Page 43 of Cowboy Bear's Hope

I did not think he’d attack. But I couldn’t be sure. And my Bear didn’t like uncertainties.

My inner Grizzly stirred, pushing closer to the surface, his presence a heavy weight in my chest.

The beast let out a long, deep growl, vibrating through me.

I didn’t like where this was going. Didn’t like the Alpha poking his nose into my business.

Rosie and Avery were my business. No one else’s.

I came from a place where trust was not easily given.

Grrrr.

The animal in me clawed to get out. He didn’t like what Max was suggesting.

I tried to rein him in, but it was difficult. See, the Bear was created to protect.

My supernatural DNA demanded I use my dual nature to defend what was ours.

Max isn’t like our old Clan’s Alpha, I reminded my Bear.

He didn’t use people, didn’t abuse his power.

The Motley Crewd Ranch was different. This place was a refuge for those of us who needed a fresh start.

Sure, Max was still figuring things out, but he was Alpha. Emmet was the Beta, and he was a damn good one. The rest of us were trying to work out the correct pecking order necessary for peace in groups composed of dominant, lethal creatures like us.

Each member of the Crew was a monster. All of us carried scars and baggage from our pasts. But this place gave us a chance to heal and trust again.

Even so, my Grizzly didn’t take kindly to the idea of anyone questioning my bond with Avery. No matter how good of a man, or Alpha, Max was.

“Not yet,” I admitted, my voice tight. “I was planning to broach the subject of Rosie when it felt right.”

Max sighed, nodding his head.

“Penny is concerned. Avery is her dearest and oldest friend, and apparently, she’s been through a lot?—”

“Pardon me, Alpha.” I cut him off, the words slipping out before I could stop them.

My Grizzly rumbled his approval, and I straightened my spine, meeting Max’s gaze head-on.

“But I know about Avery’s past. Everything she had to go through, every challenge, every heartbreak—it made her the woman she is today. And I wouldn’t change a single thing about her.”

Max studied me in silence, his expression unreadable. I let the weight of my words settle in the room before continuing.

“But the past is the past. I’m her present. And I’m her future. Whatever she’s been through, wherever she’s going, she doesn’t face it alone anymore. She’s mine, Alpha.”

“And Rosie?” he added.

My heart thudded inside my chest whenever I thought of that tiny cub and her sweet smile.

She was a terrific kid.

How could she not be with such a good mom?

I’d always craved family. From the time I was a cub, I knew I wanted a big one.

Having Rosie didn’t make Avery any less attractive to me. In fact, it was the opposite.

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