Page 77

They had paws for hands, claws for nails. Their ears were reminiscent of grizzlies, as were other features on their faces, such as the snouts and the terrifying canines. They were covered from head to foot with thick, dark fur, the shades ranging from browns to blacks.

I was hyperventilating but reminded myself that if these creatures wanted to hurt me, they could’ve done so before I even recognized their presence. But telling myself to be calm was easier said than done.

Even though I had met one in person, it had been so long ago, and my memories were hazy as the years had gone by.

I looked at their broad shoulders and massive chests. I couldn’t see any clear muscular definition because of all their dark fur, but it was very apparent these beings were powerful in every sense of the word.

And then my gaze locked on what was between their legs. Massive—very male—appendages that were growing harder the longer I looked at them protruded out of a thick layer of dark fur.

I took note that each one was bigger in form than the next, although all three were massive.

As if my body finally realized things were topsy-turvy, I took a step back, my twisted ankle tingling in pain, which caused my head to throb. I gasped as I slipped on another moss-covered rock.

I knew I was going down again before I descended, and I felt my eyes widen, my arms flailing as I went back and down. But before I hit the icy-cold, rushing water, one bear-beast was in front of me, a massive claw-tipped paw gripping my hip and steadying me.

I couldn’t breathe as I tipped my head back and looked into its reflective eyes. His nostrilsflared as he inhaled. A deep, very animal-like growl left him, and then he was leaning in and scenting my neck.

“Ours,” he all but snarled, baring his sharp teeth.

It was then that the world went upside down. I felt dizzy and welcomed the darkness that claimed me.

4

Bruin

Iheld on to our little female and ran the tip of my nose along the slender, smooth curve of her neck. I sensed Bear and Ursid moving closer, but they didn’t stop me as I pulled her closer to the safety and warmth of my body.

The storm was already here, causing the animals to scurry away and hunker down for the night. The sky was an angry gray, and the scent of water in the air was strong.

I dragged my tongue over her cheek, tasting her and grumbling low in pleasure at her sweet flavor.

My older and younger brother growled at my display of ownership, but they’d have their chance soon enough.

With my body wrapped around hers, I lifted her easily and kept her close to my chest. I wanted her to stay warm and protected as I turned and faced my brothers.

They were focused on our sweet, little human, and I felt this wave of… rightness fill me, knowing she would finally be ours after so long.

Their resounding growls of affirmation, as if they were thinking the same thing, echoed throughout the forest.A flock of birds scattered high above. The sky became darker, and with one more gaze at Goldie, the three of us headed home.

I took note that my brothers kept close—all of us vigilant as we scanned our surroundings. Nothing was stupid nor brave enough to challenge us, but we had precious cargo—our sweet, little human female—we wanted to keep safe.

Goldie was our priority.

The trek to our dwelling was long as we ascended the mountain and went under passes before finally getting to what humans called a “home.”

We’d found the cave ages ago, and until Goldie came into our lives and we knew she’d be ours to share, we’d been content to live like the primal beasts we were.

But once she became a woman, we knew we wanted her to be comfortable with us here, so we created a place she’d call her own.

We built a structure reminiscent of her cottage, attached it to the entrance of the cave, and created all the creature comforts both our species desired.

I pushed open the wooden front door and stepped inside the house. It was built big enough that my brothers and I could live comfortably within it with our little mate.

The ceiling was high, with crisscrossing wooden beams. The counters and furniture weren’t tall enough that Goldie would be uncomfortable using them, but the height allowed us to prepare food easily too.

We spent countless moments building this sanctuary for her, needing her to love it here, because we had no intentions of letting her go.

I laid her on the bench, the wood covered in soft fur and filled with stuffing to ensure it was comfortable enough for her.