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tangled with her, too.
    “I bet they’re not the only ones. Need a drink, handsome?” I offer the whiskey bottle, but he waves it away.
    “I wouldn’t say no to some tequila, though.”
    I’ve never meet a bruin who would.
    “Help yourself to a shot on the way out.” I nod at the door pointedly, but he doesn’t take the hint. I up the ante. “Hell, grab a bottle. I’ll put it on Jett’s tab.”
    He smiles at this and rubs a massive shoulder, but remains seated, looking at me. “What’s the story with her and bears anyway?”
    “Family secret.” I cross my arms and dial up my glare.
    Stephen sighs and slowly unfolds himself from my chair. I dangle the whiskey bottle from my fingers and stare up. Way up. Jesus, the man is huge. I know Georg is bigger as he’s grizzly to his second’s black bear, but standing next to Stephen it’s hard to remember that.
    He stares down and taps my nose. I wrinkle it like Samantha from Bewitched and watch him sigh again. I’ve always liked Stephen—all the bruins really. This bullshit with Georg has got to stop. He seems to be thinking along those same lines.
    “Your sisters won’t be declaring bear season over what happened last night, will they?”
    I shake my head. “For Jett, it’s always bear season, handsome. You have about as much shot there as Georg has of putting a ring on my finger.” I wave my middle one at him merrily. “Let’s just say, you get him to leave me the fuck alone, I’ll make sure they leave you all the fuck alone, all right?”
    He rolls those massive shoulders, looking pensive. “If it were up to me… But it is not. And Georg is not reasonable where you are concerned. He worries about you.” He studies me from under heavy black brows. “Would it be so terrible to be his queen? You’re friends. I know you care about him, Seph, even if you’re pissed right now. It’s a good match. You would want for nothing. And you would be safe with us.”
    I frown at this, thinking it an odd choice of words, as I am perfectly capable of keeping myself safe. At least when stupid bruins aren’t bribing near-gods to kidnap me and flash-freeze my magic. I’m not as strong as my sisters, but I’m not a goddamn wimp either. Then I remind myself: shifter . They think that way. Very he-man, or he-animal. Something very phallic, anyway.
    Stephen’s message is sincere though, so I answer it in kind.
    “It’s not gonna happen, okay? Georg deserves someone who wants him more than I do. Do us all a favor and make him see that, Stephen.” I clear my throat before dropping into my chair, which at least is nice and warm now. Shifters. They run hot.
    “Fine. I will try, when I find him. If you tell your sister that the next time we meet …I’ll not be the one taken from behind.” There is a devilish gleam in his eyes.
    I blink, then choke as the double-meaning hits me. “You really want me to put it like that?”
    He winks. “Yeah, Seph. Exactly like that.”
    “Okie dokie.” My sister is going to eat him for dinner and hang his pelt on her wall. “Hey, how’d you get in here anyway?” I ask before he clears the doorway.
    Stephen turns with a smile, a slow curving of what I belatedly realize is a very sensual mouth. Suddenly, I’m worried for Jett—and a tiny bit thrilled. This could be fun to watch.
    “Family secret.” His departing growl makes me grin before some much-needed whiskey hits my lips.

6
    The woods are bright green, summer in full force. One of the sweet spots in the year, too early for massive bugs, late enough for actual warmth. The smell is heavenly, but not as heavenly as the feel of him beside me. Every time I get a glimpse of Jack through my lashes, it sends a thrill straight into my gut, and lower.
    I can’t help smiling like a loon, which is why I don’t look up very often. I always try for chill, but Jack can unravel that with a glance. He doesn’t seem to mind my occasional derpy-ness though. In fact, I think he finds it