Beauty and the Bear (Redwater Shifters Book 2) Read online

  When he put things that way, her whole life made sense. Well, hot damn. Her wolf, damn smug creature, acted as if she'd been trying to tell Lani that. Like Lani didn't remember her going MIA after the whole incident. The wolf just rolled her eyes. At least both of them were full of piss and vinegar. It would've sucked if Lani was born with a submissive wolf.

  "You've changed my whole life." He gently tugged until Lani was on his lap, her legs hanging off the side of the chair.

  "We've changed each other lives, and now we're going to have a new life. Both together and with our baby." He rested a large hand over her tiny baby bump. Could he melt my heart anymore? She didn't know why the Goddess felt Lani deserved him, but she'd never let her doubts get in the way again. Lani would cherish him for the rest of her life.

  She placed her lips on his, kissing him tenderly. Maybe her kiss could convey the love she felt for him. As much as Lani just wanted to spit it out there, a part of her was still scared. Old fears were hard to overcome. She'd take things one day at a time, and tell him when the right moment hit. She kept the kiss slow and sensual.

  It was getting her all worked up. She was always turned on around Gene, but her pregnancy hormones had her in a frenzy of need. Only her mate could satisfy her. Even without words Gene was on the same page as her. Knowing the exact moment to sweep his tongue into her mouth, bringing his bold taste with him.

  In one fluid movement, Lani was on top of the table. Gene surged upward to be between her legs, dragging his lips to her neck. He left biting kisses down the column of her neck. Lani was sure he was leaving marks, and it only turned her on more. She wanted everyone to know her mate took care of her.

  His hands worked on the zipper of her jeans as hers yanked his shirt up. She wanted to feel every inch of his skin against hers. Last time she hadn't made it out of her dress. Hell, they'd barely made it past the front door. At least this time they'd made it down the hall and through dinner.

  Why'd I wear jeans again? She'd wanted to look sexy, which by his look at the front door, she'd succeeded. But the stupid things were becoming a hindrance. Lani wanted Gene. Now. He was wearing a t-shirt the same color as his eyes and damn did it look good on him. That was the only reason why she didn't rip it right in half.

  Between her haste to get Gene naked and his biting kisses, Lani didn't realize her jeans were off. The cold air nipped at her legs, making her shiver.

  “Cold mate?” He mumbled against her neck.

  “No.” She was burning up, and the only thing that could quench her thirst was Gene. “Don't tease me.”

  “Woman, if I were teasin' you, you'd know.” He growled tugging her shirt upward. They let go of each other for what seemed like a second. Both were topless by the time they came back together. Gene's hands were immediately on her breasts. Pulling and tugging gently on her nipples, making her moan. Lani accidentally ripped the button off Gene's jeans when she pulled.

  “Oops.” She batted her eyes innocently. Gene gave her a sultry smile before tearing her panties from her body.

  "Now we're even." He growled before capturing a nipple in his mouth. Sucking and nipping until she was ready to come from that alone. "This is teasing, mate. Lean back." He guided her to lay flat on the table with her legs dangling over the edge. He stepped back, surveying her spread out before him. "I think I'm hungry."

  “You just ate.”

  “Not dessert.” Gene licked his lips, looking like a bear who'd just found honey. He dropped down to his knees, licking her wet slit from top to bottom.

  "Oh, Goddess." Lani's hand went straight to the top of his head.

  “You taste like fucking peaches.” She pushed his head back down.

  “Less talking, more licking.” His head popped up enough that Lani saw her arousal on his lips and chin. He snarled before gripping her legs underneath the knees, spreading her wider. Gene dived in, trapping her clit between his teeth. Gently he bit down, then lashed his tongue against the sting quickly.

  His tongue circled her opening before plunging in, fucking her with his tongue. Her orgasm sneaked up on her, catching her off guard. Goosebumps danced over her skin, and a throaty moan escaped her. Gene raised himself over her, pushing them both completely onto to the table. His cock was hard and hot against her thigh.

  She bucked against him, eager to feel him moving inside of her. He lined himself up and drove inside with one stroke. Thankfully, Gene held himself still so Lani could adjust to his size. It was still a shock how big he was, even after they'd already been together. She had a feeling it would always shock her.

  Lani wrapped her legs around his waist, while Gene placed his hand behind her head. The gesture kept her head from banging against the table. Maybe one day they'd make it to the bed, or someplace where she didn't have to be pinned against a hard surface. The hair on Gene's chest added a delicious sensation for her nipples. Already sensitive from her first orgasm Lani only lasted a few minutes before she was coming again.

  Gene picked up his pace, making sure to grind his pelvic bone on her clit. He was making her delirious with pleasure.

  “One more.” He panted, kissing her passionately.

  “I can't.” She whimpered, tightening her legs around him.

  "You can." Gene snarled, pumping his hips faster and harder. "Come with me." Leaning down he captured one nipple in his mouth, sucking hard. It was just what she needed to send her over the edge. His cock throbbed in time to her own clenching. Gene turned them over, so Lani was draped on top of him. She didn't make any move to remove his softening cock, enjoying the rise and fall of his chest. The sound of his heartbeat was lulling her to sleep.

  “I don't think I can walk.” She giggled. Goddess, Lani felt like a teenager again. All giggling and smiley.

  “No problem, I've got you. By the way, you're moving in tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good to me.” The sooner, the better. It wasn't a problem when he carried her to their bedroom and cuddled her close under the covers, gently playing with her hair until she fell asleep.

  Chapter Nine

  Lani's tiny cabin had never been so full of people. There was hardly any room to walk with what seemed like the whole town packed in. She didn't need the help, but Gene had been insistent that she wouldn't be lifting a finger. Apparently, Lani was supposed to sit around while everyone and her mother went through her unmentionables. When she'd mentioned that little fact to Gene, he'd changed his tune.

  He hadn't like the idea of one of his buddies stumbling onto her lacy underwear drawer. Although why they needed that many people was unclear to her. In all, there were fifteen helpers including her and Gene. Thirteen extra people to help? Didn't anybody have anything better to do? She was pretty sure the group was just taking the day to hang out together.

  Since the winter weather had set in, Mason had all but quarantined Ella in their house. Carter, the guys, and Grace had been busy on a new project in the next town over. Annie volunteered at the school, and Lani hadn't spoken to her parents since their lecture. She'd hadn't had much interaction with Scott or Betty, but both had been nice to her. Greg and Vivienne were supposed to come, but they'd gotten a call from their daughter about an emergency with her coven.

  That was all right with Lani. They had plenty of people. Heck, she wished her parents hadn't come. She really didn't want people to see the tension between them. Gene had been able to sense her discomfort even without the mating bond.

  “What's wrong? You've been wringin' that same sock for ten minutes.” He gently pried said sock from her hands, instead cupping her hands in his.

  “Just the thing with my mom and dad.” He growled and tightened his grip on her.

  “That still pisses me off. They should've been happy for us, not givin' ya a hard time.” She leaned up, kissing him until she felt the tension drain from his shoulders.

  “They were probably surprised. I'm sure they'll come around when they get to know you. Everyone loves you.” Even me. How could she not love
him? He was damn near perfect. Okay, he was perfect, but Lani couldn't let the big hunk know it. His ego would only inflate to epic proportions.

  “Everyone, huh?”

  “Yep.” She turned quickly, knowing her face was as red as Gene's hair. Damn bear knows I love him. "What are we going to do with all this furniture anyway? It's not as if we need it at the house." He chuckled, obviously seeing through her attempt to change the subject.

  "Put it in storage for now. Grace will have to move out from Jackson's at some point." It was evident he didn't like the idea. "Whether I like it or not." He grumbled, carrying an end table out of her old bedroom. Now that Lani knew about his past, she understood his over-protectiveness with Grace. He didn't see her as a little sister. Gene saw her as his daughter.

  If he got worked up over Grace, she could only imagine what would happen if they ever had a daughter. He'd probably try to lock her away in a tower. A smile overtook her face the more she thought about it. Knocking brought her out of her daydreaming.

  “Can I come in?”

  “Mom, you don't have to knock.” She sighed, the lecture was about to begin. Where's my hulking bear when I need him?

  “Clearly, I do, since you've been ignoring your father and me.” Lani turned around to face her mom head on. Emma Maybell was only five-three but what she lacked in size she more than made up for in stubbornness. Lani had her father's eyes, height, and hair but acted more like her mom. It was one of the reasons why they bumped heads so often.

  “There's fifteen people here. I haven't been ignoring...” She let the sentence die on her tongue at her mom's scorching look. She'd always known when Lani was lying, and her talent hadn't faded over the years. Unfortunately. “Fine. Let's talk about the bear in the room, or should I say bear.” She laid her hand protectively over her stomach.

  "Has something happened to the baby?" She looked and sounded concerned, but Lani had a wall securely around her heart. That first one-sided conversation had been a letdown. Why couldn't her parent's be happy about the baby?

  “The fact that I have a baby.”

  "What the hell does that mean?" Her mom never cursed. Emma Maybell was an old-fashioned lady. A lady doesn't curse. Lani had heard the saying more times than she could count, but that didn't stop her from talking like a sailor. It didn't help that Ella was also a potty mouth and when you put the two of them together? Well, let's just say they could put the guys to shame.

  “We both know you and dad aren't happy about the baby and-”

  "Stop." Damn, Lani had never seen her mom so mad. The acidic scent of anger filled her senses, making her want to gag. "Why would you think that? We couldn't be happier about the baby, or Gene. We've seen the way he looks at you. The whole town has seen it for months now.

  “Silly girl. Your father and I wanted to try and push you two together, giving you a talk about being a single mother and how hard it would be. I'm going to be a grandma. All I've ever wanted was for you to find your mate and be cherished.”

  "I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear you say that." Why does everything make sense after someone explains it to me? At least now she didn't have to worry about her mate and parents getting along.

  “Woman, you alright?” Thank Goddess for Gene's perfect timing. His long strides had him next to her instantly, wrapping her up in his warm embrace.

  “I am now that you're here.” She whispered in his ear, low enough so she knew only he'd hear her. “This is my mother, Emma Maybell. Mom, this is Gene Dodson. My mate.” Gene swallowed her mom in a hug.

  “Pleasure to meet you Mrs. Maybell.”

  “Please call me Emma, or mom. Whichever you prefer.” The sadness that flickered across Gene's eyes wasn't lost on Lani. “Have you already met Liam?” She looked around as if her dad would suddenly appear in the room.

  “Yeah, I helped him move Lani's tiny excuse for a table.” Lani's cheeks heated at the memory of the night before. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to look at their table again without picturing herself spread open on top of it. Gene gave her a conspiratorial wink, heating her cheeks up. Somewhere in the mix, Lani's mom had stepped out of the room.

  “What had your fur all ruffled?”

  “This whole time I thought they weren't happy for us and in reality they were trying to make me realize I needed you-”

  "You do need me." His superior tone made her want to smile and throttle him at the same time.

  “True, and they are super excited to be grandparents. Well, my mom is. How'd things go with my dad?” She laid her head on his chest, soaking up all the warmth he was giving out. Since she was no longer going to be living there, Lani had shut the heat off.

  "Good. He gave me the whole, 'You hurt my daughter, and I'm going to kill you.' speech. Can't say I blame him. Fuck, I'm more than likely going to do the same thing." He gave her a gentle kiss before turning her towards the door. "Now, let's go watch our friends make asses of themselves. Mainly Isaiah, but I'm starting to like that mangy mutt."

  “Sounds like fun to me.”

  ****

  With Lani situated on his lap, Gene had a full view of the tiny living room. How the hell they'd crammed fifteen, mostly dominate, shifters into the small space he wasn't sure. All he knew was having his friends around was calming both to his bear and Lani's wolf. Even though she couldn't shift and they weren't mated Gene still felt a deep connection to her.

  It wasn't unheard of for some couples to develop a phantom bond. Which was technically the mating bond without the bites. The couple could feel each other's moods and feelings before the biting occurred. Some shifters didn't believe in the legend, seeing as the whole bonding process needed the magic in the bite. It was the bite itself that transferred the energy of a shifter into their mate, forming a bond.

  Gene didn't care why he could already feel Lani's wolf or her feelings. He was just happy he could. When Gene had felt her discomfort, he was ready to rip someone apart. Thankfully, he'd stayed put until his temper wasn't at a boiling point since her mood shifted to muted happiness. She'd calmed down when he'd gotten her into his arms. Now, though, she was a boneless heap in his lap, laughing at something Alex and Mason were arguing over.

  “I can move the damn bookcase by myself, bear.”

  “Ella will have my fur if you hurt yourself, wolf.”

  “Hurt myself? It's a fucking bookcase. Do I look like a pup to you?”

  “You both look like cubs to me.” Scott grunted as he and Lani's father, Liam carried her beat up old couch out the front door. Those Wilson wolves were a unique bunch, and it wasn't because they were Goddess touched. Alex, the tough guy. Isaiah, the goofball. Ella, the sweetheart. Corey, the quiet one.

  Together, they were like the Brady Bunch and Mason? Somehow the tough alpha asshole seemed to fit right in.

  “Mason, how that lovely mate of yours puts up with all this, I'll never understand.” Grams scolded on her way out of the kitchen. “Are they always like this?” She asked over her shoulder.

  "Worse. Usually, Isaiah's joined in by now." Ella's rounded stomach preceded her through the door. "Where the heck is he?"

  "He's the middle one?" Annie had a box marked fragile, while Ella had a glass of Iced Tea. Apparently, Mason wasn't going to let Ella do any real work either. It was the same reason Gene had asked too many people to help. That way there would be no reason for his pregnant mate to lift a finger. Everything was getting taking care of for her.

  “Yeah, and the troublemaker.” Ella rolled her eyes. “Except when those two get together. I think it's because they're so alike.”

  “We are not.” Mason and Alex said in unison with matching scowls. Gene couldn't hold back his laugh.

  “Oh, this is fantastic. Keep going, I'm enjoying the show.” That shut both men up, as they carried the bookcase out. Together.

  “Come on, Red. You know you wanna see it.”

  “Ah, here comes trouble now.” Ella said with a nod towards the open door. Sure enough, mome
nt's later Isaiah, Carter and Grace stepped into the almost empty cabin. Grace? With Carter and Isaiah? His big brother instincts were kicking in. He wasn't stupid, something was going on between Grace and Carter. But where the hell did Isaiah fit into that mess?

  “I do not.” Grace is blushing?

  “Red...” Red? What the fuck is going on?

  “She said no.” Carter gritted out, stepping closer to Grace, but still keeping his distance.

  “Leave her be, big guy.” Lani kissed his cheek, before laying her head on his chest. He'd been ready to haul Grace out of there and lock her in her bedroom. Forever. Goddess, what was he going to do if he had a daughter? Scare off every guy. For her entire life.

  “Last time I checked, you don't control Red.” Isaiah swung his arm around Grace's shoulders, slamming her body up against his. Lani put a hand on his chest, stopping the growl he didn't realize he was making.

  Carter's fist clenched until a drop of blood dripped onto the floor. He never made a sound, but his whole body was shaking. Stomping, he accidentally shoulder checked Scott on his way out the door.

  “What was that?” Scott asked into the empty room, before stopping on Grace and Isaiah. “And what is going on here?”

  “Weeelll then.” He slowly stepped away from Grace, much to Gene's relief. “I'm just gonna go.”

  “Ohh no, you don't.” Ella walked over and grabbed him by the shirt. “You two are going to explain yourselves. Now.”

  “Why'd Carter just take out of here like a bat outta hell?” Corey, that unsuspecting pup, came in with Alex and Mason. Both Alex and Corey walked over to where Grace and Isaiah were standing. The Wilson brothers almost seemed protective of his sister. Do all the Wilson guys have a thing for my baby sister?

  “Why don't you give the girl some room.” Mason ushered them away with Ella's help.

  “I just wanted to show Red my scar.”

  “Red?” Corey asked confused.

  “Grace here has red hair or are you blind?” Alex whacked him on the back of his head.

  “Don't be a jackass, dumb-ass. He wasn't the only one who didn't get it.” Mason growled until Ella slipped into his open arms.