The Cowbear's Christmas Shotgun Wedding (Curvy Bear Ranch 3) by Liv Brywood Page B

of humans wasn’t present, she nosed through their trash. They were supposed to put it in bear-proof containers, but they hadn’t even attempted it. She sniffed through the brown paper bag before tearing it open with her claw.
    Leftover eggs, bacon, tortillas, and salsa had been carelessly discarded. Her bear chuffed with approval before digging in. Logan nosed his way into the bag and soon they had the remnants spread out across the campsite.
    It would have been enough food if she’d been in her human form, but her bear was hungry. She clawed at the mesh screen on the camper until she was able to gain access. Jackpot!
    The humans had cheese, crackers, peanut butter, fruit, and sausages laid out as if they’d planned on returning soon. Knowing that she wouldn’t have much time, she stuffed everything she could fit into her mouth then chewed with gusto. Beside her, Logan crammed a smorgasbord of food into his mouth. He stopped long enough to grin at her.
    She’d just swallowed another mouthful of food when she heard voices outside. She turned and looked at Logan who had a wicked glint in his eyes. He jumped out of the camper and roared at the top of his lungs.
    She followed, just in time to watch the screaming humans scatter. It was all she could do to keep from falling over from chuffing so hard. She quickly recovered and ran after Logan who was chasing the humans through the forest.
    After scaring them into a nearby campground, she turned and grinned at Logan. He grinned back. Who knew being a bear could be so damn fun?
     
    ***
     
    Later that night, after returning to their human forms, they cuddled together in front of the fire. She giggled as she remembered the looks on the campers’ faces.
    “It was kinda mean,” she said.
    “It was hilarious. Did you see the dad? I thought he was going to shit bricks,” Logan said.
    “The mom was worse. I thought she was going to faint when she saw you roar.”
    “How was it, being a bear?”
    “More fun than I thought it would be. Aside from scaring the crap out of those trespassers, I loved running through the forest,” she said.
    “I shift at least once a week. It helps work out all the extra energy I have.”
    “I’ll have to try that.”
    “Do you want to sleep with my bear again tonight?” he asked.
    “Not tonight.” She yawned. “I loved cuddling with you, but my back wasn’t as thrilled.”
    “Okay, maybe some other night.”
    She wouldn’t be here for many more nights. As much as it would hurt to leave him, there was no place for her here. To soothe the sudden pain in her heart, she scooted closer and leaned against his arm.
    “I had fun today,” she said.
    “Me too.”
    She turned to find his lips just inches from hers. As their lips met, she relaxed into the kiss. Everything about the day, including this moment, was perfect. She couldn’t imagine having more fun with another person. If nothing else, she’d enjoy the rest of the time that they had together.
    As he pulled her into his lap, she parted her lips and melted against him. Her arms wound around his neck but she wasn’t quite comfortable. When she shifted to wrap her legs around his waist, molten liquid heat pooled in her belly.
    He pulled her against him. Heat rolled through her as her bear snarled, frustrated by the way she tried to hold back. It was no use. Logan was awakening a side of her that she never knew she had.
    For years, a cage of ice had formed around her heart to keep her from trying to love anyone. But she didn’t have to try with Logan. The way they’d run and played together today had done more to melt that cage than anything she’d ever experienced. She wanted him with more than just her body. She wanted him—heart and soul.
    “Take me to bed,” she whispered.
    “Are you sure?” he asked as he gazed into her eyes.
    “More sure than I’ve ever been about anything.”
    He scooped her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. After laying her on the bed,