Page 31 of Bear to be Wild
She reached up and brushed my hair back from my forehead. “I’m sure, Roan.” Her voice sounded soft but confident.
My bear rumbled deep inside me. I kissed her with gentle reverence as I covered her body with mine. My world narrowed to her lips, her scent, her warmth. I took my time, worshipping every soft curve and relishing every breathy moan I coaxed out of her. Her muscles tightened and she arched her back as she grew closer, then cried out my name as she broke with a ragged gasp.
After she came down, she reached for me. Pulling me closer to her, she whispered, “Please, Roan, I need you now.”
“Yes, my mate.” I entered her slowly, sinking into heat and heaven. She clung to me, scoring my shoulders with her nails. Moving with me, she matched my rhythm as I drove faster. Harder. My thrusts turning wild.
Her body trembled beneath me, and she shattered with a low moan. I held her tight and kissed her sweet mouth. Moving down her throat, I brushed my lips over to the soft spot that sang to me, unleashing a primal urge. My canines sharpened, itching with anticipation.
“Mine,” I growled, the word ripped from somewhere deep inside.
“Yes.” She sighed. “Always yours.”
I kissed her again, then pressed my mouth to the hollow of her neck. My teeth grazed her skin, and she tilted her head in invitation, baring herself to me.
I bit through the surface of her skin, and the moment I tasted her blood, my world trembled with a fierce blast. An enigmatic explosion rocked through my body. Heat burst through my chest as magic rushed through me. Through her. Her magic flared, bright and wild, dancing like a butterfly before entwining with me. Our bond locked into place with a powerful, undeniable certainty.
Maribelle gasped, clutching me tighter. “Roan?—”
Dazed, I pulled my teeth from her flesh and sealed the wound. “Are you okay?” I murmured against her skin.
“The magic,” she said, sounding breathless. “It’s so…powerful.”
Powerful. Incredible. The bond roared inside, connecting us, and my bear beamed with absolute contentment. She was mine. I was hers. We’d chosen each other.
I clasped my fingers through hers, and our palms touched. Our bond sealed. Our connection eternal.
We were mates. Now and forever.
EPILOGUE
MARIBELLE
The ship docked early that day on the Moonlight Siren’s private island. Most passengers had left the ship to sip cocktails on lounge chairs on the beach or to explore the forest trails. When Roan and I had finished work, we had a few precious hours of freedom to roam together.
The salty sea scent tinged the balmy air, and pink and gold bands streaked the blue sky. Roan took my hand in his large one, so warm and protective.
I sneaked a glance at him like a love-struck fool. We were truly bonded. Mates. I almost couldn’t believe it.
And I’d never been happier.
We wandered away from the beach and onto the forest trails. Shadows danced through the palm trees, and the air felt cooler in the shade. “You know,” I said casually, “you looked ridiculously sexy when your bear almost came out in the Celestial Lounge.”
His brow arched, amused. “When I almost tore that tiger in two?”
“Yes.” I grinned. “All fierce and feral. So hot.” I fanned myself and let out a sly grin.
A laugh rumbled deep in his chest, sending heat tingling through me. “Careful, witch. My bear likes hearing that.”
“Show me,” I encouraged him with a squeeze of his hand.
He glanced down at me with a twinkle in his amber eyes. “Show you what?”
“I want to meet your bear.” My voice came out low and raspy.
Roan studied me for a few seconds before he nodded.
He pulled his fitted maroon T-shirt over his head in one smooth motion, revealing those honed muscles under his skin. Next, he removed his shorts, his boxers, and sandals. My breath hitched—goddess, he was beautiful standing naked here in the forest, wild and free on this island. The air shimmered around him, and his eyes gleamed with gold, a flicker of magic before the shift. His body expanded, bones stretched, and fur rippled out in a cascade of thick, dark brown.
