My Bear to Heal (Cypress Valley Shifters #3)

15. Tyler

W iping my sweaty palm on the side of my jeans, I clutch the wildflower bouquet tighter in my other hand. Some of the stems are a little bent and bruised. That’s what I get for carrying them home in my mouth in grizzly form.

When I came to the meadow on my run this morning, I knew I had to bring some of the vibrant yellow, purple, and red blooms back for Addie. They reminded me so much of the spark in her eyes when she’s happy or the beautiful blush that colors on her cheeks when I’m around.

“It’s the thought that counts,” I reassure myself before gently knocking on her front door.

“It’s open!” Her lyrical voice floats through the screen door.

A low whine sounds in my head. My bear urges me forward, anticipation of being around our mate bubbling under my skin. Scratching at the back of my neck and blowing out a breath, I try to dispel the nerves from my body. This is Addie, your best friend. Just be yourself .

The kitchen and family room are empty as I wander inside her cabin. Soft music trickles through the air, and a faint glow lights up the otherwise dark hallway. Swallowing the lump in my suddenly dry throat, I set the flowers on her kitchen counter and follow the beat of the bass to the bathroom.

Addie bounces to the beat in front of the mirror, makeup brush in hand as she applies a deep red powder to her cheeks. Full lips pull into a brilliant smile that illuminates her whole face as our eyes lock in the reflection. “Hey, sweet rose. How was dinner with your dad last night?”

“It was perfect. We brought a picnic to Mom’s favorite lookout spot and watched the sunset. Maybe next year… umm.”

I rest a hand on her hip, gaze never leaving hers in the mirror. “What, sweetheart?

Her delicate throat bobs before she speaks in a quiet voice, almost like she’s unsure of her words. “Maybe you could come with next year?”

My heart gallops. She wants me in all parts of her life. My grizzly practically sings in my head, raising goosebumps on my skin. Leaning down, I bury my nose in her hair and inhale her scent. “Addie Rose, I would be honored. You know I would do anything for you, right?” I raise my head to meet her gaze again, and I don’t recognize the rasp in my voice.

I still can’t believe she wants to be mine, this beautiful and kind creature. My eyes eat up the white fabric of her dress as it hugs her breasts and flows over her ass.

She’s all plush curves and thick thighs, and I fucking crave her body against mine. A low rumble in my head alerts me to my bear perking up and whining for her attention .

“You’re purring again, hotshot.” She winks before setting her makeup brush down and spinning to face me.

Small fingers hook in the neck of my t-shirt, forcing me forward until her pillowy soft lips crash into mine. “Mmm,” I groan as her tongue prods at my lips. On instinct, I open for her, chasing her tongue, until we’re tangled together, breathing the same air.

I grip her around the waist, boosting her onto the bathroom counter and forcing my way between her luscious thighs. The soft fabric of her sundress bunches up to reveal smooth skin as I invade her space.

She squeezes me tight while her mouth attacks mine, teeth nipping at my lips like she wants to devour me and come back for more.

My hands fist in her soft curly hair. I never want this to end. The heat of her body against mine. The slow grind of her hips as she writhes on the counter. The addictive sweet flavor of her mouth. This, right here, is heaven. My bear purrs his agreement as Addie continues to bruise my mouth with her kisses.

Unfortunately, I’m forced to pull back when I run out of air. Her chest heaves against mine, pushing her breasts up until I think they’ll spill out of her dress. I can only hope.

With a sigh, I roll my forehead against hers. “We should go before I throw my whole plan out the window and fuck you right here on the bathroom counter.”

Her back arches as she moans. “Would that be so bad? We are mates, right? Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?”

I chuckle. “Mmm. Once I start fucking you, mate, I don’t plan on stopping until neither of us can move. So, be careful what you ask for, Addie Rose.” A visible shiver works through her curvy form. I loom over her a little more, making myself as big and menacing as possible. “Is that what you want, mate?”

“Yes,” she breathes, black pupils overtaking the swirling storm in her eyes.

A wolfish grin takes over my face, body swelling with pride that my mate can’t resist me. But now isn’t the time. Now is the time for romance and wooing. “Later, darlin’. Right now, I’m taking you out on the town.”

She giggles as I step back and help her off the counter. Not that she needs much help with how tall she is. I love that she’s long-legged and curvy; there’s substance to her, so I don’t have to worry about breaking her when I throw her around later. My dick wakes up in my jeans, twitching as Addie’s rich rose scent fills my lungs when she walks past me.

Eyes glued to the hypnotic sway of her hips, I follow her like a lost puppy out to the living room. “Are we taking your bike?” She turns around, smirking as my gaze flicks up from her ass. “Tyler Gardner, were you staring at my ass?”

I clear my throat and run a hand over my hair, adjusting the messy knot at the base of my skull. “It’s mine now, isn’t it? I’ll stare as much as I want.”

Her head tips back on a throaty laugh that has me joining in. “You’re good for my self-esteem.”

Closing the distance between us, I wrap my arms around her waist, hands resting gently at the small of her back. “You’re fucking gorgeous, Addie.”

Pink creeps up from her chest, spreading to her neck and cheeks as she murmurs, “Thank you. ”

“And, yes, we’re taking my bike. Is that okay?” I place a quick kiss on her addictive lips before stepping back again.

She nods. “Yeah, let me grab my boots and jacket.”

As she slips on her worn combat boots and a black leather jacket, my cock throbs in my pants.

All I can think about is Addie straddling me on the back of my bike in only that damn leather jacket and her boots, my thick shaft buried knot-deep inside of her pretty pussy. My thumb runs along my bottom lip, eyes eating a path up and down her body.

“Goddamn, Addie Rose. You’re an enigma.”

Straightening to a stand, her eyes widen and brows rise. “What do you mean?”

“Looking all sweet and innocent, with your big gray eyes and pretty white dress, but you’re not innocent, are you? Dressed to kill in a leather jacket and boots.”

She pats my shoulder as she walks by, grabbing her bag from the hook by the door. “Come on, Ty. You should know not to judge a book by its cover.” Long, mascara-coated lashes flutter in a wink. “Let’s go, hotshot.”

The bike rumbles beneath me as I clutch tight to Tyler’s bulky body. My arms are barely long enough to wrap all the way around his waist, so I weave my fingers into the fabric of his soft t-shirt and hang on for dear life. Wind whooshes by my ears and tangles with the strands of my long curly hair.

Tyler insisted I wear a helmet, even though he doesn’t have one on. Eye roll . Just because he’s a bear shifter, doesn’t mean he’s invincible, but pick your battles, I guess. To distract myself from the whipping wind and winding road, I nestle my nose into the back of his shirt and breathe deep.

The intoxicating masculine aroma of leather and smoke filters into my lungs with each breath. My body instantly warms and my roiling tummy settles. “Almost there,” he shouts over the roar of the bike and road noise.

I simply nod against his back and nestle my face further against him.

A few miles later, the evening sky gives way to bright lights. Striped tents, carnival rides and a Ferris wheel come into sight. A swarm of flutters erupts in my stomach; between moving to Cypress Valley and diving headfirst into homesteading with Tyler, I completely forgot this weekend is Oak Ridge’s annual Summer Splash carnival. Oh, you sly… bear, Tyler Gardner.

The carnival is held in some of the local farm fields halfway between Oak Ridge and Cypress Valley. Pulling into the grassy field used as a makeshift parking lot, Tyler brings the bike to a halt and switches off the engine. Upbeat carnival music and laughter fill my ears. The sugary sweet scent of fried dough wafts through the air, making my stomach grumble. The familiarity of a summer event I’ve been attending since childhood has my earlier nerves from the ride here calming.

Tyler peels my fisted hands from his shirt and interlaces our fingers; I take comfort in the rough texture of his skin as it scrapes against mine.

He brings our joined hands to his mouth and kisses each knuckle. Right then and there, I turn into a puddle of goo, threatening to slip off his bike at the simple gesture. “You okay back there?” Glancing over his shoulder, his emerald eyes twinkle in the evening sun.

“Yep. Yes. So okay.” My voice squeaks as I ramble.

A deep laugh vibrates through him, and I can’t help but snuggle closer, soaking up the movement of his body.

Somehow, he disentangles our hands and slips from the bike gracefully, like a gazelle, which is surprising given his sheer size and bulky muscles. He towers over me as he stands next to the bike, one hand extended toward me. “It gets easier, trust me. The first time is always the hardest.” Laughter shimmers in his eyes as they dart over my appearance. I can only imagine my cheeks are flushed and the ends of my hair are a windblown mess.

When we get inside, I’ll have to find a bathroom and fix any mascara smudges and try to smooth out my hair. Good thing the curls hide most of the tangles.

I grip his large hand, and he helps me dismount from the bike. “Maybe it would be less daunting during the day,” I say, glancing at the sun as it dips along the horizon, sprinkling us in a golden glow.

“We’ll keep trying.” Thick fingers pluck the helmet strap away from my chin. It clicks as he flips the buckle open and removes the helmet from my head. My teeth dig into my bottom lip as I glance up through my lashes. Tyler’s biceps flex and the already tight fabric of his shirt pulls tighter as his hands work in his hair to re-secure his gorgeous waves into a messy knot.

I’ve been lusting after him for so long, sometimes I have to… My hand reaches up the opposite sleeve of my jacket, pinching the skin between my fingers until it prickles with pain. Yep, he’s real—this is all real. My dream guy is here, in front of me.

“A carnival date? I guess you’ve learned a thing or two from those romance books you’re always reading.” I wink as I lean in to get a quick hit of his masculine scent. Every part of my body tingles as the distinct smoky notes fill my nose.

Tyler chuckles, one corner of his mouth lifting into a slow smirk. “I have a lot of courting to make up for, darlin’. What better place to start than the carnival? Plus, what if you hate all of my favorite greasy carnival foods? Or you don’t like the same rides as me? Don’t you think we should make sure we’re compatible before spending the rest of our lives together?”

I laugh because I don’t think anything he does could be a turnoff. The man is literally my every walking, talking fantasy come to life. “It’s a good thing I like all the greasy goodness and I’m ready to eat myself into a food coma before riding the Ferris wheel. The real question is: do you think you can keep up, hotshot? ”

Spinning away from the bike, I only get a few steps away before he wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me off the ground. My squealing laughter is quickly cut short when he returns my feet to the ground, arms still firmly encasing me. “I was born ready, my beautiful mate.” The delicious growl in his voice has my poor pussy clenching around nothing.

I can already tell I’m in for a long night of teasing.

“Ready?” Releasing my waist, he holds out his hand, deep green eyes oozing with all the heady need I’m feeling, too.

I take it without hesitation and let him lead me into the carnival grounds.

“ W ow! I haven’t been here since I was a kid. Before my mom died.” Involuntarily, my voice lowers to a whisper.

“Shit. Addie, I’m sorry. I didn’t even think what kind of memories this would bring up. I saw the flier at the feed store and thought it would be a fun date. We can leave if it’s too much.”

Stopping in the middle of the path, I grab his hands and tug him between two food booths, so we aren’t in the way of the crowd. “Tyler, this is amazing! I have so many happy memories of coming here with my mom and dad. Some of my favorite moments of my childhood happened here. My mom convincing my dad to volunteer for the dunk tank, only so she could spend twenty bucks knocking him into the water. Riding the Ferris wheel at sunset with a belly full of cotton candy and funnel cake, only to end up falling asleep and Dad having to carry me to the car. This is the perfect place for our first date because it will be the start of our happy memories together. Okay?”

He squeezes my hands before pulling me into a warm hug. “Okay. That sounds pretty perfect. I can’t wait to make amazing memories with you.”

Hours later, my feet ache from walking every row of the carnival. My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so much. And my stomach is comfortably stuffed with anything and everything breaded and deep-fried, my favorite being the mini donuts.

“Come on! This way!” Before I have a chance to see where he’s dragging me, Tyler clutches my hand and pulls me toward a blue and yellow striped tent. “How much to win the big stuffed bear?”

The man behind the counter glances over his shoulder at the fuzzy monstrosity in question. “Ten rings on the top row, kid. Buck a ring.” Holding his hand out, he waits for Tyler to pay him.

“It’s a waste of money, hotshot. These games are rigged. Everyone knows that.” Giving the game attendant my best glare, I try to pull Tyler away, but he wrangles free of my grasp.

“Easy peasy.” Slapping a crisp ten-dollar bill into the man’s hand, Tyler grabs ten rings from the countertop.

His thick brows crouch low in concentration as his eyes sparkle like the iridescent green feathers on a hummingbird and his mouth draws into a flat line. Oh, he means business. Raising his arm, the corded muscles flex under his inked skin as he pitches forward and releases the ring.

Clink! It lands perfectly around the neck of the bottle.

Without a second glance, Ty moves on to the next ring.

And the next.

And the next.

Holy crap! Why is it so hot that he hasn’t missed a single shot?

By the last ring, my eyes are glued to the rippling muscles of his back as he swings his arm. Clink!

“You got all ten in a row!” An excited squeal leaves my mouth as I throw myself at Tyler. Luckily, he catches me without hesitation, swinging me in a circle before setting me back on my feet. “How did you do that?”

His answering chuckle melts over me like warm butter. “My mom would save all year to take me to the state fair every summer. We’d spend the whole day eating everything on a stick and playing these games, so I got pretty good over the years. I’m a little rusty…”

“If that’s rusty, kid. I’d hate to see you at peak performance. You earned this.” The carnival worker thrusts the giant teddy bear into Tyler’s arms.

I giggle as he lugs the furry stuffed bear along as we wander toward the Ferris wheel. “What are you going to do with that? It’s huge !”

“That’s what she said.” He knocks shoulders with me, a sinful smirk splitting his lips to reveal pearly white teeth. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist.” Winding his fingers through mine, he squeezes my hand. “It’s for you, darlin’. Somethin’ to remind you of me. It’ll keep you warm when I’m not around.” The smug asshole flutters his lashes at me.

I can’t help but laugh. “You’re ridiculous.” Grabbing his arm, I pull him toward the Ferris wheel. “Come on. Last stop of the night.” With a salacious wink over my shoulder, I climb into the first available bucket.

It’s a tight fit, but we manage to squeeze Tyler’s huge body and the ridiculously huge teddy bear into the bucket and latch the door. Creaking to life, the Ferris wheel begins to move and we make our climb to the top. “I don’t know, sweet rose. This isn’t very comfortable.” The rumble of his voice has me clenching my thighs together and nearly whimpering. “I think you’re gonna have to sit over here.”

Suddenly, I’m lifted onto his lap, a wall of leather and smoke at my back as I lean against him. “Much better. Now, where were we?” he murmurs, sweeping my hair over one shoulder, exposing my neck to him. Like butterfly wings, his lips flutter kisses against the heated skin.

Carding my fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck, I close my fist and hold his warmth against me. Soft lips caress my neck, drawing my skittering heartbeat to the surface as he laps at my flesh with his slick tongue.

Uninhibited, a moan sneaks past my parted lips. “I love your mouth on me, Ty.”

“Mmm… let me take you home, baby, and my mouth will be all over this sexy as fuck body. I need to taste every inch of you, Addie.”

Suddenly, his hand snakes under the flowing fabric of my dress, skating around my hip to cup my pussy. Thick fingers splay wide, possessively claiming my most sensitive spot as his. “I need to show you what it means to be mine .” Grit and gravel coat my skin as his lips continue to brush against the side of my throat.

I moan, pressing into his hand. “So, show me, hotshot.”

The feral growl that rips from his chest has a gush of arousal coating my panties. His fingers circle the wet patch, pressing and teasing against my throbbing clit. “Fuck, you’re so wet.” He sweeps his fingers down to my opening as my need continues to soak my panties. I buck my hips, chasing his touch. “You want me to fuck you with my fingers right here, on the top of the Ferris wheel? Is that what you’re imagining, sweet rose? Coming all over my fingers right here, where anyone could see us?”

The thought of getting caught has another burst of liquid trickling from my core, his fingers continuing to circle my clit over the lace of my thong. I nod, using my own hand to press his fingers where I want them. “Yes, please.”

My breathy whimper must spur him on, because he slips a thick finger past the delicate lace and plunges it into my opening. I moan at the intrusion, but I’m so wet, he’s met with no resistance as he thrusts in and out of my pussy. “Are you gonna be a good mate and come on my fingers, darlin’?”

Oh, fuck.

One hand gripped in his hair and the other braced on the side of the bucket, I rock my hips and chase my pleasure. Rainbow colored lights on the arms of the Ferris wheel flash around us as the stars twinkle above. It’s like I’m in a dream, as his skilled fingers take me higher than the clouds .

His free hand snakes between my legs, holding my panties to the side so his other hand has more room to work, ramping up my pleasure with each passing second.

The heel of his palm slaps against my clit in rhythm with his pistoning fingers, and it’s my undoing. Turning my head, I search for his lips as pleasure warms my veins. He swallows my moans, the fingers inside me slowing as I float back to reality.

My eyes spring open as our bucket begins its descent to the bottom of the ride. I almost missed the whole ride, too focused on the tattooed bear shifter behind me and his sinful fingers.

“That’s a trip to the carnival I’ll never forget. Thanks, darlin’.” Slipping his fingers from my still spasming core with a squelch, he makes a show of licking them clean. I have to pick my jaw up off the ground as another burst of lust ignites in my veins.

Once the ride stops, I clutch his hand and all but run to his motorcycle in the parking lot. Somehow the monstrous teddy bear is still tucked under his arm.

Exploding with his fingers inside me did nothing to take the edge off; it only heightened my need for him. Once the stuffed animal is strapped to the back of the bike and my helmet is secure, we take off toward home. I hold tight to him as we wind through the crisp midnight air, not another soul on the road, like it’s only me and Tyler left in the world.

Butterflies grow in my stomach with each mile we travel until finally we pull off the main road toward Cypress Valley.

My thighs tighten around him until my muscles ache, trying to relieve some of the lingering burn in my core. I’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.

I was an idiot to reject him when we first met.

How did my body not know we were fated to be together?

I should have known from the way my skin is on fire right now and I’m almost out of my mind with lust. I want him with every fiber of my being, every ounce of blood in my body longing to be his. Tonight, I finally claim him as mine, and I’m never letting him go.