Page 40 of Fated to the Grizzly

I nod nonchalantly. “Okay.”

Then Orion hunches over the bed, and suddenly dad is in his arms.

My father who has always been such an overbearing force in my life; a huge, bossy, shouty man. Now he looks so small in Orion’s arms. So insignificant.

* * *

We dropdad off at the ER, but we don’t stay with him. Orion says he wants to track down my mom before nightfall.

“You’re so kind,” I tell him.

“For you.” He kisses my hand. “Anything for you.”

I sigh. “I am kinda worried about her.”

“I know.”

When we get back to the compound, he strips his clothes off and his bear springs out of him.

Of course, he’s going to hunt for her as a bear. That makes perfect sense.

Annnd… it looks like I’m riding on his back.

Climb on, baby,his soul tells mine.

I don’t hesitate; I take a little run up, and jump right up.

Oh, my gosh, it feels so good to be on his back. Instinctively, my thighs tighten around his broad body, my legs sinking right into his luxurious fur. I lean forward and wrap my arms around his neck.

Sitting comfortably?

You bet.

And we’re off.

His bear goes at a trot, keeping its nose close to the ground, and snuffling all the while. I guess it’s already on mom’s trail.

After an hour or so, he stops.

She’s right ahead. Look.

I peer through the branches, not seeing anything.

Probably better if you go on foot for now.

He’s got a point. He hunkers down and I slide off his back.

I walk a couple of hundred yards, and there she is—walking slowly, her feet dragging. She’s real tired.

A rush of sympathy goes through me and I run after her. “Mom!”

She gasps and turns to face me. “Scout! Thank goodness!” She bursts into tears and throws her arms around me. “Oh, my baby. I thought I’d lost you forever.”

“I’m tougher than I look, mom.”

“I know you are, honey. But you were all alone. I knew Owen and Vinny would’ve stuck together.”

“Until they were ready to stab each other in the back.”

---