“All right. Try closing your eyes this time. That’ll make it easier. Trust me,” Darrell said.

I trust you, Carrie thought, her belly filling with warmth at the rumble of his voice.

She could still barely believe what had happened.

After their talk, Darrell had accompanied her back to the bed and breakfast, and she’d slept for eleven hours, despite her earlier nap. And in the morning, Darrell had been waiting for her again.

It was early; the sun had barely risen. The sheriff’s office was still closed. They were the first at breakfast, down in the cozy dining room, and they left just when a bleary-eyed family with a cheerful little girl made their way down the stairs.

It was the perfect time to work on her shifting—or so it had seemed.

Now that she was standing in a small clearing in the forest, safely hidden from view, it no longer seemed like such a good idea.

“You didn’t tell me it was so hard,” Carrie sighed.

So far, five attempts hadn’t worked out.

“Eyes closed,” Darrell said with mock sternness. “And now, think of your animal. Think of what you remember about running through the forest on your paws. The scents, the feel of sunlight on your fur, the excitement of the hunt...”

Obediently, Carrie tried to recall what it had been like to be trapped in a cat’s body. She remembered the feel of cool moss against her paws—and the relief of being curled up on a branch, able to survey everything below her.

Be a cat again, she told herself firmly. A cat. I’m a cat. Be a cat.

Her jaw was beginning to ache. It took a moment until she realized that she’d clenched it tightly. Her fingernails were digging into her palm.

With a sigh of disappointment, she opened her eyes.

She was still human. Nothing had changed. Only she’d forgotten to breathe, and now she felt a little dizzy.

“It’s much harder than I thought,” she said in disappointment. “I don’t think I can do it. Maybe it was a one-time thing. Just because I was in danger. Maybe I’m no real shifter after all, and that’s why I was abandoned.”

“Nonsense,” Darrell murmured.

His eyes were warm. There was no pity in them, which was a relief. There was heat in them—which was also a relief, and made her stomach clench with instinctive desire.

She wasn’t just imagining the sparks between them. He had to feel the same—otherwise, why would he spend so much time with her?

“Okay, time for a different approach,” he said, his smile widening—just as the heat in his eyes was deepening. “Do you trust me?”

Carrie’s stomach gave a jolt. Sudden arousal throbbed at the core of her. The piercing gaze of those strange, light-filled eyes seemed to speak to a hidden part of her, something ancient and primal and full of need...

“Of course,” she said, embarrassed by how breathless her voice sounded.

God, when was the last time I wanted a man so badly? But then, he’s like no one I’ve ever met...

“Close your eyes again,” he said.

She gave him a doubtful look, but in answer, he just raised his chin imperiously.

With a deep sigh, Carrie obeyed.

With her eyes closed, she had to trust her other senses. Her ears told her that Darrell was moving around her. Then there was the sensation of touch—his warmth against hers as he stepped behind her, his arms coming around her.

“Keep your eyes closed,” he demanded, his voice low.

Despite herself, she shivered. Something in her instinctively responded to the sudden vibration of power in his voice. There was something deliciously commanding in it—the confidence of a man who was used to taking charge and having his orders obeyed.

Alpha, something faint seemed to whisper in her. She didn’t know where the thought had come from. It hadn’t really been a thought, anyway... more like the distant echo of another person’s voice.

But who....

“Now relax. Trust me. Think only of me,” Darrell ordered, his voice still dark and decisive.

She’d never liked men who got off on ordering others around—mostly because Carrie did a damn good job of running a busy office by herself, and any involvement of her boss always just resulted in chaos and a mess she’d have to fix.

But something about Darrell was different. There was an overwhelming confidence in his voice—but it was the sort of leadership that made something in her breathlessly want to follow along.

Leadership... that’s a good word, she thought dimly. That’s what he’s got. Not arrogance—a natural dominance. Like he’s a general preparing to lead us into battle.

Like an alpha in charge of his clan, something inside her seemed to whisper again.

Carrie shivered when Darrell’s hot breath ghosted against her skin. He was so close that she could feel his heat through her clothes. It was a good feeling.

His arms were strong, his muscles like corded ropes of steel. He was the sort of man who’d run off into the wilderness if someone was in danger out there. The sort of man who’d rescue a stranger from a werewolf.

The sort of man who’d defend his territory and protect his mate with his life...

She was swaying. He was still speaking, but she couldn’t make out the words any longer. Warmth had spread through her limbs. She felt sluggish—and also strangely light. Like she would just float away if he let go of her.

Don’t let go of me, she thought.

I’ve got you, his voice seemed to whisper in return.

Slowly, a smile spread over her face. She could feel the rays of sunlight on her skin. Everything was warm and golden. Darrell’s strength anchored her. She was free.

There was nothing but the forest all around them. Nothing but the sun and grass and sunlight—and this incredibly sexy man who could set her body on fire with a single look.

The arousal was still a part of her, but it had turned into a low, sweet ache, right there in her heart, as though he’d put a hook into it.

Does he feel the same? Is that why he likes holding me close?

You’re safe, his voice whispered in her mind. I’m here. I’ve got you. Let go. Let go, Carrie. Be free.

Be free, she thought in wonder, feeling lighter and lighter as warmth continued to spread through her body.

Her limbs were tingling now. It was the weirdest sensation. Like thousands of tiny bubbles exploding beneath her skin.

It made her want to giggle. It made her want to spread her arms and give herself up to this joyous lightness in her heart, as if she’d just have to think the word and she’d be able to fly away...

With a sudden rush, the warmth intensified. It wasn’t scary, even though it was so strange.

She giggled at the way it felt—as if the rays of sunlight were tickling her skin.

But the sound that escaped her lips was no giggle. It was a little mewl.

Shocked, she opened her eyes—and found herself faced with the fabric of her skirt, which had somehow grown to the size of a tent.

A heartbeat later, she’d hopped out of the fabric that had entrapped her—and landed on her paws.

I’m a cat, she thought, stunned. She looked down at her paws. I’m really a cat!

Her fur was striped, she saw when she turned her head. She was an orange tabby, just like Darrell had told her, with fluffy fur.

She’d really turned into a cat. It wasn’t a nightmare, or the shock of the accident. It was all real.

And she wasn’t alone.

The feeling was stronger now. The distant whisper was more distinct. It didn’t feel strange—it wasn’t at all like being trapped in a body together with a cat.

There, deep at the heart of her, something had resided for as long as she knew. She’d simply never acknowledged it before.

Hi, she whispered silently, entranced by that spirit of wary elegance.

After a moment, there was the briefest brush of a mind against her own—just like a hesitant cat brushing quickly against her leg before retreating.

Have you been here with me all along? she asked in awe. I’m sorry. How lonely you must have been. I never even knew you were here with me...

Again her animal brushed against her. This time, the touch lingered a little longer, like a cat carefully sniffing at an outstretched hand.

And then, at last, there was an answer.

Can we run? the voice asked wistfully. I’ve dreamed of running, chasing, climbing trees for so long... I don’t want to go back to sleep. Let me be free. Please.

Was that what had happened? Carrie couldn’t remember much of her youngest childhood. Had she shifted by accident and freaked out her foster parents?

If I was sent away every time I shifted, no wonder I stopped...

And by the time she was five and placed with the family that fostered her until she’d finished school, she’d already learned to deeply bury her inner cat, afraid that she’d end up losing the love of her newest family.

I’m sorry, she said again, carefully reaching out with her mind for that elusive creature of fur deep inside her. I’m really sorry. I’m here now, with you. I found you. And I won’t abandon you again. We’ll be free now—together.

“Everything all right?” Darrell’s voice interrupted. He’d knelt, and now carefully reached out for her.

Carrie gave his fingers a little sniff, not quite sure why she did it, only that it seemed natural.

And he smelled good. Oh, he smelled so good, of something dark and woody and spicy that wrapped all around her.

Her wary cat came forward with sudden interest, deeply inhaling the scent as well—and then promptly flopped to her back in Carrie’s mind, rolling around with a happy little mewl.

Carrie didn’t have time to think about that strange reaction. All she could feel was a bone-deep contentment.

Darrell was right. He was just right, and he was exactly where he should be—here. With her.

“Okay,” he said with a little laugh. “Now don’t panic. I’ll shift as well, and then we can go explore the forest a little, so you can get used to your animal.”

Once more, Darrell stripped down. A new waft of that intriguing scent washed over Carrie, who breathed in deeply with delight. It was so good it was making her dizzy. She wanted to wrap herself in it like a blanket.

And then his gorgeous, muscle-bound body shimmered, and a heartbeat later, a huge bear with dark fur stood before her. She should have been scared, but this time, she was filled with nothing but delight.

He gave her a little huff of encouragement, and then, together, they ran.

It was the most fun Carrie’d ever had. As a child, she’d dreamed of going to an amusement park, imagining sparkling lights and thrilling rides and adventure waiting for her at every corner.

This was all that, and so much more.

Her cat was no longer wary. Instead, she’d come forward, a strange but comforting presence in Carrie’s mind. Her cat knew all about the forest and the rustling of mice beneath leaves. She knew just where to climb a tree, and where to jump into a patch of grass to startle a bird.

It was the greatest adventure Carrie’d ever had—so much better than the time they’d gone on a paintball outing with the office.

Carrie felt like an explorer, someone brave and adventurous who’d laugh at danger. Who could stand against her now?

I’m not afraid of anyone or anything, she thought, stretching against a tree and unsheathing her claws to sharpen them against the bark.

Yes. Just like that, her cat whispered in her mind, fierce and pleased.

Carrie grinned at her, and then she turned her head. Darrell was behind her, the large, powerful form of the bear watching her from those light-filled brown eyes.

A second later, Carrie had vaulted up the tree—only to turn right around again, flying through the air in a perfect, graceful arc.

Oh my God, she thought, exhilarated and grateful while her cat purred with proud approval. And then she landed exactly on where she’d planned to land.

Right between the bear’s shoulder blades.

Darrell made a surprised growl, and Carrie rubbed her head briefly against his ear. His scent was stronger here, and something about the thought of his scent all over her made her feel giddy with adoration.

And then she was off again, jumping onto the springy forest floor to race off, zig-zagging between trees while Darrell came racing behind her.

She couldn’t talk, but even so she knew exactly what he was feeling. Maybe it was the sharper senses of the cat that told her: Darrell was filled with joy and amusement, just as she was. She hoped the breathless game of hunt would never end.

And it didn’t end—not until they stumbled into a light-filled clearing at the heart of the forest an hour later. The sunlight came falling in through the canopy of the trees that surrounded the clearing. The ground was dappled with sunlight, little spots of gold and silver and green moving continuously, as though the sun-warmed grass beneath their feet was a shifting ocean of verdant light.

Among the grass, patches of wild flowers bloomed, filling the air with their sweet scent. There were poppies and cornflowers and snapdragons, and a hundred flowers Carrie didn’t recognize.

If I live here, I’ll have to get a book about flowers and trees, and I’ll spend an hour outside every day, just learning all there is to know about nature.

And mice, her cat purred contentedly in her head. I’ll teach you all about mice, and where to find sweet water, and how the sunlight shifts.

Yes, Carrie whispered back, exhausted but still filled with that giddiness that had overcome her at this first experience of being who she really was.

Could I live here? I can’t imagine anything I want more... but I’ve got a job, a home, payments on my car. Maybe this is all just a beautiful dream...

Then Darrell nearly barreled into her, his jaw open a little as he panted. The sunlight drew golden shimmers on his beautiful, black fur. His eyes were shining at her, and right then, right there, Carrie knew that she’d never felt happier in her life.

And she’d never been more in love.

It was as if something else had taken over. She couldn’t consciously remember shifting back—but from one moment to the next, that lightness came streaming through her once more, little bubbles of happiness and excitement bursting all beneath her skin.

And then, just like that, she was human once more.

Darrell had shifted back at the same moment. He was gloriously naked, as was Carrie, and with the sunlight warm on her skin, wrapping her arms around him seemed like the most natural thing in the world all of a sudden.

Darrell groaned. His skin was hot. His eyes were still filled with the strange light that had drawn her to him right from the start. He was damp with sweat from their run, so Carrie reached up and gently stroked her thumb along his brow.

His breath came in little pants against her hand. For a moment, neither of them moved. Heat was rushing through Carrie, a hot jolt of electricity racing through her veins, from her fingertips right to the core of her.

Her belly clenched with sudden, urgent need. She couldn’t look away from his eyes.

And then he rolled them around, and his mouth was on hers.

The kiss was overwhelming. Blindly, Carrie found herself clutching at Darrell’s strong shoulders. She couldn’t think of anything but how good he felt. No one had ever kissed her like this. His lips were hot on hers. Her entire body was on fire. Against her thigh, she could feel his arousal—and she wanted more. She needed more, with every fiber of her being.

What did it matter if it was just a fling? What she had right now was real—and it was probably the best thing that had ever happened to her. She didn’t care if it wouldn’t last.

Right now, Darrell wanted her, and she wanted him too, more than anything. For this afternoon, that was all that mattered.

With a groan, Darrell propped himself up on one elbow. His eyes were so dark and wide with lust they seemed nearly black.

“Do you want—” he began.

“Yes,” Carrie breathed, smoothing her hand in awe down the strong, corded muscles of his back. She’d never felt so much tightly controlled power before. “God, yes. I want you. All of you.”

He swallowed. Fascinated, she watched the muscles of his throat move. A drop of moisture slid down his damp skin, glistening in the sun, and she found herself fighting the sudden urge to lean forward and lap it away.

“I’ve got nothing on me,” he said then. “We’d have to go back—”

“I’m on birth control,” Carrie said, suddenly gleefully happy she’d gone for that IUD last year.

At the time, she hadn’t thought of how one day, she might end up in an accident, and stranded in a forest with a gorgeous, sexy, charismatic stranger who could turn into a bear—but now she was glad that some part of her had apparently had that foresight.

Darrell’s eyes darkened even more at her words. Against her thigh, she could feel him pulse with need for her.

The wild part inside of her that had felt so light and free before was all heavy and warm now. She was wet with arousal, her entire body throbbing, as though she'd waited her whole life to be touched by a man like him.

"Please," she breathed, looking up into those gorgeous, golden-brown eyes.

And then, at her words, he groaned and leaned down. His mouth covered hers, just as his body pushed her into the grass.

His hips moved against her. The iron-hard length of his erection slid against her wet folds. She gasped at the touch, barely able to wait anymore. Instinctively, her hips rose. She clutched at his shoulders again, moaning at his scent, which overwhelmed her, like a cloud of pure desire.

And then he was inside her.

The sensation made her cry out. She'd never been loud before, but this time she couldn’t hold back. Her heart was racing so fast in her chest she thought it would burst. She needed him so badly that it was a physical ache. And he felt so good inside her, filling her so perfectly that all she could do was hold on to him as he began claiming her with thrust after thrust.

Every motion sent a wave of pleasure through her. It was like being a ship being rocked by a storm, desire and pleasure overwhelming her like an irresistible force of nature.

They'd been meant to come together like this. Somehow, someway, she'd always been supposed to find him, to touch him. She was meant to be claimed by this man who could made her entire body sing with an ecstasy unlike anything she'd ever known—and who could make desire throb thick and sweet between them with just a single look or touch.

Sunlight was still shining down on them. The clearing smelled of flowers and warm grass. And beneath it all, there was the thick, warm scent of male desire that drove her wild.

With every thrust of his hips, pleasure pulsed through her, bright and sweet. She gasped for air as she threw back her head, looking up at him as her thighs clenched around his hips, hoping he'd stay inside her like this forever, hoping it would go on and on and on...

And then the pleasure crested and broke, and she cried out again.

Her orgasm rolled through her, making her clench around him as she buried her hands in his hair with a little sob.

She could feel his teeth against her throat, his groan vibrating against her skin as he throbbed inside her with the force of his own climax. Every muscle of his incredible body had tensed. For one sweet, long moment, they were flying together, the pleasure vibrating between them like a ribbon or a chain, something strong that bound them together and couldn't be cut by anyone or anything.

At last, he slid out of her with another groan. He raised a hand to brush a strand of hair out of her face. His eyes were golden, filled with warmth as he looked down at her.

"That was incredible," she said, still out of breath.

Had she really just had sex with a stranger, out in the open, in the middle of the forest?

But he's a bear, and I'm a cat. That's as weird as it gets. Sex with a hot stranger doesn't even come close on the scale of day-to-day weirdness.

He's not a stranger, the soft voice inside her whispered once more. He's ours.

Can I hear you even when I'm not a cat?

Her inner animal sent a wave of amusement her way.

Okay, stupid question. Clearly I can.

Carrie found herself smiling at the thought. Maybe it was weird... but at the same time, it wasn't at all like sharing a body with a stranger. It was more like finally finding out that a part of her that had been there all along had a name.

He is ours, she then thought in agreement as she followed the line a drop of sweat had taken with the tip of her finger.

Darrell's skin was hot. And now, it smelled of her, too. Her scent was all over his skin. And her scent was all over his.

Why is that so hot?

It was hot. She wanted to wrap herself in that deep, earthy, spicy scent that said Darrell. She wanted to wear it like a blanket and roll around in it. Even now, although she was still exhausted from the most incredible sex she'd ever had, it made her stomach tighten and her clit pulse again.

Incredible, she thought again, awed and exhausted, and then simply rested her head on his shoulder, content to doze in his embrace for a while.