Tempted by the Bear - Complete Read Online Free PDF

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
    I sabelle

    T he 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