Big Bear Blunder: BBW Werebear Shapeshifter Suspense Romance (Sweetwater Brides) by Anya Nowlan, Rory Dale

woods and into an ambush? She scrolled through her phone, looking for the number for Everett’s shop.
    She dialed it, hands shaking from nervous energy. The voice that answered was somewhat familiar.
    “Grimpaw Auto Repair, how can I help you?” it said.
    “Noah, is that you? It’s Sara, the one with the truck,” she said, rushing over the words.
    “Oh, hey. Yeah, it’s me. Everett’s not in right now –” Noah began before being cut off.
    “I know. Look, I think Everett might be in trouble, can you get me Evan’s number please?” Sara asked, rummaging the motel desk for a pen and paper.
    “Sure, just a moment,” Noah replied, the sound of rustling papers in the background.
    Noah dictated the number while Sara scribbled it down.
    “Thanks!” she quickly exclaimed, before hanging up on Noah and calling Evan.
    “This is Evan,” a gruff voice answered after what felt like an eternity.
    “It’s Sara. Everett was just attacked by two wolves out on the motel parking lot. He followed one of them into the woods about fifteen minutes ago. I thought I should let you know, I didn’t know what else to do,” Sara said, feeling panic rise inside of her.
    “It’s okay, he’s probably just tracking the wolf. But I’m coming over just in case. Try to stay calm, Everett can handle himself,” Evan assured her, offering Sara some relief.
    “Thank you,” she said softly before hanging up.
    Now there was nothing left to do but wait. Minutes ticked by with no sign of Everett or Evan.
    A knock on the door made Sara jump up from the bed.
    “Everett?” Sara called out, rushing to the door.
    Her hand remained hovering on the lock when no response came. She looked into the peephole to see Keith standing on the other side of the door.
    “What do you want?” Sara growled, anger rising in her belly instead of the panic that had been there before.
    “You’re not going to invite me in, Miss Sawyer? How rude,” Keith said menacingly, a chuckle in his tone.
    “I suggest you leave before Everett wipes the floor with you. Again,” Sara hissed, her anger fueling her boldness.
    “I just came to warn you. We don’t look kindly on thieves around here,” Keith’s voice sounded through the thin wood, almost sing-songy.
    “I’m not a thief! We both know there was nothing missing from your shipment,” Sara said, hands balling into fists.
    “Who’s gonna believe you, stranger?” Keith laughed, banging his fist against the door.
    The hinges shook. Sara backed away, anger giving way to fear.
    “Step away from the door,” a voice thundered from the hall. Sara recognized it as Evan’s, her body slumping in relief.
    “Why? I have legitimate business with the lady here. Pack business. Stay out of it,” Keith countered angrily.
    “Her business is my business. I won’t repeat myself,” Evan noted matter-of-factly, his voice sounding closer now.
    “Is that so?” Keith asked, feigning interest.
    Evan was silent.
    “This isn’t over,” Keith called out towards the door after a moment of silence that had felt like an eternity.
    Footsteps started, heading towards the parking lot.
    “Sara?” Evan’s voice rumbled.
    Sara opened the door and let Evan in, before rushing to the window. She watched as Keith got in his car and drove away. The wolf that lay on the pavement was gone.
    “Thank you,” she said to Evan, sinking onto the bed.
    The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving her spent.
    “No problem,” Evan replied, looking around the room, concentrating on the door.
    “They’re really pressing hard on the whole missing shipment angle. If Everett hadn’t gotten here when he did, there might’ve been three wolves at my door, instead of just one,” Sara murmured, considering the scenario with a shiver.
    “I’d like to say that I’m shocked by them attacking a defenseless woman, but I’m really not.”
    “Hey, I’m not defenseless!” Sara protested, before realizing how absurd it was.
    What was she going to do,