GRAYBACKBROKENBEAR

(GRAYBACKBEARS,BOOK4)

ByT.S.JOYCE

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Copyright©2015byT.S.Joyce

Copyright©2015,T.S.JoyceFirstelectronicpublication:

September2015

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PublishedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

ChapterOne

Thethwack,thwackof

EastonNovak’saxdrivingintobirchlogsechoedthroughthequietclearing.

Inasmoothmotion,hepushedthesplitwoodoff

intothegrowingpilebesidehimandstackedanotherwidelogontotheoldchoppingblock.Afterswingingtheaxhandlebehindhim,helifteditintheairandblastedthebladethroughthewood.Againandagain,heswunghisaxuntilhehadenoughforacordoffirewood.That

wasn’tthepointofthis,though.Thepurposewasn’ttoprepareforwinter.Thecoldmonthswerebehindhim,afterall.Itwasearlyspringandhealreadyhadenoughwoodtolasthimamonthofdeepsnow,plusacoupleofcordstosell.

Thepointwastosettle

theanimalthatsnarledconstantlydeepinsideofhim.Hehadworktodo.Oh,hesawhowtheotherGrayBackslookedathim.Thegirls,Willa,Gia,andGeorgiaweremoretolerant,buthestillscaredhiscrewonsomelevel.

Asheshould.

Iftheyknewwhatwasreallygoingoninsideofhim,Creedwould’veputhimdownyearsago.

Thiswasn’tworking.Allofthephysicalexertionwasn’tsettlinghimenough.Itneverdid.He’dhavetoChange.Maybefightandbleed,too.Therestlessness

thatwashedoverhimlatelywassuffocating.Hisbearwasstrugglingforbreathinsideofhim,clawingandtearing.Hedidn’tknowwhatthedamnedthingwasfightingagainst.Andhesureasshitcouldn’ttellanyoneelsewhatwaswrong.Hecouldn’tevenfigureouthisownanimal.

TheotherGrayBackscalledthemselvesmisfits,butnoneofthemcouldeventouchthebaggagehecarried.

Theflutterofwingssoundedbehindhim,andEastonthrewanarrow-eyedglareoverhisshoulder,butthebranchesoftheoldpinethatshadedhistrailerwere

empty,saveneedlesandpinecones.

Grittinghisteeth,Eastonpeeledhisshirtoffandwipedthesweatfromhisface.Withanirritatedsigh,hetossedhisshirtontotherailingofthestairsthatledtohisfrontdoor,thenpulledanotherlogontothechopping

block.Anotherflutterof

wings,andhewasgoingtokillthefuckingbirdwhowasscratchingatthememorieshewantedtokeepburied.No,thememoriesthatheneededtokeepburied,orhisbruinsilverbearwasgoingtoriphimtoshredsonhiswayout.

Flap,flap,scritch,scratch.

Shewasn’treal.Notreal,notreal.Theravenwasaghost,justlikeTessahadbeenJason’sghost.Thebirdhadlefthimalonealltheseyears,butnowthathe’dadmittedtoseeingTessa,theghostravenwasbackto

torturehim.Hecrackedtheblade

downthecenterofalog.Flap,flap.“Stopit,”he

murmured.Helaughedasthe

kneehighgrasstickledhisfrailshoulders.

Eastonblinkedhard

andslammedtheaxdown.Hecouldn’tdothisagain.Nottoday.

Flap,flap.“Leavemealone,”he

growledout.Dadpickedhimup

andswunghimaroundandaround.EastonlaughedlouderasDadtickledhim

andraspedhisbeardacrosshisface.SillyDad,alwaysreadytoplay.

“Dinner,”Momyelledfromthefrontporchoftheircabin.Mom.Home.Safety.Everythingwascherry.Mommadeapiefordesert.Thesweetsugargranulessmelledsogoodon

thewind.Sugarandwheat,andhisstomachgrowled,readytoeat.

“Myhungrylittlebear,”Dadsaid,tuckinghimunderhisarmandtrompingthroughthetallgrass.

Eastonsmiledupatthetreebranchwherehisravensat,watchinghim.Her

headwascocked,andsheblinkedslowasDadcarriedhimupthestairs.Eastonwavedjustbeforethedoorclosedbehindthem.

Hungrylittlebear.“Isaidstopit!”

Easton’slegsbuckledunderhimashedroppedtheax.

Flap,flap.

Withasnarl,hepulledhisknifefromthesheathonhisbeltandturned.Inoneswiftmotion,heflippedthebladeandthrewitatthebranchwheretheghostravensat.Theknifesunkintothebark,andtheflappingofwingsfilledhishead.Shewasgone,butasingle,shiny,

blackfeatherfloatedthiswayandthatinfrontofthetrunkofthepine.Eastondrewbackinhorror.“You’renotreal.”

Shewasn’t.Couldn’tbe.

Helurchedforwardandpickedupthefeather.Itfeltrealenough,softandlight.Smoothasheranhis

fingerdownthelengthofit.Thefeatherevensmelledlikeher—hisraven.Chillsblasteduphisarmsashesearchedthebranchesabove.

Hewouldhavetoburnherthings.

Hewouldhavetosetfiretothetrinketshecherishedthemost.

Chestheaving,Eastonclimbedthestairstohistrailerandthrewopenthedoor.Hekeptthegiftsshe’dbroughthimunderhisbedinanold,plastictacklebox.Eachsectionwaslabeledwithayear,andfilledwiththetinytreasuresshe’ddroppedinplacesforhimtofind.

Hesanktohiskneesandyankedthelidopen.Hairberets,rubberbands,paperclips,andanythingsmallthatglintedinthesun.Thelastcompartmentwasempty.

Eastonswalloweddownthelossthatfilledhimandpressedthefeatherintoit.

Shewasaghost,andhecouldn’tkeepher.Notanymore.Heowedittohiscrewtomoveon.

Everytrinketheldamemory,andhewouldhavetowatchthemburn,onebyone.

Nottoday,though.Todayhewasn’t

strongenough,butmaybetomorrowhewouldbanishtheghostraven.

ChapterTwo

Itwashim.AvianaKingclutched

herarmtohermiddle,wishingforthepaintostop.

Asobclaweditswayupherthroat.

Itwashim.Herbear.Easton.

Easton,theoneshe’dgrownupwith.

Easton,theoneherhearthadlatchedonto.

Easton,theboywhobroke.

Ithadtobehim.Hiseyeswerethatsamebright

greencolorshe’dneverseenonanotherperson.Helookeddifferentnow.Harder.Feral.Hefeltdifferent,too.Scarier.Thepowerthatrolledfromhisshouldershadwashedoverherravenformandterrifiedher.Herfeathershadlifteduncomfortablyfromherskinjustbeingthatcloseto

him.Now,hewasoneof

thewildbearsherpeoplespokeof.Oneofthedangerousones.

Tearsblurringhervision,shestudiedthelongsliceunderherarm.Bloodstreamedfromitlikeacrimsonriver.He’dbecome

betterwithblades.Muchbetterthanwhenhewasaboy.

Shehatedthebears,butsheenviedtheirhealingabilities.Ravenshiftersdidn’trepairthemselvessoeasily.

Eastonhadhurther.Clutchingherarm,

shecurledinonherself,

nakedinthewoodsandmiserableatthememoryofhiswildface.

Thesweetboyshe’dknownwasgone.

Theflutterofbirdwingsdrewagaspfromherlips.Whenshelookedupintotheevergreencanopy,itwasonlyawoodpecker,nota

raven.Still,itwasastarkreminderthatsheshouldn’tbehere.Thiswasagainstalltherules,andifherpeoplefoundoutshewassoclosetothebears,she’dbeshunned.

Avianastood,ignoringthejoltingpaininherarm.Herpileofclotheswasneatlyfoldedovera

youngtree’slow-hangingbranchtokeeptheforestfloorbugsfromthem.

Shedressedquicklyandjoggeddowntohercarthatwasattheendofadeertrailshe’dfollowedin.Shedroveatrustywhitesedanwhoseeasilymuddiedcolorandshoddysuspensionwere

notmadefortherockyterrainandpothole-riddledroadsinthesemountains.Moreproofshedidn’tbelonginthewoods.Notanymore.She’dbeenrippedfromthemlongagoandhadfoughttoothandnailtomoveon.

Anddammit,she’dledagoodlife.Asafeone

withfriendsandfamilyandadventures.She’dneverwantedforfoodorclothing,andshe’dbeenabletofollowherdreamsofbecomingaschoolteacher.Sowhyhadn’tshebeenabletostopthinkingaboutEastonafteralltheseyears?

Withalong,steadying

exhalation,sheslidbehindthewheel.Sheturnedthecararoundandheadedforthemainroadthatwouldleadtoherchildhoodhome.

He’dbeenhereallalong.She’dgonebacktohisterritoryonceacoupleofyearsago,butithadbeenapparentEastonhadleftit

longago.She’dbeenriddledwithsuchguiltwhenshe’dleft,shehadforcedherselftostopsearching.Itwasthepromiseshe’dmadetoherfather.Thefirstpromiseshe’deverbroken.

Evennow,anotheroverwhelmingwaveofremorsewashedoverher.

Avianagrippedthesteeringwheelandwilledherselftostopfeelingbad.Ifanything,seeinghimlikethatwasforthebest.Nowshecouldstopthinkingandobsessingabouthim.Shecouldstopimagininghiminhisadultform,fantasizingthathewasashappyandfetchingas

she’dthoughthewaswhentheywereyounger.

Now,equippedwithhisangrysnarlandthevitriolwithwhichheflungthatknifetokill,shecouldgetoverhim.ShecouldmoveonandacceptCaden’sproposal.She’dalreadyquitherjobathisrequest.Allthatwasleft

todowassayyestothesmallceremonyhe’dproposed.Shewasofbreedingage,andCadenhadbeenkindtoofferheraplaceathisside.

Shewaslucky.Hewashandsomeandcunning,andhisproposalhadbeenhighlysoughtafter.Hewasperfectlynice.Perfectlynice.

Shecouldbearhimchildrenandraisethem,createtheperfectnestforthefamilyshewouldbuildwithCaden.

Herlifewouldbeeasy.

Herlifewouldbeplanned.

Anothertearrolleddownhercheek.

Herlifewouldbeperfect.

Aflawless,emotionlessexistencebecauseshe’dgivenherheartawayyearsagotoabrokenboywithasilvergrizzlyinsideofhim.

Andnowthatboywasdead.

Afterdrivingmilesofwindingbackroads,Avianapulledhercartoastopinfrontofthecabinshe’dgrownupin.Itwasabandonednow,butthehousefromhermemorieswasbeautiful.Momhadsetupsummerrosegardensallaroundtheporchandhung

pottedplantsfromtheraftersovertheporchswing.Insidehadbeensmall,buttidyandcomfortable.Ithadbeenahome,andoneshe’dconnectedwithmorethananyotherthatfollowed.

Now,thelogsthatmadethewallshadfadedtograyandsplintered.Thethick

groutbetweenthelumberhadcrackedandchipped.Theroofsagged,andonthenorthside,mosshadgrownoverthewoodenshingles,givingitthelookofafairycottage.Someofthewoodenfloorboardsweremissingandsplitonthefrontporch,andtherailingwasbrokenand

saggingofftheside,butthatdidn’tbotherherasmuchaswhathadhappenedtotheinside.

Leaksandrothadruinedallofthefurnitureherfamilyhadleftbehind.Theplumbingdidn’tworkanymore,andherparents’bedwasnothingbutsoft

woodenshardsinapileontheirbedroomfloor.Theplacesmelledmustyanddank,andthelackofelectricitymadestayinginthisplacerough.Thewindowshadbeenbroken,andseeingitlikethisnow,thecozyhomefromherchildhoodmemorieswavered.

Asachild,she’dfeltsafehere.

Asanadult,shefeltvulnerableandexposed.

Shewouldn’tbeherelong,though.Justanothernight,andshe’dgobacktoRapidCityandgiveCadenheranswer.She’dkepthersuitorwaitingforayear.

Longerthanshehadanyrighttomakeanymanwait.Shewasn’tplain,butshewasnobeauty.Herjokesmadeherpeopleuncomfortable.Herhumanfriendsattheschoolshe’dworkedathadlaughed,butshewasineptatdecipheringbetweenpitylaughsandgenuine

amusement.Cadenwasagoodman,andshewasluckyhe’dofferedtogiveherahome.

Maybeifshejustkepttellingherselfthat,itwouldfeeltrue.

Avianatookadragofthemustyairinsidethedoorandshookherhead.This

placehadgonetoruinwithoutsomeoneheretokeepitalive.

ItremindedherofEaston.

Anotherwaveofdisappointmentcloggedherthroatassheopenedherlaptop.Thirtypercentbatteryleft,butitwasenoughtosay

goodbyetoEastoninherownsillyway.

ShemadehercellphoneintoahotspotandpulledupCoraWright’spro-shifterWebsite.Thiswaswherethiswholeadventurehadstarted.Therewasalinktoalistofregisteredbearshiftersinthecountry.

Thiswaswhereshe’dfoundEaston.Howcoulditnotbehim?She’dnevermetanyoneelsewiththeuniquename,andhewasabearshiftertoboot,registeredwithacrewofnotoriouslyviolent,aggressive,unsavorybearscalledtheGrayBacks.

Sheskimmedthrough

hisregistrationinformationagain.Six-two,leanbuild,greeneyes,darkhair.Silverbear.Surname:Novak.Shehadn’tknownthatfrombefore.

AvianaNovak.Stopit.Shewasdestinedto

bepairedwithCaden.She

wouldbehisperfectmatch.Everyonesaidso.

Fromthere,sheclickedovertoJasonTrager’ssocialmediapage.NoneoftheotherGrayBackshadoneshecouldfind.

AjoltofshockzingedthroughherasapictureofEastonshowedupatthetop

ofhisfeed.Init,EastonstoodinbetweenJasonandawomanwithmedium-lengthredhair,obviouslydyedandstraightenedsothoroughly,itspikedoutofahighponytail.Theywereallsmiling,evenEaston.Hiswassmallerthantheothertwo,andalittlebewildered,butitwasthere.

Avianafrownedandtriedtoconnectthisfacewiththeferociousonehe’dwornwhenshe’dseenhim.

Underneaththepicture,Jasonhadtypedhashtagsammysbar,hashtagcteamcocaptains,hashtagwillawonka,hashtagreleasethebeast,hashtag

beastonbromance.Beaston?Thenickname

certainlyfitthemonsterwho’dcutherwithaknifetoday.

Heseemedtohavefriendsifthispicturewasanythingtogoby.Avianaleanedbackinherchairand

crossedherarms.Shesquintedathissmile.Hewasveryhandsomewithhisfacerelaxedlikethis—moreliketheboyshe’dknown.Sowhydidheliveinatrailerseparatefromhiscrew?She’ddoneherspyingonthem,andtheGrayBackslivedagoodthreehundredyardsaway.

Anditwasplainasdaythemanwasfightingsomemightybigdemonsthewayhewaschoppingthatwoodsorelentlessly.Aterrifyinggrowlhadbeenconstantinhisthroat.

Butthenagain,she’dseenwhathappenedtohim.She’dcomeherehopinghe

turnedoutokayaftereverything,buthehadn’t.Thecircumstancesofhislifehadturnedhimintoamonster.

Shewasdisappointed.Thereitwas.Okay,

shewasdisappointedthathehadn’tbeenstrongenoughtofindhappiness.TheEaston

she’dknownwasinvincible.She’dcomeherein

hopesshecouldconvinceherselfhehadturnedoutallrightdespiteallthatshitthathadhappenedtohim,buthehadn’t.AndnowshewouldhavetogobackandlivethisemptylifewithCaden,andallthewhileshe’dwonder

whatif?Whatifshe’dbeen

abletostickaroundforhimwhentheywerekids?

Whatifshe’dcomebacktofindhimearlierbeforehe’dturneddark?

Whatifshe’deverrevealedherselfasaperson—arealfleshandbonefriend—

insteadofjustanattentiveraven?

Whatifshewasthereasonhewassolostnow?

Herlowbatterysignalflashedandthescreenwentdark.

“No,”shewhisperedasEaston’sslightlybaffledsmilefadedtoblack.

Shecouldn’tgonow.Avianashookherheadandclosedhereyesatthethoughtofleaving.Easton,orBeaston,wasterrifying.Hell,hisentirecrewbroughtshiversupherspine.Bloodthirsty,violentapexpredatorswhoobliteratedeverythingintheirpath.They

wouldeatapeacekeepingravenlikeherforbreakfastandpicktheirrazorteethwithherbones.

ButEaston’slifewasnowmoremysteriousthanithadeverbeen,andshehadtoheedwhateverwasdrawinghertohim.

Shewouldseethis

thingthrough.Shehadto.Becausealifeofwhat

ifswasnolifeatall.

ChapterThree

Eastonpulledhis

knifefromthesheathathishipandcutinoneswiftmotiontheziptiethatboundatrioofthickcableloops.

Mattwatchedhim

thoughtfully.Hedidthatalot—triedtofigureEastonout.Itwasannoying,butthenagain,everythingwasannoying.

Mattshiftedhisweightandleanedbackonthegiantstackofprocessedlogsbehindhim.“IbettherealreasonClintonleftis

becauseyounevermadeaknifeforhim.”

Eastonhuffedalaughandshookhishead.“Clintonleftbecausehe’saD-teamdick.Hisbaddecisionshadnothin’todowithme.”

“Thinkaboutit,”Mattsaid.“Hebeggedyouforonefromthefirsttimehefigured

outyoumadethem.Maybeifyougavehimaknife,he’dcomebacktotheGrayBacks.”

Eastonlookeddownatthelong,sharpbladeoftheknifehealwayscarried.Hehadn’tmadeClintonaknifebecausehehadn’tdeservedtheeffort.Willa,Gia,and

Georgiahad.Eastonranfromthe

housetotheshedwhereDadwasworking.Inthebranchesofanoldaldertree,theravencawed.HegrinnedandwavedtoherasheblastedhislittlelegsfastertowardDad’sworkshop.

Shakinghisheadto

wardoffthememory,Eastonsaid,“Clintonwon’tevercomeback.Hedon’tbelongwithus.”

“Wheredidyoulearntomakeyourknivesanyway?”

Inaflutterofwings,theravenswoopeddownfromthetoweringalderand

landedonthesplinteredwindowsilloftheshed.Eastongaspedashegottoseeherupcloseforthefirsttime.Slowlyandcarefully,hepaddedtowardthewindow.Shewascarryingsomethingshinyinherbeak,andwhenheapproached,shesetasmallbentpaperclipdownon

theledge.Hethoughtshewouldflyaway,butshedidn’t.Sheonlywatchedhimwhilehepickedupthesmallgiftandturneditinhishands.

“Thankyou,”hewhispered.

“Thatravensurelikesyou,”Dadsaid.Hewasleanedagainsthiswork

benchwatchingthebig,blackbirdwithhisarmscrossedoverhischestandhisheadcocked.

Eastonlookedatherproudly,soclosehecouldalmosttouchher.Pocketingthepaperclip,hesaid,“She’smybestfriend.”

Asoftsobwhipped

aroundonthebreeze,easyforhissensitivehearingtopickup.

“Mom’scrying.”Dadnarrowedhis

eyesandturnedhisbacktocontinuesharpeningathinknifeblade.“Well,letherhavesometimealone.She’llgetoverit.”

Eastonsidleduptothetableandfingeredasetofclamps.“What’swrongwithher?”

Withasigh,Dadturnedandsquatteddowntoeye-levelwithEaston.“Son,yourmomma’sgoingtohaveanotherbaby.”

Asmilespreadacross

Easton’sfaceashethoughtofabrotherorsistertoplaywith.Anothersobcarriedonthewindfromthehouse.Hefrowned.

Dadruffledhishair.“Yourmomma’sscared.Shefanciesshehasthesightandcanseeherfuture.Shethinksthebabywillbehardtohave,

butshe’sjustbeingemotional.Humanwomenarelikethat.Softandfulloftears.”

“Shedoesn’twantthebaby?”

“Shewill.”Dadstoodandblewonthenewlysharpenedbladeoftheknifehewasmaking.

ButEastonknewallaboutbabies.Theyhadraisedpigsallhislife,andhe’dseenhowtheboargotthesowswithpiglets.“IfMomdidn’twantababy,whydidyouputoneinher?”

Dadtossedhimahardlookandwentbacktoexaminingthesharpened

silver.“Somedayyou’llunderstand.Yourmommaisflighty,andIdon’twantherleavingus.Nowshewon’t.Notwithtwocubstoraise.Sometimesyouhavetomaketheharddecisionsforthepeopleyouwanttokeeparound.”

Eastonwincedashe

puthisweightonhisbadleg,theoneWillahadruinedwhenhe’dTurnedherwithoutherconsent.Allbecausehewantedtokeepheraround.Dadhadbeenwrong.Makingdecisionsforwomengothisbonessnapped,andthenCreedhadorderedtheGrayBacksnotto

sethisbrokenleg.He’ddoneashittyjoboftryingtofixithimself,andnoweverystephetook,manorbear,hurt.Hislimpwouldalwayshurt.

“Hellooo,”Mattdrawled,wavinghishandinfrontofEaston’sface.

Red,boilingragetookhismiddle,andhesnapped

histeethhardatMatt’shand.Mattflinchedbackandcursed.“I’mnotchallenging,”hesaid,handsraisedinsurrenderashesteppedaway,nevergivinghimhisback.

“Beaston!”PowercrackedinCreed’svoiceasheyelledfromunderthe

skylinewherehewassecuringnewcables.“Don’tyoufuckingdoittoday.Damonfinallyliftedournumbers.He’strustingusmore.Don’truinthisshiftforus.”

Easton’sbearsquirmedinsideofhim,burninghimfromthemiddle

outindesperationtoescape.Hewasn’tevenmadatMatt.Thememoriesmadeitsohecouldn’thelphimself.Fightingmadethemgoaway.

Withasnarl,heturnedandskiddedovertheledgeofthelanding.Below,therewasasteepmountainsideclutteredwith

felledlumbertheBoarlandershadcutdownfortheGrayBackCrewtostripandloadforshipmenttoSaratoga.Theterrainwassteepanduneven,andonewrongmisstepmeantalumberavalanchethatwouldgocareeningdownthehillside,pickingupsteamanddemolishinganythinginits

path.Helovedthisjob.Therewasalwaysanedgeofdangerineverythinghedid.Here,hecouldfocusbetterthananyplaceelseonearth.WhichwaspatheticsincehestillfoughttheotherGrayBacksallthefuckingtime.IrritationbubbledinsideofhimasheheadedtowhereJasonwas

standingonastackoflogsandwritingnumbersonhisclipboard.Cladinayellowhardhatlikehisown,Jasonwaseasytospot.

“Hey,youokay?”Jasonasked.

“I’mfine.”Hisdarkeyebrows

shotupasheshookhishead

andwentbacktoscribblingontheclipboard.“Layoffmyhidetoday,willyou?I’mstillsorefromourrowyesterday.”

“Sorry,”Eastonmutteredasheclimbedontothepilenexttohisfriend.Andhereallywas.HelikedtheGrayBacksmorethananyotherpeopleintheworld,

butthathadn’tstoppedhisneedtofightwiththem.

“Creedwillkillmesoon,”Eastonsaid,dragginghisgazetowherehisalphawasclimbingintothemachineryundertheskyline.

“Hewon’t.”“Hewill.”“Easton,”Jasonsaid,

slappingtheclipboardagainsthisthigh.“Anyonemesseswithyou,they’llhavetoclawtheirwayovermycoldandlifelessbodytodoit.”Jasoninhaledslowlyandleveledhimalook.“Breathe.”

Eastondrewaslow,deepbreathandfeltthefireinsideofhimcoolbya

fraction.“Thereyougo.Now

thinkaboutit.Creedhasputalotoftimeintorehabbingyou.Hedidn’tkillyouwhenyouTurnedWilla,didhe?”

Eastonshookhishead,stilluncertainabouthisfuture.

“AndnowCreed

wouldhavetoanswertothegirlsifheputyoudown.Willawouldfilethimandsuckonhismarrow,Giawouldboothimoutoftheirtrailer,andGeorgiawouldshoothisass.Nobody’sgivinguponyou,soyoudon’tgiveuponyoueither.Okay?”

Theflutterofwingsinthetreelinedistractedhim.

“Easton,”Jasonmurmured,grippinghisshoulder.“Okay?”

“Yeah,”Eastonsaidwithajerkynod.

“Good.Nowmakeittodaywithoutbleedingus,andmeandyouwillgointo

townlaterandgrababeer.”“Creedwon’tagreeto

that.”“Hewillifitkeepsus

ontrackwithournumberstoday.”Jasonjumpedoverapileofbeetle-infested,deadlodgepolepinesandmadehiswayuptowardtheprocessor.“Chestup,eyesahead,and

focus,Beaston.Nobleedingtoday,andI’llbuy.”

Beaston.Hecouldn’tdecideifhelikedthatnicknameornot.Itcertainlyfithisinnermonster,butitwasalsoastarkreminderthathewasdifferent.Moreabrasive,morecombative,lessincontrol.

Withasigh,hereachedinhispocketandpulledoutthebentpapercliphisravenhadgiftedhimallthoseyearsago.Ithadn’tbeenMatt’sfaultfordredgingupmemories.Itwashisownfortuckingthistrinketinhispocketthismorning.

Hisdadhadscoffedat

Momforthinkingshehadthesight,buthe’dbeenafooltoshrugoffthingshedidn’tunderstand.Momwasspecialandcouldseethingsnooneelsecould.Eastonhadn’tunderstooduntilhegotolder,butshe’dgiftedhimwiththeabilitytoseethingsinthebeyond,too.He’dseenthe

ghostofJason’sfirstmatewhentheothershadn’tbeenableto.

Eastonliftedhisgazefromthepaperclipinhishandstotheraveninthetreeacrosstheclearing.

Andnowhecouldseehisghostraven.

Dadhadbeenwrong

aboutalotofthings.

ChapterFour

Avianasatstunnedon

thebranch,trappedinEaston’sgaze.

He’dkeptthepaperclip.

Sheremembered

everytrinketshe’deverfound.Itwasablessingandacursetoaraven.Somanybaublesbouncedaroundinherhead,buthermemorywasimpeccable,andshewasn’tabletoletgoofevenone.

Thathadbeenthefirstgiftshe’devergiventohim.

She’ddoneittogethismindoffhisMomcryinginsidethesmallcabinhesharedwithhisparents.She’dgivenittoEastontoshowthatshecared,andthenhe’dgoneandrewardedherbytellinghisdadshewashisbestfriend.

Thatday,she’dgivenhimthefoldedpaperclipand

herheart.Fromthebranchshe’d

dugherclawsinto,shecouldhearhislow,rumblinggrowlbeforeherippedthoseeeriegreeneyesawayfromherandlookedbackatamanclimbingdownthemountainsidetowardhim.

Tinyheartbeat

pounding,shebouncedsidewaysdownthelimbandhidbehindthebodyofthetree.Thetreewashurting,anditsspiritalmostfadedtonothing.Pinebeetleshadsuffocatedandstarvedit.Shecouldfeelitspain,butthatwasnothingcomparedtotheacheofwatchingwhathad

transpiredwithEastonandtherestofhiscrew.

Hewasstruggling.Anoutcastinacrewofoutcasts.Itseemedhewasintroublewithhisalpha,butshecouldn’tfigureoutwhy.ItwasapparenthewasonthevergeofaChange,too.Hiseyeshadalwaysblazedlikea

demon’swhenhewasclosetoaChange,butinthelasttwodays,theglowhadbeenconstant.

Shelikedthatman,theonewiththeclipboardwho’ddaredtogripEaston’sshoulderdespitetheterrifyingrumbleinhisthroat.He’dtriedtomakeEastonfeel

betteraboutthingsshewashelplesstounderstand.

Itwassuddenlyoverwhelming,theyearsthatstoodbetweenthem.

She’dmissedmostofhislife.

Therewastragedyinthat.

Atrioofheavysteel

cables,hangingfromalinehighabove,blasteddownthemountainside.TherewasstaggeringpowerinthemachinethatpushedthecablestowardEastonandtheotherGrayBack.Matt?ItwashardtoputtheirfacestothepicturesonJason’ssocialmediawhentheywere

wearingyellowhardhats.EastonandMatt

workedtotiethelongcablesinloopsaroundlogs,threeatatime.Thentheygesturedwithathumbsuptothealphaabovethemonaledge,andthelogsweredraggeduptheslopeatafrighteningspeed.Tirelesslytheyworked,

hookinglogs,alwaysrunningaround,jumping,sure-footedasmountaingoats.Eastonsportedalimpnow,butitdidn’tseemtohinderhiswork.Painslashedthroughherchestwhenshesawhimwince,though.

Perhapshislimpwasfromthebeartrap.

ItwasMarchandstillcoolupinthemountains,butEastononlyworeawhiteT-shirtandthreadbarejeanswithholesinthekneesoverheavyworkboots.Hispantsclungtohistaperedwaistandpowerfullegs.Whenshewasyounger,shethoughtEastonthemostdashingboyshe’d

everlaideyeson,butEastonthemanwasaworkofart.Hiscutarmspressedagainstthethinfabricofhisshirt,andasthedayworeonandheworkedupasweat,hisshirtclungtothedefinedmusclesinhisback.Andwhenhelinkedhishandsbehindhisheadwhilewaitingforthe

cablestocomeflyingbackdownthehillsideathim,shecouldmakeoutrippedabsasthedampmaterialclungtohistorso.Hisskinwastannedfromtheoutdoormanuallabor,andatonepoint,hesmiledatJasonwhowasworkingabigmachinethatstrippedthelimbsofflogs

andleveledtheends.Easton’steethwerewhiteandstraight.Ifhewouldonlysmiledeepenough,she’dbeabletomakeouttheshallowdimpleshe’dhadwhenhewasaboy.Theonesheusedtoflashherbeforeeverythinggotsomessedup.Beforehewasbroken.

Eastonwasstunning.Masculine,lithe,powerful.FullofbarelycheckedaggressionasheworkedalongsideMatt,whoseemedtodigatEaston’snerveswhenhespoke.Eastonwasterrifyingandbeautiful,likeatornadoshe’dwitnessedfromadistancewhenshewasten.

Shecouldn’ttakehereyesoffhim.

Herheartratewouldn’tsettledown,anditleftherfeelingdizzy.ShegrippedhertinytalonsintothebarkmoresecurelyasEastonrolledhisneckandwipedhischeekontheshoulderofhisshirt.

Thisfeelingrighthere—thebreathless,stomach-dipping,bewilderedone—thiswaswhatfallingforamanshouldfeellike.Perhapstheelderscould’veconvincedherthisfeelingdidn’texistifshehadn’talreadyfeltit.Cadenhadformallyaskedtocourther,andfortwelvelong

months,she’dbeentryingtoforceherselftofeelsomething—anything—forhim.

ButafterseeingthatbentpapercliponEaston’spalmtoday,anyhopeofsettlingforCadenwaslost.

Eastonasaboyhadtemptedherheart.

Eastonasamanwasruiningherforanyoneelse.

****Asthesunsankdown,

half-hiddenbehindthemountains,thealphawavedhiscrewuptotheledgehestoodon.TheychuckledatsomethingJasonsaid,allbutEaston,whostaredatthe

groundasifitheldtheanswerstoallthesecretsintheworld.

Therestofthecrewloadedintoafat-tiredcharcoalgraytruck,butEastongotbehindthewheelofanold,beat-upwhiteFordtruckandtookoffbehindtheotherpickupalone.

Avianafollowed,desperatetowatchhimaslongasshecouldmanagewithouthimnoticing.Gettingclosetohimnearhistrailerwasn’tanoptionanymore.Notwithhisimpeccableaimwithknives.Butouthere,wheretherewasmoreroomandmoretreestohideher,

shefeltsafetoobservehim,asshe’ddoneforsomanyhoursinheryouth.

SheflittedfromtreetotreeastheGrayBacksbouncedandbumpeddownswitchbacksandolddirtroadsthatledthemtowardtheGraylandMobilePark.Findinghercourage,she

circledhighaboveasEastonparkedhistruckbesidetheonehiscrewrodein,thenhestrodethroughthewoodstohismobilehome.Inthetrailerpark,theotherGrayBacksreunitedwiththeirmates.Somewereplayful,likeMattandWilla,andotherssweet,likeJasonand

Creedwiththeirwomen.ThosemadeherlookawayandswoopbacktowardEaston’sterritory.

Hehadnoonetocomehometo.

Sorrowandhopechurnedinhermiddle.EvenamongtheGrayBacks,helivedasolitaryexistence.

Perhapshedidn’twantamate.Orperhapshecouldn’thandleoneaftereverythingthathadhappened.Ormaybe,justmaybe,hehadn’tfoundtherightwoman.

Thatlastpartlitherupwithlonging.

Shewastoochickentoshowherself.Shehadn’t

beenabletodoitinheryouth,andtheruleshadn’tchanged.Noonecouldknowravenshiftersexisted.Especiallyterrifying,murderousbearshifters.

ButEastonwasdifferent.

Fromhighabove,shewatchedhimstride

deliberatelyintohistrailer.Thedoorbangedclosedbehindhim.

Washedifferent?Herarmwasstillcut

fromwherehe’dhurther,andhe’dseemedbarelyincontrolofhimselfathisjobsite.

Maybeshewasjustfoolingherselfintothinking

hewastheboyshe’dgrownupwith.Hiswildeyessaidthatpartofhimwaslonggone.

But…thepaperclip.Baffled,sheflapped

herwingsandcaughtanaircurrentthatpushedhertowardthecabinshe’dgrownupin.Sheneededtimeto

thinkaboutallofthis.Andsomethingelsewasweighingheavyonhermindnow—somethingthatmadehercringetoconsider.

SheneededtocallCaden.

Beingthecarefulravenshewas,Avianasearchedaperimeteraround

herhousebeforesheChangedbackintoherhumanskin.Itwasn’tpainfulorslowlikeitwasforsomeshifters.Ravenswereluckyinthatrespect.Shejusttuckedheranimalawayinthespanofamoment,andherfeathersdisappearedlikemagic.Thestairssaggeddangerously

underherfeetasshepaddeduptothehouse,carefultoavoidthenailsthatstuckoutofthefloorboards.Herphonehadenoughcharge,soshescrolledthroughhercontactsandhitthecallbuttonwhenshefoundCaden’snumber.

Sheletoffalong,

steadyingbreathasitrang.“Hello?”Caden

asked.“Hi.It’sme.”“Aviana?Whereare

you?I’vebeencallingfortwodays,lookingforyoueverywhere.Youcan’tdothisshit.Ineedtoknowwhereyouareatalltimes,orthis

doesn’twork.”She’donlybeengone

twodayssohisreactionwasoverblown.

“Ithinkthat’saproblemforme.Imean,oneoftheproblems.Idon’tlikethatyouneedtokeeptabsonme.AndIdon’tlikethatyoumademequitajobIlove.”

Oh,shewasinitnow.“AndIdon’tparticularlylike…you.”Hervoicefadedoffonthelastword.Shewasn’ttrainedinbeingsodirectwithaman.“Thisisn’twhatIwant.Apairingbetweenusisn’tgoingtowork.”

Cadenwasquietforsolongshecheckedher

phonetoassureherselfhehadn’thungup.

“Andyou’vethoughtthisthrough?”heaskedinalow,steelyvoicethatbroughtashiverupherspine.“You’vethoughtaboutyourplacewithourpeople,andyouarefinewithyourrankstayingatthebottomwhere

you’vealwaysbeen?You’vethoughtaboutthefactyourrefusalofmycourtshipwillkeepyourfamilyatthebottom?”

Avianaswallowedthelumpinherthroatastearsstunghereyes.Shelovedherparentsanddidn’twantthemtobebeneathanyone,butshe

couldn’tlivealietoelevatetheirstatus.Shewouldonlygrowtoresentthem.“Y-yes.”

“Yes,what?”Avianagrittedher

teethandhatedherselfasshewhispered,“Yes,sir.”

“Whoishe?”Cadenasked.Theemptinessofhisvoiceechoedonandoninher

mind.“He’snotyou.”She

hungupthephoneasasobcreptupherthroat.

She’ddoneit,andpartofherwasproudshehadn’tjustgivenintowhatwasexpectedofher.Shewasproudshe’dstoodupforalifeshewanted.Buttherest

ofherwasscaredshitless.Cadenwasimportant,andtakinghislastnamewould’vegivenherfamilyamucheasierlife.Morerespect.

Butshewasn’tgivingupthecomfortablelifeCadencouldprovideforanothermaleraven,orGodforbid,ahumanmate.Shewasgiving

itupforEaston,amonstergrizzlywithlittleapparentcontrolwhohadtossedaknifeatherasthoughshewaslessthannothing.

Shewasbetrayingherpeoplebychoosingabear,butshecouldn’thelpherselfnow.Eastonwashers—hadalwaysbeenhers—and

comingbackheretofindhimevenmorebrokenthanwhenshe’dlefthimhadsealedherfatetohis.

Avianadidn’tknowhow,butshewasgoingtofindthecouragetotalktohim.

ChapterFive

Shecouldn’tdothis.Avianatookalong

pullofthefruitycocktailshe’dimploredthebartendertomake“extrapotent.”She’doverheardJasontelling

Eastonhewouldtakehimoutforadrink,andafterseeingthepictureofhimandEastonandwhoeverWillaWonkawas,Avianawasprettysuretheywouldgrabthatdrinkathashtagsammysbar.TheSammy’sBarinquestionwasaholeinthewallestablishmentonthemain

stripinSaratoga,completewithdimlighting,stickyfloors,andmismatchedchairsaroundscuffedwoodentables.Apooltablesatinthecorner,andastagesatemptyupfront.ThecoasterforherdrinkadvertisedtheBeckBrothersplayedlivemusiceveryweekend.

JasonandEastonprobablywouldn’tshow.

Good,becauseagain,shereallycouldn’tdothis.Herheartwaspoundingdouble-time,andherhandswereclammy.Twicealready,she’dalmostdroppedherdrinkonthetablebecauseshewasshakingsobadly.Ifshe

didthis,talkedtoEaston,itwouldchangeeverything.Itwouldputheratriskofbeingshunned,andwouldputher,alone,frailraven,inthepathofthemostvolatilegroupofbadassgrizzlyshiftersinthecountry.

“’Scuseme,miss,”amanwiththinninghairand

whiskybreathsaidfromthebarstoolbesideher.“Can’thelpbutnoticeyou’reherealoneanddressedlikeyou’rereadytoparty.”

Sheswungherdisgustedgazetohim.“Pissoff.”Shecringedandslappedherhandoverhermouth.Thatwasreallyrudeandnot

heratall.Thealcoholwasdefinitelytalkingnow.“Imean,pissoff…please?”

Themansnortedandturnedtohisfriendonhisotherside.

Thatwasasignitwastimetogo.Avianasuckeddowntherestofherdrinkandstood,onlytogaspandfall

backontothebarstoolthesecondshesawthedooropen.

Theywerehere.AndnotjustJasonandEastoneither,buttheentireGrayBackCrewfilteredinthroughthedoor.

Oh,greathairyballs,whatwasshegoingtodo

now?Panicking,sheslunkwithherbacktothebartotheveryendwheresheeyedarearhallwayandexitsign.

“Gottareleasethekraken,”WillaWonkaannounced.

“Geez,Nerd,”Mattsaid,shakinghisheadwithasmirkonhisface.“Justsay

youhavetotakeapiss.”“Don’ttellmewhatto

do,”thespunkyred-headsaidthroughaflirtygrin,pointingatherblue-eyedmate.

OhGod,ohGod,ohGod,thethreeGrayBackwomenarewalkingthisway.Actnatural.

Avianaslurpedextra

hardonthelastwatereddowndropsofherdrinkandwheezedwhenalemonseedshotthroughthestrawandpeltedherdeepintheesophagus.Shecouldn’tbreathe!Gasping,sheclutchedherthroatandtriedtodraginoxygen.

“Igotthis,sugartits,”

Willasaid.ShegrabbedAvianaaroundthestomachandnearlycrackedherripsinaquick,one-shotHeimlich.Thelemonseedshotoutofherthroatandontothebartop.Avianaturnedaround,mortified.

Willareachedforwardandgrabbedherboob.

“Honk,honk,you’rewelcome.”

“Areyouokay?”averypregnantbrunetteasked,grippingAvianabytheelbowasWillasaunteredoff,clutchinghertie-dyedpurseandhummingtoherself.

“Uh.”Besidesthefactthatshe’djustbeenfeltupby

awerebear?“Yes.Thankyou.”

“Good,”thewomansaidkindly.Asshewalkedoffbehindtheothertwo,AvianatriedtoplaceherfacefrompicturesonJason’ssocialmedia.Gia,humanmateofCreed,sheremembered.

Sheswunghergazetothebaronherothersidewheretherestofthecrewweresidlingupandorderingdrinks.Fromhere,shecouldseeEastonleanforward,aslightfrownmarringhisstrikingfeatures.Whenheturnedhishead,hisgazegrazedoverher.

Gasping,shefroze.Shecouldn’tdothis—nope,noway.

Meltingtothefloor,shecrawledaroundthecornerofthebarsohermovementwouldn’tcatchEaston’sattentionasshemadeherescape.

“Loseacontact?”

Willaaskedfromthebathroomdoorshewasholdingopenfortheothers.

“Oh!”Avianastoodandpressedherbackagainstthewall,hopefulthatEastonwouldn’thearWillatalkingtoherandcometoseewhatwasgoingon.Spreadoutlikeastarfish,sheclosedhereyes

andsidleddownthehallwaywall.

Whensheopenedhereyestoseehowcloseshewastotheexit,Willawasstandinginfrontofthebathroomdoor,armscrossedasshestaredather.“Yep,Icanstillseeyou.”Shenarrowedhereyesandcanted

herhead.“Youashiftergroupieorsomething?”

“No.Yes!Ilikebears.Theyseemvery…nice.”

“Liar.Yousoundandsmellterrified.”

“Right.I’mjustgoingtofindthebathroom.”

Willapointedtothedoordirectlybehindher.

“Thereshebe.”“Okay.”Aviana’s

wordswerecomingoutallbreathyasherthroatclosedaroundthem.“Thankyou.”

Willafollowedherinside,andnowshewastrappedbetweenherandtheothertwowhowerewashingtheirhands.Awerebear

sandwich,andhowfittingthatshewasthemeat.Awhimperclaweditswayupherthroat.

“Dudette,areyougoingtopassout?”Willaasked,asliverofworryinfiltratinghertone.

“Maybe?”Avianasaidasshepressedher

shoulderbladesagainstthetilewall.Sounsanitary,butrightnow,thegrimywallwastheonlythingproppingherupright.“Ishouldgo.”

“Ithinkyoushouldputyourheadbetweenyourknees,”Giasaid,castingheraworriedlook.

“Yes,”Aviana

whispered,sinkingtoasquattingpositiononthetile.Sheputherhandsbehindherheadandwaitedforthelightheadednesstofade.Onlynow,shewascompletelyvulnerabletothebears.Georgia,thoughshewasevenprettierinpersonthaninthepicturesonJason’spostswith

herwildhairandfreckles,feltdominant.Willa,too,andnowtheywereprobablygoingtoeather.

Agentlehandrubbedherback,andwhenshelookedup,thecurvyparkrangersmiledkindlydownather.“Iusedtobeafraidofbears,too.We’renotthat

bad,though.”Willasnorted,butGia

elbowedhersharply.IfAvianadidn’task

now,shewouldneverbuildupthecourageagain.Notafterthisdisastrousnight.“CanIaskyouapersonalquestion?”sheaskedWilla.

“Oooh,”Willa

drawledout,tossingherheadback.“Sorryabouttheboobgrab,butI’mtotallyintodudes.”

“What?”Avianaasked,utterlyconfused.

“Ilikethepene.”Willawaited,eyebrowsraisedhigh.“Thebratwurst?Thetalleywhacker,the

trousersnake,theone-eyedserpent,thedong,thelongschlong,thetadpoleshooter—”

“Willa,”Giasaid,fightingasmile.“Ithinkshegetsit.AndIalsodon’tthinkshewashittingonyou.”

“You’reverypretty,”Avianawhisperedinafraidy-

catvoice,“butIwasgoingtoaskyouaboutEastonNovak.”

“Beaston?”Willalookedutterlyshocked.

Infact,theyalllookedshocked.

“Whatdoyouwanttoknowabouthim?”Georgiaaskedcarefully.

“Ishe…isheseeinganyone?”

“Honey,you’dbebetteroffhittingonme.Youaren’texactlyEaston’stype,”Willasaid,leaningonthecounter.

“W-whatishistype?”shestumbledout.

“Serialkiller.”Willa

gotelbowedbyGiaagain.“Icanseetheappeal

becausehe’sveryhandsome,”Giasaidlow,“butyouarebarkingupthewrongtreewiththatone.”

“Morelikebarkingupthewrongforest,”Georgiasaid,rubbingherback.“Thatmanisn’tmeantforamate,

andespeciallynotawomanas…soft…asyou.Youseemverynice,butashygirllikeyouwouldsurehaveherworkcutoutforherwithamanlikeEaston.Bestyougethimoutofyourhead.”

Georgiaflashedherasympatheticsmileandstood.

AndasAviana

watchedthemfileoutofthebathroom,herheartsanktothedingytilebeneathherheels.

Gethimoutofherhead?

Ifshecould’ve,shewould’veforgottenaboutheraffectionforEastonalongtimeago.

Deflated,Avianawashedherhands,thenmadeherwaybackintothebar.Itwasn’tsointimidatingtostaynowthatshe’dmadeanassofherselfinfrontofhalfoftheGrayBackCrew.Thenightcouldn’tgetmuchworse,ashighlightedbyEaston’sindifferentglanceoverather

assheleftthehallway.Hedidn’trecognizeheratall.Which,yeah,shegotit.Shehadn’tevershownhimherhumanside,andravenshiftersdidn’thaveasmellunlesstheywereintheiranimalforms.Notlikefurrymammalshiftersdid.Tohim,shewasjustanotherplain

humanhangingoutinthebarhefrequented.

Shewantedtobuyanotherdrinktosoftenhersorrows,buttheGrayBacksweretalkingandlaughingitupatthebar,andshecouldn’tforceherselftogetthatclosetothemagain.Peeingherpantaloonsinfrightafterthat

utterlyembarrassingsceneinthebathroomwouldjustbethecherryontopofthenight.

ThetableinthedarkestcornernearthestagelookedliketheperfectplacetowatchEastonforthelasttime.Whatafailure.She’dcomeinherethinkingshecouldactuallytalktohim,

andtheclosestshe’dgottenwastalkingtosomeofhiscrew,whoprobablythoughtshewasacompleteninny.

Eastonsatstoicinthemiddleofthelaughteratthebar.Hewaspickingapartanapkinwithaslightfrowndrawingdownhisdarkeyebrows.Everyonceina

while,hesippedadrink,butitwasapparentthiswasn’thissceneorhehadsomeseriousthoughtsonhismind.

Shewasgoingtoleavewithoutseeinghisdimples.

Hereyesblurredwithpathetictears,andsheclutchedherpursecloserto

herlap.Amassiveman

blockedherentireviewofthebar.Shearchedherneckbacktotakeinhisfullheight.Darkhair,soft,sympatheticdarkeyes,andtwodrinksinhishands.“Beforeyouaskmetositdown,knowthatIwon’thitonyou.I’mhereona

reconnaissancemissiononly.”

Avianasniffledandwipedherdamplashes.“Aw,whatthehell.Willyousit?”

Themantooktheseatbesideher,freeingupherviewofEastonagain.Hesetared,sweet-smellingdrinkinfrontofherandtookalong

pullofhisown.Withasigh,hesaid,“Woman,you’vesetyoursightsononetoughtarget.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.”

“Yeah,youdo.WhyEaston?”

Sheshruggedmiserablyandtookapull

fromthecranberryvodkahe’dbroughther.“HeremindsmeofsomeoneIusedtoknow.”

“So,whydon’tyougotalktohim?”

“BecauseI’machicken.”Shesmiledsadlyandswunghergazetothebehemoth.“It’sinmy

inherentnature.”“Yourinherent

nature,”herepeatedinathoughtfulvoice.“So,ifyounevertalktohim,whatwillhappen?”

“I’llneverknowhim.”

“Andifyoutalktohim?”

“Worstcasescenario,herejectsmeinfrontofallofhisterrifyingfriends,scarsmeemotionally,Igiveuponevertalkingtoanothermanagain,drawintomyselfwithfearofbeinghumiliated,pushawayeveryoneinmylife,moveouttosomereclusivecave,andliveonbeavermeat

andwildberriesuntilIbecomeanunrecognizablehermitwithquestionablehygieneandanimaginarypetfox.”

“Well,thatwasgraphicandnotatallwhatwillactuallyhappenwhenyougooverthereandsayhitoEaston.”

“Oh,I’mnotdoingthat.Chicken,remember?”

“Sochugthatdrinkanddigdowndeep.FindthatbadassIknowishidingintheresomewhere.Hikeupyourbiggirlpantiesandmarchyoursexyassoverthereandmakehimnoticeyou.”

“Sexy,hmm.”Sheclinkedherdrinkagainsthis.“Flatterygetsyoueverywherewithme,mistergiant.”

Themanchuckledandjerkedhischinatherdrink.“Bottomsup,chicken.TheBeastonawaits.”

Hewasright.Ifsheleftwithouttalkingtohim,

she’dalwaysbedisappointedinherselfforgivingupbeforesheeventried.Feelingreckless,sheslurpedthedrinkdownandstood.“I’mgoingtodoit.”

“That’sthespirit.”“I’mgoingtogotalk

tohim.”“Youcandoit.”

Shestraightenedhertanktopoverherjeansandpulledherpurseoverhershoulder.Sheturnedtoleave,buthesitated.“I’mAviana.”

“Nicetomeetyou,Aviana,”themansaidwithaneasysmile.“I’mKong.”

Kong.Whatastrangename.“Thanksforthepep

talk.”Henoddedonce,his

darkeyesdancing.“Anytime.”

Avianasquaredhershouldersandsethereyesonthecrewatthebartop.

Shewasdefinitelygoingtodothis.

ChapterSix

Awomanclearedher

throatdelicatelybehindEaston.Heturnedonthebarstooltotellher“GrayBacksonly,”butthewordsgotstuckinhisthroatthe

momenthesawher.Shewasawispofa

woman.TallerthantinyWillaonlybyacoupleofinches,andwithafinebonelookthatsaidhecouldsnapherarmwithoutanyeffort.Herskinwastan,asmootholivetonethatmadeherclear-waterblueeyesevenmorestriking.

Long,darklashesmatchedstraightblackhair.

Whenhe’dseenhercomeoutofthebathroom,he’dtakennotice.Foraninstant,she’dlookedfamiliar.Ornotlooked,exactly.Shefeltfamiliar.Stupidfuckingthoughts.

Thewomanliftedher

overlybigeyestohim,thendroppedthemtohisworkbootsasifhisshitkickerswerethemostinterestingthingshe’deverseen.

Hiscrewgreweerilyquiet.AllexceptWilla,whomuttered,“Oh,shit,”andgrabbedthewoman’stremblinghandtosteadyit.

Toolatetohideherfearfromhim,though.Ifhecouldn’ttellshewasshakinginthosesexylittlepokey-heeledshoesshewaswearingunderthosetightjeans,hesureasshitcouldsmellhowterrifiedshewas.Acrid.Bitter.Heswallowedhardandwaitedforhisbearto

slashitswayoutofhisskin.Buthisinnermonster

stayedput.Infact,thelongerhe

satstaringatthestrangegirlinfrontofhim,themorehisbearshrankbackinsideofhim,asifhewasstunned.Orscared.Huh.Scaredofthiswoodsprite?

Eastonangledhisfaceawayfromhersuspiciouslybutnevertookhiseyesoffherdownturnedface.

“I’mAvianaMarieKing.”Sheghostedaglancetohim,thenbacktohisboots.“Isawyoufromoverthere,andIthinkyou’reveryhandsome.”Shegaspedatiny

sound,toolowforhumanears,butitperkedhissensesrightup.“You’recheekbonesaresharp,andyournosestraight…regal…bigmuscles…andyoureyes…Ilikethose.”Atinywhimperescapedherassheclampedhermouthclosed.

Eastonlookedtothe

facesofhiscrew,onebyone.WhenhegottoJason,hegrowledout,“Isthisajoke?”Ithadtobe.Noonehadeverpennedhimashandsome.Theyavoidedhisgazeandshieldedtheirchildren,butneveroncehadsomeonecalledhimwhatthisstrangewomanhad.Jasonmust’ve

daredhertocomeoverandtalktohim.Nowitmadesensewhyshewasthisnervous.

“Definitelynotajoke,”Jasonmuttered.“I’veneverseenherbefore.”

Thewomanwasclutchingherfistatherside,andherotherhandwas

graspingWilla’slikealifeline.Sheseemedtobewaitingforsomething.

Oh.Themannersthegirlshadbeenteachinghim.“I’mEaston.”Hisvoicecameoutagravellysnarl,andthewoman’sscentwentfromscaredtopetrified.Shit.“Sorry.”

Shelookedupthroughthoselong,darklashes.“Sorryforwhat?”

Heshookhishead,baffled.“Idon’tknow.”

Thetinyhumanstraightenedherspineandliftedherchin.“Iwanttobuyyouadrink.”

“ButIalreadyhave

—”Jasonshookhishead,

eyeswide.“Okay,”Eastonsaid,

rubbingthetwo-dayscruffonhisfaceself-consciously.Manners.“Thankyou.”

Avianahuffedarelieved,shakysighandreleasedherdeathgripon

Willa’shand.ThenshesatonthebarstoolJasonofferedherrightnexttoEaston.Rightnexttohim.Shesmelledlikevanilla.Nottheartificialkindinabottle,buttherealkindtocookwith.Helikedvanilla.Herhairwascleanandshinyandlookedsoftassilk,andshehadafacehewantedto

stareat.Cutenose,highcheekbones,andround,innocenteyes.Shedidn’tlooklikeshehadanythingwrongwithher,butshewastalkingtohim.Maybeshewassoul-sick.“Howoldareyou?”heasked.

“Ooooh,”Willasaidfrombehindhimasifhe’d

saidsomethingwrong.“It’sokay,”Aviana

saidwithabriefsmiletoWilla.“I’mtwenty-eight.”

“Me,too.DopeoplecallyouAna?”

Hersoftlipsturnedupinasmileassheshookherhead.“No.Butyoucanifyouwantto.”

“Iwantto.”Itwasshorter.EasierthanAviana.GrayBacksgavenicknames.Nerd.Griz.Ranger.Beaston.Hewouldgivethisonetoherfortonight.Sheseemednice.Frailandbreakable,butnice.

Anaorderedhimanotherbeerandoneforherself.Shegrimacedwhen

shetookthefirsttaste,though.Shedidn’tlikeit,butsheforceditdownherthroat,sipbyuncomfortablesip.Shetippedthebartenderafivedollarbill.Maybeshecamefrommoney,ormaybeshewasjustthatnice.

“Whereareyoufrom?”Eastonasked.It

wasn’tsmalltalk.Hewasshitatsmalltalk.HejustwantedtoknowmoreaboutawomanwhowouldbravetheGrayBacksandcallhimhandsome.

“RapidCity.Iwasateacherthere.Kindergartners.”

Eastontookalong

drawofhisbeer.Shewassmartthen.Sowhywasshetalkingtohim?“Whyaren’tyouateacheranymore?”

Hercheeksturnedthemostappealingshadeofpink.“Iquitforaman.”

Hisbearsnarledinsideandscratchedtauntinglybeneathhisskin.

“Whywouldyoudothat?”“Becauseheaskedme

to,andIdidn’tunderstandthatIcouldsaynoatthetime.Ithoughthewasitforme.”

“Yourmate?”Shecouldn’tmeethis

eyesanymore.Shenoddedherchinonce.“Iguessyou

couldcallhimthat.”Eastonwantedtokill

everything.“Whyaren’tyouwithhimnow?”

“BecauseIdidn’twanttobewithamanwhoaskedmetoquitsomethingIloved.”

Prideblastedthroughhischest,andhesmiledashe

tookanotherdrinkofhisbeer.“Good.”Notsofrail.Notsofragile.

Thesoftsoundofgigglingbrushedhissensitiveears,andheturnedtowherehisrowdycrewhadmovedoffdownthebar.WillaandGeorgiabothgavehimthumbsupandbig,confusing

smiles,andwhenhelookedforGia—becauseshewaspregnantandhelikedherclosesohecouldhelpCreedprotecther—shewaswaddlingdouble-time,roundbellyleadingtheway,towardthejukeboxinthecorner.Henarrowedhiseyessuspiciously.

“ImetWillaandtheothersinthebathroom,”Anasaidsoftly,followinghisgaze.“Theyseemnice.”

“Thenwhyareyousoafraidofus?”

Thatparthecouldn’tfigureout.Ifshewasashiftergroupie,she’dbemorebrazen.Instead,shewas

clutchingherdrinkandsittingattheoppositeedgeofherbarstool.

“Becauseyou’reabearshifter.”

“Andyou’rescaredofshifters?”

Shenodded.Hestaredatherfora

longtime.Shewasbeautiful,

smart,andshy,andobviouslyterrifiedtobethisclosetohim,sowhywasshetalkingtohiminthefirstplace?

“Isthissomesortofdareorbet?”heasked,scanningtheroom.KongliftedhisbeerinthecornerfromatablehesatatwithhisLowlanderCrew,butother

thanthat,noonewaswatchingthemthathecouldtell.“Areyourfriendstakingpicturesorsomething?Idon’tdosocialmedia,andI’mrarelyontheInternet,sothatshitwon’thurtme.”

“I’dneverhurtyou,”shesaidonarushedbreath.

Hejerkedhisgaze

backtoher.Truth.Everywordshe’djustutteredhadbeenlacedwithhonesty.Whothefuckwasthisgirl?Andwhywasn’thisbearasnarlingmessinsideofhimlikehewaseveryotherminuteofhislife?Hesetthebeerbottledownandbackedoffthestool.“Whywould

youwanttotalktome?Anddon’tgivemethehandsomeline.IknowwhatIam,andIknowwhatIain’t.Mixedup,bloodlettingberserkeratthemercyofmyalpha’spatience.Butyou’retoogoodtobesittingnexttosomecrazylumberjackgrizzlyshifter.”

Anawasclutchingher

pursenow,andassheslidoffherchair,shelookedlikeshewasgoingtocry.Humanwomenarelikethat.Softandfulloftears.Shewaslittleandhelpless,likeheusedtobe,andnowhisprotectiveinstinctswerekickinginforawomanhecouldn’taffordtogetattachedto.

Shewasn’taGrayBack.WouldneverbeaGrayBackbecausealltheboysweremated.Exceptyou.

Eastontookastepback.Hisbearhadtherightofit—afraidandquietaroundthisdangerouslittlecreature.

EastonspuntoescapeSammy’sBar—toescapeAna

—butWillastoodinhisway,apissedofflittlehellion.Sheblastedherfistsonherhips.“Askhertodance.”

“What?No.”Willa’susuallyhappy

browneyesnarrowedtodangerouslittleslits.“Yes,she’ssoft,Easton,yetsomehow,shefoundthe

couragetocomeoverhereandtalktoyourscaryass.Ilikeher.Ifyouhurtherfeelings,I’llbreakyourfuckingleg.”

Hemadeanangryclickingsoundbehindhisteeth.“Youalreadybrokemyleg.”Andhehadthepermanentlimptoproveit.

Willa’seyebrowswrenchedupward.“Youhavetwolegs.Icanplaythatgametwice.”

Hegrowledatherandturnedaround.“Doyouwanttodance?”hemutteredtoAna,hiswordsgravelly.

Ana’sprettyblueeyeshadsomehowgotteneven

bigger.Theytookstockofhalfherfuckingadorablefacenow.“Ithinkso?”

“Great.”Eastongrabbedherhandandtriednottocrushherfingersandbreakallherbonesasheledhertotheemptydancefloor.

ThiswasthepartwhereCreed,Matt,andJason

usuallyfoughttheirmates.Emptydancefloorswithonecoupledrewtoomuchattention,butEastongaveexactlyzerofuckswhowatchedhim.Beastonwashisnameandtowncrazywashisgame,andhe’dacceptedthestaresalongtimeago.

Giahadpickedaslow

song,andwithafrustratedsnarlinhisthroat,heturnedaroundandpulledAna’shandtohisshoulder,thenheldherotheroneouttohissideandswayedbackandforth.

Anawasholdingherbreathandhadgonepaleasasheet.Andnowhewantedtokillwhateverwasupsetting

her,butunfortunately,theonlydangertoherwashim.Hisheadwassomixedup.Heshookithardandtriedtofocusonnottouchinghertoohard.Shewouldturntoashesandblowawayinastiffwindifhedid.

“Breathe,”hedemanded.

Sheinhaleddeeplyasatrembleshookhershoulders.

“I’mnotgoingtohurtyou.Iwon’t,soyoudon’thavetobescared.”

Herhandswereminiatureagainsthis,andforthefirsttimewhenhestraightenedtohisfullheight,

hegotthechancetoseehowtinyshewasnexttohim.Itwasalmostlaughable.Hehadafootonherandahundredpoundsofmuscle,atleast.Shesqueezedhishand,andhedrewupshort.Wait,hewastouchingher.

“What’swrong?”sheaskedlow,hereyessobig

andvulnerable.Shegaveawayeveryemotionwiththem.

He’dstoppeddancing,sohepickeditupagain.SidetosideasheheldAnaasgentlyasadriedsanddollar.

Sheclearedherthroatandlookedaround.Everyonewasstaring,buthedidn’t

care.Ana,however,seemedtowitherundertheattention.“Youdanceverywell,”shewhispered.

“Doesthatsurpriseyou?”

“Yes.Ithoughtamanlikeyouwouldsteponmytoesandlosehisrhythm,butyou’requitegood.”

Hisfacestretchedintoaquicksmile,thereandgoneathercompliment.Handsomeandagooddancer,andAnatheMysterywasgivinghimallthecomplimentsamanlikehimneverthoughthe’dhear.Hewouldrewardherkindnesswithanexplanation.

“Mymomtaughtme

todance.”Surpriseflittedacross

herface,andherfulllipsmoldedintoasmilethatstolehisbreathfromhischest.“Ididn’tknowthat.”

Whatastrangethingtosay.Ofcourseshedidn’tknowthat.Shedidn’tknowhim.

“Iwasseven.Shetaughtmeinourlivingroomandtoldme,“Tomakeafinemansomeday,youneedtolearntodancewithawoman.”Toholdherproperandgentle,asarealmanought.ThatparthadbeenmeantforDad,whosatatthetableandglaredattheir

lesson.Momlovedtodancetoanoldrecordplayerinthelivingroom.DadneverhaddancedwithMomthatEastonhadseen.

“Shewaslovely.Imean…shesoundslovely.”Ana’sbreathshookharderasshesteppedclosertohimandrestedhercheekaslightasa

paintbrushstrokeagainsthischest.

Shewouldhearitnow.Anawouldhearhowhardhisheartwasbeatingjustbeingthisclosetoher.Heshouldpullaway.Hide.Butwhenhelookedattheexit,Willawasstandinginfrontofitwithherfinger

jammedathim,shakingherhead.Fuck.

AtleastAnahadn’taskedwhathappenedtoMom.Helikedthetinyhumanmoreforit.Shewasn’tdiggingtoodeepashe’dseentheothershiftergroupiestrytodowhentheBoarlanderswereatSammy’s

tryingtogettheirdicksstroked.Somanyquestions.Anadidn’tdothat,though.Anawasniceandgentle.

Whywashisbearstillsoquiet?

“Wheredidyoulearntodance?”heasked,justtodistractherfromhisheartbeatbatteringherfacerightnow.

“Notfrommyparents.WhenwemovedtoRapidCity,Iwenttopublicschoolforthefirsttime.Therewasthisschooldance,andIwassonervous.I’dbeenhomeschooledallmylife,andthereweresomanykidsitwasintimidating.”Hervoiceshookoneveryword,butit

wasgettingstronger.“Aboyinmyclassaskedmetodance.Itwasverystiffandscary,butheshowedmewhattodo.AndafterwardIfeltaccomplishedandbrave.”

Hedidn’tlikethinkingaboutherdancingwithanyoneelse.Whichwasstupidandterritorial,andhe

hadnorighttogetpossessiveoverher.Anawasn’this.Still,herestedhischinonherheadsoshewouldn’tseehimcurluphislipinasnarlfortheboywhohadaskedhertodance.

Somethingstrangewashappening.Anastoppedshaking,andshewentall

warmandsoftinhisarms.Shesteppedevencloser,pressingherbodyflushagainsthis.Vanilla.Herhairwassilkagainsttheraspofhisbeard.Suchacontrasttohim.GoodAna.BadBeaston.Anothersongcameon.Anotherslowone.Giawascontrollingthejukeboxnow

andthrewamiddlefingeratoneofKong’slowlandersforcomplaining.WasWillacrying?No,couldn’tbe.Justatrickofthelightsplayingwithhiseyes.Anafeltsogoodagainsthim,butnowthatshewassoclose,she’dfeelhowexcitedhewas.Howcouldshenot?Hisdickwas

hardasarockbetweenthem.“Ihaveaboner.”

Perfect.Thatwouldsetthemood.Idiot.

“Forme?”Anaasked.Wasthathopeinhervoice?Shelookedupwiththoseensnaringeyes.

Goddamn,shefeltgoodpressedupagainsthis

dicklikethis.“Thatwassupposedtoscareyouaway.”

“Itdoesn’t.Ilikethatyousaywhatyoumean.”

Helikedthatabouther,too.Honestnotesinallherwordsandshit,shefeltgood.Good,good,good.Ana,hisAna.Hewantedherunderhim,ontopofhim.

Fuck.“Ihavetogo,”he

murmured.Adeepfrownhurthisface.Hedidn’twanttoleaveher,butshewasasfragileasadryleaf,andhewasn’tthebeastforher.Quietbear,whereareyou?Thelightsweretoobrightinhere.

“Okay,”shesaid,disappointmentpoolinginherbig,blueeyes.

Hisgutshurt.He’ddonethat,disappointedher,butitwasbestthisway,leavingnow.Hewouldonlydisappointhermoreifsheknewhowfuckeduphereallywas.

Bowing,hekissedherhandlikemomhadtaughthim,thenhestrodeforthedoorandpastWillawhosesadeyesmatchedAna’s.

Don’tlookback.Heblastedthroughthe

doorandoutintothedusty,gravelparkinglot.

Heturnedandglared

atthedoorasitswungclosedbehindhim.Alonggrowlrattledhischest,andtherehewas—thebeastinhismiddle.

EverystepEastontookawayfromthebarhurt,butheforcedhimselftowalktoJason’struckanddroppedthetailgate.Hesatonitandlookedatthestars.Ifhewas

lucky,theotherswouldbeheadedoutherenowtogobacktotheGraylandMobileParkwithhim.

“DidImakeyouangry?”Anaaskedfrombehindhim.

Eastonjumped.Shit,howhadshesnuckuponhim?

Shewasshakingagain,badly.Thismadenodamnedsense.Anawasobviouslyterrifiedaroundhim,yetshekeptapproachinghim.

“Youmakemefeellikeamonster.”Ithadbeenmeanttohurther,andhiswordsdid.Thatmuchwas

obviousbyherfacefalling.Moreguttinghim,moreache.Sheshouldn’thavethiskindofpoweroverhim.Nooneshould.Shewasgoingtodrawouthisbear.

But…hisinnergrizzlyhadstoppedsnarlingagain.

“You’renotamonster,”Anasaidlowas

shesteppedcarefullyoverapotholeinthegravel.“Andifyoueversaythataroundmeagain,Iwon’ttalktoyouanymore.”Asthebravelittlehumandraggedhergazebacktohis,shelookedangry.Smelledangry.Vanillaandfury.“You’regood.”

“I’mnot.”

Sheeasedcloserandrestedherhandslightasfeathersonhisknees.“Youare.”Hertonehadturnedtogritandsteel.

Eastonfrozeunderhertouch.Anawasfragile,andhewouldhurtherifhemoved.Settlinginbetweenhislegs,shecuppedhisface

gentlywithherpalms.Shesearchedhiseyesandsmiled.“Ilikeddancingwithyou.Andwhenwetalk,Igetbutterfliesinmystomach.”

“Imakeyousick?”“No,”shesaid

throughalaugh.Helikedthesound.Softandfeminine,hergiggletinkledlikeabell.“I

mean,youmakemehavefluttersinmystomachbecauseIlikethewayyoumakemefeel.”

“You’repretty.”Heclearedhisthroatandswallowedhard.Hecoulddothatpartbetter.“Ithinkyou’retheprettiestgirlI’veeverseen.”There.Better.

Thatfeltright.Shesmiledagainand

strokedherthumbsacrosshischeeks.“Ialwayswonderedwhatitwouldbeliketohaveyousaythattome.”

Eastongrippedherwristsandshookhishead,confused.“Idon’tunderstandyou.”

Anastoodonhertiptoesandrubbedhercheeksoftlyagainsthis.Silkagainsttheraspofhisscruff.Moreproofofhowdifferenttheywere.Hewasajaggedriverrock,andshewasthegentlewater.

NowitwasAnawhowassteadyasEaston’sheart

racedandhisbreathshook.Shewassoclose,sowarm,touchinghim.Him.Hewasn’tastupidman,andheknewhewouldneverseeAnaagain,butfortonight,forrightnow,hewasgoingtoenjoyawomanpretendinghewassomethingmorethanamonster.

Hisbreathcameinshallowpantsnowasthecornerofherlipsbrushedhis.Closinghiseyes,hethreadedhisfingersthroughhersofthairandgrippedgently.Don’tgo.Thenexttimesheeasedbacktobrushhercheekagainsthis,hepressedhislipstohersasgentlyasadelicate

womanlikeAnadeserved.Hisbearpushedformore—harder,faster.Tasteher!ButEastonforcedhishandsandlipstobeeasy.Eastonhadtoldherhewouldn’thurther,andhewouldn’t.Notnow,notever.

Hestifledtheurgentgrowlinhisthroatsohe

wouldn’tscareher.Anaangledherfaceandsuckedgentlyonhislips.Fuck,hewantedmore.Neededit.Henippedsoftlyathermouth,grazingherwithhisteeth,andsheletoffaquietmoanthatdiddisastrousthingstohismiddle.Burning,fire,dicksohard.

Hejustwantedataste.Asmallone.Justone.

Asherlipsmovedagainsthis,hetouchedtheclosedseamofhermouthwithhistongue.Arequest,notademand,becauseAnawasgood,andsheshouldmakethedecisionwhethertoletabeastlikehimin.

Herlipsparted,andhebrushedhistongueagainsthers.Fuck,hewasbeingtooroughwithherhair.Hedroppedhishandsdowntoherwaistanddraggedhercloser,pressedheragainsthiserectionbecauseshefeltrightandwarmbetweenhislegs.

Hekissedherharder.

Nothisfault—hisbear’sfault.Theanimalwasinhishead,pushingtobeclosertoAnanow.Sheslidherarmsoverhisshouldersandtightenedaroundhisneck,pullinghimnearer.Don’thurther,Bear.Begentle.Fragile,delicateAna.Hewasanavalanche,andshewasa

hummingbird.Courageouslittlecreature.Sexy.

Sherolledherhipsagainsthis,andhegrittedhisteeth,pullingawayfromtheirkissasherestedhisforeheadagainsthers.“Ana,”hewarnedhershakily.Shewasundoinghim.

“Ilikewhenyoucall

methat.”Shehesitated,thenkissedhimoncemore,asoftpeckthatpluckedathislips.Withasmile,shebackedaway.“Yourcrewiswaitingtoleave.”

Eastondraggedhisgazeawayfromherandoverhisshoulder.TheGrayBackswerecomingoutofthebar.

Anaheadedtowardawhitecar.Don’tgo.Sheunlockedit,thenslidinbehindthewheel.Whentheengineroaredtolife,sherolleddownthewindow.Goodbye,Easton.Heknewitwascoming.Thewordsthatwouldriphisinsidesout.

“I’llseeyou

tomorrow,Easton,”shesaidwithashysmileandpinkcheeks.

Stunned,hestoodfromthetailgateandwatchedherdriveaway.

Anahadmadehimfeelalmostnormaltonight,butthatwasn’ttheonlygiftshe’dgivenhim.

She’dgivenhimhisfirstkiss.

ChapterSeven

Eastonsatontheback

porchofhistrailerandwatchedtheprogressofthesunasitsankdownbehindthemountains.Hefingeredthestrandoffrayed,black

silkribbonhe’dtakenfromtheraven’streasureboxthismorningbeforeworkonthelanding.ThedayhadbeenhardashisfocushaddriftedthiswayandthatbetweenthoughtsofAnaandthemeaningoftheblackribbonthathe’dtuckeddeepinsidehispocket.

Itservedasareminder.AnawasfraillikeMomhadbeen.Shewouldn’tsurviveamanlikehim,soitwasbestthatherwords,“I’llseeyoutomorrow,Easton,”hadbeennothingmorethanaprettylie.Shedidn’tevenknowwherehelived.

Hepulledthelength

ofribbonthroughhisfingers.Araven’ssympathy.

“Wherehashegoneoffto?”Momasked,handsonherhipsasshesquintedagainstthesettingsunthatthrewthefrontyardintothegoldsandorangesofautumn.

Eastonhadjusthithisfirstgrizzlygrowthspurtand

wasalmostastallashishumanmothernow.Heshruggedandpressedhishandagainstherbellywheretheundulatingwasthestrongest.Itwasaboy,alittlebrother.Hejustknewit.“Maybehefellasleepsomewhere.”

Mominhaleddeeply.

Shewastiredlatelyandhadtroublemovingaround.Herfeetswelledatnight,andshewasshortofbreath,butDaddidn’tlethereaseuponthechores.Notthisclosetowinter.

“Nextyear,canIgotoschoolwithotherkids?”heasked.Hewouldn’tdare

mentionittoDad.Healreadyknewthatanswer.

Dadwouldsay,“Boy,youknowwhatyouare?Yougottabearinsideofyou,andhumanscan’tbetrustedwiththatkindofinformation.Westayouthereinthewoodsforsurvival.Getthatcockamamiedideaoutof

yourhead.School.”Andthenhe’dspitinthegrassbecausehealwaysdidthatwhenEastonaskedadumbquestion.Hespatonthegroundthesameasheusedaperiodattheendofasentence.Discussionclosed.

Momwassofter,though.Sheunderstoodhow

lonelyitwasouthere.Shesmiledsadlydown

athimandsqueezedhisshoulder.“Thingsweregoingtobedifferent,Easton.Ihadplansforyouandme,butthebabyderailedthem.Maybesomeday,butnotnow.”

Plans?Troubled,Eastonlookedoutoverthe

yardagainashissensespickedupsomethingthatliftedthefinehairsonthebackofhisneck.Somethingwaswrongintheirwoods.

“Dad?”hecalled,steppingofftheporch.

Movementstirredthedrygrassinthebrushjustbehindthetreeline.

Eastontrottedforwardatthesoundofapainedgroan,andMomfollowedasshewasable.

Dadappearedfrombehindthetrees,stumblingandslow.Eastoncouldn’tunderstandwhathewasseeing,though.Dad’sheadwascrookedonhisshoulders.

“Oh,myGod,”Momwhisperedinhorror.“Easton,don’tlook.”ShecoveredEaston’sfacewithherhandsandyankedhimtoastop.“Isaiddon’tlook!”Momwassobbingnow.“Gobackintothehouse!”shescreamedassheranforDad.

Dadfelltohisknees,

bodyconvulsingashetoppledoversideways.

Eastonapproachedslowly,horrifiedasMomcriedoverhim.Hisneckhadbeensnapped.No.

“Russ,”Momcried.“WhatdoIdo?CanIresetit?”

“No,”Dadwheezed.

“Idon’tunderstand.Idon’tunderstand!Howdidthishappen?No.It’llbeokay.I’llfixit.Eastongetbackinthehouse!Don’tlook!”

MaybeDadhadfallenoutofatreeoroveraravine.Hisshifterhealinghadworked,butfrozehisbroken

neckatthewrongangle.Someinjuriesweretoobadforevenshifterstosurvive.Allhislife,Dadhadtaughthimnottogetcarelesswithhishealing.EastonheavedbreathasMomweptandpositionedherselfabovehisbody.Shewasgoingtore-breakhisneck.

“Mom,”Eastonsaid,voicethick.Heshookhishead.“Itwon’twork.”

“Mae,”Dadchokedout.

“WhatisitRuss.Whatisit?”

“Mae…I’msorry.”Alonglastbreathescapedhislips,andhiseyesrolled

closed.“No!”Mom

screamed.ShepulledhardonDad’shead,butbreakinganeckwasn’tsoeasy.Notforweakhumans.“Don’tleavemehere!Don’tleaveme!”

Mom’sagonytoreathisownburningheart.Dad.Eastondroppedtohisknees

inshockathowbrokenhelooked.Howgrotesquehelookedindeathwithhisbulgingneck.He’dcomebacktosaygoodbye.TearsstreameddownhisfaceasheburiedhisheadagainstDad’sstomach.Hewasstillwarmandsmelledoflife.“Dad,”hemurmured,

grippinghisclothesanddampeninghisshirtwithtears.

Theravenflutteredandflappedinthebranchesabove,buthecouldn’tpullhimselfawayfromDad’sbody.Heandmomsatlikethatforalongtime,cryingagainsthimuntilhegrew

coldandstiff.Eastonhadnever

heardsomeonebreakbefore,butheknewwhateverwashappeningtoMomwasawful.

Momshookhisbody.“Iwasgoingtotakehimandleave,andyouwouldn’tletme!Hecancontrolhisbearnow.Wecould’vemadeit!

Andyourippedthatawayfromme.Andnowyou’veleftme?You’veleftushereinthishellyoucreated?Youcan’t.”Sheclenchedhisshirtinherfists.“Youcan’t,Russel.Doyouhearme?Eastonwillbeallalone!”

Allalone?Somanytears.Mom’s

faceleakedonandon,longafterEastonhadrundry.Heeasedaway,layagainstafelledtreeandwatchedMomcry.Theeveningshadowshadturnedtodarknessasthesunsankbehindthemountains.Thelightfromthecabinwastheonlythingthatlittheclearing.Noteventhemoon

wasfullenoughtolendthemadequatelight.Momstoodup,mutteringstringsofwordsthatdidn’tmakeanysenseatall.Theymeantnothing.Maybetheyweren’tevenwordsatall.

Momdidn’tseehimanymoreasshestoodandbegangatheringwood.Her

eyeshadgoneempty,andhertearshaddriedonhercheeks.Shecouldn’tseeaswellinthedarkashim,yetshefoundwoodasthoughshehadtheforestmemorized.

Silently,hehelpedher.Hewassmallyet,onlyeight,butMomwaspregnantandheartbroken,and

whatevershewasdoingrightnow,hecouldlightenherload.Alongsideher,hedraggedwoodintotheclearinginfrontoftheircabinuntiltheearlyhoursofthemorning.Shedidn’tanswerhimwhenheaskedquestions,sohegaveuptrying.

Andwhenthefirststreaksofpinkbrushedthehorizon,MomaskedhimtohelpherdragDad’sbodytothepileofwood.Andthenshelitamatchandwatchedhimburn.

EastonburiedhisfaceagainstMom’ssideandclutchedherdirtydress,

unabletowatchthefireconsumehisdad.“Why?”heasked.

Mominhaleddeeplyandasked,“Easton?”asifshe’donlyjustnoticedhimclutchingontoher.

“Whyareweburninghim?”

“Because,myboy.

Yourdaddywouldhauntthesewoodsforalways.YouandIseetheghosts,Easton.We’llburnhisbelongingsandputsaltaroundthehousenext.That’swhatyoudo,Easton.Canyourememberthat?”

“Yes,ma’am,”hesaidonachokedbreath.He

couldsmellDadburning.“Repeatitforme.”“Burnthebones,burn

thebelongings,salt.”“That’sagoodboy.”

Hervoicesoundedstrange—dreamy—asshewatchedtheflames.“You’llneedtodothesamethingformybody.”

“Don’tsaythat.”

“Promiseme,Easton.Don’tletmehauntyou.”

Andthat’swhenhefeltit.

Mom’sbellywaspulleduptightlikeadrum.

Eastongrittedhisteethagainstthepaininhismiddle.Hecouldstillsmellthesmokefromthefuneral

pyre.Theribbonhaddonethat.Theraven’strinketsheldmagicinthem.She’dleftitonthewindowsillforhimtofindwhenhe’dgonebacktothehousewithMom.Itwastheraven’swayoftellinghimshewassorryforhisloss,thoughhowayoungcrowunderstoodsomuchwas

beyondhim.Maybeshe’dbeenhis

spiritanimal.Ifhehadn’theldher

giftinhishandnow,hecould’veconvincedhimselfshehadn’texistedatall.

ChapterEight

Maybethiswaswhat

apanicattackfeltlike.Avianagrippedthewheelandtriedtostoppanting.Keepitup,andshewasgoingtopassout.

Shit,shecouldn’tdothis.

ShethoughtofEaston’skisslastnightandshookherheadtorattleouttheweakthoughts.Yes,shecould,becauseEastonhadbeengentlewithher.Hewasn’tallweaponsanddarkness.Hewasgoodinhis

middle,justlikehealwayshadbeen.

Lastnight,she’dseenthesparkoftheboyshe’dfalleninlovewith.

Eastonwashers.Bythetimeshepulled

undertheGraylandMobileParksign,however,shewasbacktofull-blownpanic-

mode.Today,shewasgoingtoputherselfouttherefurtherthansheeverhadinherentirelife.Shewasgoingtodeclarewhatsheneededtomakeherlifeintotheoneshewanted.

Unfortunately,thatlifehadsomehowgrowntoincludeacrewofbearshifters—herbiggestnaturalfear.

Fromearlychildhood,she’dbeentoldhowvolatileandmurderoustheapexpredatorshifterswere.Theyweren’tlikeherpeople,whowerescavengershifters,politelypreyingonalreadydeceasedthings.Bearskilledwhattheywantedanddidn’tgivesecondthoughtstocarcasses.

Greatriskbroughtthepossibilityofgreatreward,though,andEastonwasworthit.Hereallywas.Deepbreath.Chestout,backstraight.Smile.Bigger.Let’sdothis.

TheGrayBackssataroundacommunalfirepitinfrontofasemi-circleof

trailers.TheyworelightjacketstowardoffthecoolMarchnightandsatinbrightly-coloredplasticchairs.Eastonwasn’there.Well,good.Thiswouldbeeasierwithouthimwatchingbecauseshewasn’theretoseeEastonrightnow.Shewasheretotalktohisalpha,

Creed.TheGrayBackshad

gonequietbythetimeshestumbledoutofhercar.“Hi!”shesaid,muchmorehighpitchedthanshe’dintendedassheflappedherhandinawave.

“Ha!Payup,Griz,”Willasaid,pointingtoMatt.

MattrolledhiseyesandhandedWillaawaddedupfivedollarbillfromhispocket.

Okaay.Ayippingattackdog

thesizeofasoccerballchargedAvianaandbouncedaroundherfeet,barking.Itwasbrownandwhite,and

someonehasshavedamohawkdowntheentirelengthofhisbackandhead.Shewould’vebeenmoreintimidatedifhedidn’tlickheranklesbetweenbarks.

“PeanutButterSpike.Getdown!”Giacommanded.

Avianasteppedgingerlyaroundtheyapper

andopenedthebackdoor,thenstruggledundertheweightofamassiveboxofbeercans.SheheftedittowardtheGrayBacks,breathingheavilyasshestumbledforward,tryingnottosteponthetinydogcirclingherfeet.Shesetthegiftontheledgeofthebrick

firepit.“Ididresearchonlumberjacks,andtheInternetsaidyouwerehairy,woreflannel,belchedalot,anddranklotsofbeer.”

Willagrabbedherstomachandcackled.“Whatsitewereyoulookingon?”

“Thefirstonethatcameupontheresults.”

GoodGod,shewishedshecouldlifthergazefromthegroundrightnow.“Anyway,Ibroughtyouthis.”Shepushedtheboxforward,butitonlymovedbyaninch.Silly,weakbirdarms.PeanutButterSpikeprobablycould’vemoveditmore.

“Ilikeher,”Jason

said,rippingintothesideandpullingabluecanout.

“Howdidyoufindoutwherewelive?”Creedasked,hiseyesnarrowedinsuspicion.

“Oh.Uuuh,itsaiditonJason’ssocialmediapages.”Hadit?Shecouldn’tremember.She’dknownthey

livedherebecausesheflewoveriteveryday,buttheydidn’tneedtoknowthatshewasaquietobservertotheirlives.

“Dude,”Mattsaid,levelingJasonwithaglare.

“Likeyoucantalk!Youwerethekingofoversharingbeforeyou

deletedallyourpages.Pissoff,man.It’snotlikeIeverthoughtanyonewouldbeabletoactuallyfindthetrailerpark.We’reoutinthewilderness.IassumedGPSwouldlaughatanyonewhotriedtogetupthebackroadsinthesemountains.”

Creedwasglaringat

himwithatired,notamusedexpression.

Jasonshrugged.“Fine.I’lltakeanymentionofouraddressoffmypages.”

CreedswunghisattentiontoAviana,whowasfeelingmightyguiltyforoutingJasontosaveherselfrightaboutnow.“Whatare

youdoinghere?”Avianaliftedherchin

andtriedtoholdhisgaze,butfailed.Fuckitall,justspititoutthen.“I’mheretoaskyouforEaston.”

Jasonchokedonhisbeerandspeweditintoafinemistintheair.

“Whatdoyoumean,

askforEaston?”Creedaskedoverthecoughing.

Sheinhaleddeeplyandsaid,“I’mheretoaskyourpermissiontocourtEaston.”

“Explain.”Avianaheldontothe

sideofthewaist-high,bricked-infirepittosteady

herwobblylegsandswallowedhard.“Iwanttodatehimwiththeintentionofbecominghismate.”

“That’snothowwedothingshere.Matesarechosenfreely.”Creedlookedherupanddownashisnostrilsflared.“Yousmellliketerror.IknowEaston.I

don’tthinkyouareitforhim.Heisn’tmadeforamate.I’msorry,buttheanswerisno.”

“Aw,pissoff,Creed,”Willamuttered.Shepitchedhervoiceupandyelled,“Beaston!”

“Willa,”Creedwarned.

“AsSecond,Iveto

yourbullshittery.Shelikeshim,shebroughtusbeer,andshewonmefivefuckin’dollars.”Willacockedherheadandhereyebrowsjackedup.“Winner,winner,werebeardinner.”

“Second,Willa.Second.Notalpha.I’malpha,andIsaysheisn’tgoingtobe

safearoundEaston.I’mallforEastonfindingsomeone,butshe’shuman,andhe’s…well…Beaston.”

“Hehasn’tkilledGiayet,”Willaargued,pointingtoCreed’smate.

CreedlookedatGiaindisbelief.“I’mnotthebadguyinthis.I’mtryingtosave

herlife.”“Hewon’thurtme,”

Avianamurmured.Shewouldignorethesliceunderherarmthatwasjustnowscabbingover.

“Baby,”GiasaidrubbingCreed’sarm.“Iknowyoumeanwell,butAvianaisaskingyourpermissionto

courthimoutofrespect.It’snotreallyuptoyou.”Shenoddedtothemanlimpingtowardthemfromthetreeline.“It’suptohim.”

Creedscrubbedhishandsdownhisfaceandmuttered,“Fuck.”

Asheapproached,Easton’seyesreflectedeerily

intheglowfromthefireinthebrickpit—proofthathisanimalwasneverfarfromthesurface.Hisgrayshirtclungtohishardphysique,andthetoptwobuttonswereopen,exposingthelinebetweenhispecmuscles.Hislegswerelongandpowerfulwitheverystridehetook,anddespitethe

limp,hewasgraceful.He’dlearnedthatgatewithhistimeinthewilderness,fendingforhimself.She’dwatchedtheslowchangefromclumsyboytogracefulanimalintheyearsthatbrokehim.

“Hi,”shewhisperedpasthertighteningvocalcords.

Heshiftedhisweightfromfoottofoot,justontheedgeofthefirelight.Eveninhishumanform,helookedlikeawildanimalwhofoundsafetyintheshadows.“You’rehere.”

“Forareason,”Willasaid.

Eastonfrownedand

ghostedaglanceatthered-headedwoman,thenbacktoAviana.“Why?”

AvianalookedtoCreed.Hewaskinghere,andshewaswaryofhimsnappingifshedidn’tbehaveright.

“Goahead,”thealphasaidinadefeatedtone,

leaningbackinhischairandrestinghishandontheswellofhismate’sstomach.

“Iwanttocourtyou.”Eastonshruggeda

shoulderuptohisearandshookhishead.“Idon’tknowwhatthatmeans.”

“Iwanttodateyou,andifyoufindyoulikeme

wellenough…”Sheswallowedthelumpinherthroat,buttherestofthewordswouldn’tcomeout.Notwithhimstaringathersodirectlylikethis.

“IfIlikeyouwellenough…what?”

“Maybedon’tlookatmewhileItellyou.”

“Allright,”hesaid,soundingbaffled.Heturnedaroundandgaveherhisback.

Sheexhaledalong,shakybreath.“Maybeifyoulikemewellenough,you’llpickmeforamate.”

Easton’sbackwentrigid.Witheachsilentsecondthatdraggedon,the

anticipationcloggedherthroat,makingitharderandhardertobreathe.Sheopenedhermouthtoapologizeforintrudingandexcuseherself,butEastonmurmured,“You’rescaredofme.”

“I’llworkonnotbeingscaredofyou.”

“Thenokay.”

“Okay?”Hervoicecameoutahopefulsqueak.

“Easton,IforbidyoutoTurnher,”Creedsaid,powerfulvoicesendingelectriccurrentsintotheair.

EastonlookedtoWillaoverhisshoulderandshookhishead.“Ilearnedmylesson.Iwon’tTurnAna.”

HespunslowlyonhisheelandlookedatAvianaoverthefirelight.“Iwon’tbeanygoodatthis.”Therewaswarninginhistone,buthiseyessoftened.“Butwecantry.Alpha,Iwantyourblessing.”Heturnedhisinhuman,greengazeonCreed.“Please.”

AmuscletwitchedinCreed’sclenchedjaw.Withasigh,heleveledAvianawithaglare.“BeforeyouanswerthequestionI’mabouttoaskyou,knowthatwecanallhearalie.”

Steelingherself,Aviananodded.

“Whydoyouwantto

bewithEaston?”Thatquestionheldthe

easiestanswerintheworld.“BecauseIdon’tfitanywhereelse.”

Softly,Willamurmured,“ShesoundslikeaGrayBacktome.”

AslowsmilespreadacrossCreed’sfaceinthe

flickeringfirelight.“ThenacourtshipbetweenyouandEastonhasmyblessing.”

Agigglebubbledupherthroat,andshesaggedheavilyagainstthebrickasEastonstoodfrozenacrossthefire,lookingstunned.Willastoodandreachedherfirst,thenhuggedhersohard

herlungshurt.GiaandGeorgiafollowed,andtheboyssmiledandnoddedatherasshewalkedaroundthefirepittowardEaston—herEaston.

“Iwon’thurtyou,”hesaid,promiseinhisvoice.

Shestoodonhertiptoesandhuggedhisneck,

inhalingthewildscentofhisskin.Furandearthandpine.“Iknowyouwon’t.Itrustyou.”

Hishandsslippedaroundherwaistslowly,gently,asifhewereforcinghimselftobecarefulwithher.“Whenyougettoknowme,you’llleave.”

Sheeasedbackandsmiledupathim,tryingherbesttoholdhisferalgaze.Shepressedherpalmagainsthischest.Herhandrattledwiththesoftvibrationofhispoundingheart.“Ialreadyknowyou.”

Confusionrippledoverhisfacelikeawave,

thereandgoneinamoment.“Doyouwanttoseemyden?”

“Iwanttoseeyourden,”Jasonpipedup.

“No,”Eastongrittedout.

“Howdoyoulikethat?”heaskedGeorgia.“I’mhisbestfriend,andhestill

won’tletmeseetheinsideofhistrailer.”

“Nobody’sseenit,”Mattsaid.“Hey!”hecalledasAvianaandEastonwalkedtowardthetreeline.“I’llgiveyoufivebuckstotelluswhatitlookslikeinside.”

Avianashookherheadandignoredthebanter

thatkickedupnearthefirepit.“Don’tworry,”shesaidsoftly.“Iwon’ttellanyoneanythingyoudon’twantmeto.”

Eastondidn’tsayanythingback,onlyslippedhisbig,strong,callousedhandaroundhersandsqueezedgently.Thatwasa

rewardinitself,soshebumpedhisshoulderandsnuggledhercheekagainsthistautarm.Asignofdevotionfromaraven,buthedidn’tneedtoknowaboutheranimalside.Notyet.Notuntilshefiguredoutawaytobreakittohimgently.Eastonrefusingtosharehishome

withhiscrewwasproofhewasakeeperofsecrets.Herinstinctssaidhewouldbeupsetifheknewshe’dwitnessedtheyearsthathadshatteredhim.No,beforesheexposedherhiddenfeatheredself,shehadtomakesurehewouldn’trunawayfromwhattheycouldbe.

Bythetimethey’dwalkedupthetrailtohissinglewide—theonewiththechippedwhitesidingandstacksoffirewooddownonewholeside—shewasn’tshakingsobadlyanymore.Shedid,however,feelasifshe’dbeendumpedintoasurrealmomentthatcould

verywellbeadream.Shewashere,withhim.Withtheoneshe’dthoughtsomuchaboutandforsakenherpeoplefor.Withtheonewho’dkepthertrinketsafteralltheseyears.

“I’msorry,”hemurmuredashepushedhisdooropen,thoughshe

couldn’ttellwhathewasapologizingfor.

Shesteppedupthestairsandintohisdenasheflippedthelightswitchon.Thesmellofpinesaphithersensesfirstasshetookinthesmallspaceofthelivingroom.Therewasonlyonelampinthecorner,andhe’d

thrownasquareoforangefabricoverittomutethelight.Thewallswerecoveredfromfloortoceilingwithtreebark.Shegaspedasithitherwhythisplacefeltsofamiliar.Shespunandstuckherheadbackoutthefrontdoor,butshealreadyknewwhatshewouldfind.A

workshopbuiltatasimilardistancefromthetreeEastonhadbuiltahouseinwhenhewasacub.Thisplacewashisversionofthehomehe’dlivedinallthoseyearsago.He’drecreatedtheplacehefeltthesafest.

Awashofmixedemotionsfilledher.Sadness

thatthoseyearshadetchedtheirwaysodeeplyintohisadultlife.Disappointmentthathewasstillholdingontothepast.Pridethathe’dsurvivedatall.Tearsblurredhervisionasshesmiledupathim.Hewaswaiting,darkeyebrowsfurrowedwithworry.

“Iloveit,”shewhisperedthickly.

Thetensionmeltedfromhisshoulders,andhehuffedarelievedsigh.Acrookedsmiletookhislips,almostdeepenoughtoexposeoneofhisdimples,butnotquite.

Heshowedherthe

smallkitchenandsinglebedroom,whichtookuphalfthelengthofthetrailerandwascuriouslynormalafterthetree-likelivingroom.Aqueen-sizebedboastedcrispwhitesheetsunderafoldeddowncomforterthatlookedassoftasacloud.Hisbathroomwasjustastidy—a

habithemust’vepickedupinhisadultyearsbecausetheboysherememberedhadbeenscatteredandhislivingspacecluttered.

Shebrushedherfingersacrosstheplushcomforter,familiarizingherselfwithhisplace.Therewasabookshelfalongthe

wallthreeshelveshighandmadeofoak.Thetopshelfwasfilledwithchildbirthbooks.Shepulledoneoutandlookedquestioninglyathim.

“CreedgotGiawithababy.”Withafrown,hesatonthebedbehindher.“Mymomdidn’tsurviveababy.IwantedtomakesureGia

wouldbeokay.”Aviana’sheart

droppedtothefloor.Ofcoursehewouldbeworriedafterwhathappened.

Easton’smouthtickedashepulledattheedgesofthefrayedblackribbonshe’dgiftedhimthenighthisfatherdied.Sheswallowedthegasp

andfrozeintoplacesoshewouldn’tattracthisattentionbeforeshecouldgettheshockwipedoffherface.Wherehadhepulledthatfrom?

“IlikeGia.IwasmadatCreedforputtingheratrisk,butshelovesherbaby.Shewantsit.Eventhough

Giaishuman,sheisn’tweak.Andherbabygirlisstrong,too.”Heliftedhisgazetohers.“She’llbedragon-blooded,youknow.”

“Dragon-blooded?”Avianaasked,leaningbackagainstthedresser.Thatsoundedterrifying.

“Creedisthe

grandsonofthelastimmortaldragon.Heturnedoutgrizzly,andmaybehisdaughterwill,too.Ormaybenot.Giapromisedtohavethebabyinahospital.Registeredshifterscandothatnow.It’snotlikewhenIwasgrowingup,andwehadtohideouryoung.”

Sheknewallabout

that.Ithadbeenthesameforravenshifters.UntiltheywereoldenoughtocontroltheirChanges,itwassafesttoliveawayfromsociety,offthegridsomewhere.Itwasstilllikethatforgrowingfamilies.Ravensweren’touttothepubliclikeothershiftersandlikelynever

wouldbe.Ravenswerenaturallymorecautiousthanbears.

“I’msorryaboutyourmom.”Hervoicequiveredwithemotion.Oh,howshe’dwantedtosaythosewordstohim,butshe’donlybeenabletobringhimgiftsandhopeheinterpretedhersympathy.

Hepulledtheblackribbonthroughhisfingersandgaveherthatghostofasmile.“Don’tbe.Itwasalongtimeago.Iwasacubatthetime.Ibarelyevenrememberwhatshelookslike.”Hisvoicesoundedoddthough—hollow—andshe’dbetherflightfeathershe

rememberedeverythingingreatdetail.Hismindhadalwaysbeenlikethat.Sharpasablade,retainingeverythinghelearned.It’showhe’dsurvivedoutthereinthoseharshwoodsaloneatsuchayoungage.Hewouldtrysomethinguntilhefiguredouthowitworked,andthen

henevermadethesamemistakestwice.Hismindwasasteeltrap,justliketheone—

AvianaclosedhereyesagainstthevisionofEastonscreaming.Notnow.Later,whenshewasalone.Shecouldn’tfeedthatmemorynowwhilehe

watchedherwiththosebrighteyesthatmissednothing.

“You’rehungry.”Eastonstoodsofastheblurred,andshegaspedathisspeed.

Eastonheldhishandsout.“Sorry,”hewhispered.

“Ithinkyou’rebeinggentlearoundme.”

Henodded.“Isitinyournatureto

begentle?”Heshookhishead

slowly.“ThenIthinkmaybe

youshouldbeyourselfandallowmetoadjust.”

“Butyoualwayssmellscared.Idon’tlikeit.”

“IfIgetusedtoyou,thenIwon’tbesuchachickenanymore,andIhaveafeelingI’lllikeyourrealselfevenbetter,anyway.”

Hiseyebrowsjackedup.“Iassureyou,youwon’t.”

Avianasnortedandlaughed.“Howdoyouknow?”

Hiseyesdippedtoherlipsastheystretchedintoabiggersmile.“BecauseI’mprettydamnedsurenooneonthisplanetcanhandleallofmy…personality.”Butnowasmilewasspreadingacrosshisface,andtheretheywere—thosedimplesshe’dwishedwithallofherhearttosee.

Beforeshecouldchangehermind,shesteppedforwardandpressedherfingeragainstone.She’dseenthemahundredtimesinhisyouthbuthadneverrevealedherselfasahuman,andcouldn’ttouchthetinyindentationsasabird.

Heinhaledasharp

breathashispupilscontractedtopinpointsandzeroedinonher.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Iliketotouchyou.AndIlikewhenyousmilebigenoughformetoseethese.”Shemovedoutofthewayofadresserandlookedathisreflectioninthemirror

withhim.“Yoursmileismyfavoritethingaboutyou.”

“Areyoubroken,Ana?”

Thequestioncaughtheroffguard,andshehadtowaitamomentbeforeanswering,justtosteadyherthoughts.“Notbroken,no.”

“Thenwhydidyou

askforme?Whydidyoucometomyalphaforme?Whyinthehellwouldyouwanttobematedtoamanlikeme?”

“Becausemylifedoesn’tfeelhollowwhenI’maroundyou,”shesaidhonestly.

Hehuffedahumorless

laughandlookeddownattheribbonbetweenhisfingertips.“Youmakenosense.”

“Iwasn’thappy—”“Happyisjustaword,

Ana.Itdoesn’treallyexist.It’sastateofmindpeopleconvincethemselvestheyhavesotheycangetthroughtheirexistenceonedayata

time.Yousearchforhappiness,andwhenyouthinkyoufindit,youworkyourwholelifetohangontothisfeelingasthinasair,andthenyoudie.Happyisabullshitword.”

Shocked,shesankdowntothebedbesidehim.She’dneverheardhimstring

somanywordstogether.He’dneverbeenvocalabouthisopinionswhenhewasyounger,andnowitwasclearhowjadedhe’dbecome.Hewaswrong,though.

“Wellthen,I’llmakeyouhappyandproveyouwrong.”Shestuckhertongueoutathimandgrinned.

Eastoncockedhisheadandstaredathersmileagain.Itseemedtoattracthisattentioneasily.“Whateveryourreasons,”hemurmured,“I’mgladyoufoundme.”

ChapterNine

Easton’sfocuswas

draggedtoAna’slipsforthehundredthtime.Shesmiledthemorecomfortablearoundhimshebecame.Shedidn’tsmelllikefearanymore.Just

vanilla.Whatwasitabouther

lips?Rightnow,shewassittingbesidehimonthelivingroomcouch,talkingaboutherfirstjob.She’dwaitedtablesatsomedinerwhereshelived,andshehadlotsoffunnystoriesaboutthepeopleshe’dworkedwith.

Herlipslookedlikeartastheyformedeachword.

Ormaybeitwasthekissfromlastnighthekeptthinkingabout.Thefeelofherlipsagainsthis.He’dneveroncehadtheurgetokisstheothergirlsintheGrayBacks,butaroundAna,itwasallhecouldthink

about.Focus.She’slooking.She’llthinkyou’reweirdlikeeveryoneelsedoes.Keepher.

“So,whatdoyoudoforfun?”

“Whatdoyoudo?”hecountered.Notbecausehewasavoidingthequestion,butbecausehewassuddenlyexcruciatinglycuriousabout

whatfilledupherquiethours.Anascrunchedupher

nose.“Don’tlaugh.”“Iwon’t.”“Pinkypromise.”She

liftedherpinkyintheair.“Hookyourpinkyontomineandsay,Ipinkypromisenottolaugh.”

Hedidassheasked

andreveledinthefeelofher.Somuchsothathedidn’tletgoofherfingerafterherecitedtheoath.Hejustsankfartherbackintothecouchcushionbesideherwiththeirpinkieshooked.Sheputherlegsoverhislapasifthey’dknowneachotherforalways.Hesmiledathowfucking

cuteshewas.“Iliketoknit.”“Likeoldladiesdo?

Hatsandsocksandblankets?”

“No.You’resmiling,Easton.Don’tletthatgetoutofhand.”Shewaitedforhimtowipehisamusementoffhisfacebeforeshecontinued.“I

knitclothesforanimals.Turtlesweaterswithspikesontheback,anddogcostumesforHalloween.Ievenmadeadressforaguineapigweddingonce.Peoplesendmespecialrequestsonline,andImakethem.”

Eastonwaitedforthe

laughtodieinhisthroatbeforeheasked,“Andtheypayyoumoneyforthese…costumes?”

Analiftedherchinproudly.“Yes.InevertoldCadenaboutthatstuffbecauseIknewhewouldthinkitstupidandbeneathme,andhewouldaskmeto

giveitup.”“Cadenwasyourlast

mate?”Hisbearrattledalonggrowlinsideofhim.

Analetgoofhispinkyandpressedherpalmagainsthischest.“Notmychoice.Hewasasmartpairing,butIdidn’tcareforhim.”

“Iwouldliketoseeadressforaguineapig.”

Anadroppedhergazetoherhand,butitdidn’thidehersmile.Maybehappinessdidexist.Analookedhappynow.

“Now,yourturn.Tellmewhatyouliketodo.”

Noonehadever

askedhimthisbefore,sohetookhistimeanswering.“Iliketochopwood.”

“Why?”“Becauseitmakesme

feellikemybearisn’tgoingtoripoutofmyskin.”

ThesmilefellfromAna’sface.“Doesitfeellikethatoften?”

Henodded.Bestsheknowwhatshewasinfor.“Allthetime.”

“Everyminute?”Henodded.“Except

it’snotsobadwhenI’maroundyou.Orchoppingfirewood.”

“Whatdoyoudowiththewood?”

“Icouldtakecareofyou.”

Sheproppedapairofthrowpillowsunderherheadandrelaxedagainstthecouch,herlegsstilldrapedoverhim.Shewaswearingjeanshorts,soherestedhishandonhersmoothlegs.“Didyoushaveyourlegs?”heasked.

“Mmmhmm.”“Didyoushavemy

legsforme?IncaseItouchedyouhere?”Whenheranhisfingertipuphershin,sheshivered.

“Yes,”shesaidonabreath.Herfacehadgoneallserious,andherpupilsdilated,makingthebluein

hereyeslookdarker.“Nowstopdistractingme.Whatdidyoumeanabouttakingcareofme?Idon’twantmoney,Easton.Ijustwantyou.”

“Acordoflumbergoesfortwo-hundredfiftytothree-hundreddollarscomewintertimearoundhere.Ichopallspringandsummer

andsellinthefallafterthefirstsnow.”

“Selltowho?”“UntilJasoncame

along,Isoldtobackwoodsman.Peoplewhodidn’tcareIwasalittle…off.Peoplewhoneededfirewoodbecausetheyhadn’tchoppedenoughforthemselves

becausetheyweretoooldorsickortheycouldn’tfindenoughdeadtrees.Theyhavetobedeadalongtimesotheheavygreenmiddlesdryoutandturnwhite.Thosearetheonesthatburnthebest.IcanchargemoreifIsplititforthemanddeliverittotheircabins.”

“Ithoughtyouworkedupinthemountainsasalumberjack.”

“That’soneofmyjobs.Ihavethree.MyanimaldoesbestifIstaybusy.He’sstillwildasshit,butabusymindmakeshimmanageable.Kindof.”

“Jasonhelpsyou

now?”“He’smyfriend.We

wentinaspartnersthispastfall.Ihadalotofwoodtounload,weneededtosellclosertotown,andIcan’ttalktopeople.Ican’t.Jason’sgood.Hetalks.Ichop.”

“IlikeJason.It’sagoodbusinessyoutwoare

doing.”Hestrokedhisfinger

upanddownherleg,watchingthechillsthatwasheduphersoftskininwaves.“Loggingisseasonal,soweallworkdifferentjobsduringfire-season.”

“Whatelsedoyouliketodo?”

“Kissyou.”Hetossedherasidewaysglanceandslidoutfromunderherlegs.Ifhekissedherhereinhisdenwhereshewasspreadingaroundhersexyscent—pheromonesandvanilla—hewouldwantmore.Anawasfragile.Anacouldn’tbedamanlikehim.Eastonstood

andheldouthishand,palmup.“DoyouwanttoseewhatelseIliketodo?”

Herlipspartedslightly,andsheblinkedslowlyassheslidherpalmagainsthisandnodded.Helikedthathehadsuchaneffectonher.Shesmelledsofuckinggoodhewantedto

buryhisfacebetweenherlegs,buthewouldn’t.HelikedAna.Hewantedtokeepher,notscareher.

Shewaswearingathin,soft,blackblouse,andthegoosefleshhe’dconjuredsoeasilyonherlegsbotheredhim,sohepulledhisheavycanvasjacketoffthecoat

rackbythefrontdoor.Hedrapeditoverhershouldersbeforeheledheroutthefrontdoor.Itwaslinedwithwoolandwouldkeepherwarm.

Hegaveaprivatesmilewhenheheardhersniffthejacket.Littlehumanknewhowtousesomeofhersensesatleast.

“Easton?”Anaasked.Hervoicesoundedoddasshetuggedhishand.Theporchlightilluminatedhertroubledeyes,sohedrewupcloser.Perhapsshewasstillcold.Orhungryorthirstyortiredorsick.Shedidn’tsmellsick.Hedidn’treallyknowhowtotakecareofhumans.

“Iwanttotellyousomething.”Anasearchedhiseyesasshesnuggleddeeperintohisjacket.

“Okay.”Thissoundedbad.Hewasalwaysreadyforbad,though.

Shedidn’tanswerforalongtime.Instead,someofthefearsmellcameback,and

shecouldn’tholdhisgazeanymore.Atlast,shesmiledfaintlyandwhispered,“Thankyouforthejacket.”

Thatwasn’twhatshe’dmeanttosay.Itwouldn’thavebeensohardforhertothankhim.Heforgotmannersallthetime,butAnawasn’tlikehim.She

wassocialized.Orcivilized.Buttherewereamillionthingshewasn’treadytotellher,too,sohewouldn’tpush.Thatwouldn’tbefair.“It’sokayifyouhavesecrets.”

Herbigblueeyeswererimmingwithtears.Shenoddedslowlyasherchinquiveredfromwhereshewas

tryingtokeepheremotionsbottledup.

“Softandfulloftears,”hemurmuredashethumbedawaythefirstdropthatfellfromhereyetohercheek.

“Doyouhavesecrets,Easton?”

“Infinitesecrets.”

Moresecretsthanstarsinthesky.

“Ifyoueverwanttotellme,I’llhelpyoukeepthem.”

Eastonmadeatickingsoundbehindhisteethandeasedawayfromher.Danger.Scritchscratch.Secretsandmemorieswerethesame.

Theybelongedtothedark.Hewasstrongenoughtoholdthem,butAnawastoofragiletoshoulderhisbrokenpieces.Hewouldspareherthepainbecausehelikedher.Hewastheavalanche,andshethehummingbird,andtheonlyrealgifthecouldgiveherwastonotcrashdownupon

herandcrushherintooblivion.

“Come,”hemurmured,pullinghertowardhisworkshop.Thisplacewasassacredashisden,buthewantedtoshareeverythingwithAna.Itwasasmuchofhimselfashecouldshowher.“Waithere.”Hedidn’twant

hertrippingovertheworkbenchinthemiddleoranyofhistoolshemighthaveleftlyingabout.Whenhepulledthestringtothesinglelightbulbthathungfromtheceiling,itilluminatedtheentireshop.Easytodosinceitwasn’tverybig.Hecould’vebuiltitmuchbigger,

butthiswasthesizeoftheworkshopDadhadused.Inashopjustthissize,Eastonhadlearnedtobeaknifemaker.

Hewatchedwithareadysmileashereyesdriftedoverthetoolshungonthewallandtheworkbenchwiththetrioofwoodenhandlesheldtogetherwith

clamps,readyforstaining.Shelookedatthebowlofdiscardedbladeshekepttellinghimselfhewouldsalvagesomedaybecausesteellikethatdeservedahomeinafineleathersheath.Hewouldrighthismistakes:badcutsandnotches,weakspotsinthesteel,and

experimentaldecorativeedgesgonewrong.

Shepaddedoverthesawdustfloorandtouchedthefinishedhiltofaknifethatwasreadyforasheath.“Easton,”shewhispered.“Thesearebeautiful.”

Sure,heknewtheywerefineknives,buthearing

Anacomplimenthisworkfilledhimwithpride.Slowly,sohewouldn’tstartleher,hesquaredupbehindherandreachedaroundher.Gently,hetooktheknifefromherhandsandsetitonthetable.Brushinghislipsagainstherneckjusttotastetheskinthere,hepickedupthesharp

awlheusedforengraving.E+A,hecarved

neatlyintothehilt.Girlslikedthingsthatmatched,andnowshewouldhaveonejustlikeWilla,Gia,andGeorgia.“Thisisyours.Myfirstgifttoyou.”Thefirstofmanyifhedidn’tscareheraway.

Anasniffledand

leanedbackagainsthim.Shenuzzledhercheekagainsthisonce.Affectionatelittlecreature.Shelikedtodothat.Softskinagainsthisraspywhiskers.Hesmiledandslidtheknifeintooneofthesheathsthathadbeenhanginguptodry.Thesnapofthebuttonclaspwasloudinthe

silenceofhisworkshop,butnowitwassafeforhertohandlewiththerazor-sharpbladetuckedaway.

Anaturnedinhisarms,andhereyesswamwithsuchadorationitnearlybuckledhisknees.Noonehadeverlookedathimlikethis.Likehewaseverything.

“I’mgoingtokissyou,”hewarned.

Sheslippedherarmsaroundhisneckandleanedup.“Good.”

Hetriedtostaygentle,hereallydid,butwhenAnabithislipandgrippedthebackofhishair,helostcontroloverhisanimalfast.

Heliftedherontotheworkbenchanddughisfingersintoherhipsindesperationtokeephimselfincheck.Agrowlrattledhisthroatasshenippedhimagain.“Careful,woman.”

Awhiffoffear,andthennothingbutarousalagain,anditwasplainasday

Anawasfindingherbraverywithhim.Hesmiledagainstherlipsandplungedhistongueintohermouth.Hedraggedherforwardacrossthetableuntilherlegswrappedaroundhimandhersexpressedagainsthisragingerection.Withasoftmoan,Anarolledherhipsagainst

his,andhejustaboutlostit.Heavingbreath,hetrailedkissesdownhernecktotryandsteadyhimself.Hiseyeswouldscareherifshesawthemrightnow,sowhenshetriedtopullhisgazetohers,heclosedhiseyesandangledhisfaceawayfromher.

“What’swrong?”she

asked,hugginghimtightly.“Iwantyou,”he

grittedout.Wantedtobeburiedinsideofher,butshedeservedbetter.

“Youcanhaveme.I’vewaitedsolongforthis.”Sherestedherpalmonhischeekandpulledhisgazebacktohersagain.Honesty

pooledinherdeepblueeyeswhenshewhispered,“I’myours.”

“Won’triskputtingababyinyou.”

“Youcan’t.I’monthepill.”

Eastongrazedhershoulderwithhisteeth,thenkisseditgently.“Idon’t

knowwhatthatmeans.”“I’monmedicinethat

meansyoucan’tgetmepregnant.”

Wellshit,thatwassorceryrightthere.“It’stoosoon.”

Anahuffedamysteriouslaugh.“It’sreallyreallynot.”

“You’refragile,andI’llhurtyou.”Whythefuckwashearguing?

OneofAna’sdelicateeyebrowsarchedhigh.“Youwon’timpaleme,Easton.Justmakelovetomegently.”

“Gently,”herepeated.Thatwordsoundedimpossiblerightnow.“Gentle

won’tworkinhere.IfItakeyouonmyworkbench,I’llfuckyoulikearuttinganimal.”Hepulledheroffthetableandwhippedheraround,thenstrodetowardhistrailerwithherlegsstillwrappedaroundhiswaist.Whitesheets.Cleanbed.HisAnadeservedslowand

comfortableandeasy.Anasuckedonhis

neckhardashecarriedherthroughthefrontdoorandintohisbedroom.Shitshefeltsogoodagainsthimlikethis.Loweringherbackontothebed,hekissedherlipsandrockedhishipsagainsthers.Shebowedagainstthe

mattress.Sosensitivetohim.Itmadethiseasier.Nohesitation.Noquestions.Everythingwasnaturalwithher.

Eastonliftedoffherjustenoughtopullhisshirtoverhishead.Heduckedintokissheragain,butshesaid,“Whoa,whoa,whoa,whoa,

mister.”Hereyeswentwideasshestudiedhistorso.Helookeddownathimself,butnothingwasamiss.Hedidn’thavescarslikeMattoranythingunsightly.

“What’swrong?”“Youjust…”Ana

lookedstunnedasshegaveaslow-motionblinkandshook

herhead.“Youjustgrewupright.”

“Youmakenosense.”Butasherpalms

driftedoverhiscollarbones,downthecurveofhispecsandovertheridgesofhisabs,heunderstood.Shelikedthewayhelooked.Herfingersshookassheunhookedthe

buttonofhisjeans.Eastongrabbedherhandtosteadythetremblethere.“Areyounervous?”

“Alittle.You?”Heshouldbe,buthe

wasn’t.He’dneverbeensurerofanythingbefore.“No.”

Sheswallowedaudiblyandunzippedhis

pants.Thenwithherfingersinsidehisbriefs,shepushedtheremainderofhisclothesdownhiships.Hisdickhitairbutwasn’tlonelyforlong.Anapulledagentlestrokewithherwarmhandthatconjuredasatisfiedferalnoisefromhisthroat.Armslockedoneithersideofher

head,herolledhishipswithhernextpull.Shithewastoosensitivetoher.Anotherminuteofthis,andhe’dcreamhershirt.Shirt,shirt,shirt—whywasshestillwearingashirt?Straddlingher,hepulledhertopoverherheadandmarveledattheblacklacecontraptionthat

waspushingherperkyboobsuptohercollarbones.Floored,herippedintoherjeansandpulledthemdowntoexposethematchingsee-throughpanties.

“Didyouweartheseforme?”

Anasmiledshylyandnodded.Holyfuck,shewas

gorgeous.Blacklaceandblushingcheeks.Hecouldseebetweenherlegs.Tinypeeksthroughthelace.She’dshavedtheretoo.Heneededinsideofher.Now.

Withagrowl,hepulledherpantiesdownandflungthemtothefloor,thenpulledoffthetitholdershe’d

justunsnapped.Oooh,hernippleswereperfect.Pinklikehercheeksandalldrawnupagainstthecold.Heshouldwarmthemwithhismouth.Leaningforward,hedrewoneinandsuckedonit.Whensherespondedwithahelplesssound,herantheflatofhistongueoveritand

cuppedhishandoverhersex.Herbodymovedagainsthimlikewater.Everytouchusheredareaction.Hisdickwassohardrightnow.Toothick.LookingatAna,thiscouldn’twork.Shewastiny,finebonedlikeabird.Hewouldhurther.

Butwhenhebrushed

herfoldswithhismiddlefinger,shewassoakingwet.Damn,hewantedtotasteherthere.Wantedtotaste?Wasthatnormal?Don’tscareher.

Anareacheddownandpressedhishandagainstherharderasshewrithedagainsthistouch.“In,”shepleaded.

In?Alittlemorepressure,andhisfingerslidintoherbyinches.Anathrewbackherheadashereyesrolledclosed.Ohfuck,thatholewasn’tonlyfordicks.Hisfingerfeltgoodtoher,too.Heeasedinsideofheruptohisknuckle,butthatwasn’twhatgothergoing.Whenhe

bumpedthespotrightaboveherentrance,Anacriedoutandclutchedthecomforter.Herkneesspreadwider,asifshewasinvitinghiminagain.

Thatwasthespotsheliked.Thatwasthespotheneededtowork.Sohedid.

“Stop,stop,stop,”shewhispered.“I’mgoingto

come.”Eastonslidoutofher

immediately.Wasn’tcomingwhatshewanted?

“Iwanttocomewithyou.”

Oh.Eastonkissedherhardashelaydownontopofher.Ana’sbreastsweresoftagainsthishardchest—more

opposites.Hepositionedtheheadofhiscockatherslickentranceandteased.Anabeggedbyrollingherhipsuntilshetookhimaninch,thenagain.Howcouldanythingfeelthisgood?

“Please,”shepleaded.“Iwantyouinsideofme.”

Grittinghisteeth

againsttheintensepleasure,Eastonslidintohertightentranceuntilshe’dtakenallofhim.Heeasedoutslowlyassheclutchedontohisbackwithherclaws.Scratchinglittlemate.Mate,mate,mate.Eastonpumpedhishipshardonce,theneasedoutagain,savoringherbody.Ana

beggedhimtogofaster,buthewouldn’t.Hewasn’tafterathirtysecondfuck-festwithher.Hewantedtotakecareofherbeforeheshothisload.

Hekissedhertoquietherpleading,brushedhistongueagainsthersoverandoveruntilshegrippedthebackofhishairandpulled

himevencloser.Hardin,easyout.Hardin,easyout.

“Easton,please!”Anacried,archingherneckback.

“Fuck,”hegrowledout,buckingintoherfaster.

Overandoverheslammedintoherasthepressurebuiltinhisdick.Anaranherclawsdownhisback

andscreamedouthisnameasherbodypulsedaroundhim,milkinghim.

Hismindwasgoing,fillingwiththesnarling,possessivemonsterinsideofhim.No,no,no,holdon!Growlingoutawildsound,helosthismindanddroveintoheronelasttime.Heat

floodedoutofhiminthrobbingspurts.

Mymate.Mine.Hewantedtokeephis

Anaforalways.Andashebucked

erraticallyintoher,emptyinghimselfcompletely,hedidtheunforgivable.

Hesankhisteethdeep

intohershoulder.

ChapterTen

Avianacriedoutat

themixtureofpleasureandpoignantpainthatshotjoltsofelectricityfiringdownthenervesofhershoulderandarm.ShegaspedasEaston

clampedhisteethdownharder.Hewentrigidaboveherandreleasedhertornskin,thenflinchedawayfromher.Inablur,hewasintheshadowsagainstthewall,lightreflectingoddlyinhiseyes.

Thescentofironfilledtheair,andwarmthran

riversdownhershoulderandontothesheets.Sheclutchedhershoulderastearsofagonyrandownthecornersofhereyes.Whyhadhedonethat?

“Easton,youhurtme,”shemurmuredinabrokenvoice.“Why?”

“Ana,Ana,I’msorry.Fuck.”Hejumpeduponthe

bed,legsoneithersideofhersasheheldouthishandstocalmher.Hiseyesglowedinthelightthatfilteredinfromthebathroom.Hereallywasananimal.Wildandviolent,andnotevenheraffectioncouldslowhisdestruction.

“IloveyouEaston,

andyouhurtme!”Angerblastedthroughher.Betrayallashedagainstherheart.

“Don’tsaythat,Ana!Youdon’tloveme.Can’tloveme.Youdon’tknowme.”Eastondraggedhishorrifiedgazeacrossherhandthathadgoneslickwithblood.Itwasn’tstopping.

Puttingpressureonitwasn’tworking.“Ana,Ana,listen.You’regoingtoTurn.Iputabearinsideofyou.I’msorry,Ana!”Hefelltohisknees,straddlingherhips.“I’msosorry.Mybear—No!Ididit.It’smyresponsibility.Ihavetogetyouhelp.Creedwillknowwhattodo.Imessed

everythingup.I’msosorry.”Avianasearched

Easton’seyes.Thismadenosense.Whyhadhebittenher?ToTurnher?Creedhadforbiddenit.“WhatwillCreeddoifhefindsout?”

“Anyminutenow,anyminutenow.YourfirstChangeshouldn’tbewiththe

monsterwhobrokeyou.”Eastonliftedherinhisarmslikesheweighednothingatallandstrodethroughthehouse.Heyankedopenthefrontdoorassheclutchedhershoulder,buthehadn’tansweredherquestion.

“Easton!WhatwillCreeddo?”

“Killme,asIdeserve.”

“Oh,Easton,whathaveyoudone?”

Creedwouldn’tfindabearinher,though.Therewasn’troomforone.Aravenhadclaimedhersincebirth.Eastondidn’tknowit,butheneverhadachanceof

Turningherintoabear.“Stop,”shewhisperedasheblastedpastthewoodpile.“Easton,stop.Ihavetotellyousomething.”

Confusionandregretmarredhisfeaturesashesetherdown.Hiseyeswerebrightandresigned,andhisbodyhadgonerigid.He

wasn’tgoingtohideherinjury.Hewasmarchingtohisdeathtofindherhelp.Shecouldn’tlethimdothat.

“Youdidn’tTurnme,”shemurmured,searchingfortherightwordsthatwouldfixthis.“Itoldyoutobeyourselfwithme,andyouwere.Iwas

surprised,butit’sokay.Thebiteisokay.Webothgotlostinthemoment.”

“WhatdoyoumeanIdidn’tTurnyou?”Easton’seyesdriftedtoherarm,theoppositeonehe’dbitten,andbacktoherface.Hecantedhisheadandfrowned,thenlookedatherarmagain.The

healingsliceunderherarmwaswhatwasdrawinghisattention.Hetookastepbackandangledhisfaceawayfromher,eyesneverstrayingfromhers.“What’sonyourarm,Ana?”

“Acut.”“Fromwhat?”

Easton’svoicecameouta

lowrumblinggrowl,moreanimalthanhuman.

Sheexhaledslowly,shakily,thenwhispered,“Someonethrewaknifeatme.”

“Who?”Sheclosedhereyes,

andtwintearsescapeddownhercheeks.

“Who,Ana?”heyelled,frighteningthebirdsroostinginthetreesaroundthemintotheairandmakingherjump.

“You.”Eastonpaced,hands

linkedbehindhisheadasheshookit.“Showme.”

“Showyouwhat?”

“Showmemyraven!Showmewhatbetrayallookslike.Feathers,feathers,showmeyourfeathers.Isufferedouttherealone!Allthoseyears.Yearsandyears.Showmethebirdwhowatchedmebreakandthenleftme.”AgonyfilledEaston’seyesasheleanedagainstthe

woodpileandslammedhisheadback.“Please,Ana.Doitfast.”

Aviana’sshouldersshookwithsobsofagony.Shehadn’tknownhesawherthatway.She’dtriedtohelp,nothurthimworse.Closinghereyes,shelettheravenhaveherbody.TheChange

wasinstant,andshebeatherpowerfulwingsagainstthepaininhershoulder.Hardershepressedagainsttheaircurrentsuntilshesatonthelowestbranchoftheclosestpine,staringatthemanwhoownedherheart.Atthemanwhowaslookingatherwithsuchheartbreakinhiseyes.

Chinathischest,hewhispered,“Youcan’tloveme,raven.Youdon’tknowhow.”Eastonsteppedforwardandyelled.Hisyellturnedtoaroarthatshookthetrees,andagiant,silvergrizzlyburstfromhisskin.

Hecould’vereachedherfromhere,asbigashe

was.Hecould’vechargedandrippedherfromthebranch,butEastondidsomethingmuchworseinstead.Heliftedthoseglowinggreeneyestoherandexposedhiscripplingsadness.Herheartburned,asifhehadreachedintoherchestcavityandyankeditoutbetweenherribs.

Heturnedhisbackonherandwalkedawaythroughthetrees,moonlightshiningoffhisgrayback.

Andjustlikethat,Easton—herEaston—wasgone.

ChapterEleven

Eastonbuttonedthe

flyofthetoobigjeanshe’dsnatchedfromalaundrylineofacabinfifteenmilesback.Hedidn’tmindnudity,buthere,itwasdifferent.Here,a

layerofprotectionfeltnecessary.

Withasteadyingbreath,hescannedtheclearingwherehe’dgrownup.Ithadtakenhimallnightandpartofthedaytotravelhereasabear,andnowthesunsathighinthemorningsky,castingtherubbleofhis

childhoodhomeinlight.Theyardwas

overgrown,andyoungsaplingshadsprunguphereandthere.Thewildgrasshadrecoveredfromthewinterandalreadycameuptohisthighs.Heranhishandsoverthetopofthewavinggrassasheapproachedthecharred

rubbleofthehousehe’dgrownupin.Thefaintscentofsmokestillclungtotheburnedlumberafteralltheseyears.Onlytheporchstairsremainedintact,andmossandvibrantgreenovergrowthhadblanketedallbutthesearedendsofthewood.Thishadbeenwherehehad

burnedMomandallofherbelongings,justlikeshe’dasked.

Easton’sliptwitchedattheresidualangerhehadforher.Shehadn’teventried.Hecouldn’tbegintoimaginewhereherheadhadbeenwhenshe’dgoneintolabor.Ithadn’tbeenonhimorthe

baby.Maybeshehadgonemadwithgrief,ormaybeshehadalreadyacceptedherfatefromthatdreamshekeptragingaboutasherfeverspiked.Ithadtakenhertwodaystodie,andallthewhile,Eastonhaddoneeverythinganeight-year-oldboycouldtosaveherandthebaby.

He’dseenawfulthingsinthishouse.

Eastonslammedthedoorandpressedhisfrailshoulderbladesagainstit,thensliddownthesplinteredlengthofit,sobbing.Thebabyhadstoppedmovingyesterday,andnowMomwasgone,too.Itwasn’tfair.

Hescreamedhisrageintotheabyssassomethingshiftedinsideofhim.Fear,anger,loss…loneliness.Therewouldbenomoreroomforhappiness.Theworldwasugly,andnowitwouldswallowhimup.Nomatter.Hisinsideswereuglynow,too.

“Shit,”Eastonraspedout,sinkingdownontothecreakingporchstair.

Everythinghadgottensomesseduphere.Hisentirelifehadbeenshapedinthethree-daywindowwhenhe’dlosthisfamily.

He’ddraggedthesuppliesthey’dgatheredfor

winterfromthehouseintotheshed.Evenateight,he’dknownitwasanawfulideatoburnhisshelter,butitwasthatorgobackintothatroomwithMom’sbody.No,Dadhadgottenafuneralpyreintheclearing.Momgotthecabin.

Theravenbrought

himtwomoreblackribbons.OneforMomandoneforthebaby.He’dknottedthosetogetherandkepttheminhispockettostophisweaktearswhenthehurtwelleduptoodeeply.He’dsetoutonhisown,headedduenorththenextdaytofindhelp,onlytogetlostandturnedaround,

andtocomebackthreedayslaterdehydrated,hungry,andfeelingevenmoreemptythanhehadbefore.Thatfirstwinterhe’dlivedinDad’sworkshop.Eastonhadrationedthesuppliesthey’dgatheredandinsulatedtheoutsideoftheshedwithsprucelimbsandmudshoved

inthecracks,butitwasstillsobone-deepcoldhe’dalmostdiedofit.Hecameoutofthatfirstseasonemaciatedandheartbroken.Andtheravenwaswaiting.Alwayswaitingonthebottombranchesofalodgepolepine.Hecouldn’tcontrolhisshiftsverywellanymore.Sometime

inthoselonelymonths,hisbearhaddecidedhewasbetteroffwithoutthosepeskyhumanemotions,andhe’dbeguntotakeover.Eastonhadn’tmindedsomuchbackthen.Hewouldn’thavesurvivedwithouthisanimalinstinctsdrivinghimtocarvealifeoutofthatharsh

wilderness.Hehadn’tknownitatthetime,butgivinghisbearthatmuchpowercosthimhissoul.

Theravenhadsavedhissanitywhenhewasacubtryingtofigureouthowtofendforhimself,butjustbarely.

Everyyeargotharder,

andthatyoungcrowhadbeenthere,alwayswatching,leavinghimtrinketstofindrightwhenheneededapick-me-up,asifshecouldseehimwearingdown.Heshould’veknownshewasmorethanwhatsheseemed,butshe’dbeenthereaslongashecouldremember,andto

him,shewasanintelligentanimalwhohadbecomehisfriend.She’driddenhishumpwhenhe’dgottenolderandhismusclemasshadstartedcomingin.She’dsatontopofhim,tinytalonsclutchinghisfurassherockedbackandforthwithhislumberinggate—contenttojustbe.When

he’dcaughthisfirstfishinthestreamneartheclearing,he’dtossedherascrapbecausethat’swhatfriendsdid.Theyshared.

EastonstoodandsaunteredovertotheshedhisDadhadbuilt.Itwasstillstandingbutwasleaningdangerouslytotheside.The

weatherhadgottentoitandrottedmostofthewood.Inside,oldrustedbladesandtoolswerescatteredabout.Smallanimalshadmadeseveralburrowsinside,probablyinthewintertimetokeepfromfreezing.Onthebackwall,onanold,rust-colorednail,stillhungthe

snareshe’dmade.Theravenhadbrought

himonethatfirstspringafterhisfamilyhadpassed.Hewasstarvingandwasn’thuntingwithanysuccess,andthevegetablegarden,thefirsthe’dplantedbyhimself,hadn’tbeenproducingmuch.He’dbuiltatreehouseinthe

canopyofthreeancientpinesjustacrosstheyard,butnowonlyafewrottedboardsclungtothebranchesofhisoldden.He’dtakentosleepingupinthetreehousebacktheninsteadofthedraftyshed,anditwasontheunevenporchofhistreetophomethattheravenhad

droppedaloopofwire.Arabbitsnare.

Hehadn’tcaughtadamnedthinginitforthenextthreeweeks,butlittlebylittle,hetaughthimselfhowtoreadsignsforrabbits.Burrows,fur,scat,smell.He’dtaughthimselfwheretohangtheloopsaroundthe

burrowexitssothathecouldfindsuccess.Andoneday,hedid.Onedeadrabbitthatsaidhewouldsurviveanotherfewdays.

Andtheravenhadbeenwatchingwithsomethingakintoprideinhereyes.

Afterthat,he’dused

thatfirstsnareasatemplateformakingninemore.Andbythesecondspring,settingandcheckingsnaresbecamepartofhisdailyroutine.

Lateinthesecondyear,theravenhaddroppedofftwoshinyfishingluresthatglintedinthesun.Shelikedshinythingsbest.Meat

becamehismainsourceoffoodinthoseearlyyearssincegardeningdidn’tcomenaturallytohim.Hehadstruggledtofigureouthowtogetseedsforthenextyear,andhisplantsoftengotyellowpatchesontheleavesandwouldn’tproduce.Eventually,he’dfiguredthat

out,too.Andhisravensatin

hertree,alwayswatching.Byhiseleventh

birthday,however,noteventheraven’spresencecouldkeepthelonelinessatbay.Wildbearsweresolitarycreatures,butBearshiftersweresocialbynature,andhe

hadnoone.Hedidn’tspeakandeventuallylosttheuseofhiswordsuntilhe’dmetCreed.Nowhehadtoworkconstantlyatcommunicatingwithotherpeoplebecausebackthen,forsomanyyears,hisworldhadbeenvoidofhumaninteractions.Cicadas,crickets,injuredrabbits,

bullfrogs,howlingcoyotes…thesewerethingthingsthatfilleduphishead.NotthelaughterfromwhenMomandDadhadbeenalive.Notconversationsabouthowhisdayhadgoneorlullabiestohelphimsleepatnight.Hishumanworldhaddimmedandquieteduntiltherewasno

needforitanymore.Hehadnoonearoundtoteachhimaboutgrowinguporhowtoactaroundotherpeople.Therewasnoverbalcompassforrightandwrong,onlyinstinct.Andabear’sinstinctsweren’tdrivenbygoodandevil.Theyweredrivenbywantandneed.

Whythefuckhadn’tshetoldhimthen?Howmanytimeshadhebeencurledinonhimselfwithhunger?Howmanytimeshadhebeendriventotheedgeofmadnesswithdesperationtohearsomeonetalktohim?Tosayhisname,ortellhimeverythingwasgoingtobe

okay?Howmanytimeshadhebeenbone-deepcoldinthosesnowywintermonthsandbeensurethatdaywouldbehislast?

Yet,she’dneverrevealedherhumansidetohim.Avianahadwatchedandbroughthimtinytreasures,butshehadn’tgivenhim

whathereallydesired—companionship.

Andnowshewasbackafteralltheseyears,andforwhat?Torevealherselfnowafterallthedamagehadbeendone.Afterhe’dlosthismind,lostcontrolofhisbear,andwasworthlessasafunctioningmemberof

society?Histhoughtshadbecomeclearerandcleareraroundher.Hisbearhadquieted,andforaminute,he’dfeltnormal.LikemaybeCreedwasn’tgoingtohavetoputhimdown.Andithadbeensuchahugerelieftofeelsafeforthatinstant,becauseeverymorningEastonwoke

upthinkingtodaywasgoingtobehislastonthisearth.Livinginfearforhislifelikethatfortoolonghadruinedhimfromtheinsideout.

Shecould’veendedhissufferingyearsagobyChangingandtalkingtohim.Bylookingathimlikeshehadlastnightthroughthose

bigblueeyes,asifhewasworthsomething.

Instead,whenhe’dneededafriendthemost,she’dflownawayandlefthimaltogether.

Andaftershe’dgone,outinthesewoodsallalone,Easton’sbearhadkilledthelastgoodpartsofhim.

ChapterTwelve

Avianawaitedfor

hours,hopingEastonwouldcomeback.Hernightvisionwasn’tasgoodasabearshifter’s,andflyingoutafterhimwouldn’twork.Notwith

asoreshoulder,andnotwithoutaclearideaofwherehehadgone.

Withthefirststreaksofdawn,sheflewstifflyfromthebranchshe’dbeenusingasalookoutpost,Changedintoherhumanform,andstumbledintohistrailer.Shewashedthesaltytearstreaks

fromherface,thendressed.Therewasafirstaidkitstillinitsplasticwrappingunderhissink,sosherippeditopenandcleanedthebitemarkasbestshecould.

Ashrillwhistlefromthetrailerparktoldhertheotherswerewakingupfortheirworkday.Shehuddled

intoEaston’sjacketandsatonthefrontporchstairs,waiting.

Willacalledout,“I’llgethim!”overthesoundoftruckenginesroaringtolife.

ThesoundofdryleavescracklingunderfootfalltraveledtoAviana,andshewrungherhandsas

shewaitedforWillatocome.Shecouldn’tfacetheothersrightnow,soshewasgratefulitwasWillawhowascomingtoEaston’strailer.

Thespunkyred-headfrozeinhertrackswhenshesawAvianasittingthere.Willascannedtheyardandasked,“Where’sEaston?And

whydoyousmellsad?”Avianaswallowed

hard.“Easton’sgone.”Willa’seyeswent

hardassheasked,“Gonewhere?”

“Heturnedintohisbearandwentthatwaylastnight,”Avianaexplained,jerkingherchintowardthe

woodsandhiccuppingslightly.“Ithinkhehatesme.”Asobworkeditswayupherthroat,andsheclampedhermouthshut,bitingherliphardtopunishherselfforfallingapartlikethis.Sometimes,shegotsotiredofherselfforbeingsofuckingweak.Sheturnedher

headtowardWilla,butthestretchofherneckpulledonherinjuryandshehissedaspainrippledthroughhershoulder.

“Areyouhurt?”“It’snothingIdon’t

deserve.Willa?CanIaskyousomethingpersonal?”Easton’sbitehadbeen

botheringherallnight.Willasatbesideher

ontheporchstair.“Shoot.”“Ifabearshifterbites

awoman,whatexactlydoesitmean?”

“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”WillareachedacrossherandrippedEaston’sjackettotheside,

exposingthebandageoverhershoulder.Willarippedintothat,too,andstood.“Youdon’tsmelllikeabear.”

“BecauseIwasn’teverhuman,”shesaidinapatheticwhisper.

Willawasscaryasshitwhenshewasmad,hereyesglowinggreenlike

Easton’sdidwhenhisbearwasriledup.“What’sgoingon?”

Aviana’sfacecrumpled,andshewipedherhandacrossherleakingeyes.“I’veknownEastonmostofhislife,butnotasagirl.I’maravenshifter.”

Theblooddrained

fromWilla’sfaceasshestaredatherwiththoseterrifying,glowingeyes.Hervoicepitchedtoawhisperassheasked,“You’reEaston’sraven?”

Avianasniffled,andherliptrembledasshenodded.“He’stalkedaboutme?”

Willaapproachedandsankdownheavilybesideher.“Yeah.He’smentionedyou.”

“Hedidn’tknowIwasashifterwhenwewereyounger.HethoughtIwasjustacrow,andittookmealongtimetogetbraveenoughtofindhim.IwantedtowaituntilIthoughthewasready

beforeItoldhimwhoIreallywas,butlastnight,hebitme.AndwhenIdidn’tTurn,hestartedpiecingitalltogether.”Avianasaggedagainsther.“Willa,hewassomad.HesaidIlefthim,butitwasn’tmychoice.Nothingwasmychoice.Ilovehim.Ialwayshave.”

“Holyhairytesticles,Crow.”WilladrapedherarmaroundAviana’sshoulderandrestedhercheekagainstthetopofherhead.“Thatisn’tjustabiteonyourshoulder.It’saclaimingmark.Easton’smarkedyouashismate.”

“Oh,mygosh,”Avianasaidonabreath,

sittingupstraightandsearchingWilla’sdimmingeyes.“HediditbeforehefoundoutwhoIwas.”Eastonwasprobablyfilledwithregretnow.Herheartsankevenlower.Hewouldn’twanttokeephernow.Notafterlastnight.

“Willa!Easton!”

Creedyelledthroughthetrees.

“Aviana,listentome,”Willasaidurgently,grabbingherhands.“Youcan’tletCreedseethatmarkuntilyoufindEaston.Youbothwillneedtoexplaineverything.He’sonthinicewithouralpha,andhe

disobeyedadirectordertoclaimyou.DoyouunderstandwhatI’msaying?”

“IneedtofindEaston.”

“Yes.Think,Aviana.Didhesayanythingorgiveyouanyclues?Wherewouldhehavegone?”

“Willa!”Creed

bellowed.“Uuuh,”Aviana

whispered,panicked.“He’sbeenholdingontomytrinketslately.”Memories.Flashbacks.Shedidn’tknowwhatwentoninEaston’shead.Notanymore.Home.Den.Thedivotinthewindowsillsheusedtodrop

hertreasures.Avianagasped.“Hemighthavegonetohisparents’cabin.”

“Areyouokaytotravelwithyourinjury?Youaren’thealinglikeyoushould.”

“Ravensdon’thealinstantlylikebears.IcandoitifIflyinastraightline

there.”Atwigcrackedonthe

trailthatconnectedEaston’ssinglewidetotherestofGraylandMobilePark.

“Hurry,”Willaurged.“Youwon’ttellyour

alpha?”Willalooked

determined.“Letmehandle

Creed.YoujustgetEastonbackhere.”

Withaburstofdesperationnottobeseenbythedragon-bloodedalphagrizzlyshifterstompingthisway,AvianaChangedintoherravenandflappedherwings,ignoringthepainonherleftside.Upandupshe

flewuntilWillawasonlythesizeofanantbythepileofAviana’sclothesbelowher.

Theworldwasgreenbeneathher,coveredinpineforestandbisectedbyriversthatsnakedbackandforthingentlyrollingserpentshapes.Occasionalcabinsdottedthelandscape,butnotmanylived

inthiswilderness.Shecircledonceoverherfamily’sdilapidatedcabinjusttogetherbearing,andthencaughtanaircurrentgoingdueeast.ManymilesseparatedherchildhoodhomefromEaston’s,andshehadn’treturnedsincethedayDadhadpackedthemupand

takenherawayfromtheboyhesawasathreattohisonlydaughter.

Still,thewaywasasfamiliartoherasherflightfeathers.Amilliontimesshe’dflownthisjourneywhenshewasayoungcrow,visitingthebrokenboyinthewoods.

Shelandedonthegnarledbranchofthetreethathadalwaysbeenherlandingplacebefore.Now,thebranchwasn’tthinandcoveredwithtenderpineneedleshoots.Itwasaged,thick,andthebarkwasroughunderhergrasp.

Eastonwasthere,wearingjeansthathung

dangerouslylowaroundhisnarrowhipsasheleanedagainstthebattereddooroftheshed.Hisbackwasbare,butthecoolMarchairdidn’tseemtobotherhim.Eastonhadbeenmadeforthesewoods.Carvedfromthemandmadeinvinciblebyhisstruggleshere.

Heturnedandlookeddirectlyatheroverhisshoulder.Sheexpectedhiseyestobeglowinglikeademon,buttheyweredimandsad.Thecolorwasn’ttheeerielimegreentheyusuallywere,butthedarkergreenofmatureforestmoss.

“Doyouknowhow

manytimesIlookedupontothatbranchyou’reclingingtoafteryouleft?”Histhroatmovedasheswallowedhardandpushedoffthedoor.Heturnedandapproached,hisgatehitchedashelimpedtowardher.“Ayear.ItwasafullyearbeforeIcouldconvincemystupideyesto

stopcheckingforyou.Andnowhereyouare.”

AvianaflittedtothegroundandChanged.Thecoolairstungagainstherbareskin,andshefeltcompletelystrippeddownandvulnerableinfrontofhim,butshehadtotellhimthetruthnow.Shehadtoatleasttrytoexplainit

wasn’tjusthimwho’dbeenhurt.

“Doyouknowanythingaboutravenshifters?”Hervoicecameoutfrailandweak,justlikeher.

Heshookhishead.“Ididn’tevenknowyouexisted.Fuckin’obviously.”

“Mypeoplearen’tlike

yours,Easton.YouareapowerfulapexpredatorshifterwhileI’mabadomen.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”“Doyouknowhow

manyofmypeopleareshoteachyearwhiletheyareshifted?Justbecauseofthebadluckwerepresent.It’s

againstourlaws,onthepunishmentofbeingshunned,thatweexposeourselvestoanyone.”Shearchedhereyebrowsandlookedpointedlyathim.“Anyone.Andyouaren’tjustahumanorascavengershifter,Easton.You’reagrizzly,ashiftermypeoplenaturallyfear.Being

withyouasacrowwasalreadyahugerisk,butIcouldn’thelpmyself.Ihadtobearoundyou,ormylifefeltempty.EspeciallyoutherewhereIwasbeingraiseduntilIcouldcontrolmyshiftsaroundhumans.Whenyourparentsdied—”

“Idon’twanttotalk

aboutthemwithyou.”“Whenyourparents

died,myheartbrokeforyou.IwatchedtheboyIlovedhurtandcryoutforhelp,andIcouldn’tdoanything.Icouldn’ttellmyparentsyouwereoutherealone.Iwasscaredtheywouldcalltheircouncil,andtheywouldcome

outhereandputyoudown.Alonegrizzlycubwithnopeople?Icouldn’ttellanyonewhathadhappenedtoyou.AllIcoulddowastrytohelpyouwithsnaresandluresandscrapsoffoodwhenIcouldsneakitawayfrommycabin.Icouldn’tevencarryadamnedblanketwhenyou

werecoldinthewinters.Watchingyoubreakoverthoseyearsbrokeapartofmetoo.”

“Thenwhydidyouleave?Ifyoucaredsomuch,whydidyouleavemehere?Youweremyonlyfriend.Goddammit,Ana,therewasnoone.Whenyouleft…there

wasnoone.”“Yougotcaughtin

thattrap.Doyouremember?”Avianaclenchedherhandsandforcedhermindbacktothatawfulday.“Youwerehurt,screaming.Bleeding.Ithoughtyouweregoingtodieinthattrap,andeveninmyhumanform,Iwastoo

scrawnytohelp.Youtriedandtriedtogetoutofit,andyourleglookedsobad.”Shewipedhereyesagain.“Iflewbacktomyhouseandtoldmydad.Ibeggedhimtohelpyou,andhewassoangry.HesaidI’dbetrayedmyfamilyandmypeoplebymakingfriendswithyou.Ipromised

nevertoseeyouagainifhewouldjustletyououtofthetrapandnottellthecouncilaboutyou.Iledhimtoyou.”

“Irememberhim.”Eastoncrossedhisarmsoverhischestandlookedoffintotheforestwithafarawaylookinhiseyes.“Hewastall.Skinny.Finebonedlikeyou

are.Hepulledthetrapoffandsetmybrokenbonelikehe’ddoneitahundredtimes.Andthenherippedthetrapoutofthegroundandwalkedoffintothewoodswithitdanglingfromhishandanddidn’tlookback.Ihadn’tseenanotherpersoninsolong,IthoughtI’dimagined

him.Yousenthim?”“Ididn’tknowwhat

elsetodo.Hepackedusupthatnight,andwemovedtoRapidCitythenextday.”Avianawasshiveringsohardnow,herteethchattered.“Didyoufindmylastgift?”

“Theshinyrock?”Shesmiledsadlyand

shookherhead.“Itwasn’tjustashinyrock.Itwasadiamond.Ifounditontheground,andI’dbeensavingit.Itwasmyfavoritepossession.Mydadsaiditwasworthalotofmoney,butIdidn’tcareaboutsellingit.Thenightbeforeweleft,Isnuckoutandvisitedyour

treehouseforthelasttime.Youwerecurledupinsidesleepingwithyourlegallbandaged.IgaveyouthediamondbecauseIhopedthatsomedayyouwouldescapethisplace.”

Eastonscreweduphisfaceandturnedhisbacktoher.Hearchedhisheadback

andmutteredacurse.Helinkedhishandsbehindhisheadbeforehespunbacktoherandwrappedherupinabone-crackinghug.“Ididn’tknowitwasvaluable,butIwouldn’thavesolditevenifIhad.It’sintheboxwiththerestofthepresentsyougaveme.Ididn’tknow.Ididn’t

know.”Easton’swordswere

muffledagainstherneck,andshewasopenlyweepingnow.She’dbeenafraidhewasn’tevergoingtotouchheragain.Heliftedheroffherfeet,andshenuzzledhisfacebecauseshelovedhimsofuckingmuchshecouldn’tbeclose

enoughtohim.Notever.“Easton,Easton,

Easton.I’vethoughtaboutyouallthistime.Missedyousobadlyandcomparedeverypotentialmatetoyou.Iimaginedhowitwouldfeeltoholdyoulikethiswithoutmyfeathers.”

“You’recold,Ana.

You’llgetsick.Shit,you’rebleeding.LookwhatI’vedonetoyou,”hemurmured,settingherdown,hiseyesonhershoulder.Theskinwasjaggedanddeeplytornwherehe’dbittenher,andsureenough,itwasweepingredagain.ThemultipleChangesweren’thelping.

“Iwantedthis.Stopfussingwithit.It’sokay.Iwantedyoutochoosemeforamatesomeday.Ijustdidn’tknowthatwashowitwasdonewithyourpeople.AndIcertainlydidn’tknowyouweregoingtoclaimmeourfirsttime.”

“Ihadn’tdonethat

before.Imessedup.”“Youhaven’tclaimed

anyonebefore?I’mglad.”“No.Imean,I’ve

neversleptwithawoman.”Aviana’smouth

droppedopen.Aslowsmilespread

acrossEaston’sfaceashepressedhisfingerunderher

chinuntilhermouthclosedagain.“You’llcatchflies.”

“Wait,youwereavirgin?Butyouknewexactlywhattodo,andyouweresogoodatit.Youdidn’tevenaskmewhatIliked.Youjustknew.”Okay,shewasramblingbut,deargoodness,themanhadgivenherabona

fideorgasmfirsttry.Andhewasavirgin?“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”

“Whatdifferencediditmake?”Eastonwasstillsmiling.

“Idon’tknow.Icould’velitsomecandlesortakenitsloweror…something.”

“Yeah,well,luckyyou.YougotthefirstBeastonbang,completewithcopiousamountsofblood,teethgnashing,andpain.Congratulations.”

“You’reteasing.”ShelikedthatEastoncouldjokewithherafteralloftheheavygritthathadhappened.The

smileslippedfromAviana’sface.“CanIaskyousomething?”

Eastonrubbedherarmstowarmherandnodded.

“Ifyouwould’veknownIwasyourravenbeforeweslepttogether,wouldyouhaveclaimedme

still?”“AreyouaskingifI

stillwantyouformymate?”Shedippedherchin

once.Hisanswermeanttheworld.

“Idon’tregretmymarkonyou.”

“Wehavetogobackhomeandexplaineverything

toCreed.He’llunderstand.Hehasto.You’remine,andI’myours,andtechnicallyyoudidn’tTurnme,soyoudidn’tdisobeyhisorder.”

“Ithoughtyousaidravenswerenaturallyafraidofbears.”

“Yeah,so?”“SoiftheGrayBacks

scareyou,Icanclaimmyownterritoryandkeepyousafe.Youwon’thavetosmellscaredanymore.”

“Butyouloveyourcrew.”

Hiseyesstayedsteadyandclearonher,buthedidn’tanswer.

“You’dgivethemup

formycomfort?”sheasked,stunned.

“Anygoodmatewould,andsinceI’llbeshitatmostofthis,it’stheleastIcando.”

Avianatrailedkissesdownthelinebetweenhistautpecsandrestedhercheekagainsthisdrumming

heartbeat.“Sillyman,I’dneveraskyoutogiveupsomethingyoulovejustformycomfort.TheGrayBacksaregrowingonme.Takemehome,Easton.”

Withoutaword,Eastonbackedawayandkickedoutofthetoobigjeans.Witheyesfullof

adoration,hehunchedintohimselfandexplodedintothemassivegrizzlybearshe’dtreasuredforalltheseyears.Shewasn’tdumb,orblind.Eastonstruggledagreatdealwithhisanimalsidethankstowhathe’denduredinthisplace.Buthewasstilltrying,andthatspokevolumesabout

thecaliberofmanhewas.Eastonstrodeoffwith

powerfulsteps,hisrazorsharpclawsdiggingintotheearthashemovedawayfromher.Andashereachedthefirstlineoftrees,helookedbackoverhisshoulderandwaited.

Avianasmiledand

Changedintoherraven.Shebeatherwingsagainsttheairuntilshereachedthemuscularhumpbetweenhisshoulderblades.Grippinghissilverfurinhersmalltalons,sheheldonashetookoffinthedirectionofthetrailerpark.

Andthoughyears

stoodbetweenthelasttimethey’dtraveledtogetherlikethisandnow,shewasfilledwiththatsamestomach-flutteringbondshe’dbuiltwithEaston.Shefeltthesameelationshehadwhenshe’dtouchedhisfurforthefirsttimeasaravenwhentheywerechildren.Their

historytogetherstretchedonandon.NomatterwhatlayaheadofthemwithCreed,shewouldbetherewithEaston,standingbesidehim,fightingfortheirsecondchance.

Becausefromthisdayon,shewasnevergoingtoflyawayfromherEastonagain.

ChapterThirteen

Eastonbrushedhis

fingertipdowneachvertebrainherback,almostasifhewerecountingthem.He’dfilledupthetubwithsteamingwaterassoonas

theygotback,butthechillswouldn’tleaveherbody.Avianadrewherkneestightertoherchestandrestedhercheekononesoshecouldseehimbetter.

Easton’sbrightgreeneyesfollowedhisfingerashestartedatthetopofherspineandstartedagain.Hewas

leaningonthetub,chinrestingonhisarm,andanabsentsmileonhislips.

Shewasmarrow-deepexhausted,butEastonhadmadeherabowlofstew,litcandlesinthebathroom,andnowseemedcontenttoforgosleepjusttostareatherskin.Sheunderstood.Avianahad

beendrinkinghiminsinceshe’dfirstseenhimagain,too.

“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”shewhisperedinasoftvoice,afraidtodisturbthemoment.

“Doyourememberwhentherabbitsgottomyvegetablegarden?”

Sheansweredhissmilewithoneofherown.God,shelovedhisdimples.Theywereevenmorespecialsinceheonlyseemedtoflashthemforher.“Youwereeleven.”

Eastonsatupandpushedhergentlybackwarduntilherhairwasimmersed

inthewater,thenheliftedheroutandpouredadollopofshampooinhispalm.Asheworkedherhairintoalather,hesaid,“Iwantedtosnarealltherabbitsandputthemintoastewwithmyvegetables.”

“Butallyoucaughtwasacoldfromobsessivelycheckingthesnaresinthe

middleofthenight.”“Andyoubroughtme

anearring.”Avianagiggledand

leanedherheadbackonhishandinthewater,thenallowedhimtopouraplasticcupoverherhairtorinseoutthesuds.“Notallofmygiftshadtomeansomething,you

know.”“Butyoucouldn’t

bringmecoldmedicine?”Shegiggledharderas

shesatup.“Forfuck’ssake,a

singlepainkillerwould’vedonewondersfortheheadachethatcamealongwithit.Butno.Yougaveme

ashinyearring.”“Ilikeshinythings.

ThatisahighcomplimentthatIcanpartwiththemforyou.Ifounditonahikingtrail.ForsomereasonIcan’tthinkofnow,Ithoughtyouwouldlikeit.Andbesides,you’reabearshifter.Ithoughtyouweren’tsupposed

togetsick.”“AndIhaven’tsince.

Damnrabbitscursedme.”Sheblinkedslowlyas

hetracedherbackboneagain.“WasitawfulafterIleft?”

“Crow,crow,whyareyoustillcold?”heaskedinthatdeeptimbreshewasstillgettingusedto.

“I’llgetstronger.Youdidn’tanswermyquestion.”

Withasigh,Eastonpulledhisshirtoverhishead.Hisabsrippledwiththemovement.Aftertossingitintothepilewithherdiscardedclothes,heshuckedhisjeans,too.Slowly,heslidintothebathtubbehindher,

thenpulledherbackagainsthischestandwrappedhisarmsaroundher.TherewasbarelyanyroominthesmalltubforamanEaston’ssize,buthedidn’tseemtomindfoldinghislegsaroundher.

“Yes.”Hepressedhisforeheadagainstthebackofherneck.“Butit’sdone,andI

wouldn’tchangeitnow.”“Youwouldn’t?”“IfIwould’vekept

youallmylife,Icouldn’tappreciateyoulikeIdonow.Iwouldn’tknowhowbaditcanhurtwithoutyou.”

Oh.Avianaclosedhereyesandmeltedbackagainsthim.Eastonwasbigand

strongandwarm.Alreadyherchillswerelesseningwithhimcurledaroundher.Ithadbeenalongandtryingday,andherstaminawasn’tgreat.Notyet.ButEastondeservedastrongmate,andshewasdeterminedtobecomebetterforhim.

“Easton?”

“Mmm?”herumbled,draggingawashragaroundtheedgeofherclaimingmark.

“Ifeelsafewithyou.”Eastonsnortedand

toldher,“Yourinstinctssuck.”

Shelaughedandsaid,“I’mserious.I’vealwaysfelt

safearoundyou.”“Ibityouthefirst

chanceIgot.”“Becauseyouwanted

toclaimme.”“I’mnotgood,Ana.

I’mnot.”“Youare.”Hedraggedthescruff

onhischinacrossthebackof

herneck,backandforth,backandforth.Hissilentargumentdidn’tmatter,though.Sheknewthetruth.ShesawstraighttoEaston’ssoul,andhewasgoodtothecore.Hejusthadtolearnhowtoactaroundotherpeopleinsteadofreactingongrizzlyinstincts.Sheunderstoodhis

quirksandlovedeachofthem.

“Tellmeasecretnooneelseknows,”shewhispered,tricklingwateroverhisknee.

“Iwanttogosomewherebigandfaraway.SomewhereliketheGrandCanyon.”

“Youdo?”Hislipspressed

againstthebackofherneck.“Mmmhmm.WhenIwasakid,Ithoughtmybearwouldneverletmeoutofmyterritory.”

“Yourparents’land?”“Yep.Heclaimedit,

andthenitgotreallyhardto

leave.Istillliveclose,andsometimesIwishIcouldgosomewhereawayfromhere.Stupid.IknowI’mnotready.MaybeIwon’teverbe.Can’tkeepcontrol.IwenttoDodgeCitytohelpJasonoutlastyear,andthejobtookwaylongerthanitwassupposedtobecauseIcouldn’tstay

humanverylong.Didn’ttellmycrewthatpart.SometimesIjustwanttoseesomethingotherthanthesemountains.Nowyou.Tellmeasecret.”

Avianaleanedherheadbackagainsthisshoulderandsmiled.“Iusedtowatchyousleep.”

“When?”

“Afteryou’dbuiltthattreehouse.Iwouldsneakoutlateatnightaftermyparentswereasleep,andI’dperchonthewindowwherethemoonlightmadeyoulookblue,andI’dwatchyou.Youalwayslookedsocalminyoursleep.Relaxed.Likeakidagain.Likeyouweren’t

fightingforsurvival.IwantedtoChangeandsleepbesideyousobadly,youcan’tevenimagine.Youwerewarmandfeltsafe,andIwantedtobeunderyourarm,sleepingwithyou.”

Eastonhuffedasmallchuckle,andshereveledinthevibrationagainstherback.

Hislaughswereforher.“Easton,aboutwhen

weslepttogetherbefore…”Hepulledherwethair

toherothershoulderandkissedgentlyrightbesideherbite.Itlookedawfulnow,bruisedandtorn.

“Losingyourvirginityisareallybigdeal,”she

whispered.“Doyouwanttotalkaboutit?”

“Losingitisn’tabigdealtoanimals.”

Whenasoftgrowlrattledhischest,deliciouschillsrippledupherskin.Eastonwouldn’ttalkaboutitorlingeronnostalgicthoughts.Sheknewhe

wouldn’t.Hisanswerhadbeenaflippantandhonestdenialthatsexforthefirsttimehadbeenlife-alteringatall.Andtoher,itmadesense.Eastonwasmoreanimalthanman.Hercheekswarmedwithhappinessasshesnuggledbackagainsthim.

She’dbeenhisfirst,

andtheburningmarkonhershouldersaidEastonwantedhertobehisonly.

Eastonkissedherbitemarksoftly,thensettledherwethairbackintoplace.“Ana,Iwon’teverhurtyouwhenwe’rematingagain.Iwon’thurtyouever.”

Hispromisebrought

anemotionalsmiletoherlips.“Okay.”

Hemassagedherbreast,dumpinginstantheatintohermiddle.Hiserectionhadbeenswollenandhardagainstherbacksincehe’dslippedintothetubbehindher,butnow,herolledhishipsslightly.“Youlikewhen

Itouchyouhere,”hemurmured,slippinghishanddowntocuphersex,rightoverherclit.

Anarolledhereyesclosedandnodded.

“Andhere,”hesaidlowasheslippedhisfingerintoher.

Rockingagainsthis

touch,shenoddedagain.Hisotherarm

encircledherstomachandpulledhertightagainsthisdick,standingstraightagainstherspine.Rollinghiships,hepressedagainstherinthesameslowrhythmhefingeredher.Pressurebuiltwitheverystroke,andshe

slippedherhandsbehindhisheadashekissedherneck.ThewarmwaterlappedatherribswhenEastonrestedhischinonhershoulderashebroughtherclosertoclimax.Asoftmoanpushedpastherlipsasherbodypulsedinafastrhythmaroundhisfinger.Shestillcouldn’tbelievehow

goodhewasattouchingher.Shewasalmostembarrassedbyhowfastshecamewithhim,buthedidn’tseemdisappointed.

“Wanttofeel,”hemurmuredinthatgravelly,inhumantimbrethatsaidhisbearwasclose.

Rollingherforward,

hesettledheronherhandsandknees.Eastonslidintoherslowfrombehind.She’dneverdoneitlikethis—liketheanimalsdid.ButwithEaston,itfeltright.Itfeltnatural.Hispowerfulbodycurvedoverhersashepushedhisthickshaftdeepinsideofher.Hewasbigandstretched

her,butshewasready.Relaxedandwet.

Slowly,heeasedbackbyinches,thenthrustintoheragain.Holymoly,hewassexy—agrowlvibratingagainstherback,himnibblingkissesonheruninjuredshoulder.Hispowerfularmflexedand

lockedononeside,whilehisothergrippedaroundherwaist.Thenextthrustwasfaster.Outslow,inhard.Anaarchedherbackandgavehimabetterangle.

“Fffuck,”hewhisperedshakilyasheslammedintoheragain.

Pressurewitheach

stroke.Shecouldclimaxjustthinkingabouthispowerfulbodycoveringher.Hermiddlewastinglingnowandeverythingfeltsogood.Floaty.Numbing.Lockthosearms.Almostthere.“Ah!”shecriedashepushedintoheragain.“Easton!I’mgoingto…”

“Comeforme,”hesaidonagrowlashishipspumpedintoheragain.

Herbodyshattered.Thepleasurewassointense,shehadtoclosehereyesandfocusonnotfallingapart.ThesnarlinEaston’sthroatwasconstantnowashebuckedintoher.Whenher

bodyclenchedaroundhim,Eastonfrozewithhernameonhislips.Hot,pulsingjetsshotintoher,fillingher,drippingdownherthighsashepulledout.Thenheslidbackinandemptiedhimselfcompletely.Herbodypulsedonandon,eachaftershockasintenseasthelastashe

buckedagainsthermoreslowly,drawingeachonefromher.

Thewaterwasgettingcoldagainstherarmsandlegs,butEastondidn’tseeminahurrytosevertheirconnection.Hislipsgonesoft,herankissesacrosshershoulderinstead.Histeeth

grazedherskininasoftbiteeverycoupleofkissesasthepulsingsensationfadedcompletelyaway.Hewassowarm,sostrong,shecouldn’thelpbutfeelsafealltuckedupunderhim,evenwithhisteethbrushingherskin.Hewouldn’thurther.

Andjustasherarms

feltasthoughtheywouldn’tholdheranymore,Eastonslidoutofherandstood,draggingherwithhim.Hebentdownandfoldedherintohisarms,thensteppedoutofthetubandcarriedhertohisbed.Shesmiledlanguidlyatthefreshwhitesheetshe’dputon.Nomorebloodstains

fromwhenhe’dclaimedher,andsuddenlyitwasclearwhyhisbeddinglookedsocleanandsoft.He’dobviouslyspentsomemoneyonthethickcomforterandcrisplinens.Theyweretobanishthememoryofallthenightshe’dsleptonsprucelimbsandpluckedpillowsofgrass.

Thelivingroommightresemblethetreehousehe’dmadehimselfallthoseyearsago,buthisbedroom…thatwashisattempttomoveon.

Eastonsettledherinbedandstoodbesideherwithhisheadcanted.Helookedatherbodyasthoughshewasthemostbeautifulthinghe’d

everseen.“I’mgoingtocleanyou,”hesaidinarumblingvoice.

Shenodded,readyforasoftcloth.Butwhenheloweredhimselftothebedanddraggedatrailofkissesdownherribstoherstomach,itbecameabundantlyclearwhatkindofcleaningEaston

hadinmind.Anaheldinagiggle.Sheshould’veknown.

Hermatelavedhistongueupherstillwetfolds,anddrewasoftsighfromherlips.Hewasmeticulousandrhythmic,andnowhewasdefinitelyconjuringanotherorgasm.Anabentherlegsandgrippedhishair.Easton’s

eyesglowedgreenashelookedupather,andwithonlyasecondofhesitation,hegaveintohersilentpleadingandslippedhistongueinsideofher.

Anamoanedhelplesslyathowgoodhefeltrightthere.Eastongrabbedherhipsanddraggedher

closer,thendrovehistonguedeeper.Archingherback,shecriedoutandclenchedhishair.Hisheadbobbedbetweenherlegsashedrovehercloserandclosertoclimax.“Easton,”sheyelpedasherbodyclenchedaroundhistongueinquick,throbbingorgasm.Helickedheruntil

shetwitchedandlayexhaustedandspent.Eastonkissedtheinsidesofherthighsgently,thenclimbedupbesideherandpulledheragainsthischest.Hepulledthecoversoverthem,thenleanedhischinontopofherhead.Hisdickwaslongandhardagainstherbelly,buthe

didn’tmovetorelievehimselfinher.Instead,hemurmured,“Sleepnow,mate.”

Mate.Shesmiledandnuzzledclosertohim.

Andfinally…finally…afterallthoseyearsofwanting,shegottosleepsafeandwarm

underthearmofthemansheloved.

ChapterFourteen

“Don’tsmellscared,”

Eastonsaid,hiseyesblazingashecastheraquickglance.

“Ican’thelpit.”AvianaclutchedtighttohishandasEastonledhertoward

theGraylandMobilePark.“Yourcrewisintimidating.Allbearshiftersarereally.”

“YetyouarematedtoBeaston,”hemutteredsolow,shealmostdidn’thearit.

Shefrownedattheuseofthatname.Sure,hisanimalwasincontrol,butthatwasbecauseofwhathe’d

beenthrough.Thatbearinsideofhimalsowastothankforhissurvival.Eastonhadlosthisfamilywhenhewasjustakid,thenekedoutalifeinthewoodsallalone.“YousayBeastonlikeit’sabadname,butIthinkit’sfuckingawesome,”shesaiddefiantly.

Hecastherastartledglanceandskiddedtoastop.“Why?”

“Becauseyoumightbeabeast,EastonNovak,butyouarealsoasurvivor,andI’msofuckingproudofhowfaryou’vecome,Icanhardlystandit.Sodon’tutterthatnamearoundmeunlessyou

areowningit.Badass,snarly,scary-eyedmountainmanwhoprotectstheheartofafearfulraven.YouareBeaston.MyBeaston.”

Aslowsmilehadspreadacrosshisfaceasshe’dranted,andnowhisdimplesshowed.“Okay,”hesaidlow,pullingherintoa

hug.“I’mBeaston.”Asharpwhistletrilled

acrossthevalley.Creedwaslettingthemknowitwastimeforthecrewtoheaduptothemountainstocleartimber,buttheywouldhavetowait.SheandEastonhadanannouncementtomakebeforehewenttowork.

TheGrayBackswereallgatherednearthebricked-infirepittalkingwhenEastonledheroutofthetreeline.

“Theretheyare,”Willacalled,lookingrelieved.“Nowwecanhavesomeoneunbiasedsettlethescore,”shesaid,looking

pointedlyatGia.Georgiawasriflingthroughabackpacksittingonafoodpreptablenearthem,andsheshookherhead,thoughshewasstillsmiling.

“Whatisit?”Avianaasked,voicesmallandpathetic.Withafrown,shesaidlouder,“Whatisit?”

Eastonlookedatherproudly.

“Dude,Beaston’sholdingherhand,”MattsaidlowtoJason.

Willakickedhermate’sbootandheldoutbothhandsastheyapproached.InonewasapileofgreenM&Msandintheotherwasa

pileoforange.“Whichonesaresupposedtomakeyouhorny,greenororange?”

Avianasnortedandtriedtothinkbackonherschooldays.“Ithinkit’sgreenmakesyouhorny.”

“Here,Griz,eatthese,”Willasaid,dumpingthegreenpileintoMatt’s

hand.Hesnortedand

poppedthemallinhismouth.“Ican’tevenbelieveyouwantmehornierthanIalreadyam,”hesaidaroundthemouthfulofcandy.

“Soit’sorangetomakeyourboobsbigthen,”Giasaidmatter-of-factly.

“Toldyou.”Avianalaughedand

asked,“CanIhavesomeorangeonesthen?”

Withabigtoothygrin,Willahandedherhalfthepileoforangesandpouredtheotherhalfintohermaw.

Eastonslappedthe

candyoutofAviana’shandswithalookofpanicinhiseyes.“Don’twantbiggerboobsonyou.Toomuch.”

Avianastoodtherestunned,lookingatthebrightcoloredchocolatesscatteredacrossthewhitegravelroad.

Jasonwaslaughingnow,handsaroundhis

stomach,bentover,wheezing.“Dude,it’snotreal.”

“Oh,”EastonsaidwithaconfusedfrownashewatchedJasonfalloverontotheground,kickinghislegsashelaughed.HeswunghistroubledgazetoAvianaandmurmured,“Sorry.”

Shewastryingnottolaugh,reallyshewas,butEastonwassofuckingcute.Sexyasallget-out,eyeswildandbrightashemadesureshestayedjustasshewas.Ifshe’dhadanyquestionthatherflatchestbotheredhermatebefore,itwasdispellednow.

“WhyareyoueatingM&Msforbreakfast?”sheasked.

“Giacravesthemallthetime,”Georgiaexplained.“Willajustmoochesthem.”

“Ihelphereatthem,”Willacorrected.“It’snotmoochingifI’mdoingitoutofthegoodnessofmyheart.”

CreedwasquietbesideMatt,shakinghisheadandlookingtired,asifhiscrewalreadyexhaustedhim.

“Ihavesomethingtosay,”Eastonannouncedinastrong,formalvoice.

JasonkickedintoastarshapeonthegroundandlookedatEaston,upside

down.“Thatsoundsserious.”“Itis.”Eastonlifted

hisgazetoCreedandcockedhishead,exposinghisneck.“Ihavetobegyourforgiveness.”

Creedstoodstraighterashisblackeyeslightenedtoagraythatmatchedtheearlymorningsky.“Whatdidyou

do?”Avianacouldn’teven

lookathimlikethis.NotwhenCreedwasmakingtheairsoheavy.Itwashardtodrawabreathunderhisstare,sosheangledherchindownandlookedatWillainstead.

“AsSecond,Iforbidyoutobleedhim,”Willasaid,

standingtoherfullheightofnotevenfivefoottallandglaringatCreed.

“What?”Creedasked,lookingevenangrier.“Itdoesn’tworklikethat.You’resecond,notalpha.What’sgoingon?”

“Showhim,”Eastonmurmured,nudgingAviana’s

shoulder.Avianapulledher

stretchypinkcottonshirttothesideandexposedthetatteredfleshofEaston’sclaimingmark.

Creed’sdarkeyebrowsjackedup,andheswungadangerousglareatEaston.“Whatthefuckdid

youdo?”“I’dsayeithera

zombiebitherorEastonclaimedher,”WillasaidhelpfullyasshedugaroundinthecrinklypackageofM&M’sformorecandy.

“Enough!”Creedyelled.

Willadidn’tevenlook

cowed,butdamnwhattheelectricityinthealpha’svoicedidtoAviana.Withagrunt,shefelltoherkneesundertheheavinessofthestomach-curdlingangerCreedwasthrowingoffinwaves.

EastonlookeddownatherthenbacktoCreed,eyesblazingasalow,

menacingrumblerattledhisthroat.“Letherup.”

“YouTurnedher?”Creedbellowed.“AfterIforbidit,youTurnedher?”

“Shedoesn’tsmelllikeabear,”Georgiawhisperedfromnearthetablewhereshelookedlikeshewasstrugglingtostay

upright,too.“Ittookyouallof

what…aday?Adaytodisobeyadirectorder?”Creedsaid,handsonhiships.“Whatthefuck,man?”

“She’smine.”“Youjustmether!”“Letherup!”Easton

yelled,voicegonesnarly.

“Oh,forshit’ssake,”Willasaid,“Aviana,moveyourtailfeathers,girl.FuckNoggin’sabouttoChange.”

CreedhunchedintohimselfjustasWillarushedAviana.Easton’ssilverbearexplodedfromhimintheexactmomentahugeblackbruingrizzlyrippedoutof

Creed.“No!Don’thurthim!”

shecriedasWilladraggedherbythewaistoverthegravel.

“Staythere,”Willaordered,eyeshard.Twosecondslater,abrownbearburstfromherskin,andwhenAvianalookedup,Creedand

Eastonclashedsohardtheearthunderherfeetshook.Jasonwasscramblingoutoftheway,andalight-coloredgrizzlywasalreadyhoveringprotectivelybetweenhimandthebattlingbears.Georgia?

ThesheerviolenceofthebearfightheldAvianastunnedinplace.Creedand

Eastonslashedeachotherwithresounding,clawedslaps.Roaring,growling,biting.Bleeding.Thewhitegravelwasbeingpaintedwithred.

EvenwithWillatryingtomaneuverbetweenthemandMattChangingintoared,scarred-upgrizzlyto

help,EastonandCreedonlyhadeyesformaimingeachother.

Shehadtodosomething.

Withapopandflappingwings,AvianaChangedanddive-bombedCreed.Shepeckedhisearandfewoutofslappingrange,

thencircledaround.“Creed,sheisn’ta

bear!”Giascreamed.“Creed,stop!”

Avianatuckedherwingsanddovefortheblackgrizzlyagain,butthistime,shedidn’tgettotouchhim.Thistimeheturnedatthelastmomentandswattedherout

oftheair.Withaterrifiedcawinherthroat,shehitthegrasshard.

Giawasrunningforhernow,roundbellyleadingher.ShefelltoherkneesbesideAvianaandpickedherupgently.“Ohno,”shewhispered,pullinghercarefullytohersoftbosom.

Withalookofpurehumanfury,shestoodandturnedtothebearsbattling.“CreedJosephBarnett!You’rehurtingme!”shescreamed.

Creed’sonyxcoloredbearimmediatelyshrankintothedark-haired,silver-eyedman.Withapainedgrunt,hefellforwardontohishands

andkneesonthegravelroad.WillaandMattrushedEaston,tryingtokeephimfrommurderingthealphainhumanform.

“What?”Creedaskedashestruggledupandstaredinconfusionathismate.“HowamIhurtingyou?”

“Becauselookwhat

you’refightingover!”GiashovedAvianaforward.

“Caw!”Avianasaidhelpfully.Translation:I’mafuckingcrow!NotaTurnedbearshifter.

Creedstaredatherlikehe’dneverseenabirdinhislife.“I…Idon’tunderstand.”

WhenEastontookaswipetooclosetohim,Creedduckedneatlyoutofthewayandyelled,“Easton,Changeback!”

Easton’sroardiedinhisthroatashefelltohiskneesandshrankintohishumanskin.Apainedgrimacewasonhisface,but

itdidn’tstopthedeathglareforCreed.“Ididn’tTurnher.Shewasn’teverhuman.Andifyouwould’vefuckinglistened,Iwould’vehadtimetoexplainthatI’veknownherallmylife.AndIswearonmyden,ifyouhurther,I’mgoingtofuckingbleedyou,GrayBack.”

Jasonstoodtotheside,armscrossedoverhischest,lookinggrumpy.“Thatinsultstilldoesn’tmakeanysense,Beaston.We’reallGrayBacks!”

Willashrankbackintohernakedhumanskinandkickedthegravel.“Goddammit,Creed!”

Mattwasnowagiant,nakedhumanwithscarsalloverhistorso.“Didhehurtyou?”heasked,worryinhisdeepvoice.

“No!HespilledallmyM&M’s!”

“Oh,forfuck’ssake,”Creedsaid.“Someoneexplaintomewhatisgoing

on.”Willastompedher

foot.“Creed,meetEaston’schildhoodfriendwhoisaravenshifter,butonlyEastondidn’tknowshewasaravenshifteruntilyesterdaywhenhegaveheraclaimingmarkwhiletheywereboinkingandshedidn’tTurn.Hegotmad,

heranoff,that’swhyhewasn’tatworkyesterday,andnowyoujustB-slappedthebirdhe’sinlovewith.Youdeservethatscar,”shesaid,jammingafingeratthelongclawmarkacrossCreed’schestthatwasdrippingred.

“You,”thealphasaid,pointingatAviana.“Change

back.”“Youcan’ttellher

whattodo,”Eastonsnarled.“Icanso.She’sa

GrayBacknow.”“Aaaw,”Willasaid,

claspingherhandsinfrontofherchestandshrugginghershoulderswithamushysmileonherface.“ThefinalGray

Back.”Creedstaredather

untilshehadthegoodsensetodrophergazetoherfeet.

“Nowplease,”Creedgrittedout,“ChangebacksoIcanproperlyapologize.”

Inaflushofabsolutemortification,AvianaflewoutofGia’shandsandlanded

ontheground,thenshiftedintoherhumanform.

“Boobs,”Willasanginabarelyaudiblevoice,onlytobeglaredatbyCreedagain.

Jasonsnortedfrombehindtheblondgrizzlythatwasstillstandingprotectivelyinfrontofhim.Heclearedhis

throatandapologizedwhenCreedtossedhimanannoyedglance.

Withasigh,Creedhookedhishandsonhisnakedhipsandsaid,“Aviana,Iwhole-heartedlyapologizeformyactionsheretoday.Ishould’velistenedbetterbeforeIpunishedEaston,and

I’msorryifyougothurtinthatfight.”Hisshouldersliftedandfellinaheavysigh.“Welcometothemostfuckedupcrewofshiftersthateverwalkedthesemountains.”

“C-team!”Willasaid,shakingherhandslikecheerleaderpom-poms.

MostoftheGray

Backswerenakedandbleeding,andGeorgiatheScaryBearwasnowlickingthebackofJason’ssmilingheaduntilhisdarkhairstoodupinalldirections.Mostofthemweresmilingdespitetheviolencethathadjustoccurred,andallwerestaringatAvianawhowashidingher

titsbehindherarmanddoingherbesttocoverherhoneypotwithanoakleafshe’dhurriedlypluckedfromtheground.

Hermouthwashangingopen,butshesnappeditclosedandswallowedhard.Inatinyvoice,shesaid,“Thankyou?”

“Uuuh,Willa?”Giasaidinastrangetonebesideher.“Youwerewrong.Aviana’snotthefinalGrayBack.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Creedasked,worryslashingthroughhischurning,silvereyes.

Gialookedatadamp

streamthatwastrailingdowntheinsidelegsofherjeans.“Ithinkmywaterjustbroke.”

ChapterFifteen

Eastonpacedthe

smallwaitingroom,bitingtheendofhisnailashecheckedthewindowfortheeight-hundredthtimeinthedirectionofGia’shospital

room.Avianaunderstood.

He’dwatchedhelplesslyashismotherhaddiedduringchildbirth,andnowGiawashavingababy.

Hissnarlingandpacinghadalreadyscaredoffthehumansinthewaitingroom,sonowitwasjust

AvianaandtherestoftheGrayBacks,minusCreedandGia,avendingmachinethatwasnowfreshoutofM&Ms,andanold,scratchycartoonplayingonthesmalltelevisioninthecorner.

“Ishouldbeinthere,”Eastonrumbled.

“No,”Avianasaid.

“GiaandCreedhavetodothisontheirown.Therearedoctorsandnurseswhoknowexactlywhattheyaredoing.She’llbeallright.”

“Butit’stakingsolong.”

“Itusuallydoesforafirstbaby,”Willasaidfromthecornerwhereshehadher

feetdrapedacrossMatt’slap.“She’stough.Giawillbeokay.”

ButevenWillalookedworried.Easton’spacinghadeveryoneunsettled.

Eastonskiddedtoastop,threwthedooropen,andthenboltedintothehallway.Theyallstoodtosee

Creedcomingtowardthemwithabiggrinonhisface.AvianadriftedtothewindowtowatchEastontalktohisalpha.Creedgrippedhisshoulderandtalkedthroughhissmile,andlittlebylittleEastonrelaxed.AndwhenhefinallylookedbackatAviana,hisbrightgreeneyesheld

relief.Herheartstoppedathowbeautifulhewas.

Eastonjoggedbacktoherandpulledherhand,leadingheroutofthewaitingareaandtowardGia’sroom.“Hurry,Ana.CreedsaidIcouldseeherfirstifwehurry.”

Aviana’svisionwas

blurringwithtearsbecauseherEastonwashappy.Shecouldfeelitcomingoffhiminwaves.

Justoutsidethehospitalroom,Creedturnedtotheothersandmurmured,“Giveusaminute.”ThenhepushedopenthedoorandusheredEastonandAviana

inside.Giasatonthebed,

comfortablelookingandeyesonlyforthetinybundleinherarms.Shesmiledemotionallywhenshelookedup,andEastonsatgentlyonherbedandtuckedherdisheveledhairbehindherear.

“Oh,mightylittle

human,lookwhatyou’vedone,”Eastonsaid,hiseyesdippingtothesweetbaby.HepulledAvianacloserandmovedtheblanketfartherawayfromthesleepingbabe’sface.“Lookather,”hesaidonabreath.“Perfectineveryway.Gia,Gia,Gia,goodmommy.”

Gia’sshoulderswereshakingnow,andshewassnifflingassherestedherheadagainstEaston’sshoulder.Creedstoodonherotherside,leaningoverthebabywiththeproudestlookinhisdarkeyes.

“Doyouwanttoholdher?”shewhisperedthickly

toEaston.Hiseyeswentwide,

buthenoddedandheldhisarmsout.Giasetthetinybabygentlyinthecradleofhisarms.

Behindthem,therestofthecrewfiledinandsurroundedGia’sbedwithoohsandaahsatthetiny,

blanketedgirlinEaston’sarms.

Slowly,Eastonleaneddownandsmelledthebaby’sbreath.“Whatdoyoucallher?”

“Rowan,”Creedsaidproudly.

“Arightpropernameforalittlegrizzly,”Willa

said,leaningoverEaston’sshoulder.

EastonlookedupatCreedwithacurious,knowingsmilespreadingacrosshislips.“She’snotagrizzly.”

“What?”Giaasked,eyebrowsfurrowed.“She’sCreed’s.”

“Oh,onelookatthecreatureshe’sharboring,andnoonewilleverquestionit.She’llbeatrueGrayBack.Afire-breatherwithsilverscales,descendedfromthelastmortaldragon,Creed’sgrandfather.”

“Can’tbe,”Creedsaidonabreath.“Shehastoo

muchgrizzlyandnotenoughdragonbloodinher.”

Eastonsmiledatthebabyasherockedherinhisarms.“Ihadadreamabouther.Silvereyesandsilverscales.”

“Adream,”Mattsaid,soundingunconvinced.

Avianagrinnedslow,

knowingEastonwasright.Hermatewasmoresensitivetothingsbeyondthisworld,justlikehismotherhadbeen.

“Don’tbelieveme?”Eastonaskedsoftly.Backandforth,backandforthherockedthesleepingnewborn.“Thensmellthedragon’sfireonherbreath.”

ChapterSixteen

Lastnightwasthelast

timeshewouldsleepinthisoldhouse.Avianazippeduphersuitcaseandpulleditoffthericketybedshe’dsleptinasachild.Inhalingdeeply,

shetookonelastlookatthetinycabinshe’dsharedwithherparentsallthoseyearsago.Asachild,thisplacehadseemedhuge,butthat’swhatchildhoodmemoriesdid.Theywarpedreality,makingeverythingseembiggerandgranderfromsuchasmallpointofview.

Tonight,shewouldbemovingintoanoldsinglewidetrailerintheGraylandMobileParkthatthegirlscalled“ten-ten”andsworewasmagic.Shedidn’tknowwhatshewasgoingtodothereyet.MaybeshewouldteachshifterschoolwhenRowanandtheAshe

Crewkidswereolder.OrperhapsshewouldhelpEastonsellhisknivesandfirewood.Ormaybeshewouldreinventherselfcompletelyandstartanewadventure.Shedidn’tknow.Allsheknewwasthatwhateverhappenednext,itwouldbebesideEaston.

Avianasethersuitcasebythedoorandpulledhercelloutofherpurse.She’dchargeditinthecaruntilthebatterieswerefullbecausethiscallcouldn’tgetcutoff.Itwastooimportant.

Thefloorboardsoftheporchcreakedasshesettled

ontothetopstair,andlookedovertheovergrownfrontyard.Shekickedarusted,bentnailwithherflip-flop,thinkingaboutwhatshewouldsaytothepeoplewhoseopinionmeanttheworldtoher.

Howdidshetellherparentsshe’dturnedherback

onherpeople?Lickingherlips,she

scrolledthroughhercontactsandfoundthenumberlabeledHome.Shemadethecallandbitherthumbnailasshelistenedtoitringandwatchedatrioofbirdsflitacrossthetallgrass.

“Hello?”Dad

answered.“Dad?”“Oooh,baby.What

haveyoudone?”Staticblastedacrosstheline,andDadcalledinamuffledvoice,“Marta,it’sher.Pickuptheotherline.”

Thelineclicked.“Aviana?”Momasked.

“Hi,Mom.”“Honey,areyou

okay?”“Yes,yes,I’mfine.

Morethanfine.Ijust…Ihavetotellyoubothsomethingimportant.”

Thelinewentquiet.Aviana’spulsepoundedhardthinkingabouthow

thoroughlyshewasabouttobreaktheirhearts.Theironlychild,denouncingherpeopleforacrewofbears.

“Goahead,”Dadsaidlow.

Avianaswallowedhardandblewoutalong,shakybreath.“Mom,Dad,IfoundEaston.ItoldCadenno

onthecourtshipbecausethecubIknewallthoseyearsagohasgrownintoagoodman.Amanwhowillmakemehappyandgivemealifefulloflove.Ibelongwithhim.”Herthroattightenedoverthewords.“IbelongwithEastonandhispeople.”

“Oh,honey,”Mom

said,“weknow.”PerhapsAvianahad

heardherwrong.“I’msorry…what?”

“Cadensentsomeofhispeopletowatchyou.Heforwardedusapictureofyousittinginabarwithamanwithgreeneyes.Yourfatherrecognizedhimrightaway.”

“Youknew?”“Wejustwantedto

giveyouachancetotelluswhenyouwereready,”Momsaid.

Dadwassoquietthough,hemustbeangry.That’showhegotwhenhewasreallymad.Heholedupintohimselfwherenoone

couldreachhim.“Dad,I’msorry.”“No,baby,”Dadsaid,

hiswordsbroken.“I’mtheonewho’ssorry.IpulledyouawayfromthatboywhenIknewyou’dbondedwithhim.Evenasyoungasyouwere,youcareddeeplyforhim,andIdidn’tlisten.Iwatchedyou

witherforyears.Iwatchedyouneverconnectwithanyofourpeople.IwatchedyourfacewhenwegotthenewsthatCadenwantedtocourtyou.Ihopedyouwouldbehappy,butyouhadthisdoomedlookinyoureyes.It’ssomethingaparentneverwantstoseeintheirchild.I

waswrongtoseparateyoufromEaston.AndIhope…”Dadclearedhisthroat.Moresoftly,hesaid,“Ihopethatsomedayyoucanforgiveme.”

Avianabitherlipsohardshetastediron.Shecouldn’tfallapartnow.“Dad,there’snothingtoforgive.I

loveyoubothsomuch.Iknowyou’llhavetostoptalkingtomeafterI’mshunned—”

“Oh,nowewon’t,”Momsaiddefiantly.“Honey,we’vealreadybeenshunned.”

“What?”“WetoldCaden

wherehecouldshovehis

threats,anditwaswherethesundon’tshine.Itwasadecisionwebothmadesolelybasedonthatpicture.”

“Whydidyoudothat?”

“Because,”Dadsaid,“inthepictureyouweresmilinglikewehaven’tseenyoudosinceyouwereakid.

Ifourpeoplewanttobanishusforsupportingourdaughter’shappiness,sobeit.LivinganemptylifewithCadenisn’twhatwewantforyou.Wewantthatsmileyouhadinthepicture.TheoneyougetwithEaston.”

Allchokedupbyherparents’sacrifice,Aviana

asked,“Willyouvisitme?IwantyoutomeetalloftheGrayBacks.They’relovely,andsonice.Scary,butprotectiveandfierce,andthewomenaresoimportantinthiscrew.Ifeelstronger.Andmyalphaandhismatehaveabrandnewbaby.Oh,she’ssotinyandcute.AndIwantyou

tomeetthemanI’vefalleninlovewith.Eastoniswildandpowerful,buthe’salsosweetandtakescareofme.Hemakesmehappy.Iwantyoutoseehowhe’sturnedout,andthenyouwon’thavetoworryaboutmelivingwithbearsanymore.Heprotectsme.Always.”

ShecouldhearthesmileinMom’svoicewhenshesaid,“Ofcourse.Wecan’twaittomeetEastonandallofyournewcrew.”

“Yes,”Dadmurmured.“We’relookingforwardtoseeingtheoldcabinagainandseeingyouwithyour…mate.Bearpairs

arecalledmates,right?”Avianalaughed

thicklyandhuggedthephonetightertoherear.“Yes.”Itstillmadehergiddytohearthatword.

“We’rehappyyou’vefoundyourplace,Aviana,”Momsaid,soundingproud.“Ourbravelittleraven.We

loveyou.”“Iloveyouboth,too.

Somuch.”“Okay,honey.We’ll

talksoon.Letusknowwhenyousettleenoughforvisitors.”

“Iwill.”“Bye-byenow,”Dad

said.

“Bye,”Avianasaidonahappysighbeforeshehungup.

Shesmileddownatthescreenofherphoneforalongtime,lookingatherreflection.Itwasthere.Dadwasright.Itwasasmileshedidn’trememberseeingbefore.Atoothyone,given

freelyandeasily.OneconjuredbythejoyEastonhadputbackintoherheart.Herparentshadbeenshunnedbecauseofherdecisiontochaselove,yettheyhadn’tmadeherfeelguiltyoverit.Instead,they’dbeenhappythatshe’dfoundwhatshe’dbeensearchingfor.

Excited,Avianaranbackinsideandgrabbedthehandleofhersuitcase.Afteronelastlookaroundthecabin,sheclosedthedooranddraggedherluggagetohercar.

TheGrayBackCrewwascookingabigmealtonight.Hotwingswithbeer

tocelebratehermovinginto1010.Nowshedidn’thavetogowithaheavyheartthatshe’dhurtherparents.Shecouldherlifewithhernewcrewandthemansheloved.

Now,herfuturewithEastonstretchedonandon.

Shewasfree.****

AvianasearchedthewoodsforherEastontomakesurehehadn’tgottenoffworkearly,butthewoodswereemptysavetheeveningbirdsflittingbacktotheirnestsandthecicadassingingtheirrattlingsong.Thiswasthegame.Sneakinglittletrinketsforherlove,surprise

giftstomakeupfortheyearsshehadn’tbeenabletofindshinypresentsandgivethemtohim.Today,she’dfoundasilverbeadalongahikingtrailmilesaway.

Eastonalwaysgaveherdimplesmileswhenshefoundhimsomethingtotuckawayinhistackleboxof

treasuresunderhisbed.Inthelasttwoweeks,

AvianahadsettledintolifeattheGraylandMobilePark.CreedandGiawerenowparentingtinyRowan,andtheGrayBackswereallsmitten.Willahadherwormfarminfullswingforthefishingseason,andGeorgiahadher

woodstoprotect.Eveningswerespenteatingtogetherasacrewandlaughingintothenight.Yesterday,EastonhadsharedwithhisbelovedGrayBacksthestoryofhowhe’dslowlylosthishumanity,andtherehadbeennotasingledryeyeashefinishedwithhowhe’dfeltthedayhe’d

foundoutAvianawashisraven.

Shewassodamnedproudofherbravebrokenbear.

TheGrayBacksstillfoughtliketitansandbledeachotherregularly,butthatwasunlikelytoeverchange.It’sjusthowhercrewwas,

butthatdidn’tmeantheydidn’tcareabouteachother.Thesepeople,whoshe’dbeensoafraidofallherlife,woulddieforeachotherinaheartbeat.Andnowshewasincludedinthatcircleofsafety.Inthesamemeasure,shewouldgiveanythingforherpeople,whomshe’d

growntoloveindescribablymuch.

Shinysilverbeadinherbeak,Avianaswoopeddowntothewindowsillwhereshealwaysdroppedhisgifts.Itwasthesinglewindowtohisworkshop,justlikethesillshe’ddroppedthatfirstfoldedpaperclip

onto.Ithadasmallsplitinthewoodforbalancingroundobjects,andasshelandedontheledgetodrophertreasurethere,shedrewupshort.

Therewasalreadysomethingsilverandshinyinthecrease.

Thebeadfellfromhermouthandrolledtothe

groundassherealizedwhatitwas.

Itwasaring.Glitteringdiamonds

encircledtheband,andinthecentersettingwasagiftshewouldneverforget.Itwasthediamondshe’dgivenhimallthoseyearsago—herfinalpresentbeforeshe’dleft.

Shescannedthewoods,andhergazelandedonEaston,leaningagainstatreeasifhe’dbeenthereallalong,armscrossedandeyesglowinginthewaningeveninglight.

Avianapushedoffthewindowledgeandtuckedhercrowawayintoherhuman

skin.“Easton,”shewhispered,tearsburninghereyes.

Slowly,heapproached,eyesneverleavinghers.Withaslightsmile,hepluckedtheringfromthewindowsillanddroppedtobothkneesinthedirt.

“Yousavedme—”“Ididn’t.”He’dsaved

himself.“Youdid.”His

eyebrowsliftedasheleveledherwithaseriouslook.“Youarepatientandcaringandunderstanding,evenwhenI’mconfused.Yougooutofyourwaytomakemefeel

caredforandappreciated.”Heswallowedhardandliftedthering.“Ineverwantyoutoleavemeagain.”

Avianafellforwardandhuggedhisshouldersuptight.“Iwouldneverleaveyou,Easton.You’remine.”

Herockedhergently,rubbingherback.“Softand

fulloftears,”hewhispered.“It’stoomuch,”she

murmuredassheeasedbackandlookedatthering.

“It’snot.Youlikeshinythings,andItoldyou,Ihavethemeanstotakecareofyou.Whatdoyousay,Ana?Willyoumarryme?”

Anemotionalsmile

stretchedherface,andshenoddedasthefirsttearslippedtohercheek.“Yes,Easton.I’llmarryyou.”

“I’llmakeyouhappy,”hepromisedasheslippedtheringontoherfinger.“I’llalwayskeeptryingtobebetterforyou.”

Sheshookherhead

andcuppedhischeeks,liftinghiswildgazetohers.“You’realreadyperfectforme.”

ChapterSeventeen

Nervesflutteredin

Aviana’sstomachlikebutterflywings.“Youlookgrumpy.”

Easton’sfrowndeepenedashehookedhis

armoverthesteeringwheelofhispickupandgasseditupasteephill.“Ijustdon’tunderstandwhythoseassholescouldn’twaitfiveminutes.ItoldthemIwasrunninglate.”

Yeah,he’dbeenlatebecauseshemightormightnothavehiddenallhiswork

jeansinthebackofhiscloset.She’dneededtobuythecrewalittlebitmoretime,though,sodesperatetimesandmeasuresandall.

“Areyousureyouaren’tgoingtogetboredtoday?”heasked.“It’shot,andwatchingusstriplumberwon’tbeanyfun.Andwhy

areyouwearingthosecontraptions?”Helookedpointedlyatherwedgeheelsshe’dworntomatchherpastelpinksundress.

“Iwanttolookprettyforyou.”

“Ana,youlookprettyinwhateveryouwear.Thosepokeyshoesaren’tsafeto

wearoutonthelanding.Youcouldbreakanankle.Andputahardhaton.”Hisbeargrowledalongrattlingsoundinhischestashereachedintohisbackseat,thenhandedherayellowhat.Hedraggedhisgazebacktotheswitchbackhewasmaneuveringandadded,“Please.”

Shewastryingherbesttohideasmile.Eastonwasoverprotective,nomatterhowhardhetriednottobe.Hisbear’sinstinctsgotkickedupeasily,andshesecretlyadoredthathefussedoverhersafety.

Shedidasheaskedandsettledthehatonher

head.Itwasgoingtomessuphercurls,butthatwasokay.Pursingherlips,shefiddledwithherengagementring,twistingitbackandforth.Shecouldn’thelpbutwatchhim.Theywerealmostthere,andallofthesecrethardworkwasabouttopayoff.Shehoped.

Eastonshotherasuspiciousglance,thenpulledhisattentionbacktothelastbighillbeforetheyreachedthelanding.WhentheoldFordcrestedthetop,Eastoneasedoffthegasashiseyeswentround.

Thelandingwasfullofpeople,allwaitingforhim.

“Whatisthis?”heaskedashepulledtoastopinfrontofthecrowd.

“They’reallhereforyou.”

“Forme?”Sheswallowedher

emotionsdownandwhispered,“Todayisourweddingday.”

Eastonletoffasmallgaspandblinkedhardatherbeforehelookedattheirweddingguestsagain.“Didyoubegthemtocome?”

“No,Easton.Theycamebecausetheycareaboutyou.”

Hepushedopenthedoorandstoodbesidehis

truck,staringatthecrowdandlookingshockedtohisbones.

MomwascryingfromwheresheandDadstoodwiththeGrayBacks,frontandcenter.Willaletoffashrillwhistleandbeganclapping.Theothersjoinedin,cheeringandwhooping.Taganandhis

AsheCrewweretherebehindtheGrayBacks,alongwithKongandhisLowlandersandHarrisonandhisBoarlanders.EvenClintonwastherewithhisnewcrew,lookingemotionalasheclappedwiththeothers.DamonDayestoodofftotheside,holdinghisgreat-granddaughter,

Rowan,asCreedstoodbesidehim,smilingproudlyatEaston.

Avianawalkedaroundthefrontofthetruckandnudgedhisside.“Whatdoyousay?Youwanttomarrymetoday?”

Eastonwasnoddingoverandoverashiseyes

rimmedwithemotion.“Good,”shesaid,

tugginghishandtowardtheAsheCrew’salpha.Taganwascertifiedtoperformceremonies,andwhenshe’dbravedtheAshelandMobileParktoaskhimtoofficiatethewedding,heandhiscrewhadofferedtohelpherand

theGrayBacksplaneverything.

ShewipedherdamplasheswiththebackofherhandassheledEastontotheedgeofthelandingwhereherparentshaddecoratedthemachinerywithwhiteribbonsandoversizedbouquetsofwildflowers.

“Beforewestart,”Tagansaid,“youralphawantstosayafewwords.”

Creedsteppedforwardandclearedhisthroat.“Easton,fromthedayyouaskedmetotakeyouintomycrew,Iknewyouwerespecial.Iknewyouhadgreatnessinyou.WhenI

cameupwithourname,theGrayBacks,InamedusforyouandyoursilverbearbecauseIknewyouhadpotentialtobethebestofusifyoujustputinthework.Andoverthepastcoupleofyears,I’vewatchedyougrowandopenupinwaysthatIcouldn’timaginewhenIfirst

sawyou,wild-eyedandbarelyincontrol.Andnowyou’vefoundAna,andI’msodamnedproudwhenIseehowwellyoutreather.Howhardyoutrywiththerestofusnow.”Creednodded,darkeyesfilling.“Andtoday,IcansayIwasright.Youreallyarethebestofus.Youturnedout

tobeoneofmybestfriendsandamanIadmiredeeplyfornevergivingup.I’msohappyforyou,man.”Hisvoicecrackedonthelastword,andheturnedasGiahandedhimathickbrownenvelope.

AsCreedrippedopenthesealedflap,EastonhuggedAvianatightlyagainst

hissideandseemedcompletelyoverwhelmedwithemotionashetossedherhardhattotheground.Hekissedherhairlineandlethislipslingerthere.

“Easton,yourmatecametomeandtoldmeyou’vealwayswantedtovisitsomeplacefaraway.AndI

knowyoudon’tthinkyou’rereadytogoalone,orevenjustwithAviana,butweallchippedinand…well…here.”HehandedEastontheopenedenvelope.

Easton’schintrembledashepulledtheitineraryoutandscannedthefirstcoupleofpages.“The

GrandCanyon?”hewhisperedasheliftedadisbelievinggazetoCreed.

“We’reallgoingwithyou,man.Allofyourcrew.Yourpeople.Yourfriends.We’lltakeyouthereandmakesureyoustayincontrol.Damonhasgivenustheentireweekoff,sowe’re

leavingtomorrowmorning.Easton…”Creedsaid,grippinghisshouldersandshakinghimslowly.“It’sgoingtobeamazing.”

“Oh,man.Ijust—faraway?”EastonfumbledhiswordsashehuggedCreedhardandclappedhimontheback.“Thankyou.”

“Allright,let’sgetthesetwohitched,”Tagansaidthroughagrin.“Thereceptionbarbecueisgettingcold.”

AvianalaughedthicklyandsquaredhershouldersuptoEaston,thentookhishandsinhers.Youready,shemouthed.

Easton’sglowingeyeswerecertainashenodded.

Tagan’swordswereloudandclear,echoingacrossthelandingwhenhesaid,“WearegatheredheretodaytowitnessthematrimonyofAvianaKingandEastonNovak.”

“No,”hermatesaid

low,searchinghereyes.“It’snotEaston.”Aslowsmilespreadacrosshisface.“It’sBeaston.”

Surprise

Announcement

Kongwillgethisstoryin

LowlanderSilverback

ComingOctober2015

NewRelease

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ReadT.S.Joyce’sbestsellingSaw

Bearsseries.

Completeseries,availablenow.

LumberjackWerebear(Book1)

WoodcutterWerebear(Book2)

TimbermanWerebear(Book3)

SawmanWerebear(Book4)

AxmanWerebear(Book5)

WoodsmanWerebear(Book6)

LumbermanWerebear(Book7)

OtherSeriesbyT.S.

Joyce

FireBears

BearMySoul(Book1)

BeartheBurn(Book2)

BeartheHeat(Book3)

BearValleyShifters

TheWitnessandtheBear(Book1)

DevotedtotheBear(Book2)

ReturntotheBear(Book3)

BetraytheBear(Book4)

RedeemtheBear(Book5)

BearValleyValentine(Valentine’s

DayNovella)

HellsCanyon

Shifters

CalloftheBear(Book1)

FealtyoftheBear(Book2)

AvengetheBear(Book3)

ClaimtheBear(Book4)

HeartoftheBear(Book5)

WolfBrides

WolfBride(Book1)

RedSnowBride(Book2)

DawsonBride(Book3)

StandaloneShifter

Romance

CovetedbytheBear

Amazon

Standalone

Contemporary

Romance

ShelterMeHome

Amazon

AbouttheAuthor

T.S.Joyce

T.S.Joyceisdevotedto

bringinghotshifterromancesto

readers.Hungryalphamalesare

hercallingcard,andthewilderthe

men,themoreshe'llmakethem

pourtheirheartsout.Experienced

athandlinganalphamaleofher

own,shelivesinatinytown,

outsideofatinycity,anddevotes

herlifetowritingbigstories.

Foodie,bearwhisperer,ninja,thief

oftinybottlesofawesome

smellinghotelshampoo,nap

connoisseur,moviefanatic,and

zombieslayer,andmostofthisbio

istrue.

BearShifters?Check

SmolderingAlphaHotness?

DoubleCheck

SexyScenes?Fastenupyour

girdles,ladiesandgents,it’sgonna

tobeawildride.

FormoreinformationaboutT.

S.Joyceandherwork,visither

websitehere.

ContentsOtherBooksinthisSeriesCopyrightChapterOneChapterTwoChapterThreeChapterFourChapterFiveChapterSixChapterSevenChapterEightChapterNineChapterTen

ChapterElevenChapterTwelveChapterThirteenChapterFourteenChapterFifteenChapterSixteenChapterSeventeenSurpriseAnnouncementNewsletterSign-UpWantMoreofThese

Characters?OtherSeriesbyT.S.

JoyceBearValleyShiftersHellsCanyonShiftersWolfBrides

StandaloneShifterRomance

StandaloneContemporaryRomance

AbouttheAuthor