Broken Bear: Unleashed Passion by Stella Bryce Read Free Book Online Page A

Lily
     
    Lily was excited when Phoenix arrived. She’d waited a long time for this. Walking in the door, he couldn’t hide his feelings. He scooped her close to him. They’d never shared intimate moments like these, but it seemed completely natural. They were meant to be together.
    Gently putting her down, Phoenix smiled at Lily. She looked up and tenderly placed her hand on his face. Longing in her eyes, she slid her hand around his back and clung to his body. She pressed against his chest and wrapped herself around him. She was afraid to let go, afraid it would all be a dream.  
    Phoenix kissed the top of her head, Lily’s soft hair brushing against his cheek. The couple stood motionless, no words spoken, just reveling in the fact that they were finally together again. Loosening his embrace, he took a step back. “We need to talk,” he started. “This is important.”
    “Now? You’ve just gotten here.” She hated how serious he sounded.
    “Now.” He sat down with his beloved. “I’ve fallen in love with you, but the only way you can truly love me in return is to know all of me.”
    She tilted her head, confused. Sure, they needed to talk more and grow to learn each other’s little quirks, but nothing he could say would put her off. She’d never been happier than she was at this moment, sitting beside him. She leaned into his arm, her soft body molding to him.
    “I need to say this now, before I no longer have the courage.” He wasn’t afraid to admit he wasn’t always a warrior. It was okay. She’d seen him at his weakest and still loved him. He’d never doubt her feelings. They were true.
    “Phoenix, what is it?” Lily couldn’t hide her concern. Whatever it was, he deemed it serious enough to make it a priority.
    “You need to know that no matter what I say, no matter what comes out of my mouth, my feelings don’t change. I’ve grown to love you. I will always put you first and protect you. You’re my soul mate. I didn’t even know I had one until you showed up one day like an angel in my life. You saved me. I don’t know how to thank you for that.” He paused and drew a deep breath.  
    Lily watched his face. She could see the stress, the worry in his eyes. They crinkled up as he tried to find the rest of the words.
    “There’s an important part of my life I need to share with you. It may sound scary at first, but I promise you, it’s not what it seems. Please promise to hear me out before you jump to any conclusions.”
    She nodded, her heart beating louder in her chest. What could it be? How could this man possibly scare her? He had become her entire world.
    “Lily, I’m a shifter...a shape shifter.” He let the words hang in the air.
    “What?” She didn't understand. She looked at him oddly. “I...I don’t understand.”
    He swallowed hard and dropped his head to his hands. He couldn’t look her in the eye. He was afraid he’d see terror or disappointment there. “I’m a bear. I’m half man, half bear. I’d never hurt you. It’s just part of who I am.” He quickly tried to explain, as if it would make a difference.
    “You’re a bear? Half man, half bear?” She couldn’t hide the giggle that grew within her. Laughing, she shook her head. “That’s funny. Okay, really, what is this about? What do you need to talk to me about? Enough of the fooling around.” She shook her head again. “You got me.”
    Phoenix stood. “Lily, look at me. Look at my size.” He looked directly into her eyes. “This isn’t a joke. I’m a shape-shifter— half man, half bear.” He pointed to Jett, who was guarding the front door. “Jett is part bear, as is Hunter.”
    Jett turned to smile on hearing his name.
    Lily looked at Jett and then back to Phoenix. Her brain was having trouble wrapping around the words. Stuff like that wasn’t real. Sure, she’d heard stories about small towns, but she didn’t actually believe it. She’d never seen one, not as long as she’d