#bear!reader

Until you met the first humans, ignorant loud people, who didn't respect the forest and bragged about killing bears for fun. That was the time when you learned why shifters stayed hidden. Why you lived in close communities, sometimes too close for your instincts. Why you had to stay close to the town during hunting season. And why you needed to learn the human ways.

You were told that in the old days, bear shifters lived far away from each other, territories respected, therefore avoiding conflicts. But just like your animal siblings, shifters were forced to either adapt or retreat into settlements. Children learned to pass as humans, hiding their shifter traits, and it became a tradition to spend time among humans so you could decide where you wanted to live.

And that was, what brought you here, a last stop before you would move to a smaller town, maybe get a job or higher education. There were shifters that would help, but the most important part was making experiences.

The man sitting in front of you had said he was a hunter, but he doesn't smell like the ones you have encountered so far. No cheap beer. Instead, he smells earthy, a bit like burnt leaves, but sweet. You can smell soap and herbs, maybe from cooking. It's not unpleasant. Stupid instincts already telling you he could be a good mate.

Price just watches you, filing away every piece of information. Things don't quite add up, the way you talk about the city, it makes him think of isolated communities.

"Not a fan of big cities either." It makes sense, if what he saw was true. "But isn't a rite of passage usually happening at a younger age? Sorry to be blunt, you seem to be an independent woman who knows how to get by."

His eyes roam shamelessly over your form, head to toe, not very subtle. Appreciative of the curves that younger women usually lack. And he does notice that you don't shy away. Good. He has seen too much to waste time with someone who has to be convinced of their own worth.

Still, he hit a spot, apparently.

"It's not... Not strictly like that. And true, I am not really sure if I even needed this, but then I thought, even if I don't like it, I should at least see for myself. I don't want to be the kind of mother who doesn't know anything about the world outside her small town."

"So... you see the world and the go back to your fiancé or something like that?" Would be a shame, but he reminds himself that he has no claim here, even if you look like you just walked out of his dreams. Especially when you blush a little like right now.

"No, there is nobody waiting. I just... feel that I want that some day. And now is probably the last time I can do this. I mean, maybe I like it and stay and start a new life. But once there are children, my life is not just my own. Oh no, that really sounds like a cult, doesn't it?" you laugh, a little embarrassed. This man, he looks at you, as if he understands the urge to protect your cubs. As long as they need you, they would have you.

"True, you never know. I came here to get away from everyone, but I am not disappointed that a very interesting woman crossed my path. I don't want to impose, but if you feel like company, don't hesitate to knock. And be careful, just in case there really is a bear around. I have a guest room, if you want."

You know, you shouldn't feel so excited about this offer. The man was just friendly. Offering protection. But you could have a little bit of fun, right? It didn't have to be a serious mating. Even though he would make a good mate. You look at him, the same way he looked at you. Broad shoulders, strong muscles, hair showing the first silver. And you know he is interested.

"It does get a bit cold at night..." A lie. At night your fur keeps you warm and there is nothing in these woods that would pose a danger to you. "And I did catch too many fish to eat alone." Another lie, since you could easily finish even more, putting on weight for the winter.

Price doesn't point out that there was no fishing gear around. The theory in his head was too fantastic to believe, but unless he was hallucinating, he still holds onto what he saw with his own eyes.

"How about you bring the fish and I show my gratitude by cooking them and offering a warm bed for the night?" No he doesn't explicitly say guestroom. And the way you blush and lick your lips you think the same. Price finds it refreshing, if he is honest. Not too direct, but also no complicated games. Only a mystery to solve and probably a nice meal and interesting company.

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I am not sure yet where this is going. I mean it is in the title but you know... bears are very independent, Price might have to work for it if he wants something long term.