Need to Bear (Heart of The Bear Book 4) Read online

***

  After a week of rest and relaxation, Reagan was ready to scream from boredom. Her arm was healing well, and only hurt if she used it too much. By early afternoon, she knew she had to at least get out of her cottage, before she went stir crazy.

  It took longer than she expected to dress in clothes. She had been wearing easy-to-put-on nightgowns all week, so buttoning and zipping taxed her more than she thought it would. Ignoring the sweat that slid down the side of her face, she moved out to the living room and opened the closet door to grab her coat. Until she looked at it, and realized the weight would just be too much for her arm to handle.

  “I’ll take a short walk,” she muttered, heading for the door. The doorbell made her jump. “Relax, girl. Mark is pacing a tiny cell about now.”

  She opened the door without checking through the peephole, and wished she had been her old, paranoid self when she came face to muscled chest with Greyson.

  He cleared his throat and stepped back. “I would have called, but I was afraid you would say no.”

  “I might have.” She almost smiled at the chagrin that flashed across his face. “Come in, Greyson.”

  She moved back, giving him plenty of room to walk past her without touching. Touching would be bad. More than a week without seeing him made her first view of him like taking a drink of cool water after a long, hot walk.

  He waited to talk again until she’d closed the door. “How is your arm?”

  “Much better. I plan to start back at the library on Monday.”

  “Good to hear.” He looked so uncomfortable, she wanted to hug him. Instead, she walked into the living room and sat on the end of the sofa, letting him choose where he sat, or not. He stopped near the chair at the opposite end of the sofa. “Reagan, I came to talk to you about—what I said at the hospital.”

  Her temper threatened to flare. “I already told you, I don’t need you or anyone to take care of me.”

  He ran one hand through his hair. “I said take care of you, but that wasn’t what I meant to say.”

  “Then spit it out, Greyson.”

  He swallowed, staring at his feet. “I know things have been—uneven with us, but I believe I know you better than any other man. I know you’ve seen a side of me I have never shown to another woman.”

  Her heart started pounding, and she clasped her hands together to keep them from shaking. “What are you trying to say?”

  After endless seconds, he finally lifted his head and met her eyes. “I love you, Reagan. I want you to be my wife.”

  “You—what?” Her voice sounded faint.

  Greyson knelt in front of her. “I made a mess of things at the hospital. I was afraid that you would reject me out of hand, after what happened.”

  She fought to keep from smiling. “So, you decided that the ‘taking care of me’ approach was safer.”

  “Well, yes. But it seemed to backfire.”

  “That’s putting it mildly.” She laughed when he raised his eyebrows. “My entire relationship with Mark was about him wanting to take care of me. I always translate that now to wanting to control my life.”

  “Shit.”

  “Oh, Greyson.” She leaned forward and put him out of his misery. “Say it again.”

  He blinked, but recovered quickly. Taking her hand, he kissed her palm, his gaze never leaving her. “I love you, Reagan Kennedy, and so does my son. Will you make us the happiest males in Pine Heart, and marry us?”

  She cradled his cheek. His words turned her knees to rubber, and she was grateful to be sitting down. “I love you back, Greyson, and your son lights up my day. I would be honored to be part of your lives, every day, for the rest of mine.”

  He sat next to her on the sofa before he gathered her into his arms. The second his lips touched hers, she felt like she had finally come home.

  After a much too short kiss, he leaned back. “Someone else is waiting for your answer to my question.”

  She smiled. “Then let’s go tell him.”

  ***

  Corey jumped to his feet when Reagan and Greyson walked into the library. All she had to do was nod, and take Greyson’s hand. Corey let out an un-library-approved whoop and sprinted to them.

  “She said yes!” He halted, biting his lip as he looked at Reagan. “You did say yes? You’re going to marry us, be my mom?”

  Tears filled her eyes at the hope and need on his face. “Yes, Corey. To all of it.”

  He kissed her cheek, then threw himself at Greyson, who easily caught him. “I’m going to have a mom,” he whispered, before he pressed his face against Greyson’s shoulder.

  Their audience applauded and cheered, making more noise than this library had most likely heard in its existence.

  Reagan laid her hand on Corey’s back, needing to have contact, to let him know she would always be there for him, no matter what life tossed their way. The women sighed as Greyson pulled her in, wrapping his arm around her waist—and giving her the first taste of the family they were about to become.

  Nine

  Grey waited as long as he possibly could, pacing in the living room while Reagan was upstairs, in the bedroom. How long did a woman need to ready herself for bed?

  He had to admit that tonight was considerably more important than most. After a long, torturous month, tonight he would make her his, for now and always. They had decided not to wait until the wedding next spring for Reagan to move in. Grey wanted a stable family for Corey as soon as possible, and he wanted Reagan here, with him. He had almost lost her, and he wasn’t about to waste any more time.

  He had also missed her, more than he ever thought he could miss another person. Now, with her in his home—their home—he needed to claim her. If he waited until Lindy had finally finished with their wedding plans, he would go mad.

  At the thought of his impending wedding, he smiled and shook his head. His three brothers had gotten away with either a small wedding, or in Jed and Isabelle’s case, no wedding. Eloping sounded like a dream about now, after having color samples shoved in his face for the hundredth time.

  “Not going to happen,” he muttered. Lindy would have his head on a stake if he even thought about ducking out of the huge, lavish wedding. He relaxed his shoulders, and headed for the stairs. “You had better be ready, love, because I’m not waiting any longer.”

  Corey was with Elijah and Kaylee, who had generously offered to take him overnight—after much winking and rib jabbing. Now that Grey had Reagan all to himself, he planned to take advantage of every minute. Starting now.

  He strode down the hall and opened the bedroom door. Reagan spun, wearing a thin, short nightgown. The way the soft blue fabric hugged every curve, and displayed her firm breasts, had his cock standing at attention.

  “Greyson. I’m not ready yet.”

  “You look perfect.” He moved to her and cupped her chin, kissing her until she leaned into him, her body trembling. “Are you ready for this?”

  She swallowed, but she kept eye contact. “Will it—feel different?”

  “There’s a connection, one that is unique to each couple. Elijah can sense Kaylee, no matter how far away she is.” That had saved her life, from the crazy woman who had spent years quietly stalking Elijah. “We won’t know how deep our connection is until after I claim you.” He smiled down at her, sliding his free hand up to her waist. “The sex will be incredible, and only gets better.”

  “Well, then. I’m on board.”

  Her smile had him laughing. God, he loved her. “How is your arm?”

  “An occasional twinge. Don’t worry, I can keep up.”

  “I hope so.” Grey picked her up and set her on the edge of the bed. “Open for me, love.”

  She blinked at him, then spread her legs. God love her, she had no panties on. Grey got rid of his pajama bottoms and knelt between her legs, his cock hard and ready for her.

  “What do I do, Greyson?”

  “Stop looking so nervous. We are going to make love. No magic
tricks, no hanging from the ceiling.” She stifled a laugh. “All you have to do is repeat a simple declaration.”

  She took a deep breath, her breasts pressing against the thin fabric of her nightgown. Grey couldn’t wait to tear it off her. “What do I say?”

  “That you claim me, now and for good. Use your own words, Miss Librarian.” He slid his hands under the silky fabric and closed them over her hips. He ached to drive himself inside her, finally claim her as his, but they would move at her pace. “Whenever you’re ready.”

  “So patient.” She cradled his cheek, and closed her free hand around his cock, smiling when he jerked. “I’ve missed this. I’ve missed you, Greyson. I never expected to have a man in my life again. You proved me wrong.” She stroked him, and leaned in to whisper against his lips. “I claim you, Greyson Black, as my love and my own, for now and always.”

  “Mine,” he muttered. With all the blood draining out of his head, it was all he could manage. “Mine forever.”

  He captured her lips in a desperate kiss, pulled her hand away, and drove himself in to the hilt.

  Her body tightened around him, and he stroked her, his hands bracing her so he could take himself deeper, feel every inch of her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and slid forward, off the bed and into his lap. Her weight drove him in, all the way to her core.

  They both moaned, and Reagan freed her lips, kissing her way to his earlobe. Grey did what he’d wanted to do since he opened the door and saw her; he slipped his hands up her sides, taking the nightgown with them. Once she realized what he was doing, she let go of him long enough to lift her arms. He tossed the nightgown over his shoulder and closed his hand over her breast.

  “Oh, God—Greyson—” She arched into his hand, rocking against him as he drew circles around her hard nipple. “Faster—I need faster—”

  “Hold on, love.” He stood and carried her to the thick rug in front of the fireplace. She wrapped her legs around him as he lowered them to the rug, in front of the roaring fire. “This won’t be romantic. I—you feel too damn good.”

  “Stop talking, Greyson, and start moving.”

  He slid out, and thrust into her, hard and fast. She arched off the rug, her head back. He took advantage and kissed her exposed throat, licking the salt off her damp skin. She tasted like vanilla and oranges.

  Her hands tangled in his hair, urging him closer. He made his way down, finally taking her nipple into his mouth. She let out a raw cry, bucking under him. Grey had never been with a woman who responded to him with such abandon. He could feel her heat, sense the approach of her climax, and slowed, drawing it out for both of them.

  “Greyson—oh, yes—God—” She cried out when he moved to her other breast, tilting her hips to take him in deeper.

  Her cry turned into a scream as she climaxed, clamping around him. He thrust faster, wanting to join her, so close—

  He let out a roar and came, spilling himself deep inside her. His climax had her clenching around him again, and she held on as he kissed her, taking them both over the edge.

  ***

  Reagan sprawled on the fluffy rug, and fought to breathe. Greyson’s weight felt heavenly, draped over her, his cock still buried inside her. Already, she could feel him getting hard again.

  “Okay?” he muttered.

  “Perfect.” She brushed sweat-soaked hair off his cheek, and enjoyed the feeling of being completely loved. “Feels like you’re almost ready to go again.”

  “Perks of a shifter.” He moved, and she moaned as he slipped deeper. “I want to take advantage of tonight, Reagan, and love you as many times as you can stand.”

  “What are you waiting for?”

  She let out a gasp when he pulled out of her, and understood why a second later, when he turned her over and helped her up to her knees.

  “Is this all right?”

  She looked over her shoulder at him. He was so beautiful, strong and gentle at the same time. The fact that he asked, rather than assuming she would want to, left her feeling cherished.

  “I’ve never made love like this, so feel free to take the lead.”

  He grinned like a schoolboy who had been given permission to play hooky, and moved behind her, waiting until she braced herself on her hands. “I want you to tell me if you feel uncomfortable. I’ll stop right away.”

  She lowered her head when the tip of his cock pressed into her. He felt huge, entering her from this angle. He also took his sweet time, so she was panting by the time he filled her. Then he bent over her, one hand spreading across her ribs.

  For the first time since she had shown him her scars, his fingers caressed the damaged skin. Instead of feeling ashamed, she felt powerful, and loved.

  Greyson started stroking her, and she lost every thought, her body focused on him, surrounding her with his warmth, his breath ragged on her throat, his hard length filling her, over and over.

  She put all her weight on her right arm and pressed her left hand over his, wanting him to touch her. He seemed to understand her nonverbal signal; his hand slid up to her breast, and she moaned, arching into his touch. His mouth found her throat, his teeth gently nipping at her skin. Heat roared through her, and she shuddered, tightening around him.

  “Greyson—I need—ˮ

  “Tell me, love. I want to satisfy you.”

  Instead of telling him, she moved his hand down, until his fingers touched her clit. She let out a gasp when he caressed her. It didn’t take much more than a few gentle strokes to drive her to the edge. He seemed to sense that she was close; he thrust faster, deeper, growling with every thrust. It turned her on in a way she didn’t expect.

  After one last, deep stroke, her climax shattered her. Only Greyson’s strong arm kept her upright as he moved faster. His roar echoed around them when he stiffened, and spilled his seed deep inside her.

  He gradually slowed, and finally pulled out of her, gathering her against his chest before he lowered them to the rug, his body wrapped around her.

  “Okay?” he whispered.

  She looked over her shoulder. “Perfect.”

  He tucked her head under his chin, and let out a long sigh. “Mine.”

  “And you’re mine. For good.”

  She couldn’t wait to see where this new life took her.

  ***

  “What?” Reagan didn’t expect her new life to take her in this direction. She stared at Dr. Simon, who seemed to be the go-to doctor for everyone in Pine Heart. “I’m what?”

  “Expecting, my dear girl.”

  “But—” She couldn’t believe it. Mark had been weird about condoms, and refused to use one. Every time he’d had sex with her, Reagan had waited for the signs that she was pregnant. It never happened, and she figured she couldn’t get pregnant. “I didn’t think—” She swallowed, tears stinging her eyes as his words finally sank in. “I didn’t think I could,” she whispered.

  He patted her hand. “It’s not surprising, when a human woman mates with a shifter. More virile, and I believe,” he leaned in and winked at her, “their sperm are more ferocious.”

  She burst out laughing. That described Greyson perfectly. Ferocious, but also gentle. God, she loved him.

  “I’m going to have his baby.”

  “Cub is the correct term, and you are having cubs, plural.”

  Reagan spread her hand over her belly and stared at him. “Plural?”

  “Twins. Extremely rare with shifters, so it must run on your side.” Dr. Simon squeezed her shoulder before turning back to his desk. “I want you to fill this prescription for prenatal vitamins, and eat whenever you need to. Shifter babies are voracious.” He held out a prescription form. “Kaylee’s Kitchen might be your first stop, to fortify yourself before you break the news to our boy.”

  Greyson—oh, good lord. How was she going to tell him?

  “Thank you, Dr. Simon.”

  To her surprise, he kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Reagan, for making Grey and Corey Bla
ck happy again. Make an appointment on your way out. I want to see you again in another month.”

  “All right.”

  He helped her off the table, and she walked out, hand still on her belly, in a daze. She stopped at the reception desk, and opened her mouth to request an appointment.

  “Reagan!” Grey burst through the door, looking panicked and furious. “What the hell are you doing here?” He stalked over to her, his whiskey gold eyes dark. His bear was close to the surface. He must have come straight from the ranger station; he wore his uniform, and smelled like the forest he loved so much. “Did something happen?”

  “I’m fine, Greyson.” Oh, God, she was going to have to tell him, in front of an avid audience. Every person in the waiting room watched them. “I’ve been feeling a little under the weather the last few days, so I made an appointment with Dr. Simon. I’m fine,” she touched his wrist when he started to growl. “But I do have something to tell you.”

  “You’re not leaving me.” He sounded so angry, and so desperate, she wanted to hug him, then smack him. “You’re mine.”

  “Always.” That seemed to relax him, enough that she didn’t expect him to pick her up and carry her off. “Greyson—” She closed her eyes briefly, and decided to spit it out. “I’m going to have your babies.”

  He stilled, for endless seconds, staring at her. “You’re—pregnant?”

  Reagan nodded. “I didn’t think I could. But I am.” She was waiting for the last word to hit him.

  It did, a second later. “Babies,” he whispered. “Did you say—babies?”

  “Twins. I know this is unexpected,” she said, worried about the glazed look in his eyes. “But we can—”

  “Get married right away.” He knelt in front of her, and spread one big hand over her belly. “Hello, my sweet cubs. I’m your daddy.” His deep, gentle words had tears filling her eyes. More than one woman in the waiting room sighed.

  “Greyson, we can’t disappoint Lindy like that. Not again.”

  “No, you can’t.” Lindy stood in the doorway of the waiting room. News really did travel fast in small towns. “But we can accelerate the process. Say, for a Christmas wedding.” She walked forward and wrapped her arms around Reagan. “Is it true, my dear? Twins?”