Tempted by the Bear - Book 1 Read online

  Tristan stares at me for a moment. “Really? Whatever for?”

  “They’re beautiful. Have you seen Sierra’s?” Sierra is Carly’s best friend, and they own a tattoo parlor in town.

  “I have, and they are very nice. But why the sudden interest?”

  I get up and wander toward his bureau. The usual contents of his pocket are on it and arranged neatly because he placed the phone, small utility knife, and wallet there carefully. The leather case of his phone is smooth in my hand as I pick it up. “I’ve got nothing else to do.”

  “You mean drinking too much and riding Mr. So Right Tonight isn’t enough?” The fabric of his jeans rustles as he pulls them up.

  “Your attempt to shame me isn’t working.”

  “I didn’t think it would. But your time would be better spent doing something useful.”

  I grin at him and lick my lips. “I’m quite useful.”

  Tristan rolls his eyes at me and buttons up his Oxford shirt. “I mean get a job.”

  I shudder when I recall the horrible work positions I had to take to help us survive back home. “No.”

  “You could work at the lumber mill, or the gym, or even the tattoo parlor. All you have to do is ask, and I’m sure the Le Roux would find you something to do.”

  I don’t want a job, so I change the subject. “Speaking of the gym, how was your workout with Ashton? And why wasn’t I allowed to come?”

  Tristan smiles slowly as he keeps me in suspense. “It was a test to see how well I fight. And some helpful advice on how to win over Annie.”

  I flip open his phone. Tristan snatches it out of my hand as I ask, “And how did it go?”

  “I impressed Ash with my skills and pretended to listen to his speech about honor and trust.” He glances over at his bed. “It might be time to make my move.”

  I snort. “You act so in control, but I know how true mates work. You want her as badly as she wants you. Why don’t you be your charming self and get laid tonight?”

  Tristan rolls up the sleeves of his crisp white shirt to reveal his strong forearms. “Not a bad idea, Izzy. Not a bad idea at all.”

  I follow my brother as he makes his way downstairs. Annie seems to bake every day, and my mouth waters at the aroma of something chocolate that awaits us in the kitchen. When we enter, Annie is at the table with her mother.

  Donna says, “My two favorite polar bears. Come. Have some milk and cookies with us.”

  Tristan sits next to Donna and pours on the charm as I pour us two drinks. He says, “I can never refuse my two favorite black bear. You look lovely today, Donna.”

  She replies, “And you as well, Tristan. How was your session with Ashton?”

  “Grueling. He’s a tough warrior.”

  I hand my brother a glass of milk and sit down across from him. The scent of Annie’s arousal is pungent, and I smile as I speak in my brother’s head. “She’s practically sliding off her chair.”

  Tristan turns his attention to Annie. He licks his lips slowly and says, “Delicious.”

  She masks her desire well. “You haven’t even taken a bite.”

  My brother lowers his voice to a sexy growl. “I can tell by the smell.”

  I let out a disgusted noise from the back of my throat, and he flashes me a smile before he says, “I enjoyed running with you this morning. Any chance we can slip out for a movie or coffee later tonight?”

  “Tristan De Rozier, are you asking me out? On a date?”

  He puts a finger in his mouth and slowly removes it as if he’s licking off chocolate. It lingers on his lower lip. Annie sucks in a breath before he replies, “I sure am.”

  Donna chuckles, and Annie says, “I’d like that.” Her hand moves up to her neckline, and she tugs on it as if she can’t breathe. Tristan’s gaze follows as her movement reveals her cleavage. He mutters in my mind. “Holy mother of God, I could take her right on the table.”

  I ask, “Should Donna and I leave you two alone?”

  Annie shakes her head and stands abruptly. “No, of course not.” She walks quickly to the fridge and asks, “More milk, anyone?”

  I decide to give Annie time to recover. “Donna, do you think Carly would be interested in some help at Ink It?”

  “I bet she would. Are you running out of activities to keep you entertained?”

  Donna is blunt about sex, and the only time I’ve seen her contain her thoughts is around Annie. Because I appreciate her candor, I answer, “Amazingly, I need more to feel fulfilled. Who knew?”

  Donna grins at me as Annie returns to her seat. She says, “Yes. I imagine you do. Balance, after all.”

  Tristan has leaned back and has his arms crossed over his chest. “Balance is good.” He glances at Annie’s chest and then back up to her face. “Anticipation is even better. Don’t you think, Annie?” He raises his eyebrows at her.

  She leans forward on her arms and squeezes her breasts with them to offer my brother an eyeful. “Sometimes the reward is worth waiting for.”

  Donna’s eyes widen, and it reinforces the fact that Annie doesn’t flirt like this easily. “Holy crap, brother. She’s penciled you in. I’ll pass out the earplugs for later.”

  His laughter comes through before he says, “You do that. Because I’m going to make sure the whole house knows she’s mine.”

  A twinge of jealousy grips my heart, because I haven’t met the man who makes me want to scream his name yet, and I’m afraid I never will.

  Tristan’s eyebrows rise just the slightest as he glances at me. “Tonight would be a good time for your date as well.”

  I give him the slightest nod, because our plan is working beautifully. “Indeed it is.”

  Chapter 7

  Annie

  Once I decide to do something, I can be like a torpedo racing toward my target and blasting through anything in my way. My decision to mate with Tristan is solid, and after I put a lasagna in the oven, I come to my room to prepare for my evening. Steam fills the bathroom as water splashes in the tub. My skin is already overheated with lust, and the ache between my legs is begging for relief. I’m tempted to do something about that and open a cabinet before I can stop myself. Anticipation.

  The wooden door slams shut as I push it with a bit more force than necessary. It’s been a while since I’ve had a man satisfy my needs, and I’d rather wait for the real thing. I shudder and close my eyes while the fantasy of what Tristan’s body against me, on me, and in me would feel like plays in my mind. I sigh and step into the lavender-scented water of my bath. Heat envelops me as I sink in.

  I lean back against the edge and stretch out my limbs. I gaze down at my shapely legs, and the hair I notice makes me sit up to grab a razor. Excitement courses through me as I think about my date. Dare I hope Tristan will be charming the whole time instead of displaying his annoying side?

  Water trickles as I raise my leg to scrape over it and remove stubble. Tonight is going to mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I’d gotten quite comfortable being Brady’s sidekick, the alpha’s sister. And when Carly came along, I settled into taking care of them, along with the children who were born a few months ago. While they hired a nanny to help with the triplets, and we have a cleaning lady, Brady and Carly are going to have to start cooking for themselves when I leave. I should look into a chef for them.

  I snort at myself. Carly is more than capable of figuring out what to do for meals, and I ought to be planning for my new home instead of worrying about my brother’s family. The triplets’ squirming bodies and sweet faces flash in my mind, and my heart gets heavy as I realize I won’t be seeing them as much as I do now. While I look forward to setting up my new home as the prima of the De Rozier clan, I can’t help but wish that included children of my own.

  Plastic clatters as I set my razor down on the edge of the tub. I’m being foolish, longing for something I’ll never have. I need to be happy with what I’ve been given, because it’s amazing, considering I’d resigne
d myself to life as a widow and doting aunt. I grab a washcloth and finish my bath.

  As I’m toweling off, a knock sounds on my bedroom door. Carly speaks to me in my head. “It’s me.”

  “Come on in.”

  Soft carpet cushions my feet as I make my way to my dresser, and my sister-in-law enters. My bed whooshes as she sits herself on the end of it. She asks, “Are you excited for tonight?”

  My drawer thuds open, and silky fabric is smooth in my hands as I search for a bra and panty set for Tristan’s eyes. “Yes, because it’s about time. But no, because I’m afraid he’ll let the jerk side show.”

  “My suggestion is to try to control your anger and be honest. Tell him how it makes you feel and be rational. I bet he’ll respond better to logic.”

  I bend down to place my breasts in the cups of my bra before I stand and hook it. “I’ll try.” I glance at Carly and add, “But being rational with that man is hard to do.”

  Carly smiles at me, but it fades quickly into a frown. She says, “There’s something I need to tell you. I only remembered it today, and it’s important you know.”

  “Okay.”

  “Isabelle mentioned this in passing, and I had forgotten until tonight. Tristan has children.”

  “What?” My stomach clenches. Has my true mate been mated before? Who is she? Where is she? And more importantly, where are the children? I walk over and sink down on the bed next to Carly as she twists to face me.

  She says, “I don’t know much more than that. It was Christmas Day, and Isabelle mentioned that she thought you were a good match for Tristan. She said it wouldn’t be a problem because the next alpha of the De Roziers was already secured and something about the mother being gone.”

  “Great. That’ll be a handy conversation starter.” It figures there would have to be one more thing to make mating with Tristan difficult.

  “I know, right? I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this sooner. I’m not sure why I’d forgotten it.”

  I reach out and take Carly’s hand. “Maybe because we had a rather big crisis at that time where we lost Taylor.” When Victor Veilleux kidnapped Sierra’s babies, a group of us went to rescue them. The fight that occurred killed our enemy as well as our fiercest female warrior. She was one of the women we called here to be turned into a werebear and provide children. “I know you felt incredible guilt for bringing her here, and I bet that took precedence in your mind.”

  Carly squeezes my fingers. “I still do. But I have to learn to live with it.” She releases her grip. “Anyway. I’m glad I remembered in time so you enter your relationship with Tristan knowing what you’re getting into.”

  I nod and stand up to walk over to my closet. This news changes things, and my need to mate is not as paramount as it was a few minutes ago. No. Now information is what I crave. I grab my favorite knit dress without thinking and tug it off the hanger. Mating with Tristan will lead to becoming more than a prima. I’ll be a stepmother too. Soft wool caresses my skin as I slip the garment over my head and pull it down. I recall how moments ago I was longing for a family of my own that involved more than a husband. I squat down to find my matching shoes. Careful what you wish for, Annie. You just might get it.

  Chapter 8

  Isabelle

  The Le Roux think I’m out for another night on the town. I’ve played my part well, and now that they’re convinced my goal in life is to destroy my liver and reputation, slipping off to meet our contact face to face is going to be a breeze.

  Annie’s busy with Tristan tonight, and their inevitable mating is the perfect disguise for my excitement. I try to contain it as I make my way to the kitchen and another delicious dinner prepared by my future sister-in-law. She’s going to be a great asset to the De Roziers in more ways than one.

  I enter into the chaos of triplet-feeding time. Three high chairs are set up, and Annie, Carly, and the nanny are spooning vivid-colored goo into tiny mouths. Although it seems to cover their faces better. Squeals sound, and I grin at the adorable children. I ask, “Annie, do you need me to check on dinner?”

  “Yes, please. Can you pull the tinfoil off the lasagna to let the top brown?”

  “Sure.” I open the oven and let the hot steam escape before bending down to tug at the aluminum cover. Bits of cheese stick to it, and I pull them off to sample the pasta. Salty flavor coats my tongue as the stove door thumps shut.

  Dinner for the babies is followed by bath time, and I often finish preparations for our meal to let Annie help. I say, “I’ll make the salad and garlic bread while you all go for a swim.”

  Annie stands up first to pull a child from the high chair. I don’t know why it surprises me that she’s in a nice dress with only the sleeves rolled up and still remains spot free. That woman seems to be good at everything she does. Even the kid she fed is the cleanest of the bunch. She says, “I won’t be taking a second bath tonight. I’ll let little Elliot’s mother do that.”

  Carly chuckles as she leads the way out of the kitchen. I think about the brats who are Tristan’s children. He’s got five-year-old triplets who are holy terrors. Their mother didn’t take to child-rearing, and my brother was too busy trying to save a clan to deal with them himself. Now they reside with my mother, who farms them out to a revolving door of nannies. Annie’s going to have her work cut out for her when they come to live here.

  A tray clicks as I remove it from a high chair, and I deposit it in the sink. Water rushes when I flip it on. My thoughts make me wonder if Annie knows about Tristan’s kids. If it weren’t important that the two mate soon, I’d be happy to toss out that little grenade at the table tonight, but I’ll resist because I’d be hurting myself too by trying to sabotage their relationship just for the satisfaction of watching my brother squirm.

  I’m still cleaning when Annie returns. She says, “Thank you, Isabelle. It’s been really nice having your help these past few weeks.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s the least I can do. Tristan and I really appreciate your hospitality.”

  Wheels rumble over the tile floor as Annie moves the high chairs against the wall where they currently live. “I’m probably speaking too soon, but since we know I’m eventually going to be a De Rozier, I hope you realize I’d like for you to live with us.” She turns to me as I open the fridge to get the vegetables for the salad. “I have a thing about family being close.”

  “I’ve noticed. And if you plan to keep me well fed like now, I’d be happy to live with you.” I throw in a bit to go with my cover story and my alibi tonight. “But I wonder if you’re thinking clearly. I fear you don’t approve of my wild side.”

  A large bowl clatters on the counter, and Annie says, “Oh, no. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression. I’m quite aware of our animal urges. I’m more concerned about what drives you to be so reckless.”

  She hands me a cutting board, and the wood handle is cool in my palm. I turn from her gaze abruptly so she doesn’t discover my shock. I can’t recall a time that someone really cared enough about my well-being to be worried about me. “No reason. I’m a free spirit and want to taste adventure before I settle down.”

  My knife chops steadily as I slice a cucumber. I stop and resist the urge to glance over at Annie. “I’m merely sowing my wild oats, as my grandmother would say.”

  Annie smiles at me. “Glad to hear it. Because I care about you.”

  My ice cube of a heart might be glistening as it melts a little at her kindness. “I care about you too. I’m glad you’re Tristan’s true mate. He deserves a good woman like you.”

  She snorts. “I’m not sure about that. I think I’m about to test him as much as he tests me.”

  Without thinking, I reply, “That’s a good thing. Tristan needs someone to call him on things and remind him that being the alpha doesn’t always mean he’s right.” I wince internally at my words. I’m supposed to be playing him off as carefree and make her think he’ll be easy to manage.

  Annie just nods, and
it occurs to me she already knows about his need for control. She confirms it when she says, “I suspect our first fights are going to be epic as we battle for power over running the household.” She flicks the bread knife at me in jest. “I hope he’s prepared to die before I compromise over anything in the kitchen, because this is my domain.”

  I grin at her. “As long as you promise to keep cooking, I’ve got your back.” Surprisingly, I think I do. I like Annie and want to be her friend. But dread wraps around my insides with a firm grip as I think about the next phase of the plan I’m about to set in motion tonight. Eventually, friendship with Annie will be out of the question.

  Heat blows Annie’s curls as she puts the bread in the oven. She’s welcomed us with open arms since day one. It’s unfortunate she won’t trust so easily when we’re through.

  I catch myself before I sigh. I’m getting too involved if I’m beginning to care about what happens to Annie. I focus on the prize, and my encounter later tonight. One thing the De Roziers do well is win. And nothing’s going to stand in the way of Tristan and me getting what we want.

  Chapter 9

  Annie

  The moment Tristan’s foot finds mine under the dinner table, I know we need to finish things up quickly, before I lose myself in the intensity of our attraction. I still need to clear up the issue of his children he neglected to share. Although once we mate, I might be able to think more clearly.

  My chair scrapes on the tile as I push away from the table to begin to clear dishes. Carly says, “Just one trip. You have a date.”

  I set my plate on the counter and turn to her. “Thank you.” I glance at Tristan and try not to focus on the plump lips I’d like to sample for dessert. “I’m going to go upstairs and get my things.”

  “Me too,” he says and gets up to follow me.

  A low growl comes from him once we begin to climb the steps, and my insides twinge in reaction to the sound and the knowledge that he’s looking at my bottom and likes what he sees. I’m not a thin woman, like most werebear, and I know my round backside tempts many a male’s hands. But right now, there’s only one I want touching it, and it would be so easy to yank him into my bedroom and skip the pretenses.