Page 10 of Marcus

“Well, I don’t,” she hisses. “But you don’t have to be a complete basshole about it.”

“Just try to keep yourself out of trouble.” Then I walk off, not even bothering to get the whiskey. I’ll send one of the guys for it later.

chapter

six

Marcus

The very last thing I wanted to do today was to go to some work-mandated picnic. I really need to have a meeting with the CEO and CFO of Wolfbane to remind them precisely why they’ve hired Grizzly Guardians. We’re a nationwide security firm. The very best there is.

We should not be required to attend fucking picnics.

Yet, here I am, sweating my ass off, in the downtown city park. I probably should have worn shorts like the rest of my team, but instead I’m wearing what I consider to be my off-duty uniform. Dark jeans and a black T-shirt.

Bear Creek was founded a hundred plus years ago by some of my ancestors. There’s even a bear statue in the center of the park. Park benches, a walking trail and several picnic tables are scattered around the green space. A man-made pond completes the aesthetic.

Admittedly, it’s a nice park. But I still don’t want to be here.

I especially don’t want to be here now. Because I can sense her. I don’t see her in any of the areas around me, but I know, she’s here somewhere.

Then she appears, walking some sort of creature on a leash. Dog? Nope. Definitely not a dog.

She’s greeted by employees from every area of Wolfbane and my security team. Clearly she’s already beloved, which just pisses me off for no good reason. Why should I care if other people like her.

Ranger and Denver are over there and Denver’s already on his knees at her feet, petting whatever she has on the leash.

I’m walking towards her before I can even talk myself out of it. As head of security, I obviously need to vet whatever animal she’s brought to the picnic.

My legs eat up the space between us and then I’m standing over her. She’s so damn perfect. Her dark brown hair parted into two braids. Her pale blue eyes, such a contrast to her dark hair, are lit with humor. She’s so pretty. So soft-looking.

So human, I remind myself.

Mine.

I point at her animal. “What the fuck is that supposed to be?”

She looks up at me. “Oh, it’s you. How pleasant. That is Abner, my pet rabbit.”

I shake my head. “That’s not a rabbit. That’s a mutant.”

She gasps and covers the animal’s ears. “He is not! He’s a perfect, perfect boy. Aren’t you, Abner?”

The rabbit nuzzles into her hand.

“Flemish Giant Rabbit, right?” Denver asks.

Her whole face lights up. “That’s right. I’ve had him since he was a baby.”

“She rescued him, didn’t you, Aspen?” Selene asks, her eyes locked on me.

“I did. Someone abandoned him behind my apartment complex. Poor little guy.”

Mine.

No. Rescuing a stranded animal is what any good person would do. It doesn’t make her special.

“Must be a challenge to move to such a small town out in the middle of nowhere when you’re used to the big city life,” I say. My eyes catch on the silver bear pendant that rests just above the line of her cleavage. A pair of matching earrings dangle from her earlobes.