindles. To never eat meat again is not going to happen. I've run out of things to say anyway and throw myself onto the large couch in Dmitri's front room."I knew this happened last night. Your blood smells even better than bear. You now have witch blood running through your veins." He holds up his hand. "Do not blame me for my silence. You were in no condition to have this conversation. I also needed a night to think on what needs to be done."My stomach twists painfully. "You cannot reverse it is what you're saying?""No, I cannot. I'm not sure if you will actually want it reversed once you know your capabilities." He continues before I can object. "The difference between you and your mate is that I trust you."I
VedaThat did not go well. I didn't think it would, but I held onto a small amount of hope. I know eventually he will come to his senses. Right now, though, I am left in need. Staring at his bare chest and wanting to run my nails over his muscled flesh almost made me beg. The man might be stubborn, but he is gorgeous.As a mated pair, I know at this point we should be having so much sex that we are both sore. I've made plenty of tinctures to alleviate the soreness so mates can continue without a break.A lot of good the knowledge on how to make such a tincture is now. If I'm not running from Tyboll, the stupid man is running from me. It's strange because after the thought of Tyboll becoming a witch settled, I wanted to celebrate. I am not alone. I can share the sacred knowledge with another. I do not need a child. I will no longer be alone with the great texts.Tyboll might not like it, but the gift bestowed by the Goddess can only be undone by her. No vampire can help him. I decid
TybollI wake from what feels like a winter hibernation. I'm starving and the rumble in my stomach only enhances my need for food. Something smells wonderful. I'm naked in my bed and vaguely recall my illness the night before. I remember Dmitri coming to the rescue. I also remember my thoughts that Veda poisoned me again. Unlikely, because I ate nothing before going to Mandy's. She is a witch, though, and there's no telling what they're capable of.My nose leads me to the kitchen. Veda stirs a large pot on the stove. I peer over her shoulder to see what has such an amazing smell. Without looking at me she speaks, "Clothes or I will not feed you, bear.""Humph." I wrap my arms around her and run my nose down the side of her face and stop at her neck. "I could eat you, woman, and I'd start right here." She stops stirring the pot. I can smell her arousal. I bite down gently on the skin holding my attention. "How did you know I'm not dressed?" I breathe against the mark I've just left.
VedaStupid hare-brained bear, I mutter as I look the other way, pick up the slab of nearly raw meat, and toss it out of the cabin. Serving cooked meat was the hardest thing to do while I worked at the diner. The only blessing was that Becky didn't prepare the blood-dripping horror I just got rid of. I look through the kitchen and there are no vegetables. I settle on bread and cheese, though I'm no longer hungry. I just know I need to eat."You stay here or when I find you I'll lock you up," were the last words Tyboll yelled before he left.I thought about challenging his dictate, but right now I am too tired. I finish my meal and walk outside in the opposite direction from the barely cooked meat. My hope is that a wild animal will take it away in the night. This is what I did with all the meat given to me over the years by the bear clan as payment. My mother accepted their offering and then gave it to the wildlife, so I did the same. Maybe I should have said something, but politene
TybollThe feelings running through me are impossible to comprehend. It took hours to drive to Dmitri's club and another hour to track Veda's scent and find the diner. The closer I came, the more insistent an inner... well... buzz intensified. When our eyes finally met, I felt as if a mountain had crumbled over me. I fought collapsing at her feet. I knew it was her witch's power and wondered if she cast a spell that made it difficult for me to come close to her.I continued thinking this until her lips met mine. Now we're on the floor and she's wrapped in my arms. Words that turn me into an utter pussy slip from my mouth and I don't care. If it bothers her so much that she leaves me, I won't call her woman. Though, she is. A beautiful woman."I can hear your thoughts," she sighs against my neck. "Maybe the word woman is not so bad." She lifts up slightly and stares at me. "I've never done this, Tyboll. I've had very little interaction with anyone. I never thought to have a mate. You
VedaWhy is the pull to a mate so strong? I pour over the great texts expecting the answer it usually offers. Nothing. I've read sections about mating, but they don't offer a solution to the problem.Mating is a bond that only death can sever. A witch's power is not stronger than the bond and a witch shall not interfere with a mated pair.Blah, blah, blah. My mother told me not to mess with a mated pair. I understand this. But now I'm part of a mated pair. I need answers about a witch mating and there is nothing.A witch will take a human male into her body. A female child will form from this union. You will know the time to search out your human. Do not call the power of your beast when in the human's arms. Control your beast or bear the consequences.It's too late for that. Tyboll and I allowed our bears to rise when we mated. Now I feel Tyboll pulling my power from me. Can he feel it? He must. The texts are written for a human and witch. Not a beastkind and witch. I fli