Page 13 of Having the Bear's Baby

“Watch ahead,” Liam told Emma.

Emma followed Liam’s gaze. Straight in front, she saw the trail they had walked down minutes earlier. There were five teenagers trying to be sneaky, sort of faux-stalking Liam and Emma. The teens had no idea the tables had quickly been turned, and they were now the hunted ones.

“Follow me,” Liam told Emma. “We need to address this right now.”

Liam stood and extended his hand down to help Emma stand. The man was ever the gentleman, and they moved forward through the ferns toward the group that had no idea they were coming.

“Stop. Stop right there,” Liam shouted to the group of teens.

The teen that was closest saw Liam. The teen’s eyes widened. Emma heard the teen shout toward the other teens. Then, they all gathered in a small group. The oldest and the tallest teen stood in front of the group and faced Emma and Liam as they slowly and methodically approached the group from off-trail.

“Didn’t expect us out of left field, did you?” Liam asked the group.

Emma was impressed at the wide eyes and attention Liam was getting from the teens. They clearly knew him and respected him.

“Alpha Beron,” the lead teen said. “Good to see you.”

“I bet,” Liam answered. “How about us being straight with each other? I surprised your ass.”

“Yes, sir,” said the group in unison.

“Where are you guys headed?” Liam asked.

“Park. Creek. Mall. Gamespot. Mount Baldy.” Each gave a different answer.

“You guys are funny,” Liam cracked back. “I thought we were past all this.”

Nobody said anything back, at least not verbally. Emma was impressed yet again at the visible looks of reverence the teens showed Liam, even though they were clearly having trouble getting their story straight. They knew Liam and looked up to him.

“Three things,” Liam told the group. “Three things you need to remember. And I know you know all of this, so don’t play dumb. First, if you are going to lie, get your story straight. I asked where you were headed, and you gave me five different answers. Second, we don’t stalk people in the forest because it’s rude. And we don’t stalk people because we could scare them, and that’s not how we are. Tell me you understand what I just said?”

“Yes, Liam,” the group chanted in unison.

“Good,” Liam told them. “I am proud of you. Now, here’s the third thing you need to remember. This is the most important part. I am counting on you to not mess this up. You need to live your best life. I’m betting on each of you making a difference in the world. I believe in you. One of you may someday replace me and lead this clan.”

Liam held the group’s attention. The forest was enveloped in peaceful silence. Not a single word was spoken, yet the atmosphere was charged with a sense of shared understanding. As Emma observed their expressions … youthful faces illuminated by bright eyes … it was evident they harbored a deep desire to pledge their allegiance to the alpha.

In return, the boys wanted to make their leader proud, mirroring the vision Liam had created. Emma found the dynamic intriguing, a testament to the profound impact his words had on the members.

“This won’t happen again,” the older teen answered.

“I want it to happen again,” Liam said. “I want you to hike with me anytime. Just say it. I also know you won’t be stalking me or anyone else, for that matter. You are kings, and you will act that way.”

“Thank you,” the group said. Then they turned and left in a jog.

“You want to explain that to me?” Emma asked. “That was very surreal, and I loved your pep talk.”

“I know what you are asking,” Liam replied. “I really do believe in them, and I am counting on them. They are our future.”

“Their parents are pack members?”

“See how you are?” Liam answered. “You are so intuitive. This pack is going to love you. Even if they secretly hate me, they will love me and be loyal.”

“I could see that,” Emma answered. “They were intent on being mischievous, and just by the sight of you and hearing your voice, they immediately grew up.”

“You still want to see that creek that I love?” Liam asked.

“I am up for whatever you want to share. Every part of this hike has been enlightening and beautiful. I’ve loved every moment of this day since you first tapped on my car window when I was hesitant.”

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