Page 104 of Bear Facts

“I’d have torched those, first thing,” Shane observed mildly. “Why didn’t you?”

“Because they’ll be useful.” Rolf was clearly growing impatient with his curiosity. “When more Shifters join us.”

“In your quest to build a Shifter army?”

Rolf faced Shane squarely. “If you think you’re broadcasting this information through the comm Freya has, you’re wrong.”

When Freya had shifted, she hadn’t been able to hide the comm, which had been concealed by her wolf’s fur. Knowing Rolf would spot it right away, Freya had unclipped it herself rather than have him rip it from her. He’d not said a word about it, but she ought to have guessed he’d seen her.

“I know.” Shane removed his comm from his bear ear. “We’re out of range, and this bunker is too shielded. These are useless at the moment.”

“Are you thinking of joining us?” Rolf was wary but betrayed a little hope.

“Maybe,” Shane said. “How did you plan to recruit more Shifters? Ads in newspapers? Oh, no, that’s too old school. Subliminal messages in social media?”

Rolf’s face tightened in irritation. “Word of mouth works fine. It’s how I found out about Althea’s organization. She has Shifters too, but I’ll take them from her.”

Freya hid a shiver at his conviction.

“I know some guys who might be interested,” Shane said.

“I’ll not use you for recruiting,” Rolf said in a hard voice. “I’d want you as a trainer.”

Shane considered this. “Makes sense. I’m a good fighter.”

“But first, you need to be more like us.”

Before Freya could form a protest, Rolf moved.

Her brother grabbed a shock stick from the nearest Shifter and rushed Shane, the shock stick crackling with electricity.

While his wild state heightened his speed and his reflexes, Freya, who’d been sparring with Rolf since they both were six, knew how to stop him.

She sprang in front of him as the shock stick came down, putting her body between it and Shane. A shock stick would not only hurt Shane but also Matt, who still clung to him.

The shock stick connected with Freya. She screamed as the jolt of electricity went through her, her heart racing with sickening speed. Her nerves tingled, and her limbs jerked.

Just as suddenly, the lightning vanished. Rolf stood over her, holding the stick that he’d yanked away as soon as it had touched her.

“What the hell did you do that for?” Rolf yelled.

Freya collapsed, landing against Shane. Shane gently lowered her to the floor and started for Rolf in fury but fell to one knee when one of the Shifters thunked a tranq dart into his side.

“He’s my mate.” Freya snarled up to Rolf. “You stay the hell away from him.”

Rolf jerked back. His nostrils flared, the red mist growing in his eyes.

“No, you’re not,” Rolf stated. “He’s scent-marked you, yes, and I can tell he mate-claimed you, but you haven’t answered. Good for you, sis. You’re too smart to put yourself into the clutches of a male Shifter. You and I will make a great team. Like we always have.”

Sure. He wanted the two of them to be these special Shifters together. To hell with friends, a mate, a home Freya didn’t have to run from, any chance at happiness.

“What time is it?” she demanded of him.

Rolf blinked at the non sequitur. “What?”

“I asked you what time it was. It was late afternoon when we found this place, but I’ve lost track.”

A Feline cleared his throat. “Nineteen hundred thirty hours.”

---