Free Waking the Bear (Shifter Wars) by Kerry Adrienne Page A

of thought. “I had a lot on my mind. It’s good to be home.”
    Evers breathed in the scent of power that Max gave off. What he wouldn’t give to have that power.
    The room quieted as Max plopped down and spread himself in the large chair in the corner. He pushed his hair behind his ears, revealing a large diamond stud in his left lobe, and cleared his throat. “Happy to see you all, my family.”
    The lions answered their greeting in chorus. Evers rolled his eyes.
    Max leaned forward. “Let’s talk about killing bears.”
    “I’m all for that.” Evers nodded. He’d thought about hunting down Griff during his semi-hibernation, but even if he could’ve gotten to him inside his cabin, what joy would it be to kill him while he slept? He wanted Griff to be looking him in the eye when he took his life. And completely awake and aware of why he was dying.
    It was the least he could do for his parents. He could smell revenge now. Close. Sweet.
    “I’d like to hear the latest reports.” Max leaned back in his chair. “What did we learn this winter? Anything that will help us regain the Cave of Whispers or give us an advantage when we attack? I’m very proud of all of you that went in—no one got caught.”
    The lions mumbled but no one spoke up. Even Marco and Mason were quiet.
    “We should attack now.” Evers approached Max. “We’ve waited too long. The bears are growing stronger every day and if we don’t do it soon, we won’t have a chance. We’re already outnumbered.”
    Max steepled his fingers and drew in a slow breath. “I take it from the lack of information that we learned nothing that can help us.”
    “I was able to travel around the park without being spotted.” Evers crossed his arms. “I didn’t go near the cave but I ran most of the trails and roads with no issues. I think the bears are too relaxed. We could take them before they wake up any more.”
    “We need to make sure the time is right,” Marco said. “We’re only going to get one chance. I think we need to make sure that one chance is in our favor. We did a lot of reconnaissance, but found nothing new, really.”
    “Guards keeping a tight perimeter,” Mason added. “More guards than before.”
    “Yes, that’s true,” Marco said. “We noted several more guards near the cave. Still, we can plan for them. With the element of surprise on our side, I think we’ll do well when we’re ready.”
    Max rubbed his chin. “What’s our biggest obstacle?”
    “We don’t have a count of how many bears there are. Maybe twice as many as there are of us. Maybe more, maybe less.”
    “We need to find that out. Marco and Mason, find out.” Max propped on an elbow.
    “Yes, sir,” the twins said.
    “I can make sure there’s one less bear to worry about.” Evers stepped closer. “With your permission.”
    Max shifted his gaze to Evers. “This can’t be about revenge, do you hear me, Evers?”
    Evers slitted his eyes and nodded. “I want to take out all the bears, same as you do.”
    Griff is first.
    “I’ll assign someone else to take care of Griff Martin. Your need for revenge cannot cause a weakness in our attack. I won’t allow it.” Max leaned forward in the chair. “I need to make sure you’re not making any careless mistakes.”
    “But—” Evers felt the flush of anger rise up from his gut. Max didn’t understand. This was something he had to do. Needed to do.
    “Most of his family is already dead,” Max said. “I don’t know how he survived, but you don’t have to worry. He will die this time. I’ll make sure of it.”
    “It’s time to let go of your vengeful feelings. We’ll take care of Griff.” Marco smiled. “He won’t live to see his children.”
    Evers clamped his teeth together and nodded. No point in arguing. Max might be old, but he wasn’t weak and he wasn’t stupid. Insubordination would get Evers into more trouble than he could deal with, and that would keep him from any chance at