When they got back, Bruce urged the cubs upstairs to their rooms and tucked them into bed. Vicky stood in the hallway in disbelief. Bruce had saved them. He was incredibly powerful, both in his bear form and outside of it. Her body was still on fire from seeing Bruce shapeshift back into his human form and stand in front of her unabashedly. His body was lithe and gorgeous, and she couldn’t help but feel wildly attracted to him when he smiled at her.
But that wasn’t an option. Even still…
No, she couldn’t let herself think about it. She was just about to return back to her small bedroom when Bruce came back from tucking his kids in and took Vicky’s hand silently. He led her to his bedroom and her heart began to hammer hard in her chest. Somehow, she knew without words exactly what this meant.
Finally, Bruce turned to her in front of his bed, his body still nude and the definition of perfection in the moonlight.
“Vicky, I have something I want to say to you.”
His voice was low and serious, and he gripped her hands tightly.
“What is it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Ever since you’ve arrived, you’ve made my family feel more complete; my house feels like a home now. And I can’t see myself without you for another minute. Please. I need you. Stay by my side. Be the mother of my children. Let me protect you. Forever.”
Vicky’s heart thudded hard in her chest. Be with Bruce? He really wanted her? It seemed more than she could ever have hoped for and she embraced him tightly. The attraction between them was intense and immediate. Vicky’s lips quickly found Bruce’s and they kissed passionately. She could feel the instantaneous reaction of his body against hers.
She responded with a deep shudder, and Bruce lifted her with a growl, tossing her gently onto the bed and tearing her clothes off carefully. When they were both naked Bruce’s body was suddenly on top of her and she could feel the sudden urgency of his arousal against her thigh. She moaned softly as a piercing wave of arousal washed over her.
Bruce was highly aware of her desires and pressed himself firmly against her. She could feel the friction of his pulsing member against her middle and shuddered in his strong arms. The sensation was blissfully good. She hadn’t realized it could get better, but then he began to enter her.
When he did, the entire game changed. Bruce seemed to sense it and growled as he was enveloped by her heat. He went slowly, sensually, until he was inside her completely, then kissed her reverently with a firm thrust of his hips.
He growled and gripped her legs, parting them slightly as he began a steady rolling of his hips against her. He moved his body languidly and expertly, in a way that made her body respond acutely with a deep pleasure that nearly drove her to cry out loudly. But the kids were asleep, and she hushed her fervent, passionate cries.
Bruce sensed her struggle and pressed his mouth hotly against her in a firm kiss. She gasped as he entered her with rough assertion, holding her tenderly. The contrast of his gentleness and his power brought a gasp of longing to her lips and she gripped his shoulder tightly as he brought her closer to climax.
He growled deeply in her ear and another hot jolt of longing flooded her thighs. He met the sudden fluid there eagerly and continued to thrust with a deep urgency. Now it was clear he was losing himself to the power of the bear within and she melted against Bruce, overwhelmed by both her own desires and his willingness to meet them. She moaned deeply as her body began trembling beneath him, beginning its slow surrender to her pleasure.
He sensed her yielding and doubled his efforts, picking up the pace. He caught her eye and Vicky’s skin prickled. Bruce’s eyes were flashing with a primal need and she found herself responsive to it in a way she had never imagined possible. She shuddered in his arms as her orgasm began to quake her.
The sudden hot eruption of Bruce’s climax intensified it. The explosion of his desire filled her with a deep piercing heat, and she moaned deeply as he filled her completely with the evidence of his longing. He continued with the powerful roll of his hips until he was completely spent and held her close to his body until he could tell she had been given all she could take.
“I love you, Vicky,” he murmured, kissing the top of her head. Vicky closed her eyes and held him tightly.
“I love you too,” she whispered.
They fell asleep entwined together, deeply comforted by the delicious thrill of their love.
***
The next day, Bruce and Vicky made the kids breakfast.
“We have something important to talk to you guys about,” Bruce said once they were all downstairs.
“Important?” Marie asked, sitting down, and taking a drink of juice. “Is it about the pool?”
“No,” Bruce said with a smile. “I was wondering how you guys would feel if Vicky and I got married.”
Vicky was just as surprised as the kids were and they all gaped at Bruce, who grinned.
“You mean she could be my mommy for real?” Marie exclaimed, jumping up from her seat to throw her arms around Vicky. “Yes!”
Bruce looked to the boys, who were still stunned.
“I love Vicky,” Greg said decidedly, still slowly trying to process. He glanced to his brother to see how Mike would react.
Finally, Michael’s face lit up.
“I think if you were ever going to marry someone, Vicky would be the best choice,” he said finally. He smiled at her from across the table. “Congratulations.”
Bruce tousled the boy’s hair and smiled at Vicky, who was holding Marie on her lap now. The child was chattering about all the things they could do if Vicky was her mommy.
“So, what do you think? Be my wife?”
Vicky looked at Bruce from over Marie’s head with tears in her eyes.
“Yes,” she whispered, smiling at him. “Of course.”
The phone rang suddenly, and Greg got up to run to it. “I’ll get it,” he declared.
When he returned, he handed the phone to Vicky. “It’s for you.”
“Oh,” she murmured. “Hello?”
“Vic, it’s me…”
“Mom, hi,” Vicky said, her chest tightening. Bruce noticed immediately and watched carefully.
“I decided you’re right. I need the rehab. I signed myself up. I go in tomorrow. I just wanted to give you my contact information and everything…”
Vicky’s tears returned, and she swallowed hard. “That’s amazing, mom! Congratulations.” She hesitated and then smiled shyly at Bruce. “Actually, I have some good news. Once you get out, you can help me plan a wedding. I think I just got engaged.”
“She did!” Marie shouted. “She’s going to be my new mommy!”
Vicky’s mother was startled but laughed in delight. “Wow, really? Congratulations to you too!”
They chatted for a little while longer and then finally hung up. Vicky smiled at her new family and held her eyes on Bruce.
“I propose a toast,” she said, lifting her glass of juice. Everyone followed suit. “To new beginnings.”
“Cheers!” they all exclaimed, and then laughed and put their glasses down to enjoy their first official meal as a family.
The End