Big Bad Beast
Page 72

The hybrid finally released him and Stein let out a breath. Finally! Thank A big hand rammed Steins head into the side of the SUV, black dots swirling through his vision.
But when his sight cleared, he stared upway upat three polar bears. Dave Smolinski and his two brothers.
Hiya, Steiny, Dave said. Weve been looking just everywhere for you. Ric and Hannah were nearly back at the SUV when Abby gripped the back of Rics jeans and held on. It seemed as if she was trying to drag him back to the market, but he had no idea why.
He stopped and gazed down at her. Do you know what shes doing? he asked Hannah.
Why would I know?
You seem to spend the most time with her.
She wont leave me alone. Its not like I invite her anywhere.
Well, if you had to guess.
She doesnt want you to walk over to the SUV.
Why?
This would be much simpler if she would just shift to human.
Except thered be a sixteen-year-old naked girl biting at my jeans. Im almost positive that would only go badly for me.
Thats a valid point.
Ric lifted his nose, sniffed the air. Bears.
Thats probably me.
He turned his head, took another sniff from her neck. No. Not you.
All I have to say is . . . that was kind of weird.
Youll get used to it. He sniffed the air again. Polar bears. And fear. He smelled Steins fear, and his rage. Yet something didnt seem right to Ric. Why were the bears lingering around? Did they want Ric to pay since they couldnt get their money from Stein? Maybe, but still . . .
Go back to the market, Hannah. Take Abby with you.
Why?
Ric added the bags he held to the bunch Hannah had. Dont question. Just do. Hannah nodded and returned to the market, Abby following behind her, but stopping every few feet to look back at Ric.
Its all right, Abby. Go.
Once she and Hannah were gone, Ric crouched down and pulled the gun he kept holstered on his ankle. He stuck it into the back of his jeans and covered it with his T-shirt. Taking a breath, he headed back to the SUV, easing around the front of the vehicle. But he stopped short when he found nothing.
No bears. No Stein.
Ric casted for the scent again, locked on, and followed. He tracked them to a row of stores closed due to the holiday and around to the back. There were two of them battering Stein around. The poor kid hit the ground, blood pouring from gashes on his face and neck. When he saw Ric, he shook his head. Go, Ric. Go. Its not methey
A tugboat of a foot slammed into Steins gut, cutting off the rest of his words.
That wont be necessary, Ric explained, knowing that unlike some other species, bears could be quite rational when one didnt startle them into unnecessary violence. I can get you your money if youd only allow me to Ric abruptly spun, catching the hand holding the gun that was about to be placed against the back of his head and slamming his foot into the weak spot on the third bears kneecap, fracturing it.
Ive spent months, Ric explained over the screaming of the bear at his feet, learning to sense the presence of the most lethal She-wolf in the world. So your tiptoeing sounds more like an elephant stomping through dry brush to me.
He pressed the bears gun to the back of its owners head. The safety was already off and Ric had the feeling that his death was their intent, not merely getting money from Stein.
Why are you here? he asked. The bears stared at each other, the other two still holding on tight to Rics cousin.
When no one answered, Ric pointed the gun at the taller bear across from him and pulled the trigger. Another kneecap damaged, the bear went down screaming.
Ill ask again because I really have to get back and make breakfast for my guests. Why are you here?
Why do you think? the one he held replied, his voice thick with pain while he lay on his side.
The kids debt was bought, the uninjured one volunteered. But we were offered an extra fifty grand on top of that.
As payment for killing me?
Aint killin nobody for fifty K, but well mess you up good. Good enough that you wont be gettin up again for a while.
Ric knew he should feel pain. Acute, ripping pain deep into his soul at such a betrayalbut he felt nothing. Not pain or surprisenot even fear.
Thank you for the information, gentlemen. Ill assume I wont be hearing from you again.
Youre not really worth the troubleand weve already gotten the money for what he owed us.
Lets go, Stein.
Stein picked himself up off the ground and limped his way over to Rics side, following as Ric headed back onto the deserted street. All the activity was on the other side of the small town where theyd had a parade and set up a carnival with rides for the locals and tourists.
Who was he talking about? Stein asked him. Who bought the debt? Who would do this to you?
Ric stopped and faced his cousin. Who do you think? He shrugged a little. My father.