A Bear for Christmas

MARIE

Holton flushed bright red, stammering, “A shifter? I, uh—what makes you think…?”

“The growling, like I said. And you’re huge. I’ve never met anyone as tall as you.” Marie really hoped he would confirm her hunch. She’d never met a shifter before. Oh, she’d seen them in movies, but it wasn’t the same.

She’d always been fascinated by the idea of shifters. It sounded nice to have an animal form to keep you company all the time.

“Ha, ha,” said Holton. “I suppose I do stick out. I must seem like a giant to you; you’re so tiny.”

“Hey, I’m five one, thank you very much.” She gave him a smirk, and he laughed loudly.

“Tiny. I like it.” His eyes flared bronze—another sign that he might not be just a normal human. She wasn’t sure why he seemed so embarrassed about it.

“So, what kind of animal do you turn into?”

He seemed to struggle for a moment to find words. “I get that you’re curious,” he said finally. “I don’t want to lie to you. But I’m not ready to talk about that part of myself with you yet.”

Marie swallowed. She didn’t get it. But she did want to respect his boundaries. She could contain her curiosity for now. “So,” she said, changing the subject, “you mentioned a brother and sister. What are they like?”

Holton shot her a grateful look, like he was way more willing to talk about his family than his species. “My brother Royce lives out west running his own financial advisory firm. My sister Ruby has a mate—or, I mean, a husband—Troy.”

He glanced at her. When she didn’t question the slip of the tongue, he continued, “They have two kids: Melanie is four and Paxton is two. Ruby is expecting number three in February. That’s why she left as my assistant. She wanted to be home more with her children.”

He smiled, like just the thought of his sister’s family made him happy. “What about your family? You said two sisters?”

Marie frowned; her sisters were hard to talk about. “Well, Joy is thirty-two and married to Ben, a well-off lawyer. They have two kids: Natalie is six and Rowan is four.”

“My other sister, Valerie, is thirty and married to Dexter, an investment banker. They have two boys; Justin is two and Emmanuel is six months. Both my sisters’ husbands are wealthy, allowing them to stay at home while their children go to daycare.”

Marie grimaced. She sounded as if she were complaining. She loved her nieces and nephews on the rare occasions she got to see them. And she tried not to judge her sisters for the easy, idle lives they led.

“I think I know Dexter,” said Holton thoughtfully. “Is his last name Tran?”

“Yes.” She prayed it was a good connection.

“I work with his firm. Not him directly; my investments are handled by one of the partners. I’ve met him several times at their functions. He seems nice.”

“He is unless Ben is around,” she agreed. “Ben always tries to push Dexter into talking about money.”

“Ben sounds like many lawyers I know,” Holton answered, giving her a sweet smile.

“He likes to boast.” She wouldn’t sugarcoat Ben; he irritated her regularly.

“When do you see them next?” Holton asked.

“On Friday, we have our Christmas party. We won’t do anything together on Christmas Day; that’s when Valerie and Joy visit their in-laws.”

Holton frowned. “What will you do?”

Marie shrugged. “Probably a quiet Christmas at home. I don’t particularly want to be with my parents alone.” She watched Holton battle with himself over saying something. “Don’t feel bad for me. I’m going to enjoy the time to myself.”

“Would you be okay with company for part of the day?” he asked, but before she could answer, their server came back with Holton’s beer and her sample.

“Do you know what you’d like to order?” Marie looked at Holton, but he motioned for her to pick first.

“I’d like the fish and chips.” She sipped her beer and found she liked the taste.

“I’ll get the triple-decker burger with fries,” Holton told the server.

“Very good. Did you like the beer, ma’am?” the server asked Marie.

“Yes, it’s really good, thanks!” She smiled at the server in gratitude. When this prompted another low growl from Holton, she couldn’t help giggling. Whatever animal he was, he certainly had a possessive side.

“I’ll get a half pint, please,” she told the server. “You don’t have to get all growly every time I smile at someone,” she said, turning to Holton. “I smile at a lot of people. But I’m on a date with you.”

Holton blushed and looked away. “Sorry. Instinct.” He glanced at her small beer glass when it arrived. “You didn’t want the full pint?”

“Nah, this is plenty,” she said, taking a slow sip. She didn’t want to overindulge. Tonight, she wanted to remember everything. When was the last time she’d gone out and been able to talk about deeper topics than sports teams?

Holton had chosen a booth away from the noise and TVs, so she knew she had his undivided attention, and they talked all through their meal. All too soon, the check arrived.

“Marie, I don’t want to end my time with you. Would you like to walk around Main Street and check out the lights?” Holton asked, a tinge of red on his cheeks.

“I’d love to.” She put her coat on, pulling out a couple of twenties to cover her half of the bill.

“Keep your money; this is on me.” Holton nudged the cash back toward her.

“Then let me treat you to a cup of coffee as we walk around,” she countered.

“Deal.” Holton paid, and they left hand in hand. “Want to walk the few blocks over?” he asked, taking her gloved hand.

“Sure.” Marie tucked her hood around her hair to keep the wind off.

“Let me know if you get too cold. I’m…so big, I don’t feel the cold as much as you do.”

“I will. I admit I’m not great at being cold. I like fall and spring the best.”

“Not summer?” He raised an eyebrow, making her laugh.

“I hate sticking to myself. I have thighs that chafe. Being hot is no fun; you can only take so much off before you’re naked and still hot.”

Holton laughed, pulling her close. “I understand that.”

Marie snuggled into him, letting his body heat warm her. They walked around the main square and watched the tree turn on. The crowd around them cheered as holiday music played.

“Pretty. I remember last year they used a lot of glitter. I like this year better,” she shared, looking at the tree. Whoever had designed it had used all-natural ornaments, mostly brightly colored berries and pine cones, tucked in among white electric candles.

The candles were the only artificial part—Marie guessed that real fire would’ve been dangerous. But their soft, flickering glow felt way cozier than the usual string lights.

“I agree. It is beautiful. Reminds me of the woods around my parents’ house. My mom likes to decorate the trees outside. I mean, she does still chop one down and bring it inside, but she says the others shouldn’t miss out on the fun.”

“Sounds like she loves Christmas,” Marie replied.

“Does your family go all out?” Holton asked.

“Not in the same way. The street where my parents live always agrees to a theme, like ‘all-white’ or ‘twelve days of Christmas.’ Nobody’s allowed to be creative. I don’t think my mom has ever enjoyed decorating—it’s just about appearances.

“And the Friday before Christmas, Mother always hosts this big holiday party to show off her grandchildren and successful sons-in-law. Again, more stressful than festive.”

“Do you not have family time?” Holton asked.

“For about an hour after the party ends. Everybody hands out gifts to be opened on Christmas morning at your own home.”

Marie saw disbelief in Holton’s face. “You don’t open gifts together?” he clarified.

“I told you. My mother is all about appearances. She likes everyone to think we’re a close family.

“In reality, I’m busy with my shop and my sisters have their kids to worry about. We rush through family meals. My mother only calls me to tell me I’m fat and need to find a husband.”

“You are not fat,” Holton growled.

Marie smiled at him. “You’re sweet to say that, but I know I’m a little overweight. I don’t love my mother’s constant reminders, but I do try to love my body as it is.”

“Marie, I find you incredibly attractive. I’ve been fighting the urge to push you against a wall and kiss you.” His eyes flashed gold, sending shivers down her spine.

“What’s stopping you?” Normally, Marie wouldn’t be so forward, but Holton tempted her too much.

He took her hand, pulling her in between two buildings, and kissed her. His lips were warm, his hands hot against her cold cheeks.

Warmth pooled in her stomach as his tongue probed against the outside of her mouth. She let him in, twining her tongue with his.

As the kiss deepened, she wrapped her arms around his neck, moaning. She swore she could feel his body heat through her coat, and her pussy gushed with need.

Then she startled at the sound of her name, pulling her back from the private moment into the very public space.

“Marie Kriton? Is that you?”