Loaded for Bear (Grizzly Cove Book 10) Read online

  Yeah, that could very well be it. Mellie sent up a prayer of thanks to the Mother of All for sending her the perfect man for her as he carried her back to the bed and started making love to her all over again.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Peter and Mellie returned to his den for the night. They were having dinner with Granny Ivana. She’d called the apartment to make certain they were coming back to the den, so they had to get cleaned up and presentable for dinner with Granny, whether they liked it or not. But humoring Granny Ivana wasn’t a hardship. Mellie was pleased that the older woman was so accepting.

  Mellie had feared Peter’s relatives would object to having a witch in the family. As it was, Granny Ivana couldn’t have been friendlier if she tried. Mellie finally arrived at the conclusion that Granny Ivana just wanted to see Peter happy and was willing to accept that Mellie made him feel that way.

  So, they showed up for dinner right on time, ready to enjoy an evening with the woman who was fast becoming the town’s favorite grandmother. When they arrived, however, Granny Ivana was not alone. She had invited Paul to dinner, as well, and was already deep in conversation with him, from the looks of things.

  “Good. You are back,” Granny Ivana greeted Mellie and Peter as they walked into his house. “Paul and I have been talking, and I’m almost certain he could be related to my grandfather.”

  Peter stopped short at his grandmother’s announcement. Mellie kept going, hoping the dragon shifter wouldn’t take Peter’s reaction as some kind of insult. Luckily, Peter’s frozen astonishment didn’t last too long.

  “Are you certain of this?” he asked his babushka.

  “Fairly certain, yes,” she answered. “We will place calls to the Clan in the morning. There are some written records from my grandfather’s time that might be helpful, but I’m almost positive Paul may be descended from my grandfather’s sister’s line. She was also a dragon, and a beauty, though I only met her once.”

  “That’s one more time than I’ve ever met any of my blood kin,” Paul said, his tone sober. Mellie took a long look at him and realized he was probably trying hard not to get his hopes up too high.

  From what little she knew of Paul’s background, he’d been raised an orphan under one of the cruelest regimes in modern times. He’d been one of those traumatized Romanian orphans under the Ceausescu regime where the children were neglected, often beaten and lacked basic medical care, clothing and bathing facilities. It was a wonder he’d made it out alive and reasonably sane.

  Of course, he was a dragon shifter. If anyone could survive such horrific conditions, it would probably be someone like him, with the fire and magic of a dragon living in his soul. Even if the dragon didn’t emerge until puberty, or even later, Paul would have been born with the dual nature inherent in all shifters. It’s what probably had saved him.

  Still, that kind of experience early in life must have damaged him. At the very least, it had made him wary. Mellie didn’t blame him for trying to play it cool with Granny Ivana. As warm as the old woman was, someone who’d been through what Paul had suffered would be wary of anyone new offering the hand of friendship or the promise of family. Granny Ivana was offering both, which must have been a little scary for someone of Paul’s background.

  Mellie felt the need to say something. She stepped forward to face Paul. This was the first time she’d seen him since the beach. She owed him her thanks at the very least.

  “I want you to know that, regardless of whether or not you are related by blood to Peter and his Clan, you will always be welcome here. I have yet to thank you for what you did to make my potion a reality.” She stepped a bit closer to Paul and offered her hand. He took it somewhat hesitantly. “I could not have completed my task without you, Paul. Thank you on my behalf and on the behalf of all those you helped protect by your sacrifice.”

  “It’s okay,” Paul said quietly, seeming uncomfortable with her praise. “John already thanked me. I’m just glad I was able to help, and really, you did the heavy lifting, Amelia. You are one powerful little witch,” Paul’s tone warmed as his words became more relaxed.

  Now, it was Mellie’s turn to feel uncomfortable. “I just did what I had to do,” she mumbled.

  Paul let go of her hand and smiled. “So did I, Strega Ricoletti. So did I.”

  The fact that he called her by the formal title showed a level of respect that she hadn’t expected. Mellie bowed her head in acknowledgement, knowing she was probably blushing at the sudden praise.

  Luckily, Peter appeared to have gotten over his shock and came up beside her. He held out his hand to Paul, and they shook hands like old comrades.

  “I, for one, hope we can figure out exactly where you fit in the family tree,” Peter told the other man.

  “You wouldn’t mind?” Paul said with painful candor, looking from Peter to Granny Ivana and back again.

  “Mind? Who, in their right mind, would argue about having a freaking dragon in the family? I mean, how cool is that?” Peter’s enthusiasm was genuine. “I grew up hearing the stories from Babushka about her grandfather, but it was all very hush-hush. We weren’t allowed to talk about it outside the family. I was always so curious about him, and about those like him, but I never thought I would actually meet a dragon shifter in my lifetime. I thought they were all gone.” Peter’s voice grew tight with emotion. “But here you are. Living proof of everything Babushka taught me. I want to claim you as my kin. I want to get to know you and have you learn about your heritage. I want all the things for you that you were denied as a child in a horrible place.”

  “Why do you care?” Paul asked, his gaze intense, his words brittle with emotion. Mellie held her breath.

  Peter reached out and put one hand on Paul’s shoulder. “I’m older than you. When you were a boy in that place, I was already a soldier. I saw a little of what went on in Romania under the communist regime of Ceausescu. It was a scandal. It was a tragedy. And, if there had been anything I could do back then to change it, I would have done it.”

  Paul seemed to crumble a bit as Peter drew him in close. They leaned together, their foreheads touching, two strong men sharing a moment of intense sorrow and joy, all mixed together. It was almost painful to watch, but it was also beautiful.

  “I claim you as my kin, Paul Lebchenko,” Peter said in a strong voice that carried the weight of a vow. “Even if we can find no record of your people, I know you in my heart. My bear recognizes your spirit. You are my kin, and you will be forevermore part of my family.”

  Granny Ivana came up beside the men and put one of her hands on each of their bent heads, adding her own benediction. “Blood calls to blood,” she intoned. “Zilakov or Lebchenko, bear or dragon, we are the same where it counts. We are Clan.”

  Then, the old woman took them into her arms as the men turned, one on either side of her. Granny Ivana had one arm around each of them as they hugged her close. It was a touching moment, and Mellie felt the dampness of tears running down her cheeks. Happy tears for a family reunited, never to be lost again.

  When Granny Ivana finally released them, all three shifters were sparking with energy. Mellie could see it in the air around them, it was so intense, but it was happy energy. Joyful magic. Happiness given form.

  “I hope this means you’ll be sticking around Grizzly Cove for a while,” Mellie said to Paul.

  All three looked at her. “Sorry, love, I didn’t tell you,” Peter told her. “Paul already decided to stay for a bit. He asked the town council, and we approved. He’s got a room at the hotel at the edge of town.”

  Mellie realized that had probably been decided while she’d been unconscious. “Gee. Sleep a little too long, and all sorts of stuff happens,” she groused, her tone teasing. Three smiles answered her. “Well, then. I guess that’s settled. Welcome to Grizzly Cove, Paul. I think you’re going to like it here.”

  *

  Thank you for reading Loaded for Bear. If you enjoyed this book, please consider lea
ving a review.

  A complete list of all of my books, separated by series, follows. You can also check out my website at WWW.BIANCADARC.COM. Or you can sign up for my new release list to be alerted when new books are released.

  Below is a short excerpt from Bounty Hunter Bear, which is the first in a spinoff set of books called Grizzly Cove Crossroads. They are related to Grizzly Cove and take place partially in the Cove, but also follow the paths of several bear shifters on their individual journeys of discovery, and of course, love.

  EXCERPT FROM BOUNTY HUNTER BEAR

  ©2018 Bianca D’Arc. All Rights Reserved.

  Ezra parked his bike where he could see it from the window of the truck stop and headed inside. He’d fuel up before he left, but for right now, he needed food and plenty of it. He headed toward the restaurant area and chose a seat at the window that gave him a good view of all the exits, as well as outside. When the waitress sashayed over and took his order, he gave her a smile as she filled his coffee cup. A few minutes later, after he’d sent a quick text to his friend Ace to apprise him that Ezra was right on schedule, the food came and Ezra began to shovel it in.

  It smelled decent. The food at this particular truck stop was a bit better than at the chain places. He scented fresh herbs and vegetables in his generous portion of meatloaf and the gravy was tasty. He applied himself to his meal and other than glancing occasionally at his bike, he let the food begin to wash away some of his weariness.

  It wasn’t until he was mopping up the last of his dessert that Ezra heard the rumble of an approaching motorcycle engine. It was a newer model Harley in prime condition and as it pulled into a spot right next to his bike, he noticed the female driving it was pretty prime herself. A shapely ass and long legs made his mouth water as she stood from her ride as if she’d been born to straddle that hog.

  His eyes were drawn to her as she turned her back to him. She took off her helmet and looped it over the handle, shaking out long, golden hair that made him think of honey. And, of course, bears loved honey. The woman was a knockout from behind in her leather duds that hugged every curve faithfully. Then she turned and started walking toward the entrance.

  It couldn’t be.

  No fucking way.

  The last time he’d seen that beautiful face, it had been gaunt with weight loss and her energy had been at its lowest ebb. Could the bombshell with the curves that didn’t quit and the smooth sashay that said she owned her piece of the world and Goddess help anyone who tried to take it from her be the same woman he’d rescued those months ago in Lake Tahoe?

  Could it really be Theodora?

  His heart almost stopped as she opened the door and headed straight for the restaurant. She gazed around the room, taking it all in and Ezra found himself standing without even thinking about it. Their gazes met across the distance and held…

  Her eyes narrowed for a moment as if she was surprised, but she didn’t make any other outward show. Then she started walking toward him.

  Goddess help him. It really was Theodora and she was heading his way.

  She looked long and lean and curvy in all the right places. As she drew nearer, he caught the delicate scent of her on the air conditioned currents. She smelled even better than she had before, if that was even possible. Sure, she’d been weak and had almost given up the ghost a couple of times before she stabilized and started to come back to the land of the living, but he’d remembered her delicate scent. A scent that had haunted him these many months.

  And now she was here. How? Why?

  Ezra almost shook his head. Did it really matter? She was here and she had recognized him. Well, that answered that question. She remembered him. More than that, she remembered him and hadn’t run screaming in the other direction at the sight of him. Will wonders never cease?

  Thea walked right up to him and stopped, a few feet separating them. She looked him straight in the eye, strong, vibrant. So different from the way she’d been when he’d last seen her flying away in the company of her parents on a private plane chartered by Collin Hastings, the shifter P.I. her folks had hired to find her.

  “Ezra.” Her voice was solid. Full of confidence that seemed to ooze from her every move. It was incredibly sexy.

  “Theodora,” he replied, nodding slightly. “You’re looking well,” he said, then thought his words a little too sappy. “You’re looking incredible, in fact.”

  “Thanks to you,” she replied after a moment where she shifted her weight from one foot to the other, drawing his attention to her lusciously curved hips. “I can’t recall if I ever did thank you properly for what you did.”

  Ezra held up one hand, palm outward. “No need. I’m just glad I was there, in the right place, at the right time.”

  She looked like she wanted to argue the point, but her gaze flitted around the room. People were watching them. Right. Get a grip, man.

  “Would you like to join me?” he asked, gesturing toward the other side of the booth he’d been sitting in for the better part of an hour.

  “I don’t want to intrude,” she said, but he hoped she was just being polite.

  “Not at all. I’d enjoy the company,” he told her. If he’d been at a table with actual chairs, he would’ve acted the gentleman and pulled one out for her, coercing her to sit with him. As it was, he merely stood, waiting for her to make up her mind.

  To read more, get your copy of Bounty Hunter Bear by Bianca D’Arc.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Bianca D’Arc has run a laboratory, climbed the corporate ladder in the shark-infested streets of lower Manhattan, studied and taught martial arts, and earned the right to put a whole bunch of letters after her name, but she’s always enjoyed writing more than any of her other pursuits. She grew up and still lives on Long Island, where she keeps busy with an extensive garden, several aquariums full of very demanding fish, and writing her favorite genres of paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance.

  Bianca loves to hear from readers and can be reached through Twitter (@BiancaDArc), Facebook (BiancaDArcAuthor) or through the various links on her website.

  OTHER BOOKS BY BIANCA D’ARC

  Paranormal Romance

  Brotherhood of Blood

  One & Only

  Rare Vintage

  Phantom Desires

  Sweeter Than Wine

  Forever Valentine

  Wolf Hills*

  Wolf Quest

  Tales of the Were

  Lords of the Were

  Inferno

  Tales of the Were ~ The Others

  Rocky

  Slade

  Tales of the Were ~ String of Fate

  Cat’s Cradle

  King’s Throne

  Jacob’s Ladder

  Her Warriors

  Tales of the Were ~ Redstone Clan

  The Purrfect Stranger

  Grif

  Red

  Magnus

  Bobcat

  Matt

  Tales of the Were ~ Grizzly Cove

  All About the Bear

  Mating Dance

  Night Shift

  Alpha Bear

  Saving Grace

  Bearliest Catch

  The Bear’s Healing Touch

  The Luck of the Shifters

  Badass Bear

  Loaded for Bear

  Bounty Hunter Bear

  Tales of the Were ~ Were-Fey

  Lone Wolf

  Snow Magic

  Midnight Kiss

  Tales of the Were ~ Howls Romance

  The Jaguar Tycoon

  The Jaguar Bodyguard

  Guardians of the Dark

  Half Past Dead

  Once Bitten, Twice Dead

  A Darker Shade of Dead

  The Beast Within

  Dead Alert

  Gifts of the Ancients: Warrior’s Heart

  Epic Fantasy Erotic Romance

  Dragon Knights ~ Daughters of the Dragon

  Maiden Flight*

  Borde
r Lair

  The Ice Dragon**

  Prince of Spies***

  Dragon Knights ~ The Novellas

  The Dragon Healer

  Master at Arms

  Wings of Change

  Dragon Knights ~ Sons of Draconia

  FireDrake

  Dragon Storm

  Keeper of the Flame

  Hidden Dragons

  Dragon Knights ~ The Sea Captain’s Daughter Trilogy

  Book 1: Sea Dragon

  Book 2: Dragon Fire

  Book 3: Dragon Mates

  Science Fiction Romance

  StarLords

  Hidden Talent

  Talent For Trouble

  Shy Talent

  Jit’Suku Chronicles ~ Arcana

  King of Swords

  King of Cups

  King of Clubs

  King of Stars

  End of the Line

  Diva

  Jit’Suku Chronicles ~ Sons of Amber

  Angel in the Badlands

  Master of Her Heart

  Futuristic Erotic Romance

  Resonance Mates

  Hara’s Legacy**

  Davin’s Quest

  Jaci’s Experiment

  Grady’s Awakening

  Harry’s Sacrifice

  * RT Book Reviews Awards Nominee

  ** EPPIE Award Winner

  *** CAPA Award Winner