Page 3 of Fearless as an Eagle

I weave my way through the trees, sniffing the ground as I go, following the bunny trail. It may take me a while to catch up to him because he got a tiny head start, and he’s a fast little fucker, but he won’t be able to hide from me for long. The wind flows through my fur as I race through the trees. A purr echoes in my head and I instantly feel guilty for not doing this sooner. I keep my bear locked up too much. I need to remember it’s good for both of us to take some time and just enjoy the wilderness like this. He huffs in agreement and I promise both of us to make this a priority from now on. There’s more to life than just healing athletes. Not saying my job isn’t important, or I don’t love what I do… But it’s time I put a little more focus on healing myself.

Before I know it, I’m sneaking up on Riley as he attempts to hide in a pile of leaves. Without making a sound, I pounce on him, forcing a squeal that I know he’ll deny ever making. I huff my laughter as I roll off him, tumbling around in the fallen leaves. He grunts in annoyance and kicks me with his hind legs before scurrying away once more. I give him a bigger head start this time, so the game lasts a little longer, then I’m off sprinting further into the forest.

After spending what feels like hours chasing Riley through the woods, we finally head back to camp to find mister Boy Scout had been busy while we were gone. The workaholic never stops working. Even if it’s not hisjob, he’s always doing something productive. While we were playing in the woods, Mason was apparently chomping down branches for a fire. There’s a stack of fresh wood by the tent and a makeshift fire pit already loaded with wood waiting to be lit.

“Damn, Mase! Look at all this wood! We’re only going to be here for two days, ya know?” Riley laughs as he takes in the admittedlylargepile of wood.

“Better too much than not enough.” Mason huffs as he rolls his eyes before lighting the first of many fires. “If you want fish for dinner, I’d suggest getting to it, otherwise you’ll be stuck with whatever we packed.”

“It’s a little late for fishing. I’ll definitely go first thing in the morning, though.” I’m already looking forward to seeing the sunrise over the lake as I eat my first catch of the day.

“Okay, then. You guys can sit down by the fire and I’ll get supper ready.”

Not one to argue, I grab a chair and pull it closer to the fire as Mason digs through the cooler he packed. Even knowing we were coming here to let our animals out, he had to come prepared for us to eat as humans. If it were up to me, there would be no food, and we’d just have to shift into our animals and eat in the woods the whole time. Although… After all that running, I’m ready for a good Mason cooked meal. I wonder what he brought.

It’s not long before the smell of propane fills the air. The food sizzles and the scent of vegetables cooking over the fire reaches my nose, making my mouth water. I wait patiently for him to announce dinner’s done and jump up to grab a plate. I load my plate down with grilled mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. Riley gets a little of everything even as he comments on Mason bringing so much food.

“You’re seriously talking shit about me bringing all this foodasyou put said food on your plate?” He glares at him.

“I was just joking, man, calm down. I would have thought all that wood chomping would have chilled you out a bit,” Riley teases.

“Leave him alone. You know how he gets. The first night is always stressful for him. I’m sure he’ll be in a much better mood tomorrow.” God do I hope I’m right. Mason really needs to let go and relax a little. He’s going to have a heart attack if he doesn’t stop worrying so much.

We all sit down with our plates, with no more bickering. We enjoy our meal in peaceful silence, soaking in the refreshing night air. The moon reflects off of the lake in front of us and the stars in the sky shine bright. You can’t see the stars like this in town. It may be cheesy to say, but it’s really beautiful out here. Even the smell of the campfire is like a balm to my weary soul. For once, my bear and I are in complete agreement. I can feel the stress melting off me as my shoulders slowly relax for the first time in too long. It was a good idea to come out here. I’ll have to thank Alex when we get home.

Chapter 3

Mia

Iwalkthroughthedoor of my small cabin in the middle of the Willow Grove National Forest as the first snowflakes fall from the sky. I hadn’t heard anything about snow in the forecast, so it surprises the hell out of me. After I lock the door behind me, I turn on the light and take a seat in my oversized chair near the window. Grabbing the remote, I turn the TV on to see what the heck is going on with the weather. I flip channels until I land on Soul Deep 24/7, my go-to news channel.

The channel’s chief reporters, Stevie and Candace, fill my screen. Stevie is a rottweiler shifter with dark brown skin, black hair, and dark brown eyes. He’s wearing his typical black suit and is really quite handsome if you ignore the panting and drool sliding down his chin. Candace is an adorable kangaroo shifter with sandy blonde hair and shining green eyes. She’s beautiful, even if she looks like she’s about to pop. I feel like this woman is always pregnant. But that’s kangaroos for ya.

“For our viewers in the Willow Grove area just joining us, you might have missed Mother Nature pulling one over on us,” Candace says on the screen with a flirty smile and as always I manage to feel like she’s talking directly to me. “Historically, the first snow doesn’t come until late November, but I guess someone decided we needed some of that fluffy white stuff this fall. That’s right, folks! We’re getting our first snow of the year… Right now! Let’s turn it over to Phil and find out just what’s happening out there and what we can expect throughout the next few days. Phil?”

“Thanks, Candace!” The camera cuts to a short, stubby man wearing a brown suit. “I’m sorry, everyone. I swear I didnotsee my shadow today. There’s no reason for winter to be here so soon,” he insists and I can’t help laughing at the joke, even if the groundhog weatherman uses it every winter. “I even used all these fancy devices to predict the weather. It’s been showing clear skies. But out of nowhere, with no warning, we’re about to be hit with a historical blizzard. Yes. I said the ‘B’ word. I know it just looks like pretty flurries right now, but that will not last. Within the next hour, you won’t be able to see your hand in front of your face. I suggest everyone stay where they are and hunker down for a long, chilly night. We don’t want anyone getting stuck in these conditions. Again.Please.Stay inside. Stay safe.”

It pans back to Stevie and Candace just as my phone rings. “Up next, The Haven may be forced to shut its doors. What that means for the children who depend on them for a safe home,” Candace announces as I grab it off the table. I smile when I see my brother’s name. He probably just heard about the storm and is checking in on me. I swipe to answer the call, a cheery greeting on the tip of my tongue, but he talks as soon as the call connects.

“I know you’re fine. Don’t start. We’ve got a problem.”

“Cryptic as always, brother. What’s the problem this time?”

“That blizzard? It’s heading right for you. We’ll get some snow in town, but the forest is going to get pounded… And not in the good way.”

“I saw. But I know this call isn’t about me because you know my cabin is stocked. You’re not worried about me getting snowed in. It wouldn’t be the first time, and I doubt it’ll be the last.”

“First of all, I’m always worried about you out there alone. But, you’re right. I didn’t call for you. The problem is, my three best friends are currently camping in your forest.”

My blood runs cold at his words. Campers? This is a nightmare. I have to find them before the storm hits and they freeze to death! “Why did no one tell me we had campers this week? Where are they? What part of the forest?” I rush out as I run around the room packing my go bag. There’s no time to waste. I have to leave as soon as I hang up, and the only way I’m going to find anyone in that forest right now is as my eagle, so I need a bag of clothes to change into once I land.Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Calm down, Mia. Mason is with them. I’ve told you all about my obsessively prepared friend. If I know him, and I do, he’s packed everything they’d possibly need to stay warm. But they still shouldn’t be stuck in a tent in this storm. They’re camping by the lake. Just find them and bring them home. Keep them safe, Sis. Please.”

Fuck. It’s the guys. I was so focused on the fact that there were unknown campers out there; I didn’t pay attention when he said it was his best friends. They’ve been friends for years, and Alex talks about them so often. I feel like I know them even though I’ve never met any of them. I always got the feeling he wanted me to know about them, but he didn’t want me toknowthem. If you know what I mean. Ever since what happened with Mike, he’s been wary of introducing me to his friends. But now they’re in trouble and I’m the only one who can save them.

“Yeah. I’ll get them. Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to them.” I strip off my clothes, stuff them in my bag, and walk toward the door as I assure him everything will be okay.

“Be careful. If it’s snowing too bad or you can’t see, just stay home. I don’t need you lost in the woods in this mess too,” he orders.

---