Mated to the Wilde Bear

Mack’s Brewery was loud and full of locals by the time Laurel pulled up with Xavier. He found a parking spot in the rear of the lot, away from the other cars and patrons. She cast him a quick look when he didn’t move to get out and found him frowning at her in the twilight. His chiseled jaw and toned arms were taut as he studied her. She was struck again at how beautiful he really was. And nothing like the rumors claimed. Wild, yes, but not in the way they said. Xavier’s emotions ran wild, and he did everything he could to keep that part of himself locked away. She knew because she did the same.

But now, seeing the concern in his eyes only made her want to reassure him, even if it meant letting her walls down. Baring herself was getting easier and easier with him.

“What is it?” she asked.

“You tell me,” he said. “You’ve been quiet and distant since we left the Lodge.”

“Your bear wants a mate,” she said, her voice low. But it didn’t help lessen the impact. The words felt huge and loud at any volume.

said simply, but she knew it was anything but simple. “Does it frighten

same.” She watched the delight register in his eyes

even seeing the bar full of happy hour customers in front of them or if he’d gone somewhere else entirely. She’d seen that expression on him enough by now to

sharing to say a word. She wasn’t sure if he saw her nod, but he went on anyway. “All the rumors are true. Hell, the truth is probably worse. I drank a lot, and I was always the one suggesting a bonfire in the middle of the drought, a midnight swim in dark

do me in, but in the end, she was

and laid her hand over his lap. “Xavier,

said, and the exposed cut of