Page 95 of Bear Facts

Freya might have missed it, even with her wolf senses. About fifty yards ahead of them among thinning trees was an oblong building made of stone—the same kind of stones that littered the ground around them. With no windows, it very much resembled a natural knoll. Camouflage netting had been draped over it to further disguise it.

As they watched, two human guards moved in front of the building as though on patrol. Both wore camo fatigues, and each held a tranq rifle. Radios rested on their shoulders, equipment belts around their waists, from which hung tasers and shock sticks.

The stench from the building indicated that the Shifters were in there. How many? Freya smelled Lupines and Felines—no bears—but there was so much scent blended together it was hard to distinguish individual smells.

Matt, Shane projected without moving. Climb up on Freya. You stay there, no matter what happens.

Matt obeyed without a word, which told Freya he was spooked. Shane sent a whispered command for Freya to stay put then he moved forward, keeping so close to the ground it was as if fur rippled through the underbrush.

Sis, are you coming?

Rolf’s voice, desperate and close, rang through her head. Freya wanted to leap up and run to him, so much so that she forced herself to remain still.

You should be together, Matt said, his whisper in her head as quiet as Shane’s had been.

We’re trying to find him, Freya said, attempting to reassure herself at the same time.

I meant with Uncle Shane.

Freya started. Kinda busy for that right now. We’ll figure it out once we find my brother.

No. Matt’s voice rose in distress, and Freya realized in a heartbeat that he no longer was talking about the mate-claim.

Shane had moved out of sight behind the building. The two guards in front remained there—they hadn’t seen him.

Then Shane’s roar came to them abruptly and with it a clear word in bear. Shit!

Freya backed up until trees hid her from the stone building, then she skimmed the ground as she circled the compound, alert for Shane’s scent and her connection to him.

The structure was larger than it looked, probably twenty yards long by about fifteen wide. Freya slid around it, Matt clinging silently to her, until she reached its other side. She sank down in the tall grass, peering through its stalks to get her bearings.

Large cages had been set behind the building, their bars woven tightly with thick wire. They were empty now, and no one was in sight.

Very quietly, Freya moved forward, her wolf making no noise at all.

A soft click made her freeze.

A man rose not ten feet in front of her, a tranq rifle aimed straight at her. No, not a man—a Shifter. A Feline with shaggy hair and white-blue eyes that were rimmed with red.

Feral.

The Shifter didn’t move, and neither did the rifle trained on Freya. Freya’s heart hammered, wondering whether he’d fire or not. The fact that he had a tranq rifle meant the humans trusted him, so he probably wouldn’t be friendly.

A door slammed open, and Freya heard a peremptory snap of fingers. The Feline scowled and lowered the rifle.

Freya let out a breath of relief before a familiar scent rocked her.

Her brother Rolf stood on the doorstep of the stone building. A chill breeze moved his short, dark hair, which was brushed with the silver of his gray wolf. Rolf gazed at her with golden-gray eyes from a face she’d missed so much.

“About time you showed up, sis,” he stated, his voice gravel-harsh. “Come on in. I have so much to tell you.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Shane was having problems of his own. Namely, five asshole Shifters who stared him down over tranq rifles, pinning him in place. They’d surrounded him, moving far more stealthily than any Shifter should be able to.

Shit, was all he’d been able to project before he rose into his half-beast form.

Feline and Lupine Shifters should wet themselves when confronted with a bear’s half-beast, but these dudes only let their rifle muzzles follow him up.

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