Tempted by the Bear - Complete (52 page)

T
ori

B
acon grease pops
, and eggs sizzle when Keith drops them in a hot pan. I wash down the sugary sweetness of pie in my mouth with my glass of milk and grin at Isabelle as she grabs the last bite left in the pie plate.

When we arrived at Annie and Tristan’s house last night, Lily and I took care of getting Lucy and the triplets up to bed to sleep off their sedation, while Tristan, Isabelle, and Jean Luc worked to save Annie. Keith and Brady went to the Le Roux house to see Carly and the new babies. After a quick visit, Keith thought it was best to give them time to be alone and came here to be with me.

Worried that we might be needed, considering the number of recently kidnapped and injured people, Keith and I thought it best to stick around and were dozing on the couch when Isabelle and Jean Luc came downstairs. I say, “Raiding Annie’s kitchen in the middle of the night is fun.” I lick the last remains of apple pie from my fork. “But I’m going to feel guilty if she was saving this.”

Isabelle says, “I wouldn’t worry about that. Annie loves an excuse to bake. Once she feels better, she’ll probably be thrilled about it.”

Keith says, “The only thing she’ll be upset about is that she’s missing this.” Two steaming mugs thump down before us as he adds, “Besides, Isabelle, pie is a small price to pay for what you did. It sounds like it was pretty amazing.”

“It was,” says Jean Luc. He sets a platter of bacon down, and the aroma makes it hard to resist grabbing a piece, so I do. He smiles at Isabelle. “My true mate is incredible.”

An odd thumping on the stairs makes me turn and notice Sven limping along with Lucy by his side. I jump up to hug my friend as Lucy says, “I sure hope there’s enough for me. I haven’t had anything to eat since the day before yesterday.”

I embrace her gently. “You can have mine. Oh my god, was I worried about you.” I step away from her and scan Sven. “And you too, Sven. How amazing is it that you survived so many gunshots?”

Sven shrugs. “All in a day’s work for a polar bear.”

I notice Lucy stare at Isabelle for a moment, and I wonder if she’s upset with her because of Luke. Lucy’s twin brother was devastated when he’d heard Isabelle was dead. And now she’s back alive, well, and bonded to her true mate, without even breaking up with Luke first. I watch as Isabelle stares back and says, “Lucy. You look unharmed.”

“I am. And you do too.” My best friend’s voice is cool, but I’m not sure if she’s angry or disappointed.

Isabelle says, “I’d like to see Luke. Do you think that would be okay?”

Lucy shakes her head. “He’s no longer here. Last week he left for the Smoky Mountains down south. When I hear from Luke, I’ll be sure to let him know you’re alive and
well
.” Lucy’s snark is out, and I don’t blame her.

“I’d rather tell him myself.” Isabelle glances at Jean Luc. “I have some explaining to do.”

“No,” says Lucy. “I don’t think you understand the impact you had on my brother. It’s best if he has time to process it before he sees you again.”

Isabelle sighs. “I never meant to hurt him, Lucy. I couldn’t have known I’d meet Jean Luc.”

“It’s not that. He was aware that a true mate could come along and take you from him. I think he’s going to be upset to know you didn’t respect him enough to tell him you planned to die.” Lucy scowls at her. “I’m pretty sure I’d be.”

Isabelle narrows her eyes as she lifts her chin and says, “I see.”

Plates clash as Keith sets them on the table along with a bowl full of eggs. “Dig in, guys. I’ve already got more cooking.” He looks at Sven, who has seated himself at the table. “Coffee?”

A chair scrapes along the floor as Lucy pulls it out to sit next to me. “I’d like some, please.”

Sven asks, “How are the little girls?”

I answer, “They’re still asleep, but when I changed them into clean pajamas they appeared to be fine.”

Lucy says, “Hopefully this didn’t traumatize them too much. The men who held us captive saw them as cute little animals and were fairly gentle.” A low growl comes from Sven, and Lucy places a hand on his arm. “I know.”

At the moment, I’m embarrassed to have been a human. I say, “What gets me is that the hunters seem to think they’re so superior to us.” I shake my head. “The reality is, we’ve got most of the traits humans do except some of the ones that make them vulnerable.”

Keith waves a spatula as he says, “Yes and no. Physically we’re superior, but they’ve got us by sheer numbers. The fact that our existence is a secret to most of the world and that we have the ability to become something ferocious is scary.”

He’s right. A few years ago, if I had heard about a clan of werebear that could kill us, I would have been happy to agree to measures to stop them. There would have been no reason for me to question it. “Fear is a great motivator, and ignorance means humans will make rash decisions,” I say. “It makes this whole situation quite tricky.”

Isabelle says, “So this really is the beginning of our battle.” She sighs.

I’m surprised by her reaction. While I haven’t spent a lot of time with Isabelle, I thought she enjoyed being a warrior and would be happy to have a reason to fight. Jean Luc places his arm around her shoulders, and I wonder if maybe he has something to do with the change.

Keith says, “I’m afraid so.” A spoon scrapes in his pan as he scoops out eggs and adds them to the serving dish.

Lucy says, “A lot is going to have to change. I imagine the open way we’ve been at the university is going to be dangerous now.”

I recall the frat parties I attended last year at what I now know is a werebear fraternity. While I didn’t have any idea the guys were not human, I bet the clues were right in front of me if I had looked. The reality is, life in the Northeast Kingdom is going to change for more than the college kids. And my role just got more complicated. Not only am I going to run a clan with members that are a bit hostile to a half-breed as the leader, I’m going to have to make sure I protect them from the very thing I used to be.

I glance over at Jean Luc, who is a full werebear and alpha. I wonder how much interaction he has with humans and if he’s ever loved one. The call the Le Roux put out to bring human women into their fold was more complex than anyone knew. I’m told they never expected Carly to be an alpha capable of co-ruling the Le Roux clan and being next in line to lead the Robichaux. Lily ended up a temporary leader before I, another human, came along to become the Veilleux alpha. Destiny put former humans in strong positions, and I think our recent situation is why.

A surge of pride makes me smile with determination and say, “Yes. Our lives are going to change, and we’re going to face some serious challenges.” I take a moment to glance at every person at the table. “But I think we’re up for it. Together.”

A
nnie

T
ristan’s voice
is in my head.
“My love, I feel you with me now. Stay.”

Warmth draws me to something, and when I lean in the direction of it, I realize I’m lying next to my true mate. I say,
“Hold me.”

“I am,”
says Tristan.
“And I’ll never let go.”

My eyelids are heavy as I lift them. It’s daytime, and I glance down at the arm across my belly. My throat hurts as I try to speak. My words come out as a hoarse whisper. “Tristan.”

“My god! You can talk.” The bed squeaks as Tristan leans up to look down at me. “Annie.” His arctic-blue eyes are full of concern as he strokes my cheek and asks, “Does it hurt?”

I nod as I swallow, and my esophagus feels like broken bits of glass are scraping against it when I do, so I speak in my mate’s mind instead.
“A lot.”
I remember how my throat was sliced open by claws.
“Patricia.”

“Yes. She’s dead now, my love. She’ll never hurt another.”

“But how?” And why am I not dead?
She had to have cut right through my windpipe.

I move to sit up, and Tristan’s hands are firm as he supports my back to help me.
“Sven heard her come in and raced to save you.”

“But he could barely walk.”
The headboard is hard against my shoulder blades as I lean back.

“Don’t underestimate my best warrior, Annie. He says he’s never moved so quickly.”

My mate hands me a glass of water, and it’s cool in my fingers as I lift it to my mouth. I don’t want to swallow again, but I imagine I’m going to have to get past that. I let a small amount of water into my mouth and get it down with as much pain as before.
“I can’t believe I survived. There was so much blood.”
I shake my head, trying to fathom how I could have repaired my esophagus.

“Isabelle used her magic. Another amazing feat, since she’d barely had time to recover from when she used it at the farmhouse.”
Tristan takes my drink, and it thumps on the bedside table when he sets it down.
“We arrived just after Patricia got to you. I’ve never been more proud of Isabelle. She nearly sacrificed her life to save you.”

The pleasant scent of roses makes me glance around my room to discover dozens of flower arrangements. I must have been out for a while. I’d like to believe there is plenty of good in Isabelle, but I never thought of her as the kind of person that would put another’s life before her own, and I ask, “
Why would she do that?”

“Because she knows I’d rather die than lose you. The entire De Rozier clan has been beside themselves these past two days. Do you have any idea how much they’ve all grown to love you, Annie?”

I shake my head.
“I’m not that special.”

Tristan lifts my chin up with his finger.
“That’s where you’re wrong, my love. You were born to be the prima of the De Rozier clan. We came here to steal your kingdom, but you’ve stolen our hearts.”

My mate’s eyes are glassy with moisture, and my own tears form in response. I know Tristan and Isabelle planned to kill me, and the idea that they saved my life instead speaks loudly of how much they’ve both changed. They have managed to rise above their tortured pasts and become the kind of people that can lead a clan with justice and compassion.

Last summer when the De Rozier were due to arrive, Tristan and I postponed our wedding. With the rift between us for the last two months, I hadn’t revisited a new date. I gaze at the face of the man I love and ask,
“Tristan, how do you feel about a winter wedding?”

“Does a polar bear love the cold?”

I reach for him, and he leans in to kiss me.
“I love you, Tristan De Rozier, with all my heart.”

“I love you too, Annie.”
He pulls away and asks, “Are you up for visitors?”

“
Oh my gosh! The girls! Did Carly have her babies? And how is Lucy? And Sven?”
I reach up and touch my hair.
“Oh goodness, I’m sure I’m a mess.”
I sigh as Tristan smiles at me.
“What?”

“Why don’t I draw you a bath and you can communicate with Brady, Carly, and Donna?”
Tristan stands and walks to the bathroom. Water thunders into the tub, and he says,
“Once you’re clean, I think the girls will be back from school and be thrilled to see you’re okay.”

He returns to our bedroom as I get out of the bed. I’m a little lightheaded, but amazingly only my throat is painful. Tristan takes my arm to help me. He poured my favorite bath salts into the water, and the lavender scent is pleasant as I undress. I lower myself into the tub to wrap soothing heat around me.

“Let me wash your hair, my love.”

I nod and lean back as he pours water over my head. When he begins to massage my scalp, I say,
“That feels amazing.”

“I think you should wear ivory velvet and diamonds. Lots of diamonds.”

“You want me to look like a princess at our wedding?”

“No, love. A queen, because that’s what you are.”

“Well, in that case, we might need crowns too.”

Water trickles as Tristan rinses my hair.
“I’ll have Sven build us some thrones.”

He chuckles softly, and I smile at his words as I say,
“A winter wedding is going to be beautiful. Thank you for indulging me.”

“I’m ready for you to be my prima, Annie. The whole clan is.”

When I step out of the bath, Tristan wraps me in a thick towel and pulls me into an embrace. He says, “We have a wonderful life ahead of us. I never dreamed I’d find the perfect mate.”

I reach up to pull Tristan down and kiss him.
“I find it hard to believe myself.”

When our mouths meet, desire burns in me, and I linger in our connection before I nibble at his neck. The low rumble that comes from him vibrates against my mouth as I do. It’s been a long time since we were together physically, and my insides tremble at the memory. Tristan says, “We have some time before the children will be home.”

I step away and drop my towel. It swooshes to the floor as my mate growls.
“Claim me again, Tristan. I’m ready to be completely yours.”

Tristan drops to his knees and slides his hands over my hips as he tugs me closer. He says,
“And let me be yours.”

A
nnie

I
glance
out the window at the ice-covered world. The glass is cold under my fingers when I touch it in awe at the vision before me. I wonder if Isabelle managed to find a way to make her magic work on the weather. We had an ice storm yesterday that left a good inch of crystal-clear ice on everything. Along with the snow that fell first, the landscape would be black and white if not for the sun’s golden tones bouncing off surfaces to create the illusion of diamonds everywhere.

I smile as I recall Tristan saying our wedding should have lots of diamonds. The smooth, rich feeling of velvet is under my palms as I smooth out the bodice of my ivory wedding dress. My sleeves and low neckline are trimmed with cream-colored fur, and it tickles my cleavage that is emphasized by the corset that plumps it up. I turn to the full-length mirror and twist my head to watch my dark-blond curls bounce.

Carly appears behind me in the reflection. “Annie, you’re the ice princess.” She shakes her head. “No. That doesn’t suit you. You’re the queen of winter, and the shimmer of the sunlight outside is just like you—warm and full of love.”

I place my hand on the fine chains that connect the diamonds in my necklace and turn to face my dear friend and sister-in-law. “I feel like a queen today. Did you see my wedding gift from Tristan?”

Carly touches my necklace. “It’s amazing.” Her eyes shine with moisture. “Annie, you really are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”

“Thank you.” A flurry of dark red enters the room as Isabelle and Lucy enter. My bridesmaids are dressed in velvet too with the same white fur as mine trimming their dresses. Instead of flowers, we’re all wearing fur hand muffs to walk down the aisle. Donna wanted us to don earmuffs too, but I drew the line there. However, the triplets will be adorable in them with their short full-skirted red-velvet dresses and furry boots.

Echo insisted that they hand out candy canes to the crowd. I’m sure they’re going to steal the show, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Those darling girls make every day a joy. Isabelle steps forward and grabs my hand. “I have something for you from me and Jean Luc.”

She opens her other hand to reveal a sparkly tennis bracelet. “Tristan said he wanted you draped in diamonds today. Would you like me to put it on you?”

“Goodness, Isabelle, that’s gorgeous. Yes. And thank you.” When she’s done, I grab her hand. “You’re too good to me.”

“I could say the same about you.” She glances out the window and then winks at me. “You couldn’t have planned better weather.”

I gasp. “Isabelle, you didn’t!”

She shrugs and smiles before Lucy says, “We need to get downstairs. Sven told me they’ve started to escort people out to the chapel.”

Sven orchestrated a group of his carpenters to create an outdoor church for our wedding. The trail that was originally blazed months ago by Isabelle in a temper tantrum is now a path that turns off to an area that has split-log benches set up like a place of worship. I imagine the storm made the trees bend inward to create a crystal canopy.

“Are the triplets ready?” I ask.

Carly says, “Don’t you worry. Donna’s all over it.”

I gaze at my bridesmaids. “Thank you for indulging me with the outfits. I know you’ll never wear them again, but you all look gorgeous.”

Lucy says, “We do.” She waggles her eyebrows at me. “Besides, something about velvet makes Sven unable to keep his hands off of me. I may have to wear this again just for that.”

Carly chuckles. “Yeah, and I might not. I’m not quite ready for more than six children.”

Brady and Carly do have their hands full with three toddlers and three new babies, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did add a few more to their brood. Carly seems to enjoy the chaos of their family.

Isabelle says, “Enough of the baby talk. We’ve got to get moving.” But her cheeks are flushed, and I think she’s imagining children of her own. She confessed to me that she’s nervous about motherhood, considering the childhood she had. The last thing Isabelle wants is to repeat the horrors she and Tristan experienced. I assured her that she would be a fantastic mother and that her true mate was born to be a father, based on the way he is with my daughters. I make a silent wish that she gets a family soon.

As we leave the room, I grab Isabelle’s hand to stop her and say, “Seeing you with Jean Luc makes Tristan and me so happy. You deserve love, Isabelle. Don’t ever think otherwise.”

She smiles, “Thank you. Now let’s go make my brother complete, because you’re everything that makes him good.”

When we get downstairs, I glance around my kitchen at the caterers bustling around. Once the ceremony is over, the reception will be under a large tent in our backyard. I catch a glimpse of Nadia. The De Rozier girl may have had her heart broken when her husband ended up being Lucy’s true mate, but I think she’s discovered a new passion while being my wedding planner. She’s got an eye for detail and has done an amazing job making this day easy for me.

My back door squeaks open, and I gaze at the expanse of red carpet that leads to the chapel. Donna has the triplets near a propane heater, and they’re clutching the baskets of candy canes. Ellie sees me first and squeals. “Mommy!” The girls run to me, and I embrace them as they press against me.

Eva says, “Echo won’t let us eat a candy cane yet. What if there aren’t any left for us?”

“Don’t you worry,” I say. “I saved some and have them hidden in the pantry.”

Eva’s smile covers her face as Echo pats my gown and says, “You’re so pretty.”

Ellie twists back and forth to watch the skirt of her dress flare out as I say, “Thank you, honey. You three are beautiful too.”

Donna claps her hands as Brady, Keith, and Ian come to us. She says, “Little ladies, it’s almost time.”

Brady scans me with his eyes. “Annie, you’re stunning.”

“Day-um, why didn’t we ever date?” asks Keith.

I grin at them as I say, “Because we might as well be siblings.”

Ian says, “She would have dumped you like she dumped me anyway.”

“Stop,” I say. Ian winks at me to let me know he’s teasing.

Donna slides a hand down my arm. “Annie, you’ve never looked more beautiful.”

I grasp her cool hand. “Thank you.”

Ian holds out his arm for her. “Come, Donna. Let’s get you seated.”

My mother blows me a kiss before she turns away. Sven and Jean Luc walk toward us to take their partners down the aisle. Keith is walking with Carly so that my brother can give me away. Once Donna turns the corner to the chapel, the wedding party walks down to gather at the entrance.

Isabelle sends the little girls first, and we listen as the crowd expresses their pleasure at the cuteness factor of Ellie, Eva, and Echo handing out their candy like little elves. When the Nutcracker ballet song switches over to classical, the bridesmaids and groomsmen start their procession.

Brady offers me his arm and says, “My dear sister, I’m about to give you to a man that better spend every day doing what he can to deserve you.”

I reflect on how much Tristan already has. My brother doesn’t know the real reason my true mate came to Maine, but I do. While Tristan thinks he came to steal our kingdom and succumbed to a life of love and goodness instead, I know better. He came to make us stronger, and to fortify the Le Roux, Robichaux, Veilleux, and even the Ouellette for what’s to come.

“Brady,” I say, “Tristan and I deserve each other. Besides, a force much greater than our will is at work here.”

“You’ve always been so wise, Annie.” Brady kisses my cheek. “Come. Your destiny is waiting.”

As we walk down the aisle, I gaze at the crowd to find a strong representation of the four clans in the Northeast Kingdom. My dream for peace amongst our clans has come true. The sunlight sparkles on the trees as if it’s raining love on us, and when Tristan’s gaze captures mine, I inhale sharply. Tears spring to my eyes in response to the rush of emotions that come from my love for the man waiting for me. My true mate claims I stole his heart, but I know my heart’s been his all along.