Page 11 of Rough and Rugged

A quiet, deep groan from the owner of the succulent bud froze me in place.

Shit, I’m not dreaming after all.

I eased off the tempting flesh and slowly moved back. With my elbow anchored to the mattress, I rose until I had a clear view of the man’s face.

Beare.

My breath hitched at the sight, but I wasn’t afraid. Deep down, I knew he wouldn’t hurt me. Because if that was the case, he would have already, instead of sleeping beside me like he belonged there.

Damn, I should get up and leave, but I had so many questions—especially about his…. Animal? His bear? I inwardly shivered at the memory of what I’ve seen. And what had he called me? His mate?

Thank goodness Beare was still asleep, because this was my chance to truly get a better look at the man without fear. Tall, broad chested, and with body hair I could surely rub my entire form against. My skin tingled, imagining the sensation.

My eyes trailed down to his covered hips. I licked my lips and pictured the hidden treasures awaiting me. Inches from touching him, I pulled my hand back and closed my eyes. I had no right to look.

After regaining control of myself, I opened my eyes and stared into Beare’s amber eyes, each ringed with glowing gold. I never saw anything more beautiful and strange.

“Axton.” His rough but honeyed voice had my dick going from semi to rock hard. Beare wickedly smiled. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

“B-Beare?” I stuttered out his name, not from fear, but from sudden lust coiling tight in my belly.

He slowly sat up. His reddish blond hair was gloriously messed. “Don’t be afraid.”

“I’m not.” I lied. With Beare awake, a tiny bit of fear trickled in. Not of the man, but of his animal.

It wasn’t like the panicked dream I had, where Beare’s animal form was licking me all over. I was afraid the beast was going come out and eat me.

I swallowed deep, glancing at the door and then at the chair I had wedged under the handle. “How did you get in here?”

“Through the window.” He said it so casually, like he did that all the time.

“Oh,” I gulped.

“Don’t be afraid, mate.” Beare leaned in close, with a devilish grin that had goose bumps erupting across my entire body. My heart jumped with anxious excitement. “You know I would never hurt you.”

“I know,” I cautiously said. “What do you mean bymate? You said that yesterday, too. And what I saw…” I couldn’t finish. Maybe my aunt was right and I was going crazy.

“Can we have some coffee first?” Beare interrupted my spiraling thoughts.

I sat up straighter. “You… want coffee?”

“This conversation needs coffee.” Beare climbed out of the bed, and holy monster sized… My eyes widened at the marvelous and scary sight before me. This man was hung. Huge. His cock was nestled amid glorious reddish blond hair, the same shade as on his head. I should look away before I came in my pants, but I was too enthralled.

Then I heard grunts.

Beare went to the door, opened it, and stepped out.

I heard him utter something, then he came back inside with a green backpack.

“Who were you talking to?” My attention shifted to the window, then back on Beare.

“My cousins.”

“Cousins?”

“Yes,” he clipped. “When you took off into the woods yesterday, my family had just arrived. With their help, we tracked you here to the old homestead.”

I slid to the edge of the mattress. “You scared the crap out of me,” I confessed.