Page 25 of Fated to the Grizzly

“No one touches my girl!” I bellow in its face. With one final swipe, I tear its throat wide open. Blood gushes in hot spurts.

But I don’t move until the last breath of air has left its lungs and the light has died from its eyes.

I get to my feet and turn my back on it. Ready for the vultures to pick its carcass clean.

Then I go look for my girl.

10

Scout

My breath whooshes out of me.

He killed the monster. It’s over.

My throat is raw from screaming, and my fingers hurt from gripping the rail so tight.

And I have no idea when the towel slipped off me—again.

All I know is that Orion turned into a bear, and fought another bear to the death.

Yup. He turned. Into. A. Bear.

One minute, this incredibly hot man was standing in front of me. And the next… he grew fur, he got a ton bigger, and his jeans turned into tiny scraps of fabric. There they are, lying in a heap on the terrace.

Then, before I had a chance to freak at the sight of a giant grizzly right in front of me, he plunged off the balcony, headfirst.

That fight was the bloodiest, most brutal thing I’ve seen in my life. I was so scared for Orion. But I could see how strong he was. The other beast was as vicious as fuck, but he didn’t have Orion’s big heart, his courage.

So many times, I wanted to squeeze my eyes shut. But I forced myself to keep looking. I had to be brave, like Orion was being.

I hear the bedroom door open on the far side of the room. I turn around, ready to face him. I should probably pick up the towel and cover myself with it. But I don’t.

There’s no need to hide my body from him.

I’m his.

I know it deep in my soul.

I love him.

His footsteps pound across the dimly lit bedroom.

He’s here. Stepping onto the terrace.

My heart hammers like crazy.

“Orion—” A scream bursts from my lips.

Because he’s covered in blood. Just like the bear was.

His beautiful face and torso are crisscrossed with vicious wounds. I can see five-clawed slashes everywhere. Tears spring to my eyes.

“Oh, my god!” I run to him, holding my arms out, not knowing where to touch him.

He slides to a stop. “You saw all that?” There’s uncertainty in his eyes. I know he’s worried I’ll be disgusted or something, and I can’t stand it. Can’t stand the thought he might feel ashamed when he’s been nothing but brave.

I catch his hands and squeeze them tight. “Yes! You saved me. You’re a bear-man. A-a shapeshifter?”

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