Black Bears of Independence: Benjamin: Black Bears of Independence, #4

By K. R. Hall

Trauma and Discovery

 

Sabrina Bryant stopped shifting when she was only ten. A traumatic incident that she can't remember and is helpless to do anything to change so she can shift. After two failed relationships, she was beginning to believe there was a reason she was never good enough for her father. She was worthless and no one would want her. So, when he arranged a political mating for her with none other than Benjamin Hurst, she was left reeling.

 

Benjamin Hurst grew up knowing his older brother would be the Alpha of their clan. It was something he was prepared for, and more than okay with. When his brother announced that he would be leaving, though, it thrust him into a position he was not prepared for. Alpha of the Hurst Family Clan.

 

The two are forced together, feeling they have no choice in the matter and must figure things out as they go and where they stand with one another. Unable to shift, Sabrina has no clue Ben is her mate, but he can sense it, and is willing to do anything to keep her safe.

 

When they learn Sabrina might be the only chance in defeating Pickens and his army, they find themselves fighting alongside the Independence Clan to save not only what they have just started to build, but the entire town. Will they be able to discover secrets kept hidden, and themselves before time runs out?

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. R. Hall
• Release date: Dec 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781976826115

Book preview

First and foremost, I would like to thank my husband, Tom, for standing beside me throughout my writing of this book. He has been my rock, and I dedicate this book to him. I also thank my beautiful mother, Sandy, to my children Tommy, Tracie, and Justin, for their encouragement. I also thank my editor, Karmin, and my beta readers, Carmen, Molly, and Zhalia.

With great thanks, this book is also dedicated to my friends that keep encouraging me! You all are special to me.

A special shout goes out to Donna Antonio and Dawn Howarth Bridge for their winning suggestion for Benjamin’s secret power.

Last but not least, I’d like to thank all of you readers. Thank you for taking the chance on my writing!

If you believe in yourself, anything is possible.

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Chapter 1

The beginning.

When the quick mating ceremony had been completed, Benjamin helped Sabrina pack her belongings and load them into the back of his truck. The three-hour drive was filled with so much tension; you could cut it with a knife.

Is he really to be my husband? This stranger who is so kind— yes, kind. That is the alpha thing, thought Sabrina.

Benjamin? she asked hesitating. Her voice trembled, and she again nearly cried, but recovered and went on quietly, I’m sorry that my father forced you into mating with me.

It’s fine, he replied.

You don’t have to, I mean, not if you don’t want to, Sabrina stumbled over her words, you know, have sex with me, if you don’t want to. I will keep your clan believing that I am a true alpha’s mate.

You know, I can feel the fear that you carry around through the mating bond, and I wish I could do something to help you let go of it. Because if you could, I don’t think you’d feel so alone anymore, Benjamin said. I only have to catch a glimpse of your eyes to see the wounded, scared child within. That isn’t normal. And it certainly isn’t okay.

It’s going to take me some time to trust a man ever again after the problems I had with Mitchell and Scott, she said.

I hope not too long, he said.

Oh, present company excluded. I am very grateful for what you have done for me. She reached out and touched his cheek, stroking it briefly before pulling her hand away. But Scott, Mitchell, and my father have hurt my confidence in myself. How can a person fool another person into thinking they are in love?

You would be surprised. Benjamin sighed. Now it’s my turn to give some advice.

Okay, am I going to want to hear it?

Whether you want to hear it or not, I’m going to give it.

She sat up straight. I’m ready. Don’t hold back.

Don’t let any of them ruin your chance at happiness and having the family you want.

He reached out and held her hand close to him. He thought she might fight him, but she didn’t.

You will get over this. You will find love again. Then he took a risk. Sometimes, you got to get through your fear to see the beauty on the other side.

Thank you. She leaned her head on his shoulder. You walked into my life at the right time.

He opened and closed his mouth like a goldfish, unsure how to phrase the next words he wanted to say. You know all about fated mates?

"My friend Freddie told me that a mate was the other half of your soul. The first part of the mating is when the bear chooses his mate and forms a bond. This bond enables the couple to sense each other’s emotions and locations. Their desires for each other grow stronger.

"Next, the shifter bites his mate on the soft spot between the shoulder and neck during sexual climax. There is no condom used as skin on skin allows the mating bond to slam into place. The bite is deep enough to draw blood and leaves a faint scar that will show other shifters that they are mated and claimed. 

"It has been said that a bright light will surround the couple, and they can see little ribbons of colored light intertwining with each other and then entering their bodies as their souls become one. A tattoo appears on the third finger of the left hand, where a typical wedding band would be, symbolizing that they are completely mated.

And finally, there is a ceremony that is very similar to a human wedding.

Freddie is a shifter? he asked, surprised.

Yes, although he’s never found his mate. She shrugged. I have no idea why, but I feel blessed that he confided in me. My parents never told me about fated mates.

Wow.

A man of few words. She smiled at him shyly.

I just expected to have to explain it all to you. After meeting your father, I was sure you knew nothing about fated mates.

Her face paled. Surprise, then disbelief, crossed her features. If he was saying what she thought he was saying, he had hidden it well.

I’m your mate?

Yes. Benjamin’s voice was hoarse, and his grip on the steering wheel tightened.

I didn’t know. I lost communication with my bear when I was about ten. Why didn’t you say so? Sabrina whispered.

I didn’t want to frighten you. After Scott and Mitchell… I was scared that you would think I was taking advantage.

All my life, Benjamin, nobody has ever been attracted to me, Sabrina admitted.

Well, listen, those days are over, Sabrina, Benjamin stated.

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Part of the reason he mated with her so quickly was to get her away from the man destroyed her emotionally. Her father only cared about the political alliance that he could gain by using his daughter. Sabrina being his mate, was more than he had ever bargained for.

Estes Park appeared as vast as the sky, both stretching until they met the second range of mountains in the distance. It’s known as the gateway for Rocky Mountain National Park, home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails. It was the perfect place for them when they needed to shift. Their slice of alpine paradise was located on forty-eight acres at the base of one of the park’s entrances. It was far enough off the tourist routes that they were safe from accidental discovery from humans.

Scattered around the alpha’s home were two- through six-bedroom cabins for the families and singles. They had a general store located next to the administration building offering a limited selection of grocery items and other necessities. Inside the administration building was a large banquet hall where breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served every day in an all-you-can-eat buffet-style.

They had plenty of activities to keep the young cubs, and teens busy such as archery, rock climbing (both indoor and outdoor), astronomy when the weather permitted, a game room, a golf course, a well-stocked lake for fishing, horseback riding, ice skating indoor rink and roller-skating rink, swimming pool, and ziplining.

There were plenty of jobs for the teens and adults that were concerned with working around humans. The teens didn’t always have full control of their shifts while going through puberty. The Hurst family clan consisted of more than just bears. Benjamin welcomed any shifter once their background check came back, showing no risks to the group.

Benjamin was proudly showing off everything he had accomplished since becoming alpha. His brother, Corbin, had been right with his desire to bring their clan into the modern age. After their father passed away, he had been more than angry with Corbin. Over time, however, he was pleased that he and Corbin could air out their issues. Strangely enough, it began when he spotted Corbin at their mother’s grave a few days ago. Corbin was struggling with attacks on his dude ranch and his newly-discovered mate.

Benjamin noticed Corbin hastily wipe away his tears as he approached their mother’s grave.

I was scared to fail as a child after mom died. I didn’t want to be lonely, but I felt tense in a crowd. We’re all supposed to want to be popular; I couldn’t breathe in large social groups. Every step I took was a path between two fears; being scared is just par for the course, Corbin confessed to Benjamin.

Suddenly, the years of anger and frustration he felt toward his brother melted away at the confession. He laid his hand lightly on Corbin’s shoulder, and instead of cringing like he typically did, Ben could tell he was comforted by it. He kept his hand there as he spoke with his soft-spoken alpha voice that would send calm feelings to Corbin.

Corbin, if you personify love even in times of trouble, hardship, or war, then you are truly one of the mighty. I see how— no matter the stresses laid upon you— you show more grace than many do in times of plenty. It is in those moments of pain and fear I see right to your soul and know that my faith in you, my brother, is eternal, Benjamin said.

You are a great alpha and brother, Ben, Corbin said. I know I could have made the changes to bring us into the modern age, but I couldn’t see other than dad’s disapproval. I felt it was the only way to be myself.

I hated you for years the way you left. You never told me you were not going to be alpha. A little warning would have been nice, Benjamin said. Dad died right after I took over. I was lost and didn’t know what to do. I needed you, Corbin, and you were not there.

I’m truly sorry, Ben. I don’t know what else to say, Corbin replied.

I guess there really isn’t anything left to say, said Benjamin. I will be there for you whenever you need me.

Thank you. It’s good to know I can count on you, Corbin said as he stood. After a brief hug, Corbin left.

Benjamin looked at his mother’s grave then over to his sister’s grave, missing them both so much even to this day.

As Benjamin drove closer to the alpha house, he tried to see it as Sabrina would see it for the first time. He grew up in this house and had it remodeled when he took over as alpha. It was huge, of course, being two stories high and spread out. A wide porch stretched the length of the building, and above it were two balconies with black, wrought iron railings that curved outward gracefully. A sixteen-hundred square foot imported greenhouse was on the east side of the alpha home and a good-sized workshop not far from the greenhouse. Like all the other homes, it had been built using natural wood and rocks.

Benjamin parked as close to the front door as he could with the curved driveway. He scrambled out and dashed across the front of his truck to open Sabrina’s door and help her out. He could see her eyes widen as she looked around, trying to take in everything.

I’ve always wanted bay windows, Sabrina said. I love lots of windows to bring in the natural light.

I’m sure you will appreciate the in-floor heating to keep your feet warm, too. The great room has a cathedral ceiling with heavy, roughhewn beams and one wall of windows with amazing views of the mountains and the lake, Benjamin said, escorting her inside.

The open floor plan allowed Sabrina to take everything in as soon as she entered the foyer. There was a very modern eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a separate dining room with a cherry wood table that could comfortably seat ten, a library, and, finally, an enormous fireplace with what looked like a handmade mantel.

Lounging around the television were a few of Benjamin’s clan members. They stood to be introduced as he and Sabrina drew closer.

Guys, I’m delighted to introduce you to my mate, Sabrina, Benjamin

Reviews for Black Bears of Independence

[dolphinmom729 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I wasn't impressed that the first part of the book jumped around re-telling us all the things that many of us had already read if you start from the first book. They tell us items from Benjamin and Sabrina's marriage but then skip from anywhere from 6 months to six years after. Also recapping about Picken and his plans for all those in his way. Perhaps if it had only been about the couple and their life together ( and what they are fighting for also included) But 6 years is a long time to skip out on Benjamin and Sabrina's life. Maybe if Sabrina could have learned more about why she couldn't shift sooner, would that have changed their lives for the better. I don't know what could have happened with them but more about them would have been more interesting to me.