Big Bad Bear Read Online Free

problem,” he replied nonchalantly.
    Carly wasn’t going to ask what that meant. If the people Zeus associated with were anything like him, they probably had a lot of hidden talents too.
    She was definitely grateful for what Zeus had done for her back at the bar. And she was grateful he was so willing to bring her to his own place and watch out for her. Already, he was nothing like any man she’d ever met. But her heart warned her to be careful. She tended to get her hopes up too easily. Tended to fall into things with men who never turned out as good as she thought they were.
    “You relax. I’ll make dinner,” Zeus said, turning to leave suddenly. “If you need anything, let me know.”
    Part of her groaned in disappointment at the sight of his broad shoulders retreating down the hall. But then she realized how hungry she was. Carly thought back to earlier in the day and remembered she’d skipped lunch because there had been an influx of diners around noon. And after that, she’d just forgotten about it.
    Whatever was going to happen, she could wait until after dinner to figure it out. Right now, the cool air and her swiftly relaxing body was leaving her exhausted from the day’s exertion and stress. And the only thing that sounded better than dinner was a quick nap.
    She lay down and instantly fell asleep.

3
    Z eus listened quietly at the door of the guest bedroom. With his bear senses, he could pick up even the slightest motion or the quietest noises with his hearing. Inside, his mate rustled lightly and gave a little snore as she napped.
    His mate . Sooner or later, she was going to have to hear that from his own mouth. But for now, it was enough just to have her so near.
    As much as he wanted to let her sleep, dinner was fast getting cold, and he was certain she would be hungry. He’d sensed the tension in her before she’d turned in. And Zeus wasn’t going to stand for his mate ever going hungry. Not on his watch.
    Zeus tapped the door lightly a few times, hoping it wouldn’t startle Carly. There was the sound of sheets shifting, and for a split second, he imagined being there with her, on top of her, making her scream his name in pleasure.
    He shook his head, hoping to clear the thought from his mind. Never had he been this dumbfounded by a woman. Never before had anyone had this sort of effect on him. Then again, she was his mate. She would always mean more to him than anyone else ever could. All he could do was treat her right and hope the feelings he had for her would become mutual.
    Carly came up to the door and opened it, looking a little drowsy, her hair sticking out of its ponytail in several places. It looked so soft, as always, and he had to restrain himself from wanting to touch it.
    “I made some dinner, if you’re hungry,” Zeus said.
    Carly took in a long whiff and smiled. “Smells delicious. Are you sure it’s okay? I’m not imposing or anything?”
    “It’s fine,” he said, letting her walk past him and down the stairs toward the kitchen.
    For dinner, Zeus had cooked up some steaks and potatoes. He certainly hadn’t learned to be a master chef in the service, but nothing made the men happier than a good cookout with delicious grilled meat, so Zeus knew enough to get by.
    He watched as Carly’s eyes lit up at the dinner laid out on the table. Outside, the sun had already set, and the warm evening light was turning a cool blue that settled over the surrounding forest around them. His favorite time of day.
    He pulled the chair up for her to sit down, then took a seat himself. He quickly served up a large portion for Carly, which she responded to with a suspicious eyebrow.
    “This isn’t a trick or some sicko game for you, is it? Rescuing women and bringing them back here to feed them ridiculous amounts of food?”
    “No,” Zeus said, a small smile teasing the corners of his lips. “It’s not every day a woman like you needs rescuing. And as for dinner, I just know you’re