Page 25 of Grin and Bear It

Artair’s driver delivered them to a smaller building separated from the main house—what Artair referred to as “the family dining lodge.” Despite the modest name, the structure resembled a high-end log cabin the size of a small restaurant.

“Grandma Eira prefers the intimacy of the lodge for family gatherings,” he explained as they approached the door.

“Right. Intimate,” Thora replied, eyeing the massive timbers and sprawling porch. “Just a cozy little thousand-square-foot dining room.”

“Two thousand, actually.” The corner of his mouth twitched. “Bears need space.”

Inside, warmth enveloped them. A fire crackled in a stone hearth large enough to cook an ox, and the air carried the rich aromas of roasted meat and spices. Antique bear clan tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of forest hunts and ancient rituals.

Bryn had arrived ahead of them and stood chatting with a tall, lanky man with wire-rimmed glasses who looked vaguely familiar to Thora.

“Jash?” Artair sounded surprised. “I didn’t expect you tonight.”

The man adjusted his glasses. “Your grandmother invited me.” He turned to Thora, his expression shifting to barely contained excitement. “You’re actually her. Thora Halliwell. The sabertooth bounty hunter who captured the Wilson twins in Creston Valley!”

Thora blinked, taken aback. “You know about that?”

“Know about it? I’ve followed your career for years!” Jash extended his hand enthusiastically. “Jash Clancy, head of security for Maxen Enterprises. Your takedown of GabrielThornton—the way you tracked him through three cities after he switched forms—absolute genius. I wrote my master’s thesis on shifter tracking techniques and referenced your methodology extensively.”

“Jash is also my oldest friend,” Artair added with a bemused expression. “And apparently your biggest fan.”

TWENTY-SIX

Thora shook Jash’s hand, unsure how to respond to his enthusiasm. Most people knew her reputation as effective but ruthless—few expressed admiration.

“Your work on the Silvercliff case revolutionized how we approach anti-magic security systems,” Jash continued eagerly. “The way you identified the magical signature bypass points—I implemented similar protocols in our Phoenix facility last year.”

“That’s... good to know,” Thora managed.

“I have so many questions about your techniques. For instance, when tracking a shifter who’s changed forms multiple times, do you focus on the residual magical signature or physiological markers like personalized scent compounds?”

Artair placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Maybe save the professional interrogation for after dinner, Jash.”

“Right, sorry.” Jash pushed his glasses up, looking sheepish. “I get carried away with security theory.”

“No problem,” Thora replied, secretly relieved for the interruption. “It’s just unusual to meet someone familiar with my work beyond ‘scary tiger lady who hunts people.’“

Jash chuckled. “Oh, the forums have much more detailed discussions of your methods. The thread about your Roosevelt capture has over three thousand replies.”

“Forums? There are forums about bounty hunters?”

“SupernaturalSecurity.net,” Jash nodded enthusiastically. “You’re something of a legend there. Username ThunderPaws believes you’re actually part vampire because of your night tracking abilities.”

Thora shot Artair a helpless look.

“Jash,” Artair said firmly, “perhaps later?”

“Oh, right, sorry.” Jash adjusted his glasses again, a nervous habit. “It’s just exciting to meet someone whose work I’ve studied.”

Before the conversation could continue, the room’s atmosphere shifted as an elderly woman entered from a side door. Despite her advanced age, she carried herself with regal bearing, her silver hair swept into an elegant bun. Sharp hazel eyes assessed Thora with unsettling directness.

“So this is the sabertooth who manhandled my grandson,” she said, her voice strong and clear.

Artair stepped forward. “Grandma Eira, this is Thora Halliwell. Thora, my grandmother, Eira Maxen.”

Thora straightened instinctively. Something about the old woman commanded respect. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Maxen.”

“Eira, please.” The older woman circled Thora slowly, making no attempt to hide her assessment. “Strong build. Good bone structure. Excellent posture.” Her gaze lingered on Thora’s face. “Distinctive features. Quite striking.”

---