#Chapter 69: Denied

Ruby Caleb rolled to a gentle stop in front of the two bears in human form. He slowly put the car in park and turned it off as he said, “Stay casual, but keep your hands visible. We don’t want to seem like we’re expecting an attack as much as we don’t want to make them nervous.” I was worried that I would have to repeat the message to Daniel because he wouldn’t take direction from Caleb. Thankfully, my warrior slowly leaned forward from the backseat, leaning both hands on the back of the front seats. Casual. Visible. Caleb placed one hand on his door, lifting the other to wave at the bears. I followed suit. “Please stay in the car, Ruby.” I could hear the desperation in Caleb’s voice even though he kept his face neutral for the bears. “Stop telling me what to do, Caleb,” I replied through a smile. He and I would need to have a larger conversation soon about his fear of my safety. It was much too over the top. Caleb and I opened our car doors in unison, and the second we d