Page 15 of Grin and Bear It

“I’m authorized to use necessary force,” she continued, voice steady despite her inner turmoil. She snapped the first cuff around his right wrist, feeling the satisfying click of magical activation.

The crowd around them gasped collectively. Only then did Thora register their expressions—not the fear or excitement typical when witnessing a bounty capture, but shock and disbelief. Some even appeared horrified.

The man beneath her tensed, muscles bunching with incredible strength. His scent changed, anger sharpening to fury tinged with disbelief.

The cuff began to spark wildly, blue-gold energy crackling along its surface. Before Thora could secure the second restraint, the man twisted with shocking speed for someone his size. With one powerful movement, he shattered the cuff.

Metal fragments scattered across the cobblestones as the magical energy contained within the broken restraint surged outward, coalescing into something new—a shimmering, translucent cord that attached itself to both Thora’s and the man’s wrists.

“What did you do?” they demanded simultaneously.

SEVENTEEN

Thora scrambled backward, but the golden tether stretched only about ten feet before pulling taut. When she tried to move farther, an invisible force yanked her forward, nearly sending her sprawling.

The man rose to his full height—even taller than she’d estimated—and glared down at her with eyes that flashed between deep brown and molten gold. Heat radiated from him in waves, his fury a palpable force.

But beneath the anger, her enhanced senses detected something else—the continued simmer of attraction, seemingly intensified by their conflict. Her sabertooth responded instantly, pushing against her human control with unprecedented strength.

Yes. Strong mate. Worthy challenge.

“Who are you?” he demanded, his voice controlled thunder. “And why have you attacked me in my town?”

My town.The possessive phrase registered first, followed by the implication. “Yourtown?” Thora’s mind raced, confusion momentarily overwhelming her professional demeanor. “You’re not Ajax Blackwater?”

“I am Artair Maxen.” He spoke the name as if it should mean something to her, drawing himself up to his full, imposing height. When her expression remained blank, his scowl deepened. “CEO of Maxen Enterprises and part of the founding family of Enchanted Falls.”

Oh no.

The crowd around them had grown, faces peering with undisguised curiosity and, in many cases, barely suppressed glee at the unfolding drama. Someone had produced a smartphone, capturing her humiliation for posterity.

“There’s been a mistake,” she admitted through gritted teeth, tugging futilely at the magical tether. “I’m tracking a bounty?—”

“A bounty hunter?” Artair Maxen’s expression darkened further, but his scent betrayed him—beneath the anger lay intrigue, and beneath that, the continued simmer of unwelcome attraction. “In Enchanted Falls? Who authorized this?”

Before she could answer, a plump older woman with silver-and-black hair pushed through the onlookers, her eyes bright with excitement. She clutched a small notebook and pen, scribbling frantically as she approached.

“Agatha Plumthorn, dear,” the woman introduced herself to Thora, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. “Town historian and newsletter editor. Could I get your name and why exactly you’ve tackled our illustrious Mr. Maxen in broad daylight? Is this some kind of courtship ritual from outside shifter communities?”

“Courtship?” Thora sputtered, heat rushing to her cheeks. “No!”

But her sabertooth disagreed, purring with satisfaction at the suggestion.Yes. Strong mate. Claim him.

Shut up,she growled internally.Not helping.

Agatha seemed undeterred. “No? Such a shame. It would make a wonderful addition to my column ‘SupernaturalCourtship Through the Ages.’ Though I must say, the chemistry between you two is simply electric! I haven’t seen sparks like this since the Great Wolf-Fox Mating Scandal of ‘87!”

“Mrs. Plumthorn,” Artair cut in, his tone brooking no argument despite the faint flush creeping up his neck. “I’m sure you have market preparations to document.”

“Oh, but this is much more interesting!” Agatha’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “The newcomer who dared tackle mighty Artair Maxen! When was the last time anyone saw our bear brought low? Solstice wrestling match of ‘98, wasn’t it, Greta?” she called to someone in the crowd.

“And even then, he let Fenris win because of the bet on Moonflower honey!” a woman’s voice called back.

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the onlookers. Thora wanted nothing more than for the cobblestones to open up and swallow her whole. Her professional reputation would never recover from this.

“We need to fix this,” she said to Artair, gesturing at the golden cord. “Now.”

He nodded curtly, his eyes still blazing with barely contained anger. Yet his scent told a more complex story—frustration and attraction warring for dominance, underscored by confusion that mirrored her own.

---