Tempted by the Bear - Complete (34 page)

T
ori

K
eith communicated
with Carly on the drive home from the Milk Shed, and once she heard I’m an alpha, she came over to meet us after we finished dinner. To say Carly’s excited is an understatement. She hugs me so tight she almost knocks the wind out of me as she says, “I don’t know if you can possibly imagine what a big deal this is.”

“Oh, I might. The idea of being in control of an entire clan is pretty overwhelming.” I turn to Keith. “But knowing I have a kick-ass prime helps.”

“I’m glad you have him too. You also have me and Brady.”

We walk to the kitchen, where I started a pot of coffee. The aroma of French roast is strong to my new nose, and Keith says, “Come sit, Carly. We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

Liquid gurgles into mugs as I pour us all a hot drink, and I bring them to the table.

Carly says, “It’s time the clans all worked together.” She looks at me. “You’re aware that the Veilleux and Le Roux have a long-standing rivalry. Since Victor died, we’ve formed a council with all three clans in the Northeast Kingdom. Brady and I represent the Le Roux. My mother, Marion, and her husband, Richard, represent the Robichaux. And Lily, the human who became your father’s mate, along with a man named Edward represent the Veilleux.”

I ask, “So once we’re ready, Keith and I will take the place of Lily and Edward?”

“Yes,” says Carly. “But.” She glances at Keith and then back to me. “I think we should wait for a little while before we reveal the news. I want you to be prepared for whatever kickback Patricia may have in mind.”

Keith says, “Good call.” He takes my hand. “We’re not sure which Veilleux can be trusted.” His grip gets tighter as he returns his gaze to Carly. “And I hate to think about what might happen to Tori.”

“I agree,” I say. “I’d like to learn how to fight as a bear and get a handle on what exactly being an alpha means.”

Carly nods. “Ian’s your man for fight training. We won’t tell him you’re an alpha though. Let’s keep this between the three of us and Brady.”

I say, “There’s one thing I don’t understand. What makes Patricia so powerful?”

Keith’s mug thumps hard on the table, and Carly says, “She’s got the Veilleux medicine man on her side.”

“Medicine man. As in Native American witch stuff?”

“Exactly,” says Carly. “Their man, Tokala, is one of the most powerful.”

A few days ago, I’d be shaking my head at this news. I was blissfully ignorant of the world beyond humans. It’s amazing how quickly I’m accepting the new information thrown my way. “I don’t suppose there are ways to block him, are there?”

“There are if you have the powers,” says Carly. “But so far I’m the only werebear we know of who has the ability to use magic.” She sips her coffee.

I say, “Tell me about Lily.”

“Lily’s great. She came to us with the call, but when she met Victor, she discovered they were true mates.” Carly swirls her coffee in her cup as if she’s remembering something. “She surprised us all and has done a good job of being the prima in the absence of an alpha.”

“Do you think she’s going to mind me coming along to take over?”

Carly shakes her head. “No. I expect it will be a great weight off her shoulders. But I wouldn’t dismiss her. She’s one you can trust, and I’d keep her as a valuable asset.”

I nod. I’ve got a lot to learn, and I think someone who grew up as a human like me in my corner will be nice. “I look forward to meeting her.” I ask, “Do we have any ideas for sorting out who we can trust in the Veilleux clan?”

Keith says, “I think Lily’s the best place to start.”

Carly nods and says, “Your council partner, Edward has been quite open to the idea of our clans working together as well. He’ll be a great resource too.” Carly’s chair scrapes against the floor as she pushes it back and stands. “I should go, but let’s meet tomorrow when Brady gets home. He should be involved in further discussions.”

Keith asks, “How’s the search for Helga going?”

“Not good,” says Carly. “We got news that she and Isabelle are dead.”

“Oh my god,” I say.

Keith asks, “What happened?”

Carly shakes her head. “We’re not sure. I’ll know more once Brady gets back.”

I didn’t know Isabelle very well, but I think about Lucy’s brother, Luke. I say, “I’m so sorry to hear this.”

Carly says, “Yeah. I don’t know how Tristan’s holding up, but Annie’s a mess.” Her mug thumps in the sink when she sets it down.

I say, “I’m sure.”

Keith says, “Let us know if there’s anything we can do.”

“I will.” Carly gazes at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning at Kick It. Right?”

I nod as I stand too. Keith walks Carly out while I rinse our cups. Glasses clash when I open the dishwasher. My new world seems rife with death and danger, yet I’m taking it in stride. I wonder if maybe becoming a werebear and activating my alpha status has anything to do with that.

The button on the dishwasher beeps when I turn it on, and Keith’s warm hands land on my shoulders to twist me around. I gaze into his face and think about how he’s a decade older than me. He’s seen so much more of life and the werebear world than I have. I’m going to need his wisdom.

He asks, “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

“So much.” I place my hand on his chest, and the muscle underneath is solid. Just like him. I imagine he’ll be my rock in the days to come. “This might be me projecting, but I feel like changing to a werebear did more than make me a shapeshifter.”

Keith lets a strand of my hair slip through his fingers, and he asks, “How so?”

I shrug. “I feel powerful. Like something inside me has taken over my dorkiness and replaced it with a self-assurance I’m not sure I should possess.”

“It is possible you awakened your alpha traits, but it could also be that you’re realizing your worth. You’re pretty amazing, Tori.”

I smile at my biggest cheerleader. I recall how he encouraged me during my internship for him. He’d let me throw out ideas to see what would stick, and steered me in the right direction to find the answers I needed. Now that we’re about to navigate through uncharted waters, I realize fate is darn clever. I’ve been given a guiding light in the form of my true mate.

“It’s because of you, Keith.” The cotton of his T-shirt is soft in my fingers as I clutch at his shoulder to pull him down for a kiss. “Have I mentioned lately how glad I am you’re on this journey with me?”

His lips are inches from mine as he says, “Have I mentioned how glad I am you found me?” As we kiss, he communicates in my head.
“We’re forever, Tori.”

“Yes, we are.”

L
ucy

I
texted Luke
, to discover he’s at a restaurant called The Jefferson House. It’s an upscale place, and I told him it was important I talk to him in private. I can’t imagine he wants to hear the news of his mate’s death in public. Unfortunately he must be drunk, because he insisted I meet him there.

Because it’s a weekend night, the parking lot is almost full. The sun has just set, and the temperature is cool as I walk toward the restaurant. The door opens as a couple leaves, and laughter carries to me along with the buzz of conversations. They’re holding hands and smile at me when they walk past. A happy pair who haven’t had their world shattered today by a death. When I get inside, I let the hostess know I’m going to the bar, since I’m sure that’s where Luke is hanging out.

His voice is distinctive, and I hear it before I see him. As usual, my brother is entertaining the group he’s with, as well as other patrons who at the moment are his new friends. I walk over and wait for him to notice me. Luke smiles when he does and says, “Lucy! Pardon me, my sister needs to see me.”

Luke walks over to me and kisses my cheek. At least he’s a happy drunk. He asks, “What can I get you to drink?”

“Nothing. I have something I need to tell you, and we should go outside.”

He frowns. “You sound so serious.” Luke slaps the bar. “Bring my sister a shot of Makers. She needs to lighten up.”

I speak loudly. “No. Luke, this is important.”

The bartender comes over, and I shake my head at him as I grab my brother’s arm. “Please, it won’t take long.”

“Fine.” Whisky is on his breath, and the odor is strong. He turns to his friends. “I’ll be right back.”

Of course, leaving is no easy feat, because Luke knows most of the people in the bar, and he gets sidetracked more than once. I finally grab his hand and yank him out before he can get involved in another conversation.

He says, “Okay already, I’m coming.” My brother stumbles and almost knocks me over as I tug him down the stairs. The quiet is sweet relief on my ears, and I walk us over to a bench set off to the side.

The metal is cold on my bottom when we sit. I say, “It’s about Isabelle.”

He waves his hand as if he’s swatting a fly. His eyes are glassy, and he slurs a bit as he speaks. “This isn’t going to be the you-shouldn’t-marry-her conversation, is it? Because if it—”

“Luke. She’s dead.”

He blinks as he straightens up in shock. I say, “I’m not sure what happened, but Tristan told Annie that Isabelle and Helga are dead.”

He shakes his head as he whispers, “No.” My brother’s gaze returns to me. “No. She can’t be.”

I touch his arm. “Have you communicated with her today?”

“No. But she took off with her brother and—” Luke’s eyes are big as he stares at me. “She’s really dead?”

“Yes, Luke.”

His mouth opens as if he’s going to speak, but he snaps it shut as if he thought better of what he was going to say.

“Do you want me to drive you home?”

He frowns. “I should go pay.”

“I don’t think you need to worry about that right now. I’m sure they know you’re good for it.”

“Yeah. Okay.” He stands, and we walk to my car. I glance at him when the beep of my alarm sounds as I open the door, and I find his eyes shine with more than alcohol now. My throat tightens as I slide in behind the wheel.

I click open the center console, and the texture of takeout napkins is harsh in my fingers as I hand them to my brother. “I’m so sorry, Luke. I know you loved her.”

He nods and blows his nose. Now tears roll down my cheeks too, and he asks, “What am I supposed to do now, Luce?”

“Cry.”

“Yeah.” His body begins to shake, and I turn on the radio so he can let it out.

When we get to his apartment building, I ask, “Do you want me to come up?”

Luke shakes his head. I gaze at his tear-stained face, and it reminds me of him as a little boy. I reach over to pull him into a hug. “I’m here for you, Luke. Whatever you need, just ask.”

His body trembles against me, and I don’t let go as I cry with him. While Isabelle was not my friend, my brother’s pain hurts me too. When he pulls himself together, Luke pulls away to say, “Thanks for being the one to tell me, Lucy.”

He opens the passenger door as I say, “You’re welcome. Call me in the morning if you want me to take you to your car. Or for anything. Okay?”

“Okay.” Luke slams the door shut, and I watch as he walks to his building. His shoulders are slumped, and he hangs his head.

I flash back to his face when I first found him in the bar, and I wonder how long it will be before he’s that happy again. It hits me that he never will be in the same way. As I pull out onto the main road, I glance at the sky. Tiny stars twinkle against the black.

My brother and I have been fortunate to have never experienced the loss of someone close to us. But now he has, and it’s bound to change him forever. The bright lights of an oncoming car’s high beams make me squint, and I flash my lights at it in annoyance. I wonder what will change in Luke’s life. Will he treasure each day a little more? Or will this scar take the edge off his carefree nature?

I imagine what the loss of Isabelle will be like for Tristan. Losing Luke would devastate me. My twin knows more about me than anyone else, and just like I knew he needed me to be the one to tell him about his mate’s death, Luke would be there for me if something happened to Sven. A gasp of sorrow escapes me as I think about what it would be like to have Luke severed from my life, and my vision becomes blurry as moisture fills my eyes. I hope I live for decades before I ever have to know.

I
sabelle

M
y eyes are closed
, and I let the hypnotic music of waves lapping at the shore lull me into half sleep. The sea splashes against my chest, and water has seeped through my clothing, making me cold. I gaze at my mother. With her head drooped forward, her hair is floating in the water, and it extends like fingers reaching when a wave retreats from us. Since her mouth and nose are now inches from the surface, it won’t be long before she’ll drown. And once she does, I can rest.

Sunlight approaches as dawn arrives. The sand beneath me drags away with each draw of the tide, and I sink lower as more tiny grains return in an attempt to bury me. In the murky light, I think about my nieces. In their few short years, they’ve already had to experience the evil hand of my mother. Although Tristan has kept them from the worst, he wasn’t around when the mother of his children dumped them on Helga’s doorstep so she could escape the life of being the prima of a clan facing extinction. Those poor girls have had a rough start in life.

But now they’ll grow up in the warmth of Annie’s love, and maybe Tristan’s too, once he heals. The dangers of being Helga’s grandchildren will be gone. I whisper, “Don’t you get it, Mother? I couldn’t take the chance that another child’s life might be ruined.”

Briny flavor makes its way to my mouth when a wave splashes up higher, and I let my thoughts go to Luke. I suppose he’ll be sad to learn I’m gone, but he’ll get over it quickly. While I might be bonded to Luke, I’m not a fool. Our forced connection was the only thing that kept us together. Luke used me the same way I used him. I wanted control in my life, and he wanted to feed his need for power. Funny how the very thing that drove me is insignificant now.

A bell clangs in the distance, and I guess it’s from a buoy that marks safe passage for boats. I tilt my chin up now that the water is higher. My mother’s head is still down, and when a wave sweeps over it, I believe she’s dead. I can’t believe I didn’t even watch her take her last breath. I spent years fantasizing that I’d take her life and see her expire before my eyes. I wanted her to suffer, but in the end I gave her a peaceful death.

Helga’s hair
is slick in my fingers like seaweed when I yank her head up to make sure. Her eyes are glazed over, unable to see, and her jaw is slack, unable to spit out vicious words. The realization hits me.
I’ve killed.
The very thing I feared most finally happened, and now it’s time to break the curse.

A shiver shakes my body from being submerged in the cold as a human. I open my mouth wide as the next wave approaches, and I send out one last telepathic message to my brother.
“I’ve killed our mother, and it’s over. I loved you, Tristan.”

Seawater fills my throat as I drink it in, and my brother’s faint voice cries out in my head.
“Izzy! No!”
For a brief moment, I flirt with the idea of saving myself when the ocean retreats. My chest heaves with a cough as my body tries to keep me alive. Water splashes against the pillars, and the noise rings in my ears. When the ocean returns again, I follow through with my plan. I inhale the salty brine into my lungs as the sun breaks over the horizon. The light is blinding, and I close my eyes as I fall back. I welcome death with open arms.

I’d read that you see colors flashing when you drown. It’s true. When I open my eyes again, the most beautiful display similar to the northern lights dances before me. It’s a peaceful sensation, and I let myself float away with the freedom that I’ll never hurt another.

I’m sure I’m going to hell, so I’m confused when I feel as if I’m being lifted up. A man’s pale-white face stares down at me. Bright light illuminates flaming-red hair around his head.
God?
The clanging chains of the underworld ring loudly in my ears, and I’m reassured. Perhaps you have to go up before you can go down. I close my eyes as I accept my fate.

M
y chest burns
, and I swear I cough up particles of my lung as I hack mucus onto a beach.
Shit.
I’m alive.
No fucking way!
Did the chain break and my body wash up on the shore?
What about Helga?
Panic makes my shift begin before I can stop it, but suddenly I do as the sound of metal twangs and fills my ears before all goes black.

T
he familiar lilt
of a language that I don’t understand wakes me. I snap my eyes open to discover I’m in the back of a moving vehicle. I notice a wire bucket full of clams and two metal-pronged rakes used to pull shellfish from wet sand. Metal is hard under my back, and I bolt up into a sitting position. “What the hell?” My head pounds in pain, and I reach up to my forehead to discover a huge egg-shaped bump.

A man swears in French as something clatters, and he scrambles over to me. I’m in a pickup truck, and springs squeak as it bounces along a dirt road. The redheaded man speaks quickly, and my rudimentary knowledge of his language does me no good. But my instincts do. This man is a werebear, and he saved Helga. Adrenaline spikes as I scream and begin to shift. A glint of silver flashes in the sunlight, and in a split second before my world disappears, I realize the rake is going to hit me.

T
his time
when I wake up, I stay calm. Getting knocked out a third time might damage the rest of my brain cells. It sure wouldn’t help the pounding in my head that makes me want to shoot myself to escape the pain. The scratching of sand on metal tells me people are digging. The acrid odor of low tide fills my nostrils. It must be close to midday. I know I’m still with the men who took me, because I recognize their voices as they speak. Lifting my eyelids just a crack, I take in what I can see without moving. The bucket of clams is still next to me, and I notice a blanket covering something. A strand of gray hair peeks out from under it, and I assume it’s Helga. The urge to shift spikes in me. I take a long, slow breath to control it as I watch my mother until I determine she isn’t breathing. Thank god they didn’t resuscitate her.

Relief washes over me, my fear fades, and I sort out what I know. Two men found me and Helga. I wonder if they realize I killed her. They might, considering I’ve been knocked out twice. I focus on the men’s words, hoping to decipher what they might be saying as they dig what I guess is a hole. One wants to keep a secret. Something about the girl being important. I think.
Damn it!
I really should have spent more time with humans, because I wish I understood what these men are saying.

Seagulls cry overhead as the guys fall silent. Only the rhythmic swish and thump of sand lets me know they’re still here. When it stops, I brace myself and manage to contain my instinct to jump when the handle of the tailgate clicks and startles me before it slams open. Grunts come from a man as the truck bed bounces. His scent is attractive, and I almost snort at the fact that I’m so sexual that I’m lusting over a man who might want to kill me. He must hover over me, because the sunlight that filters through my eyelids disappears, and the heat from him radiates toward me. A faint odor of coffee is on his breath, and he leans close. He smooths a piece of my hair from my face, and his fingers send a tingling sensation through my body. One I’ve never felt before.
Is he—?

He whispers, “Mon Dieu. Why did you want to die, ma cherie?”