My Bear to Heal (Cypress Valley Shifters #3)

21. Adelaide

A n incessant beeping filters through the fog in my brain. What is that?

Scrunching my eyes shut further, I moan as my head throbs. I slowly peel one lid, then the other, open to find harsh fluorescent lights buzzing overhead. Where am I?

Disorientation and haze coat my skin like a fine mist; the drumming in my ears makes it hard to focus.

Blinking, it’s like there’s a layer of sand coating my eyes as my lids scrape shut and open. I lift my hand to rub at my dry eyes, but I’m met with tubes and cords and some kind of monitor on my finger. An IV protrudes from the back of my hand, the tubing running to a bag beside my bed. A hospital bed. What happened?

Pain shoots through my body as I try to sit up. Giving up on that venture, I wince as I turn my head and search the stark white room.

My eyes catch on a mop of wavy-brown hair and tattooed hands resting on my thighs. Tyler. His presence alone causes warmth to fill my veins—or maybe that’s whatever drug is pumping through my IV.

With gentle fingers, I stroke through the thick strands of unruly hair, gently rousing him. His hand tightens around my thigh before his head slowly lifts from my legs.

“Hi.” My throat burns as I choke out the word. The inside of my mouth is gritty and dry; the putrid taste alone forces me to cough.

“Here.” Tyler holds a straw to my lips, and I suck greedily until cool water fills my mouth. It’s like the best thing I’ve ever tasted. I keep drinking until he pulls the cup away. “Slow down. You don’t want to make yourself sick. I don’t know what kind of meds they have you on.”

“What happened?” My throat is on fire, and I wince at the hoarse sound of my voice. His familiar mossy eyes linger on my face as I search my brain for the day’s events, but I come up blank.

He threads his tattooed fingers through mine, bringing our hands to his mouth and placing a kiss on each knuckle. It’s then I notice the dirt under my nails and the bandage on the back of my hand. “What do you remember?”

I shake my head, tears bubbling to the surface and blurring my already shoddy vision. Wracking my memories, the only image that comes forward is Tyler standing between my thighs in the greenhouse, his lips wrapped around my fingers. “Th-this morning.” Choking the words out sends me into another fit of coughs, phlegm filling my mouth.

After another sip of water, I continue, “The last thing I remember is picking tomatoes in the greenhouse this morning. Is it still the same day? Why don’t I remember anything? Wh-what happened, Ty?” Panic springs to life in my churning stomach as I stare with wide eyes at my mate.

“Hey… breathe.” Mimicking his breathing pattern, the organ slamming against my ribs soon slows to its normal rate.

“You’ve been in the hospital overnight. I-I thought—” Shaking his head, the shaggy strands brush against his shoulders as he cuts himself off. He wraps my hand between his like he’s afraid I’ll disappear if he lets go. “There was a fire.” His voice cracks and moisture wells in his beautiful eyes.

My stomach twists into a knot, threatening to drop out of my ass. “Please tell me everyone is okay.”

Soft lips brush against my fingers. “Everyone is fine. You were in the woods with Will when the fire spread. You got trapped under a branch, and he couldn’t get you out.”

Flashes of yesterday morning come back. Will laughing as he ran from me through the trees. The deer nearly trampling us. Scorching flames licking at my skin and smoke burning my lungs. Clawing at the dirt as I tried to get myself free from the branch.

I cough, the ashy taste of smoke filling my mouth. Tyler holds the straw to my lips again, and I suck down another mouthful of refreshing ice water. “Is Will okay?”

Tyler nods. “He ran back to the greenhouse and got me. Reese and I were able to get the branch off you, and Wren drove us to the hospital. You passed out right when we got here. Fuck, Addie. I was so scared. I thought I lost you. I can’t lose you, Addie. My heart wouldn’t survive it. I-I can’t live without you, mate. ”

A single tear breaks free, trekking down his cheek, which is still smudged with soot.

Swallowing past the lump in my throat, my own tears flow in rivers down my cheeks.

I’ve never seen Tyler this devastated. Remnants of fear push down our mate bond, and I hate that I caused that feeling for him. Pulling my love for Tyler to the surface, I let it stream down our bond. It overtakes the black clouds of sadness until bright rays shimmer between us.

I cup his cheek, staring into the deep green pools of his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere, Tyler. Not if I can help it. You’re stuck with me forever because I love you. And I can’t live without you, either.” The corner of my mouth tips up into a small smile as my thumbs wipe his tears away. “You’re my home, hotshot. It just took me a while to figure it out.”

He leans into my touch as I sweep his hair behind his ear. “No more walks in the woods without me.”

I hold up my pinky, and he links his with mine. “Promise.”

Breaking our moment, the door swings open and my dad barrels through, making a beeline straight to my bedside, setting two coffee cups on the small table next to the bed. “Addie! I went to get coffee, and I missed all the excitement. I’m so glad you’re awake.” He leans over me and places a kiss on my forehead. “You scared me half to death, kiddo. As soon as Reese called yesterday and said you were hurt, I was out the door and on my way here. I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Hi, Dad. How long have you been here?”

He grunts as he lowers his large frame into the small chair at the side of the bed. “Tyler and I have been here all night, bug. ”

A soft knock at the door has our conversation halting as the door opens, and an older man, with gray hair and glasses, dressed in scrubs and a white coat, enters the room. A stethoscope is draped casually around his neck. “Ah, Miss Rademacher, glad to see you’re awake. I’m Doctor Eggert.”

He seems kind, a genuine smile stretching across his face. Both Dad and Tyler stand, shaking the doctor’s hand. “Doctor Eggert,” Ty says as he takes his seat again.

“Tyler, I see you’re still keeping watch over our patient.”

Ty grunts. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” His eyes meet mine, love shimmering in the deep emerald of his irises.

The doctor tips his head in greeting before turning his attention to me. “You’re very lucky, Miss Rademacher. Things could have been much more bleak. I’d say you have a guardian angel looking out for you.”

I smile at his words, giving my dad’s hand a squeeze, thinking my mom must be watching over me.

“How are you feeling?”

Flexing my fingers and wiggling my toes, I assess all the aches and pains lingering throughout my body. “Honestly, I feel like I got run over by a freight train and my lungs are on fire.” As if to prove my point, my lungs burn with each word, dryness clawing at my throat again.

Without being asked, Tyler offers the straw to me again. I drink deep, wetting my mouth and throat.

The doctor takes a step closer, fingers curling around the clipboard in his hands. “You inhaled a lot of smoke, and the tree limb fractured several of your ribs.” At his words, the pain in my side flares to life. Reaching down, I rub at the spot until it fades to a dull ache.

“You don’t have a concussion, but the contusion on your forehead makes me think you hit it on something. Do you remember falling at all?”

I shake my head, fingers prodding at the bump on my forehead.

“Hmm.” His eyes swing between Tyler and my dad. “Be sure to watch her closely for the next twenty-four hours. If she experiences a headache, dizziness, or passes out, you need to bring her back immediately.”

“Yes, doctor,” Tyler agrees as Dad nods.

Looking back at me, Doctor Eggert continues, “You’ll be sore for a while, but everything should heal on its own. I’d like to see you again in a couple of weeks, to make sure you’re healing properly and to check your lungs again. In the meantime, I’ll send you home with some low dose pain relief. I want you to rest as much as possible so your body can recuperate.”

I nod, realizing how lucky I truly am. If that limb had fallen a little higher, I’d probably be dead.

“This one’s a keeper,” he says, tilting his head toward Tyler. “Wouldn’t leave your side no matter how many times we told him visiting hours were over. Make sure you hold on to him.” With a wink, he leaves the room. Leaving silence to settle over the room.

“You were here all night?” Widening my eyes, they flit around Ty’s face.

A throat clearing on my other side reminds me of my dad’s presence. “I’ll give you two some privacy.” He places another kiss on my forehead before standing. “I’m glad you’re alright, bug. But ya stink to high heavens.”

My choked laughter fills the air as he winks over his shoulder and closes the door.

Tyler cups my cheek in one of his warm hands, drawing my attention back to him. I can’t help but nuzzle further into his touch. I crave it, just like I crave him.

“Of course I was here. You’re my mate, Addie. I’d give up everything for you. The sooner you realize that, the better. Sleeping in a hospital chair is a small penance to pay, if it means I get to be by your side.”

I melt further into his touch, my own hands reaching out to snag the front of his shirt. Stiff fabric slips against my fingers, pulling my gaze to the bright-blue polyester material. “Why are you wearing hospital scrubs?”

“As soon as Will told me you were hurt, I shifted without thinking and shredded my clothes in the process.” His soft laughter fills the otherwise quiet room, sending butterflies soaring in my belly. “I couldn’t really run around the hospital naked, now could I? This body is for your eyes only.”

Heat blooms in my core at his declaration, and I tug him closer, until he’s forced to kneel on the bed, caging me beneath him. “Take me home, hotshot,” I murmur against his lips before crashing my mouth to his.

He answers with a groan, blunt teeth nipping my bottom lip as he threads his fingers through my hair, which I’m sure is a mess from the past twenty-four hours.

A sudden shooting pain in my side has me pulling away from his intoxicating mouth, a hoarse whimper falling from my lips. Concern flares in his eyes as he retreats from the bed. “Careful, sweet rose. Remember what the doctor said, you need to rest. We have all the time in the world for fun, but for right now, no funny business.”

I pout, sticking out my bottom lip. Tyler’s thumb skims over the flesh, pulling down lightly as he smirks. “Let’s get you home and I’ll help you shower. How does that sound?”

“That sounds perfect.”

“ W ait here.” Tyler helps me perch on the end of his bed before disappearing into the bathroom. The sound of running water filters through the room moments later.

A hot shower sounds amazing right now.

Looking down at my hands, I pick at the dirt crusted around my fingernails. Smudges of soot still litter the pale skin on my arms. I’m sure the hospital staff cleaned me up as much as they could. I don’t even want to think about the state I was in when Tyler brought me there.

Honestly, I don’t even want to think about the events of yesterday at all. Blurry images of being trapped and helpless flash in my brain. I can still feel the heat of the fire on my skin… a feeling I’d sooner rather forget.

I could have died.

The realization finally hits me, the adrenaline in my system deflating like a ripped hot-air balloon .

Balling my hands into the stiff fabric of the hospital scrubs I’m wearing, I empty all the air from my lungs. I do this several times, each new breath burning from the damn smoke inhalation. Eventually, my heart slows to its normal speed and my fingers unclench, smoothing down my thighs.

I could have died—but I didn’t .

I’m still here. I still have the rest of my life ahead of me with my mate.

My mate.

As if summoned by my thoughts, Tyler emerges from the bathroom in only the low-slung blue scrub pants. Extending his hand, he pulls me to a stand and I follow him into the steamy bathroom.

The heat of the small room lingers on my skin as he peels my clothes from my body. Water fills the bathtub to the brim, a mountain of white bubbles coating the surface. “I thought a bath would be more relaxing for your tired body.”

“Thank you.” I lean into him as his arms band around my naked waist, his forehead coming to rest on my shoulder.

“I’m so glad you’re okay, Addie,” he whispers against my skin, voice thick with emotion.

Hand in hand, we settle into the hot water, bubbles cocooning us together. I let Tyler support the weight of my body as exhaustion threatens to overtake me.

G lancing at the various bottles lining the tub, I try to distract myself from the overwhelming fear I’m feeling right now by focusing on the steps of Addie’s hair washing routine.

She’s still here.

Her soft body nestled between my legs as the warm water laps the edge of the tub.

When I saw her trapped under that branch, unmoving, struggling to breath, my heart stopped. I thought I was too late for sure, that she was already gone. Luckily, my instincts, and my bear, took over, and with Reese’s help, we rescued her.

Right now, I need to focus on her. I’ll deal with my own emotions later. I want to ease some of the stress and trauma of today any way I can. Even if that means taking on the burden of a simple task, like washing her hair.

Picking up the shampoo bottle, I squeeze a dollop into my palm before lathering it between my hands and spreading the foam onto her scalp.

Addie moans as my fingertips massage against her scalp.

“Tip back for me,” I instruct, cradling her head in my large hand.

“That feels good.” Her eyelids flutter when I pour warm water over her scalp, washing away the soot, grime, and shampoo suds to reveal the stunning fiery strands I love so much.

Squirting a mound of conditioner into my palm, I work it through the ends of her hair before detangling the strands with a wide-toothed comb, like I’ve seen her do so many mornings when we shower together.

This time, it feels different; the weight of yesterday’s events settling over me.

I could have lost her. Had I gotten there a minute or two later, she could have inhaled too much smoke to survive. Or the fire could have taken her from me.

After rinsing the conditioner, I hug her closer and let my tears spill. Addie must break at the same time because she twists to her side and curls her arms around my neck. Her body trembles, soft sobs muffled against the damp skin of my chest.

Huddled together, we stay there, grieving what could have been, until the water turns cold.

Once Addie starts to shiver, I clutch her to my body and stand from the tub.

I wrap her body in a thick bathrobe before throwing on a pair of sweatpants and finishing her hair. On numerous occasions, she’s told me how much she hates sleeping on wet hair. The curls get smashed and stringy by morning, and she ends up rewashing her hair.

“Thank you,” she whispers as I plug in the blow dryer. Before I can respond, she speaks again, watery gray eyes meeting mine in the mirror. “Thank you for finding me, for saving me. I don’t—I’d be—”

Pinching her eyes closed, the damp lashes stick together as she shudders.

“Hey.” Spinning her to face me, I peer into her eyes. “I will always come for you. You’re it for me, remember?”

She nods.

“I love you, Adelaide Rose.”

A glittering of tears track down her freckled cheeks. She angrily swipes them away. “I love you, too. Thank you for taking care of me.” Her gaze flicks to the hair dryer on the counter.

“I’d do anything for you, sweet rose. Should we finish your hair?”

She nods and spins to face the mirror again so I can get to work scrunching gel into her hair and diffusing the curls.

“Are you hungry?” I ask, leading her into the bedroom once her hair is dry and back to its normal vibrant copper shade. A storm is brewing outside, so the room is eerily dark.

Addie shakes her head.

“Thirsty?”

She shakes her head again.

Spinning to face me, her sorrow-filled gaze searches my face. Rising up on her toes, she slams her mouth against mine, tongue immediately seeking entrance. “No. The only thing I need is you, Tyler,” she whimpers, voice desperate as she clutches at my neck.

Gripping the back of her hair, I reluctantly separate our mouths. “Addie, I don’t want to hurt you. What about your ribs?” My gut clenches. Am I taking advantage of her in her vulnerable state? Is this really what she wants?

“You won’t hurt me. I trust you. I almost lost everything today. The memories keep flashing in my brain every time I close my eyes. Distract me, please. Show me something that’s real. Please, Ty.” Her voice is hauntingly empty.

“Addie, I don’t—”

“Please, Ty. I need you to take it all away… just for a little while.” Her eyes are pleading as she tugs me by my hands to the bed.

If I say yes, will she regret it? If I say no, will she hate me? I can’t win, so I give in to my mate’s request, gently kissing her as I strip the bathrobe from her body.

Once I’m naked as well, I lay her on the bed and crawl next to her before tucking us under the blankets.

The room is bathed in shadows as rain begins to pour outside. A steady pelting of water echoes on the roof, setting a somber mood as my mate clutches me to her body.

Desperate need and sadness swirl into a murky mess as they slip down our mating bond. I rest my forehead against Addie’s and exhale a shaky breath. “Are you sure, Addie? We don’t need to do anything. I’m content to just lie here with you in my arms.”

Her forehead rolls against mine. “I’m so hollow, Tyler. I need you to fill me with your love. Please.”

“Okay.”

Wrapping my arms around her cold body, I’m careful as I pull her closer, hitching her leg over my hip. Her warm center rests snuggly against my cock, which grows harder with each subtle rock of her hips.

Soft lips land on mine, coaxing me to lose myself in her flesh.

Her slick tongue laps at the seam of my mouth, breaking the last thread of my restraint .

Gripping her thigh, I spread her wide and thrust inside her velvet heat, sheathing myself until my knot rests against her opening. A rippling wave works through her inner muscles as she adjusts to my girth. “Yes, Ty. This is exactly what I needed,” she murmurs, tipping her head back against the pillow.

My eyes latch onto the cords of her throat, working with each moan and whimper, as my cock drives in and out of her. A feral growl in my head alerts me to my bear, baser instincts taking hold as I bite the delicate flesh of her neck.

Lightning flashes across the sky outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, and thunder rumbles in the distance as I take my mate. Electricity builds in the air as our bodies roll against one another. Heat spreads to every corner of my body until I’m afraid I might combust.

Addie’s moans grow louder. More lightning splits through the gray sky, illuminating her hungry eyes and glistening pale skin.

My free hand fists in her loose red curls, forcing her head back so I can lick and suck the skin of her throat.

Once I’ve had my fill, my lips collide with hers, all teeth and tongue. Nipping and biting.

Gone is the soft and gentle lovemaking; left behind is the raging storm of uninhibited desire as our bodies crash together over and over.

“Please, Tyler. Make me whole. Fill me… please,” Addie sobs, tears streaming down her face.

“Do you want my knot, sweet rose? Will that be enough for your needy cunt? ”

“Yes, mate.” She groans as I plunge the thick ring of flesh inside her, stretching her to the limit.

Both of my hands grip the thick flesh of her ass, grinding her against me until she shatters around my cock. Like a vise, her cunt clamps onto my length, not letting go as I try to thrust in and out of her in pursuit of my own pleasure.

Slender arms wrap around my neck, clawing at my back as she holds my head to her chest. I growl against her breasts as her nails cut into my skin, the pain spurring me closer to my peak.

“Give me your come. Please, mate. I need it,” she pleads, desperation thick in her voice.

Her words shove me off the cliff, plunging me into a river of pleasure, where I’m sucked under the waves until my body is limp and my hips slowly come to a stop. I hold deep inside her, somehow knowing she needs to be as close as humanly possible to her mate right now.

Quiet sobs shake her body as we cling to each other. Bright flashes of white light up the dreary sky and thunder cracks through the air as the storm intensifies outside, but I bathe in the feel of my mate in my warm bed. “I’m here, Addie. I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”

She nods, then nuzzles her face against the rose tattoo on my neck. “Did you get this because of me?” Her lips press against the skin.

“Yeah.” My voice breaks, tears pricking my eyes. “I’ve loved you for so long, Addie. I’m in this for the rest of forever.” I squeeze her tighter. “What about yours? The bear and the roses? ”

Gray eyes stare up at me as she leans back. A small smile plays on her lips, the last remains of her tears drying on her cheeks. “For you. I think I’ve been in love with you since that first kiss. But my brain wouldn’t let my heart take control. I kept telling myself I was going back to Chicago eventually, so I couldn’t get attached to you. Even though I turned you down, I couldn’t get you out of my head, no matter how hard I tried. Makes sense, since you’re my fated mate.”

I press a kiss to her forehead and she sighs.

My knot keeps us locked together as we lay facing one another, time ceasing to exist. Staring into each other’s eyes, gently caressing each other’s skin. My cock still buried inside her body like we’re one entity. Rain tumbles from the clouds as lightning and thunder play in the sky.

I hold her close, praying we’ll weather this storm and today will make us stronger.