Page 43 of Grin and Bear It

“Several ceremonial pieces dating back eight generations. Bear clan marriage bands, protection amulets, a ritual chalice.”

“The binding chalice Bryn mentioned?”

His eyebrows rose slightly. “She told you about that?”

“She mentioned it’s worth six million on the black market.”

“It’s priceless to our clan,” he corrected. “The chalice has been used in Maxen mating ceremonies since before Enchanted Falls was founded.”

“So it holds significant magical energy,” Thora mused. “Perfect target for a collector or magical artifact trader.”

“Which fits Blackwater’s M.O.”

“Exactly.” Thora jotted notes in her small notebook. “Any specific security for those items?”

“Triple-layered wards. Motion detection. Magical signature scanners.”

“Only accessible by Maxen blood relation?”

Artair’s jaw tightened. “Yes.”

They lapsed into silence, watching as the jewelry store’s lights dimmed for closing. The security guard made his final round, checking locks and display cases before exiting through the front door. Streetlights flickered on, casting pools of golden light along the empty sidewalk.

Hours passed. They took turns monitoring different angles, moving with a synchronicity that should have required practice. When Thora shifted position, Artair automatically adjusted to maintain optimal coverage. When he leaned forward to check a sensor reading, she instinctively moved to compensate for his changed sightline.

“You take cream in your coffee,” Artair said suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence. “No sugar.”

Thora raised an eyebrow. “You noticed that during our forced togetherness?”

“I notice things.” He shrugged, his gaze fixed on the store. “You favor your right side when tired. You touch the scar on your left shoulder when thinking through a problem.” His voice softened. “You smile more than you think you do. Small ones, usually when you believe no one’s watching.”

Heat crept up her neck. Unlike the teasing from Bryn and Kalyna, his quiet observations felt more intimate—the result of genuine attention rather than matchmaking efforts.

“Studying me won’t help you catch Blackwater,” she deflected.

“Professional habit.” His voice held a hint of amusement. “Assessment of partners improves operational efficiency.”

“We’re not partners.”

“Temporary allies, then.”

Something shifted in the shadows below. Thora tensed, raising her hand for silence. Artair froze instantly, his focus sharpening.

Three masked figures approached the service entrance of the jewelry store. They moved with practiced coordination, keeping to the deepest shadows. One carried what appeared to be specialized equipment—slim metal cases that gleamed faintly in the moonlight.

“They’re using anti-magic tools,” Thora whispered, recognizing the distinctive shimmer around the cases. “High-end. Military grade.”

Artair’s eyes narrowed. “Can you see weapons?”

As if in answer, one figure produced what looked like a modified dart gun. Silver-tipped projectiles glinted in the weapon’s chamber.

“Bear bane,” Artair growled, muscles tensing visibly beneath his dark sweater. “Specifically designed to incapacitate bear shifters.”

“How would they know you’d be here?” Thora asked, already checking her own weapons.

“They might not. Could be precautionary...” His expression darkened.

“Time to move.” Thora rose in a fluid motion. “Circle around the back. I’ll take the roof and drop down behind them.”

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