Werebear's Baby Contract: Bear Shifter Island, #4

By T.S. Ryder

What's a Bear to do if his surrogate turns out to be the only woman he's ever loved? Claim her, of course.

Fredrick is a huge, hot werebear who knows one thing about love: It's hell. Ten years ago, he fell in love and he fell hard. Until his heart got broken.

Now all he wants is a baby.

But when Fredrick enters the surrogate agency, his Bear smells a very delicious scent… a very familiar scent…

Who is the woman carrying his baby?

Lucy's life is not easy. Having escaped an arranged marriage with a madman and with no money left, she turns to her last option: being a surrogate. She needs to survive.

But will she survive when the madman she was promised to wants her back?

And when she meets the bear that had her heart years ago, will he protect her and her baby?

Can Fredrick and Lucy stand the heat between them and surrender to their desire and heart once again?

This is a full length novel of 50,000 words. It is a standalone romance in the "Bear Shifter Island" series. Other parts in the series are:

"Mated to Four Werebears"

"Werebear's Nanny"

"Werebear's Baby Girl"

18+ readers only.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Heartbeat Reads
• Release date: Mar 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386497660

Book preview

Chapter One – Lucy

Ten Years Ago

Eighteen-year-old Lucy rolled up the final shirt she was taking with her and packed it around the bread and cheese that she already had in her backpack. The water, food, and clothes made it heavier than she would have liked but she knew that the handful of cash she had managed to save up wasn’t going to last long if she wasn’t careful with it.

Her stomach coiled in on itself, like a slug that had had salt dumped over it. Fear of discovery. The lingering doubt about whether this was the right choice. But most of all, excitement for what her future would hold once she was free of this place.

Sliding the pack onto her back, Lucy took one more look around her room. Over the past few months, it had gone from austere to resplendent. Ever since it was arranged for her to marry, Lucy’s family had received many gifts that elevated their status from one of the poorest in the area to one of the wealthiest. Of course, that was due to the fact that she was marrying Reynolds, the leader of their ‘community’.

Lucy snorted. Community. Even now, she had a difficult time seeing it for what it really was. This was a cult. Reynolds was the leader of a cult and she had been raised in it. Her parents had allowed her to know nothing else and if it wasn’t for Fredrick, she still wouldn’t know any better.

Just thinking of Fredrick made the coils in her stomach settle but they came back double force when she heard a noise downstairs. Her blood ran cold. Both her parents were supposed to be asleep! Had one of them gotten up? Would they stop her from her escape?

What is it? her best friend, Christine, hissed as she looked around wildly.

Lucy shook her head. I thought I heard something downstairs. I think I’m just jumpy.

Christine’s eyes shone with sympathy. Ever since Reynolds decided that he wanted to marry Lucy, she had been nervous and jumpy. Everyone said it was an honor to be married to him, he who was the manifestation of the universe in human form. Or so he claimed. He said that he had unlocked the knowledge of his previous lives, where he had been everybody from Ramses II to William the Conqueror, set in these positions of kingship by the divine will of the universe.

It had taken Lucy a deep struggle to realize that it was all nonsense. If the universe had a divine consciousness, and she wasn’t certain that it did, then Reynolds was the last person that it would choose to rule among humans.

Even still, there was a part of her that shivered at the thought that it might be true. That by being rebellious in this way, she would be sent to hell for a hundred years before being reborn into a lowly creature. There, she would be tormented with her sins, faced with every act she had done that was contrary to what Reynolds said was the will of the universe. If she was a good, righteous woman, she’d go to heaven.

But if the way things in the community were done was a model of heaven, then surely hell would be preferable.

Christine took her hand, bringing Lucy’s attention back to her and the situation at hand. Be careful, Lucy. And don’t forget about me.

I won’t, Lucy promised. I’m going to come back for you and Mary. I’ll get you both out of here. I won’t leave you behind.

Christine’s eyes welled with tears. She threw her arms around Lucy, holding her tight. She was the only one Lucy had told about the things that had been happening recently, the only person she trusted enough to tell her plans to. Her heart pounded, echoing the beat she felt from Christine’s chest. This was it. All Christine had to do was give her enough time to get beyond Reynolds’ clutches.

Be careful, Christine whispered, pressing a kiss to Lucy’s cheek. Lucy kissed her back, whispering assurances that she would be.

There was nothing left to say after that. They released each other and wiped each other’s eyes before Lucy moved to the window. It was a sweltering summer night, so her parents hadn’t found it odd that she had had it open when they came to bid her goodnight. It was a good thing, too, since it was an old window that squealed when it was opened.

Lucy carefully took the screen out and then eased herself over the rim of the window. She hung onto the edge by her fingertips and lowered herself as far toward the ground one floor below before she let go. She had been practicing by jumping out of trees and when she landed she rolled to soften the impact.

With one last wave to Christine, who stood in the window, Lucy crept off, keeping to the shadows on the path she had spent weeks plotting out.

With every step she took, her heart lightened a little further. Still, it pounded wildly and she could taste the adrenaline on her tongue. She had to force herself to keep going at a steady pace, instead of risking it all by rushing.

In just a few minutes, she would be back in Fredrick’s arms. He was everything she wanted in life. He loved her. He cared about her happiness, he was kind and respectful. She hadn’t told him about the cult she lived in. And she knew by the way he talked that he wouldn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. A smile spread across her face as she imagined finally giving him all of her, every inch of her body. And more than that, too: Her soul.

He had already shared his soul with her. The last time they saw each other, he had shown her his deepest secret—he had the ability to change into a beautiful, huge black bear. He had been so nervous, so afraid that she would turn away from him.

And that was how she knew he would never turn from her, no matter what broken pieces her life had given her.

Lucy wrapped her arms around herself, imagining a life with him, full of music and laughter. And then there was a shout from behind her. She whirled around, her heart in her throat and saw one of the young men who patrolled the ground at night coming towards her. He continued shouting and Lucy abandoned her plan. She raced for the river that flowed just outside the compound. If she dropped her pack, then she’d be able to swim down to the bridge she had arranged to meet Fredrick at.

Lucille Hogan! a furious voice called out in the air behind her.

A rush of ice in her blood made Lucy stumble. She cast a terrified glance over her shoulder to see Reynolds chasing after her. His huge body and loping gait were impossible to mistake. How had he come after her so quickly? Had he been up and around—had he been in her house after all?

Lucy struggled out of her pack and dropped it, so she could move quicker. She was only grateful that she had managed to convince her parents to let her buy panted pajamas—if she had been wearing a skirt, it would have snagged on the brush as she plunged into the forest. She raced along a familiar deer trail, turning sharply and plunging through a thorn bush to get to another, hidden path. She kept running, listening for sounds of pursuit.

It took some time before the crashing through the brush dissipated and the shouts of her pursuers faded to nothing. Lucy stopped, listening hard before her stomach rebelled. She hunched over, a mouthful of vomit bubbling up her throat from fear and exertion.

She couldn't catch a breath, her heart in her throat as she struggled to breathe. She clutched at her chest and vomited again. Then she closed her eyes and forced herself to take deep breaths until her heart rate returned to normal.

The woods looked much different in the dark than they did in the daytime but she knew which way was north. From here, all she had to do was keep going east. That would take her to the river, which was her road to get to Fredrick. Maybe she didn’t have her food, clothes, and money but once she explained the situation to Fredrick, he’d understand. He’d take her back to his home and take care of her. She wouldn’t have to worry about anything ever again.

He’d protect her from Reynolds. Once Fredrick knew about him and the cult, he’d never let her get hurt again. Then she’d be able to get Christine and Christine’s younger sister, Mary, out of the cult before they turned eighteen and were forced to marry as well.

Lucy quickly found the river. Relief washed over her as she started for the bank. But then a bush rustled and a hand shot out from the darkness and seized her arm. Lucy screamed as she was yanked around to face Reynolds.

What do you think you are doing? he snarled at her, his green eyes glittering dark and dangerous in the moonlight.

Lucy struggled against his hold, another scream in her throat.

Running away? And at night? A wild animal might have eaten you. You’re lucky I found you. Reynolds threw her against a tree and pinned her there. What were you thinking?

She wasn’t going to get away. His grip was too tight. Lucy glared at him, a well of hatred pushing aside her fear. I’m leaving, she spat at him. I’m going to meet the man I love and—

But I’m right here. Reynolds’ grip tightened. Unless you are saying that you have been unfaithful to your husband.

Lucy stared in Reynolds’ eyes. Fredrick and she hadn’t been more physical than exchanging chaste kisses. But she spat again. Yes, I was! My body is my own, it’s not a pure vessel for your pleasure. I slept with another man, many times and I am going to go to him again. I am never going to marry you. I don’t care what you do or how much you threaten me. I’ll kill you first.

Reynolds’s eyes narrowed at her. For a moment, Lucy almost thought he would let her go. That she was no longer useful to him and that he wouldn’t care about her anymore. But then the fury flared in his eyes, hot and sulfuric like hellfire, and every bit of bravery she had shriveled up before it.

After all the honors that I bestowed on you! Such a wicked girl needs to be bound to a righteous man. One who will force her to stay on the path of righteousness. You will be in hell for a thousand years if your wicked heart doesn’t repent of its ways. Reynolds yanked her around, his muscles bulging as he seized her around the waist. The impurity will be cleansed from you.

Lucy set her heels into the dirt but her slender frame was no match against Reynolds’ muscular body. He easily dragged her down to the riverbank. Icy water shocked her as he plunged in, pulling her with him. She cried out, freeing one fist to beat on his chest but he didn’t seem to feel it. The hellfire still burned in his eyes as his voice rose.

May the universe cleanse your wickedness, he shouted above her screams. With this baptism, may your soul be purified and set into a path of righteousness.

A thrill of fear rushed through her. Their cult didn’t practice baptisms.

Then Reynolds plunged her under the water. The cold shock drove the air from her lungs. She fought against his grip, her lungs screaming for air. Everything was dark, everything was cold. Lucy clawed at Reynolds’ arms. Her feet slipped from under her even as she tried to push herself back to the surface. Cold water ran up her nose. It trickled down her throat and she coughed instinctively. More water rushed down her throat.

Reynolds yanked her back out of the river. She coughed and choked, still fighting against him until he threw her onto solid ground.

We will make her learn her place, a voice said above her.

Lucy coughed again. She recognized that voice and the soft hands helping her sit up. Her mother knelt beside her while her father stood over them both, facing Reynolds.

Reynolds’s voice was hard with anger. You were too soft on her. You have raised a wicked girl.

And she will be punished for this, her father simpered as her mother held her tightly.

She will be, Reynolds agreed.

He seized her by her hair and yanked her to her feet. Neither of her parents protested. Lucy couldn’t protest herself, as she was still struggling to regain her breath. Reynolds dragged her back to the compound and had the floodlights turned on. He shouted, voice ringing through the air. Soon, people stumbled from their houses, yawning and murmuring questions to each other.

Reynolds chained her to a large post in the center of the compound and Lucy’s stomach cramped. There was no explanation for this necessary; her parents stood nearby. Her mother cried and her father’s face was conflicted and angry. But angry that she was about to be whipped, or that it was a public event and people would be talking more about their shame than her pain?

Lucy closed her eyes as Reynolds’ henchmen brought him the whip. At least he hadn’t ripped open her shirt like the last girl caught up in ‘trouble’ had been. She locked her knees, bracing herself for the pain. The first lash bit across her shoulders, tearing her shirt. The second licked across the small of her back. Each cut made her cry out, the pain coming so fast and hard and she soon couldn’t hold herself upright anymore.

You have witnessed the cleansing of this wicked girl, Reynolds decreed, returning to her to unlock her shackles. He caught her and held her with false tenderness when she fell. He hoisted her back up and glared at everybody standing and watching. Now she will take her penance. She is forgiven.

She is forgiven, everybody murmured.

Reynolds dragged her away, though he made it look like he was carrying her due to her weakness. Lucy’s vision washed out in waves of darkness as he pulled her into the church. Once there, he took her to the penance room and dropped her inside. A bare room with only a single mattress and a thin blanket on the floor. The windows were open but barred and too high to see out of.

I am doing this for your eternal salvation, Reynolds growled at her. If you continue to be so wicked, you’ll continue to be reborn as a woman again and again. Don’t you wish to improve your station?

Lucy panted, the pain from her lashing in red welts along her back.

We will be married, Reynolds said in a low voice. And you will be obedient.

He slammed the door shut, leaving her with the light streaming from the high window. Lucy closed her eyes again, trying to breathe through the pain and fear that threatened to choke her. Did he not believe that she had given her purity up, or did he merely not care? She knew she was a pretty girl. How often had she been chastised for wearing the same uniform as the other girls at school but somehow hers was suggestive? Was she really so pretty that Reynolds would want her, even thinking she wasn’t a virgin?

But one thing was certain. She wasn’t going to marry him. She wasn’t going to give that man any part of her. There were ways for a girl to kill a man. And, failing that, there were ways for a girl to end herself before a man could touch her.

Her stomach twisted at the thought of taking her own life. It wasn’t something she wanted to do, nor was it something she would do while she still had a hope of escape. And right now, she had hope. She imagined Fredrick standing on the bridge, waiting for her. Watching the moon climb across the sky. Her heart ached at the thought that she wasn’t able to go to him, to explain what had happened.

At least, not yet. One day she would get away from this hell on earth. Nothing was going to stop her from being with the one she really loved. One day she would be in Fredrick’s arms and she would never let him go.

One day, all her dreams would come true.

Chapter Two – Fredrick

Present Day

Usually, Fredrick found it very rewarding to be head of the college directive. The excitement in the people who were able to go to college, seeing how the whole island was improved by the handful of people who received an education and returned to the island to help build up the rest. It was more than he had hoped for when he had gone through college himself. He never had thought that one day his accounting major would allow him to be able to parse out the funds to send others to achieve their dreams.

There were days, like today, that it wasn’t so rewarding. Fredrick rested his head in his hands as he read yet another college application letter. Since there were only so many spots that could be funded in a year, the competition was fierce. Each applicant had to put in their school transcripts, the program they wanted, their reasons for wanting to join that program, as well as an essay on how they would contribute to the island once they were graduated.

He leaned back in his chair and shook his head. Choosing is impossible. Everybody has good reasons for wanting to go to college and good plans for how it will help the island.

Beside him, the alpha of the former Ridgeline clan, Kurtis, chuckled. I know what you mean. We’ve opened up a lot of possibilities by combining the clans’ resources for the whole island. For as angry as I was at Diana for muscling her way into this business about sending people to college, it was the smart choice. Everybody is chipping into the college fund and everybody is benefiting from it.

Fredrick nodded. He set aside a handful of applications that, while they were good, weren’t the best. The problem was that everybody who wanted to go to college had great plans and ideas. It’s just hard to tell which ones are the best and which of those are the most feasible. I see that your step-sister has applied, too.

Ruby? Kurtis leaned over the table to scan her application. She never told me that she wanted to go to college.

Fredrick chuckled under his breath as he read the first line of her essay. Oops. She didn’t want you to know so that she could have a fair chance just like everyone else.

Kurtis sighed and shook his head.

I think I’m done for today. Fredrick filed the essays he’d already read away. It’s just frustrating, you know? I wish we could send everybody. But I guess some things are just... not possible. At least not yet. He stood and stretched his aching back. Speaking of impossible things, how are things going with that dating program you and the other alphas were going to put into place?

Kurtis put away the essays he had been reading as well. It’s progressing. Noel’s suggested that we contact other shifter clans but most others are suffering from the same imbalanced ratio between men and women that we are. I think we need to send someone through some sort of medical degree, so we can find out why there are so few girls being born.

Fredrick nodded. There was a much higher number of men than women on the island. And what about mating with humans? He had heard that was going to be the main focus of the program. There had been some success with human women finding out about the island’s secrets.

We’ve hit some snags in putting together a program with human women since we have to keep the fact that we can turn into bears a secret for the first while at least. Until we’re certain.

Except you can never be certain. Fredrick regretted even bringing up the topic. His jaw clenched as he remembered how certain he had been—and how that certainty had ripped out his heart.

I suppose... Kurtis gazed thoughtfully at Fredrick for a moment. He opened his mouth but before he could continue, a two-point-five-year-old boy tottered over. He had flaming red hair that was unlike any of his four fathers’, with sparkling eyes that were exactly like his mother’s and a wide grin across his face.

Dada, he cried out triumphantly, climbing into Kurtis’ lap. Ponycar!

What’s that? Kurtis grinned proudly at his boy. Oh, that’s a cool race car... and a pretty sparkly pony.

The boy nodded and pressed the pony into Kurtis’ hand. You be sparkle.

Fredrick couldn’t help but snort at the sight of the purple, glittery pony in Kurtis’s hand. Bits of glitter brushed off onto his dark suit as he trotted the toy up his son’s arm.

That’s not the manliest of toys there, is it? Fredrick chortled.

Kurtis sent him a half-glare. You got a problem with my son playing with ponies?

Fredrick attempted to smooth out his expression, although there was nothing he could do about his snickers, except hold his breath. Kurtis’ gaze darkened but when his son started to drive his hotrod car across the table, his expression softened. A smile crossed his face as he put the sparkly pony next to the car.

Diana and Bobby are both very passionate about the idea of not forcing traditional gender roles on any of our children. Besides, he’s two. If he wants to play with sparkly, glittery ponies then it makes him happy. I’m not going to make my son miserable because of this false idea of masculinity...

His gaze became troubled for the briefest moment and Fredrick wondered if he was thinking about his own upbringing and how his bisexuality had had to be tamped down for years, making his life miserable, before he became confident enough to publicly declare that he was mated to both Diana and Ricky, alpha of the former Flatland clan.

Fredrick understood. He had seen the struggles and unhappiness that came with having to deny a part of yourself and he didn’t want his child to have to be something other than what he really was at heart.

Your surrogate must be nearing the end of her third trimester, Kurtis said, bringing his attention back to Fredrick. You’ll be a dad in, what, three more weeks?

Closer to four but you never know. Fredrick grinned, his heart swelling with warmth as he fingered the wallet in his pocket. He had shown off the ultrasound pictures that he had there plenty of times before and he had to resist the urge to pull them out again.

It had been a difficult road to get to this point. The surrogate agency he had gone with had made him go through all sorts of tests. It was almost as complicated as adoption, which had been Fredrick’s first choice. Unfortunately, there weren’t many adoption agencies that would work with him, since he was a single man and his financial situation wasn’t as comfortable as they would have liked. He could easily support a child, he had made certain of that but he wasn’t rich by any means.

Kurtis ruffled his boy’s hair and grinned up at Fredrick. There is nothing quite like being a dad. So do you know if it’s a boy or a girl yet?

Fredrick shook his head. I asked not to know.

Kurtis hummed. "And you

Reviews for Werebear's Baby Contract

[Toosdhi Ra-oof · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book was a great read and the characters are awesomely relatable.