Stranded With Her Bear: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Bear Bluff Clan Book 3) by Harmony Raines Read Free Book Online Page A

swallowing. He was right; her stomach had gone into joyous spasms at the sudden influx of food after being denied so long. It emulated her body: the love and compassion he offered were both a shock and a delight. But if she allowed him in, would she end up hurt? That was why she had to be sure he spoke the truth.
    “This is good,” she said, already halfway through her steak, and glad that she had some time to collect her thoughts before he questioned her again. She was unsure as to how much she wanted to tell him about Ollie; it made her feel so stupid. And she would rather forget it ever happened. The more she thought about it, the less she believed he would ever come after her. It wasn’t worth his time, and who would believe him anyway?
    “Their desserts are impressive too. I think once you’ve eaten your steak and had something sweet, other than me,” he said with a cocky smile, “you will be more than ready to take on that panther of yours.”
    “Is there somewhere we can go, where no one will see?”
    “Anywhere in Cougar Ridge is safe. But I’m guessing you would like some privacy, so we’ll go into the woods. No one will see us. They’re all too busy staying warm.”
    “Are you sure you don’t mind? You know, helping me.”
    “Not at all, in fact I can’t wait to see you. I never thought I’d end up with a little cat.”
    “What are you?” she asked, suddenly wondering what kind of creature he was. She couldn’t imagine such a big man as a small cat. Maybe a lion?
    “I am a bear.”
    “A bear. You mean there are lots of other creatures other than cats?”
    “Yes, I guess, maybe everyone you can think of. I know plenty of bears, and then there are the wolves, cougars, panthers, and lions. Over in the east, I believe there are horses too.”
    “Wow. Until I met you, I thought I was alone.” It was the truth; she had thought she was the only one afflicted with … well, what did you call the thing that happened to her? She didn’t really know.
    “You are anything but alone. Especially now, Willow. I know I come over all confident and brash. But I promise you, I only have your best interests at heart and I will protect you with my life if I have to. Whoever might want to hurt you will have to go through me from now on.” His face was fierce, the sudden change startling.
    It scared her, but she believed him, his eyes didn’t lie. Sexy and confident, he would be too good for her without the bond. This was what she thought about as she finished her meal, savouring every last delicious crumb. While she ate she glanced around the bar, taking in the myriad of people. Some were couples, so wrapped up in each other they were oblivious to the rest of the world. If such a thing really existed, then these were mated couples. Then there were those who were simply flirting with each other, looking for some fun. Sprinkled in amongst the crowd were small pockets of males, talking amongst themselves, and lone females eyeing up the man they would like to take to their bed. The majority of those were casting glances at Trent.
    She wanted to scream at them, to tell them he was hers. Maybe if she allowed her panther to escape they would get the message more readily. But one look at Trent showed her he was oblivious to them, so she turned away and ignored them, allowing herself to fully enjoy both her meal and her man.
    “Ready to go?” he asked, when he had settled the bill.
    “Yes, at least I think so.” She tried to smile, but her nerves were too frayed. While she was eating, it was all too easy to push what would come next to the back of her mind. But now, with a sticky slice of chocolate cake churning around in her stomach, along with her steak and fries, the reality of changing into her panther made her feel sick.
    “Hey, it’ll be fine.” He reached out and touched her hand lightly, not with any sexual intent, but it had an effect on her that she found arousing. As if he had lit a fire in her nervous