Page 17 of Bear to be Wild (Moonlight Siren #5)

MARIBELLE

T he ship docked early that day on the Moonlight Siren’s private island. Most passengers had left the ship to sip cocktails on lounge chairs on the beach or to explore the forest trails. When Roan and I had finished work, we had a few precious hours of freedom to roam together.

The salty sea scent tinged the balmy air, and pink and gold bands streaked the blue sky. Roan took my hand in his large one, so warm and protective.

I sneaked a glance at him like a love-struck fool. We were truly bonded. Mates. I almost couldn’t believe it.

And I’d never been happier.

We wandered away from the beach and onto the forest trails. Shadows danced through the palm trees, and the air felt cooler in the shade. “You know,” I said casually, “you looked ridiculously sexy when your bear almost came out in the Celestial Lounge.”

His brow arched, amused. “When I almost tore that tiger in two?”

“Yes.” I grinned. “All fierce and feral. So hot.” I fanned myself and let out a sly grin.

A laugh rumbled deep in his chest, sending heat tingling through me. “Careful, witch. My bear likes hearing that.”

“Show me,” I encouraged him with a squeeze of his hand.

He glanced down at me with a twinkle in his amber eyes. “Show you what?”

“I want to meet your bear.” My voice came out low and raspy.

Roan studied me for a few seconds before he nodded.

He pulled his fitted maroon T-shirt over his head in one smooth motion, revealing those honed muscles under his skin.

Next, he removed his shorts, his boxers, and sandals.

My breath hitched—goddess, he was beautiful standing naked here in the forest, wild and free on this island.

The air shimmered around him, and his eyes gleamed with gold, a flicker of magic before the shift.

His body expanded, bones stretched, and fur rippled out in a cascade of thick, dark brown.

Where Roan had stood, a massive bear now loomed.

I gasped, not in fear, but in awe. He was breathtaking. Powerful. Majestic. His warm eyes glowed as he lowered his head closer to me.

I reached my hand out slowly, mesmerized, and sank my fingers into his fur. It was softer than I’d expected. I slid my hand down his broad neck and the powerful curve of his shoulder. He rumbled low, almost like a purr, and the sound vibrated beneath my skin.

“You’re beautiful,” I whispered.

He leaned into my touch, and for a moment, we stood still.

With another shimmer, he shifted back to human form. Naked, glorious, and entirely unashamed. I picked up his clothes and handed them to him, entranced by my captivating shifter.

“Wow.” I gaped at him. “Lucky me. I get all of you—both man and bear.”

He pulled the shorts on and grinned. “The lucky one is me.” He stepped closer and gave me a kiss. “To have a beautiful, gifted, loving witch as my mate.”

Our kiss turned more passionate as he embraced each other in the woods. We found a secluded nook under the cover of trees and made love out in the wild.

I could have stayed out there all night, holding my bear, but we had to return to the ship before it sailed.

That night, we explored the nightlife on board, the way we did most evenings—until we couldn’t keep our hands off each other and returned to one of our cabins. We stepped outdoors and strolled across the deck beneath the moonlight.

“Hey, look, our latest mated couple decided to come up for air!” Van teased from a spot near the dragon pool. He had his arm slung around his vampire mate, Celeste. The rest of Luna Blue Shadows and their mates sat around the table, drinks set before them.

Roan had told me about talking to Van during that brief period when I’d insisted on space, and I’d told him about confiding in Piper.

We’d had a hearty chuckle since Van would be the last one I’d suggest going to for any sort of relationship advice—especially considering our history.

But that was all in the past. I now understood how love—and mates—changed everything.

“Give them a break,” Piper added, with a cheeky grin. “You know what it’s like when you first bond with your mate.”

Heat crept into my cheeks, but Roan just chuckled, squeezing my hand.

“Come join us.” Van waved us over.

I glanced up at Roan and caught his grin. He shrugged, leaving the decision to me.

The night air felt alive with music and magic. A good night to enjoy with friends—and most especially, with your loved one.

“Sure,” I said, and we strolled across the deck toward them.

Holding hands with my bear, I looked forward to sailing the world with him, ready for our next adventure.