Time was running out and there was nowhere for her to run with any hope of out distancing her hunters. Looking up at the towering trees above her, a plan formed in her mind. Rushing to the closest one she gripped a lower branch and began pulling herself up. Higher and higher she climbed until she was half way up and concealed by the snow covered branches.
“Look around, she couldn’t have gotten far.”
Brushing her long, pale hair away from her face, she waited, holding her breath as the grunting sounds of the two burly men drew near. Their footsteps paused below her before moving forward to search her out. They circled around her position in a wide circle and much to her delight, never once did they look up.
A moment later the shorter man paused beside her tree to sling his rifle over his shoulder as he reached for his flashlight. The click of the flash light made her heart jump, making her silently pray that they wouldn’t see her boot prints at the base of the tree. Luckily for her, he walked right though her boot prints without spying them.
“There are no tracks over here. The bitch must have gone this way.” He mumbled to his companion, pointing with his flashlight beyond his position. Her heart to seize with fear as the second man came to join the other, his head tilted toward the direction his partner pointed. The taller one shined his flashlight in same direction without saying a word. Above them she gripped the rough trunk as she struggled to hold her shivering body still. Silently she willed them to move on, but neither of them made a move.
“Let’s split up.” The taller one decreed. “You go this way and I’ll double back and make sure she didn’t slip past us.” He said, indicating with his flashlight. The second man nodded in agreement before they both followed their decided paths.
The moment both of them were gone, she felt the adrenaline rush from her head, making her dizzy. She’d lost them, for now. She waited for a few more moments before she began climbing back down. The second her feet touched solid ground she moved straight ahead, the one direction neither one had taken.
She didn’t know how much time had passed since she’d been moving in the same direction. It felt like hours and the cold was only making moving harder. Every step she took was slow and cautious as she feared her path would cross with her pursuers again. She was forced to stop as she came to the edge of a wide flowing brook. Looking around she saw there was no way around the—no doubt-- icy stream. Cursing her luck she stepped down into the gentle flowing current. The icy water soaked the legs of her pants and leaked into her boots. Reluctantly she moved across, cringing at the cold temperature of the water.
Reaching the other side she climbed out of the brook and onto more snowy ground. Her legs and feet felt like a block of ice was tethered to each one. Fighting to ignore the feeling she prayed that she’d put enough distance between herself and the two men. Wrapping her arms around herself she took in her surroundings. Still there was nothing but endless trees and snow with no sign of a road or house anywhere. A wave of hopelessness hit her despite her will to ignore it. She needed to find some type of shelter and get warm or she wouldn’t last in this element for long. Slowly walking along, she was just about to debate whether she should seek shelter high up in a tree again when her eyes noticed something. To her left, a short distance away was a cave that nature had carved out of the side of a rocky formation near the gentle brook. Moving closer she inspected the inside to be sure it was empty, a grateful smile graced her lips as she found it was.
The interior of the cave was covered in dry leaves and cold earth. The smell of soggy wood and dirt filled her senses. Bending down slightly she slowly entered the dark space. Inside the cave had to be no bigger than the length of her cell, but it would do for shelter this night. Except for the sound of flowing water nearby the woods around her was quiet. She could only hope the dark shelter would hide her presence from her pursuers for a few hours while she rested.
Lowering herself down to the ground, she quickly pulled her wet boots off. Turning them upside down she wasn’t surprised when a bit of water poured out of them. Not ready to put her feet back in them just yet she lowered herself onto her side as she faced to mouth of the cave. Her wound along her ribs burned with her movement causing her to wince.
Choosing to ignore the pain in her side, she drew her knees to her chest as she struggled to stay awake. She’d been running for so long, what harm was there in resting for a minute? As the thought drifted through her mind, her eyes drifted shut against her will. She could only hope that she’d survive to see the morning.
* ~ * ~ *
You’re mine…
Doyle grinned as his eyes followed the female he’d been tracking for the last half an hour. The predator had his prey. Slowly edging out from the cover of the trees, he moved closer. His heavy feet were silent against the sinking snow under his weight. If he moved too soon, she’d become aware of his presence and run away. But tonight was his night and tonight he would feast.
Her feet froze in mid step, casting a look around the surrounding trees. She knew he was watching, yet she stayed. Waiting…waiting to see what he would do this night. Would he spare her like he'd done the last time their paths crossed? Or would he finally catch her? He enjoyed the uncontainable power that he felt when in his grizzly form. His immense form made him the perfect hunter. Every creature in his forest should respect and fear him.
All day, his human skin had burned, feeling too small for his immense muscular frame. His bear was wound so tight that he was snapping at everyone he’d come in contact with today. If he didn't get more of a handle on his bear, someone was going to get hurt. He never felt more alive than he was now as he stalked his prey. Hunting within his territory in his superior form was the only joy he seemed to feel lately.
There were times he regretted becoming Alpha over his region like his father before him. It was too much responsibility and too many people wanting him to fix their problems. It was much easier being the Alpha’s son than Alpha himself. Though grizzly bears didn't run in packs like wolves, His pack consisted of not just grizzly shifters but others as well. To keep order, there had always been an appointed a leader to govern over all the shifters in his territory. That meant more work for him and less time to let loose his animal. Tonight was the first time in weeks he was able to relax and he planned on enjoying it.
Unable to contain his animal urges any more, he watched as the doe lowered her head once again, searching once again for any vegetation that she could eat. Without wasting a second his bear charged, emitting a thunderous roar as his massive strength came down upon the helpless doe. Before she could even make the move to run, she was in his clutches.
Moments later; he couldn’t help feeling satisfaction as he stared down at the remainder of his kill. Scavengers of the forest would work to dispose of the rest of his kill. He was always careful not to leave half eaten deer’s lying around on his property. The last thing he wanted was the police thinking they had a vicious animal on the loose.
Lumbering away from the carcass, he slowly made his way to his cabin in the seclusion of the woods. These days this was as exciting as his life was. Hunting by night in his bear form and then returning to the solace of his cabin, deep in the woods of his pack’s territory. Barely noticing his surroundings as he trudged forward, he found himself nearly stumbling into a tree as a scent drifting on the wind quickly distracted him.
The scent was strong and addictive. Like the sweetest of berries being held out before him, tempting him for a taste. Never in a million years did he ever smell anything so delicious. He felt a part of his inner animal reaching out, as though it were grasping for something. There was only one thing that could smell that good and draw his animal from its hidden depths.
Mate. His mate.
Turning in the direction of the coming wind, he charged forward. He took in more and more of the alluring scent with every heavy step. As he followed the scent trail, he focuses on the other scents that accompanied it. The bitter taste of fear an
d pain filled his senses. Shaking his massive brown head, his clawed feet dug deeper into the ground beneath them.
His bear bit back an angry rumble at the idea of someone hurting the one meant only for him. Was she injured? She wasn’t a shifter. Her scent would have told him otherwise. Did that mean she was human? No, the scent was too sweet smelling to be a human.
A million questions filtered through his head about his mate. He didn't question what he’d done in his life to deserve to find his mate so easily, but he planned to thank God for it as soon as he got his unseen mate home.
As the scent became stronger, his steps slowed as other scents became known as well. His wide snout cringed at the scents of humans. There were hunters in the forest. Could they be hunting his mate? He had no answers to his unending questions, but was relieved to know that scent trail of the human was leading far in the opposite direction.
Continuing on, Doyle slowed as he came to a shadowy cave carved into a rocky foundation. As he approached the entrance, he had no idea what he would find, but nothing prepared him for what he did find.
Entering the dark interior his sharp gaze fell on the huddled form of a young woman. Her knees were drawn up to her chest as her unprotected arms wrapped around her middle, hugging herself against the cold. The side of her face was buried amongst the brittle dirt and leaves of the ground. She was built just like a woman should be. With soft curves meant to cradle her mate during a long night of loving and yet her limbs were shaped with feminine muscle. Her full lips and already pale skin had a blue tint to them from harsh cold temperatures. Her hair was the color of golden sunlight.
Her thin shirt molded her breast against the soft material as her nipples stood out from the temping mounds. He wanted to change to his human form so that he may cup each full mound and weigh them with each of his hands. A groan was rumbled in the back of his throat at the image he invoked. He didn't know wither to drool or shake his head at the craziness of gazing upon his unconscious mate. What type of man did it make him that he was tempted to touch an unconscious woman? More importantly, what type of woman went walking through the woods in winter with barely any clothes? Her shoes were no different, tossed to the side he could see they were worn and soaked.
He felt his curiosity perk up. Who was she? Why would she be in the middle of the Quebec forest of Canada without proper clothing? There were too many questions and with no supply of answers. Her huddled and shaking form called to his inner bear. If that wasn’t enough, his bear growled as he picked up the scent of blood. She was hurt.
Protect. His inner bear demanded.
She wouldn’t survive out here in the cold if he didn't get her back to the warmth of his cabin soon. But how could he move her without waking her? He doubted she’d react calmly if she awoke to a naked man or even a thousand pound grizzly near her. Without seeing another option, he grinded his sharp canines together, silently steeled himself for the cold two mile hike ahead of him.
Taking a breath, Doyle shifted into his human form. The cold air hitting his back caused him to bite down on his inner cheek. Crouching down near his sleeping mate, he reached his hand to her face. She seemed so still, almost as though she were a carved piece of art than flesh and blood. Brushing her hair from her face, he was hoping to feel its soft, silky texture. Instead her golden-white hair was hard and encrusted with ice.
Bending down, Doyle slipped his arms under her limp form. When she didn't awaken while being moved, he felt intense concern for her deep unconsciousness and her blue tinted face. His sharp eyes spotted a blood stain on her side as he moved her, causing his arms to tighten around her fragile form. He just hoped he didn't find her too late. Wasting no more time, he exited from the cave with his mate wrapped in his secure embrace. It was time to get his mate home and claimed, before any other discovered his prize.
All shifters had only one true mate; a mate for not just their human half but their animal as well. Once the claiming of a true mate was complete it caused a shifters spirit to fully emerge and bonds to the human one. Already without claiming her, he could feel his bear’s thoughts and his desires blending amongst his own. He had to get his mate out of the open until he could claim her as his. Other shifters weren’t above stealing another shifter’s recently acquired mate if she was a worthy prize. Though it didn’t happen often, it wasn’t unheard of. This was why he had to move quickly. She was his and he and his bear would kill anyone that thought otherwise. Hopefully when she awoke in a warm cozy bed, she’d be more willing to give him some answers on who she was and maybe much more.
* ~ * ~ *
Tap…Tap…Tap…
Helen Malca looked down at the files laid out across her desk smirking with pride. The pictures among all the files, showed all of Aria's progress. Her results from her latest biological test were remarkable, and showed great promise! For the first time in years the serum works! This was just what she needed to further her funding and bring her brilliance out of the shadows. Now the evidence of her greatest success was missing?
Clenching her bony fingers around her tapping pencil, the thin wood snapped with a loud sound in the dark confines of her office. Where was she? With a look of disgust, Helen threw the split pieces of the pencil across the room. She was the only one that had the genius to create the perfect killing machine and with one mistake, Aria was gone. The other projects were a success, but Aria was different and all more dangerous since her ability was just surfacing.
The shrill ringing of her cell broke through the silence as her smart phone spun in a circle against the desk. Snatching the thin device up, she glared down at the number that was flashing across the lit up screen. With a sneer she placed the phone to her ear.
“You better be calling to inform me that you have Aria in custody.” She sneered into the phone.
“Just checking in, we picked up her trail in the woods, she won’t get far.” A raspy voice answered drolly.
“I don’t want to hear about how you have her trail. What I want is to hear that you have her; tranquilized, caged and on the way back here. I don’t want to hear from you until then!” she snapped. These idiot guards were going to make a mess of everything if she didn't have Aria in her custody soon.
“Maybe we’d be able to catch your property quicker if you would allow the use of more force.”
“No. I was clear; she is not to be harmed.” She insisted forcefully.
“If you’re concerned about this girl spilling your secrets, it may be smarter to just let us take care of the problem.”
“Are you hard of hearing? I gave you specific orders and I chose the both of you because you claimed to know how to handle delicate situations. She is the secret. Furthermore; if she isn’t recovered, in one piece; it will not just be my head on the chopping block, but yours as well.” Taking a deep breath, she rose from her chair to pace in front of her cluttered desk.
“Understood,”
“You have until dawn. If I don’t have her here by that time, I will have to consider other options.”
“We’ll get her. Don’t worry.” Without another word, the call was disconnected.
Unable to control her anger, Helen threw her phone across the room. The sound of the thin plastic shattering as it struck the concrete wall barely gave her any satisfaction. It was clearly a mistake sending two of her mediocre guards to hunt one of her wayward experiments.
Walking back to her desk, swiping her new security badge, she quickly exited her office. Waving the badge over the locking screen beside the door, she turned down the florescent lit hall. Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she made her way down the secure unit.
Armed guards were stationed at every lab, exit and entrance since Aria’s escape. They nodded in acknowledgment as she passed by, but kept a blank expression on their face. To others; she was a woman to be feared; just the way she wanted it.
Striding down a steel staircase; she came to a halt in front of a locked door leading to the containment cell
s. Quickly waving her badge in front of the screen, the low beeping signaled as the door unlocked. Jerking the door open, she quickened along the row of glass plated cells. The cells hummed with electricity reminding her to not step outside of the painted lines on the floor, a foot away from all electric guarded chambers.
Stopping before cell 57, Helen glared down at the two men sitting on the floor with their backs against the sides of the cell. Each one had steal manacles around each wrist, chaining them both to the wall behind them. Neither of the pair looked up at her. Project 50T and 53R were one of many projects that were cloned. Both had short cropped black hair with the body of a career soldier. Enhanced in every way, they were only one of Malca’s previous successes.
“I have a job for you.” both of their heads turned towards her, revealing their void black eyes. “Both of you.” she added with a small smile. Aria wouldn’t be able to hide forever. Soon she’d be back where she belonged and anyone that thought differently wouldn’t stand in her way.
* ~ * ~ *
Meanwhile, back in the woods….
Striding out of the dense forest with his mate secure in his arms, Doyle couldn’t help but grin as his cabin came into view over the next hill. Determined to get his mate inside his warm home, he began racing forward. His mate groaned softly as her limp head bounced against his chest with his quick movements. His eyes glowed with a yellow hue as his bear rose close to the surface, offering more strength to Doyle’s racing body.
Bearing It All (Grizzly Affairs Book 1) Page 2