Berch Read Online Free PDF

lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses my palm. “My father said he believed me.”
    I place my hand on his cheek, and he holds it there. I say, “You said that you never asked me out because it wasn’t our time. What does that mean?”
    “It means you’re fated to be my wife. We’re true mates. But I needed you to be ready to accept it.”
    I pull my hand back. “True mates? That sound so—”
    “Paranormal? Sci-fi?”
    “Yes.”
    Berch takes my hand again. “That’s because I am paranormal.”
    I squint at Berch as if I can see through his skin and find an alien. “How so?”
    He squeezes my fingers. “I’m a werewolf, Raven.”
    The heat of his skin sears through me as I process his words. “A werewolf? Like, you get hairy on the full moon and go crazy?”
    “No. I shift between human and wolf whenever I want.”
    The growling at the Diner between Berch and Parker comes back to me. Oh my God. I stand up and walk to the glass doors. Those ghost stories were true? And I’m fated to be married to a werewolf?
    Berch follows me, and his hands land softly on my shoulders as he says, “I know it’s a lot to take in.”
    I turn to him and gaze into the arctic-blue eyes I’d know anywhere. I wonder if his wolf form has them. “It is. I’m not sure what to do with this. Or what it means.”
    “Let me explain the Winter Valley wolves to you.” He leads me back to the couch. “Sit, and I’ll get you more wine.”
    I nod, because I think I might need it. I shove myself back and let the overstuffed cushions cradle me. Little things about living in this town start to make sense. The group of guys who all hung out in school and seemed to be an inseparable pack really were a pack. I wonder if Parker’s football ability is because he’s a werewolf, too.
    My thoughts are interrupted when Berch gives me my drink. The glass is cool in my hand, and I take a sip. The sofa dips as he sits next to me. “The Winter Valley pack has about one hundred members. The majority of them are men who were born werewolves. Most of our women were changed into werewolves.”
    “Werewolves don’t have girl children?”
    “It can happen, but it’s rare.”
    The reality of his words slaps me in the face. Oh no. I take a deep breath . “Do you want to change me into a werewolf?”
    Berch touches my leg. “Only if you want me to.” His grip tightens in contradiction to his next words. “If you decide you can’t be with me, then I’ll let you go.”
    “So what if I want to be with you but don’t want to be a werewolf?”
    “We can do that too. But.” He rakes his hand through his hair. “Eventually I’d have to leave you. I’m obligated to the pack to have children, and you need to be a werewolf for that to happen.”
    “Oh.” I take another sip of wine and let the alcohol burn as I hold it in my mouth before swallowing. I finally have the man of my dreams at my fingertips, only to learn I’ve been in love with a werewolf all my life. And I have to become one to keep him forever?
    I’m not sure what to think, but the apprehension on Berch’s face makes me speak. “Um. So what’s it like?”
    Berch’s concern makes way for a huge smile. “It’s awesome.” He leans toward me. “There’s nothing like running as a wolf. You’re fast and agile, and so—” His eyes flash with intensity. “Free.”
    His joy is contagious, and I smile back. I ask, “Does it hurt to shift?”
    “No. The hardest part is remembering to return to your clothes when you’re done being a wolf.”
    Naked Berch. “Hmm. Maybe I need a demonstration.”
    He jumps up and speaks with little-boy excitement. It makes me think he’s wanted to tell me this for years. “Do you want to see my wolf?” he asks.
    “Sure.”
    Metal clinks as he removes his belt, and when he begins to unzip his jeans, he stops. “Are you okay with me getting naked?”
    I bite my lower lip, and realization spreads on his face. “I’m going to pretend you don’t