Bearly There (Redwater Shifters Book 1) Read online

  Ella had left the bathroom door open for him. He did a little fist pump as the shower started. A soft humming sound drifted out to him. Mason's little wolf was a shower singer. I'm one lucky son of a bitch. He couldn't keep the smug smile off his face for the world. The bathroom had been the one place in his home that he had spruced up. It had a shower with enough room for three people, but Mason was built, so it would only hold two.

  There were two rain shower heads that covered the entire stall with hot water. The shower itself was made of swirled gray and white tile with a glass door. When he had made the upgrades, Mason had envisioned his mate in there. He wished he was in that massive shower with her right now. Images of her pale skin dripping with water rushed through his mind. With a groan, he rubbed with hands over his face. Thinking that way was getting him nowhere.

  Get it under control bear. She's not ready for that. Yet. Mason had chastised his bear. Who grumbled much like he had earlier, but really it was both of them that needed to get a grip. Just because her pheromones and body were saying yes, that didn't mean Ella was emotionally ready to hop into his bed naked. Clothed, yes, he was sure of that. He hadn't missed the worry in her tone when she wanted to know where she was sleeping.

  Of course, Ella would be sleeping with him, she was his mate. There was no reason for her to sleep anywhere else. It didn't make sense to him. Mason had grown up with the perfect family. Every night his pop came home to eat dinner with Mason and his mama. Making sure to tuck him in, before he would hear the creak of his parent's bedroom door. Not once did his parents sleep apart. He had never even heard them fight, although he was sure they had at some point, just never in front of him.

  What had her family been like, to make her nervous? Mason was still standing there thinking when her precious voice came from the open doorway.

  “I don't see any clothes, can you bring me a shirt?”

  “Shit.” He mumbled low enough for her not to hear. He'd been fantasizing and had completely forgotten that he was supposed to get her clean clothes. At least he had enough mind to hurriedly get her dirty ones into the washer. Opening his dresser drawer he pulled out the first shirt he reached for. Just a plain white t-shirt, nothing special even if the person wearing it was fast becoming his whole world.

  “I'm going to hand this in.” He called out to her as he neared the open door. Ella's scent finally hit him. Cinnamon. Mason hadn't gotten the chance to look at whatever Nathan's mate, Annie, had brought over. However Annie had never smelled like cinnamon before, so he was assuming that was just his mate's scent. It wasn't odd for the female shifters to have a more defined scent. Usually, that was what attracted a male's attention. Whereas he just smelled like trees and man. Nothing like his sweet Ella.

  Her tiny hand snatched the shirt from his grasp almost instantaneously. Even for a shifter, her reflexes were more alert. Maybe it's from being in the wild. At least that was what he was telling himself for the time being. He was startled and took a step back when she appeared around the corner. Dear Goddess. The breath in his chest was taken away. Mason was right, she was a fucking goddess in her own right.

  That curly black mess of hair was now brushed and only slightly wavy, reaching a little below her waist. Now that all the dirt and grime was off of her pristine skin he could see a light dusting of freckles across her nose and cheeks. His white shirt was getting wet from her curls and he could see straight through the material. Ella's perfect pink nipples poked through, but he tried to ignore them for as long as he could.

  Mason vowed right then and there that no one would ever see her like this except him. Mine to have. Mine to love. Mine to protect. Her cute little yawn kept him from roaring his possessiveness of her. She probably wouldn't have liked that very much. Without thinking, he scooped her up like before. Thankfully she snuggled right into his arms for the short trip to the bed. Pulling back the covers with one hand he sat her gently on the bed motioning for her to lie down and relax.

  “Get some rest little wolf. I'm going to shower, then join you.” He whispered because she was already fading off into dreamland while giving him a faint nod. After turning on the shower he double checked Ella, sure enough, she was breathing deep and even. Mason was grateful he had opted for the biggest hot water tank now, there was plenty of water to fill up his massive tub and also take a long shower.

  He briefly wondered why she hadn't used the tub. She could probably swim in the damn thing it was so big. More than likely it had something to do with her still getting used to everything, but he had specifically gotten the tub for when he had a mate. Thinking that females liked to take long bubble baths. Not to mention that Mason wanted to take a bubble bath with his mate, which was more likely the real reason for getting the tub. Knowing Mason he wouldn't admit it, except to Ella, but no one else.

  When he stepped into the shower the first thing he noticed was how everything was rearranged. Usually, he would have blown up at someone for moving his things, but not at Ella, and she would need the space for her things. She wouldn't be living anywhere else. Ever. He let out a growl that would terrify others, no one would take him from his mate. He would fight them tooth and claw.

  His suspicions about Ella's scent were confirmed by the smells of her shampoo and body wash. Both of those were some flowery smelling nonsense. Not that they smelled bad, but he was glad her own scent was strong enough to overpower them. Her scent still hung in the air in the shower, it was almost like torture. His poor balls would be blue unless he took care of himself.

  Mason thought about it for maybe a second before deciding to jerk off. His cock was very familiar to his hand since he'd only had sex with one person. There hadn't been any feelings involved, and hell, he hadn't even came it was so bad. Really he only did it because he didn't want to look like a pussy in front of his friends. The whole fucking thing had been some stupid teenage dare, and being the soon to be alpha at the time didn't help. He felt like he had to show everyone that he had the biggest balls. Long story short, he hadn't felt the urge to fuck anyone else since.

  Now it seemed like all his pent up sexual frustration would be taken out on Ella. Only his little wolf wasn't ready for that, so fucking his hand was still his outlet. With one hand wrapped tightly around his hard cock, he tipped his head back and closed his eyes. The first thing he saw was his little wolf running through the woods. She had a seductive smile on her angelic face.

  Her hips seemed fuller, and that ass of her's was still as firm, but also bigger. Seemed his imagination was already plumping her up. Those perky breasts bounced with every step backward she took. Ella was a graceful creature, almost floating on her feet. For some reason, even that turned him on. Mason pounced on her, turning them so he hit the forest ground first.

  He groaned at the vision before his eyes, as he slowly turned over so Ella was on her back. That curly hair making a halo around her, with the fall red and orange leaves, stuck in it. He squeezed the base of his cock hard, he didn't want to come yet. Mason hadn't even gotten to the good part and he was already having a hard time controlling himself. Fantasy Ella arched under him, bringing him into contact with all of her delicious skin. He wondered what her skin would taste like, and dove for her neck. Nibbling and sucking, in his mind she tasted like honey. He was a bear, and he sure as hell loved honey so there was no complaint there.

  He tasted his way down her body, stopping to suckle one of her drawn up nipples into his mouth. His thumb stroked the other nipple so it wouldn't be left out. Her hands pulled his head closer to her body. Holding him there while she purred in pleasure. With a growl, he bit down gently. Mason imagined Ella's moan to sound husky. Like her voice had sounded in the woods earlier that day.

  Releasing her nipple with a pop. He headed for his favorite spot on her body. With a small nip on her hip bone, she arched closer towards him, he pulled back to examine his handy work so far. Ella's eyes had turned to her wolf's silver, her pupils were wide and brimming with lust. Mason had left his mark o
n both her hip and her right breast. While her body was trembling, he gazed at the wet slit between her open thighs.

  In his mind she only had a small patch of damp curls, so he had full view to everything. He licked his lips, the growl in his throat a constant sound. Leaning forward he inhaled her musky female pheromones. That scent could get him going on any day, at any time. Mason was getting close, he couldn't hang on for much longer. His tongue lashed out at her swollen clit. Quickly he lapped up all her juices, which also tasted suspiciously like honey to him.

  Ella was squirming so much that he had to hold her down. Keeping her on the ground with his hand on her lower stomach. He could feel the tingling at the bottom of his spine, and his balls tightening up. Mason pushed his tongue as far as it could go inside of her, and after only moments he could feel her walls pulsating against him. His little wolf was moaning up a storm, giving him that final push. Hot ropes of cum rushed all over his toned stomach.

  After quickly washing the cum down the drain, he finished his shower. What had seemed like an hour had really only been ten minutes. When the time came, he would make sure to last longer than that. A fresh pair of boxers were Mason's pajamas, and like that, he snuggled right up behind Ella. Slinging his arm over her and nuzzling into her neck. She didn't even flinch. Just relaxed right into him with a happy sigh. With a happy sigh of his own, he drifted off into dreamland, which picked up where he had left off in the shower.

  ****

  Something was keeping Ella from getting out of bed to pee. The arm across her body, warmth at her back, and the face in her neck gave away that something was really just Mason. Her mate. Holy mother of pearls. My very own mate. A giggle escaped her before she could stop herself. The Greek God behind her tightened his arm and re-nuzzled into her neck with a small growl. One of those goofy happy smiles took over her face.

  Slowly she was able to untangle herself and use the bathroom. Brushing her teeth had never felt so good. Her stomach rumbled and for the first time in four years, she didn't ignore it. Being the graceful wolf she was, Ella made it into the kitchen without Mason waking up. To repay his kindness she decided to make him breakfast in bed.

  Finally, she got a good look at the kitchen. It was as beautiful as the rest of the cabin. The counter tops were black marble, with all the appliances being stainless steel. They looked brand new. Probably never been used. That would change, though. It's just like riding a bike. However, she had never been able to ride a bike so that probably wasn't the best expression to use. Ella had been an amazing cook. She wasn't sure if she still had the skills, but she was willing to try.

  She was used to cooking for her brothers and dad. After her mom passed away she was left to run the household. Cooking, cleaning, anything that a wife and mother would do. On occasion, she had cooked for the whole pack. Spending the entire day in the kitchen as punishment for something little, like forgetting to change the laundry. Only she enjoyed cooking and had to act agitated whenever her dad would check on her. Her brothers knew about her secret joy for cooking but kept it to themselves. It was the one thing she had that made her happy, not to mention Ella would make their favorite foods when they asked.

  After checking all of the cupboards, she went for something easy. Pancakes. Only a moron could mess those up. She tried to quietly open the drawers for measuring cups, but there was one sneaky bastard that had a high pitched squeak. Ella glared at it. Damn thing is gonna give me away. For some reason, her hands were shaking while she tried to pour the pancake powder into a mixing bowl.

  Powder went all over the island in the center of the kitchen where she was working. With a little growl, Ella wiped her face. This was harder than she thought it would be. Next was the water, she ignored the little droplets falling over the side of the measuring cup. She was definitely making a mess, but would clean it up when the pancakes were done.

  Figuring out how to work a stove again took her a minute. This kitchen was quickly becoming a thorn in her paw. She may have slammed the pan a little hard on the stove top since the noise seemed to echo through the room and out into the rest of the house. Goddess give me strength. With a deep breath, she began spooning the batter into the hot pan. When she tried to flip the first one, it fell on the floor. I'm a moron. Rolling her eyes at herself she tried again.

  The next two went perfectly. Finally. While those were finishing up she set up the tray she had found with the necessities. Including some orange juice that was in the back of the fridge. A burning smell started to fill the kitchen. Ella didn't even have to look, those stupid fucking pancakes were burnt to a crisp. She just knew it. Before she could even get to the stove the fire alarm started blaring that damn beeping sound.

  “Son of a fucking bitch!” She yelled, not even trying to filter herself. Another string of curses left her mouth while she took the burnt mess and dumped it into the trash can. Suddenly the beeping stopped. With a slow turn, Ella came face to face with a shocked looking Mason. I have the worst luck. Seriously, Goddess? He slowly rounded the island to stand next to her. His eyes softened as he took in her appearance.

  “Little wolf, what in the world are you doing in here?” He asked with a raised eyebrow and smile on his face. Ella could feel the heat rising in her cheeks.

  “Breakfast in bed, but it um, didn't work out.” She coughed out with a sheepish smile. His eyes lit up, it was the first true smile she had given him and he seemed to like it. Mason reached his hand up and swiped at some leftover pancake powder that must have been on her cheek.

  “You get an A for effort little mate, but an F for execution I'm afraid.” He chuckled while she batted him lightly on the shoulder. She was wrapped in his arms in an instant. “If I wake up to this for the rest of my life. I'll be a happy man.” His hands moved into her hair, cradling her head, his thumbs caressing her cheeks. Mason's eyes were trained on her lips, which she licked unconsciously.

  She leaned in closer, her hands on his muscled shoulders. His lips were so close Ella could almost taste him already. A pounding sounded throughout the tiny cabin, making Mason close his eyes and groan. He leaned his forehead against hers. Both of them were breathing deep, interchanging air since they were still so close.

  “Open the door man, or you'll have a fucking riot on your hands!” A voice she hadn't yet heard yelled through the door.

  “Next time, no one will stop me from devouring you little wolf.” Mason said before placing a soft kiss on her forehead and heading out of the kitchen for the front door. Goddess only knew what awaited them on the other side.

  Chapter Six

  Peeking around the corner Ella spied another tall male, who looked a little like Mason with his blonde hair. He had that boy next door look to him. Next to him was a beautiful woman with brown hair, stunning hazel eyes, and a tall, lean body. From the way the two strangers were holding each other she knew they were mates. Mason and the guy were talking to low for her to hear, but Mason's face was looking darker and darker.

  The other guy looked less tense but still worried. Although he probably wasn't happy he had to be the one to deliver bad news. Ella wouldn't have been happy, and then Mason's growl filled the whole house. Damn it. I can't go out there like this. She knew that going out there in only his shirt would not help anything. In fact, it would more than likely send him over the edge, and she didn't want a bear in the living room.

  Next came the pacing and hair pulling, Ella was learning his tells. She smelled the anger coming off him in waves. Shifters could scent emotions if they were strong enough. The easiest one was always anger, at least for her. It was what she was used to scenting first in her pack. Meaning that the hardest one for her was happiness.

  Ella was hopeful that she would learn to scent happiness, and so far, things were looking up. Multiple footsteps sounded from the hallway, making her jump further into the kitchen. Acting as if she wasn't completely interested in what was going on in the living room. Instead of curiosity killed the cat, it'll be the wolf. She was
curious for a wolf shifter. Too curious for her own good sometimes.

  Mason rounded the corner looking like a walking thunderstorm, with the woman looking meekly at the ground behind him. She was carrying a tote bag that Ella hadn't noticed before. The woman looked her over from head to toe. She thought the lady was condescending until she put the bag on the island and turned toward Mason.

  "These clothes should work for now." She turned toward Ella before she continued. "They'll be big on you, though. You truly are a tiny thing. If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?" Even Mason was interested in the answer to her question if his raised eyebrows were any indication. Come to think about it, she didn't know how old Mason was either.

  "Twenty." She answered with her head held high. Ella was ready to defend her age if necessary, she had been through plenty in twenty years. More than I should have.

  "There's only a six year age gap between us. Better than I thought." Mason said with a small smile.

  "Did you guys forget about me or something?" Came from right outside the open archway.

  "Don't come in here. My mate's not dressed." He growled while stepping in front of her. He was big enough to cover two of her. The woman, whose name she still had not learned, wasn't surprised by hearing Mason's declaration. At least she didn't look it if she was.

  "Dude, we're like an hour late, and you guys are two hours late. We have to go before they come here looking for you. I wish we could have met under better circumstances. I'm Nathan, Sleuth Ambassador, and in there is my mate and wife Annie." Nathan said from the other side of the wall.

  "Nice to meet you both. I'm Ella." She said with a little wave for Annie.

  "Annie here is going to help you get ready. I'll be outside with Nathan. Just come out when you're done." He gave her another forehead kiss before walking out of the room. Together the two of women dragged the clothes bag into the bedroom.