ROMANCE: SHIFTER: Shifter to the Max Collection (Dragon, Bear, Wolf and Panther Shifter Romances) (Paranormal Fantasy Romance Collection) (110 page)

Heather sat luxuriating in the warm breeze, watching a hawk swoop, dip and soar across the sky as if putting on a performance for the diners. She was seated on the patio of The Rusty Parrot Lodge, Jackson Hole’s one and only four-star restaurant. The view was breathtakingly beautiful; the patio looked out onto the Grand Teton mountain range, the snowy peaks glittering in the sun which was rapidly making its descent as the evening approached.

Tanner had gone to speak to the chef, an old friend of his. Heather had been amazed at how many people he knew in Jackson Hole, everywhere they went he was greeted enthusiastically – many going out of their way to show him fresh produce at the various groceries they’d past, new stock at the hunting store, or mothers who wanted to show-off their new born babies and enquire after Chloe. Tanner was always patient and warm in these exchanges, and Heather was pleasantly surprised to see him so relaxed and at ease.

When she’d woken up this morning she’d come downstairs to discover a different man from the one she kissed last night. She’d been dreading seeing him again, so embarrassed about the kiss they’d shared, and his swift exit from the house straight after. She needn’t have worried; he had been making pancakes for her and Chloe when she saw him, and he treated her with warmth and grace. He’d asked her if she wanted to come and see the town with him, she’d hesitated but ultimately complied when Chloe had joined in and insisted that she went. It was only later, when Tanner had left the room, and Josiah came in asking where Tanner was because they had a busy day ahead, did she realize that he was going out of his way to make her feel at home. Whatever she felt for him, and whatever he didn’t feel for her, she appreciated the sacrifice and happily climbed into his Chevy Silverado pick-up truck, ready to spend the day in his company.

“Okay, so – the chef’s doing something special for us, no idea what it’s going to be, but I know it’s going to be good.” Tanner smiled down at her, and took his seat.

“Great. How do you know him?” she enquired, politely. Heather suddenly felt nervous; they had spent the entire day in one another’s company, but it had been full of sightseeing and activity. Now it was just the two of them, and Heather couldn’t help but notice once again how broad his chest was, how ripped his arms were in the t-shirt he wore, and how attracted she was to him.

“Actually, he tried to teach me how to cook.” Tanner grinned, “not that any of it stuck.”

“What? You had a chef teach you, and you still didn’t learn anything?” Heather had to laugh, “okay – there’s really no help for you, Tanner Holt.”

The atmosphere changed as she finished her words. Tanner looked at her intently, his eyes soft on hers, and she felt her stomach flip over in response.

“I like the way my name sounds on your lips.” He leaned forward and with his thumb he gently skated her bottom lip. Slowly removing his hand, he leaned back in his chair again, watching her. Heather blushed and looked down at her napkin and cutlery, trying to hide a small smile spreading across her face.

On sensing her obvious discomfort, Tanner changed tack. “How do you like Jackson Hole so far?”

“I love it!” Heather exclaimed, “It’s so beautiful, so wild and peaceful all at the same time. You’re so lucky to live here. Is it where you grew up?”

The spark that had been in Tanner’s eyes dimmed, and there was a pause before he responded. “No. I grew up in Wilkes, my brother and I moved here a while ago.”

Heather perceptively realized that she should drop the subject, but she was amazed there had been no mention of a brother, especially considering his brother lived in Jackson Hole.

“Are you close with him, your brother?” she asked tentatively.

“Yeah, we’re close. I saw him last night.”

The night after they’d kissed. She’d wondered where he’d gone, but it certainly hadn’t been her place to ask.

“Oh.” She could feel herself reddening.

“He plays at a bar in town – he’s good. Talented guy.” Tanner tried to put her back at ease, he knew family was going to come up, he just never felt prepared to talk too much about them.

“Does he get along with Chloe?” Heather asked, feeling that this would be more comfortable territory. She was right, Tanner imperceptibly relaxed.

“Yeah, she loves him. He doesn’t come around to the house too often, but they get along great when he does.”

A waiter arrived with a bottle of red wine and proceeded to fill up their glasses. Heather was glad for the drink; her nerves weren’t receding in the slightest.

“What about her mom? Where is she, if you don’t mind me asking?” Heather took a fortifying sip of the wine.

“No – I don’t. Sadly, she passed away. Chloe never met her – she died in childbirth.”

“I’m so sorry Tanner. That’s awful.” Heather felt a wave of compassion for the man, what a horrible thing to happen. It would explain why he’d never married. How could anyone ever recover from that kind of heartbreak? She could imagine the two of them, excited to start a family and raise it in that beautiful ranch. It also explained his reluctance to let the kiss continue last night; it may have been years since she passed away, but some people never let go – they held on forever. Her own father had done the same thing, unable to find comfort in the arms of another woman after her mother died.

“Yeah, Chloe’s found it difficult without a mom. Clearly.” He smiled at Heather, sharing the humor around her arrival. “What about you, what about your life in New York?”

Heather sighed, and smiled at Tanner. She honestly didn’t know where to begin. None of it seemed to paint her in a particularly attractive light.

“Well, I was engaged to a man. My father’s business partner. The relationship ended when my father passed away, a few months ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Tanner interjected.

“Thank you. Well, I guess there’s nothing much to say, really. Before I met Bertram – my ex-fiancé, I’d wanted to open a patisserie, but Bertram really needed someone to support him. I suppose in the same way my mother supported my father. Anyway, it wasn’t to be. I was at a loose end, so in a moment of madness I thought I’d try the bridal mail order and see where life led me. And here I am.” Heather took a gulp of wine this time, she sounded pathetic to her own ears. She couldn’t imagine what he thought of her.  She smiled brightly, but when she met Tanner’s eyes, she just saw understanding, not pity.

“Sounds like you had to get back on your feet pretty quick. That must have been tough. You’re brave – it must have taken a lot of courage to get on that plane.” Tanner could see the hurt she was trying to hide, and his heart went out to her. It sounded like she’d given a lot to a man that had clearly been using her for the connections. Tanner hoped he never ran into the guy.

“Anyway, I’m glad I met you and Chloe, it’s been lovely getting to know you both.” Heather wanted to change the subject, and to her relief the food arrived. It smelt absolutely mouth-watering. 

“Sweet pepper crab cakes, pheasant breast, bison short rips and Wagyu beef” announced the waiter, “the chef insisted you have a taste of the best dishes on the menu.” He smiled at the couple, “enjoy. And please let me know if I can get you anything else.”

“My goodness.” Heather surveyed the table. It was full of delectable dishes, the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts, pine nuts and the various spices that flavored the meat filled her senses. 

“I hope you’re hungry,” Tanner grinned at her, “I’m just warning you now, that I’m violently opposed to women that don’t have an appetite – so don’t leave me hanging.”

Heather laughed out loud, “There’s no chance of that. This all looks absolutely amazing.”

Tanner raised a glass, “a toast. To you, Heather Ayer, thank you for coming to our home.” They clinked glasses, and Heather met Tanner’s eyes across the table. She suddenly decided to put her reservations about Tanner aside, he might not entirely return her feeling of lust and desire, but he was a good and honest man. She could enjoy being in his company this evening; let her problems vanish off into the horizon, enjoy being on a patio with a drop dead gorgeous man, about to share a delicious meal.

They drove through the town in silence. The sunset had disappeared and the sky was washed in navy blue, the mountain pines appearing as black paper cut-out silhouettes. Heather had opened her window and the sweet air filled the car, making her feel drowsy and peaceful.

“Heather?” Tanner’s voice sounded strange. She glanced over at him, but he kept his eyes on the road. “I want you to stay.”

She didn’t respond. She didn’t really know what she wanted anymore, her original ideas of being a companion to Tanner had started to seem unrealistic given her constant and unrelenting attraction to him. He also seemed to blow hot and cold – and she really didn’t understand the dynamics of their relationship anymore. Maybe she could stay a few weeks and help him out for a bit, and then carry on trying to pick up the pieces of her life back in New York.

“I don’t know Tanner. It’s been lovely,” she hesitated, “but maybe it’s not the best idea.”

“I know this, our situation, is unconventional, but I think we could make it work. If we both wanted it to.” Tanner kept his eyes on the road, not daring to look over at Heather – he knew there was a big chance that he could lose her, and that was unthinkable. He knew he’d given her the initial impression that he didn’t want her around, and had spent the day and evening trying to subtly hint otherwise.

Heather looked over at him. Watching his profile in the dim light, she became aware of how manly and warm he seemed to her in that moment. And how much she longed to be curled up in his arms. Would it always be like this? Would she be happy to stay with him if she were to become a surrogate mother to Chloe, but without having anything other than a professional and distant relationship with Tanner? The best she could hope for would be friendship, and she wasn’t sure she could handle that. What if another woman came into the picture?

“I don’t know, Tanner.” She repeated the words softly, and with sorrow.

“I don’t want you to leave. I want you to stay with me, with us. Not just for Chloe’s sake.” His jaw clenched, he couldn’t be too raw with his feelings – not yet. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but the stakes were too high, there was too much at risk if she rejected him completely.

“Why don’t you want me to leave?” Heather asked. She instantly regretted the question, and hardly dared to breathe as she waited for his response.

“Okay.” Tanner paused. He had turned up the driveway to the ranch, and was changing gears to get the wheels through the soft ground. “Before I tell you that, there’s something I need to show you.”

Heather felt waves of crashing disappointment throughout her body. She berated herself sternly; of course it wasn’t going to be the answer she wanted. Other than being perfect, pleasant, and polite today, he’d given no indication of stronger or romantic feelings toward her. Apart from the kiss. Her body tingled at the memory – but that had been a mistake, clearly.

Tanner turned off the engine and jumped down from the driver’s seat. He crossed the front of the car, over to Heather’s side and opened the door for her. He held out his hand for her to take as she stepped down. As her small hand closed in his, she felt the warmth emanating from his body, smelled his musky male scent mixed with fresh soap.

“Will you come with me to the barn?” his lips were close enough to her face that they tickled her ears, and sent a shiver running down her spine. She could only nod in return, hardly able to breathe with him in such close proximity, let alone speak.

She followed him in silence, staying close. The ranch was in complete darkness; Chloe and Josiah must have already gone to bed. She stumbled on a patch of uneven grass, and Tanner spun around and caught her.

“I’m sorry Heather, I was going too fast – are you okay?” She was pressed up against his torso, feeling it’s smooth hardness beneath his cotton t-shirt.

“I’m fine, thanks.” She removed herself slowly from his body. Trying to steady her breathing as they proceeded to walk to the barn side-by-side.

Tanner switched on the light and a solitary bulb flickered, casting a soft glow over the various pieces of farming machinery and neatly ordered tools. They stood in the center, directly beneath the light.

“There’s something I need to be honest about, if we’re going to make this work.” He took a deep breath and ran his hands through his hair, messing it up. “I’m not exactly…normal.” He exhaled. Heather felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. She had absolutely no idea what he was trying to tell her, but judging by his anxious demeanor, it wasn’t good. 

“Both my brother and I are the same. We, well…we change. No one knows, other than us, not even Chloe. But I can’t seem to keep myself in check around you, and so I want you to see me for who I really am.” Tanner wanted to explain more, about the bonding aspect and who she really was to him, but tonight would be shocking enough without her also thinking she was bound to him in anyway, or that she owed him anything. If she was disgusted, then they could go their separate ways and that would be all there was to it. 

“It’s okay, Tanner – whatever it is just tell me, I can deal.” Heather steeled herself. She
could
deal with whatever it was. She wanted to know everything about Tanner and his life before she could make a final decision about staying or leaving. 

“Can you turn around? I need to take off my clothes.” Tanner asked, looking directly at her. His gaze was heated, and Heather felt a rush of lust run through her, mingling with the apprehension she was already feeling. She dutifully turned around, facing the wall of the barn.

She heard the sound of his shirt lightly hitting the floor, the zipper of his jeans being pulled down and then the clunk of his belt as it landed on the wooden boards. It was so quiet she could hear the sounds of their breathing; both of their bodies creating heavy, short breaths that betrayed their nerves.

Tanner closed his eyes, relaxing his body and letting the fluttering of energy that had formed in his abdomen grow. It spread like wildfire through his central nervous system, flares of heat flowing through his veins. His body started to change, his torso growing longer and wider, his solid muscle tearing and ripping without pain to form something entirely different. His hands turned to claws, and he let himself fall forward to the natural all-four position of his inner beast. He roared, an animalistic and raw sound that shuddered through him, and punctured the quiet of the barn.

He could see Heather standing in front of him. She still had her face turned to the wall, but her whole body was shaking in fear. He took a few steps forward, and nudged her with his nose at the small of her back. With agonizing slowness, she turned to face him. In her eyes he read complete and utter disbelief as she took in his form.

“Tanner…is that you?” She whispered, her voice barely audible. The shaking hadn’t ceased. Her heart was hammering in her ribcage, so loudly they could both hear it.  Tanner couldn’t say anything, so he just looked at her, trying to convey that he wasn’t a threat to her through his eyes.

“I can’t, I can’t believe…that I’m seeing this.” Heather felt shell-shocked. The complete unreality of the situation sent her head spinning, as she felt like she would faint. Instead, she tentatively reached out her hand. Part of her felt like she was going insane, and the other part wanted to reach out and stroke the luxurious fur surrounding his face. When her fingertips landed on his coarse fur, a shiver went through her body. He was so beautiful and wild. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from him, marveling at the enormous, ferocious looking bear in front of her.

“You’re so beautiful, Tanner.” She ran a finger down his snout, and then slowly moved alongside him, repeatedly stroking the fur down his back, and then following down to his hind legs. In this light his fur was a dark, chocolate brown. Heather suspected that in daylight his coat would look exactly like his human hair would, flecked with light brown and gold.

As she became more comfortable with him, her caresses deepened, and she luxuriated in the feeling of him beneath her hands, fur gently tickling her lower forearm. Tanner started to emit a low-toned hum that shook his entire body, similar to that of a domestic cat purring. Heather smiled to herself, and continued to caress the beautiful beast.

“I don’t know if you can understand me or not, when you’re like this. But you are incredible Tanner, you’re so incredible.”

Tanner could understand her, and felt a blissful stillness encompass him. He never in a million years believed that he’d get a reaction like this, especially not from someone as pure and true as Heather. He nudged his nose into her side, trying to indicate that he’d understood her, and how much he appreciated it.

“Will you change back? I want to tell you that I’m not going to leave you – I’ll stay, as long as I’m wanted or needed.”

Tanner backed away from her to let his human form remerge. It was difficult, with Heather being in the room. His primal instincts felt dominant, and they fought against his human will. He turned away, and closed his eyes, trying to calm himself and forget her presence. It took a while, but eventually he felt his muscles contract and the cool air of the barn caress his naked human skin.

Looking up from his crouched position on the floor, he found Heather staring at him. She had watched his transformation this time. Her eyes were widened in astonishment, but as she gazed at his form her expression changed. He saw her face heat up, a ripe blush spreading across her cheeks.

He hastily found his boxers and jeans, aware that his erection was plainly visible. Once dressed, he moved closer to Heather, who hadn’t moved from her spot across the barn.

“I heard everything. Thank you. I can’t tell you what it means that you’re not…repulsed by me, this way.”

Heather was momentarily taken aback by his words; why would anyone be repulsed by such a magnificent creature? Before she could say anything, Tanner moved closer to her and bent his head downward, and the words stuck in her mouth. Her throat ran dry as she became consumed by the desire to be wrapped in his arms, to move her head up an inch to meet his waiting lips.

Tanner ran his hand gently down her side, skating the edge of her breast and coming to rest on her hip. A shudder ran through her, and she closed the space between them. His hand tightened in response, his thumb digging into the curve of her hipbone, and sending a shoot of pleasure straight to her core.

As their lips met, Heather inhaled his warm breath and arched her body against his. His kiss deepened, Tanner exploring her mouth as if he couldn’t get enough of her taste, and Heather reached her hands up to trace the trail of his spine up his back. Tanner groaned against her, Heather’s lips reverberating with his sound.

“Not here. Come into the house, I want you in my bed.” Tanner’s voice was thick and soft like honey, and Heather gazed up at him, reading the unabashed lust in his eyes. She nodded in agreement.