He inhaled, eyes flashing gold. “You smell fucking sublime, little mate.”
She wagged a finger at him. “No flirting. We’re on a time crunch, and this is important.”
He quirked a brow. “I still don’t know why you won’t just tell me what’s going on.”
“Because I’ve got a score to settle with Big Murphy, not you.”
“Big Mur—” Murphy’s voice cut off abruptly. He scowled, looking more offended than she’d ever seen him before. “I’m nearly six and a half feet tall, Nessa.I’mBig Murphy.”
“Oh?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “How tall is your bear?”
Murphy huffed, the sound so full of exasperation that Nessa couldn’t keep her grin from forming. It stretched across her face, and she giggled.
Immediately, his eyes softened. “You love teasing me, don’t you?”
“Only because you make it so delightful.”
“You’re lucky I love you,” he joked.
Nessa sobered, her smile turning gentle as warmth spread through her body. “I really am.”
With a low growl, Murphy stalked over to her, pulling her into his arms. His mouth crashed onto hers, the kiss searing and all-consuming. Her world tilted on its axis, her breath stalling in her lungs as he sipped from her lips.
All too quickly, he pulled away, taking a large step back. Giving himself plenty of room.
Then Murphy shifted. She’d never seen him turn into his bear before—only witnessing the opposite transition—and the process was as remarkable as watching his counterpart retreat into his human body.
The sound of bones crunching was jarring and unpleasant, but she brushed her discomfort aside the moment fur rippled across his skin. He clearly didn’t seem to experience any pain. His body contorted seamlessly, elongating as it grew larger and larger. Almost as soon as it began, it was over, leaving a massive grizzly bear staring back at her.
Despite expecting it, Nessa’s eyes still widened in surprise, in complete awe of the transformation. She’d never seen anything so profound in her life.
That her mate was capable of something so magical … He was amazing.
Her mate stepped forward, his massive body crowding in front of her. He craned his head forward, and she reached up, lightly petting his cheek. Coarse, thick fur touched her palm. Giddy, she pet him again, distracted from her task.
This was so freaking cool. And of course, even in bear form, Murphy was handsome. Well, adorable, really. She just wanted to squish his face together and give his nose kisses.
He gave a low grunt after a few minutes, startling Nessa out of her daze.
“Sorry! I completely forgot what I was doing.” She shook her head to clear it. “Now, this is a little confusing, so bear with me. Murphy and you share the same body, but when he’s in this form, your conscience is at the forefront, right? It’s more you than Murphy?”
Murphy’s bear nuzzled her hand in answer.
“Great.” Now it was time to lay this to rest. She placed her hands under his jaw, lifting his head until those golden eyes were staring into her very soul. Even in this form, it was impossible to miss the love shining back at her in his gaze as he watched her. “You never had mating sickness, did you?”
He clacked his teeth together, a sound she’d learned recently meant his bear was anxious. Why would he be anxious unless she’d figured out his little secret?
“Big Murphy,” Nessa warned lightly. “Don’t you act nervous. You nod yes or no right now. Did you have mating sickness?”
Murphy’s bear slowly shook its head, his fur sliding over Nessa’s palm in a ticklish caress.
I knew it! That cute little shit.
“Did you pretend to have mating sickness so Murphy would mate with me?”
The bear nodded, sending her a pitiful look she could only describe as ‘puppy-dog eyes.’
“That was very mean,” she scolded. “Murphy didn’t deserve to feel like that, did he?”
