Page 35 of My Forever Bear

Red. All I see is fucking red.

Flying across the clearing, a continuous growl rumbles from my chest. I bound up the porch stairs, sharp claws sinking into the wood of each step. My big body squeezes into the confines of the covered porch.

“Oh, fuck,” the skeezeball wheezes, turning to face me.Chris.The pieces click, my brain barely functioning through the haze of murderous rage.

Straightening to my full nine-foot height, my head brushing the porch ceiling, I let out a vicious roar that shakes the cabin. My bear may be slightly smaller than Reese’s, but I’m no less terrifying.

I tower over him, slamming a giant paw on either side of him, caging him against my front door. Pulling my lips back in a snarl, razor-sharp teeth gleaming in the afternoon light.

Chris plasters his back to the door, eyes widening almost comically like they’ll pop out of their sockets.

Leaving only an inch between our faces, I open my mouth on another savage roar. Spittle flies from my lips, coating Chris as his body trembles uncontrollably, tears streaming down his face.

Finally, he slams his eyes shut, muttering, “don’t kill me” on repeat. I take that as my cue, quickly slipping back into my human form.

Standing naked in front of Chris, a growl rolls from my chest as my eyes trace down his body. Damp khaki fabric clings to his crotch. Fucking pathetic, the slimeball pissed himself.

“Where is my mate?” I bellow before raising my fist and smashing it into Chris’ sniveling face.

With anoomph,his head snaps back, wobbling on his neck like a bobble-head doll. Murderous rage clouds my vision as I pin Chris to the door with a hand around his throat.

Lost to my fury, I punch him again and again, until a large hand curls around my clenched fist.

“Stop! Kiernan!” a deep voice yells. Ignoring it, I pull my fist free, ramming it into Chris’ abdomen.

“STOP!” Thick, muscular arms wrap around me, Reese’s gruff voice cutting through the red haze. My arms fall limp to my side, chest heaving as some of the rage seeps from my veins.

No longer held up by my grip, Chris crumples to the ground, clutching his face and stomach, sobbing like a baby.

Reese releases me from his embrace only to clamp a warm hand on my naked shoulder, spinning me to face him. “He’s not worth it, man. Go to your mate. She needs you.” Searching his dark brown eyes, I nod.

“Wren.” Her name spills out on a pained moan.

“Go. I’ve got him,” Reese confirms, bending to pick up a now unconscious Chris.

Jiggling the doorknob, it doesn’t budge.Locked. Smart girl.

Leaning my head against the rough wood, I softly call to my mate. “Wren, baby. Are you okay?”

“Kier?” she sobs.

“Yeah, Lilac. It’s me. Can you open the door?” I coax, keeping my voice calm and quiet. I can only imagine how terrified she is. And if she’s hurt, I might lose my fucking mind again and kill Chris.

The door flies open, a flash of messy brown hair, then she’s in my arms. Where she belongs. Burying her head against my chest, shudders wrack her small frame as she sobs. I wrap my arms around her, holding her tight, letting her salty tears soak my skin like I can absorb some of her grief. Resting my head against hers, I let her cry, breathing in her comforting Lilac scent.

Fuck, she’s alive. Releasing a heavy sigh, my muscles relax as Wren melts further into my embrace. I’ll hold her for as long as she needs. I’m never letting her go again.

Eventually, her body stops shaking and her wails turn to sniffles. Combing thick fingers into her hair, I tip her head back and lock onto those ocean-blue eyes I love so much. For a few seconds, I wasn’t sure I’d see them again.

“Are you alright, Lilac?” I whisper, placing a kiss on her forehead.

Shaking her head, she looks up at me with red-rimmed, watery eyes. “I’ll be okay. I’m just scared more than anything,” she admits, voice wobbling slightly.

“Did he touch you?” I growl, jaw grinding at the thought of his slimy hands on my mate. My eyes catch on my ax discarded on the entry rug.

She shakes her head again, phone clutched in her hand, 911 typed on the display. “No. I managed to get inside and lock the door before he could grab me. I called the police right before you showed up.”

“Good girl.”

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