Bearly Familiar

By Lilly Wilder

Broken Men Can Rarely Be Fixed, Especially Broken Men With A Secret

But, Hyde McGallan has something that makes me want to help him, even when he pushes me away.
He's worth it and I won't give up on him.

It all started with me being the nanny to his little boy, but I soon realize that it will be more than that.
The bear shifter in him realizes there's more than one way to transform if you allow someone in.
His best friend gets added to this love mixture and I realize I finally found what I've been looking for.

It's not the happily ever after I expected, but it is the happily ever after I always wanted.

Bearly Familiar is a standalone paranormal shifter MFM romance with a HEA and NO cheating!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lilly Wilder
• Release date: Dec 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215998472

Book preview

Chapter 1

Rene Olsen was desperately stepping on the gas pedal to her worn out red Chevrolet Caprice which was chugging along the street, slowly and painfully, dog-tired.

Come on, you old clunker, don’t fail me now! she pleaded, talking loudly to her car, with no sympathy in her jaded voice.

Even though she firmly believed that it really wasn’t the car’s fault that she had started later than she was supposed to and that the traffic was unusually busy for this time of day. Sometimes, things just didn’t want to go your way.

She drove faster than she was allowed in the cul-de-sac, but Rene didn’t care. She couldn’t afford not to get this job. She would be on time for the interview or die trying. So, she kept pressing on that poor, battered gas pedal as if her life depended on it, because, in her mind, it really did. There was too much at stake here. That job would be hers.

She kept looking at the houses, hopeful for number 63, the number that might bring long sought peace of mind back into her life.

Fifty two, she read the numbers out loud, as if the sound of her own voice would soothe her jittery fingers that kept drumming a silent song on the steering wheel, fifty three, fifty four, fifty six…

She was gripping at that steering wheel just a little too hard, which was a habit she couldn’t shake, no matter how hard she tried to. Now, the mock leather was starting to peel off and the unsightly traces of the inside stuffing were peering out. A sore eye among sore eyes.

Sixty two, she welcomed the long-awaited number with a look of delight on her face, seeing the next number in line to her left.

She parked a little clumsily, between two cars, listening intently to the sound of her dying car. She needed a new one, even she, a complete car amateur, could see that. But, her wallet was refusing her reasonable demands. Besides, she had more important things to worry about than money, but she couldn’t focus on that right now. Money would solve most of her issues and only once she had it could she focus on anything else.

She had to be her best self now. Her happiest self. Her most confident and reliable self. That was what her employers asked of her as a nanny to their children and their demands were more than reasonable.

She needed this job desperately. That’s why she was ecstatic when she got the call from the agency about this opportunity and that she should head out there as soon as possible. A time was arranged and here she was. Apparently, the guy was a hard-working, single dad, who needed someone to take care of his little boy for a few hours every day because of his new job. She wasn’t really clear on all the details yet, but it sounded like a good opportunity, one that might allow her a second job somewhere else, if her schedules aligned. She wholeheartedly hoped they would.

When the car was finally parked, she checked herself in the rearview mirror. She wasn’t wearing much makeup, she rarely did, just a dash of mascara and chap stick. Her hair was up in a loose bun. She was planning on washing her hair last night, but ended up reading until late and when she realized what time it was, she was too tired to even get out of bed, let alone get to the bathroom and wash her hair.

She looked presentable. She wasn’t a knock out, by any means, but people always kept telling her that her charm was unbeatable, so she always played that card when she really wanted something. She’d definitely be playing it today.

Winking at herself in the mirror and thinking positive thoughts, she grabbed her little purse and got out of the car. When she slammed the door, she could actually see the car shaking a little, as if it would fall apart any minute.

Just hang on a few more days, she begged silently.

She walked over to the house numbered 63. The yard was partly manicured, partly a mess of children’s toys and sandbox, with diggers and trucks, and all sorts of kids digging paraphernalia. She smiled. It was to be expected. What surprised her though, was that manicured part of the lawn. How did the dad manage to keep it untouched by little hands and feet?

She walked up the three marble steps, and stopped in front of the door. The house was simple, but eye-catching. Its outer walls were white, with yellow frames around the windows and grey lines at the bottom. The little verandah had a wicker table, two chairs, and a swing big enough for two people. The big pillows looked soft and cozy. She already imagined herself drinking coffee, sitting there while the little boy was playing in the yard. The thought gave her a warm, fuzzy feeling, one she hadn’t had in a long time.

Bravely, she pressed the button and an unfamiliar sound started playing. A second later, there was a pitter patter of small feet rushing over and then a loud, whiny voice shouted from the inside.

Da-ad! There’s someone at the do-or!

She smiled again at the elongation of the two words. So sweet, so childlike. She shifted the weight of her entire body to the right foot, then back again to the left. Somehow, it was difficult to find the right position. This feeling stemmed from the inside and had nothing to do with the way she was standing.

A few more seconds passed and the door unlocked, revealing a strikingly handsome man. He looked at her wonderingly, as if he wasn’t expecting her. His beard was a few days old, but it didn’t made him look unkempt. On the contrary, he reminded her of those Calvin Klein underwear models, with just a dash of that lumberjack vibe. She half expected the wind to start blowing his way, and he’d strike that pose, waiting for the cameras to start flashing.

Rene swallowed heavily. Her throat was dry, as if she hadn’t had a drink of water in days. Then, she smiled as confidently as she could and hoped he wouldn’t see through her, and realize what a nervous wreck she was.

Mr. Hyde McGallan? she chirped sweetly. I’m Rene Olsen. The agency arranged for our interview…

Oh, Ms. Olsen, yes! he quickly nodded, opening the door wide.

She could see that he was wearing light grey sweatpants and a plain white t-shirt. It rested perfectly on his chiseled chest, as his strong, upper arms invited her in.

Rene, please, she smiled, taking a step in.

Immediately, she noticed a peeping set of eyes just behind the next door, but the moment she looked that way, the eyes got startled and hid inside the room, slamming the door shut. This wasn’t the first time that she was facing an introverted child. It was never a problem, as Rene herself had always been an introvert herself. One never really grew out of it, despite what some psychologists tried to convince her of.

That’s Parker. He’s a bit shy, Hyde explained, raking his fingers through his curly dark hair, which was cut so that most of it was falling to his left side, and part of it, over his eyes. But, he’s a really nice kid, he added quickly, as if trying to find a justification for this behavior, which might appear rude to some.

I’m sure he is, she smiled in an effort to show him that there was no need to explain anything.

Some kids were just introverted by nature, like grown-ups. She met many such cases, and always knew the right way to approach the child so that he or she would eventually open up to her. Whether it was her charm, or simply her calm manners, she would always eventually make a connection with the child. So, she wasn’t worried.

She wasn’t worried about Parker, that is. But, there was something worrisome about this whole thing, and that was the fact that she found her employer, Hyde McGallan, incredibly handsome. If someone had asked her to, she would actually sign a document that stated he was the most handsome man she had ever met and she doubted anyone would ever top him. She could almost feel the palpitations of her beating heart at the tips of her fingers as she looked at him prepare coffee for the two of them, in his cozy, rustic kitchen.

It was mostly wood, but that warm kind of wood, which makes you feel like you’re in a cabin, deep in the woods - far away from the civilization, but still close enough to have the basic necessities such as indoor plumbing and electricity. A lack of those could quickly remove all romance from even the coziest places in the woods.

The coffee machine he had was nothing that could be found in a cabin in the woods. It looked like something he stole from a Starbucks. A huge silver monster of a machine, which could make three coffees at the same time, it stood in stark contrast with the warm wooden tones that surrounded it. Somehow, they stood in some pleasantly weird connection, complementing each other.

Here you go, he said, setting before her a dainty little coffee cup with a plate.

Rene smiled. The aroma that spread all around her was soothing, and she knew this was probably the reason why so many people tend to be in such a good mood first thing in the morning: that perfect cup of espresso.

Sugar? he asked.

Oh, no, thank you, she shook her head, pulling the cup closely towards her.

He sat down opposite her and took a small sip of coffee with his eyes closed. Rene could swear that she heard a little murmur of pleasure escape his lips. His tongue licked the remnants of foam from his upper lip, then smacked itself against his upper teeth. She was amazed that she even heard that and even more amazed that she found that action arousing.

He placed the cup down, then gazed at her. She expected him to start talking immediately, about anything: the job, his son, his work, but he didn’t. That smile lingered on his face, and he wasn’t even trying to hide the fact that he was enjoying just looking at her.

A second later and she became a little restless under this scrutinous gaze. She felt naked, like she wasn’t wearing a single item of clothing, as if he could see all of her secrets, even those unimportant ones, such as when she cheated off Melissa Gable’s math test in junior high and never got caught.

She knew if she wanted to break it, she’d have to start talking first. Taking the lead wasn’t something she usually did. But, his gaze was making her feel naked and it was way too early for that.

So, I understand you need someone only part time? she inquired, crossing her right leg over the left one.

Yes, he replied immediately, but that deep, investigative gaze was still there. I just started work at a new company and they’ve been very understanding regarding my… current situation. However, I still need someone to take care of him for a few hours on the days that he’s here. It should be only a few hours, but occasionally I might need you to stay longer, if I need to travel for work. They said this shouldn’t be too often, and I hope it won’t, but that’s a possibility, and I’d like you to get acquainted with all the prerequisites, so you can make your decision.

Rene wasn’t told anything about his situation, but she could understand it immediately. He was obviously living alone. Nothing in this place showed any signs of female presence. There is no mistaking that in a home. His son was spending only a part of the time here, so it was obvious that his parents were divorced. Freshly divorced. Something told her that Hyde was still adjusting to this new version of life, trying to make sense of it all. Despite that initial smile, she could sense a sadness about him, but he wasn’t letting it show. He obviously wanted everyone to think that he was perfectly alright and able to continue with his life as if nothing happened. But, divorce is never easy, especially when there is a child involved. 

Of course, the last thing she expected was for him to mention that, but she just had a gut feeling and, sometimes, that was all it takes.

I think that can be easily arranged, she replied, happy that this job would probably allow her some more hours with another family, if only she managed to make a good schedule.

He really is a good boy, Hyde repeated, but this time, it didn’t sound like he was explaining his son’s behavior.

This one came from the heart of a father who was proud of his son, who loved nothing more than him. She remembered that there were a few photos of him and Parker in the hallway, and she saw a few on a little mantelpiece in the living room, when she passed by it on the way to the kitchen. She didn’t see any with Parker’s mother.

Maybe I should go get him.

Suddenly, he jumped up, but before he could go past her, she grabbed him by the elbow instinctively. The last thing she wanted him to do right now is force Parker to come and say hi. That would be the wrong start, and it might undermine everything she could achieve with him. Spontaneity was a far better option.

No, don’t, she shook her head. He appears really shy and it’s a mistake to make him come out here if he doesn’t feel the need to do so on his own.

Oh, he murmured, pulling his hand away immediately, as if her touch burned him. I guess you’re right.

He thought about it for a second, then went back to his seat. He was still smiling, but it was a painful kind of smile, a forced smile. Rene was sure that the smile he would give his son was genuine, it was a smile that never revealed its deep pain hidden underneath, but with her, he didn’t need to put in so much effort, and it showed. As someone who knew what it felt like to carry a deep sadness that never really went away, she could recognize it the moment she saw it in someone else. It was easy. It was like looking into a mirror that went past the mere surface and showed what truly lies beneath.

Your house is really lovely, Mr. McGallan, she smiled, feeling as if she was losing him, even though she was sure she hadn’t done anything.

Thank you, he nodded, a little pensively, but a second later, he was smiling again.

There was an obvious effort on his part not to succumb to that brooding pensiveness once more, but to remain the smiling, charming person he wanted her to think he was.

And, please, call me Hyde. I think that’ll help Parker be more open with you, he added.

She agreed with this. Moving away from those social confines was usually beneficial in her line of work. However, the line still had to be drawn somewhere, and in this case, Rene herself would be drawing it by forcing herself to stop thinking about how hot her possibly future boss was.

Anything you can tell me about him? Rene wondered. His hobbies, interests?

He loves books, he’s got this little um… Hyde paused, raking his fingers through his hair as he spoke, microscope my w… his mother and I got him last year, and it’s still one of his favorite things to do. You know, look at stuff underneath, and you see what it’s made of.

Rene nodded and smiled. This sentence actually revealed more about him than his son. It was all still fresh and this man was still in shambles over what had happened. She could see that much. The fact that he refused to refer to her as his ex-wife, but rather just his son’s mother told her that it was probably she who wanted the divorce.

I have a book about biology and stuff, which I think would be great for him. I’ll make sure to bring it next time, she said it, then bit her tongue.

The position still wasn’t hers. It was too soon to talk like this. She could only hope that he wouldn’t hold it against her.

You know, that’s a great idea, he smiled, encouragingly.

Rene smiled back, happy to see that she didn’t cross the line.

You come highly recommended, Miss… I mean, Rene, he corrected himself quickly, and as you can imagine, I’m in a bit of a rush to find someone to watch Parker, because I start tomorrow.

Rene wasn’t expecting to start that early, but she wasn’t in a position to be overly picky. She’d have to make it work, one way or another.

I trust my instinct when it comes to these things, he revealed, and there was something about the way he said it that assured her this was so. First impressions usually make it or break it for me, and you left a good one.

Despite the fact that Parker wouldn’t even come out to greet me? she asked, with a shy smile.

She was hoping that she would at least get to say hi to him, but that was obviously not happening. Despite that, the whole conversation was going exactly how she wanted it to. She was grateful for that.

Like I said, don’t take that personally, Hyde shrugged his shoulders. "He’s an introverted child. He takes after me. But, once he decides he likes someone, well then, you won’t be able