Romance: Stranded With The Alpha Bear: BBW Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance (Werebear, BBW, Bear Shifter Romance) (Sweet Shifters Book 1) by Ashley Hunter Page A

honest, I never thought I’d see Marilyn again, so I have a lot of hope.”
    I nodded, thinking of Beth and hoping she too is alive out there somewhere. “Do you mind if I go upstairs and make a call?”
    “Not at all. You’re welcome to do whatever you like.”
    “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”
    I went up the stairs to call Stevie. Arlo kept his position on the floor in front of the day and seemed relieved to be left alone for at least a little while. I’m not sure what I should say to my old friend, but I should tell him the truth. My heart beat fast as the phone rang. Maybe he’s at work. Maybe I could leave a message.
    “Hello?” he answered.
    “Stevie, it’s Veronica.”
    “Veronica! I’ve been trying to call your cell phone, and it’s been off. I was really worried!”
    “Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’m actually more than fine.”
    “You said you’d call, and you didn’t. That’s worrisome.”
    “I know. I’m sorry; I kind of forgot.”
    “Well, you were also with that strange Christian guy. Who is he, anyway?”
    “I’m staying with him for a few weeks. He’s actually quite kind and lovely.” I remembered the way it felt to kiss him and almost let myself get carried away. “Anyway, I really need to talk to you about something. About Beth.”
    “Okay.”
    “I think you’re right. I think she was taken.”
    “I’m so glad you believe me! Everyone thinks I’m crazy.”
    “That may be true, but that’s not the point. I think I know who took her.”
    “Who? I’ll kill him.”
    “Do you remember the stories of werewolves in the woods?”
    “Sure. The tourists love those. I got a lot of tips for telling those stories.”
    “Well, you’re not going to believe me, but they’re real. I saw them.”
    “You’re right. I don’t believe you.”
    “When I was walking home from work, they attacked me. They abduct virgins so that they can… forcibly impregnate them.”
    “And you think they took Beth?”
    “Yes.” The line went silent. “Are you still there?”
    “Yeah, I’m just… I’m trying to… process what you just said. Do you…” he paused, “do you think she’s still alive?”
    “I honestly don’t know. I think it could be possible, but I don’t know.”
    “Do you know where they could’ve taken her?”
    “Christian and his tribe think they may have found the place. That’s why I’m calling.”
    “‘His tribe’?”
    A tribe of bear shifters may be going too far . “Yeah, they’ve been fighting the werewolves and trying to protect women from them.”
    “I can’t be mad at that.”
    Bounding footsteps pounded up the stairs, and my door opened. Arlo stared at me wild-eyed, “I need you.”
    “I have to go, okay? I’ll call you back,” I said, raising an eyebrow at Arlo.
    “Is everything all right?” Stevie replied.
    “It’s fine. I’ll call you later.” I hung up without saying goodbye. “What is it?
    “They’re here,” he answered urgently.
    “Who?”
    “The wolves. They’re here.”
    I stood, “Oh no! What do we do? Should we um… get some garlic?”
    “They’re not vampires. They don’t care about garlic,” he snapped. “I have to hide you and Rick.”
    “Let me help. Let me do something.”
    He sighed, staring at me for a moment. “Okay, but Christian is going to kill me if he finds out. I know his dad used to keep a gun with silver bullets for his mom, so let’s find that. Make sure you aim for their hearts.”
    I nodded gravely. He led me to Marilyn’s old room and rushed in. Her room looked very much like that of a teenage girl’s, with band posters on the wall and purple accents everywhere. It felt wrong being in there. It was like coming upon a tomb that had been left untouched for centuries, but just now had been stumbled upon for sanctuary.
    “Where is the gun?” I asked, staying at the door. “I don’t think we should be in here.”
    “We shouldn’t, but we have to do what we have to do,” he answered,