2. Briella

"Are you sure about this?" Worry fills my sister's light blue eyes as we walk up to the airport security checkpoint. "I'm going to miss you so much." We might be identical twins and share the same curly dark hair and blue eyes, but our personalities couldn't be more different.

I'm reserved and contemplative, preferring the edges of the room, and my idea of a great evening is being engrossed in a book. The few friends I had before this whole stalking situation seemed to disappear as I withdrew from social situations to protect myself.

On the other hand, Brenna is outgoing and vivacious. Her energy fills the room, and she draws people toward her with her charismatic charm. She enjoys social gatherings and thrives in the spotlight.

"Jared said Kodi Brute is the best security expert in the country," I remind her, feeling tears forming in my eyes as I think of all I'm going to miss while I'm on the run from my stalker. "I'll be back before you know it," I insist, ignoring the little voice in the back of my mind that's insisting my stay in Fable Forest will become permanent. "Give Alana a kiss for me when you get home." I'm going to miss my niece so much. The active toddler keeps everyone on their toes, and I'm not sure how I'll survive not seeing her every day.

"I will." Brenna's bottom lip quivers. "She's going to miss you."

"Not as much as I'll miss her. And you."

I wrap my arms around my twin and hug her tight. This whole nightmare situation came out of nowhere and turned all our lives upside down. "Okay, little love, you have to let Briella go so she can catch her flight." Jared, my brother-in-law, interrupts our tearful goodbye.

When Brenna met the wolf shifter, I worried the overwhelming differences in their backgrounds would make their relationship impossible, but it didn't take long for Jared to win me over. He's the perfect match for my sister—strong, quiet, and always putting her first.

It takes five minutes and several more hugs before my sister will allow me to head through security. Once I'm at my gate, I pull out my phone and read through the emails I've received from Kodi Brute. I'm not sure why, but there's something about the surly shifter that draws me in. Which is freaking crazy since I've never met him.

* * *

Standing by the bustling luggage carousel, I nervously twist a strand of hair around my finger. All around the crowded airport, I notice a chorus of greetings and goodbyes, but I keep my gaze low, watching suitcases tumble down the conveyor belt.

I spot my bag, an overstuffed, slightly battered, old, black suitcase. As it makes its way around the bend, I take a deep breath, preparing to wrestle it off the conveyor.

Just as I lean down to grab it, a sleek, silver suitcase topples off and lands on the belt in front of me, causing a slight jam. My inner clumsiness rears its ugly head, sending me toppling over to land on top of both suitcases.

Thank God, I insisted on wearing my comfy black yoga pants instead of the short skirt Brenna picked out for me, or the entire busy airport would be staring at my pink and yellow polka dot thong.

Of course, it's that instant when I feel an imposing figure standing next to me as I drag myself off the carousel.

Wishing the ground would open up and swallow me, I glance out the corner of my eye, hoping I'm wrong and the man standing way the heck too close isn't Kodi.

"Need a hand with that?" God, I'd recognize that deep, growly voice anywhere. It's even more potent than it was on the phone, and I barely resist the urge to fan myself as I look way the heck up into his dark green eyes. The rest of the airport fades into a soft blur around us as I try not to melt into a puddle of goo at his rather huge feet.

Kodi Brute is a freaking giant. I'm five-foot-seven and this man towers over me. And holy cow, the bear shifter is hot as heck with thick, black hair cut close to his head in a typical military fade. His angular face is too rugged to be considered classically handsome, but he's stunning all the same. His deep green eyes sparkle with life and are highlighted by flecks of gold and dark brown, adding depth and complexity to their appearance. The shifter's height and imposing presence make him stand out in a crowd, lending an air of authority and confidence.

"Oh, um, yes, thank you," I stammer, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "Kodi?" I ask, even though there's no doubt this is the shifter who's invaded my mind with just a few emails and one phone call. My heart pounds in my chest as I stand close to the imposing shifter. Oh my. I'm in trouble here.

He steps forward, effortlessly lifting my suitcase as if it weighs nothing. His hand brushes lightly against mine, and a spark of nervous excitement shivers through me.

"That's right, Beauty. Nice to meet you." He places the suitcase down beside me and extends his broad hand.

As our skin touches, sparks of electricity flow down my spine and a sudden thought occurs to me. Freaking shifters can smell emotion. I may as well have a bright neon sign hanging over my head that reads, "Ready to jump the shifter."

Taking several deep breaths, hoping to gain control of my wayward lady bits, I manage a small laugh, still caught in the sudden intensity of his gaze. "Beauty?" I nervously tuck my hair behind my ear, feeling oddly transparent under his look.

"How was your flight?" he asks, avoiding my question with one of his own.

"It wasn't horrible," I lie. I freaking hate flying. In fact, I'd rather have toothpicks jabbed under my fingernails than board a plane.

"I'm glad." He reaches down and takes my hand in his before nodding at my lone bag. "Is this your only suitcase?" Having his large hand engulfing mine causes the sizzle to ramp up.

I nod my head and he leans close to whisper, "You didn't bring much with you."

As his potent, woodsy scent reaches my nose, my mind goes blank, and it takes me several seconds to remember what we were talking about. "I pack light," I sputter as he leads me out of the crowded airport.

The warm summer air hits me in the face when we step out into the bright afternoon sunlight, and I realize I'm going to be a puddle of goo by the time we get wherever we're going. We walk through the rows of parked cars until he stops at a huge black SUV. "This is us." He smiles and opens the passenger door to help me in.

"Thank you."

He winks at me and closes the door before grabbing my suitcase and hefting it into the back of the vehicle.

As I watch the hot bear shifter in the rearview mirror, I take several deep breaths, trying to calm my racing pulse and the crazy sensations coursing through my overheated body.