by Lia Davis, Milly Taiden, Kerry Adrienne, Vella Day, Andie Devaux
Twitter: velladay4
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Waking the Bear
By
Kerry Adrienne
Waking the Bear
Amy Francis needs a getaway. She’s lost her job and her boyfriend and she wants some “me” time. She rents a cabin in the mountains and plans to paint and relax, not realizing she’s dropped in the middle of a turf war—and she’s one of the stakes.
Griff Martin didn’t want to rent his cabin to the artist, but as soon as he meets her, he’s compelled to know more about her. But when she becomes a pawn in the upcoming shifter war, he has to decide whether to let her go or tell her everything.
Chapter One
“From the description in the ad, I kinda expected something a little…” Amy looked around the small living room. “Bigger, maybe? Yeah, it has tall ceilings and an open floor plan, but—” Could she live in such a small space? The cabin was quaint, but tiny—nothing like her home back in Atlanta, where she had a separate studio and a guest bedroom.
“I think you’ll find the cabin has plenty of room for your needs. You’re the only tenant, right?” The real estate agent plumped up one of the couch cushions and a spray of fine dust rose into the air. “The place does need airing out. It’s not rented out in winter while the landlord is unavailable.”
“Yeah, just me. And I can spring clean it, no problem.” Amy pushed aside the curtains to peek out the wide living room window. The view was stunning. The east-facing window would bring in the perfect morning light for painting, and waking up in such paradise would soothe her soul.
Rolling mountains surrounded the little cabin like a rumpled bedspread after a dream-filled night. From the porch swing, she’d have a great view of the expansive national park as it parted into a deep valley. Hadn’t she wanted something secluded where she could paint and figure out what to do with her life? A fresh start after Darren and leaving a job she hated but felt compelled to keep because it was the responsible thing to do?
She sighed. Yes. The cabin was perfect. So what if it was small—she didn’t need a ton of room. “I’ll take it.” I think. “Tell the owner I’ll pay the two months’ rent in full as soon as she draws up the contract. It would be great if we could sign today so I don’t have to find somewhere to stay the night.”
“The owner’s a he.” The agent smiled. “Mr. Martin is the ranger for this area. Since he moved into the government-provided house down the ridge, he rents out his old cabin.”
“Fine. He. She. Whatever. When can I sign the lease and move in?” Amy pushed the curtains back into place. Before she could work on anything, she’d need to give the place a thorough cleaning. And that meant a trip into town for cleaning supplies and food—she only had a cooler and a couple sandwiches with her. “How close are we to Oakwood? I drove straight here through Henredon, but Oakwood’s closer, yes?” If she signed the lease soon, she could wait and head into town in the morning. If not, she’d need to get a hotel room for the night.
“Yes. The town is fifteen minutes away, at most. Henredon is forty-five and in the other direction.” The agent shuffled papers in her notebook. “And I have the rental agreement right here. I went ahead and drew it up because I knew once you saw the cabin, you’d want to rent the place. People always do—photos on the Internet can’t do the view justice. It’s one of the nicest short-term rentals within fifty miles. Too bad he doesn’t rent the place in the winter season.”
“Yeah, I would think there would be interest in winter. The view is spectacular.” Amy ran her hand over the soft chenille spread draped over the couch’s back. “Let’s make this legal. Has Mr. Martin already signed the lease?” The drive from Atlanta had taken two days, the last of which meandered through tiny roads in New York. Having a bed for more than one night, a bed she could call her own for a while, was pretty appealing.
“I’ll call him right now.” The agent pulled out her phone. “The ranger station is down the valley near the park entrance. If we’re lucky, he’s home and can come over right away. I’m sure he’s as eager as you are for the place to be rented.”
“Thanks! I’m going to check out the bedroom.” Didn’t matter how small the bedroom was, the cabin was worth the rent just for the location.
The agent nodded and tapped at her phone. Amy headed down the narrow hallway to the only bedroom and bathroom. She pushed the door open and flicked on the light. The room held a king-sized bed and a dresser with a beveled mirror above it. Practical. Sufficient. And larger than she expected. She moved to the closet door and yanked it open. Adequate. She didn’t have a lot of clothes and shoes with her anyway.
Yes, this will work very well.
She sat on the bed. With linens provided, she wouldn’t have a lot of laundry—the rent included linen delivery service. Good thing, as the place wasn’t equipped for washing. She could hit the Laundromat in town every ten days or so and be fine, and that still left plenty of time to paint and think and be alone. Possibly even figure out what her next step would be once she returned to Atlanta.
She lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. Was living away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta for two months really what she wanted to do? Her job at ADvert Inc. had been stressful and busy. That, plus a failing relationship made holing up all alone in a cabin pretty damn appealing. When she’d been laid off, one of her first thoughts had been that she’d finally have time to paint. With her generous severance pay, she had enough money to live for several months, so a two-month vacation had seemed like the perfect transition to the next phase of her life—maybe she’d do something completely different when she got back.
Truly a fresh start.
The options seemed endless and overwhelming, and none of them stood out as the right choice. Making big decisions had never been one of her strengths. What if she made the wrong one?
“Ms. Francis?” The realtor pushed the bedroom door open. “He’s here. Fortunately, I caught him at home.” She giggled. “I woke him up, but he hopped in his jeep and headed over to get the paperwork taken care of.”
Amy sat up. “Thanks. Gimme a sec. I’ll be right there.”
The realtor nodded and left, a tiny maelstrom of dust swirling in her wake.
Amy looked around the bedroom, noting the lack of things hanging on the walls and the plain curtains and comforter on the bed. Soon, there’d be no backing out. She’d be out the rent money whether she stayed the whole rental period or not. She believed in making commitments and seeing them through, and even if things weren’t going well, she stuck them out. Like Darren. Like the soul-sucking job that quashed her creativity. She stayed with both until both ousted her, even though they both felt wrong at the time. Her indecisiveness had led to months of unhappiness.
If she signed the contract for the cabin, she’d stay. She took a deep breath. I can do this. I’m tired of being told what to do, how to do it, and who to do it with.
Sunlight seared in through the bedroom window, lighting up the space with a golden glow. Yes, this could be her chance for a new beginning. Maybe the only one she’d ever get. She had to take it and make the most out of it, right? Spring was the season of rejuvenation and renewal, and the perfect time for her transition.
She’d sign the rental contract and take time to figure her life out. Happy with the small victory against her indecision, she stood and smoothed out the comforter. Already, the little cabin felt familiar—like it was supposed to be hers. All that was left was signing on the dotted line and giving the realtor a check.
When Amy stepped into the living room, she noticed the backside of Mr. Martin, or rather, his broad back. He was tall—over six feet—maybe six four. He dwarfed the room. Dressed in a blue flannel button-up and jeans, he looked nothing like a park ranger. She’d expected some Smokey the Bear type uniform on s
ome balding, middle-aged man, not a sexy lumberjack come to life with shoulders as wide as a doorframe.
“Hello.” She licked her lips and cleared her throat.
“Mr. Martin, this is Amy Francis, your new tenant.” The realtor rushed over to Amy and took her by the elbow to lead her to the small kitchenette table. “I’ve already done the background check and credit check, and she’s ready to rent. Just gotta sign the papers.”
As Amy passed the ranger, he turned and peered down at her, his hazel eyes locking on to her, examining. He wore a full beard, the kind of scraggly brown mess of wiry hair usually reserved for reality TV.
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Francis,” his deep voice almost growled. “Glad you find my cabin to your satisfaction.”
Amy smiled, instantly at ease with him, despite his gruff appearance. He had that Grizzly Adams kind of comfort in his posture. Big, but safe. Trustworthy. “It’s a lovely place, and the view is amazing. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you for agreeing to rent it to me.”
“Hold on a minute. I have some questions first.” He eyed her for a few seconds before continuing, his gaze cutting into her. “So, you’re an artist? You paint or what?”
“Yes. I prefer to draw and paint landscapes and florals. Mostly watercolor. That’s why I thought coming to the mountains here in New York would be a good idea. The North Carolina mountains are lovely, but too close to home to be a real getaway.” Damn she was babbling. What was it about the big man that both put her off guard and comforted her at the same time?
“I see.” He yawned. “Sorry, I just woke up and I’m still sleepy.” He gripped the back of the kitchen chair and scooted it across the wooden floor to its place under the table. “I hope you find all the inspiration you need around here.”
His gaze lingered, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “Thank you,” she said. “I’m sure the cabin will be perfect. And the mountains will be, too.” And the landlord won’t be too bad to look at, either.
“They are. And dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.”
“I don’t think you need to worry about Ms. Francis…” the realtor interjected. “She’ll be fine.” She fiddled with her notebook, flipping pages quickly.
He reared up to his full height and stared at the realtor, and Amy took a step back. So close, he seemed larger than was possible for a man, and he gave off the strongest vibe of power she’d ever felt. Even from the VPs at the ad agency.
“The mountains can be dangerous. With the spring thaw finishing and the rainy season starting, you never know when a safe, dry place can become a hazard without warning. Flash floods, rock slides, dangerous animals…”
“Well, that’s certainly true,” the realtor said. “But I’m sure Ms. Francis will be careful.”
“Of course, I will. I can take care of myself.” Amy pulled out a chair and sat. “Now let’s get these papers signed so I can settle in. I’m exhausted.”
“No one implied that you couldn’t take care of yourself,” he said. “I’m saying that the dangers here are different and serious. Sometimes deadly.”
“I’ll be okay.” She smiled at him but he looked away, avoiding eye contact.
“No pets?” He yanked out the chair across from Amy and sat down. “No parties, no drugs…” He yawned again. “Sorry.”
“No, none of those things. Just me.” Amy reached for the papers the realtor held out. “What you see is what you get.”
“Good. The price listed is firm, and I need a half-month’s deposit. Refundable, of course.”
Amy signed her name on the line labeled tenant. “Yep. I’m paying the whole rental up front. Check okay?”
“Long as it’s a good one.” The realtor laughed. “Make it payable to me. I’ll take care of dispersing.”
“I already have it ready with the information you emailed.” Amy set the pen down and as she did, Mr. Martin closed his hand over hers and squeezed. She looked into his eyes, a deep hazel green—as green as the pines that lined the road on her way up—and blinked. He leaned in.
“Stay near the cabin or in town,” he said. “Please. Don’t go wandering in the park on your own, okay? People go missing out there, and though it’s my job to search for them, I don’t always find them in time.”
Mesmerized by his gaze, she nodded, even though she had no intention of following his order.
***
“Thank you.” Griff set the pen down. This was a bad idea, he could feel it in every bone in his body—like standing on the edge of a cliff without a safety harness. “If you need me, here’s my number.” He handed her his business card. He should’ve told the realtor to pull the cabin from her listings, but it hadn’t even crossed his mind with all the other things he had to catch up on after his absence.
“Griffton?” She raised her eyebrows. “I’m Amy. Since I’m renting from you, we should be on a first name basis, don’t you think? I’ll text you my cell number.” She pulled out her cell and started typing.
“Griff.” He tried not to take in her fragrance too deeply. “Amy. Got it. Give me a call if you need anything. I’m nearby.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and yawned. “I can be here quickly.” Naps are shorter with each day.
Beep. He silenced her text notification. He’d put her in his contacts later.
“Thank you. You’d better go take another nap—looks like you can barely keep your eyes open.” Amy brushed her long blond hair back over her shoulder, and he couldn’t help but stare as the tresses slid over her hand like molten gold.
He looked into her eyes, searching. She wasn’t scared. She didn’t know she should be. And he needed to keep it that way, no matter what his psyche was telling him about her. The timing couldn’t have been worse for her to come into his life. The urge to be near her was almost overwhelming. But he had to keep his distance.
“Well, I’m going to take off.” The realtor grabbed the contract and Amy’s check off the table then collected the pens and stuffed everything into her notebook. “Glad this worked out. Thanks, both of you.” She headed for the door then turned back. “Ms. Francis, be sure you do stay close. I’d hate for you to get lost, and Griff’s right about how easy that is to do around here.”
“Okay, I get the message,” Amy said.
“I’ll see you around town.” The agent headed out the door, pulling it shut behind her with a loud click.
Griff’s heart raced. He had to get out of the cabin before his body betrayed his newfound feelings for the woman. She was meant for him, of that he was certain. The overwhelming urge to be in her presence gagged him with fierce desire. Desire he couldn’t act on any time soon. “I, uh, guess I’ll see you later.” The space was too small with the two of them in it. He avoided her gaze. The more he woke up, the more he realized she was not some random woman who wanted to rent his cabin.
She was the woman. Oh crap! The realization hit him hard, like a punch in the gut.
His mate.
And he had neither the time nor the inclination to pursue that path of thought to its natural conclusion. “Bye.” He needed coffee, now.
“Bye.” Amy walked him to the door and held it open for him. “Thanks again for renting to me. I’ll take good care of your place.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you around.”
Griff stomped out to his Jeep, which he’d parked right behind Amy’s Toyota. Surprised she made it all the way here in that piece of junk. He shook his head. Why had he rented the cabin to Amy? He had to blame his decision on not being completely awake yet, because if he were in his right mind, he’d never have rented to her, or anyone else. But especially not to her. Not now—he couldn’t allow himself to be with his mate while the whole den was in danger. He should’ve taken the cabin off the rental market as soon as he woke up and heard the news. When the realtor had called and woken him from his nap, he’d been too groggy to think straight. Once he met Amy, it was too late to back out.
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br /> He kicked at the gravel in the driveway. The Sen Pal mountain lion pack was coming, and they would do whatever it took to get what they wanted. They couldn’t operate in the snowy winter, it was too dangerous, but now that the spring thaw was underway, they’d move without hesitation. It didn’t matter who or what stood in their way. The brushes with them in the past had proven that they didn’t give a shit about anything or anyone who wasn’t part of their plan. He growled and clenched his fists. No one had that right, and he was tired of the lions not playing by the rules.
Now, he’d have the additional burden to take care of Amy and make sure she wasn’t a target. The last thing he needed was a charge, but the local area was his responsibility until the bear council convened in a few weeks. With the lions making a play for the national forest land nearby, and his own clan not yet reassembled and back in their local dens, the girl could easily be a pawn in a battle she couldn’t know anything about. The lions wouldn’t hesitate to use her.
Or kill her—especially if they thought she meant something to Griff.
“Dammit!” He ran his hand through his beard. What the hell had he done? He should’ve said no. Told her the cabin was no longer for rent.
But then she’d have likely rented another place in the area and she’d have been harder to keep track of. If she was going to be in the area, she should be where he could protect her best.
She’d be living in the cabin for two whole months. The same cabin he used to call home. He’d spent his first years out on his own living there, until he finished school and got the park ranger job. Some days, he wished he still lived in the quaint little home and didn’t have all the responsibilities of being a park ranger.
He climbed into the Jeep and pulled the door closed. Life had just gotten a hell of a lot more complicated. He smacked the steering wheel. Never mind he’d barely been awake a few days—no excuses. The Sen Pal wouldn’t give anyone a second chance when they struck, and that put his mate in mortal danger.