Dare to Bear (Book 1 Trail Guardians Series) Read Online Free Page B

concentrated on the lush scenery. She filled her lungs with the thick, rich air. The mountain terrain and dense forests around her stood untouched by the modern world. Majestic nature. Almost magical in its peace and beauty.
    A much-needed serenity filled her being.
    Until a brown bear, its fur tipped with blonde, lumbered across the path a scant twenty feet in front of her. She froze.
    Oh, my God. Holy huge scary bear. Please don’t notice me .
    The second the thought crossed her mind, the bear lifted its head and sniffed in her direction. Its nose wiggled like it had caught a delicious scent. The creature’s snout dropped and it stared right at her.
    Crap! Don’t make eye contact. Don’t engage it. Shrink down so he won’t think you’re a threat .
    With painstaking care, she moved inch by slow inch until she crouched on the path. Her fingers trembled as she dug the tips into the dirt.
    The bear made a low snuffling sound. She swallowed a shriek. “I know,” she murmured to the imposing creature in soft tones. “I’m in your space. But I swear if you leave me alone, I’ll get out of here as fast as humanly possible.”
    Doing the opposite of her whispered request, it shifted its big shoulders and lumbered toward her.
    “I’m going to die today.” She squeezed her eyes shut and lowered her chin to her chest. “God, forgive me for any mean thing I ever did or said to anyone. Or thought about my ex. Please let someone find my body. I don’t want to die a lonely Jane Doe.”
    “I have a strong feeling you’re going to live a long, happy life.”
    She jumped and spun on her heels so fast she fell on her backside. Her gaze followed a pair of brown manly hiking boots up muscular calves and thighs sheathed in canvas, the bulge of an impressive package, and a narrow waist that widened steeply to accommodate the muscular bulk of broad shoulders. Finally, she met twinkling deep green eyes.
    Mason?
    She cleared her throat and spoke softly. “Um, do you not see the huge bear about to maul us?”
    Mason scoffed. “He’s not that huge. Still a juvenile, in fact. He doesn’t have the skill or experience to perform a proper maul.”
    “I don’t care to test your theory and wind up as dinner,” she gritted out.
    A smug expression stole onto his features. “I’ll prove to you he’s all brawn and no bite.”
    “What?” She stared slack-jawed as Mason walked casually toward the bear. “This is not the time to play tough-guy hero,” she called after him.
    He waved away her concern.
    “Are you out of your mind?” she squeaked.
    This guy had serious adrenaline junky issues. Or a death wish.
    To her utter shock, the bear met him halfway. As if Mason had trained the fearsome creature to recognize and trust him.
    “This is freaky,” she said to herself.
    “Hey, there, buddy.” Mason treated the bear like a friendly, oversized dog. “Nice day for a stroll, huh?”
    Then Mason actually reached out and ruffled the top of its head. Stephanie blinked. “Is this actually happening?” She stood up cautiously. “Jeez, what are you, the bear whisperer?”
    Mason glanced back at her and grinned. “You could say that.” The glimmer of amusement in his eyes put her at ease for absolutely no good reason. “See? Nothing to be afraid of.”
    She crossed her arms and harrumphed. “Says you.”
    “I also say, you shouldn’t be hiking alone on the trail. There are tons of bears in this area,” he said, as the creature ducked into the woods away from the trail. “I think you need a guardian. Someone to make sure you’re safe out here.”
    A little confused, she dusted off her hands. “Are you volunteering?”
    “I am.”
    Her arms fell limp at her sides. What a thoughtful gesture, but… “Why?”
    “There is an important supply I need to deliver to the next Bear Necessities post on the trail. Three days’ hike from here. Care for some company?”
    Although she appreciated his thoughtfulness, and wanted to say yes