Idle Bear: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Bear Mountain Book 4) Read Online Free PDF Page A

swing.”
    “I don’t care. You need help, whether you want it or not, and I’m helping you.”
    “Why?” she demanded.
    “What do you mean, why?”
    “Why are you helping me? Why do you care?” she asked, her irritation evident.
    “Because, I…,” he drifted off and turned away from her to look out the window.
    “Because, you…what?” she pressed.
    “Because I like you, and I’m sorry for the other day,” he turned back toward her. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you and said all those things. I did it because you make me want things I haven’t wanted in a long time, and that scares me.” He ran a hand through his hair, and glanced around the room, but then he faced her head on.
    She couldn’t believe he’d admitted his feelings. He should have apologized immediately, but when she thought about his gestures, she realized he had been doing his best to get through to her. She wasn’t about to let him get away.
    “I accept your apology. Do you want to take a walk?” she asked.
    “I would love to take a walk with you,” he said.
    She extended her hand toward him, and he took it.

Chapter Four
     
    Aaron held onto Sara’s hand as she led him through the cottages to the edge of her property, and into the National Park. The March wind cooled his skin, and he wondered if she’d dressed warm enough. He assessed her attire and decided she’d protected herself well against the chilly air.
    The heavy sweater she wore would have probably been enough, but the sleeves from her long t-shirt stuck out around her wrists. She finished the look with a pair of dark jeans and trail shoes. His mate was used to taking care of herself, but it didn’t mean she didn’t need him.
    He’d been in hell since he stormed out of her home over a week ago. He’d regretted the nasty words he’d said the minute they fell out of his mouth, but he couldn’t take them back and apologizing didn’t seem like enough. When he showed up the next day and she didn’t call the police to escort him off the property, he’d considered it a win and continued to visit her every morning.
    The swing had been his final project. He was going to use it as a peace offering, but she’d foiled his plan. He didn’t care as long as they were speaking again.
    They walked a long time in silence, and he used the time to think about the future. He wanted to stay in Bear Mountain, and build a life with Sara. A large part of him also wanted to join the others and become part of the clan.
    He still didn’t want to shift, but he liked the idea of having family around, even if they weren’t related by blood. At some point he’d have to tell Sara his secret. Would she accept all of him? Even the part he denied himself?
    There was only one way to find out.
    “I’m thinking of staying in Bear Mountain permanently,” he said.
    “Really? Why?”
    “Mostly because I’d like to get to know you better, but also because I like Gage, and his brother, and it would be nice to have a place to call home again.”
    “When you say get to know me better,” she asked, “what does that entail?”
    “I’d like for us to date, and see if it can lead to something more.”
    “Okay,” she nodded. “I’m okay with that, if you’re willing to agree to a few conditions.”
    “I agree,” he said.
    “You don’t even know what they are yet.”
    “I still agree.”
    She slapped him playfully on the arm, and ran up the embankment. A tree at the top of the short hill split into two trunks, and she stepped up into the middle and leaned against one side.
    “This is my favorite tree. Isn’t it beautiful?”
    “Yes, and so are you,” he said looking up at her.
    “Thank you. Now for my conditions. One—”
    The next few seconds seemed to happen in slow motion.
    One second he was looking up at Sara, smiling in her tree, the next a shot rang out and she grabbed her arm, cried out, and doubled over, seemingly in pain.
    Mate. Protect. Revenge. Kill.
    The bear roared to