Page 28 of Chosen By The Grizzly

She recognizes me. Relief pours through me.

I lower my massive head and slink over to her. And glory of glories, she reaches out her hands and lays them either side of my face, then she plants a kiss on my nose.

“I’d know you anywhere,” she says. Her words pour through my veins like honey.

My beast lets out a long purr. She’s my mate. Of course, she would.

Then she straightens up. “But now I want to see you as a man, Jason.”

There’s a hint of sternness in her voice which sends an electric charge right through me.

When I force my animal back down inside me, my cock is already at half-mast. I slap it down, drag her into my arms instead.

I hold her tight, feeling her trembling all over. When I pull back at last, her eyes are unnaturally bright.

“You’re a famous actor,” she says.

I let out a sigh. “I… I was. I’m sorry you had to see that video.”

She shakes her head. “I turned it off as soon as I realized what it was. I don’t care about the video, Jason.”

“I owe you an explanation.”

“You don’t.” She looks sad.

“I need to tell you, Callie.”

“Okay.” She gives herself a tiny shake. “I’m listening.”

“The video that you saw, that everyone saw, makes me look like a psychopath, I know that. It wrecked my career. But there’s more.” I dart inside and grab my phone.

Then I start up the full video, the one that only I have access to, and show it to her.

When it ends, her eyes are full of tears. “That guy would’ve raped the girl if you hadn’t intervened.”

“Yup. He was the director, and she was an actress trying to get her first big break.”

“Jason! you should’ve told everyone the truth,” she exclaims.

“I don’t think the director will prey on vulnerable women anymore. And the actress’s career is going well.” I shrug. “That’s not all, though. The truth is, my beast was out of control. Turning feral. Directors liked me for these meathead roles, but I could hardly keep it inside me on set. It was just a matter of time before it really hurt someone.”

She blinks. “Why was it like that?”

“Because I hadn’t found my mate. It was getting real antsy. Happens with shifters sometimes. That’s theotherreason why I’ve been hiding out here in the wilderness.”

“But that’s so sad. You lost everything.”

“Not everything.” I reach for her, but she pulls away.

“Yesterday was just a… a thing, wasn’t it?”

I shake my head, uncomprehending.

“It was a perfect, perfect day. But I wish you hadn’t let me think we could be together.” Her voice drags with regret.

I shake my head some more. “What do you mean? We are together. You’re my mate.”

“You’re a famous, larger-than-life actor and I’m just an average chick. You should be with a supermodel or something.”

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