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Brave Bear Mated(6)

By:P. Jameson


“I. Warned. You,” she growled, barely able to get the words past clenched teeth that were growing in length.

This is it. Fight. Fight until you can’t fight anymore.

But just as Mother Bear lifted her hand to form claws…

Ava stepped between Theron’s bear and their leader.

“Wait!” she cried, freezing Mother Bear before she could shift to her animal. “Please, ma’am. If you don’t mind, perhaps just this once, you could spare him.” Her words were rushed, her sudden bravery fading, and her body was cowering a little under the Mother’s harsh glare. But…

Ava had stepped in front of their leader’s blow. A blow meant for Theron. She’d… she’d put herself in danger for him. Which meant she found him worthy. She was… she was choosing him. Him, an Ursa Inferior. A bear unwanted.

Mate?

His heart thundered inside his chest, so loud the entire place could probably hear it. He had a mate, and it was Ava. Ava with the red hair, and odd feet, and a whole face full of freckles that he already loved just because she was his. Ava who had never said mean words to him and didn’t laugh when he was ridiculed. Who had stopped the Mother Bear’s wrath and deemed him worthy.

Worthy. She deemed him worthy. The idea sent shiver all through him.

Everything would change now. It was like Thames said. Nobody would try harder to earn her love. He would find her a home if it killed him, and he’d make it nice for her so she could be proud to be his.

Theron’s mind scrambled.

He didn’t have anywhere to take her now, but he’d search all night until he found something. Thames would help him because this was big. This was important.

Ava. Mine—

“Are you choosing this male, Ava?” Mother Bear straightened, her face transforming from a fierce scowl to a confused frown.

Theron quickly changed back to his human form so he could stand beside his mate properly. Even though he was buck naked from the shift. There was nothing to be done about that. His breath heaved in his chest. His limbs were nearly numb with adrenaline. And inside, he felt so full he was practically bubbling.

He’d never felt this before. Joy. What an amazing emotion.

He glanced at Thames. His brother’s eyes were peeled wide with shock.

“I… I…” Ava’s voice was soft, but it brought Theron’s attention back to her.

“You stepped between him and myself, and I can assure you, girl, his life was in certain danger. You took a risk, and are damn lucky I haven’t already taken your head for it. So, I ask again. Do you choose this male as your mate?”

Theron frowned.

Protect mate from Mother Bear. No one threatens mate.

He stepped closer to Ava, ready to fight for her, but he didn’t touch. Didn’t want to get blood on her pretty dress.

Turning, she met his eyes, and for a moment, he saw his future in them. She would be his. He would try so hard, prove himself, and someday give her cubs. They would be a family, so different than the way he grew up. His cubs would have beds to sleep in, and loving arms to hold them. Because he had the very best mate he could ask for.

Hope. It wasn’t so bad after all. It was just sneaky. It comes through when you least expect it.

But from one blink to the next, Ava’s sweet face became something awful. Those eyes that were open and honest and good, were suddenly filled with derision. She raked him with her gaze from his head all the way down, scowling with disgust. Like he made her sick.

Wait. What is happening. Why does mate look like that?

Theron felt ill, deep in his core. Something was wrong.

“Never,” she hissed, clearly enunciating each syllable. Her tone was cold and unfeeling. Harder and more brutal than any of Mother Bear’s hits.

She stepped away, the distance feeling like galaxies between them. But instead of keeping an ounce of dignity, he wanted to hold her close. Make her stay by his side. She chose him. Now he should have the chance to prove he was worthy of her.

Theron shook his head, opening his mouth to plead with her. He could be a good mate. She just needed to give him a chance.

But Mother Bear cut him off. “Explain yourself, female.”

Ava laughed, an ugly crunching sound that had his bear doubling over in pain. “I would never choose an Ursa Inferior as my male. He has nothing to offer me. Dirty,” she spat, flinging her hand in his direction. “Sleeps on the ground. Disrespects our laws.”

“I don’t,” he argued. “I keep our laws the best I can.”

“Silence,” Mother Bear boomed. “The female is speaking.”

“He’s trash,” Ava continued haughtily. “That’s why his home is a dumpster.”