Page 28 of Bear Creek Christmas
“Do you have any idea what you’re saying? Our relationship isOVER, and I’m not going anywhere with you. Besides, I’m seeing someone else. This is Knox McCoy. He’s a bear shifter—a veryannoyedbear shifter. You need to leave, now, and never come back.”
Daniel’s face scrunched up in disgust.
“You can’t be serious! Your place is at my side, not here in this frumpy little town or with some smellybear. Marry me. I can offer the kind of life you could never have on your own. It will be good for both of us, you’ll see.”
Levi’s anger surged, and he could feel Knox shaking.
“Never! You want some marriage of convenience, to show me off to your rich family and friends. I don’t want that with you or anyone else. I’ll get a court order if I have to, but youwillleave me alone!”
Daniel couldn’t believe what he heard and had foolishly taken his eyes off of Knox.
“Let’s talk about this outside. Come with me.”
The instant Daniel latched onto Levi’s arm, Knox’s body shifted. The sound of torn fabric rent the air as his bear moved to protect their mate. Unfortunately for Daniel, he couldn’t escape the shop in time, and an enraged and growling beast swatted him to the floor. Held down by a massive paw, Daniel shrieked in fear as Knox gnashed his teeth in the man’s terrified face.
While Levi received some perverse pleasure from watching the asshole squirm, he needed to prevent any actual damage. He approached Knox and began to stroke his furry head and ears, speaking quietly. The others observed with interest as the drama played out, ready to step in if needed.
“It’s all right, Knox. I think maybe he misunderstood what I said. Let me try again, OK?”
Knox huffed angrily but pulled away from Daniel’s face, leaving his paw in the middle of the man’s heaving chest.
“Thank you. Now, Daniel, let me explain thisone last time. Our—relationship—is—over. You will never contact me, return to Bear Creek, or harass my family back home. Understand?”
With his eyes locked on Knox, Daniel nodded.
“Good, because otherwise, Knox would track you down, and I might not be there to stop him. Now get out.”
Knox took a step back, allowing a shaking Daniel to get up off the floor, face twisted with indignation.
“Tell your furryboyfriendhe’s about to be sued for assault. You haven’t seen the last of me!”
Dee Dee broke the uncomfortable silence with a growl of her own.
“Oh yes, he has.”
Still recording, the wily Mayor passed the phone to Sunny and waltzed right over to Daniel.
“As the Mayor of this “frumpy little town”, I can categorically state thatyouare the only one facing charges! Provision five of the Shifter Protection Act specifically addresses harassment, poaching, or threats to shifter mates. This incident is not only being recorded, there are multiple witnesses. If you choose to ignore Mr. Green’s advice, I will gladly file charges against you on his behalf. I’m certain the news media back home would enjoy reporting on your shameful and illegal behavior.”
Daniel blanched. One look at the other faces in the room told him he’d lost this battle, and there was nothing left to do but accept defeat. He gathered up the shreds of his dignity, nodded to Levi, and left the building. Knox followed to make sure he got in his car, and with a final indignant roar, Daniel Pennyman pulled away from the curb and headed out of town.
Knox returned to the shop to find his shaken mate thanking Dee Dee for her help. Out of the back room, Aiden emerged with a blanket to cover the bear while he shifted. Knox wrapped it around his waist and took Levi in his arms.
“Are you alright? What do you need?”
Levi kissed the side of his neck and whispered a request.
“Please, take me home.”
