Bearing It All (Grizzly Affairs Book 1) (4 page)

He smirked as she tripped again when one overly large boot fell off her delicate foot once more. Clenching her tiny fists in anger she limped over to the fallen boot and snatching it up before stomping back into the cabin. Smiling at her display, Doyle leisurely made his way down the incline that led straight down to his home.

* ~ * ~ *

Aria swore in disgust as she couldn’t get the laces on the borrowed boots any tighter than they already were. She wouldn’t be able to walk, much less run anywhere with these on her feet. Closing the front door behind her, she limped over to the rust colored couch that sat in front of the wide living room window. Jerking the other boot off her tiny foot, she set it aside with the other.

Looking around, she took in her surrounding for the first time. The log cabin was built with wide spaces and a tall ceiling. No doubt it was required for the huge lummox that lived here. The only furniture besides the couch was a small oak coffee table and a recliner off to the side. All the furniture faced the multicolored stone fireplace against the far wall. Her eyes fell on the mounted twin barrel shot gun above the fire place. Mentally she made note of it as it may be needed later. Past the bedroom, the length of the living room blended into a kitchen area.

Standing up, she crossed the room to investigate. The kitchen consisted of a simple round table set near two corner windows on the right side of the room. On the left was a wide area with a stove and fridge on either side of a double sink. Rushing to the fridge, she jerked it open and stared at the contents.

Not bothering to wait for proper manners, she grabbed a package of lunch meat. Ripping it open, she began shoving slices of honey ham into her mouth. The taste exploded on her tongue causing her to groan in delight. It had been years since she’d had anything other than the gruel that she’d been forced to eat over the years.

Still holding the fridge door open, she set the lunch meat back and grabbed a jug of apple juice next. Ripping the cap off, she lifted the large jug to her lips. While taking a few swallows, she didn't hear the door open until it was closed again. Jerking around, holding the jug near her chest she came face to face with the handsome man from earlier.

He stood near the front door with his powerful arms crossed over his chest. Slowly; she sat the jug down on the sink counter. With her eyes trained on him, Aria pulled out the closest drawer near her. Reaching in, she gripped the first thing her hand came in contact with, a butter knife. Gritting her teeth at the absurd choice of a weapon, she held it pointed at him.

Chuckling at his mate as she held a simple butter knife, Doyle slowly lowered his hands to his sides while he moved closer. Like earlier, every step he took was mirrored with a step back by her. His mate certainly was a skittish one and a hungry one from the look of it. Never had he seen a female attack a package of ham like he’d seen seconds earlier.

She had devoured each piece like a starving man with his first meal in decades. The idea that it may be her first meal in a while concerned him greatly. Stepping closer to her, he was disappointed when she backed up further. How did he go from here? She was obviously mistrusting of him and that had to go now. Taking quick steps forward, before she was able to retreat, Doyle caught her knife wielding hand as she swung it at his throat. Gripping her hand tightly, he removed the knife before tucking it in the back pocket of his jeans.

This time he was prepared when she struck out with her legs and other arm. Blocking each strike of her flailing limbs, he jerked her against his hard body, holding her immobile. Wrapping his arm around her middle, he lifted her still fighting figure against his side, carrying her into the living room like a football under his arm.

Like a hell cat, she fought against his hold with kicking legs and punching fists. Turning in his grip her teeth bit down on the side of his stomach. That was a bad idea. Bears—like all shifters were know for rough sex and that usually included biting and scratching. As her small teeth bit down on his hard flesh, his bear came to full attention with a groan of desire.

Claim mate now!

As much as he wanted to go with his bear’s voracious impulse, even he knew that now was not the time for a loving tussle. Tossing her down on the plump couch, he watched as she bounced on her side and then scrambled into a sitting position. When she tried to flee towards the door, he reached out, gripping her shoulders and pushed her back down onto the cushion.

“Sit down.” he growled out as he slowly took his hands off her shoulders and took a seat on the coffee table across from her. When her muscles gathered to spring off the couch and away from the towering mountain in front of her, a dangerous growl surfaced from his chest as Doyle glared down at her. This was a sound that was more animal than man, causing a shiver of fear to sink in her stomach.

Easing back against the cushions, Aria stared back at the stone cold eyes that were locked on hers. The glimmer of humor from this morning was gone from his eyes. Only an unyielding and steady stare greeted her.

“You can’t keep me here against my will.” She reasoned.

“The hell I can’t.” with a dark look, he stood up to pace back and forth in front of her. “And don’t even think about using your mind tricks on me again.” he warned, pointing an accusing finger at her.

Aria shook her head is confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“When you made me want to leave the cabin and get far away from you. You controlled my mind!” He growled out with a bruised pride. Never had a female posed such a threat to him. What if she controlled him to the point that he was unable to claim her? No! He wouldn’t allow it! She was his and it was best if she accepted it now. For a moment, as she looked up at him; her blue eyes glowed for a moment before she blinked them. Once she opened them again, they were devoid of any sign that she was anything but human. Could she not even be aware of it?

“Look buster; if I could control your mind, I would’ve told you to never come back or have you fall in love with a tree, or….something!” She hissed out while waving her hand around in frustration “Since you’re here; you can see I did no such thing.”

The urge to run was causing Aria’s skin to crawl. Malca’s hunters wouldn’t have given up easily and this cabin was probably not too far from where this weirdo had found her. Every second she wasted arguing with him was time she could be outdistancing them. She looked up at Doyle with a pleading look, “Could you please point me in the direction of town. I need to get as far away from here as possible. It’s not safe for me.”

* ~ * ~ *

Upon returning to the cabin, Doyle had no idea what he had planned on saying to the elusive female that was raiding his fridge. He had every intention of calmly talking to his mate. Of easing her into explaining about his bear and about the pair of them being destined mates, but the second she saw him she’d instantly went to defend herself as though he were a stranger.

You are a stranger.
His bear supplied. He needed to tread carefully with this female or she would run from him.

She already is…
the lazy statement had him clenching his hands into fists.

Stay out of this! You are just making things worse!
His thoughts snapped at his bear.

She’s my mate too! You’re the one making them worse. Stop scaring her!
His bear growled back.

Aren't you the one who wanted me to hurry and bite her just seconds earlier?
He asked in confusion. When did his bear become the sensible one?

I changed my mind. I’m on her side now.
Without another word his bear shut him out with a hard indifference.

Looking down at his mate’s face caused his chest tighten. She looked so forlorn, so lost. She looked up at him with a look of desperation and he was finding denying his mate in the future would be very hard. Dark shadows were present deep in her baby blue eyes. He wanted to see those eyes bright with joy and happiness, not fear and foreboding. If only she would give him something to chase those shadows away, he would feel of some use to his mate.

Releasing a tired sigh, he lowered himself down beside her. He couldn’t help but feeling disappointed when she tried to scoot even further away from him. His bear was torn between growling in anger and moaning in pain at his mate’s distance. How could she not feel the undeniable need he was feeling for her? The need to touch and to hold her near was as undeniable as breathing.

“I know we are still new to each other, but understand this; I will protect you with everything I am. Talk to me, are you running from someone?” When she looked away with no forthcoming answer, he gently clasped her cold hand in his massive one before locking his eyes on her fearful ones. “Whatever you’re running from, I need you to know that you are safe here with me.” He whispered, with a kind voice. “Besides, where’d you go if I showed you the way? We are miles from town. It’s too cold and you would never survive the hike to town on foot. Plus; something tells me you don’t know anyone around here. Stay here for the time being, until you get on your feet.” He urged, silently praying he would have time to woo his mate in the process.

Aria was stunned. This handsome stranger seemed sincere, but then she’s sure Malca must have at some point as well. But he did have a point. She would be getting nowhere without some form of help. Maybe accepting his protection temporary wouldn’t be so bad. Before she could answer him, a deep rumble echoed from her starving stomach.

Chuckling, he stood from the couch. His mate looked up at him hesitantly with her face flushed with embarrassment. “I don’t know about you, but I’m starving. You like ham and eggs?”

“Anything edible sounds great at this point.” She admitted with a small smile as she too; rose to her feet. Chuckling at her small response, Doyle wrapped an arm about her shoulder and began pulling her towards the kitchen. She instantly felt the need to resist his touch, but she was so hungry the thought of food won over her pride.

“Let’s get some food in you then. I can’t have my mate wasting away on me.”

Aria let a small smile form on her lips, while choosing to ignore the
“mate”
comment. She didn't understand his fascination with claiming her as though she were a shiny new toy. But it oddly stirred a deep, clawing ache inside of her. A heavy ache that no matter how much she tried; she could not find a name for it. Her eyes traveled down the flexing muscles of his back as he began pulling items out of the fridge.

Taking a seat by the kitchen window, she felt comfort in the sound of Doyle humming as he stood at the stove. The mouth watering smell of ham and eggs made her stomach clench painfully with impatience. It felt strange to be out of the labs. Her eyes stared vacantly over the white blanketed scenery through the frosted glass. A deep fear that any moment she would see Malca’s hunters coming toward the cabin shook her to her core. Was there anywhere she could run where Malca wouldn’t eventually find her?

“Breakfast of champions,” Doyle said, placing two plates at the small table. Staring at her plate in amazement, Aria struggled not to drop her jaw as she took in Doyle’s plate. He had piled at least twenty eggs and ten slices of cooked ham on her plate and it was double that on his own. How was this sexy caveman not a fat cow by now?

Seeing Aria’s stunned expression, Doyle placed his fork down after shoving a large stack of ham into his gullet. “Is something wrong?” he asked curiously.

Slowly shaking her head, Aria slowly picked up her fork and began taking small bites off her mountain of food, all the while keeping her head down. Though the food was perfect, it sat in her stomach like rocks.

As he slowly chewing his food, Aria caught his eyes flicker over the black shock bracelets that she had been absently rubbing. Dropping her rubbing hand from her wrist, she shoved the sleeves of her sweater over the intolerable ornaments, hiding them from sight. She couldn’t wait to be rid of the awful things.

Needing to change the subject she opened her mouth to ask him why he made so much food, but she froze as her gaze wandered over his shoulder. Frozen with fear she watched as the front door slowly opened. One after the other, two towering figures entered.

They had found her.

Blood pounded in her ears as she searched franticly for any escape routes. The only way out of the small kitchen was through the window or past the two intruders. There was nowhere for her to run. Malca’s hunters had found her and she had put an innocent in their path as well. Though she didn't know Doyle that well and as extreme has he seemed, she didn't want him to get a bullet in his head because of her. As her heart galloped in her chest, she forced her fear paralyzed legs to move.

Leaping out of her chair, she made a mad dash for the door, praying she would be able to rush pass them. Or the very least throw herself between them and Doyle.  Just as the two leviathans turned at the sound of her scraping chair, Doyle stood from his chair. In her rush to escape she collided with him as he stood, her momentum knocked them both to the ground causing her to land on Doyle’s back as he fell face first into the hard wood floor.

This was it. They were going to die and all because of what a ridiculous klutz she was. How humiliating. Squeezing her eyes closed she waited for the pain or death that she was sure would follow, but was surprised when instead a sound of booming laughter occurred instead. Quickly raising her head after Doyle did as well, Aria was surprised with the sight before her.

Two smirking faces stared down at her with merriment. Neither of them were Malca’s hunters from last night. One was an older man with dark hair mixed with silver wavy strands cut short. His thin lips where framed with colorless stubble dusted over his strong jaw. The other was nearly the same carbon copy of Doyle with the exception of his hair being a dark black and cut close to his scalp. Both of them were built similar to Doyle’s indestructible form.

“Falling for the ladies again, Bro?” The younger one said with a deep rumbling chuckle as he pointed at her.

“He gets that from me, I suppose.” The older one grunted out with a smirk. “I remember tripping all over myself to get to your mother.”

“You two need to learn how to knock.” Doyle murmured as he pushed up on his arms, until he was unable to sit up any further. Turning to look over his shoulder Doyle’s eyes connected with her startled ones. “Could you let me up, little rabbit?”

Surprised that she hadn’t moved sooner, she scurried off his back and onto her bare feet. Rising to her full height she backed up as Doyle’s family began to stare at her like she was an apparition. She let out a squeak of surprise when a strong arm coiled around her waist, jerking her forward.

Smiling coyly down at her, Doyle brought her hesitant form closer to his father and brother. “I’d like you to meet my father; Colin and this ugly excuse for a man is my younger brother; Robert.” As she nodded respectfully at both of them with a friendly smile, Doyle indicated to her as he continued. “This is my mate.” He said with an air of pride.

Turning partially, she glared up at Doyle with heavy irritation. “Stop calling me that! I have a name; you know.” She hissed out.

Shock burst through Doyle at her hissed out words. Of course she had a name! Why hadn’t he ever asked? Was the name of his mate so unimportant that he didn't care to find out? He could practically hear his mother and sister’s scolding words that they would surely spout.

“Doyle? Did you really forget to ask for her name?” His father asked with surprised chuckle.

Ignoring his father, Doyle ran a hand through his dark hair as he looked down at her stern face with apprehension. “Why didn't you tell me your name before?” He asked accusingly.

“So it’s my fault for not telling you something that you should have asked to begin with? I didn't think it was important. If you weren’t asking I wasn’t going to tell.”

Folding his thick arms over his bare chest, Doyle stared down at her with exasperation. “What is your name?”

“Aria,” She supplied softly, her eyes flickered back and forth between all the towering males in the room. Had she stumbled onto a tribe of giants? With their massive heights, they made her feel very meager. With their size these guys made Malca’s terrifying guards look like dwarfs next to them.

“Well; it is nice to meet you, Aria.” Robert’s teasing voice rang with genuine affection.

Striding forward, the younger man stopped right in front of her. Without faltering he enfolded Aria in a tight bear hug, lifting her off her feet. With her arms pinned to her sides, she could only dangle in his firm embrace. Her surprised eyes sought Doyle’s beside her, his tense expression offered little reassurance. As a familiar rumbling sound erupted from Doyle’s heaving chest, Robert quickly deposited her back on her feet so abruptly that she staggered into Doyle. His arm immediately struck out, wrapping around her waist as she steadied herself.

“What’s for breakfast, Bro?” Robert asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence. Walking around her, he entered the kitchen and proceeded to pick up Doyle’s plate and eat what was left of his breakfast.

Ignoring his brother, Doyle turned his attention to his father, whom was shaking his head at his youngest son’s one track mind. “What are you guys doing up here?” he asked, oblivious to Aria as she struggled to remove his constricting arm from her waist.

“Why don’t you let go of your mate for a second and let’s step outside?” Colin asked gruffly, smiling down at Aria.

Seeing the look of indecision on Doyle’s face, Aria finally freed herself from his hold. “Go on.” She said, waving her hands dismissively in their direction.

“I’ll look after her, Bro.” Robert offered, standing with a now empty plate in hand as he strode to the stove for seconds.

She couldn’t help feeling outraged as they spoke about her as if she’d burn the place down if not watched every second. Did they think she was a child? Crossing her arms over her chest, she fixed her look of anger on each of the chauvinist men before her. “I don’t need a babysitter.” She argued, marching to the couch with her head held high.

Smirking down at his mate’s prick temper, Doyle nodded his head in agreement to his father as he followed him out onto the snow covered porch. Once they both were out the door, Colin reached out and closed the door behind him. Gazing out at the stillness of the snow covered terrain; Colin folded his hands behind his back.

Casting a look of concern at his son, he murmured, “So. Your mate is human, eh?”

“Don’t start, Dad. I already know what you’re going to say,”

“Then you won’t mind hearing it anyway, will you?” Colin answered sternly. “It is forbidden for us to take humans as mates. Have you even considered what may happen if the council heard of this? And they will, eventually. As alpha you won’t be able to hide this from them.”

Walking to lean against the side of the cabin, Doyle’s sharp eyes, focused on the living room window. There on the couch sat Aria, her eyes were dazed, as though she were in deep thought. He understood what his father was getting at. Long ago, shifters had decided it was safer to keep humans and shifters separate for the safety of both kinds. Ones that had mated with human had become hunted by both their kinds and human seldom just accepted anything different than themselves.

If the council of elder shifters learned that his true mate was a human, they would demand the right of Revealment. Revealment meant he had to come clean with Aria about what he was and bite her there and now. Effectively changing what she was whether she agreed or not. Or the council would take the choice out of his hands and execute her to keep the secret of their kind safe.

“I will deal with that when the time comes. Besides, those traditions are ludicrous; they were made thousands of years ago. I plan to court my mate in a more modern way, a more…”

“Human way?” His father supplied while rubbing his face in frustration.

Shaking his head, Colin let out a deep sigh. “You may not have that option. I came today to tell you the council is demanding a meeting in a few days. Apparently, Eric; that stubborn wolf from a few states over has finally sent someone to finalize the peace treaty between our packs. He’ll be here soon and the elders want to make a big deal out of a simple piece of paper.”

“And they’ll know I’m mated by then.” Doyle acknowledged.

“Yes. Her scent has already begun mixing with yours. I’m afraid your mating has become a ticking time bomb. If you drag your feet about this, it will blow up in your face.”

* ~ * ~ *

“So, you’re Doyle’s mate? He must have done something great in a past life to deserve someone as pretty as you.” Robert mused, his light voice startling Aria out of her deep thoughts of foreboding as he took a seat next to her.

A deep scowl surfaced across her face at his teasing words. What was it with these guys? And what the hell did they mean by “mate”? A part of her wasn’t certain she wanted to know.  Needing a less confusing topic, Aria changed the subject.

“You are Doyle’s younger brother?”

“Yeah, by five minutes,” He nodded, holding up five fingers. “Then there was our sister, Kari”

Robert shook his head as his mouth morphed into a big grin, “I got to say, you’re acting very calm for being around one of our kind. Most would be running down the mountain, screaming their head off by now.”

“Your kind...? You mean, enormous mountain men? No, wait; you’re giants, right?” her tone was light as she attempted to joke.

Robert shook his head in denial as he smirked down at her, “Funny. But all kidding aside; there are perks to being grizzly shifters, as I’m sure you’ve figured out by now.”

Aria felt frozen in place. She didn't think she could talk or move if her life depended on it. Upon meeting Doyle, she’d assumed he was nuts with all his talk of owning her after a minute of meeting her. But; grizzly shifters!
What did that even mean?
These people were crazy with a capital C. Had she stubble upon some fanatical animal cult? She was wrong to think this place would be a safe hiding place from Malca. These guys were more nuts than that sadistic doctor was!

Taking a deep and steady breath, she slowly rose from the couch. Concealing her nervousness, she gazed down at Robert’s calm expression as he watched her like a hawk. She didn't want to have to injure him in effort to escape, she was certain she could be sneaky instead.

Looking down at his feet, she barely could hold her triumphant smile in as she took in the sight of his boots. They were near the same size of Doyle’s, but slightly smaller. They would defiantly fit her feet with some modifications. She could practically feel the gears in her head twirling as a plan formed in the shadows of her mind.

“I think I could us some air.” She remarked. “Could I barrow your boots?” Robert’s eyes narrowed in confusion as he looked up at her.

“My boots...? Don’t you have any of your own?” He asked in confusion as his face began to look incensed.

“No, I don’t have any shoes to speak of. The ones I did have…are lost.” Looking uncertain for a moment, she put on her most pleading expression that she could muster. She had to get out of here while Doyle was distracted. He had already declared that he would not let her go without a fight. This was her only chance. At Robert’s confused expression, she half expected him to press her for details. She breathed a sigh of relief once the heavy weight of Robert’s gaze was moved from her.

Bending over his knees, his large hands jerked the laces of his boots free before pulling them off. Standing now on his shoeless feet, he held out his boots to her with a grim look. Taking a precarious step forward, she slowly reached out to take the offered boots. As her fingered bit into the unyielding brown leather, she jumped when Robert’s hand gripped her extended wrist tightly.

For a moment he just held on to her while looking sternly down at her. Aria suddenly felt starved for air as his suddenly hard eyes bore into her. His russet eyes mutely challenged her, making the dread that had settled at the back of her mind expand. Had he seen through her ploy? Stepping closer to her, Robert bent his neck down over her, until his nose was nearly kissing hers.

“Don’t be too long. Doyle will have my head if he comes back and you are nowhere to be seen.” He whispered with a boyish grin. Releasing a pent up breath as she laughed softly, looking away she nodded.

“I’ll just go grab a jacket.” She murmured, pointing her small thumb over her shoulder at Doyle’s room. Fighting against the urge not to run into the adjacent room, she listened as Robert abruptly lowered himself back onto the couch with a manly groan.

Entering the bedroom, she quietly closed the door behind her. No sooner than the door slid shut, she rushed to the dresser. Throwing the top drawer open, she snagged three pairs of socks. Sitting down on the bed she shoved her cold feet into them as quickly as she could, taking the extra socks, she stuffed them deep down into each boot. Pulling on each boot and tightening the laces as much as her nimble fingers could manage she was able to make the shoes a much better fit than earlier.

Standing, she searched the room for anything she could lift for later use. On the dresser she discovered a sheathed six inch hunting knife that she quickly tucked down the side of one of her boots. Beside the knife was a simple man’s black leather wallet, jerking it open she found a small wad of cash and one credit card. Shoving that in the opposite boot, her eyes caught a flash of green from behind her. Walking around the side of the bed, she discovered a jacket lying in a heap on the floor, knowing that at some point she’d need it she quickly shrugged it on. The material was thick and warm, while carrying Doyle’s spicy scent.