by Michelle Fox
The grizzly dropped to all fours, making the ground tremble. Swinging its wrecking ball of a head, it stormed forward and pounced, becoming airborne. With ease, the titan overtook its opponent, landing on the black bear’s haunches. The helpless smaller animal was shoved onto its side.
With a threatening growl and fangs flashing, the grizzly clung to the scruff of its enemy while forcing it to submit.
The whites of the black bear’s eyes showed. A pathetic high-pitched squeal whistled through its muzzle.
In a move that surprised her, the grizzly released its captive.
The black bear hobbled onto all fours, coat matted and stumpy tail tucked. With its shoulders hunched, it cowered. Whimpering softly, it scooted backward.
Subdued sounds of power, like the rumble of a diesel engine, rose from deep in the grizzly’s chest. A dismissive snort sent the vanquished one fleeing. The smaller bear scampered down the trail, continually glancing over its shoulder with frightened eyes.
The grizzly turned to face her.
In the fading light, it appeared to be a hulking silhouette against a red sky. With her back to a boulder, she lifted her hands. “Don’t,” she pleaded.
Padding to the edge of the trail, the grizzly gazed down. A moment later, it descended into the chasm and disappeared from view. The sounds of claws striking slate and shifting gravel echoed.
Astonished by the events, she remained immobile with shaking limbs. Now what? A hollow, cold feeling made her fingertips tingle and provided early warning she was slipping into shock. She considered gathering a few scattered items from the ground and attempting to hike back to the highway in the dark, but she didn’t trust her legs to remain solid beneath her. The thought of spending an entire night exposed to the elements and vulnerable to another bear attack brought dread. Lucky animal spirit or not, a double bear encounter was too much.
Another loud grunt alerted her that the bear had returned. Marshaling the last of her strength, she leaped to her feet, ready to kick, punch, and claw—anything but go down without a fight.
The grizzly’s massive snout was the first thing to peer over the side of the trail. What amazed her was the sight of her pack held gingerly in its jaws. It grasped the pack with care, as if aware the objects inside were precious. Using its claws, it hoisted its bulk onto the trail, strolled toward her, and dropped the pack at her feet. Then the beast stepped back and looked at her with bright eyes.
“Thank you,” she blurted.
The bear nodded and dipped low on bended forepaws to bow.
The gesture was so gallant and unexpected. “No way. You do not understand English.”
A bellowing snort cut through the air. The bear nodded again.
She gasped. “You do understand English?”
The bear offered a curt nod.
“If you understand my question, raise your right forepaw.”
One big paw, as wide as a dinner plate, lifted.
“Well, hell! What a clever creature. Be honest, am I going to end up grizzly poop?”
With an enthusiastic shake of its head, the bear denied it.
“Are you sure you’re not just telling me what I want to hear?”
Another dismissive huff burst free of the bear.
“A talking bear?” Placing her hands on her head, she groaned. “I think I’m finally riding the crazy train.”
A rude wet sound sputtered past the bear’s lips.
“Does that reaction mean you don’t think this is crazy?”
The bear shook its head with a growl.
“Of course you don’t see anything odd about this situation because you’re a freaking bear.”
With a shrug of its massive shoulders, the grizzly then turned and wandered over to the trickling waterfall and lapped a drink with its long tongue.
Watching from a few yards away, she realized she didn’t feel the least bit threatened. “You’ve got to be the same bear that saved me from the car wreck.”
A juicy snort crossed the thirsty animal’s lips.
“I’m in your territory, right?”
The bear’s muzzle went up and down so fast it flicked droplets of water all over her.
“Watch what you’re doing! You’re worse than a wet dog shaking after a bath.”
Turning its back to her, the grizzly continued to drink.
While the creature seemed distracted, she knelt and dug her hand deep into the pack. A sealed foil packet of bacon jerky that the black bear had missed came to hand. She opened it, releasing a delicious whiff of smoky fragrance. “Every guidebook and every sign in every national park warns hikers not to feed the bears. So why am I doing something so stupid?”
The grizzly swung its head to the side and looked over its shoulder with nostrils pumping.
“That’s right.” She sprinkled the jerky on the ground and backed away. “You’ve saved me twice. This is a reward. Thank you.”
Taking slow steps, the bear padded toward her and nibbled the treats off the ground, making happy sounds as it gobbled. Once it finished, the grizzly lifted its head and looked at her with an eerily frank expression. Something about the set of the eyes or the direct gaze reminded her of Mac.
The bear made grumbly sounds and the set of its mobile lips could almost be described as a smile.
She thought it odd that California reportedly had no grizzlies and questioned if this bear might be someone’s released-into-the-wild ex-pet. That would explain the creature’s ease with humans. No doubt there was a mystery here. “You liked the bacon jerky, didn’t you?”
Releasing a whistling snort, the bear nodded. This time, with its lips pulled back, it definitely appeared to be smiling.
“Of course you liked it. It’s safe to say all omnivores like bacon.” Reaching forward, she did the unthinkable. With her hand trembling, she stroked the thick fur beneath the powerful jaws. “Hello, friendly, huge, towering bear with daggerlike fangs.”
The bear wiggled its ears as if encouraging her to give its coat a firm scratch.
“I know you’re dangerous as shit, but you’re adorable when you do that.”
With the sun sinking, the temperature dropped. She patted her arms. Two layers of polar fleece wasn’t going to be enough now that night had arrived. “I don’t suppose you’d consider being on your way so I can make camp?” The thought of unfurling her sleeping bag, making a lot of noise, and then climbing inside and presenting herself to the grizzly as a human burrito didn’t seem wise. “I don’t suppose you’d allow me to light a camp stove, would you?”
The bear shook its head. Its loose lips sagged in a frown. With deliberate strides, it approached her, plopped its butt on the ground, and sat upright like a man seated at a kitchen table.
“I knew you’d say no.” She swayed in place. “I’m cold. You should leave so I can start a fire and warm up.”
A soft snort was the only answer offered.
“So, it appears you prefer to stay. That’s unfortunate. Did I mention I left treats for you at the trailhead? There’s honeycomb and more of that jerky you seem to love. You should check it out.”
The bear blinked as if it listened carefully to each word, yet remained near. Then it rolled onto its side and stretched out, its long body almost as wide as the trail. Lifting a shaggy forearm, it curled its paw as if beckoning her to come closer.
“No thank you. I’m fine right where I am. Besides, I’d probably get fleas.”
“Grrru!” A huff of disdain sputtered out.
“You’re a big hairy creature. Fleas happen. Don’t take it personally.”
The grizzly dipped its muzzle and looked up at her with sad puppy dog eyes.
“Who taught you how to do that? Please, don’t look at me that way. It’s so unfair.”
Reaching out, the bear deftly anchored a claw onto her jacket and drew her between its paws. Hooked like a fish, she was forced to slide next to the bear.
“What are you doing?” Andi was astonished to be gently dra
wn into the creature’s arms and cradled against its chest. Once locked in the embrace, it was impossible to pull free. With surprising gentleness the bear licked the salty tracks of her tears from her cheeks. The earthy scent of fur filled her senses. The grizzly’s body radiated heat. Its barrel chest pumped air like a bellows as its heart thumped a soothing rhythm. The first tense moments passed uneventfully without a hint of danger. As her fears faded, she came to the reluctant conclusion that the bear provided a comforting presence, pleasant to be near.
She relaxed and allowed the bear to hold her. Perhaps the bear’s original owner was a woman who fawned over him as a cub? Maybe human contact was what he craved? Poor creature. She wondered how he ended up in the wild. With a cautious touch, she stroked its dense coat. The bear made soft puffing sounds when she dug her fingers into its fur and scratched her fingernails against skin. Minutes passed and no harm came to her. Soon, the sensation of being shielded from the cold by a big, protective creature lulled her into a twilight state. The bear fell asleep. It snored peacefully with its forearms encircling her. Against all logic, and perhaps from the effects of an exhausting day, she allowed herself to slip into a trancelike doze.
When Andi awoke, a half-moon sat high in the sky. The bear had released her, exposing her to the chill of night. Her skin pebbled. Squinting, she glanced around. Only yards away, the bear slurped another drink from the waterfall. When it noticed she was awake, it strolled over to the pack, picked it up with its teeth, and returned to her. Then it did something puzzling. Stretching its paws forward, it bowed like a sphinx at her feet.
She reached out to pet the top of its head. “What are you doing?”
The bear made eye contact. Moonlight reflected off its wet muzzle. The muscles of its back rippled, making the fur dance.
“Do you want me to scratch your back?”
The bear grunted and shook its head.
“What? I don’t know what you want. You seem to understand English, but I don’t speak bear.”
It hunkered low, wiggled its shoulder blades, and made the heavy ridge of fur along its spine shiver.
A shocking thought occurred. “You want me to climb onto your back?”
A growl of agreement boomed.
“Oh.” She recoiled. “I don’t know about that. My guess is it would be a mighty precarious ride.”
The bear scooted closer and nuzzled its head against her leg. With a gentle push, it pinned her against his side and gave her a firm nudge as if encouraging her to mount.
“Are you sure?”
The bear crumpled its brow.
“Promise me you will not walk too close to the edge of the trail.”
The bear replied with a loud snort and flattened itself to the ground, and waited.
Cautiously, Andi swung a leg over its back, grabbed hold of its thick scruff, and hoisted herself gracelessly astride with legs splayed. The bear drew a deep breath, making its massive ribcage swell. Squeezing her thighs against the bear’s haunches, she lay belly down and clung to its fur. The bear rose on all fours, swaying as it adjusted to her weight. She slid to the side and almost fell. “Whoa!” she called. “Slow down. Let me get used to this.”
Placing one paw in front of the other with regal dignity, the bear took leisurely steps.
Her fingers dug deep into the pelt to steady herself. “Oh, my God. Look at me.” She gasped. “I’m riding Smoky the Bear!”
Lowering its head, the bear scooped the straps on her pack into its jaws and lumbered along the trail.
Glancing over the bear’s humped shoulder, she observed what was happening. “You’re going to slobber soak that pack, aren’t you? Eh. Go ahead. The fabric’s water resistant.”
The first hundred yards were tense. With each ambling step the bear took, Andi expected to slide to the ground. Her fingers ached from holding on so tight. The great comfort was that the bear’s flanks were well padded. The thick fur provided a lovely source of warmth. Leaning close, she had all the heat she needed on the cool spring night. As the animal’s gait became smooth and steady, her grip relaxed and she even allowed her arms to dangle, giving her aching hands a rest. She snuggled her face into the fur. “Why aren’t we riding grizzlies all the time? This is pure luxury!”
As they rounded the bend, the western face came into view. Lit by moonlight, the canyon was bathed in shades of violet and frosty silver. A swath of stars glittered above. The beauty of the Sierras at night pierced her heart. What a way to see the world, from atop the back of a big-ass bear. She kissed the bear’s shoulder. “I could get used to this.”
Seemingly content with her company, the bear padded along.
Moving steadily downhill, they traveled at a brisk pace. In a fraction of the time, the bear was able to cover a distance that had taken her half a day to walk. With the moon still high in the sky, she saw the trailhead.
When they reached the road, the bear grumbled and dropped the pack. With forearms folded, it bowed to allow her to safely dismount.
“Is this the end of the line?” Andi slid from the bear’s back and gave it a pat. “Thank you,” she whispered. Taking a good look, she thought the creature especially handsome, with rounded ears and a broad face. With breathy exhilaration, she pointed toward the shrine. “I left some treats down there for you.”
The bear bumped its head against her hand in what might have been a gesture of gratitude.
“Tonight was pretty special. It’s the second time you’ve saved me, and I really enjoyed the ride.” She paused. “Oh, God, I sound pathetic, don’t I? I’m pleading with a bear to call me.”
Without warning, the bear turned and dashed into the brush at the side of the road. She heard a loud commotion as the creature crashed through the undergrowth, but the chaotic sounds made it impossible to tell in which direction it headed. Long moments passed and the grizzly did not return.
Dazed, Andi picked up her pack, damp straps and all, slung it onto her shoulders, and started the hike toward the ranger station. “I guess I’ll be spending the rest of the night in my car.”
As Mac charged toward the ranger station in bear form, the breath thundered in his chest. On all fours, he was free to avoid the dirt road and power straight up the side of the mountain, but he still had to be careful to stay out of Andi’s line of sight.
A thrill rushed through him. He’d spent hours with her and done nothing regrettable. She’d not been scared to be near him, and most importantly, this time he’d controlled himself in the face of temptation, wafting she-bear scent and all. He’d not given in to the impulse to bite her a second time without her consent. His good behavior proved nothing less than a miracle. The desire to claim her and flood her system with bear pheromones had burned fiercely, but knowing it was selfish to do so, he’d resisted.
The entire time he’d been walking with her clinging to his back like a cub, he’d thought, I’ve changed. Or more accurately, his bear had become more understanding and compassionate than he’d ever suspected. For years, he’d considered his bear to be the primal part of him. The piece of his soul that acted instinctually, but tonight, the bear had behaved as admirably as any furry, four-legged gentleman could.
Coming to her rescue in bear form had been a huge risk, but there had been no choice. He originally planned to stroll up on her camp at nightfall and make a lame excuse for being there. “Hi. Hello. How are you? I got your note and thought I better check in….” Then invite himself to stay and keep an eye on her safety. But the unwelcome appearance of the black bear made the discreet approach impossible. As strong as his human body was, he was no match for a horny male bear. He’d been forced to strip, shift, and race to the rescue. Once he’d appeared in grizzly form, he was trapped. He couldn’t shift back and stand in front of Andi naked and expect her to be okay with it. As matters now stood, he had a second hike ahead of him tomorrow to retrieve his pack filled with clothes from its hiding place on the western face. Inconvenient, but he didn’t regret following her one
bit. She had bonded with his bear self, but the greatest hurdle remained. Would she like him for him, minus the effect of his initial bite, which obliviously still played havoc in her bloodstream?
When he reached the front porch, he bounded up the steps, shifted into human form, and lifted the flower box where he’d stashed an extra set of keys.
“Brr.” The night was too chilly to be running around bare-ass naked. It took a few moments to adjust to the sensation of using fingers again instead of paws. He fumbled to insert the key into the lock and kept missing the slot. “Come on,” he groaned. “I’m a big naked dude, stomping around on my porch in the middle of the night. This is not going to look good.”
Finally, the key slipped inside the lock and turned. The front door opened. He glanced over his shoulder. Luckily, Andi was nowhere in sight. He likely had a half-hour lead. Entering the cabin, Mac turned on a couple of soft lights, set a kettle on the stove to heat, and threw a split log into the iron stove.
Turning on the shower, he leaped under the steaming spray and washed the scent of bear from his skin with a bar of citrus-scented deodorant soap. By the time he got out of the shower, the kettle was whistling. He wrapped a towel around his waist and hurried to turn off the stove. Then he poured hot water and a large handful of dried herbs into the teapot.
The crunch of boots on gravel startled him. Andi had already arrived. He had way underestimated her speed. Opening the front door, he stepped onto the front porch, a cold breeze chilling his damp skin. “Hey!” he called.
She glanced up. “Hi! I saw your lights on from down the road. I was surprised. I thought you’d be out until tomorrow.”
“My plans changed.”
“So did mine. I’m not going to bother you. I’m in sort of a weird state of mind. I should probably just get in my car and drive down the mountain.”
“Don’t do that. Aren’t you exhausted?”
Her pace slowed, as if she were undecided about coming any closer. “I am. Yesterday, I hit the road at five a.m. My plan was to sleep in my car until sunrise and then go.” As she approached, a faint smile crossed her lips. “You’re wearing only a towel. Aren’t you freezing?”