Chapter 41
FORTY-ONE
M eara leaned back against him with a contented sigh. “I was just thinking about the future. About how nice it’ll be when we can focus on normal things, like where to hang paintings or whether bears actually hibernate.”
His chest rumbled with laughter. “We don’t, by the way. Though we do get extra cuddly in winter.”
“Is that so?” She turned in his arms, sliding her hands up his chest to link behind his neck. “Guess I’ll have to stick around to verify that claim.”
“Guess you will.” His eyes darkened as he lowered his head, capturing her lips in a kiss that made her toes curl. Heat sparked between them instantly, his grip tightening as she pressed closer?—
“Pizza’s here!” Frenchy’s voice sang out from the living room. “Stop making out in the kitchen and come eat while it’s hot!”
Meara broke the kiss with a frustrated groan, dropping her forehead against Artek’s chest. “I’m starting to think he has some sort of radar for interrupting moments.”
“He definitely does.” Artek stole another quick kiss before releasing her. “But we’ll have plenty of time for moments later. After we deal with German.”
The reminder sobered them both. Meara squeezed his hand before leading the way back to the others where Frenchy was artfully arranging pizza slices on her grandmother’s good china—because according to him, paper plates were “a crime against cuisine.”
The mood shifted as night fell, drawing long shadows across the cabin floors. Artek watched Meara chat with Frenchy and Trey, his enhanced senses picking up the subtle changes in her scent—determination tinged with anxiety, overlaid with something warmer when she glanced his way. That warmth called to his bear, making him want to sweep her up and carry her far from any danger.
Instead, he stepped onto the back porch to call his security team. The crisp autumn air carried hints of pine and water from the lake, along with fainter traces of wildlife moving through the surrounding forest. His territory—and more importantly, his mate’s territory. The bear in him growled at the thought of anyone threatening what was theirs.
“It’s time we end this on our terms,” he spoke into the phone, coordinating additional surveillance positions with his team. The sooner they dealt with German, the sooner he could focus on showing Meara exactly how much she meant to him.
“Then let me help.” Her voice behind him made him turn sharply. “I can be the bait.”
Fear and pride warred in his chest as he took in her determined expression. Even now, her scent carried that hint of warmth that spoke of growing feelings—feelings she might not be ready to name yet, but that his bear recognized clearly as love.
“Absolutely not.” The words came out harsher than intended, his protective instincts surging.
“I need my life back, Artek.” She met his gaze steadily, chin lifted in that stubborn tilt he’d come to adore. “I can’t live in fear, letting others take all the risks while I hide.”
A growl rumbled in his chest, equal parts frustration and admiration. Before he could argue further, Trey’s voice cut through the tension.
“What if we compromise?” His second-in-command emerged from the shadows, ever the practical mediator. “Meara appears to be alone, but we maintain heavy surveillance. She’ll never actually be unprotected.”
Artek’s jaw clenched as he considered the suggestion. His bear roared at the thought of putting their mate in danger, but he couldn’t deny Meara’s right to fight for her own territory. The strength in her stance, the fire in her eyes—these were part of why he’d fallen for her in the first place.
“Fine,” he finally ground out. “But we do this my way. Every detail planned, every angle covered.”
Relief and triumph flashed across Meara’s face before she launched herself into his arms. He caught her automatically, burying his nose in her hair to breathe in her scent. Under the lingering traces of carnival sugar and paint, he detected the unique blend of determination and affection that was purely Meara.
“Thank you,” she whispered against his neck. “For trusting me to handle this.”
His arms tightened around her. “I’ll always trust you. Doesn’t mean I have to like putting you at risk.”
“Get a room, you two!” Frenchy called from the doorway. “Actually, wait—we need to plan this trap first. Then you can do whatever sexy bear things you want.”
“Frenchy!” Meara’s embarrassed laugh vibrated against Artek’s chest.
“What? I’m just saying all this tension has to go somewhere. Preferably after we deal with the evil property-stealing bears.”
They gathered inside again, hammering out details as the night deepened. Artek kept one hand on Meara at all times—resting on her knee as they discussed timing, playing with her hair as they reviewed security positions. His bear needed the contact, needed to reassure himself that she was safe and close.
“Should we schedule snack breaks during the stakeout?” Frenchy asked innocently. “I mean, nobody fights well on an empty stomach.”
“I could go for some honey right about now,” Trey added with a grin.
“You’re both ridiculous,” Meara said fondly, but Artek felt the way she relaxed slightly against him.
As they discussed positioning and timing, he found himself increasingly attuned to her emotional state. His enhanced senses picked up every spike of anxiety, every surge of determination. The trust she placed in him, in their plan, humbled his bear even as it strengthened his resolve to end this threat permanently.
Just before the group separated to prepare, he pulled her aside. His fingers were impossibly gentle as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, memorizing the way she leaned into his touch.
“I don’t like that I’m not inside with you,” he promised softly, “but I’ll never be far.”
Meara stretched up to press a kiss to his lips, lingering in the contact. “I know. I trust you.”
Those three words, almost as powerful as another three words yet unspoken, made his bear rumble with satisfaction. Soon, he promised himself. Soon they’d deal with German, and then he could focus on showing Meara exactly how deep his feelings ran.
The cabin buzzed with final preparations—cameras being mounted, communication lines tested, security personnel taking their hidden positions. Through it all, Artek watched Meara move through her space with graceful determination. His mate was strong, capable, and absolutely breathtaking in her resolve.
As dusk settled over the crystal lake, he took his position in the shadows outside. Through the windows, he could see Meara in her studio, brush poised over a canvas as though it were any other evening. His enhanced vision caught every detail—the slight tremor in her hand, the way she kept her shoulders deliberately relaxed, the underlying steel in her spine.
Their trap was set. Now all they could do was wait for the Lopez family to make their move—and pray their plan would finally end this feud once and for all.
In the gathering darkness, Artek’s bear stirred restlessly, every sense alert for danger. Whatever came next, he’d ensure Meara remained safe. She was his to protect, his to cherish, and soon—very soon—she’d be his to love openly and completely.
The night stretched before them, pregnant with possibility and danger. Somewhere in the shadows, German Lopez waited to make his move. But this time, they’d be ready.
This time, they’d end it on their terms.