Fae-ted to the Bear - Harmony Raines Page 0,50

there for me and I hope I’ve always been there for him.”

“He’s your older brother. Protecting you comes naturally.” He dropped a light kiss on her head. “And even though we’re mates and it’s my job to protect you now, I know he isn’t going to stop being your brother or watching out for you.”

“A big bear shifter doesn’t get jealous of that?” Elise asked.

“No, he’s your brother. Just like my brothers will always look out for me and protect me.” He squeezed her shoulders. “Even if I have a mate now who will also take care of me.”

“And protect you.” She tilted her head back and looked up at him. “I mean it. I might not be as strong as you, but strength isn’t everything.”

“You have an inner strength.” Caleb sighed and she pressed her lips along his jawline, tendrils of desire unfurling inside her stomach. Heat flared across her cheeks as he lowered his head and kissed her lips.

Turning into him, she threaded her hand under his sweater, her fingertips brushing his bare skin. He tensed, a shiver passing through him as he cupped her cheek in the palm of his warm hand and rubbed his thumb across her cheek.

“Shall we clear the camp and get ready for bed?” She didn’t want to move from his side, but she also didn’t want to attract wild animals into their camp by leaving the food out. There was only one bear she wanted in the camp tonight and he was the person sitting next to her.

“Sure.” He cleared his throat and loosened his arm from her shoulders before pulling her close once more. He kissed her, and she clung to him while the forest seemed to spin around them.

When he finally let her go, she placed her hand on the fallen tree trunk to steady herself. She’d never gone weak at the knees for any man. But Caleb wasn’t any man.

“I’ll put the food away.” She inhaled, forcing the air into her lungs.

While she packed the food into their packs, Caleb busied himself collecting the sleeping bags and laying them out in the tent before making sure the fire was out. As he moved around the camp, she was acutely aware of him.

With trembling fingers, she focused on packing the food carefully so it wouldn’t spoil before they got back home. They’d come here to gather the ingredients she needed for her recipe, however, being next to Caleb in the tent was all she could think about.

The warmth of his body as they slept side by side in the small, confined space. The sound of his breathing, the touch of his fingers on her skin.

She closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. They were just going to sleep.

“Are you okay?” He was close, his soft voice sent shivers down her spine.

“Yeah, I’m nearly done.” She dug her hand in the pack and pulled out a flashlight. The sun was setting but the moon hadn’t risen yet. Soon their camp would be pitched into darkness.

“Your hand is shaking. Are you scared?” He closed his hand around hers. “There are no bears around here.”

“Yes, there is,” she replied hoarsely and turned to face him, her head tilted back as she faced him. “There’s a bear right here.”

“Who intends to protect you with his life.” Caleb smiled down at her as he flicked on the flashlight, the bright beam illuminating his face.

She swallowed hard. His eyes burned with desire, a desire matched by her. She wanted him. He wanted her. It was the simplest of recipes.

One they couldn’t mess up unless they didn’t act on their desires.

Elise slipped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. “Shall we go to bed?”

“Yes,” he growled in response and lowered his head, capturing her lips with his. She sighed and nestled against him as he leaned down and picked her up.

Carrying her in his strong arms, he turned around and headed for the tent. When he reached it, he gently let her down, his arms closing around her waist as he waited for her to steady herself before letting her go.

Elise ducked down into the tent and kicked off her shoes. Caleb lingered outside, he seemed unsure as she peeled off her jacket and threw it to the end of the tent. Reaching out, she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward her, leaving him with no doubt she wanted him by her side.

Caleb knelt down and shuffled forward on his