Beary Overdue (Polar Bliss 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

lock it.
    He glanced at the clock, and then started the shower again.
    His family had a lot of explaining to do.
     
    ***
     
    Reid pushed open the door to Polar Bliss , and quickly scanned the little shop. Most of the medium sized crowd hovered around the pick-up counter, but the line to pay was growing. Riley stood at the register taking orders, and Ridge worked the machines, quickly filling them.
    The smell of coffee filled his nose, and for a moment, the past came flooding back. He nearly smiled. Polar Bliss was almost always packed, and after high school, he’d spent nearly every afternoon working side by side with Ridge, as Ryker worked the register, and Riley and Jillian sat near the window doing homework. Though they’d all been faced with great tragedy, at the time, his life had seemed perfect.
    He’d been fourteen when a hunting accident caused him and his siblings to become orphans, but their family had stayed together thanks to Ryker. His oldest brother had only been eighteen, but he’d fought hard to gain guardianship of him, Ridge, and Riley. The house had been paid off, but when he’d needed to provide a stable income, he’d used his inheritance to open the shop. They’d worked and lived together, loved each other, and laughter had always filled their home and the tiny shop.
    Riley’s laugh floated across the room, and he frowned.
    Jillian was Riley’s best friend, and his sister had failed to warn him about his mate’s return. The strong bond they once shared had been gone for years, and though it was his fault, he pushed away the memories and allowed his wrath to return.
    He stormed behind the counter and used Riley’s surprise against her.
    “Reid,” she smiled. “What are you doing here?”
    He could see the hope and love in her gaze, but he didn’t care. Anger and betrayal flowed through his veins, and he wanted to make her feel as bad as he did.
    He stood in front of her, and used his intimidating size to force her backward until she bumped against the counter behind her. Her brown eyes flashed, reminding him of a fierce warrior, but a second later fear took over and she cowered.
    “Why didn’t you tell me?” he seethed.
    “Reid, please,” she whispered. She pushed on his chest, and tried to look around him, but he’d caged her in and he didn’t budge.
    “Please, what?” he mocked, his voice low. “Please don’t make a scene? It’s too late for that little sister. Why didn’t you tell me about Jillian?”
    “Let me go,” she pleaded, pushing on him again. Her eyes filled with tears, and her breathing was erratic, but he ignored her bogus distress. He knew too many women who could cry on cue, and he refused to be manipulated.  
    “Not until you answer my question,” he demanded.
    “I—”
    “Leave her alone!”
    Ryker’s arms encircled his upper body, and swung him away from Riley. His sister bolted through the kitchen door, and Ridge glared at him with something akin to hatred. Everyone in the shop quietly stared at the drama unfolding, but he didn’t care.
    “Get the fuck off me,” he roared.
    He struggled against Ryker’s vice-like grip, but his brother didn’t budge. Ryker was only an inch taller than his six-foot, one-inch frame, but the man had more bulk and had always been the strongest Holland brother.
    Ryker dragged him through the same door Riley had used to escape, but he didn’t stop there. He pulled him all the way through the kitchen and out the back door, and then shoved him toward the pavement.
    Reid stumbled, but quickly righted himself.
    When he turned to face Ryker, the man had taken an offensive stance, ready to attack.
    “Relax, asshole,” Reid growled. “I’m not going to fight you.”
    “Why not? You came into my shop looking for a fight, didn’t you? Or do you only fight women now?”
    “Don’t be a dick,” he snapped. “Of course I don’t fight women.”
    “Right, you just use your charms and force them to give you what you