“Mine.Mine.Mine.”
His bear refused to listen, and now that he was in bear form, he simply fumed while his beast shifted his thoughts to berries.Sighing, Niall released the illusion of control and allowed his bear to wander and explore as he hadn’t in months.
They stumbled on a familiar scent that had a growl rising.His traitorous brothers.Huh!They’d think twice before they considered him too weak to defend himself.He’d woken rapidly after the blow to his head and shown them, but it had surprised even him when his bear was so much bigger than them.It had been fear glinting in their eyes before they’d run off.If they’d had a tail, it would’ve tucked between their legs.Yeah, he’d inflicted several blows they’d had no defense against, and satisfaction slid through him at this.His bear had shown them not to treat him like the weakest.He was no longer the runt.
Niall followed the trail to where it ended at the six-foot-tall stone wall surrounding his land.He’d electrify the wall or place shards of glass atop the fence.His brothers should reconsider trespassing again.
Niall continued tracking and discovered a section of the wall had crumbled, allowing the human portion of the attack team to cross into his land.He planned to repair it and have men patrol the wall until things settled.His brothers needed to go home, and he’d happily escort them to the plane.
He wasn’t sure of their motives, but they were involved in something murky and determined to drag him with them.They had said little, allowing one human to do the talking.The head man must have had shifter blood or a connection to their world.Otherwise, Euan and Colin wouldn’t work with him.He’d contact the PI once he arrived home.
Then there was Suzie.
He averted his thoughts from the double-dealing woman and firmly instructed his bear to return home to the castle.No, he’d ask her about what the men had said before he jumped to conclusions.That was the right thing to do.
His bear got distracted several times, and they discovered a wild bee colony near the edge of a sunny clearing.It made his heart sing since there weren’t many hives of this nature around.He observed bees feeding on heather across the valley.Heather honey.Yum.His favorite.
Home, he told his bear.
His bear lifted his nose and inhaled before chuffing and taking off at a lope.Suzie.It seemed their confrontation would happen sooner rather than later.
Suzie headed straight for her room, stripped, and jumped in the shower.Not only was she covered in dust and dirt, but she smelled disgustingly sweaty.Her stink offended her, and she desperately needed to replace it with lavender and oranges.
Once out of the shower, she donned a short denim skirt and a navy blue blouse showcasing her breasts.She tied back her hair into a stubby ponytail and thrust her feet into sandals.Then she searched for Niall, wanting to learn what she’d done now.
She had a clear conscience, and after those men had pushed her around, she was in the mood for a fight—bear or not.
Suzie found him in the office, his hair damp from a shower.Sensing her presence, he lifted his head and glared at her.The chair creaked under his weight.
Suzie plonked a hand on her right hip and gave him attitude.“What have I supposedly done now?”
“You worked with those humans and told them the best place to find us.They have heard rumors about my honey and want it.”
“Why didn’t you kick me out of the castle instead of letting me have a shower?”If she’d been in her feline form, the hair along her spine would’ve stood to attention.This fool bear didn’t get it.Her parents had raised her to value honor and integrity.Loyalty.While she’d bucked against authority and being told what to do, the other lessons had stuck.She understood the need for secrecy with Niall’s project and would never share proprietary information.Then there was the friendship aspect.She’d considered him a friend, and one didn’t rat on their buddies.That was high on her list of most important rules.
“Angus is clearing your room now.”
Her brows rose, and her fingernails dug into her palms.She worked hard to keep her temper in check because nothing annoyed her more than someone questioning her honesty.
“You didn’t think to speak with me first?I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“I found you wandering my home.That’s when I first met you.”
She rolled her eyes.“Let it go, will you?I was wrong, but I’ve been too busy working to meet other people.When have I been alone?”
“You went for a walk by yourself this morning.”The silky words slid past the barriers she’d placed around her smoldering temper.
“I saw a bear when I was walking.I told you that.Why would I tell you if I were selling you out?Think, Niall.Use that big brain of yours.Whoever told you I’m a traitor was trying to push you off balance and make you doubt yourself.Hell, lock me up again if you don’t believe me.The only men I recognized were your brothers, and I met them once at the pub.I haven’t spoken to them since.”
“So you say.”
Suzie threw up her hands.“I haven’t had time to call them even if I knew their phone numbers.Last night, we were together until I went to my room and retired for the night.I took a quick walk this morning because it was such a nice day, and you had phone calls to make.Niall, I believe in you and your product and want you to succeed.”
“People have told me that before.I believed them, and it was my worst decision ever.”
“Fine,” Suzie snapped.“I’ll return to the gathering and go home afterward.And although my word doesn’t mean a thing to you, I won’t discuss you or your honey with anyone.”Suzie whirled and marched to the door, so disappointed with Niall that tears gathered in her eyes.Why would he believe some stranger over her?Suzie resisted the urge to slam the door, closing it softly instead.
She held back her tears until she reached the bedroom she’d used since working with Niall.She found Angus inside with her belongings packed into her bag.He sent her a sympathetic glance, his thin shoulders hunching momentarily.Suzie swiped the back of her hand over her eyes and sniffed.
