Bear Apparent (BBW Shifter Romance) (Stone Claw Clan Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

stiffly handed what was left to her, and commanded through clenched teeth, “Pour the rest on your car and make it count.”
    She accepted it robotically, her jaw hanging open in disbelief.
    When she didn’t do as he had asked, he explained, “The chemical will kill my scent so I can’t be tracked.”
    “Right. That actually makes sense.” She set into action, dousing her car.
    The liquid dribbled off in several places and Garrett knew it wasn’t perfect, but would do for the time being. Once they got on the road, and far enough from the woods, his scent trail should be destroyed by the alcohol. His body protested every move as he opened the side passenger door and slipped in. The seat abraded the wounds on his back and he hissed, but quickly collected himself. Taking several deep breaths, he managed to keep himself conscious. He lolled his head to the side to find Dahlia sitting at the wheel, those huge green eyes lovely against pale skin and blond curls.
    She held out her hand, two white pills in her palm. “Aspirin.”
    He sputtered a laugh and instantly regretted it. “Have you seen me?”
    Her eyes dropped to the twin tablets and her disappointed expression kicked him in the balls. He snatched the medicine and tossed them in his mouth.
    “Right,” she said as she started the car. “The hospital then?”
    “No!” he hissed.
    She smacked her forehead. “Of course. A veterinary clinic, right?”
    He gave her the side eyes. She covered her mouth with her hand, but the corner of her eyes crinkled— is she seriously laughing at me?
    “I did tell you that a monstrous bear with the intent to slice you in half is after us, right?” Garrett hedged, but it was hard not to be amused.
    “Okay, so where am I taking you?”
    “As far from here as possible. Preferably in a crowded, secure area with resources, food and medical supplies,” he said, looking out the window for any movement.
    Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sighed. “I’m really considering doing this, aren’t I?”

 
    Chapter Three
     
    Pain penetrated Garrett’s sleep, refusing him the deep, oblivious-to-the-world rest his body needed. Besides, he couldn’t afford to pass out until they were in a safe location. The steady hum of the car’s engine soothed him along with the smooth thump-thump of the female’s heart—it had a nice, strong rhythm, and he knew it was a sound he could fall asleep too… if his body wasn’t singing with agony.
    He didn’t need to see his wounds to know they were healing, and in some ways, the mending was as equally as painful. It would take them some time to fully heal, but by the time he faced his rival again, he hoped to be in tip-top shape. Of course, his chance of actually beating the stronger male was zip, but he had to do something, anything to keep his clan safe.
    A leader is responsible for everyone. From the lowest ranking member, it will be your duty to ensure they are safe. A man that puts their best interests above his own… that is the mark of a true leader.
    Relaxing as much as he could in his state, Garrett ran through the options—surrendering would be the surest way to guarantee their survival. Once he was out of the picture, they would likely be integrated into the challenger’s clan or run off. The later was bad, but the former worse.
    I have no idea what I’m doing. At thirty-eight, he was still a kid in the shifter world.
    Something touched him on the shoulder. Garrett snapped to attention, his claws slipping out of his fingers, and his fangs elongated. He didn’t have much left in him, but he would go out swinging.
    A familiar feminine face twisted by worry, soothed him and he remembered where he was and who he was with. He reeled himself in. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. You startled me.”
    “Never sneak up on wild animals… right. So, ah, we’re here,” Dahlia said, her throat shifting hard, and Garrett hated himself for scaring her more than she probably