Page 43 of Fated to the Grizzly

“Because you’re my mate, and I can feel what you feel.” He nuzzles my neck.

I close my eyes for a beat, taking strength from him. “Just hope everyone turns up.”

“They will. I know your mom’s been hard at work.”

At eleven-thirty a.m., the first vehicles start to roll in.

There area lotof people. I stay out of sight, but from a distance, I identify all the main prepper families, gathering outside the bunker, gossiping curiously.

“Okay, twelve o’clock, you’re ready to roll,” Orion says.

I puff out a big breath.

He takes me in his arms and holds me tight. The moment our bodies press together, the slow beat of his big beary heart suffuses me with calm.

“I’ll be right here any time you need me, baby,” he says. “You’re not alone anymore.”

“Thank you.” I look deep into his eyes, feeling the love flow from him to me and back again. Then I step out from the trees and stride toward the gathering of people, head held high, shoulders back.

“Thank you all for coming,” I begin, scanning the familiar and unfamiliar faces. “I called you here to commemorate me winning my father’s Alpha challenge.”

Everyone looks a little confused.

“A couple of weeks ago, my father dumped us kids in the wilderness, tasking us to make our way back home. I don’t think anyone expected me to make it at all—never mind first—but whaddya know? Here I am.” I throw my arms wide, and there are a few laughs.

“While I was out in the wilderness, I met my mate—” I indicate Orion. “And I learned a lot from him.”

I cast Orion a look. I want him here with me.

He steps up behind me and lays his hands on my shoulders. “Scout accepted the challenge that you presented to her, and she won. Because she’s smarter and tougher than the rest of you put together.”

From my dad’s helpless expression, I can tell that Orion’s eyes are boring into him.

“Which makes her your new leader.”

My dad’s mouth opens, like he’s about to say something. Then he drops his head with a conciliatory nod.

“Or, as we say in our world, the Alpha.” Orion steps away from me. “Please give a big hand to the new Alpha of the Patterson preppers.”

Everyone starts clapping. I can’t believe it.

“Scout, is there anything you want to say to mark your first day in new role?”

“Yes.” I clasp my hands and step forward, more confident now. “As Alpha of this family, I decree that no one is going to be forced to live the prepper lifestyle anymore.” I focus in on my dad. “Dad, you’ve chosen to spend your life obsessing over something that’s probably never going to happen. Can’t you see how miserable that’s made you? All of you? Instead of enjoying the days you’ve been given to the full, you’re all looking forward to some shittier days. I mean, seriously, if the apocalypse comes, who cares if you’re the only survivors. It’s gonna be damn lonely.

“And I get that for some people it’s a fun hobby and all, filling up your basements with all that nice stuff, but come on, people, live a little!”

I stop talking and a long silence rings out.

Then a small voice from the crowd goes, “yeah!”

Then someone claps.

And someone else.

Suddenly, around half the congregation is clapping and cheering.

Not dad, of course. That would be a giant leap.

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