Page 11 of Saving Meri

Meri’s pulse pounded, her body betraying her.

Bear leaned in just enough that she felt the heat of him, the power in his presence, the way he could take her apart without laying a single hand on her.

"You might not be ready to admit it," he murmured, "but you don’t have to. I already know."

Meri’s fingers curled into the blanket, her breath shallow and uneven. He was right, and that was the most terrifying thing of all.

Bear stepped back, satisfied. “Go to sleep, little one.”

She didn’t move, didn’t blink, just stared at the door long after he left. Because for the first time in months, it wasn’t fear keeping her awake… it was him.

3

BEAR

Bear heard Archer before he saw him—heavy boots slammed against the concrete floor of the warehouse, each step fueled by fury and barely contained aggression. Bear didn’t bother standing from where he sat, arms crossed, legs stretched out in front of him, waiting. He’d known this was coming. Hell, he’d expected it the moment they got Meri out.

The door burst open, and Archer strode in like a man ready for war. Fitz followed at his side, looking more amused than concerned, but Bear didn’t miss the way the Scot kept his hand close to his weapon, which was probably a good thing. Because if Archer thought he was taking Meri from him, he’d find out real damn fast just how far Bear was willing to go to keep her.

Archer’s sharp hazel eyes locked on him, rage simmering beneath the surface, his hands curled into fists. "Where is she?"

Bear didn’t move. Didn’t blink. "Sleeping."

Archer’s nostrils flared. "Then wake her up."

"No."

The single word dropped like a hammer between them, the air thick with the unspoken challenge. Archer took a step forward. Bear didn’t.

"She’s my goddamn sister, Cole," Archer bit out. "She’s coming with me."

Bear met his gaze without flinching. "No, she’s not."

A muscle ticked in Archer’s jaw. "You want to say that again?"

Bear tilted his head, slow and deliberate. "You heard me the first time."

Fitz chuckled under his breath, leaning against the wall. "Well, this is entertaining."

Archer shot him a glare before snapping his attention back to Bear. "This isn’t up for discussion. She’s been through hell. She needs to be home, where she’s safe. With family."

Bear finally stood, pushing off the chair with unhurried control, letting Archer see exactly what he was up against. He wasn’t a man who made threats. He was a man who made promises.

"You’re thinking about what’s best for you," Bear said. "Not what’s best for her."

Archer’s jaw tightened. "She’s my sister. That makes it my call."

"Not anymore."

The words settled over Archer like a shroud. He fisted his hands at his sides, chest rising with restrained fury. "You think you know what she needs? You think you’re the one who gets to make that call?"

Bear didn’t hesitate. "Yeah. I do."

Archer took a step closer, too close, challenging, but Bear didn’t move. "You have no idea what she’s been through," Archer growled. "What was done to her."

Bear’s gut twisted, fury curling in his veins at the thought of what Meri had suffered. But he didn’t let it show. Archer wasn’t the only one who wanted blood.

"I know enough," Bear said. "I know she wakes up expecting to be caged. I know she doesn’t trust what’s in front of her. And I know the second you try to take her back into your world—into what’s familiar—she’s going to feel owned all over again. You’ll want to protect her…"

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