Page 5 of Bound to the Beast

“Thanks,” I say, trying to hide my disappointment. “I appreciate it.”

He nods, his gaze softening slightly. “Just be careful, alright? The woods can be unpredictable.”

“I will,” I promise, feeling a strange mix of hope and frustration. “Thanks for your help, Ethan.”

“Anytime,” he replies, his smile returning. “And if you ever need a guide through these woods, you know where to find me.”

I smile back, feeling a connection between us that I can’t quite explain. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

We stand there for a moment, the forest around us holding its breath. The attraction between us is palpable, a magnetic pull that’s hard to ignore. I decide to break the silence, eager to know more about him.

“How long have you been a woodcutter?” I ask, genuinely curious.

Ethan’s eyes light up, a hint of pride in his expression. “It’s in my blood. My father was a woodcutter, as was his father before him. I guess you could say it’s the family business.”

“It suits you perfectly,” I say, admiring the way he looks so at home in the woods. “You look so at ease here, like you’re in your element.”

He chuckles, a deep, warm sound that sends shivers down my spine. “I suppose I am. The forest has always felt like home to me. There’s a peace here that you can’t find anywhere else.”

I nod, understanding the sentiment. “I can see that. It’s beautiful out here. Serene.”

Ethan’s gaze softens as he looks at me. “How about you? How did you become an investigative journalist?”

“I’ve always been curious,” I reply, feeling a surge of passion as I talk about my work. “I like knowing things and finding answers. People deserve the truth, don’t they? I guess you could say I’m a truth seeker more than anything else.”

He studies me, a hint of admiration in his eyes. “I respect that. It takes a lot of courage to seek out the truth, especially when it’s hidden in the shadows.”

“Thank you,” I say, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. “It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”

We stand there, the connection between us growing stronger with each passing moment. The air feels charged, as if the forest itself is aware of the secrets being exchanged. Ethan is fascinating, his rugged masculinity and mysterious allure drawing me in.

He’s just like the calendar models of lumberjacks, but somehow better. Tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and strong hands. I wonder what else those hands could be good for. I’ve always thought of myself as level headed, but there’s something about him that makes me feel... different.

4

ETHAN

“Maybe we can help each other,” I say, breaking the silence. “I’ll keep an eye out for anything unusual, and you can share what you find with me. Deal?”

“Deal,” she replies, looking excited. “I think we make a good team.”

I smile, a slow, genuine smile that comes from deep within me. “I think so, too, Grace.”

As we continue to talk, I can’t shake the wolf inside me that howls at her presence. It demands that I recognize and admit she’s my mate, even though the whole thing sounds insane.

I didn’t even want a mate fifteen minutes ago, but I can’t convince my wolf of that now.

“Do you ever get the feeling that you have a connection to someone you just met?” I ask, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

Grace’s eyes flicker with something I can’t quite place. “Sometimes,” she says quietly. “Maybe it’s the universe’s way of telling us that some connections are just... meant to be.”

I find myself drawn even closer to her, both physically and emotionally. The forest around us seems to fade away, leaving just the two of us in this charged, enchanted moment.

“Tell me more about your work,” I say, my voice gentle. “What drives you to seek the truth?”

She hesitates, pausing before she answers. “I’ve seen what lies and secrets can do to people. They can destroy lives, tear families apart. I believe that everyone deserves to know the truth, no matter how hard it might be to uncover.”

I nod, my expression thoughtful. “That’s a noble pursuit, Grace. And a dangerous one.”

---