Bear Again (Second Chance Shifters 3) by Meredith Clarke, Ally Summers Page A

relationship, running the lodge, while trying to overcome both their pasts. But can they?
    A Promise to Bear is a STANDALONE in the Second Chance Shifter Series. There is almost too much drama to handle, between lost loved ones, shady business deals, and sex so hot it burns.

    L iam Grayson is his clan’s new alpha after the death of his best friend. He's devastated, but he knows the clan needs a leader to move on.
    Sophia Withers is trying to move on after the death of her mate. Only, she didn’t realize when she pledged to be his mate, she had also pledged herself to his clan. The future of the clan rests on her returning to her rightful position within the clan, or everything could be lost.
    When Liam shows up after the clan's two-year mourning period ends to take Sophia as his mate, she refuses to even speak to the notorious sexy playboy. She isn't interested in another broken heart. Although, she doesn't know Liam has been in love with her for years. To him, this isn't about clan duty--this has always been about Sophia.
    Bear Again is a STANDALONE in the Second Chance Shifter Series. It contains a broken heart, clan law, and so much heat you'll need to turn on a fan.

    E xcerpt
    He parked in front of The Sweet Tooth and looked through the windows. The cupcake shop looked empty, but it was hard to tell through the heavy drops of rain.
    It was time. The clan had given her space and time to grieve. Today marked the end of the mourning season. Sophia had to come back to the clan.
    Liam stepped one foot out of his truck, making a large splash with his boot. The rain slid along his cheek, soaking his hair and shirt. He pushed open the door as the bell chimed to announce his arrival.
    “I’ll be right out,” he heard her voice from the back of the shop. She was probably in the kitchen.
    He shoved his hands in his jeans, waiting for her to appear. She wouldn’t expect him. She wouldn’t expect any of them. He had purposely stayed away until now. He cleared his throat.
    “I just put a fresh batch…” She looked stunned as if her words were stuck in her throat. “Liam?”
    “Hey, Soph.”
    “What are you doing here?” She wiped her hands on the front of her apron.
    “How are you?” He took a step toward the glass shelves where she stored baked goods.
    Her hair was longer than the last time he saw her. He liked how she had it pulled back on the sides, but it hung down in long auburn waves around her shoulders.
    “Don’t.” She backed up. “Don’t show up here and start asking about me.”
    “It’s been two years,” he stated.
    He noticed the quiver in her lip and how her brilliant blue eyes began to mist. “I know exactly how long it’s been.”
    “Then you also know why I’m here.” The rain rattled the windows behind him, but he didn’t flinch.
    She pulled the strings on the apron and threaded it over her head before hanging it up on a nearby hook.
    “Soph, did you hear me?”
    She whipped around. “I have no idea why you’ve suddenly decided to show up, but you can get out. Get out of my shop, Liam.”
    He shook his head. “Look, I’m going to sit right over there. And I would like a cup of coffee.”
    Her eyes widened. “Are you kidding me?”
    “No. I’d like it black, please. And hot.” He turned from her and settled behind one of the bistro tables in the corner.
    Sophia disappeared into the kitchen. He wasn’t sure if she was going to return with coffee or a gun, but he waited. Ten minutes later she emerged with a hot mug. She slammed the cup on the table, spilling coffee around the sides of the mug.
    “There. Drink it and get out,” she fumed.
    Liam knew she would be angry. He knew she would reject his visit, and probably resent his very presence.
    He looked up at her. “Thank you.”
    There was a lot to tell her. More had happened in the past two years since he had seen her than could be discussed over one cup of coffee, but this was the beginning. This was their beginning.

    D o