Page 10 of Mismatched Mates (Special Bear Protectors)

GRANT

I pulled up to Jason's ranch-style house in my Porsche, the engine's purr fading to a whisper as I cut the ignition. The cookie-cutter houses lining the street seemed to mock me with their groomed lawns and picket fences. How oddly fitting.

The gravel crunched under my boots as I strode up the walkway. I raised my fist to knock, but before I could, the door swung open. And there stood Jason in all his disheveled glory, whiskey tumbler in hand and a smug grin plastered on his face.

"Well, well, if it isn't the big bad wolf," he drawled, leaning against the doorframe. "Come to huff and puff and blow my house down?"

I brushed past him, my nose wrinkling at the stale smell of booze and regret. The living room was a mess, empty bottles and takeout containers scattered everywhere. Looked like someone was living his best bachelor life.

"Let's cut the crap," I said, turning to face him. "You know why I'm here."

Jason took a long swig from his glass, his eyes never leaving mine. "Enlighten me, Cujo."

I took a step closer, satisfaction blooming in my chest as he instinctively backed up. "You're going to back off, Jason. You’re going to drop this lawsuit and leave Jane alone. You had your chance, and you blew it."

“She’s my ex-wife, and that business was built during our marriage. I’m entitled to my share.”

“You walked away from her and your kids. You're not entitled to anything.”

"And what if I don’t feel like cooperating ?"

I smiled, all teeth and no warmth. "Then I'll show you why wolves are at the top of the food chain."

Something in Jason snapped. His face contorted with rage, and before I could react, he lunged forward, shoving me hard. I stumbled back, more surprised than hurt.

"Let’s see about that!" he roared.

And then it happened. The air crackled, and I felt the familiar pull of the shift. In response, Jason's eyes glowed amber, his fingers elongating into claws.

I didn't hesitate. Years of training kicked in, muscle memory taking over as I launched into action. My body morphed with lightning speed, bones cracking and reshaping, fur bursting through my skin. In seconds, I’d transformed into a massive wolf, a good foot taller than Jason's half-shifted form.

Most shifters don't know it, but there's a split second during transformation when you're at your most vulnerable – not quite human, not quite beast. Father had drilled that into our heads since we were pups. "Boys," he'd growl, "learn to exploit that moment, and you'll never lose a fight."

I sure as hell wasn't about to lose this one.

With a roar that shook the windows, I barreled into Jason, pinning him against the wall before he could complete his shift. His eyes widened in shock and fear, realizing too late the mistake he'd made.

"What the—" he gasped, struggling against my weight.

I snarled, hot breath washing over his face. The house groaned under our combined mass as we grappled. With one massive paw pressing Jason to the floor, I shifted partially back, “If you think any judge will rule in your favor, you’re delusional. You won’t make it to court. The only reason you’re still breathing is because of Brandon and Lance. Unfortunately for you, I’ve become a man of my word lately. And this is one promise I intend to keep.”

He stared back at me, his chest heaving.

“Nod your head if we’ve reached an understanding,” I growled, my voice low and controlled.

His head bobbed reluctantly. I released him and he scrambled back, his half-human form trembling and pale.

Without another word, I strode out of Jason's house, slamming the door behind me with enough force to rattle the windows. The satisfying thud echoed through the quiet suburban street.

I drove straight to Jane’s house. She was waiting on the porch, looking relieved. The wind chimes tinkled softly, providing a weirdly peaceful backdrop.

“It’s done,” I stated.

"Oh, Grant," she said, searching my face. "What did you do?"

I met her gaze. "What needed to be done."

Jane held my gaze for a beat longer, then nodded slowly. There was something in her eyes—a mix of curiosity and acceptance—that told me she understood. She wasn't going to push for details, at least not tonight.

Sometimes, being the bad guy felt pretty damn good.