Page 75 of Mated to the Mountain Bear

Ben hands me the gun, his hand steady, while mine trembles as I wrap my fingers around the cool metal.

I nod.

“Point and shoot. And don’t hesitate.”

Ben rests his hands on my shoulders and bends down so we’re eye to eye. His dark eyes search mine, looking for signs I might break. When he’s confident I’m not about to freak out, he gives me a reassuring nod.

“When I open the door, you’re going to hang back. Make him think you’re going to stay inside. But when the moment’s right, you’re going to run to my truck, and you’re going to drive.”

Immediately, I’m shaking my head, not liking the sound of this plan. “What moment?”

He doesn’t answer. His jaw works, choosing his words carefully. Now I definitely know I’m going to hate it.

Seeing my reluctance, Ben pleads with me to listen to him while he cups my face in his hands.

“Zara, please. I need you to do this. No matter what happens. I’m going to shift and keep him busy. But I’m a bear. He’s no match for me.” He winks, but I’m not buying his cocky attitude.If it were that easy, he’d just lock me inside until it was done. “Bears are fast. Once it’s over, I’ll come and meet you at the bottom of the mountain.”

That kind of makes sense.

He is huge.

Surely, he’ll be able to keep them distracted long enough for me to make a run for it. He’s not telling me everything, but maybe that’s for the best. Ben knows these woods like the back of his hand, and he’ll be able to charge straight down the hill as the crow flies, without me slowing him down.

“I don’t want you to get hurt. This is my problem, not yours.”

I drag my fingers down his chest and cling to the front of his open shirt. I can’t believe this is actually happening. My eyes swim as a mixture of guilt and fear grips me by the throat.

Ben’s features soften as he presses his forehead to mine and sucks in a deep breath. “You are my mate. There’s nothing I want to do more than protect you. None of this is your fault.”

He pulls me into his embrace, wrapping his enormous arms around me, before resting his chin on the top of my head. The way he surrounds me with his sheer size and the calm energy he radiates eases my nerves. Some.

“Trust me, Zara. I’m going to make sure he doesn’t bother you again.”

There’s a certainty in his tone that’s compelling. This man is huge. He’s going to be fine. So, I need to be brave and not mess up his plan. Giving him a last squeeze to let him know I’m going to be okay, I ease back and straighten my spine.

“Keys.” I hold out my hand and give Ben a weak smile when he places the keys I was trying to steal not that long ago into my palm.

“Good girl,” he says with pride as he curls my fingers around them before taking a phone off the counter and slipping it intomy back pocket. His fingers linger for just a second to give my backside a gentle squeeze.

“Where do I meet you?” Determination eases in to replace my doubts, the adrenaline dump morphing into laser focus rather than jitters. I’ll do what he says, and I’ll do it well if it means we get out of this unharmed.

“When you get further down the mountain, about a mile, the phone will start working. Call Maddox and tell him you’re coming. His cabin is the closest.”

“But what if he’s not there? Or doesn’t answer the phone?”

This plan seems shakier and shakier the longer I think about it.

“He will. He’ll tell you where to go, and he’ll be able to protect you.” There’s a pause. “Worst-case scenario, you just keep driving.”

That definitely won’t be happening. I’m not leaving him behind.

“I know this might be obvious, but your brothers, they’re bears too?”

Ben narrows his eyes and presses his lips to mine. “Yes, but they’re not your bears. That’s just me. Got it? I’ll have to kill anyone who touches you, so don’t let them.”

Damn him for knowing just how to calm my nerves. “This isn’t the time for jokes.”

Ben sighs and stands to his full height. “Who’s joking?”