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A man stepped into a moonbeam, rifle glinting coldly in his hands. He scanned his surroundings as he walked, clearly searching for something...or someone.
Tillman let out a fierce snarl, fur bristling. Before Laith could react, the bear bounded forward. A deafening roar rent the night air as Tillman charged their foe.
The hunter shouted in alarm, fumbling with his rifle. Too late. Tillman slammed into him, knocking him flat. The rifle spun away into the underbrush.
Heart in his throat, Laith raced to assist. But Tillman had things under control. He pinned the squirming guy effortlessly, teeth bared inches from the man’s throat.
“Please, don't kill me!” the guy whimpered.
Laith crouched down beside him. “Unlike you, we’re not killers,” he said coldly. “But you’re going to leave the forest and never return. Understand?”
The man nodded frantically. At a nod from Laith, Tillman backed off with a warning huff. The stranger scrambled to his feet and fled into the night.
Laith let out a shaky breath, adrenaline ebbing. “Good work,” he told Tillman, stroking the bear’s fur. “Though you did scare me for a moment there.”
Tillman nuzzled him. But Laith understood—this was Tillman’s forest, and his home. He would defend them fiercely. Laith just couldn’t believe how badass he’d acted. He was quite proud of himself.
Until he heard rustling.
“You’ve got to be shitting me,” Laith groaned.
Tillman let out a warning snarl, moving in front of Laith protectively. He knew that a bear’s senses were far superior to a human’s in the dark forest.
A twig snapped, and suddenly a large shape lumbered from the shadows. Laith braced himself, ready to fight or run. But instead of a poacher, it was a huge grizzly bear.
“Oh shit,” Laith whispered.
Tillman relaxed marginally, though he kept himself between Laith and the wild bear. The two beasts sniffed the air, taking each other’s measure.
After a tense moment, the grizzly dipped its head slightly in deference to the bigger bear. Then it ambled past them and disappeared into the trees.
Laith’s knees nearly buckled in relief. He let out a shaky breath. Just a wild animal, not a new threat. He patted Tillman’s shoulder gratefully.
“I’m ready to call it a night.”
Tillman huffed in agreement. Now that the adrenaline was fading, exhaustion was setting in after the long, eventful night.
Laith leaned heavily against Tillman’s sturdy frame. The bear nuzzled him gently then lowered himself to the ground. Understanding his intent, Laith climbed onto his back. He clutched fistfuls of fur as Tillman stood then began loping through the moonlit forest.
Despite his weariness, Laith drank in the beauty of their surroundings. Silver moonbeams danced between the trees, lighting their path. The melody of a night bird floated on the breeze. Laith closed his eyes, letting the gentle rhythm of Tillman’s gait soothe him.
Before long, the trees thinned, revealing Tillman’s backyard. Warm light glowed in the windows, welcoming them home.
Tillman slowed to a stop outside the back door. Laith slid down from the bear, legs nearly buckling. The bear shifted, fur receding to reveal a powerfully built man with kind eyes.
“Let’s get you inside,” Tillman rumbled.
Laith nodded wearily. The door creaked open, washing them in comforting warmth.
Tillman guided Laith to the plush sofa. Gratefully, Laith sank into its soft embrace. He sighed, eyes drifting closed. A knitted blanket settled over him, cocooning him in woolen comfort as he felt Tillman removing his shoes.
The last thing he felt was Tillman’s tender kiss on his brow. Then sleep claimed him, his mate’s protective presence keeping the darkness at bay.
Chapter Seven
Laith drifted slowly awake, eyes blinking open to daylight streaming through the windows. For a moment he was disoriented, unsure where he was. Then the memories of last night came flooding back.
He sat up on the couch, knitted blanket pooling around his waist. The living room was empty, but he could hear noises from the kitchen—the scrape of a pan, the clink of dishes. His stomach rumbled, his mouth watering at the scents wafting his way.
