Page 54 of The Grizzly Situation
They were giddy. They stripped off their clothes, then both got down on all fours. I don’t know what I was expecting tohappen. I figured there would be pain involved, but as their bodies morphed they both seemed ebullient. When the shift was over, the two of them looked up at me expectantly.
“You did so well,” I told them. “Your dad will be proud of you both, just like I am. Now, let’s get to bed.”
They waited for me to get in, and then they got up on the bed and moved around to position themselves. It dawned on me then, how gentle they were being with me. Not wanting to cause me pain. And at around fifty pounds, likely more since I was bad at guessing, they could definitely do some damage. Still, they found a spot they liked and curled behind me. Eddie’s head was over my legs and Jack’s was over my hip. I had the urge to move, but the boys were being so careful with me, like it was instinctual and I liked that.
I cared for them. This family. This town. Even knowing what I did, I still felt comfortable here, like I belonged.
Which I didn’t. And never would.
BRENT
“So what do we do?”I asked after Uly and the kids left the room. “He knows now.”
Chaim sighed and came to where I stood. He was still massive, and would make a much better leader and protector than me.
“He also cares for you,” he said. “There comes a time when we have to trust those closest to us. Do you think he’d betray you?”
Of course not. Uly was not the type who’d turn his back on those he cared about. “No, he wouldn’t.”
“Then let him in. Cullin said Uly wanted to stay here. To be part of your lives and this town. Would that be so bad?”
“It’s forbidden,” I croaked out, hating that I had to say the words.
“By who?” Chaim demanded, his voice a whip crack. “Are you not the leader here? Is this not your decision to make?”
“But how will the people feel about it? Most have had bad experiences with humans.”
“Then you show them Uly isn’t a typical human. Let them know he’s strong and loyal to those he calls his friends. I swear to you, cub, Uly would move heaven and earth to not hurt anyone. I think he’s had enough of that in his life, and wouldn’t return it.”
My shoulders slumped as I sighed. Of course Chaim was right. Just like he always was. “Why don’t you stay and become the leader?” I asked. “You’ve got a better head on your shoulders than me.”
He wrapped an arm around my neck and pulled me into his chest. That musky odor I recall from days we pumped iron was faint, but still there. It always calmed me and allowed me to think.
“What’s the first rule of lifting?” he asked quietly.
“Never lift alone,” I replied automatically.
“From what I can see, that’s what you’ve been doing for years. Trying to take on everything by yourself. If he stayed, could Uly help you?”
I nodded. “He’s smart and capable.”
“Then tell him that. Offer him a home, cub. Let him know that Bear Mountain will welcome him with open arms. He’s desperate to fit in somewhere, anyone can see that. He wants it to be here, with you and the boys he’s obviously crazy about.”
At that moment, I had the insane urge to check on him. I excused myself and moved to the bedroom. I opened the door as quietly as I could, and two heads lifted up, peering at me. My boys were in bear form, protecting Uly. They loved him, that was easy to see.
“Go to sleep, guys,” I whispered. “We’ll have pizza when you get up.”
They put their heads back down and closed their eyes.
I let my gaze drift over Uly, and my heart thumped a bit harder. I didn’t want him to leave. I wanted him to stay here with us, forever. If the people wouldn’t accept him, then we’d go. Chaim could take over the sleuth and Uly and I would go somewhere and make a family together, and forget about the town.
Wishful thinking, right?
Chapter Fifteen
ULY
I awoke a few hours later,warm and comfortable, with two bear cubs cuddling me. Glancing down, I could see the differences in the boys. While they were nearly identical in their human forms, their ursine—I think that’s the word—bodies weren’t the same at all. Eddie had darker fur, while Jack’s was lighter brown. Eddie’s paws were massive, at least compared to his feet. I wondered if that denoted their level or strength or whatever.
