Waking the Bear (Shifter Wars) (6 page)

It was the least he could do for his parents. He could smell revenge now. Close. Sweet.

“I’d like to hear the latest reports.” Max leaned back in his chair. “What did we learn this winter? Anything that will help us regain the Cave of Whispers or give us an advantage when we attack? I’m very proud of all of you that went in—no one got caught.”

The lions mumbled but no one spoke up. Even Marco and Mason were quiet.

“We should attack now.” Evers approached Max. “We’ve waited too long. The bears are growing stronger every day and if we don’t do it soon, we won’t have a chance. We’re already outnumbered.”

Max steepled his fingers and drew in a slow breath. “I take it from the lack of information that we learned nothing that can help us.”

“I was able to travel around the park without being spotted.” Evers crossed his arms. “I didn’t go near the cave but I ran most of the trails and roads with no issues. I think the bears are too relaxed. We could take them before they wake up any more.”

“We need to make sure the time is right,” Marco said. “We’re only going to get one chance. I think we need to make sure that one chance is in our favor. We did a lot of reconnaissance, but found nothing new, really.”

“Guards keeping a tight perimeter,” Mason added. “More guards than before.”

“Yes, that’s true,” Marco said. “We noted several more guards near the cave. Still, we can plan for them. With the element of surprise on our side, I think we’ll do well when we’re ready.”

Max rubbed his chin. “What’s our biggest obstacle?”

“We don’t have a count of how many bears there are. Maybe twice as many as there are of us. Maybe more, maybe less.”

“We need to find that out. Marco and Mason, find out.” Max propped on an elbow.

“Yes, sir,” the twins said.

“I can make sure there’s one less bear to worry about.” Evers stepped closer. “With your permission.”

Max shifted his gaze to Evers. “This can’t be about revenge, do you hear me, Evers?”

Evers slitted his eyes and nodded. “I want to take out all the bears, same as you do.”

Griff is first.

“I’ll assign someone else to take care of Griff Martin. Your need for revenge cannot cause a weakness in our attack. I won’t allow it.” Max leaned forward in the chair. “I need to make sure you’re not making any careless mistakes.”

“But—” Evers felt the flush of anger rise up from his gut. Max didn’t understand. This was something he had to do. Needed to do.

“Most of his family is already dead,” Max said. “I don’t know how he survived, but you don’t have to worry. He
will
die this time. I’ll make sure of it.”

“It’s time to let go of your vengeful feelings. We’ll take care of Griff.” Marco smiled. “He won’t live to see his children.”

Evers clamped his teeth together and nodded. No point in arguing. Max might be old, but he wasn’t weak and he wasn’t stupid. Insubordination would get Evers into more trouble than he could deal with, and that would keep him from any chance at getting back at Griff. Better to feign allegiance.

“Once we go in, that is.” Max let a low growl rumble across the room. “Which isn’t going to be now. I haven’t heard one reason we should attack now and until we know how many bears there are, we won’t be attacking.”

“I agree.” Marco crossed his arms.

“It won’t take long to find out and finish preparations,” Mason said. “I, for one, want to see this war over with as soon as possible. I’ve been drawing up a plan of attack, but I’ll need some more time to polish it before I present it to you.”

“Very well.” Max scratched at his chin. “Prudence it is. In the meantime, let’s talk about what we can do to gain every possible advantage. Sounds like we’re going to need them.”

Evers fisted his hands and tried to still himself. He closed his eyes.
Calm down.
He couldn’t let Max see his rage or the old lion wouldn’t let him near the bears. He probably smelled the anger anyway.
Fine.

Max wasn’t ready to fight? Evers would handle Griff on his own. He preferred one on one anyway.

The war could wait until another day but a certain bear wasn’t going to live to see it.

Chapter Six

Amy sat in an empty vinyl-clad booth in Oakwood’s only café—the Lazy Moon. Faint strains of country music lilted through the air. She took a deep breath, and exhaled it slowly like she’d learned in yoga class.

Years of tension had begun to ease, and her shoulders no longer ached with knotted muscles.

Being at the cabin had produced a response she didn’t expect. She was a bit lonely. She hadn’t seen or talked to anyone in person since her last trip into town, right after she’d arrived a week ago.

No, it was when Griff had come over to help with the water. The night he dashed out after she’d asked him if he had a girlfriend. That had been embarrassing.

She closed her eyes and replayed the image of him bending over the tub to reach the faucet, then his weird reaction to her question. She shook her head. It didn’t make sense—first he was almost flirting, then he ran off like she’d asked him his heart’s desire. Maybe she had. Something was going on with him, for sure, and it had to do with relationships.

It was just as well that he wasn’t coming by to chat. The last thing she needed was to have a crush on someone who was unavailable or carried too much baggage. She had enough of her own issues to sort through. As sexy as Griff was, he was a bit bossy about her not going into the woods and staying close to the cabin. Same as Darren started out. She didn’t need that kind of man in her life again.

The smell of hot food wafted through the air and her stomach growled. She opened her eyes and looked for the waitress. No one in sight.

Yeah, it was best that Griff remain at a distance. She checked her phone for messages. Nothing but the text from her mom earlier, asking how she was doing and updating her on her dad’s fishing injury.

A little loneliness never hurt anyone.
Solitude was needed for soul-searching.

The music shifted to a more upbeat country song and she tapped her foot to the rhythm. Country had never been her style, but trying new things was good for her.

She yawned.
So tired.
She’d picked up most of her supplies and groceries in trips to town in the last week, and was eager to get back to the cabin. Hunger had pushed her to grab a lunch and the café looked so quaint, she had to try it. The exterior appeared a bit hippie with its crescent moon logo and colorful façade, but inside, she felt like she’d stepped back even further in time.

Maybe to the 1950s.

She flipped over the laminated one-page menu then set it on the table. Mostly American staples like burgers and sandwiches and fried dill pickles. With the retro décor—photos of old Hollywood icons lining the walls and a jukebox in the corner—what had she expected? She smiled.

“Perfect,” she mumbled. The aroma of fried food drifted on the air and her stomach rumbled its agreement again.

“May I take your order?” A middle-aged waitress, the only waitress Amy had seen in the café, popped over to the table, pad and pen in hand. Her hair, perfectly coiffed into a miniature beehive, went well with her pale pink uniform and dark purple apron.

The café décor matched: pink and purple booths and tabletops filled the space and set off the black-and-white photography well. If the food was half as decent as the décor was adorable, she’d found a place she would frequent while she rented the cabin.

“Sure, I’d like a cheeseburger, medium well, ketchup only. Definitely no onions. Oh, and fries and a soda. Thank you.” Amy handed the menu over.

“Got it.” The waitress looked up from scribbling on her pad. “Anything else?”

“No, not yet.” She looked up at the waitress. “Are you the only restaurant in town? I didn’t see any others.”

“New here?” The waitress chewed the end of her pen. “Just passing through?”

“Only been here just over a week.” Amy nodded. “But I’ll be in the area for a couple months.” She smiled her warmest smile, making sure to make eye contact. “Taking a long vacation.”

“Man trouble?” The waitress chuckled.

A blush of heat crept up Amy’s neck and cheeks. “Is it that obvious?”

The waitress crossed her arms and smiled. “Honey, it’s always man trouble. One way or another. Men are always trouble.”

Amy laughed. “I think you’re right. I also left behind a job I hate.”

“Oh, I’m sorry life’s been dealing you bad cards.”

“I’m okay, but thank you. I need some time to figure out what I really want.”

“Glad you have something to do, ’cause around here, there isn’t much excitement.”

“Exactly what I need.” Amy warmed. She liked the waitress’s straightforward talk. Though she was different than the people Amy normally ran into, she could see herself becoming friends with her.

“I can’t help you with the life thing, but I can tell you that Oakwood has an Italian restaurant down the block. Mario’s. It’s only open on weekends for dinner, though. Gets pretty busy, but they’ll stay and cook as long as there’s someone hungry. Besides that, nothing. You’d have to drive to Henredon. It’s a bit bigger town and has a few more restaurants. They even have a fast food burger joint, if that’s something you like.”

“Thanks, I’ll check out Mario’s sometime.” Amy pushed her hair behind her ears. “I’m sure I’ll get into Henredon some, too, while I’m here.” The waitress seemed nice and Amy smiled. Maybe she’d gotten more lonely than she realized. Best if she planned coming into town twice a week from now on.

“Where’re you staying? In town?” The waitress tucked the pad back into her apron and set the menu on the table behind her. “If you don’t mind me asking. We don’t have but one hotel, and it’s not really a long-term location. In fact, they only have a few rooms.”

“Oh, no, I’m not at the hotel. I’m staying at Griff Martin’s place.” Heat rushed to Amy’s cheeks when she saw the waitress’s eyes go wide. “His old cabin. Alone! I mean... I’m not staying
with
him.”

The waitress grinned, showing a mouthful of grayish teeth. “It’s okay. You don’t need to explain. That Griff is a catch, and it’s about time he settled down with someone. When you say man problems, well, he’s a man I’d love to have a problem with.”

Did everyone who knew Griff have a crush on him?

“Oh no, you’ve got it all wrong.” Amy shook her head, her palms sweaty. The waitress thought she and Griff... “I’m renting his old cabin for a few months.” Even worse, it felt kinda awesome to have the waitress talk about her and Griff like they were an item.

“It’s okay, sweetie.” The waitress winked. “Really, it is. Nobody is judging. Not in this town.”

The bells on the glass door jingled and they both turned to look. Standing in the doorway, silhouetted against the sunshine, towered Griff. He looked even bigger than Amy remembered, his shoulders broad over trim hips and long legs.

“Speak of the devil,” the waitress whispered. She raised her voice, “Hey, Griff, your girlie’s over here. We were just talking about you.”

Amy crouched in her seat. This was about to get awkward.

The waitress waved and motioned Griff over. “Come on over and sit with her. I’m sure you want to, being that she’s staying at your place and all.”

Amy cringed. What if he thought she’d told the waitress they were staying together? Surely he wouldn’t.

“Thank you, maybe I will.” Griff appeared beside the table. “If Amy will have me.”

His voice vibrated her insides, in a pleasant way. Amy stared. Where a beard forest had once grown was now a mountain range of chiseled jawline, smooth as the surface of a still lake. The shaggy hair on Griff’s head remained, but it framed an angular face with possibly the most delicate lips she’d ever seen on a man.

Firm, kissable lips.

Her cheeks heated.
These thoughts are not permitted.
Especially not about her landlord, and especially not during her “me time.” She was not on the hunt for a man. She was in search of her own needs.
Some of which can be fulfilled by a man...
She brushed her thoughts away.

“So?” Griff put his hands on the table and leaned forward. “Mind if I join you?”

“N-not at all.” She sat up straight. “I mean, of course not. Sit. It’s nice to see you.”

The waitress nodded at Amy and smiled with an
I knew it
look plastered on her face. Exactly what she needed in her new hometown—to be the center of gossip. Even friendly gossip.

Griff slid into the booth seat across from her, which couldn’t have been easy, given his height. His head almost reached the top of the tall wooden seat, and his knees bumped hers. “Sorry.” He reached under the table and patted her knee. “I’ll take my usual, Tina.”

“You got it. I’ll be back with drinks.” She took off for the kitchen, sashaying across the tile floor like she had hot, breaking news.

No doubt, gossip about Griff’s new girl. Amy held her face in her hands. Her knee tingled where he’d bumped into her then patted it. She didn’t need this attention. She’d come to Oakwood for anonymity. She certainly didn’t need any kind of boyfriend attention, even the gossip variety. Hopefully it wouldn’t be much of an issue since she didn’t know anyone.

“Small town. Everyone knows everyone’s business.” Griff rubbed his chin. “Don’t let it get to you. This isn’t Atlanta.”

“Ugh.” Amy put her hands in her lap and tried not to stare at him. Guess she wasn’t safe from discussion. “I know. It’s just a little embarrassing.” She peeked at his clean-shaven face. What would be the harm in one night with him? She’d pondered it several times since the night the water wouldn’t turn off—fantasizing about him opening her robe, his hands slipping inside... She blushed again, embarrassed at her own brazenness—even if it was only in her mind.

“Not used to being the center of attention?” He grinned and a hint of dimples showed on his cheeks.

She shook her head. Of course she wasn’t. How could he ask such a thing. Who would answer yes?

“Well, I’m afraid you’ll have to get used to a bit of extra attention, at least for a while. You’re like the shiny new bauble on the Christmas tree. Everyone is going to want to take a look at the pretty new thing in town.” He stared, his eyes dilating. “And I don’t blame them.”

This time she couldn’t duck her head fast enough to avoid the blush rushing up her chest and neck and onto her cheeks. They burned. “I just want to paint. Not be gawked at.”

“Oh, they’ll get tired of talking about you quickly enough.” He flexed his fingers. “As long as you don’t give them something special to talk about. You’re not planning on doing anything wild or strange, are you? Like dancing naked in the moonlight or casting spells in the town square?”

“Of course I’m not.” She sat back. Surely he was joking. People in Oakwood weren’t really going to talk about her. She couldn’t be the only new person in town. In Atlanta, you had anonymity from city block to city block. “I’ll save the moonlit dancing to a night when I have a partner.”

“Is that an offer?”

Amy’s mouth fell open, then she closed it. All she could manage was shaking her head no.

He winked. “Then you’ve got nothing to worry about. They’ll be bored with you in no time.”

“Good.” She looked past him at the door. She could make it there in ten seconds. No, she needed to eat before she left. She was too hungry to leave without eating and it wouldn’t kill her to enjoy a meal with her landlord. That wasn’t weird or a date or anything. His flirting, as bold as it was, made her warm and fuzzy inside. Who was she kidding? It made her hot as hell. She squirmed on the seat.

“How’s the cabin? Any more issues with the shower?”

“No, it’s great. Guy came right out and installed a new stem. No problems at all.”

“I got the plumbing bill. I’m glad to know he did an excellent job.”

“He did. He replaced the working parts and it’s good as new.”

Griff sat up straight. “I’m sure the cabin isn’t up to your city standards. I know it’s rustic.”

“Oh, it’s great. I love it. So peaceful.” She smiled, happy for the change in subject.

“I’m glad.”

“I’ve pretty much unpacked. Most of my supplies, even. I feel at home, and that’s something I didn’t expect. At least not so soon.”
That, and the loneliness.

“I’m really glad you love it.” He steepled his fingers. “The place is special to me.”

“It’s going to be special to me, too. I can feel it.”

“How are you sleeping?”

“I’m sleeping well.” Odd question. Amy unrolled her silverware and fiddled with the paper napkin, her hands shaking. “Maybe it’s the mountain air.”

“Yeah. Fresh and cool. Just don’t—”

“I know, don’t go traipsing around the forest. You told me that at least ten times already. Lions and bears and evil clowns or something like that stalking around.”

“Something like that.” Griff grinned, his eyes twinkling as he met her gaze. “Call me stubborn.”

“I’m sure everyone calls you that.” She looked up and met his gaze.

“Only those who know me well.” His smile faded, but his eyes gave away his teasing.

“I’ve only known you a week, and I’m pretty sure you’re one of the most stubborn people I’ve ever met.” She paused. Did she really just say that to him? Out loud?

Because she could have added a lot more things that he was. Like one of the most handsome men she’d ever met. One of the most comforting men. In some odd way, she felt pretty safe around this man she’d only known a little more than a week. Now, she might have offended him.

He ran his hands over his smooth face. If he was offended, he didn’t show it. “Guilty. Stubborn, as charged.”

“I do wish you would stop with the orders to not go outside though. I came here to avoid being bossed around.” She looked toward the café’s kitchen to avoid staring at Griff’s smooth skin. Did it feel as firm as it looked? How would his face feel pressed against... She shook her head.
Not going there.
It was definitely an improvement over the bearded wonder he’d been last time she saw him.

“I didn’t mean to be bossy.” Griff leaned back in the booth. “Call me overprotective.”

“That’s what my ex said.” She slid her phone to the side of the table. “Before he
really
became overprotective.”