A Bear of Her Own Page 7

  “That’s what you think! But I know Travis means well, and he’s only trying to protect me. Something you guys don’t understand!” she cried out.

  Alana was pushed down by another wolf, who was trying to gore at her throat. She realized it was Jackie, but Alana struggled and soon pushed her off.

  Now that she had control of her hands again, fighting Jackie, despite the latter having taken on her wolf form, was pretty easy. She held her there, pushing her up when she got the upper hand and tossing Jackie over to the side. Alana looked around, trying to find something to fight with when she felt a scratch at her side. She cried out, noticing it was from Jackie’s wolf claws, and she could see her muzzle curled into a smile.

  “Don’t think you’ll be getting away, you dumb bitch. You should know by now that we will beat you. A human can’t possibly beat shifters,” she said.

  “That’s... what you think,” Alana said, feeling her breath quicken. She turned to the side, observing that Travis and Kirk were engaged in battle, both of them pushing their paws forward in a struggle that showed that neither would be giving up anytime soon. Alana could see how closely they were matched, and she would need to deal with Jackie herself.

  “I want to help him. I need to,” she said with determination.

  Kirk looked at her and attempted to lunge, but Travis pushed his large and expansive bear body over him, knocking him down. The two were engaged in battle, and as Travis got the upper hand, he looked at Alana and smiled.

  “Don’t you worry, I've got this. You take care of Jackie,” he said.

  Alana nodded, rushing towards where the knife was.

  “That’s supposed to kill shifters, right?” she said to herself.

  “I won’t let you have it!” Jackie said.

  The expansive wolf got in the way, and Alana closed her eyes.

  Travis wouldn’t let me help if he didn’t believe in me, so I'm going to give him something worth believing in.

  With a cry, she kicked Jackie down, causing the wolf shifter to howl in pain. She raced over to the bench, grabbing the knife and bringing it back. Alana held it there, looking for an opening. Jackie snarled, as she attacked her once again. Alana cried out, feeling the knife leave her hands, and then, Jackie moved towards her neck, fanged bare and saliva dripping out.

  "You’re going to be SO FUCKING tasty when I'm done with you.”

  Alana could feel the anxiety rushing through her body, but as she saw Kirk there, in a similar position to her with Travis on top, she knew what she had to do.

  She needed to finish off Jackie, for her sake, and for Travis’ sake.

  She moved her free leg up, kicking Jackie in the stomach. She then raced over, grasping the knife, and with a cry, she pushed the knife straight into Jackie’s stomach, cutting it up. The crimson liquid seeped out, and when Jackie looked down, she started to breathe hard.

  "You... little... bitch...”

  “That’s for hurting me, and for threatening Travis.”

  Jackie didn’t last long, the knife working fast and killing the shifter almost instantly. She looked at Travis, seeing him fighting Kirk. They were locked into battle, and Alana knew that she needed to help him.

  "Alana!”

  “Got it.”

  Alana raced behind Kirk, holding the knife there, and she stabbed him in the back with it. The shifter cried out in complete agony, his grip loosening on Travis as he laid there against the side, breathing heavily as he started to lose consciousness.

  "You... fucker… you weak ass shifter... you can only do this with... her,” he said.

  “No. Alana gave me the strength to push forward and defeat you. She’s helped me far more than anyone has,” he said.

  “See you... in hell...”

  With those final words, Kirk laid there. Alana was shaking, suddenly realizing what she had done.

  “I killed two people.”

  "You killed two shifters that were dead set on killing you. You did well,” he said.

  Alana wanted to cry, and as she did, she felt two hands around her. Travis held her there, stroking her hair and reassuring her. .

  “Don’t worry, you did nothing wrong. You’re amazing Alana.”

  “T-thank you. I-I'm sorry for being s-so weak,” she admitted.

  "You’re fine Alana. Trust me, I know that you’re doing what is best for you,” he said to her.

  She nodded, pulling back, and then Travis smiled.

  “So now you know the truth. The reason why I couldn't get you involved. There was a bloodthirsty shifter, ready to kill everyone, and I guess you still got involved even with this,” he said.

  “It’s fine. Trust me, I didn’t know. I still... accept you for who you are,” she admitted.

  “Thanks, Alana. It’s appreciated. Do you want to... meet the others? Or should we just end things here?”

  Alana paused, thinking for a moment, and then, she smiled.

  “I'm still a little shaken up, a little afraid but... I want to learn more about this. Let me meet the others,” she said.

  Travis grinned, holding her hand and then giving her a kiss.

  “They already headed back when I gave them the signal that I'll take care of this alone. But don’t worry, everyone is nice,” he said to her.

  She nodded, feeling the warmth of Travis’ body. It felt so reassuring that she didn’t want to leave.

  "Yeah... I believe you,” she replied.

  Travis smiled back at her, and as he transformed, he motioned for her to get on top of him.

  "A-are you sure?”

  "Yeah. Don’t worry, I can carry you.”

  With timid hands, she grasped his neck and back. She grasped the fur, letting out a moan of contentment at how soft he was. He was strong, and she felt secure holding onto him.

  He took them both back to his place, and when they got there, she noticed the shifters all at the entrance.

  "You made it back,” Darren said.

  "Yep. And this is Alana. Alana, this is Darren, he’s second in command in our clan. He’s a little rough around the edges, but you get used to him,” Travis said with a smile.

  Alana extended her hand, and Darren nodded, shaking it.

  "Pleasure to meet you. It’s rare for Travis to act like a fool and find a mate, but I have to say, it seems like you’re a good choice,” Darren said.

  “Thank you,” Alana replied.

  “This the new mate?” another shifter said.

  “Correct. Alana, this is Billy. He’s third in command. A pretty nice guy,” Travis said.

  “You’re pretty. You did well Travis,” Billy said with a smile.

  Alana flushed, feeling a warm flush at the compliment.

  “T-thanks,” she said.

  “The guy in the corner is Sven. He’s quiet, don’t take it personally,” Travis said.

  Alana looked at the shifter that was on a rock. He was holding a book, and when the two of them locked eyes, Alana felt a cold stare for a moment. But then, he smiled, and it made her feel the warmth of relief.

  “He’s a bit cold.”

  “That’s Sven for you. He’s a foreigner whom we found in the area getting bullied by other shifters, and we took him in,” Travis explained.

  “Interesting,” she said.

  They walked over towards the entrance of the den, and inside, Alana noticed a shifter trying to cook, or something of the sort.

  "What the hell is he doing?”

  Travis frowned, and then sighed.

  “That’s Benjamin, or Ben. He’s the rookie shifter. And a little bit stupid at times,” he said.

  Alana saw the rookie shifter awkwardly trying to make stew, and once he put the lid on, he turned to them with a smile.

  “Oh! We have guests,” he said.

  "Yes, Ben. This is Alana. The one I told you about,” Travis explained.

  “Oh, the mate! Awesome,” he said.

  Alana could see the youth in his eyes, and it was such a contrast to t
he cold nature that Travis and Darren both exuded. Travis was more of a leader, whereas Darren seemed to be more distrusting than anything.

  "Well, it’s nice to meet you. You seem pretty chill,” Alana said.

  "Yeah. By the way, you’re welcome to stay for dinner. I know that you guys had a big fight, but I don’t want to push anything,” he said.

  Alana smiled, and then after a moment, Travis spoke.

  “Thanks, Benjamin. Anyways, we’ll be outside for a bit,” he said.

  Alana turned to him, looking into his eyes for a moment.

  “Is there a place that we can be alone? I'm not scared. In fact, I'm curious more than anything,” she said to him.

  He looked at her, nodding in agreement.

  “That can be arranged.”

  She followed Travis, and although she felt slightly concerned, she enjoyed having the company and happiness that Travis provided. He took her hand, and she followed him in the direction of where they were going. She could feel a small light of happiness and love glow within her.

  She was ready for whatever would happen next, and he seemed to know it.

  Chapter 12

  Travis felt relief, for the first time ever. He noticed that Alana wasn't scared, and the other guys didn’t push her away or worry her. Instead, they made Travis feel good, and he was quite happy with this as well. He took her over to a small cabin in the clearing nearby, a place that only he and Darren knew. Darren knew better than to come out here though. Travis could tell that he was more interested in working on the affairs of shifters.

  When they got inside, Travis motioned for her to sit on the couch. It was a small, quaint place where Travis would go when he needed some time alone. When they got there, he laid down next to her on the couch, looking into her eyes.

  “I'm sorry. For not telling you the truth. For hiding everything. I was just... scared, that’s all,” he told her.

  “It’s okay. I was too. Honestly, I was scared to move forward, to actually see where this would all go,” she said.

  “It’s okay. I mean, it’s definitely not easy to be a shifter, that’s for sure. I just... I've never had anyone interest me in the way that you did. I noticed that... when I'm near you, I feel happy. I don’t want to leave, and I really like you,” he said.

  Alana blushed, and Travis felt a strange happiness in his heart.

  "You really do, don’t you?”

  "Yeah. I'd be lying if I said I didn’t,” he admitted.

  “It’s okay. I know how it is. Honestly, I've never felt this way before. It’s strange, but even with all of this revealed, I don’t want to run away. I'm sorry for doing so initially, but I was scared, and I had no idea what would happen if I stayed,” she said.

  “I know. It’s a bit overwhelming. I'm sorry for not telling you. I was... stubborn, that’s all. I should've been honest, but it’s hard. When people get scared, they hate you and want to kill you. I don’t want... I don’t want that Alana. I want to be seen as a normal guy. I don’t want you to be scared. The truth is... I love you, Alana. I really do. I really want you to be with me, no matter what the odds might be,” he said.

  Alana looked at him, and Travis tensed. He never confessed these feelings before.

  “I want that too. Honestly, after finding out everything I... I don’t want to leave. I do trust you guys. I mean, you saved my damn life. I'm a bit scared as to what the whole attack meant, but I trust you’ll explain.”

  “Truth is Alana, some shifters are pretty shitty, and they don’t like other shifters. There are some who only want power, and to take it from others. Kirk was one of those. I didn’t realize he was even in town until today, and when I found out that he was after me, that explained a lot,” he said.

  "You two... knew each other in high school right?”

  “Correct. I did know him, and the two of us were always at odds. I just thought that he was being an asshole, but I guess he really did hate me.”

  "Yeah. But what about being a shifter? Did he change because of that?”

  "Yes. Some humans... do change for the worse when they become shifters. Usually, it’s more aggression, but sometimes some have murderous intent. Usually, the other shifters keep that under control, but it can definitely be worrisome,” he said to her.

  "Yeah. It is. But, we’re safe now right?”

  “Correct. My guys are doing some recon, and they told me that he was the only one. I guess he had some issues with me. But, I hope that doesn’t deter you from staying.”

  She shook her head. “No. I do trust you guys and you all seem really nice. I don’t know what it means to be a mate to a shifter, but I want to be near you guys. Plus, I really like you a lot,” she admitted.

  “I do too. I'm glad that you’re choosing to stay and want to. I've never fallen in love before, to tell you the truth. I'm a bit scared, in all honesty, and I feel like... once we get this sorted out it’ll make sense,” he said to her.

  She nodded. “I'd like that.”

  "Yeah. Honestly, Alana, I'm a bit scared for our future. I knew that one day I'd meet the one. I always had a feeling it would be someone close to me, just... never thought it’d be you. I'm sorry for keeping you in the dark. I was scared to let you in since I knew that once I did, I wouldn’t let you out,” he said.

  She nodded.

  “I know. I do care a lot about you. I'm a bit scared of our future too, but I know for a fact that if you and I make this work, it will make everything easier for both of us,” she said.

  “That’s true.”

  “I was scared of falling in love, of the emotion of love, but the thing is, I know deep down that you’re the one for me, and I'm willing to accept it all,” she said.

  “Good. I want to as well. You matter a lot to me, Alana. More than you know.”

  “Same here. I... I don’t want to lose this. You’re so important to me, and I don’t want to have to worry about anyone ruining it. I know that being a shifter is different, but... I think I'll be okay.”

  "Are you okay... with being my mate?”

  There was a pause, and then she nodded.

  “Of course, Travis. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be here right now,” she said.

  He smiled, a relieved grin on his face.

  “That makes two of us. I'm willing to make this work for both of us. I want to be with you, to fight for you, and I am not scared to let you go. I'm glad that you’re not afraid of me being a shifter. That was my biggest concern,” she admitted.

  "You’re going to need to do a lot more than that to scare my ass away,” she told him with a grin.

  “Good. That’s what I want to hear,” he said with a smile on his face.

  The two looked at one another, and Travis knew that he wanted her. The beautiful, curvy body that she had, the loving face, everything about this made his heart thump.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too Travis,” she said.

  They kissed one another, and for a moment, Travis didn’t push it any further. But that night, he wanted to make her feel good. He deepened the kiss, smiling as she let out a small gasp of shock and arousal as he did this. He looked at her, seeing her eyes closing, her body relaxing into the kiss, and as Travis started to dive in, he knew that he could enjoy these lips all damn day.

  They were so intoxicating, so amazing, and Travis wanted nothing more than to just enjoy everything about that. He started to kiss her passionately, letting his tongue meet hers. She gasped, and he hummed in happiness, allowing their kiss to grow even more intense and arousing for both of them.

  Suddenly he started to pick her up, causing her to let out a small gasp of surprise. He carried her upstairs, pushing her down on the bed and looking at her.

  “Tonight, I want to make love to you.”

  “I... I want that too,” she replied.

  He kissed her once again, not letting go and letting his lips do all the talking and working. He then started to kiss down her body, letting his l
ips just barely graze the skin. She shuddered, excitement flowing through her body, and she soon moaned as he nibbled the side of her neck. He was so gentle, but the pleasure alone was too engrossing to not love. She shivered, enjoying everything about this as he continued to tease her.

  Everything about this was what he had dreamed of. He was so happy that being a shifter hadn’t scared her away, and he soon moved his lips down towards her collarbone lightly biting and sucking on the flesh there. She shivered, moaning with delight as he did that. He started to suck on the flesh a little bit harder, causing her to let out a small gasp of pleasure as he did this. It was so good, so arousing and intoxicating, and he soon moved his hands up, touching her sides. He brushed against her wound, however, which caused her to let out a small cry of pain. Travis jolted back, gasping in surprise.

  “Shit I didn’t know-”

  “It’s okay, you probably didn’t see it. Jackie gave it to me... before I killed her. Sorry about that,” she said.

  Travis gently lifted her shirt, moving his lips to where the wound was. It wasn’t deep, but definitely, enough where it might hurt to graze his lips against. He moved towards the very edge of this, lightly teasing the very edge of it with his tongue. When he did that, he looked at her, and she soon let out a small cry of surprise.

  “Don’t worry. I'm just helping it recover. My saliva has properties that help to heal wounds. It’s why we clean ourselves after the battle,” he explained.

  She nodded, understanding the bear shifter rituals.

  “That makes sense,” she replied.

  He moved his lips against the very tip of it, kissing against there, and after a moment, he moved upwards, touching her breasts through the confines of her bra.

  "You look so beautiful,” he said.

  She let out a small whimper of surprise when his hands moved to fondle the breasts and touching them slightly. She then let out a small cry of surprise, and of pleasure as well, and he soon started to tease the area, letting his lips move against the outline of her breasts which weren't covered by her bra. He then moved to the back of her bra, pulling it apart with his hands. It fell off, causing her to let out a small gasp, but then, he looked at her with a smile.