A Bear's Keeper

Chapter One

There was that intense sensation, that undeniable urge of pure desire that surged through her body once more as she read deeper into the novel’s erotic scene.

The stress of the day needed to be relieved and reading one of her spicy scenes in one of the romance novels was the best she could think of.

Fighting against the need to release the pressure that her body was building up, she inhaled; just to release the breath she was holding as she realized, she lost the fight of her own body. She bit her bottom lip as her left hand slowly eased down past her pajama pants.

The sound of her older sister’s screaming in the next room over caused her movement to stop, drawing back before a loud thud sounded on her ban oak tree base, bedroom door.

“Taylor!” Her sister yelled out, banging on her door even harder, causing Taylor to sit up against her wall placing her phone on her lap just as her sister came barging in.

“Yes?” Taylor asked in a soft annoyed tone.

“I need to vent!” Kelsey mumbled as she paced the pace beside Taylor’s bed, “Houston just ditched me…again!”

Taylor rolled her eyes without her sister noticing, this was the fourth night in a roll that the jerk ditched her nagging ass for his “friends”.

Everyone knew what was going on; everyone one but her sister.

“Just dump him and move on. You said yourself that sex with him is dull and terrible. So, why not get rid of his dull ass and move on to the next sperm holder?” Taylor asked softly as she pulled her phone up off her lap, swiping left to unlock, looking down at the page she had left half-read.

“Because he makes me feel something...that no one else makes me feel,” Kelsey growled, looking over at her.

“And what’s that, a sickness that you can’t get with anyone else, oh yeah, who wouldn’t want that feeling?” Taylor turned to look her in the eye.

“You’re lucky you live with me…” Kelsey threatened.

“Oh no, don’t you pull that bullshit to me. This is my apartment, I pay rent, and I pay the bills that are needed while you just mope over Houston.” Taylor’s voice rose as she stood up to have a standoff against Kelsey.

It was normal when they were younger, having stand-offs to prove who holds the alpha status. Their mother had thought it was cute, however, that was before the entire world became even more interesting, the time when humanity didn’t know anything about shifters, the mystical beings that can shapeshift into their spirit animal; the time when everyone was scared of the unknown. Looking her sister in the eye, Taylor watched as her older sister backed down.

That was typical Kelsey…never the one to follow through with her threats; Taylor always won these kinds of battles with her sister.

“I just hate being used by the one I love,” Kelsey confessed.

“How do you think I feel?” Taylor mumbled to herself.

“Anyways, I’m going to bed.” Taylor watched as Kelsey swiftly walked out of her room and into her bedroom.

Climbing back into bed, Taylor sighed as she looked at the book collection she had. All romance, all paranormal, and all shifter-related. It was funny that finding out about the characters in her books was based on real shifters, and those authors that wrote about them were shifters themselves.

She was a virgin, true. She had been on dates, but they always ended up talking about their ex of the previous week or even the hope that one day they would be a model.

Taylor only shook her head as she slowly got up again from her bed, there was no way she was getting any sleep tonight with Kelsey in the next room pulling out the drama queen scene as she yelled into her cell phone, which is what she was calling a sorry-son-of-a-bitch, and a worthless-dickless-piece-of-shit.

Standing up, Taylor dressed in faded blue jeans and her black tank top shirt, grabbing her backpack, her cell phone, and her headphones. Leaving out her front door, she rolled her eyes as she heard Kelsey yelling.

“Oh yeah, you have the world’s smallest dick asshole, the little smokies that you buy at Wal-Mart are larger than your little pecker!”

Oh god, the way she was screaming you would think Kelsey wanted the entire town to know of his ‘small package’. Taylor thought as she made her way out in the hallway.

Finally, Taylor released the breath she didn’t know she was holding; dealing with Kelsey’s issues wasn’t on her to-do list for tonight.

Taylor made it out of her apartment building and into the warmth of the evening that waited for her.

The fresh and exhilarating autumn breeze, welcomed against the paleness of her skin as she adjusted her backpack heading for the paths that lead into the nearby forest. Maybe some alone time would be what Taylor needed.

The forest gave off a sense of calmness as she looked around smiling to herself. She slowly began adventuring deeper on the path until a large fence came into view.

Crossing through the entrance, Taylor found her way to a large number of oak trees, smiling once more as she saw a small chipmunk run up one of the trees.

“What a beautiful place,” Taylor muttered as she listened; focusing on the rushing water of the nearby creek. Sitting down at the base of one of the oak trunks, Taylor leaned back looking up at the full moon and the stars that seemed to dance that night.

Closing her eyes, she relaxed her body. It wasn’t even ten minutes later that Taylor opened her eyes to the sound of twigs breaking and a large bear in front of her…no not one…not two or three…but four.

Oh fucking perfect! Taylor looked at the one that narrowed its eyes at her, rearing up on its hind legs causing her to curl up burying her head in knees, her eyes never leaving the site of her killer.

Once the one in front of her roared, she heard a second roar as an even larger grizzly barreled into the one who threatened her. It looked like the one who had wanted to kill her was shocked by the turn of events and backed away as if he was defeated. Shit…the alpha was among them.

Nikolai’s bear released a roar that not only caused him to cover his ears but made his entire body tense up. Something was going to happen tonight.

Lately, his bear has had a large stick up the ass, not wanting to mate with any of the chosen females his father -Michael Swanson- the clan leader and alpha had picked for him.

Not only was it becoming annoying that his father wouldn’t follow their agreement, but it was downright disrespectful. Now thinking about it, he agreed with his bear.

ROAR.

This was why he and his bear didn’t like crowds; all eyes were on him.

MATE HERE…

Those two words that his grizzly growled caused Nik to freeze in place, surely, his bear was only stressed out from all the clan meetings that his father suggested he attend.

Shaking his head, he began to walk down that forest path that leads into his clan’s meadow, a large clearing that held a creek that flowed with the current toward the nearest water source.

Ahead, were two grizzlies growling at each other and a bare naked male who simply waved to Nik, grinning. Cain Somerfield, who would be his beta once he accepted his alpha status, grinned as Nik stopped beside him.

“Hey Nikki boy, you ready for a well-needed boys’ night out; cause we are going to have a blast.”

“When aren’t I?” Nik responded to the question asked.

Taking a final glance around, Nik began to strip off his clothing only to lean over, feeling every bone in his body breaking and molding into his grizzly bear form.

Becoming one with his bear; before walking over toward the others, who only roared in excitement; Cain, only grinned knowing that his soon-to-be Alpha would lead their night.

It was true, Nikolai’s bear was larger, but that was only because of his alpha heritage. Nikolai’s bear reared up on his hind legs releasing a loud earth-shaking roar, only to pause the moment the sweet scent of coconut and vanilla filled his nostrils.

As if the most feminine scent was his entire world, he looked around as the sound of frightened does’ with their fawns raced through toward another place to graze.

He knew that if this scent would soon be his desire then the owner of his would-be his everything. Fate had a good way of dropping things in your life when you least expected it. Nikolai watched as his friends placed, Jace growled where Pierce only snarled.

Cain walked over toward Nik.

Of course, Cain would be the first one to scent it and mention it.

This was the Swanson Territory, private property. Why would a human wander into his Territory?

Turning to follow the scent, Nik noticed that both Pierce and Jace were already ahead of him.

That was all Jace growled before he and Pierce disappeared into the trees.

Shaking his head, he followed, the scent had become even stronger and more enchanting, where was this female?

He knew his bear was getting too far ahead of him, and if these three assholes attacked the source of this scent, he wouldn’t dare hold back.

Okay, now his bear was getting too far ahead of him. Nikolai froze when he saw a small human female lying at the base of an oak tree, and not just any oak tree.

His family’s oak tree, this tree was planted by his fourth great grandfather. His senses came back quickly as Jace reared up on his hind legs releasing a Do we to Tayloroar…at his mate.

Without hesitation, Nik flung himself into Jace’s side, roaring even louder, placing himself between his female and Jace.

Pierce synced.

Cain looked concerned.

Jace backed away.

That was the only word, Nik growled, before rearing up on his back legs releasing a large and powerful roar, ready to defend his mate, even if he had to dismember any one of his best friends to do so?

All three grizzlies backed up, in defeat. Getting back on all four knees, Nik turned to look at the female who had curled up into a ball, her eyes still on him.

Those innocently pale blue eyes met him as he slowly ushered over toward her. Nik turned his attention to Jace who had shifted in front of all of them, his hands up showing no harm.

The male appeared naked and approached his mate.

“Um, miss…what is your name?” Nik heard Jace ask, his voice soft as he slowly approached her.

“Taylor Anderson…” Her voice held fear.

Nikolai roared toward Jace, glaring at him.

“Well, Miss Taylor, it appears that due to our little outing. Our path brought you to us,” He watched Jace jump as he snarled, a warning.

“Pardon my words, to him. Our alpha’s bear has scented you as his mate.”

“Is that what this is?” Taylor spoke calmly, Nik snorted as he moved to get between Jace and his mate, causing Jace to back up with his hands up.

“Yes, I do believe so. Pierce…why hasn’t he changed back?” Jace spoke as he turned toward the now naked Pierce.

“Dude, he’s stuck like that. His bear won’t allow the shift back until we back off.” Pierce smirked as Nik growled toward him.

Nik snarled again as he noticed Cain’s bear inching closer, sniffing the air around them. This was Nikolai’s mate, his bear would show her how worthy he was of her.

Cain’s voice appeared in Nikolai’s mind.

Cain did have a point. Nikolai had a meeting with his father and younger brothers. This time Nik had an answer for him, he would accept the chance to be Alpha, he would have his mate…though she wasn’t a shifter; and she would help him make a family.

Nikolai sniffed Taylor, her scent overwhelmed him. She needed him. He knew that.

“Miss Taylor, our Alpha wanted you to ride on his back. We are heading back to our clan, and he will not leave your side.” Pierce was the one that spoke up this time, laughing at the situation.

His bear growled. No, we still need him, besides you hate junk food. Nikolai told his bear.

It felt weird, going from one moment in time to being a random human, and the next being chosen as the Alpha’s mate. Taylor couldn’t believe her luck, nor could she stop thinking about everything that had happened, while she rode bareback on the largest grizzly she had ever seen.

From her conversation with the other two bare naked shifters, Jace and Pierce, the alpha held the name Nikolai and his bear didn’t want to shift back into his human form until he knew for certain that his mate was safe, and taking her to his home was the best place his bear knew. The beta in their small pack was called Cain, who seemed to be the quiet type; however, to Taylor, he did seem a tad grumpy.

“Oh him, that’s just Cain, he’s having a hissy fit because our playtime leads us to you.” Jace had joked, causing a loud I- DON’T- GIVE-A-FUCK roar from Nikolai.

Holding tightly onto the fur of the grizzly that had set his sights on her, Taylor could have sworn that her mate had just purred. Did bears even purr?

Once they had reached a small village-like town, everyone who had seen her, merely stopped and stared, as if she was the newest freak in the circus. That didn’t stop Nik from roaring to his clan mates’ or walking past a few cabins, heading for one that looked fairly decent. Didn’t seem too big, nor was it too small.

“Just right,” Taylor whispered to herself.

“Ah, the three bears story.” A woman’s voice appeared, causing Taylor to jump from shock, nearly falling off of Nik’s back.

“Hello dearest, my name is Amber, I see the rumors are true about you taking a mate to be alpha.” The female spoke calmly, causing Nik to nod his large head, “Welcome to the family dear, and I am not only the healer of this clan, but I am also this cub’s mother.” Taylor let out a giggle as Nik responded with a snort, giving Amber the signal to head off toward the clan's healing center.

Taylor slowly looked around as she slowly slid off of Nik’s back, walking out in front of him; she looked into his brown eyes.

“May I go in?” Taylor asked, as if she needed permission to enter his home, Nikolai simply nodded, waiting patiently. Reaching for the silver doorknob, she twisted it, pushing it open to reveal a large living room.

Walking in slowly, she walked into the middle of the hallway, only to feel a pair of warm arms wrap around her. Squealing, Taylor turned to be met with a pair of lips pressed against hers.

One kiss was all it took; she knew who he was, her body simply knew. Taylor closed her eyes as she leaned closer into his embrace.

“Finally, I have found you mate.” He all but growled, as if he needed to make sure she was permanently his.

“And, who is it that has found me?” Taylor asked as she opened her eyes, taking in the bare-ass naked male who refused to let her out of his embrace.

“My name is Nikolai, my bear and I, well, we are both pleased to find a mate as beautiful as you, tell me to mate, what is your name?” He asked, his firm voice sending pure bliss down her spine.

“Taylor.” Her voice was weak as he lightly ran his left hand up the slope of her back before he inched his right hand down to the hem of Taylor’s shirt.

It took Nikolai no time to undress her, first the shirt, then her pants; Taylor watched as Nikolai backed away, his eyes filled with pure lust. Taylor blushed as she eyed Nik’s bare body, his large muscles flexing as his hazel eyes shifted to black, she soon found herself leaking from her sex, and down her legs.

“Mate, your sweet scent is driving me crazy, I can’t resist you.” Nikolai muttered as he pressed kisses along her neck and shoulder, “Mine.” He was able to manage to whisper into her left ear before he tore off her bra and panties.

Taylor felt herself being picked up and taken to a large room past the kitchen, she was gently laid upon his bed, and her legs spread as wide as they could as she watched Nikolai stroking his already enlarged member, becoming more intoxicating with her scent.

Taylor blushed as she watched Nikolai crawl over her, kissing her passionately, as he stroked her clit, pushing her deeper into her need for him. It took no time at all for him to have her hot and bothered him.

Taylor arched her hips, pressing her needy pussy up against his engorged member; just feeling the head of his cock pressing up against her pussy caused her to release a needy whimper.

“That’s right, mate. You belong to me.” Nikolai growled as he inched his cock into her tight channel.

His mate was a virgin.

Nikolai growled out loud, happy as all hell. He was going to be their mate’s first and last. Nikolai held her close as tears formed in her eyes.

He figured the pain was sharp, so he waited to move, waiting until she was ready and relaxed, which hadn’t taken long. Nikolai lost all control as he shoved the entire length of his cock into his mate’s willing pussy. The feeling of her pussy tightening around his cock had him all but cum then and there. Nikolai thrust himself even deeper, shoving in, just to pull out of her soaking wet tightness; the sounds of her moaning nearly undid his focus.

Every inch of his cock went thrusting into her, driving his mate crazy with need. Nikolai growled as Taylor’s pussy tightened more around his cock, causing him to increase his thrusting.

In and out!

Harder!

Faster!

Push in deeper!

Every action he did was followed by his mate’s moaning and panting out his name over and over. Commands he and his bear focused on as he pounded each throbbing inch into her.

Tonight, she will be ours, and she will be pregnant.

She was his. Reality began to sink in as he took in his mate’s hot body.

Damn, his bear was getting in his way.

What do you think I’m doing? His thoughts all but yelled at his bear.

Their thrusting increased into something even more powerful as he pounded harder, going deeper into her hot tunnel; drawing and building every ounce of pleasure Nikolai could feel his canines emerge; he then bit into her shoulder just as they both released their already heavily built climax.

As he finished releasing his seed into her, he pulled back from her shoulder, licking his biting mark, pressing a sweet kiss against it.

Lying beside her; Nikolai pulled his blanket over her naked body, wrapping her in his arms.

It wasn’t even five minutes, when the sound of someone yelling outside his door. The voices of Cain, Jace, and Pierce argued with the voice that sounded so much like his mothers’.

Fuck. Me.

Pressing a gentle kiss upon his mate’s forehead, refusing to wake her, Nikolai grabbed a pair of pants, putting them on in record time, he opened his front door, where three males looked like they were about to get their asses. His mother was on a rampage; may the goddess of life protect him.

“Mother, what are you doing here?” Nikolai called, clearing his throat.

“I overheard you found your mate, my dear boy, I’m so proud, can I talk to her?” His mother; Gail asked, trying to get around him, attempting to barge into his home and invade his mate’s slumber.

“Mother, no. she is resting,” Nikolai growled a warning.

“Nikolai Jay Carson…did you just growl at me?” His mother asked, shocked and annoyed.

“I’m sorry mother, but I did. Taylor isn’t leaving our den until she is carrying my firstborn.” He responded as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Oh Nikolai, she needs to eat and socialize around the clan. Your father is waiting to meet her as well.” Gail glared at her son; the three males that had removed themselves from the angry woman before them were now sitting on the porch waiting.

“I am aware of what my father wants. I have found my mate, and she is my main focus. Creating the firstborn is my main priority.” Nikolai sighed as he placed his fingers to the bridge of his nose between his eyes.

“He will want to meet her.” Gail sighed as she relaxed her posture.

“Mom, I don’t think now is the best-'' Nikolai was cut off when he scented his mate by the door, a warm scent of honeysuckle and vanilla mixed with his scent, she was wearing one of his shirts.

“Is everything alright?” Taylor’s voice was the calming sense he needed.

“Yes mate, go back to bed,” Nikolai spoke as he turned to face her.

“Oh no you don’t young man, hello dear, I’m Gail, Nikolai’s mother.” Gail quickly spoke, putting her two cents into the matter.

“Mother, Taylor needs rest,” Nikolai growled another warning.

“Oh pish-posh, so dear, you look so beautiful, you will bear me lovely grand-cubs!” Gail bragged happily, turning around to walk away, talking to herself.

“Go away, the three of you!” Nikolai wrapped his arms around Taylor protectively.

“Ah, come on man, we wanted to see how the mating went,” Jace commented out loud.

“The mating is none of your concern,” Nikolai growled toward Jace,

“What my mate and I do doesn’t concern you.”

“Nikolai…” Taylor’s voice was filled with worry as he tightened his hold on her.

“Sorry, Alpha mate, anyways, your father wanted us to let you know he will be…” Cain spoke before an older-looking male walked up the steps.

“Would you be coming to visit, seeing how I had given you enough time to mate; now I need to know who the she-bear that had won your heart is?” Lucius commented as he scratched his beard.

“Father, this is my human mate, Taylor, Taylor, this is my father.” Nikolai released a sigh as he moved to step in front of Taylor.

“You mated a human?” Lucius released a frantic growl toward his son.

“Yes, father, I mated a human, she is my true mate.” Nikolai defended his actions, standing in front of Taylor even more protectively.

“This is out of the question; you are to mate with Jessica, the daughter of the Alpha from the Black Bears.” Lucius’s slandered, once was harsher than normal.

“No father, Taylor is my mate, and you will acknowledge this fact.”

“Meet me in my study; we will discuss the fact of the matter, Jessica’s father Richard is on his way with the details.” Lucius huffed as he turned to leave, giving Taylor a glare filled with nothing but hatred.

Taylor stood there in Nikolai’s embrace, fighting back her tears, of course, his father would hate her, and, of course, he wouldn’t approve of her mating his son.

Taylor tried to remember the main facts she heard about shifters. They could sense emotions and whether or not you told the truth or a lie.

Whether or not her moods changed; Nikolai could sense her unease, she had to block out her emotions, and he didn’t need her worrying to overwhelm him. Taylor taking in a breath, before she pulled away from his hold.

“I’m going to use your shower, so I won’t be in your way.”

“You’re never in my way mate,” Nikolai growled with concern.

“It’s alright. Go on to your meeting.” Taylor smiled toward him before she felt the warmth of his hug, being embraced and caged into his hold.

“I’ll be back soon as I can, mate,” Nikolai whispered in her ear as he nuzzled his face against her neck. She nodded her head in agreement, watching as he turned away from her; heading out off the porch, leading the way for the three other males that only nodded toward her, She turned to head back into Nikolai’s cabin; she no longer closed the door, when the door rattled from someone knocking.

“Nikki darling, are you here?” A feminine voice called, opening the door after knocking.

There stood a young female, her magma red hair tumbled over her shoulders; her body was one shaped of a supermodel, either it was the shirt or the bra she wore that had her breasts pushed together as if she were trying to seduce anyone she came in contact with, her eyebrows slender as her velvety eyelashes flickered as she turned her head to Taylor.

“No, he’s meeting his father right now.” Taylor spoke softly as she clenched her fists into the large T-shirt she had borrowed from the floor, “Who are you?”

“I’m Catherine, and that’s too bad; I wanted some time with my mate before he had to leave.” Her voice held a bit of annoyance as she tilted her head toward Taylor, “Who are you?”

“I’m Taylor; Nikolai claims I’m his fated mate,” Taylor commented on, the female’s conceited attitude.

“Oh honey, Nikolai knows you and he isn’t mates.” Catherine’s arrogant voice was starting to make Taylor’s body uneasy.

“He doesn’t want you; you really should just cut your losses and skedaddle.” Taylor remained silent, giving it a few minutes before she processed the other female’s words; along with her disappointment; her shock was numbing her inner voice to even start to ask any questions.

She took a deep breath and drew her brow. She told herself that this was for the best, and not to worry about the other female that called herself Nikolai’s true mate.

“Are you alright dear?” The female asked, faking concern, Taylor knew that much.

Taylor shook her head.

“I will leave soon, and I don’t want to cause any more problems.”

“I’m sure,” said Catherine, “I’m sure you will find your mate, but it’s not with Nikolai, for the simple fact that shifters don’t mate with humans.”

All Taylor’s mind could do was focus on Catherine’s cold-hearted words.

Was she right?

No, the scar on her shoulder proved otherwise.

Taylor watched as Catherine walked out of the cabin, before she quickly grabbed her clothes, putting them on, she checked her phone.

Dead… She sighed as she took one last look around, her body still numb as her heart broke with the thought of just leaving.

Once she walked out the cabin door, and out onto the porch, she watched a smug Catherine as she texted someone on her phone.

“How about I have my driver take you home; no need for you to do ‘the walk of shame to town,” Catherine spoke as she looked up from the screen.

“Thanks,” responded Taylor as she followed Catherine to her limo. She took a deep breath before she walked to the door, being allowed into the back seat, the driver then closed the door.

Taylor remained silent until the driver asked,

“Where am I taking you, young lady?” He wasn’t rude, more sympathetic; his eyes gave it away for him.

She looked at him, placing a sweet smile upon her lips, she refused to cry as she whispered, “Central Avenue please.”

“As you wish, I am sorry for what you just suffered.” He spoke in a low whisper. She turned her head to look out the window, as he began to drive up the dirt road, out of the Grizzly clan, and away from Nikolai, her heart began breaking, piece by piece.

It took about twenty minutes for her to be dropped off in front of her apartment building. She grabbed her bag, climbing out of the limo, Taylor fought back every tear that threatened her eyes as she walked up the steps, and into the building; slowly making her way down the hallway, she pressed the button for the elevator.

Every minute she wasn’t in her room, she felt the tears threaten harder to form in her eyes. As the elevator stopped with a ding, signaling her stop, she took off toward her apartment door, once turning the doorknob, she shoved the door open, closing it quickly.

Taylor rushed to her room, closing and locking her door before she plugged her phone into its charger; she flung herself on her bed and finally allowed her tears to finally begin to shed, she cried herself to sleep.

Nikolai sipped his scotch slowly; his hazel eyes moving from his father to Richard; the Alpha of the Black Bear clan.

“Nikolai, I do apologize, my daughter, Jessica, has found her fated mate,” Richard spoke as he chuckled.

“And who has she mated with?” His father asked, unpleased for sure, but acting happy for his friend.

“Her bodyguard, Joseph, fell in love at first sight.” Richard smiled, puffing his chest, proud his daughter was mated and happy.

“It’s alright, no need to apologize; I was worried about explaining I too have found my fated mate,” Nikolai spoke before he finished his scotch.

“A human mate.” Richard grinned wolfishly, “I must meet this young lady.”

“Unheard of Richard, you are aware, we shifters don’t mate with humans.” Lucius all but growled.

“Oh quiet Lucius.” Gail snapped as she entered the room, her eyes filled with pure anger.

“Mother, what is it?” Nikolai asked, what had gotten his mother so worked up.

“Ah, hello my lady…”Richard spoke as he opened his arms for a hug, but was shot down with Gail’s sharp glare.

“Gail now is not the time.” His father murmured.

“You got rid of her because she was human? You sent one of the females from one of the neighboring clans to get rid of your own son’s mate!” Gail snapped.

“Wait, father, you didn’t?” Nikolai growled as he quickly stood up, his bear fighting to the surface.

“Sit down Nikolai, I am your father and I am also your Alpha, I know what is best for you,” Lucius spoke as she refilled his scotch glass.

“Lucius, you are messing with the fates, you cannot ruin what is meant to be. You have to understand, you are pushing your son to leave your clan.” Richard spoke with a disappointed voice toward his friend.

“Where is my mate, father?” Nikolai growled, crushing the glass in his hand.

“I sent her home.” Lucius snapped toward him.

“I’m going after her,” Nikolai said, calming his bear with the words.

“I forbid it.” His father spoke up, growling, challenging his son.

“Lucky for you, I’m willing to fight you for her.” Nikolai snapped, “I love her father, just as you love my mother.”

Lucius calmed his growl, and Nikolai turned and rushed out of the study, running out the door. He only stopped once he got to his cabin; her fresh scent itched at his nose, honeysuckle, and vanilla; yet, another scent, a female who reeked of smoke.

His bear released a large powerful growl in his head.

“She’s gone?” Jace asked curiously.

“My father’s doing.” Nikolai sighed as he sniffed his bed; the scent of his mate still emerged with his sheets, “I have her scent.”

“We are with you brother.” Cain nodded his head, “We follow you.”

“Good, because my bear needs our mate and I agree with him when he says she belongs with us,” Nikolai spoke with a grin. “She is mine.”

~~~~~~ Six Weeks later~~~~~

Nikolai growled toward anyone who had approached him; his mother was the only exception; his irritated bear clawed to be released, fighting for every inch of control.

“Nikolai, please my son, calm down.” His mother’s worried voice reached him, his bear silenced for a moment before returning to his corner in the back of his mind.

“Mom, it’s been a month and a half, I can’t find her; her scent is fading from my den, I need her in my arms,” Nik spoke as he rested his head in his hands.

“Honey, your father…” “No, I refuse anything to do with him,” Nikolai growled at the mention of his father.

“Nikolai, honey, please, your father was only doing what he thought was right, even if he was full of shit for doing it.” His mother tried to reason with him. “That man ruined my chance with my mate,” Nikolai growled.

The next moment, Cain had appeared panting in the door frame.

“What is it, Cain?” Nikolai narrowed his eyes toward his second in command.

“Nik, we have found your mate.” Cain grinned, still trying to catch his breath.

The memories of that night; had haunted Taylor every time she closed her eyes.

That same feeling she had felt that night embraced her as she drifted off into the night; memories of Nikolai’s touch roaming over her entire body, began causing her body to pulse with sudden need, and aching between her legs grew even more insatiable.

Unable to fully get her body under control, Taylor sat up while resting her hand upon her stomach, shortly before she removed herself from the bed, and toward the bathroom.

As the tub begins to fill, Taylor thought about the biggest news she had received the past two weeks

It had been a week and a half since she had taken the pregnancy test, and a full week since getting the confirmation from Dr. Clover, the doctor known for Shifters.

Taylor sighed as the memory of Dr. Clover told her she was indeed pregnant, and to return in a month and a half, for her first ultrasound.

Stripping off her pajamas’, Taylor slipped into the tub, turning off the water, soaking down enjoying the relaxing scent of the lavender bath bomb.

Taylor hadn’t even thought about her life past the point of one minute at a time; now, she had to consider not just her life but her unborn child.

She would need a better place, seeing how the doctor said the baby was a grizzly shifter, it would need a large open area to run around once it could transform.

Yesterday, she had checked her account and talked to a Realtor Agent about what she would need to purchase property outside of town.

After what felt like forever for her soaking in the now cold bath, she stood up after releasing the water stopper, waiting for the water to start draining.

Taylor wrapped her body in one of the freshly warm towels, only to wipe the mirror above the bathroom sink clear of the mist.

Looking at her reflection, she tried to calm her rampaging

thoughts.

Running helped most days.

Lately, it was between being restless non-stop, whether it was her thoughts running away from her, or the morning and evening jog she took to wear out the pent-up energy her pregnancy had brought up with.

Still feeling restless, Taylor dressed in her PJs, she slowly made her way to her door, walking outside silently enough to not wake her sister.

The memory of her walking this same path a few weeks ago, the way the warm air welcomed her as she found herself at the same old tree she was at the night she met him.

Damn, the memory of Nik still caused her body to react to his touch, and he wasn’t even there.

Taylor fought against her tears, demanding herself not to cry, and yet, her demand was not heard. Her eyes spilled warm salty tears as she touched the large tree trunk before her.

“I knew you would be here,” Nikolai spoke quietly, walking out from the other side of the tree.

She couldn’t speak.

Over a thousand words attacked her brain to be released, and yet, nothing came out past her lips.

“W-what do you want?” She finally mustered out the words, trying to keep her body from going into shock from seeing him again.

“What do I want?” Nikolai arched an eyebrow as he moved closer toward her, taking his time to slowly reach her, making certain he wouldn’t scare her off, “Babygirl, what I want is you, in my bed from tonight until you are dead.”

Taylor wrapped her arms around her body, trying her hardest not to show him her trembling body, too late, Nik was close enough for him to pull her into his arm and press her body firmly against his.

“Why are you here?” Taylor asked surprised, as the cold breeze picked up, a bolt of lightning flashed behind the clouds, only to be followed by thunder, making her jump and shriek.

“Now baby girl didn’t I just say I wanted only you. You are my mate, no one else will ever be able to compare to you.” Nik whispered as he tightened his hold around her.

Taylor shook her head.

“I can’t be your mate.”

Nik smiled lightly as he placed his pointer finger beneath Taylor’s chin, bringing her hazel eyes to look into his

“Too bad baby girl, you already are, Nik growled as a smirk appeared across his lips.

“Nik, you already have a mate.” It nearly killed Taylor to speak the words.

“I do, and she is right here in my arms.” Nik moved closer toward her, causing her to back up against the very tree where they first met.

“But...she told me…” Taylor trailed off, fear-filled her eyes as she began feeling her body begin to tremble more, feeling his touch roam up and down her arm.

“My father had placed my future in his own hands, setting up an arranged marriage; he wasn’t thrilled when I told him my mate was a human.” Nik pinned her against the tree, his eyes locking in on hers.

“Nik, I’m...p-pregnant.” She sucked in a breath as she confessed.

“I know, little mate. I could sense that your scent had mixed with mine when I showed up here, I will show you that you are my true mate, you and our son are forever mine to keep, do you understand me, little mate?” Nik’s eyes lit up with joy.

“Yes.” Taylor’s words escaped the same moment as tears began to flood down her eyes.

The moment Nik rushed toward her wrapping her in his arms, all her worries melted away as if they were nothing more than a cube of ice on a hot summer day.

Taylor felt her eyes finally lose the battle of holding back her tears, only to feel Nik pull her even deeper into his embrace.

“There, there my little mate. It’s alright, I’m here now.” Nik whispered in her ear, trying to soothe her fears and doubts that made her believe she wasn’t his mate.

After a few minutes of her crying into his chest with his arms wrapped tightly around her body, she finally took a deep breath, only to completely release it.

“Are you alright little mate?” Nik asked sweetly, moving a strain of her hair out of her line of sight and behind her ear, making her shiver as his touch stroked over her neck and arms.

Scare to speak, Taylor nodded, only to look into Nik’s eyes as he cupped her face in his hands, holding her gently as he looked down deeply into her eyes, “I’m so sorry my father hurt you.”

“Nik…” Her voice was silenced as he placed his pointer finger against her lips, shushing her.

“No little mate, you will let me finish, I would never put you in harm’s way, you are my mate, you are my heartbeat, my everything,” He continued, she heard his voice become heavy with raw passionate emotion, “I am completely head over heels in love with you Taylor, will you take me as your mate? Will you marry me?”

Taylor found herself sobbing with her hands covering her mouth as she nodded yes to him.

“Yes, Nik I will marry you.” she finally got the words out, in enough time for her to feel Nik’s lips pressed against hers, his tongue slipping in between her lips only to dance with hers.

Pulling away and breaking their kiss had left her completely dazed with nothing but tingles roaming throughout her body.

Nik pressed his forehead against hers, inhaling her scent, before he lifted her off the ground, spinning her around before pulling her closer to his chest protectively.

Taylor felt herself sliding down Nik’s chest before he placed her back on her feet, his arms still wrapped around her small body as her head pressed against his chest, inhaling more of his scent, feeling the pain of the lonely weeks before to quickly drift away as if they were being washed out with the ocean’s tide.

His mate was pregnant...with his cub!

Nik’s grizzly could scent it the moment he walked toward her, but her confirming it had made him ecstatic with pure bliss.

He smiled as he kissed the top of her head, pulling her body more into his as the need to protect what was his surfaced in his blood.

“Now little mate, let’s get you back to the clan.” He speaks slowly as he rests his chin on the top of her head.

“Nik, I can’t go back there. Your father…” her voice broke as if she was fighting back tears again.

“Talk to me little mate,” he begs, only to be answered with her head shaking no.

“It’s nothing,” Taylor mumbled as she slowly backed up looking up at him.

“No little mate, I know it’s something, talk to me. I can sense you’re uneasy.” Nik whispered as he looked into her eyes, stroking his fingers gently along her cheekbone.

“Are you sure it’s okay? I mean I don’t want to upset your father even more, besides I have a meeting with a realtor this morning for a ranch,” Taylor asked shyly.

“My little mate, I will leave my clan and make another one with those willing to follow me, you are my most important treasure, you and our cub.” Nik smiled as he kissed her lips sweetly.

He could feel her body weakening moments after he wrapped her in his arms again, pulling her closer to his body, causing her to feel his violently solid erection, the softness of her hand gliding along the firmness of his roaring cock caused him to growl out a moan.

“You see what you do to me little mate,” Nik panted as he tried to control the overbearing feeling of needing his member buried deep inside his mate’s soaking hot pussy.

“Nik?” A male voice spoke out, “We heard you growl, is everything alright?”

“Cain, back away...stay away from her,” Nikolai growled protectively, bearing his fangs toward his second in command.

“Nik, be nice, he was only checking on you,” Taylor glared up at Nikolai.

“It’s alright Taylor, he found his mate, it is understandable,” Cain chuckled as he scratched the back of his head.

“And my little mate is carrying my cub,” Nik growled once more.

Cain froze in his tracks as he looked from Nik to Taylor.

“You’re carrying his cub, well that explains why he’s testy now.” Cain chuckled.

“CAIN, leave us alone for right now, got back and pack, we are going to find a new clan for my mate and cub, my father will not be anywhere near them,” Nik tried to fight back his grizzly from tearing into his second in command.

“Yes, Alpha,” Cain spoke with a smirk before he turned and took off running for the car.

“Are you sure about this?” Taylor asked Nik, drawing his attention back to her.

“Yes, little mate, more sure than I have ever been,” Nik smiled to his mate, “Come, my little mate, let’s take you home,”