Page 3 of Her Embarrassed Bear Mate (Crescent Lake Bears #5)

THREE

Alix

Alix was slightly dizzy by the time they reached the hotel room, the alcohol hitting her at full force now she was no longer dancing. She abandoned her jacket on the ground and almost tripped over her own feet when she kicked her shoes off. The carpet was soft and fluffy which suited the room. Even in her drunk state, she could tell it was far more luxurious than any Alix had ever been in. There was fancy tea on the table, upholstered chairs that looked comfortable and weren’t bolted to the floor, and a high-thread bedspread. She didn't have long to admire the room, Veronica’s hands were all over her and Alix could feel the heat building in her body. She couldn't remember the last time she’d been touched like this, so desperately and eagerly.

Desire sparked through her body, intensifying every graze and touch and press from Veronica’s. It was intoxicating and made her head spin in a completely different way.

She bumped into the edge of the raised bed and lost her footing. The springs in the mattress creaked comically loudly as she fell down on it and the sound made Alix explode in laughter.

Veronica watched her with an amused expression. “You okay?”

Alix snorted and bounced herself up and down, using the mattress like a bouncy castle. The shrieking sound tickled her and she couldn’t stop laughing. “This is fun.”

“You’re adorable,” Veronica remarked as she pulled her top off and dropped it on the floor.

Instantly, Alix's attention was drawn and she sat back, blatantly admiring the woman in front of her. Veronica’s blue bra had little flowers on it and as pretty as it was, Alix just wanted to rip it off. She sat up and pulled Veronica into her so she could reach around for the clasp. Despite opening a bra every day, her fingers were not cooperating.

“I’ll do it,” Veronica said, reaching behind and letting the bra fall away with a grin. She undid her belt and pushed her expensive-looking trousers down, wiggling her hips seductively while she did.

Alix admired the little show, fully aware that she would never be able to match that elegance even if she were sober. Her gaze latched onto the elegant marking just above Veronica’s hip. As large as the size of a hand and composed of elegant swirling lines, it was no doubt a bear mark.

It was beautiful and Alix was mesmerised.

Without thinking, she brushed her fingers over the raised lines. “You’re a bear shifter? Or is it the mark of your fated mate?”

“So you're aware of what these markings mean?” Veronica looked surprised but pleased. “So it’s true what they say about the city. It is a public secret that shifters live in the nearby cottageges.”

“I don't know about the city, but I grew up in Crescent Valley. I know all about the shifters who live there,” Alix declared, proud of her hometown even if she didn't always love it.

“Ahh, I see.” Veronica smiled. “And I’m a bear shifter. Hope that doesn't scare you off.”

“Not at all.”

As much as Alix enjoyed the view, she missed Veronica’s lips and body against hers. She pulled Veronica back in and captured her with more intense kisses. The way Veronica melted against her was divine. They were somehow a perfect fit.

Eager for more, Alix reached for the hem of her shirt, desperate to pull it off. Her clumsy alcohol-heavy arms let her down again and she got stuck in the fabric.

“Help!”

Veronica came to her aid, freeing her from the shirt prison. She was chuckling the entire time and Alix burst into another bout of giggles. All the alcohol she drank was definitely catching up with her and turning her into a silly mess. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this drunk. Maybe never, except for the very first times she’d experimented with beer and alcopops as a teen. There was always too much pressure to be responsible and good for her to let loose.

But not tonight. Tonight, she was delightfully drunk and determined to live for herself for once. She wanted fun and sex and freedom.

Once she was rid of her shirt, she attempted to undo her own bra and struggled with it all the same. For some reason, her arms were twisting the wrong way and not managing to accomplish what she wanted.

“My fingers aren’t working,” Alix complained, snorting when she realised what she just said. “That’s not good for later. At least my tongue’s fine.”

“Are you sure? Because you’re slurring a little,” Veronica teased. She sat down on the bed, her hand resting on Alix's thigh. “Are you sure you want to continue? You might be a bit too drunk.”

“No, let’s do this!” Alix countered. She jumped off the bed so she could remove her jeans but staggered and thudded down on the ground. A shock of pain travelled up through her tailbone but it wasn’t nearly as bad as the embarrassment welling up in her. So much for being sexy and seductive.

Veronica held her hand out. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just hurt my bum,” Alix admitted sheepishly.

“I would offer to kiss it better but I think maybe you should have some water instead,” Veronica said in a very motherly tone. “I’ll get you some.”

While Veronica opened the window and grabbed a bottle of water from the mini bar, Alix sat back down on the bed. Her head was spinning and she wanted to die of embarrassment. The one time she tried to have a fun casual hook-up, she was actually too drunk to make it happen.

She had some water and enjoyed the fresh air, both helping to sober her up. It was slightly strange to have someone who was practically a stranger look after her with such attentiveness and care. It felt more intimate than making out, especially because they were both half undressed.

Alix reached for her shirt and pulled it back on. Even without buttoning it up, it made her feel less exposed and vulnerable. Unsurprisingly, Veronica put her shirt back on too which made it pretty clear the night was over.

“I’m sorry,” Alix said. “I didn't realise I was this drunk.”

Veronica gave her a smile. “No, you seemed fine at the club.”

“I think it only properly hit me now.” Alix put the bottle aside. While the water helped, her head was still heavy and had started to pound. “Sorry, I think I need a moment to lie down.”

“Go for it.”

Alix wanted to apologise some more but as soon as her head hit the pillow, the world started slipping away from her. She slurred some more words as sleep took over, bringing the night to a final, sexless, embarrassing end.