Just Like A Bear: A Steamy Shifter Romance (A Ravenswood Romance Book 3) Read online

  © Copyright 2016 by Jada Turner - All rights reserved.

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  JUST LIKE A BEAR

  A Paranormal Romance

  By: Jada Turner

  Table of Contents

  JUST LIKE A BEAR4

  Here is a SPECIAL BONUS - The Great Romances Collection!!19

  The King's Mistress20

  Facing My Demon39

  The Scoundrel58

  Willing Spirit82

  Scoundrel's Mistress103

  Captivated By The Scoundrel 123

  Scandalous148

  Colored By Desire163

  Shades of Twilight178

  Stepbrother : Vampire197

  Blood Lust 218

  Vampire In My Bed 235

  Baby Bear250

  A Princess’ Tale 268

  Billionaire Tiger284

  Ghosting305

  The Viscount’s Desire3273

  JUST LIKE A BEAR

  An Bear Shifter Romance

  By: Jada Turner

  Chapter 1

  Brea DiLaurentis drove her car through her hometown of Ravenswood. Ravenswood was a picturesque town tucked back into the mountains. In addition to being uncommonly beautiful, it had fantastical secrets. Ravenswood attracted magic. Brea wasn't a witch or anything like that. But she was definitely used to strange things happening. Ravenswood attracted shifters, vampires and whatever other paranormal creatures roamed the Earth. Which was just fine was Brea. Especially since shifters tended to be large and very attractive.

  Brea was a successful wedding coordinator. She specialized in paranormal clients, it was just good business to do so in Ravenswood. Brea had a knack for giving people exactly what they wanted, even if they didn't know it themselves. Her gift helped her plan paranormal/human weddings, where the rituals could be quite different, to say the least. Most of the paranormals followed their traditions about as closely as humans did these days, so it usually wasn't much of problem.

  Brea pulled up to her office. She rented a small storefront on main street. It was expensive but she liked to be in the middle of the action and business was good these days. It was one room with storage and a bathroom. There was space enough for her large white desk and a lounge space for clients.

  Brea prepared for her first appointment. She took a look in a mirror and smoothed her dark red hair back into a low ponytail. Her makeup was perfect and natural looking but still made her wide-set green eyes pop. A simple sweep of bronzer over her high cheeks and a bit of gloss over her lips and she was ready to go.

  The clients were a mixed couple, a bear shifter man and regular human woman. Lucky girl, Brea thought. Her own love life was nonexistent. She had been in love once. Madly in love. Scott had been handsome and successful, a dream come true. When he proposed, Brea was over the moon. Everything was perfect, until her wedding day when Brea was left at the altar. Abandoned by the only man she had ever loved in the cruelest way possible, Brea was devastated. Scott had left town shortly after. She never saw him again.

  After that, Brea had trouble trusting men. She threw herself into to her work and her business thrived. Now she was married to her work and she liked it that way.

  The door of her office opened, breaking Brea out of her revelry. Her clients walked in the door.

  “Ben and Sarah! How are you both?” Brea greeted them happily.

  “Great!” Ben Mathers answered beaming at his bride to be. Ben was a large, good natured and extremely handsome bear shifter. He was the youngest of a large family that had an estate on the edge of town. They mostly kept to themselves, except for Ben. For Ben and Sarah it was love at first sight. That was a year ago and they stilled seemed blissfully in love.

  “I know we chatted a bit on the phone but there are some things I left out.” Sarah wrung her hands together, she seemed stressed. She was a petit blonde, a bit of a worrier and the town librarian.

  “Oh?” Brea replied. She held her breath.

  “The wedding has to be in a month! Ben’s older brother Garrett is more traditional than Ben and he insists the wedding take place on the Full Flower Moon.”

  “One month! Oh my, that is a bit tight. But I’ve done perfectly lovely weddings with less.” She smiled reassuringly at Sarah. Sarah sighed in relief.

  “There’s one more thing.” Ben broke in. “My brother wants to be very involved in the planning. He is more traditional than I am. And very stubborn. But we want you to work with him because we still want the wedding to reflect us. And well, sometimes we have trouble standing up to Garrett.”

  “Oh well! That’s no problem! I can handle stubborn! I’m sure everything will be fine.” Brea was confident in her gift and she knew she would figure out a way for everyone to be happy. Ben and Sarah looked relieved.

  Just then the door opened and a very large man walked through. He was wearing a tight white t-shirt that clung to his muscled chest like a second skin. Brea breathed in deep at the sight of him. He had shaggy blond hair that fell in his face and he swept it back with one of his large hands in a gesture that made Brea swoon. Underneath the hair were two of the most beautiful brown eyes she had ever seen.

  “Garrett!” Ben called out. “We were just explaining to Brea how you will be working with her.”

  Oh wow. This hunk of a man was Garrett Mathers? Well, this was going to be interesting.

  “Pleased to meet you!” Brea gave Garrett her most dazzling smile. Garrett did not return it.

  “You should know I am against this whole ‘wedding planner’ business. Our kind have our own traditions and I want to make sure those are honoured. Without frilly tablecloths and twinkle lights.” Garrett crossed his arms in protest and sat down.

  Frilly tablecloths and twinkle lights?! That’s was all he thought she did? The nerve of him. He was the rudest man she had ever met. But worse than that, for the first time in her life, Brea couldn’t get a read on him. Her gift had abandoned her when she needed it the most.

  Brea regained her composure. “Well, I assure you, that ‘frilly tablecloths and twinkle lights’ are not at all what I do. I help my clients to put together a wedding that is a perfect expression of their love.” She also crossed her arms. Take that!

  Garrett rolled his eyes. “Nonetheless I will be going over the details with you to make sure our traditions are represented. I don’t trust a human to understand.”

  Brea felt anger rise to her cheeks making them burn bright pink. “I look forward to it.” She spat out between clenched teeth.

  “We have a book for you, detailing werebear traditions and wedding rituals. I have marked all the things that stood out for me.” Sarah interrupted. She could tell things were going off the rails already. Sarah handed the book to Brea. “I think we should be going now. Give you time to research and come back with some ideas.”

  “Of course.” Brea felt calmer now but her face still felt hot.

  The couple got up and walked to the door with Garrett trailing behind. When they were out the door Garrett turned around and said, “Your face turns the most attractive shade of pink when you are mad.” He smiled for the first time and his eyes crinkled up in the corners making his already hands
ome face irresistible.

  Brea was so shocked that her mouth dropped open. Garrett laughed and left her office, giving her the perfect view of his amazing ass through the glass storefront.

  Chapter 2

  Brea slowly got ready for her next appointment. She was dreading it. She was meeting with the infuriating Garrett Mathers. She brushed her hair until it shone. Brea had long, dark red, straight hair. Usually she pulled it back but today she left it down. She pulled out a conservative emerald green dress. Well conservative on anyone else, it hugged Brea’s ample curves so tightly that the dress instantly became sexy. It was the bane of Brea’s existence, her large breasts, small waist and extremely ample ass made most of her clothes practically obscene. She knew the emerald color of the dress made the most of her pale skin and bright green eyes. As she buttoned up the dress over her lacy bra, she felt butterflies in her stomach. Garrett made her uneasy and not just because she couldn't read him like everyone else but because she couldn’t stop thinking about him. He invaded her dreams turning them instantly naughty. Brea had woken up sweating and incredibly horny last night.

  The last thing Brea wanted was a man. The heartbreak of Scott had been enough for her lifetime. Garrett was attractive, so what? She wasn't going to let him break down her resolve.

  She headed to her car and drove to the address Garret gave her. He made furniture and he had hand-carved a traditional wedding arch for Ben and Sarah to be married under. On the phone he said it would ‘set the tone’ for the style of the wedding. He also worked in another jab about frilly napkins.

  Seriously, what was this guy’s problem?

  She pulled her car into the lot beside Garrett’s shop. A simple sign saying “Mathers’ Brothers Furniture” hung over the door. She walked in and didn’t bother knocking. The front area was filled with beautiful hand carved furniture, each with intricate detailing. Brea was in awe of the furniture. He was an artist! She walked to the back room which served as his shop. She found Garrett, roughly sanding a large table. He wore a plaid shirt open over a white tank top. He was sweating from the exertion. The droplets of liquid slowly sliding down his neck only to disappear down his chest. Brea took a deep breath as her heart started pounding in her chest.

  He looked up at that moment as if he could hear her heart beating faster.

  “Oh, you caught in the middle of a job.” He took off his shirt to wipe the sweat of his brow and Brea nearly swooned. The air in the shop was electric.

  “Take your time.” Brea breathed.

  “Enjoying the view?” He smiled that disarming smile at her. Was he flirting with her?

  Brea’s mind went blank. Usually she was good at flirting. But this man made her so nervous.

  “I’ll just wait in the other room then.” She said as she backed away. She needed some air. But he just followed her out of the room, pulling his shirt back on.

  “I want you to see the arch. It’s over here.” He took her arm and lead her to the back of the room. She felt a shock of electricity at his touch.

  Brea was speechless. The arch was certainly beautiful but it was the closeness of Garrett that was making it hard to speak.

  “It’s incredible.” She finally said.

  “Yes, “ he said as he looked down at Brea “It will look great at the back of the ranch near the waterfall.”

  “But Sarah wants to be married in the hotel in town? Her parents met there.” Brea was confused. Did he listen to anybody?

  “It’s traditional for bears to marry near running water.” he nearly growled.

  “Maybe so, but you have to take into account the bride’s wishes!” Brea raised her voice as she felt the hot flush of anger rush to her face.

  “She is marrying into our clan, but we have no say in the ritual? Our traditions are important!” His eyes darkened with anger and Brea caught a glimpse of the beast within. Brea quivered under his gaze.

  Suddenly Garrett grabbed her and pushed his mouth against hers. It was as if the bonds of his beast had been loosened by his anger and an unstoppable wave of passion was released. He was so much bigger and stronger than Brea and she knew she should be scared by what he could do to her. If he wanted her now she couldn't stop him. But instead of fear, desire ripped through her body. His kiss grew more forceful as he pushed his tongue into her mouth. She responded with equal passion and their tongues swirled together.

  He broke off the kiss and picked up her short frame easily, as if she were merely a piece of his furniture. He plopped her bottom down on a tall table so now they were eye to eye. They grabbed at each other again instantly, their mouths insufficient to satiate their desire. He pushed her legs open and yanked her forward. He was now positioned so his large erection rubbed her sex. Brea wrapped her legs around him and leaned back on her hands and pushed her herself harder against him. She rocked her hips and rubbed her clit over his erection. He looked down at her breasts thrust forward and the beast in his eyes darkened. He grabbed her dress and ripped it open with such force that the buttons flew all over the room, lost forever.

  She sat up, she felt exposed. “Stop, Garrett.” She whispered. Her protests loosening the reigns of the beast even more. He growled and pushed her bra down exposing her naked breasts. He pushed his mouth down on her breasts and bit the nipple. Brea cried out in pain and pleasure. He began to suck on the nipple and desire shot down to her clit causing her hips to rock against his cock again.

  Garrett pulled his mouth off her breast and grabbed her, pinning her arms against her sides.

  “You are the sexiest woman I have ever seen and I will take you whenever I want to.” He growled into her ear.

  Brea’s breath was ragged, “Yes.” she moaned, throwing her head back.

  Suddenly, Garrett’s phone rang, breaking them both out of their haze. The beast disappeared from Garrett’s eyes. He looked shocked and let go of her instantly.

  “Brea…” He started to speak. Brea felt shame rise up in her body. She pulled her shirt over her breasts and held it with her hand as she ran out of the store, crying. She hopped in her car and drove home as fast as she could.

  Once home she peeled off her dress and threw it in the garbage. She hopped in the shower as the tears came. What had she done? She had never felt desire like that in her whole life. She was powerless against it. It scared her. She vowed to never be alone with Garrett Mathers again. No matter what her heart said.

  Chapter 3

  Over the next few days, Brea’s resolve broke down. She had expected him to call with an apology, but she heard nothing. Sarah called to say that Garrett was mysteriously busy at the estate and he had given them carte blanche to plan the wedding. Brea was surprised by how disappointedshe felt.

  Saturday was Ben and Sarah’s engagement party. Even though Garrett wasn’t fighting for it anymore, Brea had brokered a compromise and the engagement party was to be held at the hotel were Sarah’s parents met. The wedding would take place at the Mather’s estate. She knew it was important to him and she wanted to show him that he meant something to her.

  Brea had been extra busy this week planning the party, but that didn’t stop her from looking for Garrett wherever she went, her heart leaping when she thought she spotted him. But she didn't run into him.

  By the weekend, Brea was feeling desperate. She couldn’t stop dreaming or thinking about him. Did he feel the same way? He had said she was the sexiest woman he had ever seen! Did he mean it? Would he ever want her for more than sex?

  Brea took extra care getting ready for the party, she knew Garrett would be there and he couldn't avoid her any longer. She pulled on a black silk wrap dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. She curled her hair into soft waves and let it hang loose, framing her face. She carefully applied a sparkly eye and lipgloss. There was no way Garrett could ignore her now.

  Brea pulled up at the party early so she could attend to some small details. She was so busy making everything perfect, that
by the time she took a break the party was in full swing. Brea grabbed a glass of champagne from the kitchen as she made her way to the party. She paused and admired her handiwork. The room was elegant and simple. Everything was in white, to represent purity, which was important for bear shifter marriages.

  She scanned the room for Garrett. She found him looking uncomfortable by the bar, in a form fitting suit. Brea practically drooled. She drained her champagne glass. They made eye contact. Electricity shot through Brea. She could tell he liked what he saw by the way he stared at her. He made his way over to her.

  “Brea,” he said as came close. “I am so sorry, that things got…out of hand.” His eyes were kind, no trace of the beast at all. “It’s the perils of being a shifter.”

  Brea summoned up her courage.

  “I’m not sorry it happened. I can’t stop thinking about you.” She looked directly in his eyes.

  “Oh, Brea, there are things you don't understand.”

  Disappointment flooded over her. It wasn’t exactly the reunion she was hoping for.

  “Come with me.” He lead her to a private conference room next to the party where they could be alone.

  “I can’t stop thinking about that day. Something incredible happened between us and I know you felt it too.” Brea blurted out, as soon as they were alone.

  “Brea, I want you. You stir up my beast in a way no one else has. But we come from different worlds. I need to be with my own kind.” He looked pained as he said the words.

  “But it works for Ben and Sarah.”

  “Ben is the youngest, he doesn’t have the same responsibilities as I do.”

  “That’s ridiculous, it’s your life you can do whatever you want!” Brea was getting angry, he wanted her, but he was getting in his own way.