Page 29 of Shared by the Werebears (Hidden Hollow #5)

RONAN

I paced in the darkness just outside the Lust Hut, trying to slow my breathing.

Goldie was inside preparing the space—candles…herbs…some strange velvet cushions that smelled like lust and jasmine. I could feel her magic humming through the walls like a heartbeat, pulsing against my chest in time with my own.

I should’ve felt honored…desired.

Instead, I was almost sick with fear.

The Bear inside me wasn’t pacing tonight. He was watching . Quiet, intent… aroused . And that scared me more than his rage ever had. I remembered too well what happened when I lost control—when instinct took over and I couldn’t find my way back.

What if that happened again? What if I Shifted in the middle of it—of her —and shredded the ritual, ruined the Bond?

What if I hurt her?

I closed my eyes and pressed the heels of my hands against them until I saw sparks behind my eyelids.

I’d said yes and I’d meant it. But I didn’t trust myself. Not fully. Not yet .

And still… some part of me, deeper than the fear, deeper than the man or the Bear, wanted to be hers. Wanted to be claimed by her. If anyone could tether the beast in me, it was Goldie.

I just prayed to whatever old gods were listening that I didn’t break her before she could fix me.