Bear Shifters of Alaska: Bear Shifters of Alaska, #4

Book 1 – Bearly Alive

Chapter 1

The scent of a woman was in the air. Denver recognized it immediately. He pushed past the brush and branches, seeking out the subtle fragrance that called to him. Leaves crunched beneath his feet as some of the trees shed their foliage with the change of the season. The crisp air made it clear summer was over. Like a sweet lullaby, the woman’s fragrance lured him in. The closer he got, the quicker he moved. 

He rambled with the anxious gait of an excited child. Having traveled almost two miles, he inhaled again. The wind barely moved. On a good breeze, he picked up a scent for miles. A dead carcass, up to twenty if it was spoiled.

Another few yards and he spotted the girl.

Her body was heaped in a pile, collapsed and fragile. She’d collided with the earth like a fallen angel.

This wasn’t an accident. She’d been left for dead. Denver moved in closer, slowly at first so as not to startle her. She was still breathing, but just barely. There wasn’t time to lose. No time to think. He could do more damage moving her, but there wasn’t a choice. If he didn’t get her to safety she’d be dinner for the wolves.

Denver slipped his head beneath her torso and shimmied her onto his back. It was awkward, but worked. There was no time to shift – he’d lose time as a man. As his bear self, he’d cover more ground faster.

He pushed back through the woods, following the path he’d made out there. He knew every inch of the land and there were no shortcuts.

Alaska was a lonely place on the frontier, but he’d lived there for a long time. His folks had taught him how to survive, and he always kept plenty of supplies on hand to live comfortably.

Most people only knew Denver Beck as a man. If they knew his secret, it could start a witch hunt. Shifters weren’t welcome in town. There’d been a time when they were, but not after the last altercation that left two people dead.  You kept to yourself unless it was mating season, and even then you rarely trusted your closest friend. People would turn on you in a minute. Some were out for themselves, others watched out for their brothers. If you laid low, nobody bothered you. Denver trusted no one. It was a lesson learned after his father was killed. He had a couple friends from back in school that knew his truth, but otherwise he guarded it desperately.

The woman was still unconscious when he arrived at his cabin. He carefully slid her onto his bed. He shifted back to his human form and got to work. She needed care and she needed it now. He gathered a bowl with warm water, a washcloth, scissors and a knife. He moved cautiously and methodically, attending to her worst wounds first.

Denver quietly apologized to the woman for what he was about to do. He sliced off her clothing to check for hidden wounds. He flinched seeing all the bruises she’d acquired. What kind of beast...? If it clouded his mind, his rage would cause him to shift again.

He washed the blood from her face and hair. The wounds were messy, but not as deep as he’d first suspected. She’d been battered and beaten, then tossed aside like a worn-out ragdoll. But who tosses a body in the middle of nowhere? Right, someone not expecting her to come back. Fucking animal. Denver closed his eyes and clenched his teeth, forcing his anger back. His bear wanted to show itself, to rear up in disgust and pain.

He’d do what he could and let time do the rest. Being in the middle of nowhere, he kept a first aid kit fully stocked with emergency medication. He checked the supply of antibiotics and pain medication. There wasn’t a lot, but enough to get them through the roughest days. Time would do the rest. He’d feed her and bathe her, and keep her warm and sheltered. Getting her to a doctor would be risky at this point. He opted not to move her again. She’d stay with him.

The first day, she slept. The second, she stirred. On the third, her tiny voice wafted into the air in desperation. It hurts, she murmured, then fell back to sleep.

He’d kept her as clean as he was able under the circumstances, attended to her wounds, and fed her antibiotics. He pushed a pain killer to her lips, and almost without thinking she opened them and took the pill.

***

Abe, I can’t do this anymore, she whimpered, lost in a dream. Please, no...no...

A shrill scream pierced the air and jolted Denver awake. He jumped up from the sofa and ran to her.

It’s okay, it’s okay, he whispered, unsure if she could hear him.

Her eyes opened slowly. She blinked a few times, adapting to the light, then looked at the man standing over her. Who are you?

Just rest, he answered. You can ask questions later. You need to heal first.

She went to move, then flinched and yelped at the pain. The woman looked around. Where am I?

Denver wasn’t sure how much to tell her. Would she know who did this to her? Would she be able to identify the monster that traumatized her? And would the thought of him send her down a path of delirium? He cautiously spoke, knowing that he needed to move slowly. Too much might overwhelm her.

Do you remember anything? he asked gently. I found you on the forest floor, not far from where I live. You were broken.

She looked at him and tilted her head. She tried to shift, but did so with fragile movements. Ian? Is that you?

Denver shook his head. No. I don’t know an Ian. You mentioned an Abe earlier.

The color drained from her face. She pulled the covers up over her. Make him go away. He’ll hurt me.

He tried to pacify her the best that he could under the circumstances. It’s only me here. You’re safe. It’s okay. Do you remember your name?

She peeked out from the covers and whispered, Lily.

Lily, my name is Denver. You don’t have to be afraid. You’re safe here. You’ve been recovering from your injuries. I didn’t think it was safe to move you, so you’ve been here.

She pulled the covers down a bit more and looked around. Then looked down. She yanked the covers back up. I’m naked.

I apologize. I needed to clean your wounds. He hoped she didn’t think he took advantage. If anything, he was a gentleman when the situation called for it.

My wounds... Her voice was as fragile as her body.

Do you remember?

She nodded quietly and looked away.

Why don’t you rest. I’m going to make you something to eat. You need your strength, Denver said, moving to the small kitchen area just off of the bedroom. It wasn’t a big place, but it did the job.

Wait, she called out. Don’t leave.

I’m right here, he said, moving back into the doorway.

I’m afraid. What if he comes back?

Who? Denver asked, not wanting to lead her to answers.

He’ll kill me if he finds out I’m still alive. He thought I was dead. I heard him. When he was kicking me, I forced myself not to move or whimper or he’d know.

Denver walked to the side of the bed. He won’t get you. He’d have to get through me first. And he doesn’t know where you are.

Who are you? Where am I? she asked cautiously.

Denver sighed and sat down beside the bed. My name is Denver Beck. I live here. I found you when I was... I found you. I brought you to my cabin. You’ve been sleeping for the last three days.

Lily tilted her head slightly. You saved me?

We need to get you stronger, so you can get to a doctor.

No. He’ll be watching. He’ll find me, she whimpered. The fear was plastered in her eyes.

You’re okay, he said, patting her hand. I’ll protect you.

She looked the large man up and down, then nodded. She wanted to believe him. She did...but Abe was vicious when he wanted to be. You won’t leave?

No. I’ll stay here.

Chapter 2

Lily Scott started to pack her things. He’d gone to the store and left her alone, a rare occurrence. He knew she wasn’t happy, but she always stayed. It was more out of fear than anything. When he kidnapped her at a rest stop, a mere babe at fourteen, everything she knew was turned on its head.

Her family was on their way to Yellowstone National Park. A summer vacation before the school year returned. She finished in the restroom before her mother and went ahead to the vending machines that stood in a separate area of the rest stop. She felt his presence, large and looming, beyond her. It left her uneasy, but she figured he was just getting a snack like she was.

It happened so fast, she barely remembered a thing. A bag over her head, then nothing. She couldn’t scream, she couldn’t breathe. Something in the bag knocked her out. He must have carried her to his truck, because if she was coherent, she would have kicked and screamed or caused any kind of scene that she could, fighting back. She’d replayed that moment over and over in her mind, trying to understand.

He used her parents against her. Said he’d track them down and kill them if she left him. He took down their license plate and could easily get an address. He’d quietly waited until the right girl came along. When he laid his eyes on Lily, he knew she was the one.

Sheltered from strangers, she was locked in his home when he’d go out. Bars covered the windows, and the front door was steel. There was no way out – and if she left, she’d only ever worry he’d find her again and kill her parents like he’d threatened over and over.

He wanted her to love him, but when she denied him, he took to striking her. Once she’d given in and slept beside him, she learned the rules of the game. Be nice to him, he’ll be nice to you. Slowly gain more freedom, but freedom was a poor choice of wording. She was nothing more than a prisoner in some shack in the woods.

She learned to be quiet and blend into the walls. If she asked questions, he grew angry. He schooled her by throwing a text book at her and demanding she learn from it.

He made the mistake of leaving his desk unlocked one day when he went out to hunt. She knew she had enough time. She’d watched him closely, watched the mistake. When he walked out the door, she ran for the desk, carefully opening it, not wanting a single thing to be out of place. She studied the information on a piece of mail. His name was Gabriel Dante. He went by Abe. She scanned the address. Alaska? She was in Alaska?

Lily’s hands started to shake. She was so far from home. Her parents were back in Virginia, too far away. And her little brother, Ian. As much as he was a pain in the ass, always bothering her, she missed him like crazy. It was too much. She closed the desk quietly after putting the envelope back and curled into a ball on the corner of the sofa. 

***

Ten years had passed. Ten long years. He never expected her to leave. She told him she loved him and accepted him as her mate. It satisfied his desperate need to have somebody want him. They were all lies. She kept her enemy close and learned his ways, counting minutes, hours, days, and years before she’d find her way out.

She told him she wasn’t happy and wanted to leave. Big mistake. She thought he’d understand. She’d given him ten years, but she wanted to live again. If he loved her, he’d let her go. Only he didn’t, and when he came back early and found her sneaking out of the house...

... that was all she remembered.

Denver sat beside the bed, promising to protect her. If she’d stayed with Abe, he wouldn’t have tried to kill her. And yet, she was already dead. She’d not been alive for the prior ten years. Would her parents recognize her? Did he go after them when she tried to get away? Her head spun with too many questions. Overwhelmed, she curled into a ball and pulled the covers higher.

Lily, Denver whispered. I’d like to make you some soup. It will only take a minute. You need to get a couple of calories in you so you can regain your strength. You can come with me. Or, if you lean to the other side of the bed, you can sort of see where I’ll be. I promise I won’t let anybody harm you. I’m big and tough. I’ll protect you.

She wanted to believe him, but Abe was vial. A sickness ran through him, with no value on human life. Bullets tore through big and tough people, too. If he knew where she was... Lily shivered and looked at the man. I’ll go with you.

I can help you up. Wait, let me get you something. He turned toward a chest of drawers and pulled out a t-shirt. Here, you can wear this.

Every movement ripped through her, twisting her courage, and reminding her of her wounded body. She lifted her arms, and Denver slid the shirt over her head. He gently placed his hands under her arms and helped her stand. Her legs were wobbly. The shirt clung to her feminine curves and outlined her hips and breasts. 

Are you okay? he asked as she found her footing.

I’m weak, but I’m okay, she answered.

Come on, I’ll help you. Lean against me. He wrapped his arm around her waist, and lifted her arm up over his shoulder. Hold on tight. I won’t let you fall.

She moved cautiously, then collapsed onto a kitchen chair. Thank you.

Sure, he said. A drink? Some water? I have tea. And how about a bowl of soup?

I’ll try.

They were silent as he worked and moved about the small kitchen. The large man seemed almost too big for the space he used.

After feeding her, he sat across from the girl and asked if she wanted to talk.

She seemed uncertain, but he was kinder than the man that kept her for ten years. She decided she had no choice but to trust him. She had nobody and nothing else. Not even the clothes on her back, no money, no anything.

Lost and alone, Denver Beck was the closest thing she had to a friend.

Chapter 3

Denver watched her eat. Her cheeks were sallow, even round. She was hardly malnourished, but still looked frail in her movements. Her shoulders were sunken low, and she tried not to make eye contact. He watched her mannerisms. She tried to take up as little space as possible. She didn’t want to be seen. She wanted to be invisible. The bruises, he was certain it wasn’t a one-time thing. This was no stranger that left her for dead, but somebody she knew.

Lily, he said softly, can you tell me what you know about this? It was somebody close to you, yes?

She wouldn’t look him in the eye. She nodded the slightest bit. I tried to leave.

He waited. There were more words, but she needed time to digest them before she could get them out. A tiny croak, then a whisper. He wanted me to stay, but I left.

You weren’t allowed to leave?

She shook her head.

Your husband? Your boyfriend? Was he abusive?

She swallowed hard and tried to find the words. Her body shuddered as she spoke. He kidnapped me when I was a child.

Denver grabbed the edge of the table, his eyes shooting open wide. Hold the rage, ole boy, don’t let your bear out. You don’t want to scare her anymore.  Kidnapped?

I was fourteen. He grabbed me from a rest stop, she said, choking up. I’m sorry. I can’t.

Denver swallowed hard, forcing his anger back – not at her, but the scumbag that took her away as a child. Does he have a name?

Abe. I saw a letter once. He was careful to hide things away. I saw a piece of mail when he forgot to lock his desk. Gabriel Dante, she said. I think that’s his real name.

Denver ran to the door, flung it open and got sick. The fresh air helped him regain his composure. He twitched. A loud roar wanted to let loose, but he couldn’t let it. Not now. He’d scare her away.

All this time...

Shit. She’d lived in his neck of the woods. He could have saved her if only he’d known. He recognized the name of her captor. He knew who he was from in town. That fucking devil was going down. It was time to rid the earth of Gabriel Dante. He didn’t deserve to live.

Lily watched him. What happened?

Nothing, he said. He wasn’t ready to tell her that Gabriel lived in a neighboring town. Or used to. He’d be dead sooner than later if Denver had it his way. Probably something I ate.

She wasn’t sure she believed him, but was in no place to challenge his answer.

Denver rejoined Lily at the table. Her long dark hair hung loose over her shoulders.

Can I get a shower? she asked. I don’t mean to impose, but I feel kind of skanky.

Sure, the hot water will feel good, he said. Let me get you a towel. Do you need help walking?

I think I’m okay. She got up and stood tentatively, then shook her head. I’m pretty sure I’ll be okay. You won’t leave, will you?

I’m right here. I promise, nobody can get to you. He reassured her again, but now understood why she needed the constant refresher.

As she walked, her fully padded hips moved back and forth. She was a beautiful woman, but obviously worn down. She had curves that would normally make his engine run wild. Amidst the circumstances, he pushed those thoughts aside.

Denver went to get a clean, soft towel from the closet and handed it to her. I’ll be right outside the door. Take your time.

Thank you for watching over me, she said.

He heard the shower head spring to life as water sprayed and cascaded over her. Within ten minutes, she’d turned the water it off. Once again in his t-shirt, she came out with her hair wrapped in the towel.

The water felt amazing. Honestly, I’m worn out already. Do you mind if I sleep?

Not a bit, he answered and stepped aside. Remember, you’re safe here. If you need anything, you let me know. Even if I’m sleeping, simply wake me up.

Where are you?

The sofa, he said, watching the relief on her face.

I’m sorry I’ve stolen the bed from you.

Take all the time you need. I’m fine.

Thank you, Denver. Thank you for saving me.

He nodded. I’m glad you’re here.

***

There were plans to attend to. He needed to make sure it was a clean kill. It would look like an accident. He’d take him out to the wilderness and then feed him to the wolves. They’d eat anything, even trash like Gabriel Dante.

Chapter 4

Lily startled awake and looked around. Her heart raced. Relief coursed through her when she realized where she was. The nightmare was over. He’d almost killed her, but she got away. She did it. After all of those years, she was free. Lily trembled as the reality hit her hard.

She knew it could be taken away in an instant. Panic racked her brain like a bad habit. She climbed out of bed and went to look for Denver. He was snoring softly, sprawled out on the sofa. She didn’t want to wake him, but felt better in his presence. She leaned into the sofa and curled against it. Safe at last.

Denver rolled over in his sleep, and wrapped an arm over Lily’s shoulder, completely unaware that she’d joined him. His subconscious slowly pulled him from his slumber, recognizing something was different. Denver opened his eyes and found Lily pressed against him. A smile formed over his lips.

He gently whispered and nudged the girl. Lily?

She fluttered her eyelashes and looked up at Denver. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to be alone.

Come on, we’ll go into the other room. It will be more comfortable for you.

She nodded quietly and padded back to the bedroom.

Denver stretched, his muscled arms reached up over him as he twisted this way and that, trying to loosen up. He followed Lily to the bedroom and tucked her in. He went to the other side of the bed, but stayed on top of the covers so she wasn’t uncomfortable.

This better? he asked.

Yes, thank you, she said.

The couple went back to sleep. Come morning, Denver had wrapped up over her, his arm across her body almost in a protective stance. She was surprised to like the way it felt. Nobody had touched her