Page 12 of Fated to the Grizzly

“It didn’t hurt.”

“Good,” he says, like he’s not surprised. I watch while he carefully puts a band-aid on each knee.

He leans back and admires his handiwork.

“Thank you so much,” I say.

“You’re very welcome. Now, you must be hungry.”

“Yeah, that rabbit was gonna be my dinner.” I laugh. “But the bear beat me to it.”

“I’m sure sorry about that.”

“Wasn’tyourfault I got faced down by an apex predator.”

He inhales slowly, his massive chest rising. “I felt bad for you though.”

I frown. “You saw the whole thing happen?” My gaze drifts to the vast picture window. I wonder how far into the forest the view extends.

Then I remember my backpack. Everything I need for survival is in there. “I need to go get my backpack.”

“I saw it. Don’t worry, it’s safe.”

I push myself up to the edge of the sofa. “There’s some jerky in there though. If the bear gets hold of it, it’ll shred the whole thing.”

“Scout, you’re not going anywhere tonight.”

I reel back. That’s kinda bossy. And… uh…sexy.

His eyes are burning into mine again. “I’m taking care of you. This is all my territory.”

“B-but the bear?—”

“No one touches my property,” he growls.

Property? A flood of heat goes through me. Why do I get the feeling he’s including me in that?

“Okay,” I manage to say, acting like my pussy isn’t throbbing right now.

He gives himself a shake. “I’ll get dinner started, and while it’s cooking, I’ll go out and grab your pack.”

“That would be amazing. Thank you, again.”

“You don’t need to thank me. That’s the least I’d do for you, Scout.”

I blink at him, unsure what to say. Maybe I could just kiss him instead? My gaze flickers to those full lips again.

He straightens up. “You relax and I’ll go whip something up in the kitchen.”

“Oh, can I come?” I say, not wanting to be separated from him. “Maybe I can chop veg or something?”

He grins. “You can come, but you’re not doing anything.”

I start to haul myself up into a standing position, but he’s right there, reaching for me.

“Here.”

When I slide my hands into his, something incredible happens. There’s this intense tingling sensation inside me. I feel like he’s drawing me into him. Like our souls are connecting. Like part of me has been missing all my life, and he’s finally here.

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