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

  “Brea, I… I have a mate.” He refused to look her in the eye.

  “What? A mate? You are married? Why did you try to make love to me?” The anger shot out of her and she pounded her fists on his chest. He grabbed her wrists but still she struggled, she wanted to hurt him. As much as he hurt her.

  She struggled with him for a few minutes then looked up as his face. His eyes had changed, the beast was coming. She struggled harder, knowing it was turning him on.

  “Let me go!” she cried. He held her wrists tighter. A growl escaped him. He pushed her against the wall behind the door. He yanked her wrists above her head and held them hard against the wall. He was so strong he could throw her around like rag doll. He kissed her, hard.

  “Garrett.” she breathed, her voice dripping with passion.

  “Shut up!” he commanded. “I will tell you what you want.” The beast was back and she felt her panties moisten in anticipation. He could do anything he wanted to her. She couldn’t protest, even if she wanted to.

  With his free hand, he untied her dress roughly and pulled it open, exposing her body. He yanked her panties down and pushed his hand between her legs. He pushed a finger into her and felt her wetness. He moaned and pushed two more fingers in. He began to pump his fingers harshly.

  “You want this. You like it like this.” he growled.

  “Yes,” she whispered, “Yes.”

  They were interrupted when the door opened beside them, luckily they were shielded behind it. Garrett put the hand that had just been in pussy over her mouth to keep her quiet. She could smell her sex.

  Whoever had opened the door must have had the wrong room, because the shut door without anyone entering the room. Garrett waited a few moments and then let her go.

  “Jesus, Brea, what do you do to me?” he shook his head and left the room.

  Brea adjusted her clothes. He wanted her. They couldn't be alone together for even a minute before he jumped on her. She didn’t know who this ‘mate’ was but she didn't stand a chance. Brea was determined to never be heart broken again, and this man was meant for her.

  The party was going strong when Brea rejoined it after cleaning herself up in the bathroom. Sarah came running up to Brea ecstatically.

  “Oh Brea, thank you so much, everything is beautiful! I am so happy we came to a compromise with Garrett too.” Sarah gushed.

  “Yes, he is real piece of work isn’t he?” Brea smiled, hoping to pump Sarah for information.

  Sarah giggled, “He can be a stubborn but he has a good heart and his traditions are important to him.”

  “Well I don’t envy the woman who ends up with him.”

  “Oh, he is mated to another shifter. But she hasn’t lived in Ravenswood for years. She went abroad for school. Her name is Priscilla. She and Garrett had been promised to each other since they were kids. They got married right after high school. I haven't heard him even speak of her for months. But apparently she is coming home for the wedding.”

  “Have you met her?”

  “No, she has been away since before Ben and I met. Well, I should go find Ben!”

  “Congratulations Sara, the wedding will be beautiful I promise.” Brea smiled at Sarah, she really was a sweetheart.

  She smiled and skipped off to find Ben.

  Brea wasn’t ready to give up on Garrett. She hadn’t felt this way about anyone, not even Scott. Maybe Scott had sensed that something was missing and that’s why he left. She knew she couldn’t go through the heartbreak again. It didn't sound like Garrett’s union was very strong. Maybe she still had a chance. Hope fluttered in her heart.

  Chapter 4

  Brea spent the rest of the weekend working. There was a lot to do, as the wedding was in three weeks and she still had other clients. When she finished up Sunday night, she was exhausted. She relaxed by taking a long, hot bath. It was only when the sweet smell of the lavender oils drifted to her face that the thoughts of Garrett creeped back in. As she let the jets gently massage her muscles, she remembered his touch and the feeling of electricity that coursed through her body. He was a flash of energy to her ordered life. She hadn’t realized how much she needed that until Garrett had showed up in her life. He needed it too, she was sure of it.

  Tomorrow she would have a chance to see him again. She was travelling out to his estate to see the spot near the waterfall where the vows were to take place. The estate also boasted a large ballroom for the reception. She was excited to see Garrett’s home and the place where he grew up. Garrett’s two other brothers were away at college, so after Ben got married Garrett would be alone. Unless his mate moved back. Brea pushed the thought out of her head. She climbed out of the bathtub, pulled on a long silk night shirt and put herself to bed. She drifted off to the memory of Garrett hot kisses.

  The next morning Brea slept in and woke at 10am. Crap! She was going to be late. She didn’t have time to wash and dry her hair, so she piled it on top of her head in a messy bun. She looked in the mirror and a tired face peered back at her, so she carefully applied makeup. She tucked a deep emerald silk shirt into a high waisted pencil skirt. She completed the look with black pumps. She was trying look professional yet sexy. She checked the time, swore and ran out the door, skipping breakfast.

  It was a beautiful drive out to the Mather estate. The day was sunny and bright. Brea felt the excitement build in her stomach at the thought of seeing Garrett. She was going to try again to convince him that he truly wanted to be with her.

  She arrived at the gates to the estate in forty minutes flat, she had a bad habit of speeding. As she drove through the gates, her mouth opened in awe. The house was a huge Tudor styled affair. It was positioned in the middle of the property, the back of the house opened up into the woods. A large stream dissected the property. The waterfall was at the back end in a clearing that opened up onto to the rolling green hills that sprawled across the other half of the estate. It would be a beautiful wedding.

  She pulled up at the house, climbed out of her car and hopped up the steps to the front door. She rang the bell and the door opened seconds later. Garret stood in the doorway looking gorgeous in his usual tight jeans and faded blue t-shirt.

  “You’re late,” he grumbled.

  “You’re in a lovely mood,” she retorted.

  “I thought maybe you weren’t coming, because of the other night.”

  “I am a professional and I have a job to do.” She was feeling especially self-righteous today. “Are you going to let me in? To see the ballroom? The reason I’m here?” She couldn't help the sarcasm dripping from her voice. His presence unnerved her. Why was she being such a bitch?

  He just raised an eyebrow at her and she swore she saw a smile curve at the corner of his lips. But it was gone in a second. He moved aside and gestured for her to come in. The inside of the house was equally beautiful, with a dark stained wood floor and high ceilings. He lead her to the ballroom which was just off to the right of the front door.

  The ballroom was made of the same dark wood and the windows were all stained glass which gave it the feel of a church. Brea gasped. “It’s beautiful! It’s perfect.”

  “So you agree it’s the perfect place for the reception?”

  “Of course! I would love to see the waterfall!”

  “It’s a short walk away,” he lead her through the ballroom to a door at the back. It opened up on a path along the edge of the woods. They walked along the path together in silence. Brea didn't know what to say. All the determination and bravery she felt in the car on the way here dissipated as soon as she saw Garrett.

  When they arrived at the waterfall they still hadn’t spoken to each other. The waterfall was hauntingly beautiful, it was about twenty feet high and cool clean water poured over the top down into a clear pool below. There was a flat wide section of grass near the waterfall. It was big enough to fit the fifty guests Ben and Sarah had invited.

  Garrett had erected his
archway at the edge of grass nearest the waterfall. “Oh Garret, it’s beautiful! It’s absolutely perfect!” Brea dared to imagine herself getting married in that very spot someday.

  “I don’t want to say I told you so, but…” his words trailed off and the smile returned to his lips. Brea smiled at him and she felt her heart almost burst. It was the perfect moment for Brea to talk to Garrett again about how she felt.

  Garrett interrupted her thoughts just as she was about to speak. “Is that all you need? I’m sure you want to get back to work. “

  “Garrett, I want to talk to you, about us.” His coldness did not dissuade her.

  “Brea, you know how I feel. I can’t be with a human.”

  “I know how you feel about me! You can barely keep your hands off of me!”

  “I can’t lie. You do something to me, you are under my skin. But that is just my body. Sometimes you have to make decisions with your head.” His voice got soft and he put his hand under her chin and kissed her softly, gently. Not like before. She knew he meant it as a good bye kiss.

  Brea felt tears come to her eyes. She didn't want him to see her cry so she walked away from him. She didn't look back until she got to her car. She could see him still standing alone by the waterfall. She got in her car and drove away.

  Chapter 5

  The next day Brea threw herself into her work. She worked straight through until 9 o’clock. She didn't want to be alone with her thoughts so she left her car at the office and walked a block to a nearby pub, The Lamb’s Tail.

  She sat at the bar and ordered a whiskey. It had been a rough week. She heard a voice call from the end of the bar.

  “Of all the bars in all the world, she walks into mine.” It was Garrett and he was drunk.

  “Is he bothering you, miss” The bartender interrupted them.

  “No, no. He is my friend.” She replied.

  “Well then, can you get him out of here? He is way over the limit.” The bartender frowned at Garrett.

  “Yes, of course. I know where he lives.” She made her way over to Garrett. “Garrett, I think it’s time go.” She tried to pull him up but he weighed a ton.

  “I don’t want to go home yet,” he mumbled.

  “Come to my car, I won’t take you home,” she pleaded with him.

  “Fine, I’m stick of this place anyway,” he slurred.

  She was able to get him to her car and safely stowed inside. She didn’t know where to go, so she drove to her house. It took a lot of cajoling and pulling but she managed to get him inside and on her couch. She made him a strong cup of coffee and sat next to him.

  “Here, drink this.” She offered him the coffee but he pushed it away.

  “I would rather drink you.” He pulled her face to his and kissed her sloppily.

  She pushed him away with force. “You’re drunk.”

  “Because of you! Because I can’t get you out of my head! I want you.”

  “Now? Now that you’re drunk you can express your feelings for me?” Brea was angry.

  “Brea.” He tried to kiss her again.

  “No! Not while you are drunk!” She slapped him across the face.

  She saw the animal spark in his eyes. He growled. “Don’t say ‘no’ to me!” He pushed her down on the couch. She struggled against him. He held her shoulders down and pushed his mouth on hers. He forced his tongue into her mouth. She tasted the alcohol.

  “No!” She cried out again when he moved his mouth down her neck.

  “I will have you tonight, Brea. I will claim you as mine.”

  Brea felt desire heat up in her sex. Garrett sat up and pulled Brea with him, he pulled her over his lap with her ripe ass positioned over his legs. He yanked off her skirt and underwear in one rough movement. He caressed her ample ass and groaned with desire. “I know what you want.” He rasped as he spanked her, hard. She cried out at the pain. He slapped her again. The pain shot up her body. She felt the hot sensation in her cunt grow with every slap. Lust clouded her brain. She felt a wave of desire from a primal place she didn’t even know existed. She desperately wanted him to fuck her. She wanted to be pounded into oblivion any way he chose.

  “Take off your clothes,” he demanded. She stoop up shakily in front of him and slithered out of her skirt and under wear. She slowly unbuttoned her blouse and let it slide to the floor. She unhooked her bra and let it drop to the floor. She stood in front of him naked and vulnerable. “You are so sexy Brea. I can’t control myself around you.” His eyes had darkened with beast and it seemed to sober him up. She covered her breasts with her arms, his intense stare made her feel nervous. He stood up then and pushed her arms open and he grabbed her breasts roughly. He took her hard, excited nipples in his mouth and sucked hard. He squeezed and rubbed the other nipple and he continued to suck. She threw her head back and moaned in ecstasy. He sucked harder. He went back and forth between her two nipples sucking and tweaking until she felt like she would explode. A deep groan escaped her lips. He stood up and quickly climbed out of his clothes exposing his huge erection. Brea didn’t have much time to admire it as he grabbed her roughly. He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder like she was a rag doll. He slapped her ass again and carried her into her bedroom. He tossed her on her bed.

  “I am going to take you now. I will claim you as mine.” The beast had taken over completely now. He grabbed her hips and flipped her over. He kneeled behind her and pulled her hips up. He smacked her ass again. She was so turned on, she felt her cream slide down inside her. She wanted him to claim her. She felt the tip of his dick rubbing against her lips. She moaned and he slowly penetrated her. His dick went deep, deep inside her. He slowly pulled it out and then penetrated her again, just as slow. Guttural sounds escaped from her as she fell into pit of desire. He rammed into her hard. He grabbed her hips and began pumping her hard and fast. She grabbed a pillow and shoved it in her mouth to keep from screaming. Each thrust drove her closer and closer to release. His thrusts came even faster and harder now as he neared his peak. He reached under to her clit and began rubbing her mound, she felt a ball of ecstasy pool in her genitals, ready for release.

  “Cum! Cum now!” He commanded.

  They both exploded into ecstasy at the same time. They fell together onto the bed. Garrett wrapped himself around Brea and whispered, “You are mine now,’ as he fell asleep. Brea smiled and joined him in sleep.

  Chapter 6

  The next morning did not go so well. Garrett woke up hungover and ashamed. He searched the house for his clothes and put them on quickly. She followed him pulling on a black silk robe.

  “I’m so sorry Brea, I wasn’t in my right mind. I was drunk, it was a mistake,” he explained. Brea could see how tortured he was, but she knew it wasn't a mistake.

  “You wanted to be with me. You told me that you were claiming me as your mate!”

  “I-I don’t know what to say. I am mated to Priscilla, who is coming home soon!” His eyes were pained.

  “But Sarah told me she hasn’t lived here in years, things have changed!”

  “It doesn't work like that for us. Priscilla shares my views on our traditions. It doesn't matter that she went away, she is coming back now, and she will reclaim me as her mate.”

  “Do you love me at all? Am I just warm human body to you?” Tears welled up in Brea’s eyes.

  “Brea, what I feel for you is like nothing I have ever felt before. I don't know what it means. I have to get home to clear my head. Can we talk again?” She could feel Garrett shutting off his human feelings. It would do no good to push him.

  He left in silence. As soon as the door shut, Brea burst into tears. How could she go from feeling so complete just a few hours ago to feeling utter despair now? She had changed her life to be completely self-sufficient. She had never wanted to have her heart broken ever again. But she had let Garrett into her heart and he had destroyed her. She curled up in a ball and cried until she had no t
ears left.

  The next morning Brea was determined to get back to her old self. She shot off an angry, ‘Never talk to me again,’ email to Garrett. It was very satisfying and she didn’t mince any words.

  Next she threw herself back into work. She couldn’t face Garrett so she focused on her other clients. Since Sarah and Ben’s wedding was in two weeks, she knew she couldn't put it off for long. But she needed a day without thoughts of Garrett.

  After work she treated herself to a facial, new haircut and highlights. The pale, sad girl looking back at her in the mirror was not helping her state of mind. Her hairdresser worked magic, she came out of the salon with even brighter, shinier red hair. She felt like a new woman.

  The weeks flew by, since Garrett was avoiding her as much as she was him, they managed to never speak. He had backed off from any planning of the wedding at all. But the day was fast approaching. She knew she would have to see him again at the wedding, worse still, he would be with his mate, Priscilla.

  Brea focused on finding the perfect dress to wear to the wedding. She had settled on a long, forest green corseted dress that made the most of her extreme curves. It wasn't really appropriate for a wedding but Brea didn't care. She had blown way past appropriate the moment she met Garrett.

  A flower emergency kept her busy for the next few days. When the day came to set up for the wedding, Garrett had made himself scarce. She looked for someone that could be Priscilla, but the only people in the house were Garrett’s rowdy brothers, home from college.

  Brea felt a knot in her stomach. It grew all day and kept her awake all night. Tomorrow would be the worst day of her life.

  Chapter 7

  Brea was up at the crack of dawn. She couldn't sleep anyway. She looked tired and drawn so she took special care with her makeup. She drew large, dark smoky eyes, hoping they would disguise how worn she looked and felt. She piled her glossy hair on top of her head in a large smooth bun. She pulled on soft black joggers and a t-shirt. She would have to get dressed later, no way was she running around all day in her tight gown.