Bounty Hunter Bear: Crossroads 1 (Grizzly Cove Book 11) Read online

  Ezra broke the kiss, and before she could even protest, he bent down and scooped her into his arms. His strength was on tantalizing display as he carried her into his bedroom as if she weighed no more than a feather. He placed her on the bed, handling her like she was made of spun glass, and then, he just stood back a little and looked at her.

  Their eyes met, the power of his bear swirling in his gaze as her own bear’s magic was probably showing in her own eyes. Man to woman. Bear to bear. Alpha to Alpha.

  That’s what was so special about this. They were meeting as equals.

  That was something that had never happened to her before. She’d changed as a result of the turmoil that had led her to this moment. She was Alpha now. She no longer fit comfortably into her family group, but with Ezra…she fit. He respected what she was now and wasn’t overpowered by it. Far from it.

  He was just as strong—if not stronger—than she was. She couldn’t intimidate him, and he couldn’t dominate her. It was a perfect match, in that way, and she hoped to find out soon all the other ways they matched.

  That thought in mind, she reached up and took his hand, pulling him downward, demanding gently that he join her on the bed. She was wearing only a silky nightgown she’d had in her saddlebags. He wore only those silly pajama pants.

  Those had to go. She pushed at his waistband as he came down next to her, and succeeded in sliding those baggy pajamas down his hips, exposing the fact that he wasn’t wearing anything beneath them. Yes. She finally had an answer to the naughty questions that had been circling in her mind. He was just as well built as she’d suspected.

  Sculpted by the hand of a loving Goddess, his body was the stuff of female fantasies. Rippling abs pointed to a hard cock that she could imagine would bring her the greatest pleasure. Reaching out, she took him in her hand, loving the growl that came from deep in his chest when she touched him intimately.

  “Keep that up, and this isn’t going to last very long,” he warned her playfully.

  “That’s okay,” she told him. “We have the rest of the night all to ourselves.”

  “Mm. I like the sound of that.”

  Ezra slid his hand under her nightie, lifting the silky fabric higher and higher, tantalizing her with his slow, deliberate motions. She still had hold of him, but she lost her ability to focus on anything but the way his hand was circling around her thigh and heading for the spot that so wanted his touch. She moved her legs apart, inviting him to check out what was hidden between, but he wouldn’t be rushed. Ezra took his time and drove her passions higher with every teasing touch until finally—finally—his fingers found the soft folds that ached to be explored.

  She moaned as his hand slipped more fully between her thighs. His gaze met hers, and it was all she could do to remember to breathe.

  “How do you want this, honey? Fast or slow?” he asked, all the while, sliding his finger around near her clit.

  She hadn’t worn panties to bed, and now, she was very thankful for that small mercy. Had she somehow hoped they’d end up in bed together when she dressed for bed earlier that night? Yeah, she probably had. If not consciously, then her subconscious had been guiding her, the little hussy.

  “Fast,” she gasped as he hit her button and made her whole body clench as delicious sensations washed over her.

  “You sure?” He was teasing now, rubbing her clit with little back and forth motions that stole her breath. All she could do was nod her agreement as he grinned like a fool. A talented, handsome, sexually gifted fool. Her fool.

  She had let go of his hard cock somewhere along the way, and he was free to move about, splaying her out on the bed while he ran his hands over her silky nightgown, raising it up and then over her shoulders, but leaving it on her arms. He deliberately tangled her hands in the fabric. It wasn’t any real barrier to her movement. She could have easily ripped through the silk with her bear strength. But just the idea of it acting as a restraint was kind of hot.

  She smiled up at him as he placed his big hands over her breasts, learning their curve and feel. He played with her nipples before bending to take each one in his mouth, licking and sucking in a way that made her squirm. Her hands were up above her head, and there was a feeling of imagined vulnerability that really worked with Ezra, where it probably wouldn’t have worked with any other man.

  She could allow herself to feel vulnerable with him because she knew in her heart of hearts that he would never hurt or betray her. She’d already trusted him with her life. Trusting him with her body was a no-brainer.

  She was happy to let this encounter develop in any direction he wanted it to go. There would be time for her to lead their love making later. This first time, she wanted to be the damsel to his dashing Alpha presence. Her inner bear wanted it, too, which meant it was definitely the right course of action for this moment out of time.

  She loved looking at him as he prowled above her. She’d never been much for the missionary position, but then again, she’d never really had sex with a man who matched her so well, body and spirit. All of her previous experience—what little there was of it—had been with humans who hadn’t had a clue about her bear half. They’d thought her adventurous and a little wild, but none of the men she’d dated seriously had ever stirred her bear to anything other than mere tolerance.

  It was kind of sad, actually. She’d thought she might go through life drifting from one man to another, never finding the one who could stir her animal side into the kind of devotion she saw in her parents’ relationship. They were true mates. She wanted that for herself.

  And now, she had it. She had him. Ezra. Hunky bear of a man who both challenged and coddled her. So far, he’d been a genius at knowing which to do at just the right time.

  He was also proving to be a genius at bringing out the most of her sexual responses. The light trailing of his fingers over her skin did more to rouse her passions that the most intimate touches from any of her other lovers. They were total amateurs when compared to Ezra. He played her body like a master conducting a symphony of his own creation.

  She moaned and writhed under his skilled fingers, until finally, he came down over her, positioning his muscular legs between hers, the head of his cock just grazing the place she wanted him to enter so badly. He paused, looking deep into her eyes.

  “Do you want me, Thea?”

  What was he, kidding? He’d have to be both blind and deaf to doubt her need for him at this moment. But maybe he needed verbal confirmation. Maybe he was wary of pushing her into something she didn’t fully understand? That was kind of sweet. Even if it meant he was keeping her waiting.

  “I do,” she assured him. “I’ve wanted you for a long time. I’ve dreamed of this, Ezra. Now, will you please just give me what I want?”

  He chuckled as he shook his head. “Well, that couldn’t be any clearer,” he muttered, smiling. “Hold on to my shoulders now,” he coached her as he began a slow slide within that didn’t end until he was completely sheathed in her welcoming warmth.

  Dear, sweet Goddess! That felt good.

  “All right?” he asked, his breathing a bit unsteady as he seemed to be trying to hold himself back.

  She nodded, unable to really speak at the moment. Things were just a wee bit overwhelming in the best possible way. Then, he began to move, and she lost her mind entirely.

  He stroked deep, pushing her higher with each motion. Her body trembled and then bucked and shivered beneath him as climax after climax took her over. He rode her through each, taking her higher on the next until she nearly blacked out.

  Thea had heard about multiple orgasms, but she had figured they were like unicorns—the stuff of legend. Not so, she was surprised and very pleased to learn. Perhaps she’d been waiting for this moment for so very long, her body was primed and ready. She was overdue for a release the likes of which she had never experienced.

  She came with a moan of delight as Ezra finally stiffened above her, emptying himself, body and s
oul, into her waiting arms as they joined together in the most intensely passionate experience of her life. The bliss lasted long moments, shooting her higher, pushing her body farther, lengthening the pleasure until she wasn’t sure where she began and he ended. The only thing that mattered was that they were together.

  As it should be.

  They dozed and then woke to make love once more. This time, Thea took the lead, showing him what she liked from the top and learning what he liked her to do for him. It was a lesson she would spend the rest of her life happily repeating.

  They slept again afterward, Thea snuggled deep into Ezra’s arms. She’d never slept better in her life than she did with him next to her.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The next morning, Thea was gone from the bed when Ezra woke. The spot next to him was still warm from her body heat, so she couldn’t have been gone long. He heard the water start up in the shower, and the mystery was solved. He wondered for a moment if he should join her, but then, he looked at the clock and realized they’d slept in. He had work to do today if he was going to avert a werewolf disaster tonight.

  The relationship was new, too. He didn’t want to presume things or push her too far, too fast. It was enough that they had admitted their feelings for each other last night. In time, he’d get to learn what she was comfortable with from him and vice versa. For now, he’d give her a little bit of space. Not much. His bear wouldn’t allow him to let her roam free or too far away from him. But he could give her a solo shower, though he sorely wanted to share it with her.

  Ezra rolled out of bed and headed for the kitchenette to get the coffee going. If he wasn’t going to waylay her in the sudsy water, the least he could do was provide breakfast for his mate.

  Mate. Mmm. He liked the way that sounded.

  He’d almost given up on ever finding that one woman who could share the rest of his days. And then, he’d found her. Thea. Bloody and nearly broken, locked inside a cage in a dingy basement. His heart had known her the moment he’d seen her, but he had also known that she would need time—probably a lot of it—before she was ready to be with him. He’d despaired of her ever being ready, but Fate had been kind and thrown them together again.

  This time, they were both ready for the consequences of recognizing and claiming their mate. They might have a few battles to fight as they rolled along in life, but from now on, they’d do it together. He loved that idea.

  Ezra’s phone rang as he was pulling out the ingredients from the small refrigerator to make breakfast. He answered, still setting things up even as he took the call.

  “Jack and Ace are down at the shop,” King told Ezra as soon as they’d exchanged greetings. “I’m on a parts run, so Ace asked me to check in with you. Jack’s about losing his mind. He hasn’t been able to tell us much, but judging by the expression on his face, there’s a heavy load of magic going down at the shop today. He doesn’t look happy.”

  “Tell him to get out of there if it gets to be too much. Are you sure you and Ace aren’t affected by whatever it is that’s got the wolves?” Ezra asked bluntly.

  “Nah, it just slides right off my fur, whatever it is. I mean, I feel something in the air, but it’s like a cloud of gnats and just as easily ignored. Ace said the same. Jack feels it more than we do, but he’s always been more sensitive than either of us,” King replied. “But his sensitivity also makes him more resistant, so I wouldn’t worry about us three. It’s the wolves that are about to go ape shit.”

  Ezra had stopped moving as King gave his report. Thea came out of her bedroom, dressed in tight jeans and a stretchy top that made him want to tug it off and lick her all over. Ezra cleared his throat and tried to get his mind off his luscious mate and back on business.

  “I plan to do some scouting of the two wolf Packs today,” he said, stalling for time as Thea sashayed over. She placed her hands on his shoulder and arm then stretched up to kiss his cheek.

  “You’ll probably find the local Alpha, and a good portion of the Pack that isn’t at the garage, down at the pool hall over on the north side of town. Top dog’s name is Chase Rivers. This time of year, he’s pretty much there all day. He and his Pack bought the joint a few years back, and they cater to the tourists for the income, though usually they don’t mix much with outsiders.”

  During King’s revelations, Thea had relieved Ezra of the frying pan that he’d been holding and sauntered to the stove to pick up breakfast prep. Just like that.

  One part of Ezra’s brain spun with the changes in his life. He had a mate now. Someone to pick up the slack when he got distracted by things like business phone calls. He’d wanted to make breakfast to show Thea that he cared and would provide for her. The sharing of food was important to his bear side. But Thea was doing the cooking now, and she was showing him the same, in reverse.

  The thought of it hit him right in his heart, where a little piece melted and winged its way over to her. He realized that love was a two-way street. He loved her and wanted to take care of her, but she wanted to care for him in return.

  It had been a very long time since anyone had wanted to take care of Ezra. It had been a very long time since he’d wanted anyone to do so. But, with Thea, everything was new and shiny. Special and intense.

  The part of his mind that wasn’t blown by her casual actions tried really hard to regroup and concentrate on what King was telling him. Luckily, the other man didn’t seem to notice Ezra’s inattention.

  “The visiting Pack is on the east end of town. They take over a good portion of a small motel with a roadhouse next door down by the highway. They hail from Iowa, and their Alpha is named Brock Hanson. Word is, he’s always been a reasonable sort of fellow, and the two Packs enjoyed a good relationship in years past, but this year, everything’s different. Nobody can tell me exactly what the Iowa Pack did to piss the locals off, but they all claim whatever it was is unforgivable and requires a blood price be paid. Preferably by every single member of that Pack. The locals are definitely on the warpath, and it’s going to take some fancy footwork to stop this before it becomes pitched battle.”

  Able to focus a little better by deliberately not watching Thea’s butt wiggling as she stood in front of the small stove, Ezra sat down at the table with his back to the kitchenette. He thought through what King had told him.

  “All right. This is what we’ll do. Thea and I will swing by the local Pack’s place this morning and introduce ourselves to the Alpha. See if he can be reasoned with and check him out for ourselves. Then, we’ll head to that roadhouse you mentioned next to the visiting Pack’s motel and see if we can’t do the same with them. It’s time for some serious recon,” Ezra said, knowing Thea could hear his side of the conversation and would know he wasn’t shutting her out of his plans. They were a team now, and he had to give her the choice of whether or not she wanted to be part of this op or not.

  He’d prefer she stay on the sidelines, somewhere safe, but he also sensed she probably needed this. She needed to confront her worst fear and rise above it. This was a good opportunity—with him at her side and the three powerful brothers as backup, plus whoever else could make it here in time, as the cavalry—to face down evil and some of her past issues in as safe a manner as possible.

  Not that there wouldn’t be danger. There would. Plenty of it. But they were bears. They were tough. Rugged. And Thea had to get a feel for her new strength under battlefield conditions. She had to learn how far she could trust herself and her new mate. He wanted her to be strong and to know herself as well as she possibly could. Only then could she heal from her past horrors completely.

  “After lunch, we’ll probably head over to the garage and confer with your guys,” Ezra went on as Thea came over to the table and started putting out dishes.

  “Sounds good,” King replied, going on to iron out a few more details.

  Meanwhile, Thea finished cooking breakfast and began serving it up. Ezra smiled his thanks at her even as he finished talking
with King and ended the call a few minutes later.

  “Sorry about that. I meant to make you breakfast,” he told her, taking her hand as she sat down at the place next to him.

  “No problem,” she replied with a shy sort of smile that made him think about the night they’d spent in each other’s arms. “I’m not the world’s greatest cook, but I think I make okay omelets.” She gestured toward his plate as he let go of her hand and picked up the fork she’d laid out for him.

  “This looks great.” He began eating and then was sure to compliment her on each facet of the meal. The fact was, she’d gone out of her way to make breakfast for them both, and he was touched more than he could say by the simple gesture.

  After breakfast, Ezra took a quick shower, and then, the two of them headed across town for their first recon stop of the day. The pool hall wasn’t busy at this time of the morning, which was perfect, as far as Ezra was concerned. He’d come here to meet the local wolf Alpha face to face—something that was best done without a bunch of humans around.

  When he walked into the pool hall with Thea at his side, he immediately felt the scrutiny of more than a dozen sets of wolf shifter eyes. The Alpha was seated at the bar along one wall, sipping coffee while perusing some kind of ledger book spread out on the bar top in front of him. He turned to look at them as they approached.

  “Well, will you look what the cat dragged in,” the man said, standing from the bar stool.

  He was as tall as Ezra, though not nearly as wide. The werewolf’s frame was rangy and lean, muscular but lithe in a way Ezra’s bear bulk couldn’t match. Ezra didn’t mind in the least. He liked being able to pound just about anyone or anything into the ground.

  “I hear you’re the top dog in this town,” Ezra said, knowing some of the Pack would take offense at the words but wanting to gauge their reactions for himself.

  He wasn’t afraid of any piddling little werewolf. Even a dozen of them wasn’t cause for concern. It’s only when the Packs went hunting as a whole that any bears in the vicinity might sit up and take notice.