Chapter 6 - The ShieldJason’s violent bravado vanished in an instant. His legs kicked uselessly in the air, his face turning a deep shade of purple as Bear pressed him against the hallway wall. Jason clawed frantically at Bear's iron grip, but Bear didn't even flinch.
"Bear, please!" Sarah gasped, holding a crying Lily tightly in her arms. "Don't kill him! Lily is watching!"
The mention of Lily's name seemed to pull Bear back from a dark, dangerous precipice. The absolute fury in his eyes receded, replaced by a cold, calculating resolve.
Bear slowly lowered Jason until the man's feet touched the floor, but he didn't let go of his shirt. He leaned in close, his face inches from Jason's terrified countenance. When Bear spoke, his voice was a low, terrifying whisper that vibrated through the floorboards.
"If you ever touch her again," Bear whispered, "if you ever even step foot on this street, I will find you. And the people I used to ride with? They won't even find what's left of you. Do you understand me?"
Jason nodded frantically, tears of absolute terror streaming down his face.
Bear threw him toward the open door. Jason stumbled, falling onto the wet porch, before scrambling to his feet and sprinting down the driveway, leaving the neighborhood at a frantic run.
The house fell completely silent, save for Lily’s soft, hitching sobs.
Bear stood in the hallway, his breathing heavy, his hands trembling slightly. He looked down at his own palms, a look of profound disgust and shame passing over his features. He turned toward the door, preparing to leave, clearly believing he had terrified Sarah and Lily just as much as he had Jason.
"Bear," Sarah breathed out.
She walked over to him, still holding Lily. Without a word, Sarah leaned her head against his massive, damp chest. Lily reached out her small arms, wrapping them around Bear’s thick leg.
Bear froze, completely paralyzed by the sudden warmth and acceptance. Slowly, tentatively, as if afraid he might break them, he wrapped his massive arms around both of them, pulling them into a protective embrace.
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"Thank you," Sarah sobbed into his flannel shirt. "Thank you."
"I've got you," Bear rumbled, his voice cracking with an emotion he hadn't allowed himself to feel in years. "Nobody's ever gonna hurt you again. I swear it."
