Page 17 of His Determined Mate

The mist suddenly parted, revealing a massive figure emerging from its depths. Rick’s human features were gone, replaced by the formidable form of a giant black bear she’d seen when he’d shifted previously. His fur gleamed in the flickering light, a rich, inky black that seemed to absorb the maelstrom’s energy. His eyes, though now those of a beast, still held the familiar kindness she knew so well.

Hannah’s heart pounded in her chest as she took in the sight before her. The transformation was both terrifying and mesmerizing, a raw display of power and nature’s primal force. She felt a surge of awe and a deep connection to the man within the beast. She leaned back, opening the door and reaching for her parka. She pulled it on and closed the door.

Rick stood tall, his bear form radiating strength and majesty. He looked at her, a low, rumbling growl emanating from his chest, not of threat but of acknowledgment. Hannah stepped forward, her fear melting away, replaced by a profound sense of understanding and acceptance.

Lightning flashed again, illuminating the skies all around them in a brilliant white light. The world seemed to be holding its breath in the wake of the transformation. Hannah reached out, her hand trembling, and touched his fur. It was warm and surprisingly soft, a tangible link to the man she cared for.

Rick’s growl softened, and he lowered his massive head, allowing her to stroke his fur. Storm clouds rumbled in the sky above, but in that moment, they were a world unto themselves. Hannah felt a deep sense of belonging, a bond that transcended the extraordinary nature of Rick’s shifter identity.

Hannah wrapped her arms around his neck, her heart full of wonder and love. “Thank you for sharing this with me,” she whispered. “It still amazes me. Do you ever get used to it?”

He made a low, rumbling sound, a bear’s equivalent of reassurance. Then, with surprising gentleness, he lowered himself, inviting her to climb onto his back. Hannah hesitated for only a moment before carefully settling herself between his broad shoulders, her hands gripping his thick fur.

With a powerful lunge, Rick started moving through the snow, his movements smooth and effortless. Hannah held on tightly, exhilaration coursing through her as they raced across the snowy landscape. The world around them blurred into a winter wonderland, the cold air invigorating against her cheeks.

As they ventured deeper into the woods, Rick suddenly slowed, his head lifting as if catching a scent on the wind. Hannah felt the change in his demeanor, a tension that hadn’t been there before. She followed his gaze and saw a glint of sunlight reflecting off metal, partially hidden by the snow-covered trees on the ridge above.

Before she could react, Rick veered sharply, taking them behind a thick copse of trees. She heard the sharp crack of a gunshot, the sound echoing through the silent forest. Her heart pounded as she realized how close they had come to danger.

Rick’s movements became more urgent, his powerful strides carrying them swiftly away from the threat. He navigated the terrain with remarkable agility, keeping to the cover of the trees. It wasn’t until they were far from the source of the gunshot that he finally slowed, coming to a stop in a secluded, sheltered glen just across a small open field of ground that ended at his cabin. He waited until she gripped his fur tightly and then made a run for the front porch.

Hannah slid off his back, her legs trembling with adrenaline as she flung open the door and slammed it behind him as he entered. She’d wondered about the size of the door and now understood that it was larger than normal to accommodate him when he was in his bear form. Rick shifted back to his human form, his expression grim. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

She nodded, still catching her breath. “Yes, thanks to you. What happened back there?”

Rick’s jaw tightened. “Someone was out there with a gun. I don’t know who or why, but they were aiming for us.” He shook his head. “Not us, you.”

The gravity of the situation slapped her in the face, staggering her and mingling with the lingering fear. “But how did you know? How did you see it?”

“Bear senses,” he replied as he drew her into the safety of his arms. “I saw the glint of metal, heard the click of the safety. We were lucky.”

Hannah’s mind raced with questions, but above all, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and trust. Rick had saved her, using his extraordinary abilities to protect them both. The depth of his care and vigilance struck her profoundly.

“Thank you, Rick,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “For everything.”

He stepped closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek. “I’m your mate, Hannah. I’ll always protect you. No matter what.”

In the quiet safety of his cabin, Rick made sure they were no longer in immediate danger and then used a satellite phone to call Asher Wells to tell him what had happened.

“Is Asher a bear-shifter too? Nicole?”

“Wolves,” he said distractedly and then seemed to realize what he’d said. “Not everyone in Kodiak is a shifter, just some of the people you know. Shifters tend to stick together when living alongside humans. My place is technically outside of the police’s area of coverage. It’ll be easier to track whoever this is if shifters are doing the looking.”

“Looking for what?” she asked.

“For whoever it is that wants you dead.”

CHAPTER 9

RICK

Rick paced the small cabin, his thoughts racing. The most recent event left no doubt in his mind that his mate was under threat. He couldn’t help but believe things were escalating and that time was of the essence. Revealing his true nature to Hannah had been a monumental step, her acceptance even more so, but the threat they faced required more than just their combined strength. They needed their friends.

Using the satellite phone, he began making calls. The first was to Asher, who arrived first, his tall frame filling the doorway. "What’s going on, Rick?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

Rick gestured for him to come inside. "We’ve got a problem. I need everyone here."

Within the hour, the cabin was filled with the familiar faces of their close-knit group: Joe, Max, Nicole, Tanner, Melisandre and several others. They gathered around the small table, the tension in the room palpable.

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