Hunter struck mid-word, his hand snapping out to catch Brennan’s wrist just as the tremor peaked. The syringe flew free,shattering against the concrete floor. Brennan tried to lunge, but his bear legs wouldn’t coordinate with his human torso. He collapsed forward, Hunter barely catching him before his head hit the ground.
“No, no, no!” Brennan clawed weakly at Hunter’s arms.
“This is over,” Hunter finished.
Brennan’s body convulsed, another failed transformation attempting to start. His face contorted in agony as bones began to shift then stopped, locked between forms. A keening wail escaped his throat before his eyes rolled back, and he went limp.
Siren was there immediately, checking his pulse. “Alive, barely.”
“Axel, call for transport,” Dom commanded. “Law enforcement backup and medical.”
Hunter returned to Sophie, kneeling beside her as Siren worked to get an IV started. Color was already returning to her face, her breathing steadier.
“You’re safe now,” Hunter told Sophie, though she couldn’t hear him. “Brie’s waiting for you. We’re taking you home.”
Chapter
Thirty-Three
Brie stoodat the center of the Fate Mountain Community Center, the Winter Festival in full swing. Fairy lights were strung across the ceiling and around the centerpiece where her gingerbread mountain was on display. The icing snow glistened in the twinkling lights as a toy train wound around the mountain. Hunter wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned down to kiss her cheek.
“It’s perfect,” she said in a low voice, snapping another picture to send to her mother. She knew her parents would be so proud. Hunter squeezed her to his side, and she felt a surge of satisfaction in her chest that they had come through so much conflict and strife and trauma to finally stand here in the heart of Fate Mountain, surrounded by family and friends, triumphant and at peace.
“I should get back to the Sweet Summit Bakery booth,” she said, taking Hunter’s hand. With Sophie still in the hospital, they were short-staffed, and they needed all hands on deck. The Winter Festival was more popular than ever this year, and it seemed like everyone in the community had turned out.
They passed booths of local craftsmen and foods and holiday goods. Brie waved to Joy Kincaid at her honey and soap booth. Her mate, Officer Andre Holt, stood beside her with their toddler Willow on his hip. Andre worked with the police department with Valeria’s brother Gabriel. It made her smile to think how everyone on Fate Mountain was connected.
Children rushed past holding candy canes and trailing ribbons, their laughter filling Brie’s heart. They passed Holly Bright’s ornament booth, and Brie couldn’t help but stop to chat with her childhood friend. Holly’s mate Elias stood strong and stoic at the back of the booth, wrapping up delicate ornaments for their customers.
“Your booth looks amazing this year, Holly,” Brie said.
“Thank you so much,” she said, placing her hand on her heart.
Cory Bright appeared, carrying a tray of hot chocolates. His face lit up when he spotted Brie.
“Uncle Cory,” Brie said, moving in to hug Cory as he handed the tray to Holly.
“I was just admiring the centerpiece, Brie. I think that your gingerbread mountain is probably the most magnificent display we’ve had so far. Your mother would be so proud.”
Brie’s cheeks burned from the compliment, but she accepted it with the kind of grace she knew her mother would have wanted.
“That means a lot, Uncle Cory. I’m just glad I was able to actually finish everything for the festival with all the drama going on this year.”
“Drama is an understatement,” Hunter said.
“I knew there was something wrong with Doctor Brennan when I fired him. I should have done more to protect the community.”
“There’s no way that you could have known,” Brie said, grasping Cory’s arm. “It’s not your fault.”
“But I do feel responsible. You know what it’s like, growing up with your dad. S&R never really leaves your blood.”
“Now we have Steel Protection to protect us,” Brie said, wrapping her arm around Hunter’s waist.
“You and Hunter should come over for our Christmas Eve celebration,” Holly said. “Dad always puts on the best parties.”
“I’d love that,” Brie said. “With my parents away this year, I was going to be on my own.”
“Not on your own,” Hunter said, squeezing her tighter.
