Commanded by the Bears by Maia Dylan

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SKU 978-0-3695-1387-8
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Elite Shifter Enforcers, 1

Elara Thorne was a scientist—until her research was stolen, weaponized, and used to create Chimera. When her lab is destroyed and she’s framed as the leak, Elara becomes the target of a global hunt she barely survives.

Her escape brings her into the world of the Elite Shifter Enforcers—and under the protection of Victor and Ivan Hrytsenko, twin Bear shifters who command the unit with brutal efficiency. From the moment they scent her, the bond between them is undeniable … and dangerous.

As Chimera deploys hybrid operatives to test shifter response and build predictive kill models, Elara becomes the key to stopping them. But trusting the Bears means surrendering to a bond that changes everything.

Once a Bear claims what’s theirs, there is no escape—only surrender.

Be Warned: menage sex (MFM)
 
 
Excerpt:

Klarissa rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Elara, this is Victor and Ivan Hrytsenko. They lead the Elite Shifter Enforcers. They need to hear your story.”

Elara blinked at the projection, eyes widening in that half-dazed, half-incredulous way of someone who’s had her reality shattered. “You’re… bears, huh?”

Rune snorted. “Pretty obvious, right?”

Elara nodded slowly, gaze never leaving the screen. “Yeah, they make the rest of the male gender look like they were assembled from spare parts in the dark. Honestly, it’s a little rude how pretty all you shifters are.”

Ivan choked on a laugh.

Victor ignored him. “Tell us what you know.”

She did.

And as she spoke—voice trembling but threaded with fierce intelligence and a sarcasm she couldn’t quite hide—Victor felt that strange pull tighten. Like a rope hooking into his sternum and drawing him toward her, inch by inch.

He heard fear.

He heard exhaustion.

He heard trauma barely held together by willpower.

But beneath it all…

He heard strength.

Real strength.

Quiet strength.

The kind that survived when it shouldn’t.

By the time she finished, the silence in the Bears’ command room was heavy enough to crush bone.

Ivan leaned forward, voice low. “She was there. She survived that facility hit.”

Victor exhaled slowly, that icy coil in his chest tightening. “And she’s being hunted.”

Rune nodded once. “Yes.”

Victor focused on the woman in the holo-feed. “Elara?”

She jumped slightly. “Y-yes?”

“You’re safe with Klarissa for now. But you need more than a safe room.”

“I need proof,” she whispered. “And… help.”

Her voice nearly undid him. There was no brace behind it. No armor. Just truth and the tiniest flicker of hope.

Kamon stepped into frame. “We think she should come to you. No one would connect her to E.S.E. even if they discovered her connection to Klarissa.”

Victor shook his head instantly. “No. We’re coming to you.”

Klarissa’s brows rose. “Are you going to come through the main door and knock this time?”

Elara frowned, and Victor noticed the tiny crease between her brows—adorable, sharp, expressive. “They just barged in?”

Kamon laughed. “More like climbed in. They scaled the wall to show us they can pretty much get in anywhere they want.”

“That was one time,” Victor muttered.

“Once was enough,” Klarissa shot back. “Violet has turned this place into Fort Knox with the number of scanners and cameras and sensors she has around the place.”

Ivan hummed. “Mm, well now, doesn’t that just sound like a challenge and an invitation at the same time.”

Victor sighed. “We’ll meet you in New York. We’re leaving now. Expect us in about five hours. And yes, Klarissa, we will be coming through the damn door.”

He ended the call and rose. Ivan grabbed his jacket and followed.

“You felt that too?” Ivan asked quietly.

Victor didn’t answer.

He didn’t need to.

The flight was fast—but not fast enough for Victor’s nerves—and the drive from the tarmac to Violet Riccitelli’s penthouse tower even faster. The morning sky was bruised blue, New York traffic roaring below them, but Victor barely saw it.

He replayed Elara’s voice the entire time.

The tremble in it.

The intelligence beneath it.

The sarcasm like a shield.

And the fragility she tried—and failed—to hide.

It hit him far deeper than it should.

By the time they reached the building, he had buried the instinct deep… or at least tried. They announced themselves like civilized beings. Violet’s guard nodded, looking perplexed as hell, and activated the penthouse elevator.

Ivan smirked. “Look at us being all polite and shit.”

“Shut up.”

The elevator glided upward. Smooth. Silent. Too slow for Victor’s pounding heartbeat.

It stopped. Opened.

And Victor’s world tilted.

The scent hit him first.

Not perfume. Not fear. Not exhaustion.

Her.

Warm skin. Soft spice. A whisper of citrus from her shampoo. And beneath it—something bright, sharp, and distinctly, irrevocably Elara.

His bear went rigid. Focused. Claiming.

Ivan inhaled beside him and froze. “Victor…”

“Yeah,” Victor growled softly.

They stepped inside.

Elara sat at the island counter, wrapped in a blanket like she couldn’t get warm. Her curls framed her face in wild disarray, eyes wide and wary but sharp—God, so sharp. Her long fingers curled around a mug that Josie was handing to her.

She looked tired. Haunted. Brave. And impossibly beautiful.

Elara looked up. Their eyes met.

And Victor felt it—the deep, ancient spark of recognition, slamming into him like a freight train. Claiming. Binding. Awakening something older than any language—written or spoken.

Ivan cleared his throat. “Ms. Thorne?”

She startled, nearly dropping her mug. “You’re the… bear men.”

Victor’s mouth twitched. “Close enough.”

Violet leaned back on the couch. “Victor, Ivan—this is Elara Thorne. Scientist. Survivor. Running for her life. Just your plain, run-of-the-mill damsel in distress.”

“Ah, no, lovely Violet,” Ivan drawled. “There is nothing plain nor run-of-the-mill about this woman.”

Violet made a satisfied noise. “True, bear man. Very true.”

He and Ivan moved toward her, not crowding, but drawn—pulled—unable to stop the instinctive narrowing of their focus to just her.

Elara began speaking before they’d even stopped.

“I-I don’t know what’s happening. But I didn’t leak anything. I didn’t betray my team. That is not who I am or what I would do.”

Victor stepped closer—slow, deliberate, a calming approach. “We know that, Elara—or at least, we are learning that about you.”

Her lip trembled, but she forced steel into it.

“We’re going to help you,” he said, voice slipping into command without thought. “But first, you’re going to breathe.” He held her gaze until she did. “And then tell us everything you remember. Every detail matters.”

She stared at him. “You’re very… bossy.”

Ivan snorted. “You have no idea.”

Victor’s mouth twitched again. “Comes with the job.”

Rune crossed his arms. “Try dealing with it for ten years.”

Kamon added, “He enjoys it way too much.”

Victor glared. “Not helping.”

Elara’s shoulders shook, not from fear, but with a fragile, startled laugh. “Thank you.”

That soft sound nearly punched the air from his lungs.

“We’ll get you answers,” Victor promised, voice low. “Whoever did this—whoever is hunting you—won’t get near you again.”

Her eyes flickered. Hope. Fear. Wild trust.

His bear surged, pushing against his ribs, protective and possessive in a way Victor hadn’t felt in years.

He straightened, instinct and command merging as one.

“Let’s begin,” he murmured.

And the entire room shifted with him.

Series:
/series-elite-shifter-enforcers/

Product Reviews

Score: 4 out of 5 (based on 18 ratings)
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5/5
Soooo Good
Written by JeniT on 8th Mar 2026

Elara is running for her life her heart is heavy with guilt from the lies she was fed and the work she was a part of. Victor and Ivan command the ESE and they are blindsided by her and their bond towards her. It’s a danger filled love story that combines their strengths into a strong bond and the realization that she is their center. It’s a very good tale that will suck you in and keep you invested. Absolutely loved it! ?

4/5
Commanded by the Bears!
Written by Mary on 8th Mar 2026

This is a fairly new author for me; I am addicted. This story is such an intriguing read with some unexpected twists. It is the first in the "Elite Shifter Enforcers" series and captures the readers attention from the action pact beginning. The story is about Elara and her mates Victor and Ivan. She escapes and is on the run. She runs to the only one she can think of which leads her to the Elite Shifter Enforcers’. When Victor and James hear her voice they know who she is to them. I enjoyed this story from the very beginning. I love the fierce protectors along with the banter between the team. Such a good read! I cannot wait for the next story.

4/5
Commanded
Written by ChrisL on 8th Mar 2026

This is a short read. This is Elara, Victor and Ivan’s story She is a researcher that a group called Chimera wants dead. She escapes and goes to a friends home and finds out there is more in this world. The bears want her and will do anything to keep her safe. What is Chimera really doing? Can they stop them? Can they keep Elara safe? What will Elara do to help them? Not to wait for the next book to see what happens.

5/5
Fierce, Protective, and Packed with Shifter Heat
Written by K Ramirez on 8th Mar 2026

Commanded by the Bears is a powerful start to the Elite Shifter Enforcers series. Maia Dylan delivers intense chemistry, dominant bear shifters, and a heroine who finds herself at the center of something far bigger than she expected. The bear shifter heroes are commanding, protective, and unapologetically alpha — yet each has distinct traits that keep their personalities from blending together. Their loyalty and devotion create a strong emotional undercurrent beneath the heat, making the romance feel grounded rather than purely instinctual. The pacing keeps the story engaging, balancing action, suspense, and steamy tension. The enforcer dynamic adds a layer of structure and danger to the world-building, making this more than just a romance — it feels like the beginning of a larger, exciting shifter universe. I’d recommend this to readers who love reverse harem dynamics, powerful shifter heroes, protective instincts, and high-heat paranormal romance. If you enjoy strong alpha energy combined with loyalty and intensity, this book absolutely delivers. An addictive series opener that leaves you eager for the next installment.

4/5
Engaging series opener
Written by LBing on 8th Mar 2026

This is the first book I've ready by this author and I loved the combo of a gal in science (brainy ;P) and the brawn of two hot bear shifters. Elara is on the run after her lab is attacked by armed soldiers and she's informed by a dying scientist that the infamous 'they' are blaming her and aim to end her, permanently. She reaches out to an old friend and ends up with more help than she knew. The Elite Shifter Enforcers are ready to help expose the dirty deeds the lab was doing with Victor and Ivan assigned to get to the bottom of her case. They are more than ready to step up as she's their fated mate... Expect to get caught up in the betrayal, drama, action, connection, humour and hot chemistry as they work their way to a fab HEA. Good fun!

4/5
Bear Shifters
Written by -Luvs2Read- on 8th Mar 2026

Commanded By The Bears is book 1 in the Elite Shifter Enforcers series. This book is more than a shifter romance about a two bears finding their mate. It combines suspense and danger through the mysterious Chimera. It looks like the storyline will develop and continue through the other books in the series. I'm looking forward to reading more.

5/5
Wild!
Written by GailDawn on 8th Mar 2026

What a wild ride. Elara was on the run after her research was stolen and lab blown up. She was being hunted. Victor and Ivan of the Elite Shifter Enforcers need to keep her safe and stop the Chimera. She's also their fated mate. Enjoyed this story.

5/5
Play Set Match
Written by DariaB on 8th Mar 2026

Play. Set. Match Love a story that keeps you engaged. Maia brings together brain and brawn. Full of action and consequences. Quick chemistry that doesnt take from the goings on. Things that are going? Explosions, an elite force, a runaway and science, and things that learn. Emotions are on a Rollercoaster. The heat was okay, could have been a lil Spicer but the story carried well. Loved it all.

5/5
Wonderful!
Written by mima48 on 8th Mar 2026

Part of the Elite Shifter Enforcers series. Elara and twin beat shifters, Victor and Ivan have to solve a major problem before they can concentrate on their relationship. Can't wait for the next book. This is a must-read.

4/5
Commanded by the Bears
Written by Unrulyreadr Reviews on 8th Mar 2026

The story immediately captivates you, drawing you in from the very first page. The author's meticulous attention to detail transports the reader into the narrative, making them feel like an active participant. This is definitely not your typical shifter romance; it's a fresh and engaging read.

5/5
Shifter MFM erotic romance
Written by itsthejo on 8th Mar 2026

This is Book 1 of the Elite Shifter Enforcers series. And a FANrastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world. 'Once a Bear claims what’s theirs, there is no escape—only surrender.' The characters were very complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend. Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!

4/5
Wonderful Story
Written by Jocelyn W on 8th Mar 2026

Commanded by the Bears is the first book in the Elite Shifter Enforces by Maia Dylan. When Elara is framed for a leak at the facility where she worked, She is placed in the care of two Bear shifters brothers, Victor and Ivan. Realizing Elara is their mate, the brothers do whatever they can to protect the woman they love. I loved reading their story. Great book.

5/5
Commanded by the Bears - first book of an excellent brand new series
Written by Avidreader23 on 8th Mar 2026

Elara Thorne is a scientist working on a project that thinks will help improve the health of human race. Unfortunately, one day, there is an attack in her lab and she is the only survivor. She also learns the truth about how her work is weaponized to create the perfect soldier. Love the banter between Ivan, Victor and Elara - it is love at first sight! The plot shines here - when you think Chimera plan is despicable, its scope and reach gets way more horrifying. They are 2 steps ahead of E.S.E. but underestimate the cooperation of the shifters. Maia Dylan has initiated an incredible new series and cannot wait to see where it takes us

4/5
A triad born in fire and claimed in certainty
Written by Luv2Read17 on 8th Mar 2026

This is a new to me author and I'm hoping to read more. Let me start by saying this is a romance/ bonded mates story, but that is second to a lot of action scenes. Elara is on the run after her lab is destroyed. She soon realizes that what she thought she was working towards, wasn't it at all and now lives are in danger. Victor and Ivan are brothers as well as bear shifters. They head the Elite Shifter Enforcers (ESE) and know that Elara is their intended. I'm looking forward to more books in this series and hoping that Rafe and Dorian will be up next.

4/5
A great read
Written by Anne H on 8th Mar 2026

This is a brand-new author to me, but I liked the write up for the books. I thought I would give it a go. And I’ve got to say, I really enjoyed the storyline of the Book even though I got confused with all the science at times. Elara was a scientist and her research had been used in the incorrect way. When she was going to the facility that morning it exploded and she found out she had basically had been framed for a leak. So she was on the run. Thankfully she had one person she could contact for Help and this is where her whole life changed. She met shifters and shifter Cubs that were transition from human formed to their lion cub in front of her eyes. When she explained everything to Clarissa what had happened she was put in the care of two brothers. That were bear shifters and the head of elite shifter enforces ESE. As soon as Victor and Ivan came into the room, they knew that ELara was their mate. They hadn’t felt the bond, but they knew in their bones that she was meant for them and they would protect her with their lives. And it wasn’t long until they were under attack. This was a great read I did have to reread a few pages when the science got a bit much but it’s not that much really. It just threw me. There is a strong connection between these three, they trust one another and chemistry is off the charts. Ivan and Victor were very protective of Elara but what I did like was the fact that she stood up for herself and she didn’t back down. I would definitely read more from this author. I’ve really enjoyed their writing and storytelling.

5/5
Commanded by the Bears
Written by Chris S on 8th Mar 2026

This is the first book I've read by Maia but it won't be the last. I read the blurb and thought I'd give this a try. The story grabs you from the first page and the detail in which she writes, transports you in the book and makes you feel part of it. This is not your usual shifter story. Elara, is a scientist who gets to her lab only to find it destroyed and her blamed. Now on the run, she reaches out to a friend for help. Once she arrives, she is introduced to the Elite Shifter Enforcers or E.S.E. You have to read the book to see what happens. This is a wonderful story of strength, betrayal, trust, love and overcoming the unimaginable with a surprise dose of humor. I can't wait for the next book.

4/5
Love the Bears
Written by Jilllovesbooks on 8th Mar 2026

I enjoyed this book overall however, I felt kind of confused through the beginning. I did not read the first book in this series and I think that would of been helpful. I like the camaraderie between the different characters and of course the scenes between Victor, Ivan, and Elara.

4/5
Commanded by the Bears
Written by AngelaC on 8th Mar 2026

I like Elara. She has guts and determination, fantastically good fortune, and the knowledge to know when to remove herself from the situation. Her work was used in an unconscionable manner, but she regrouped, found herself allies and attacked those responsible. Throughout it all, she managed to allow softer emotions to come forth and fall in love with 2 bears who will command her heart.