Page 10 of Trusting Her Bear

I reach for the comforter and pull.

The blanket drags on the ground as I walk to the closet. I throw it to the floor and go back for the two pillows, adding them to the pile.

I search the room for my large duffle bag. Crouching when I find it, yank my soft, warm throw blanket out and throw it on top of everything else.

I stand in the doorway sideways, looking back and forth.

“My knife,” I mumble. I spot my purse and jog over to it. Digging through it, I push my wallet out of the way and slide the knife and my phone out. I hold it at my side and go back to the closet.

I shut the door and turn the lock, grateful there is one.

Dropping to my knees, I arrange the pillows so I will be facing the door. I crawl under the blankets and arrange them over my body, tucking them tight under my sides. I send a group text to my family to inform them of my safe arrival. I send a private message to my sister, Gabby, letting her know I am safe in the apartment, and how much I love her. She was upset when I decided to move and the guilt has been eating at me because of it. I then tuck the knife and phone under my pillow and cross my arms over my chest.

Bear shifters like small places. It’s normal. I used to love snuggling in my small bed, secure, safe, and warm.

I didn’t start sleeping in a closet until I returned home after living in a small cage in the woods, cold and alone, even with the occupied cages lined beside me. I don’t know if I will ever feel warm or safe again.

It pisses me off that they took that away from me.

What made me feel special as a bear shifter now makes me feel weak.

The joy of small spaces has turned into a necessity.

I close my eyes and pray that somewhere in the place that took away my independence, I find it again.

Chapter Three

Stephanie

Ijerk upright and look around wildly. Fuck, I actually slept. I scramble for my phone, which is ringing. I unlock it and see that Breeane called five times, and my sister replied to my message with relief that I arrived safely, plus no less than ten hearts and sad faces. She was happy for me, yet didn’t want to let go.

Shit, I slept through the morning, and it’s creeping towards afternoon.

I hit Breeane’s name and call her back.

“Hey, girl, you awake?” she asks.

“Sorry, I slept in.” I rub my face and brush my hand through my hair.

“You needed the rest. When you didn’t answer, I went to breakfast with my mates,” she informs me.

“I’m glad you didn’t wait for me.” I push the blankets off.

“After we ate, the guys went to work, and I went shopping.”

“Are you still in town?”

“Yes.” She pauses. “Ava is with me.”

“She is?” I put my hand over my neck. Ava is a wolf shifter who was kidnapped and brought to the games. She was human at the time, taken to lure River, her wolf shifter mate, back to the Games. River’s uncle was the man running it, and wanted him back. Ava was put in a cage beside me, and I was the first to speak to her. I wasn’t very friendly, and I regret how I spoke to her because she was the reason we were rescued.

“We thought you would like to see her before tonight,” she says hesitantly.

I close my eyes. “That’s a good idea.” I swallow hard.

“We are right down the street,” she says. I jump up. “We can wait in the bakery until you are ready.”

“Umm…” Shit. I race to the door, fumbling with the lock, and burst into the bedroom.

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