Shiftr: Swipe Left for Love (Adaira) BBW Bear Shifter Romance (Hope Valley BBW online dating app romances Book 6) (7 page)

Two hours earlier

Leigh spent the afternoon sitting outside his cabin, waiting for Adaira to arrive. From where he was positioned, he had a view of most of the trail for a good few miles. There were a couple of points where it wound sharply to the side, and patches of it were obscured by overhanging rocks, but there was no chance that he’d miss her completely as she walked up. He wasn’t planning on waiting for her call. As soon as he caught sight of her, he was going to run down and meet her, offer to carry the backpack she must be sick of hauling around by now. He was in awe of the fact that she was hiking all this way up the mountain by herself, just to see him. She was such a tough girl, the equal of any bear.

Time passed very slowly, but at long last he saw something move, far below him on the track. It was a swatch of something orange, or red. His heart pitter-pattered. Was it her hair, blowing in the breeze, like a tongue of flame? He screwed his eyes up, but he couldn’t tell for sure. Instead, he kept his vision trained on the object, which was so far away that it barely seemed to be moving at all. After a while, it moved out of view, behind a crag. He counted to 100, judging that it would take about that many paces to walk that stretch of the trail. He knew the track almost as intimately as his own skin. He was right. On 99, the shape appeared again. It was definitely a person, and he was almost sure it was her. He’d wait another five minutes though. It was like a game for him, seeing how long he could contain his anticipation.

Eight minutes later, it was unquestionably her. Her long hair was flowing behind her, and she was carrying what looked like a pretty sizeable pack. He started walking towards the trail, but then he stopped dead. There was another figure, coming towards her from the opposite direction. A tall, dark figure. Male. Another hiker? But where would he have come from? Leigh lifted his head and sniffed hard at the breeze, but he couldn’t pick anything up. They were just too far away. The figure stopped in front of Adaira. They were still for a couple of minutes, as if they were speaking to one another, and then the backpack was passed from her to him. And then he walked into a thicket of trees, and, after a small delay, she followed.

What the hell?
Leigh’s heart sunk down into his boots. Adaira had gone off with another guy.
Is that what she’d planned all along? Or had he come along and charmed her in those few moments, and she’d forgotten all about her plans to see him?
He kicked at a rock. That’s why he didn’t trust women. She’d abandoned him, like he was nothing. Just like his parents. He wanted to charge down the mountain and catch her, ask her what she was doing, why she’d made out she was interested in him when she obviously wasn’t. But what was the use? She was a grown woman, capable of making her own decisions. He crumpled onto the ground, his head in his hands. When his bear knew that he wasn’t going to change his mind, it gave a howl of desolation.

The cabin door swung open suddenly and Leigh stood in front of her, wearing only a towel, tied around his waist. Adaira nursed her right fist in her left hand. The knuckles were cut and swollen from banging on the door.

“Hey, calm down,” he said. “What’s the problem?”

“The problem is that you locked me in, you bastard!” she spat. He frowned.

“What? No, I didn’t. There’s no lock on the outside of the door. Look.” She went outside and looked at the other side of the door. There was no bolt or lock that she could see.

“Open your hands,” she demanded. He wasn’t holding a key either.

“See,” he said in a soothing tone. “You got yourself all worked up for nothing. He took a step towards her, as if to rub her shoulder or something, but she shrank back from him.

“Why wouldn’t the door open?”

“I honestly don’t know. It can be a little stiff sometimes, I guess.” Adaira blinked a couple of times. Had she imagined it somehow? Maybe she was dehydrated. She’d drunk what she’d thought was plenty of water, but maybe it hadn’t been enough in the fierce heat, and it had made her spacey and irrational. She stared into Leigh’s eyes and saw only desire for her.

“I’ll just get dressed,” he said brushing past her. “I forgot I needed to leave some clothes outside for when I got back from hunting.” She watched his retreating back as he crossed to his bedroom. He was lean, and lithe, quite different from the well-built meaty torso that she had drooled over on Shiftr.

He came back a moment later in a white t-shirt and faded jeans. He looked stunning, with the dark-good looks and sculpted physique that any woman would love, but something wasn’t right.

“What’s wrong?” he said, throwing her a charming smile.

“You’re a wolf. I saw you as a wolf,” she said. His smile dropped and his features became lean and hard.

“Yes I am. I’m the alpha of the Zenophos pack.”

“Then why did you tell me you were a bear!?”

“What? I never told you such a thing.”

“But your profile picture – ” she started saying and then it suddenly dawned on her. “Oh, gosh! You’re not Leigh!”

“No, I’m Ascham.” Adaira’s head spun.

“But, how?” She shook her head as realization dawned. “You tricked me into thinking you were him!” she yelled.

“I didn’t trick you at all. You jumped to a conclusion when you saw me.” His voice was icy calm.

“And you let me go along with it!” she yelled, even louder.

“I don’t know who you were looking for when you trekked up the mountain today, but what you found is far better than you hoped: I’m the one you’re supposed to be with.” Adaira stared at him again, and a flicker of recognition buzzed in her brain. She’d seen him before. He was the wolf on Shiftr that she’d rejected because he’d seemed too arrogant and domineering.

“You recognize me now, don’t you? I can see it in your eyes.” His voice became softer, almost crooning. “Shiftr picked us out as a strong match, but you still turned me down, without even trying to get to know me. Don’t worry though – I know you’ll come around in time.” She shook her head.

“No. I’m not about to come around. I’m not interested. You’re right. I was hiking up the mountain to see someone else, and I’m now very late for my date. I’ll be going now.” She strode over to her backpack, hoisted it onto her shoulder and headed for the door. But she didn’t make it. Moving with super-human speed, he bounded in front of her and stood in front of the door, blocking her way. She gasped.

“What are you doing?”

“I can’t let you leave,” he said.

“What are you talking about? I’m going. Get out of my way!”

“I’m afraid you’re not going anywhere. You’re my mate, and you’re going to stay here until you accept that.”

“I am not your mate!” she bellowed. “I’m not anybody’s mate right now. But if I decide to be someone’s mate, it’ll be the guy I was looking for in the first place.” Adaira’s anger was building and building. “Even if I liked the look of you –  which I don’t – do you think I’d choose to be with you after you tricked me?” Anger flashed across Ascham’s handsome features.

“Do you know how many she-wolves from other packs want to be my mate? How many alphas want to create a valuable union between their pack and mine by giving their daughter to me? But I didn’t want them. I chose you. It’s a huge honor to be my mate. Why can’t you see that?”

“I’m not interested in being ‘honored’!” She spat out the word, as if it was something distasteful. “I’m interested in being with someone strong, good-hearted and decent. Something you’ve got a lot to learn about.” Hurt flashed across his face, but just as quickly, his expression changed, becoming soft and cunning.

“I am sorry if you think I deceived you. It wasn’t my intention when I saw you. I accept we got off on the wrong foot, but when you stay here for a few days, I’m certain you’ll come to accept me as your mate.”

“No. That’s never going to happen, bucko!” she said, reaching behind him and yanking the door handle. But his body remained pressed against the door, and it didn’t yield an inch.

“I’m afraid the bottom line is that I can’t let you leave. You’re going to stay here until you accept me as your mate. However long that takes.” Adaira let out a primal sound of pure fury, and pulled on the door one more time.

“Let me out, right now!” she bellowed. He smiled, sadly.

“You know I can’t do that. The sooner you accept it, the happier you’ll be.” She shook her head violently.

“No, no, no! I’ll never accept this, not as long as I live. And you’ll be a very sorry guy, very soon. I promise you that!” He gave a little laugh. And then he lifted her up, his hands around her waist, as if she weighed nothing, and carried her over to one of the couches. He laid her down and towered over her, his eyes blazing.

“You vastly underestimate my power. If you try to escape, I’ll come after you. I can hear you, and I can smell your scent from miles away. There’s no way you can leave without me noticing. With that in mind, I won’t lock you in. But for your own safety, I suggest you don’t try to escape. Sometimes my wolf is a little hard to control, and it can get over-enthusiastic when it feels the thrill of the chase.” Adaira lifted her knee up and tried to connect with his balls. She missed. He laughed at her. “Such a feisty one,” He crooned. “I like that.”

“I’m not feisty, I’m fucking furious,” she yelled, and lifted her fist to his face. This time, she made contact and struck him a glancing blow on his cheek. He gave a growl, low in his throat, and, with a swift movement, he flipped her, turning her onto her front. She cried out as teeth that felt far too sharp for a human sank into the nape of her neck. She stiffened, now more scared than angry.
What is he planning to do?
He shook her, gently, then let go.

“Enough of that now,” he said softly. She squirmed, trying to turn over again, and he let her. His eyes were burning with hunger, and the sight of a bulge in the crotch of his pants made her stomach lurch. She was helpless. At his mercy.

“Are you going to rape me now, you fucking coward?” she demanded. He looked wounded.

“Rape you? I prefer my mates to accept me willingly, so I’ll give you time to change your mind.” He licked his lips. “But, of course, I can’t wait forever. Especially when my mate has a body as juicy as yours.” She shuddered, and fought the urge to try to kick him again. Instead, she stared at him blankly, willing her heartbeat to slow down. She was completely trapped. He overpowered her easily with his strength, and if she made him angry, it also seemed to increase his arousal, which made him dangerous in another, sickening way.

A knock at the door made her jump. Without getting up, Ascham called,

“Come in!” The door opened and a handsome, young blond man walked in with a large tray, piled with grilled meat.

“Help me! He’s keeping me here against my will!” Adaira yelled. The man put the tray down on a side table and grinned at Ascham.

“She sure is a lively one!” he said. And then he turned around and walked out of the door, closing it behind him. Adaira froze in shock. This monster’s pack knew that he was keeping her trapped here, and they didn’t care. A tear ran down her cheek and she wiped it away angrily.

“There, there,” Ascham said soothingly, stroking her cheek. “Please don’t be upset. Nothing bad is happening to you here. It’s all for your own benefit. You’ll see that very soon.” She closed her eyes, trying to block him out, and kept them closed as he lifted himself off her body.

“Let’s eat now,” he said. She could smell the meat from across the room. It was making her mouth water. She opened her eyes, watching him moving the tray onto the coffee table, and digging in, picking up a chop with his bare hands and devouring it. If he was eating it, then it was good meat. It couldn’t be poisoned. And her stomach was rumbling fiercely.
I need to keep my strength up too
, she told herself. She sat up, reached over to the plate and grabbed a hunk of juicy-looking meat. It was delicious. It had been seasoned only with salt, but it was possibly the best meat she’d eaten in her life. She carried on eating, in silence, until her stomach was full.

When Ascham had finished eating, he stood up and stretched.

“I have to go and attend to some pack business now,” he said. “Please relax and make yourself at home. If you need to sleep, both the bed and the couches are available.”

“I’ll be sleeping in my tent,” she said gruffly. He looked displeased.

“I’m afraid I can’t let you do that. It wouldn’t be good for the other members of the pack to see the alpha’s mate living like a domestic dog in a kennel.”  Adaira scowled at him.

“I’m going to get my sleeping bag though.” He lifted his hands.

“Be my guest.” She pulled on the door handle. This time, it opened easily. She stepped outside, and the scent of the mountain air filled her nostrils. The sky was pitch black and crisp, and the temperature had dropped a lot. She looked around in despair. She had to escape.
But how?
She unzipped her tent and retrieved her sleeping bag. She hugged it tight against her chest. It felt warm and familiar – the only comfort she had right now.

“Come inside, please,” Ascham said from inside the cabin. Hating herself for doing it, she followed his orders. She’d never been one to obey anyone’s orders.
This is about survival
, she reminded herself. “I’ll be gone for a little while. There’s no need to wait up. And, please, don’t tire yourself out by trying to escape. There’s no way of leaving here without me finding you. I’m a patient wolf, but my patience does have its limits.”

As soon as he walked out of the cabin, she pressed her ear to the door, trying to listen to his footsteps receding. She counted to 60 slowly, and then she pulled the door handle. Nothing happened. She laughed bitterly. Of course she was locked in again. There was some kind of catch that he’d fastened, without her detecting it. She went over to her backpack to get her phone. She’d call the police and say she was being held here.
That’s funny. I could’ve sworn it was in the front pocket
. It wasn’t there. She looked in all the pockets, and the main compartment. She turned the bag out, emptying it of every single item and giving it a hard shake. The phone wasn’t there. He’d taken it. Probably when she was getting the sleeping bag. Her body crumpled, and she sat heavily on the floor, hand clamped over her mouth.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Of course he’d taken it. Why hadn’t that occurred to her? Because her mind had been completely focused on how she could run away. She sorted through the things she’d taken out of her bag. There was a Swiss Army knife.
Yeah, that’d be a great weapon against a 200-pound guy who’s also a wolf.
She put it in her pocket anyway.  There was her distress whistle. It was the most advanced model on the market. It could cause temporarily hearing damage if you didn’t protect your ears when you used it.
What effect would it have on a wolf’s ears?
She mused, then dismissed the thought.
That was a dumb idea. So she was going to blow the whistle and temporarily deafen Ascham. And then what?
How the hell was that going to help her escape? She put it around her neck anyway. There was nothing else in the bag that was of any use whatsoever. She packed it all up again and laid the bag aside.

She started pacing around the cabin. She had to do something. She couldn’t just sit and wait, a victim to Ascham’s whims. If she didn’t come back after a few days, people would come and look for her, but anything could’ve happened by then. She went to the bathroom and filled up her water bottle and drank the entire thing, gazing up at the window at the same time. It was very high, and pretty small. She put her hands on her hips, trying to assess their size against the width of the window. She thought they’d just fit. And if she was wrong? He’d come home and find her jammed in the window. Not the end of the world. It had to be worth a try. But first she needed a plan. She sat on the edge of the bathtub and thought hard. Maybe Ascham could find her as easily as he’d claimed, but maybe he was bluffing. She’d had the impression that he was going to be away for a while. That might leave her a good amount of time to make her escape. If she returned the way they’d come, that should mix her scent up with the track she’d left earlier, so he might be confused about which way she’d gone.
Right?
She’d retrace her steps to the main track and head up to Leigh’s place.
Leigh.
She’d had so much to think about for the past few hours that she hadn’t considered what he must have thought when she hadn’t turned up. Would he come and look for her? Would he call her phone, and, when she didn’t answer, assume that she’d decided not to come after all?