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All she did was nod once, but that was clearly all Bram needed.31In a popping flash, Bram turned back into his human form. He stared menacingly at Rook and bared his teeth. “Fight me like a fucking man, unless you’re a coward.”
Rook hissed, but the challenge was too much for him. He shifted back to a human, and the two males fought each other for supremacy. But of course Bram came out the victor, and always would.
“You’ve hurt my mate, the female I love. For that, I’m not going to make your death fast.” Bram’s voice was deadly soft, but even pitched low, the violence radiated right below the surface. “You’ll die knowing that from this day forward, you will no longer have any control over her, and that she will be happy… with me.” He bared his teeth, which had Rook trying in vain to get out from under him. “Don’t you know a bear always protects what’s his.” It wasn’t phrased as a question. He might have wanted to fight like a man, but this motherfucker needed to die at the hands of his bear. His animal wanted that victory. He let his inner beast out to finish this.
He swiped his claws out and tore into Rook’s human flesh. The skin parted in a disgusting, macabre display, but Bram was an animal right now and continued to attack and attack. Rook was no match for the bear, especially in his human form. Blood coated Rook’s chest, and in one final move, Bram bared his teeth and went for his throat, ripping flesh and breaking bone.
A massive arc of blood sprayed from the now gaping hole in his throat, and although Kenzie should look away, she couldn’t drag her eyes away from the sight of Rook dying, the monster that had made her life hell for far too long. She needed this, needed to see him take his last breath. Rook turned his head toward her, and the life in his eyes dimmed.
He tried to say something, but it was gurgled, and blood spilled from his parted lips. Bram roared and slammed his paw into the side of Rook’s head so hard she heard something crack. Rook deserved this fate and so much more.
Bram moved off Rook’s lifeless corpse and shifted out of his bear form. He stood before her naked, bloody, and wounded, but he was the most gorgeous male she had ever seen. She was on her knees, staring up at the only person who meant anything to her. The other two bears made deep noises, and he looked over his shoulder, tilted his chin up, and said, “Thanks, brothers, but I got it from here.”
They turned and left, and then it was just them and the sense of freedom that filled her. She felt this monstrous weight being lifted off her chest, and it was all because Bram had walked into her life and vowed to keep her safe. He had done that and so much more. Before she could rise, he was there lifting her into his battered arms.
“I can walk, Bram. You’re hurt.”
He shook his head and held her tighter, mindful of her injured arm.
“No, baby, I’m good.” He kissed her on the lips gently and then on the temple. “You’re alive, and I have you in my arms. All the pain in the world wouldn’t have me putting you down.” He looked at the deep teeth marks on her arm, and his jaw clenched. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”
Cupping his cheek, she urged him to look at her.
“I’m alive and in your arms. All the pain in the world couldn’t dim the fact that I have never been happier or felt safer.” His eyes became glossy, and she shook her head. “No tears from me or you. He wasn’t worth it, and he won’t be a wedge in anyone’s life any longer.”
Bram nodded, tightened his hold on her, and started moving away from the three dead bodies.
“What about them?” She buried her head in his neck, having no doubt he would know she was talking about the panther and two cougars.
“My brothers and I know people who can clean up messes like this. Besides, I doubt they’ll be missed by anyone.” That was the truth, because Rook and the cougars had only enemies and people who were scared of them. “Come on, baby, let’s go home.” He held her so tight she knew he would never let her go.
Home. Kenzie had never thought she would know what that word meant, but as Bram whispered endearments and soothing words against her temple, she knew he would always make her feel like she was at home, with him.EpilogueFive years laterBram wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. Kenzie let her bouquet of red roses drop to the chair beside her, closed her eyes, and fully leaned back against him. He placed his hand on her thigh and gripped her dress, slowly bringing the material up her legs.
