Page 70 of Mated to the Mountain Bear

Suddenly, I’m in the air, wrapped up in Ben’s arms, as he strides toward the bedroom. His grip is secure, like I weigh nothing at all, and it makes me giddy to be so easily thrown around by him.

I reach down and tug at the blanket, grinning as the falling material almost trips him. He curses, kicking at it before continuing his march toward his room. Jerry barks once from the living room, probably wondering what all the commotion is about, but doesn’t follow.

The old bed frame creaks in protest as Ben sets me down. I raise up on both elbows and smile at him, while he stares at me from the edge of the room, his chest heaving, eyes filled with want.

The air between us fizzes, and my skin tingles, like the sensation you get right before a big storm. When Ben moves onto the bed, the mattress dipping under his weight, I have a feeling I’m about to get blown away.

He cages me with his arms, so much heat and muscle surrounding me.

“Ben...” His name comes out like a plea.

“I know, baby.” One hand comes up to cup my face, and his thumb strokes my cheekbone.

A howl cuts through the night. Distant but clear. The sound raises goosebumps on my arms.

Ben’s body tenses above me, but he doesn’t pull away. If anything, he presses closer, shielding me with his body. I feel the barely leashed power in him, the predator just beneath the surface.

“He’s still out there,” I whisper.

“Let him howl.” Ben’s thumb traces my jaw. The touch is gentle, but his eyes are fierce. “He can’t have what’s mine.”

27

BEN

“Show me,” she whispers.

Her eyes are shining in the dim light as I grab the sides of her already wet panties in my hands. She obliges me by lifting her hips, her eyes locked on mine, as I shimmy them down over her thighs and down her calves. The fabric catches on her knees, so she helps, wiggling until they’re free.

Smoothing my hands up her legs, from her ankles and all the way to her waist, I hum in contentment as I finally get my hands on her bare flesh. Her skin is impossibly soft, and the scent of her arousal floods my senses. My cock throbs, and my bear rumbles, already itching to be buried inside her.

I position myself over her, letting my weight settle on my forearms. Just for a moment, I let myself imagine it. My cock brushes against her inner thigh, and she gasps, squirming to help me get into position.

“Ben?”

It would be so easy to push forward and claim what my bear insists is ours.

“Fuck.” I pull back, jaw clenched tightly. Not yet. Not when I need to stay alert. Anyone can get past locks and doors, but they can’t get past me. And I can’t protect her if I’m lost inside her.

“What’s wrong?” She props up on her elbows, concern replacing desire.

“Nothing’s wrong.” I drop between her legs, pressing a kiss to her inner thigh. “Just need to take care of you first. Make sure you’re ready.”

“I am ready.” She protests, but I’m already settling between her legs, my chest now resting between her parted thighs. With an exaggerated inhale, my senses explode with the scent of her, so intense, I can taste her on my tongue.

The tiny morsel of her juices I got from her finger was nothing. I want a proper feast.

“Did… did you just sniff me?” she whispers, not horrified, but intrigued. “Oh God.”

She moans, watching me with hooded eyes, as I run a finger along the delicate side of her pussy, her skin quivering under my touch.

I press a soft kiss to the ticklish flesh and raise my eyes to Zara’s, never looking away, as I lick her ever so delicately.

She’s stopped breathing, eyes wide, every muscle tense.

“Breathe,” I whisper, my heated breath on her core making her gasp as the cabin settles around us, peaceful with just the fire crackling in the other room.

Finally, I feel her relax.