Page 26 of Bred By the Beast

“That was a long time ago,” he said.

“I know, but how? Didn’t you try to hike out of here? Did people never pass by?”

“Once I accepted I was alone, I survived. There was no other choice. As the months and years passed, the forest became who I am.”

She made an exasperated sound.

“There should be a movie made of your life. Seriously.”

“No, it would be too boring. I sleep, eat, and chop wood. Nobody wants to watch that.”

She swatted him. He got up and scooped her and the blanket into his arms. Poppy squealed and held him tight around the neck.

“How do you do that?”

He had to remember to hide his strength from her. He was getting too sloppy.

“Years of chopping wood.”

He carried her back to the house. Before he went to bed, he’d put out the fire and make sure it wasn’t smoldering. Tonight, he’d also check on those trespassers. He’d heard their UTV miles away earlier, so they’d gotten it working. Nobody came out this far, and having those murderers so close to home didn’t sit well with him.

“I want to know more about you growing up in the wilderness,” she said. “I have so many questions.”

“Later, Poppy.”

She made cute sounds of protest, but he ignored them.

Once back in the house, he set her down to her feet. She draped the blanket back on the sofa and undid her sweater.

“Thank you,” she said.

“For what?”

“Today.”

He sat down on the sofa. “You had a good day?”

“It was perfect. Well, except for the bear and coyotes.” She straddled his lap and he held her waist. She ran her fingertips over his stubble.

“They didn’t hurt you.”

“Still. It was scary. One day I might not be so lucky.”

He groaned as she wiggled her hips over his cock slightly.

“You don’t need luck.”

“No?”

“Not while you’re with me.”

She searched his face. “How can you say that like it’s a fact?”

He hesitated for too long, always working to keep his secret. It was getting harder each day.

“I know these woods, and the animals. If anyone can keep you safe out here, it’s me.”

He didn’t tell her he was king of this ancient shifter forest. Predators cowered in fear when his bear was nearby. The forest animals knew the difference between a hunter and a killer. There was a system of respect and hierarchy that had been in place since he could remember. Poppy didn’t realize that the safest place in the forest was by his side. He could protect her from any threat.