Page 23 of Hunny and the Bear (Bearly Yours #1)

Twenty Three

T ank felt like a fidgety cub as he sat in one of his kitchen chairs, a towel around his shoulders as Hunny finger-combed his hair for the hundredth time. Not that he minded, especially because she was so close. Her breasts pressed into his arm and her honey, vanilla and lavender scent filled his lungs, keeping him content.

If he could bottle her scent and keep it with him all the time, he would. It was like a damned drug, capable of turning even his most agitated state into one of bliss and relaxation. It also made him horny as fuck, especially now that her pregnancy was advancing. Each day that passed, her scent seemed to grow thicker, more potent in the air, and he fucking loved it.

The way it made his balls ache and his cock strain for release … Fuck, now he wanted to rip her clothes off, pull her into his lap, and—

Hunny inhaled, her fingers tightening in his hair. “What are you thinking, Henry?”

“If I tell you, little rabbit, you won’t be cutting my hair tonight. You’ll be taking my cock in every position I can think of.” And he could think of a lot .

“That’s not fair.” Hunny leaned in, nipping his earlobe before whispering sensually, “You’re being naughty while I’m trying to concentrate. Won’t you be a good boy for me, Henry?”

Instantly, he was hard, his cock pushing uncomfortably against his zipper as he adjusted in his seat.

Hunny snorted, looking down at his lap gleefully, his erection prominent through his jeans. “Did you really just get turned on by that ? I didn’t think being called a good boy would be your thing.”

“It’s not,” Tank grumbled, cupping his knees to keep from doing what he really wanted, which involved bending Hunny into a provocative position and pumping into her until he came so much he blacked out. His mouth watered just thinking about it. “It’s a Hunny thing.”

Her fingers paused in his hair. “‘A Hunny thing?’”

“Yeah. Everything you do makes me hard as a fucking rock, darlin’.”

Laughing lightly, she resumed combing his hair. “Now you’ve got me wondering how deranged I can get.”

“More deranged than cum tea?”

“Oh my God, Henry—there wasn’t any cum in there!”

“Not yet,” he snickered, just because he knew she’d blush. He snuck a peek out of the corner of his eye, and sure enough, her cheeks were glowing a delicate shade of pink. Regardless of how much he appreciated this banter between them, as soon as she ran her fingers through his unruly mop of hair again , he couldn’t help but ask, “You planning on cutting anything, darlin’?”

Hunny tugged teasingly on a few strands. “If you actually combed this mess once in a while, I wouldn’t have to spend half an hour detangling it.”

Tank’s cheeks heated with embarrassment. She wasn’t wrong—he had never cared about his appearance before, whether it was regarding his beard or his hair. Living in the mountains, relatively alone, it hadn’t seemed necessary, which was why every six months he used an electric razor to trim his hair into a buzz cut and took off several inches of his beard.

Self-consciously, he lifted a hand, feeling his long, unkempt facial hair. Shit, when was the last time he’d even done that? Had it been longer than six months? He couldn’t remember. So far, Hunny hadn’t complained about the length, but what if she hated how he looked?

Frustrated, he huffed, “It’s not that bad.”

“No, it’s not,” Hunny agreed with another small laugh. Leaning in, she kissed his cheek, her soft, warm lips burning into him like a brand he wanted to wear forever. Just like that, Tank’s irritation melted away, replaced by a need so fierce he was surprised he didn’t pluck her up and take her to bed right then and there, haircut be damned. Resuming her finger-combing, she added, “But your hair is very thick and silky, so I want to make sure it’s brushed out properly.”

His brows furrowed as he heard a slight tremor in her voice, and before she could say anything else, he turned in his seat, staring right at her. “You’re afraid you’re going to fuck up my hair, aren’t you?”

She shrugged nonchalantly, but he’d studied her every move for almost two weeks; he could tell by the guarded look in her eyes she was nervous. “Come on, little rabbit. You’ll do a great job.” And if she didn’t, he didn’t give a shit. It was just hair; it would grow back. Couldn’t get any shorter than a buzz cut anyway.

“Yeah,” Hunny murmured faintly. Clearing her throat, she grabbed the scissors from the counter, pursing her lips in concentration as she made the first cut.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it? You’re practically a professional already,” Tank teased gruffly, earning a playful smack on the shoulder.

“I mean, I spent an entire summer working as a dog groomer a few years ago,” Hunny commented distractedly, lifting a section of his hair straight up and cutting. She dropped the pieces onto the counter, creating a neat little pile as she continued with her work. “That’s kind of the same thing as cutting a person’s hair, right?”

“Oh, definitely,” Tank replied readily. Although he had to admit, he didn’t give a shit about how adept her skills were with a pair of scissors. He was just flattered Hunny wanted to make a nest with his hair.

She wanted a part of him with her when she shifted, to snuggle up protectively with. She said it didn’t feel right without my hair , he thought smugly. If that wasn’t enough to make a male feel on top of the world, he didn’t know what would.

It was even enough to take the sting out of what he’d accidentally overheard earlier at the teahouse. Even though he’d left the women in the main room while he’d checked out the security features in the back, he’d inadvertently listened in as Hunny denied she was in love with him. As soon as he’d heard it, he felt like his heart had dropped into his stomach, and he’d done everything he could to tune their conversation out, not wanting to experience another blow to his ego and heart.

Even now, a few hours later, he still felt the pain from Hunny’s words, but he understood her reservations. He was just lucky she’d given him a chance to woo her, to treat her as she deserved. He’d be patient with her. And soon enough, she’d come to love him like he loved her. To need him like he needed her.

And when that day finally happened, he’d mate her.

His erection hardened further at the thought, his canines aching with the need to lengthen so he could place a possessive brand on her soft skin, to mark her for the entire world to see. Humans like Nessa wouldn’t understand the meaning of it. They’d probably think it was a scar or birthmark. But shifters would know that his little rabbit was claimed, and that her kits were his too, even if they didn’t share his DNA.

A deep, possessive growl rumbled in his chest, and he didn’t bother tamping it down.

“Someone’s being awfully vocal,” Hunny commented, the smile clear in her voice.

“Got a lot to be vocal about.” Clearing his throat, Tank asked, “Did you enjoy your girls’ date?”

“Yeah. Nessa’s a lot of fun. I think she’s had a hard life, though.”

“Why do you think that?”

“She made a comment about moving to Montana because it was ‘safe,’ and that was after she mentioned having a really shitty ex-boyfriend.” Hunny sighed, the sound drowning out the snipping of her sheers as she cut more of his hair. “It just gave me the impression she ran away from some kind of abusive situation. She didn’t want to talk about it, though, and I didn’t have the heart to badger her about it.”

“Murphy’s claimed the entire town, so she’s now under his protection,” Tank stated, a slight itch in his throat. He glanced at the counter, to where he’d left his cup of tea. He leaned over, snagging it right as Hunny gasped.

“Henry! Don’t do that; I almost messed up.”

Grumbling an apology, he took a long drink, enjoying the soothing sensation of melted honey as it slid down his throat. It was the only thing that made this concoction tolerable. Once he finished draining the cup, he continued. “Point is, if she’s in trouble, it’s Murphy’s problem now. He’ll handle it, especially if you make him aware of the issue.”

“That’s good, I guess.” Hunny sighed again. “Apparently he was a dick on the phone to Nessa, though, so I can’t imagine she’ll let him help. Especially since she doesn’t know what we are. She’ll probably just think he’s some weirdo trying to get into her business.”

“He is.”

Hunny laughed abruptly, the sound warming him from the inside out. “I love the relationship you have with your family, Henry. I always wanted to have siblings, but I wasn’t that fortunate.”

“Well, you’ve got a shitload of them now, little rabbit.”

“When do you think I’ll meet the rest of your family? Your dad and your other brothers?”

Tank stiffened slightly at that, taken aback by the question. “I’m not sure. My middle brother, Reece, ran into a bit of trouble last year, and my dad and other brother have been helping him sort it out for a while now.”

“Oh.” Hunny tilted her head. “What kind of trouble?”

“It’s difficult to explain.” Tank hated that he was being so cagey. The situation was as complicated as it was unique, and he didn’t want her to think so little of his brother.

“Henry, why are you being so weird right now?” Hunny asked bluntly, seeing right through him. “You can just tell me you don’t want to talk about this part of your life.”

Tank sighed, running a hand down his face. “I want to tell you all about my life, little rabbit. I just … I don’t want you to get the wrong impression about Reece.”

“Hey,” Hunny said softly, moving to stand in front of him. She fit between his legs, wrapping her arms around the back of his neck as she gazed down at him. “You and your family have done more for me in a matter of weeks than anyone ever has before. Whatever you’re hesitant to tell me, I won’t care what it is. I won’t judge you or anyone else, Henry. I just want to know more about you. But if you don’t want to talk about it right now, that’s okay.”

“I know, baby.” And he did. Placing his hands on her hips, Tank pulled Hunny into his lap, nuzzling her neck. Giving her throat a lingering kiss, he murmured, “Reece has a difficult time distinguishing his baser, animalistic instincts from his more human nature. It makes him more volatile, and quick to anger. Last year, he came to the defense of a human woman who he witnessed getting attacked by a human male. Reece lost control, shifted and ripped the male apart.”

“Oh my God.” Hunny gasped, pulling Tank closer. “A human watched him shift? What happened next?”

“She agreed to say a bear attacked them and that she escaped. The police believed her. Who wouldn’t? Reece’s twin, Gunnar, and my dad have been up there with Reece ever since, trying to get him under control.”

Hunny leaned back, cupping his face gently. “Why doesn’t Reece just come home?”

“He refuses to leave the woman. He’s obsessed with her, even though she’s terrified of him.” Not even Murphy demanding Reece return home was enough to pull the male away. A command from an Alpha should have penetrated the haze of Reece’s mind, the compulsion too much to resist. But as a dominant shifter and in his half-feral state, Murphy’s command had been all but useless.

“Do you think she’s safe with him so close?”

Tank didn’t know, and neither did his family, which was why they were currently divided. As if she were in tune with his thoughts, Hunny hummed, giving him a quick kiss before pushing back to her feet.

“Alright, my big bear,” Hunny said lovingly. “Let’s finish your hair, and then I’ll grant you the pleasure of watching me get naked, shift, and put together the most badass nest you’ve ever seen.”

His lips twitched. He could already picture it; Hunny burrowing a small hole in his yard and stuffing it with fur and grass to conceal the opening. She wouldn’t put her actual kits in there, obviously, but her instinct to make a nest couldn’t be neglected, and he didn’t want it to be either.

Tank squeezed her hips gently before he reluctantly let go. “What if, after I watch you get naked, I sat you on the counter and ate your pussy for dinner instead? I’ll cook you dinner afterward, and then I’ll take you outside so you can build your nest.”

It sounded like a reasonable idea to him, and his dick agreed wholeheartedly.

She narrowed her eyes menacingly. “We both know if you get anywhere near my lady bits, we’re not stopping until we’re both passed out on the kitchen floor with bodily fluids everywhere.”

“Are you suggesting that’s a bad thing?” Because it sounded perfect.

Hunny wrinkled her nose dramatically, but it wasn’t enough to conceal the lust dancing in her eyes, or the scent of her arousal as it permeated the air. “Alright, fine. You talked me into it. But only after I finish cutting your hair.”

With that, she began chopping away confidently, whistling lightly as she worked. It was peaceful, and Tank nearly fell asleep before he remembered something from earlier today.

“My mom sent a few links to birthing videos for us to watch when we have time,” Tank mentioned.

“ What?! ” There was a loud snip, followed by Hunny’s swift, “ Oh, shit .” That didn’t sound good at all. As Tank turned his head to the side, Hunny grabbed his face, awkwardly turning it until he was facing forward once more. “Keep your head straight, Henry, otherwise I’m going to mess up!” she exclaimed.

Brows raised, Tank did as instructed, though he was fairly certain she’d already messed up. “This better?”

Sighing, Hunny began her cutting anew, and after a few minutes she asked, “What kind of birthing videos? Like the whole thing?”

“I don’t know,” Tank admitted, scratching his chin. “Didn’t ask.” To be fair, he hadn’t clarified exactly what he was after when he’d approached his mother about wanting to learn everything he could about shifter pregnancies, but he knew she wouldn’t steer him wrong with the educational videos and books she’d ordered for him to read.

“I don’t know if I can watch something like that, Henry. I mean, experiencing it will be more than enough for me,” she answered with a small shudder.

Tank shrugged. “I’m interested in seeing the process.”

He also didn’t want to be unprepared for whenever Hunny gave birth in several months’ time. What if something happened while she was in labor and she needed him? He refused to be a bumbling idiot when it mattered most, unsure of how to help when something as simple as a video had been available beforehand.

Hunny stilled beside him. “You’re going to watch those videos?” she asked quietly.

Tank shrugged. “At least until the books I ordered come in. They don’t have anything on shifter pregnancies, but Mom told me a lot of the information is the same, give or take.”

“Henry … you’d do all that for me?” Hunny’s voice held a soft note to it he’d never quite heard before.

Unable to help himself, Tank turned his head right as she cut another section of hair, ignoring the sharp curse that fell from her lips. He gazed at her in adoration. “Of course. I’d do anything for you, little rabbit.”

Hunny stared at him with a very long, uneven chunk of his brown hair clutched between her fingers. “ IthinkIloveyou ,” she blurted out in a rush.

Tank’s mouth dropped open, and he froze in place, staring at her in bewilderment.

What did she just say? But she’d told Nessa she wasn’t—that she didn’t—

“Oh God, you’re not saying anything. Y-you know what? I didn’t mean it. I-it was a joke. Haha, got you!” Hunny declared shrilly, looking like she’d swallowed a bug. She turned away from him, moving into the living room as he stared after her, still bumbling to herself. “Oh wow, I just remembered that I needed to do literally anything else. Alone. By myself. I’m just going to head upstairs—”

Tank didn’t let her take another step before he was on her, grabbing her around the waist and spinning her beautiful ass around. He pinned her against the back of the couch, caging her in with his body.

Pressing himself fully against her, he cupped her face, tilting her head upward until she was forced to meet his gaze. She stared at him shyly, and it killed him to see that she’d teared up slightly.

“Tell me what you said, little rabbit,” Tank all but growled, his voice thick with a need that stabbed all the way to his soul. “I need to hear you say it.”

He might just die if she didn’t.

Hunny licked her lips. “I don’t know what you mean—”

“I love you,” Tank interrupted, not wanting to waste another minute without telling her how he felt. She’d already admitted it, anyway, even if she was nervous to do so again. “I think I knew you were meant to be mine when you bit the shit out of my hand, Hunny. Or maybe when I realized that everything about you calls to me. Your scent. How excited you get over anything and everything. The sweet way you laugh,” he murmured.

He watched intently as several emotions crossed Hunny’s face. Surprise. Shock. A tiny sliver of fear. And then she melted into him, her vivid emerald gaze softening as her hands found his chest, fingers curling into his shirt.

She opened her mouth, and he could practically hear her confession of love ringing in his ears. Only, it wouldn’t be said this time in a rush, followed up by confusion and a hasty retreat. No, this time she’d say those three little words, and he’d let them sink in, enjoying every syllable.

Imagine Tank’s surprise when Hunny instead declared firmly, “I want to mate with you, Henry.”