Lennox laughed, a deep, hungry sound.“Good thing we’re both overachievers.”
Brielle’s grin turned wicked as she stretched beneath them.“Then I guess class is in session.”
Hunter rolled over her, his mouth finding hers again while Lennox’s laughter rumbled low beside them.“Then let’s make sure you have plenty to write about.”
Her laughter melted into a moan as their bodies tangled again, the night stretching endlessly before them.
****
Brielle’s laughterfrom the night before still echoed in Lennox’s head as the morning sun broke over the skyline.When she’d mentioned wanting to see their bears, he’d thought she was joking.But now she stood in front of them, wearing jeans, boots, and a jacket, her rich brown skin glowing in the soft light, her curls dancing in the crisp forest air.
“Show me,” she said, eyes bright with anticipation.“I want to meet them.”
Hunter gave Lennox a look that said this could go sideways fast.But Lennox just grinned.“All right, sweetheart.Just remember—you asked for it.”
They led her deep into the forest where the scent of pine and damp earth filled the air.When they reached the clearing, he felt the pull of his bear stir.His bones ached, the shift calling.“Stay close,” he told her.
“I’m not afraid,” Brielle said, and her confidence made something primal in him growl in approval.
Hunter chuckled, peeling off his shirt and kicking off his boots.“Might wanna look away, sweetheart.Things are about to get ...hairy.”
Lennox harrumphed.“Speak for yourself, Yeti.I am perfectly manscaped.”
Hunter rolled his eyes as Brielle laughed.“I was talking about our bears.”
Brielle smirked, crossing her arms.“You’re both acting like I haven’t seen naked men before.Though if this goes wrong, I’m definitely getting hazard pay.”
Lennox burst out laughing, tugging his shirt over his head.“Hazard pay?Baby, after last night and that purple flame you were conjuring, you owe us.”
She raised a brow, her grin teasing.“Pretty sure that’s not how that works.”
Their laughter filled the clearing, warm and unrestrained, before fading into a quiet charged with energy.Hunter gave her one last look—one that saidtrust me—and nodded to Lennox.
Then the change took hold.Lennox’s body stretched and cracked, fur spilling over skin as his bear surged forward.The world sharpened—sound, scent, and color exploding around him.When his vision cleared, Brielle stood motionless, eyes wide but not fearful.Instead, she smiled, stepping forward slowly.
“Oh, my goddess,” she breathed, reaching out.“You’re both beautiful.”
Hunter’s bear emerged beside him—larger, darker, his fur a rich russet hue.The two of them rumbled in greeting, circling Brielle protectively.She laughed, the sound soft and wonder-filled.
Lennox dropped his head, nudging her hand until her fingers slid through his fur.Her touch sent warmth all the way to his core.She was fearless, petting him, scratching behind his ear.“You’re purring,” she whispered in awe.
He wasn’t, not really—but the deep rumble that left his chest might as well have been.
“Can I...?”she asked, glancing at Hunter’s bear.“Can I ride you?”
Hunter’s bear huffed, and Lennox swore he saw amusement in the animal’s eyes.He knelt, lowering himself so she could climb on.She hesitated only a second before swinging one leg over his back, her fingers curling into the thick fur at his neck.
Brielle’s laugh rang through the forest as Hunter started to move, slow at first, then faster, running through the trees, the wind rushing around them.He could feel her joy, the thrill pouring off her in waves.Lennox kept pace watching their mate carefully and when Hunter finally slowed, Lennox was there waiting in the next clearing, his bear pacing with a pleased growl.
Brielle slid down, her cheeks flushed.“That was incredible,” she said breathlessly.“You two are incredible.”
Lennox shifted back, catching his breath as his human form returned.Naked and grinning, he said, “You handled that beautifully, sweetheart.”
She laughed, eyes sparkling.“You’re lucky I didn’t fall off.”
Hunter, now human again, moved closer, brushing his thumb along her jaw.“You wouldn’t have.We’d never let you get hurt.”
The forest was quiet except for the rustle of leaves and the pounding of their hearts.Brielle looked between them, her voice softer now.“I don’t think I’ve ever felt this ...safe.”