Page 50 of Stolen By The Beast
A roar shook the earth, promising death to those who heard it.
The men screamed, their fear becoming a living thing.
I wasn’t afraid. From that first moment his fur brushed my skin, part of me had recognized my mate…
“Juniper, run.” Karvik’s voice pulled me from my memories.
His glowing eyes met mine, unlocking another memory.
Fireflies danced around me as I wandered through the woods.
But not all the golden orbs had been insects, had they?
Realization rippled through me.
Karvik had been watching me, my unseen protector, even if he hadn’t realized it yet.
It wasn’t the brush of his fur that had first called to me. No, I’d been drawn to his warm, glowing eyes.
Every single memory poured into my mind, threatening to bury me beneath their weight. My life hadn’t been an easy one. I’d been on my own for so long.
For years I’d dreamed of finding a man who would protect me, who would be fiercely loyal to me, who’d want to build a life together as best friends.
I just hadn’t thought my perfect lover would come in the form of a beast.
With my memories restored, I knew for certain that monsters were still the things of legends and ghost stories in the human world. Not a single sane person would choose to stay with a living nightmare.
I should fear Karvik now that I knew exactly how far apart our two species were.
My swirling thoughts cleared in an instant, and I pinned the man with a glare. “You can’t shoot him!”
“Miss, move aside slowly so we have a clean shot of the beast,” a voice rang in my ears. “We’re the police. You’re safe now!”
Karvik’s muscles flexed, preparing to launch himself at the men running toward us.
“Lady! Get away from that thing!” the largest of the men ordered, leveling his gun at Karvik.
“No! Please, stop! I’m safe!” I pleaded, trying to push my way between the gun and Karvik’s chest.
My mate was having none of it, and angled himself to keep me behind his back as he stared down his would-be murderer.
I begged for them to understand, but my words were falling on deaf ears. These men saw a monster, and nothing I said was going to change their minds.
A gun fired, and Karvik lunged straight into the bullet’s path.
My throat burned as I screamed in terror. I couldn’t lose him.
Not when I’ve only just found him.
With Karvik moving toward the man firing at him, several other men lifted their guns and began to fire at Karvik.
Three of the officers broke from the group and rushed at me.
Rough hands grabbed my arms and hauled me to my feet. “Stop fighting us! We’re law enforcement. We aren’t going to hurt you!”
“I don’t care if you’re with the coalition of superheroes, I don’t want or need your help!” I screeched, kicking out at the legs and trying to twist my arms free from my captor’s bruising grip.
“You’re going to hurt yourself, miss.” This man’s voice was softer, but it did nothing to soothe the wild panic coursing through me. He turned to the other two men, “Enzo, ease up man! We’re trying to save her, not injure her.”
