A Heart to Bear (Bear Creek Forever #4)

Chapter Sixteen – Dougray

“Well, there’s nothing more we can do tonight.” Uncle Gavin straightened up and put his hand on the small of his back. He and Tammy had been assessing and treating the lion shifter for the past couple of hours. Thankfully, their dedicated care seemed to already have made the lion more comfortable, and he was responding well to the fluids and antibiotics. Plus some pain relief.

“Why don’t you go on to bed?” Tammy asked. “I’ll sit up and watch him.”

“No.” Gavin shook his head. “I’ll take the first shift. You go and get a few hours’ sleep.”

“I don’t mind,” Tammy insisted.

“I know you don’t,” Gavin replied. “But I’ll put a pot of coffee on and sit here and read my book.” He put his hand up as she opened her mouth to protest. “Please.”

“Come on.” Dougray put his arm around his mate’s shoulders and guided her toward the door that led out of the barn that had been converted into a clinic for when Gavin had animals that needed intensive care.

I bet he never thought he would have a lion in here, Dougray’s bear said.

No, I don’t suppose he did, Dougray replied, his gaze resting on the lion for a moment.

He’ll be okay, Dougray’s bear assured him.

Yeah, I’m sure he will, Dougray said. I just wish we knew more about him.

When he’s stronger, he’ll shift, and then we can get those questions answered.

I just hope he isn’t dangerous, Dougray voiced his fears. Fears he had not shared with Tammy and Gavin.

For now, he is in no fit state to be a danger to anyone, his bear replied.

Even so, Dougray had no plans to go home tonight.

Not that he expected to share Tammy’s bed. He’d either sleep on Gavin’s couch or else find somewhere close by where he could keep a close watch on things.

You might be overreacting, his bear said. But until we know more about this lion…

We can’t be too careful, Dougray finished the thought.

“Call me if you need me,” Tammy told her uncle as she went to him and hugged him. “I mean it.”

“I will,” Uncle Gavin assured her.

As Dougray and Tammy stepped out into the cool night air, the moon hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the yard. Tammy shivered, and Dougray instinctively slid his arm around her and pulled her closer.

“You okay?” he asked as she shivered and leaned into him.

Tammy nodded, but Dougray could feel the tension in her shoulders. “I just... I can’t help but wonder where he came from. Who he is.”

“That’s a question that can wait until tomorrow,” he said. “For now, you need sleep.”

“I don’t know if I can sleep,” she replied. “My head is filled with a million thoughts and my body is still running on adrenaline.”

Dougray paused, considering her words. The moonlight cast a soft glow on Tammy’s face, highlighting the worry lines etched around her eyes. He felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him.

“How about we take a short walk?” he suggested, gesturing toward the path that led to the creek. “Might help clear your head a bit.”

Tammy hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “That sounds nice.”

They set off down the well-worn trail, their footsteps crunching softly on the gravel. The night air was cool on his skin, filled with the scents from Gavin’s yard.

In any other circumstances, with his mate by his side, the evening would have been magical. But the events of the evening weighed heavily on both of them as they walked in companionable silence.

The shallow stream that bordered Gavin’s home came into view, its gentle babbling a soothing counterpoint to the chirping of crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl. Dougray led Tammy to a large, flat rock near the water’s edge, and they sat down together, their shoulders touching.

“Want to sit for a bit?” Dougray asked softly.

Tammy nodded, and they settled onto the cool surface of the rock. The moonlight danced on the rippling water, creating a mesmerizing display of light and shadow. For a long moment, neither of them spoke as the gentle sounds of the night enveloped them.

“I can’t help but feel responsible for him,” Tammy said softly, her gaze fixed on the rippling surface of the creek. “I know it’s silly, but...”

Dougray squeezed her hand gently. “It’s not silly at all. You have a big heart, Tammy. It’s why you do the job you do. I could see it this afternoon when you were with Old Ma Hinchliffe and then when we found the lion. It could have been a dangerous situation, but you were fearless.”

She turned to look at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “You’re pretty fearless yourself, you know. You and your brothers, the way you all helped him without hesitation...”

“We’ve always found strength in our numbers. I doubt even a fully healed lion shifter would be a match for the six…five of us.” His throat constricted as he corrected himself.

We should be six. His bear dropped his head, his mood suddenly melancholy.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Tammy rested her hand on his thigh and a rush of warmth chased away his melancholy.

Jay will be okay, his bear told him.

“Not tonight,” Dougray told her. “Not because I don’t want to share with you, but because tonight isn’t the time. We have enough on our minds with our mysterious lion visitor.”

One problem at a time, his bear added. And anyway, Jay was not a problem they could solve .

Tammy nodded, understanding in her eyes. She leaned her head against his shoulder, and Dougray felt a wave of contentment wash over him. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the lion shifter, having Tammy by his side felt right.

The gentle sounds of the creek and the night creatures slowly worked their magic, easing the tension from Tammy’s body. Dougray could feel her relaxing against him, her breathing becoming deeper and more even.

“We should head back,” he said softly, not wanting to disturb the peaceful moment but knowing she needed proper rest. “You need to sleep in a real bed, not on a rock by the creek.”

Tammy sighed and straightened up. “I suppose you’re right. Although sitting here with you, it’s easy to forget everything. It’s just you, me, and the night sky.” She paused, gazing up at the stars twinkling above them. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

Dougray followed her gaze, taking in the vast expanse of the night sky. “It is,” he agreed softly. “Almost as beautiful as you.”

Tammy turned to him, her eyes widening slightly at his words. In the moonlight, Dougray could see a blush creeping across her cheeks. He hadn’t meant to be so forward, but the words had slipped out before he could stop them.

“Dougray, I...” she began, but then she leaned forward and cupped his face in her hand.

Their eyes locked for a moment, and then she licked her lips, inching closer to him. Dougray held his breath, not wanting to break the spell as she brushed her lips against his.

It was the lightest of kisses. But it stirred something deep within Dougray, a primal need that his bear recognized instantly. He returned the kiss gently, savoring the softness of her lips and the sweet scent of her skin.

After a moment, Tammy pulled back slightly, her eyes searching his face. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, “I shouldn’t have—”

“Don’t apologize,” Dougray murmured, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. “I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I saw you. But I know you’ve been through a lot, and I don’t want to rush you or—”

Tammy silenced him with another kiss, this one deeper and more certain. Dougray’s arms instinctively wrapped around her, pulling her closer. Her hands went to the buttons of his plaid shirt, her fingers fumbling as they tried to undo the first one.

It seemed the night was not done with its surprises yet.

And out of all of them, this promised to be the most incredible.

But was it too soon? Tammy had spoken about things moving too fast between them.

What if her actions now were because of the shock of finding the lion shifter and bringing him back to the clinic?

Dougray never wanted his mate to regret anything about their relationship.

“Tammy…” He closed his hands over hers as their lips parted.

“I know what you are thinking,” she said. “At least, I know what you think I am thinking.”

“That this is too fast…” Dougray murmured.

“After tonight, I don’t care,” she whispered. “This is where I belong. And I don’t mean in Bear Creek, or at the clinic. I mean here, with you.”

“You do,” he replied.

“Then make love to me. Here.” She looked up at the night sky with its millions of stars. “Because right here, right now, I believe in magic.”

Dougray tangled his fingers in her hair as he drew her to him and kissed her lips. This shifter did not need telling twice. She wanted him. It was as if something had clicked in her head, and she believed in him. In the mating bond.

In the love they shared.

And as she unbuttoned his shirt, her fingers trailing across his bare skin, the love he felt for her filled his heart. Filled his body and his soul.

When their lips parted, she ducked her head and placed soft butterfly kisses across his chest, her warm breath sending shivers down his spine. Dougray’s hands roamed her back, tracing the curves of her body as he savored every touch, every sensation. The night air was cool against their skin, but the heat between them was building rapidly.

Damn, he needed her naked.

He fought for control, the temptation to tear her clothes from her body almost too much.

Tammy seemed to sense his urgency, her fingers working more quickly to unbutton his shirt fully. As she pushed it off his shoulders, Dougray’s hands found the hem of her shirt, lifting it slowly. He paused, giving her a questioning look, seeking permission.

Tammy nodded, and as if in answer, raised her arms to allow him to pull the garment over her head. The moonlight bathed her skin in a soft glow, and Dougray’s breath caught in his throat at the sight of her.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, his voice husky with desire.

Tammy’s cheeks flushed, but she held his gaze, her eyes dark with want. She reached behind her back, unhooking her bra and letting it fall away. Dougray’s hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her nipples. Tammy arched into his touch, a soft moan escaping her lips.

But touching wasn’t enough. He wanted to taste her.

Dougray lowered his head, capturing one of Tammy’s nipples in his mouth. She gasped, her fingers threading through his hair as he swirled his tongue around the sensitive peak. His hand kneaded her other breast, thumb circling her nipple in time with his mouth.

Tammy’s soft moans filled the night air, mingling with the gentle babbling of the creek. Her hips rocked against him, seeking friction, and Dougray groaned at the sensation. He switched his attention to her other breast, lavishing it with the same care.

The taste of her skin was intoxicating, and Dougray felt his control slipping away with each passing moment. As he tortured her breasts, his hands roamed lower, finding the button of her jeans. He popped it open and slowly lowered the zipper, giving her time to stop him if she wanted. But Tammy only pressed closer, her hips rocking against his hand.

He grazed his teeth across her nipple before kissing their taut peaks, then he lifted her off the stone and slid her jeans and panties down over her thighs.

As he set her down once more, he adjusted his position and kneeled before her, easing her thighs wider apart. She turned her face away as he lowered himself, his lips on her inner thighs.

Dougray’s lips trailed a path of soft kisses along Tammy’s inner thighs, savoring the silky smoothness of her skin. He could smell her arousal, a heady scent that made his mouth water. As he neared her center, he felt her thighs tremble slightly.

“Dougray,” Tammy whispered, her voice breathy with need.

He looked up at her, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were dark with desire, her cheeks flushed. She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

Tammy threaded her fingers through his hair and gently guided his mouth to where she wanted him most. Dougray needed no further encouragement.

His tongue darted out, tasting her for the first time. Tammy gasped, her hips bucking against his face. Dougray groaned at her responsiveness, his hands gripping her thighs to hold her steady as he explored her with his mouth.

He licked and sucked, alternating between long, slow strokes and quick flicks of his tongue against her sensitive bud. Tammy’s moans grew louder, her fingers tightening in his hair as she rocked against him.

Dougray reveled in Tammy’s reactions, her soft moans and gasps spurring him on. He could feel her thighs trembling against his hands as he took her closer to the edge. His tongue circled her sensitive bud before dipping lower, teasing her entrance.

“Oh,” Tammy whimpered, her back arching.

He slid one hand up her body, cupping her breast and rolling her nipple between his fingers as his mouth continued its sweet torture. Tammy’s hips rocked more insistently against his face, chasing her release.

Dougray could sense how close she was. He focused his attention on her most sensitive spot, sucking gently as he slipped two fingers inside her. Tammy cried out, her inner walls clenching around his fingers as her orgasm washed over her.

He teased her through the aftershocks with gentle licks and strokes, only pulling away when she tugged lightly at his hair.

He kissed his way up her body, stroking, teasing. As her breathing slowed, she slipped her hand between them and curled her hand around his hard length, stroking him through the fabric of his jeans. He closed his eyes as he moved his hips up and down, wanting more. Wanting her.

Tammy released him and unbuckled his belt before unbuttoning his jeans. In one fluid movement, he discarded them and picked her up, laying her down on the springy grass that grew beside the stream.

She whimpered as she guided him into her, and he filled her slowly, savoring the feel of her slick heat around him. Her inner walls gripped him, the friction between their bodies exquisite.

And almost too much. It took all his self-control not to instantly explode inside her. Dougray paused, fully sheathed inside Tammy, as he regained control.

“You okay?” he murmured, searching her eyes.

Tammy nodded, her lips parted as she breathed heavily. “More than okay,” she whispered, rolling her hips against him.

That small movement was all it took to break Dougray’s control. He began to move, setting a slow, deep rhythm that had Tammy gasping with each thrust. Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer, deeper.

Dougray needed to taste her skin, and cupped her breast in his hand, massaging the plump flesh before he lowered his head and sucked her nipple into his mouth. She gasped and arched her back, pressing her breast farther into Dougray’s mouth as he lavished attention on her sensitive nipple.

Dougray’s tongue swirled around Tammy’s sensitive peak as he continued to thrust into her, his pace increasing with each passing moment. Tammy’s fingers dug into his shoulders, her soft moans growing louder as the pleasure built within her.

She rocked her hips in time with his thrusts, meeting him stroke for stroke, the tension building in her body. Dougray slid a hand between them, his fingers finding her sensitive bud and circling it in time with his thrusts.

Tammy threw her head back, a cry of pleasure escaping her lips as her second orgasm crashed over her. The sight of her coming beneath him, combined with the exquisite sensation of her inner walls clenching around him, pushed Dougray over the edge. With a deep groan, he buried himself deep inside her, his release pulsing through him in waves of intense pleasure.

A primal growl escaped him as his release overtook him. His hips jerked erratically as he spilled himself deep inside Tammy, waves of pleasure coursing through his body.

For a long moment, they remained entwined, their breathing ragged as they came down from their shared high. Dougray pressed his forehead against Tammy’s, their noses brushing as he gazed into her eyes.

“That was...” Tammy whispered, her voice trailing off as she searched for the right word.

“Perfect,” Dougray finished for her, placing a soft kiss on her lips.

She nodded, a contented smile spreading across her face. “Perfect,” she agreed.

Yes. A perfect end to a not-so-perfect day.