Big Bear Trouble: BBW Werebear Shapeshifter Romance (Sweetwater Brides) by Anya Nowlan, Rory Dale Page A

wasn’t just fighting for the sake of violence. These men were testing the limits of their bodies while also calculating what their next move should be. It was primal and bloody, but after the fight was done, everyone shook hands.
    No hard feelings, beat you up again next time, Karen thought wryly.
    There was a small break after the second fight. People rushed to the bar or outside to smoke. Evan got up to go talk to Tom. A tall, boyishly handsome man took his seat next to Karen.
    “Everett!” she exclaimed. “I didn’t know you were going to be here!”
    “Thought I’d surprise you two. Haven’t seen Evan fight in a while. Time to find out if he’s learned anything new,” Everett winked at her, making her smile.
    She noticed Evan turn around to say something to her but stopped in surprise when he saw Everett. He gave them a little wave and a smile, before mouthing, “it’s time”. Karen gave him a thumbs up.
    “He’s gonna be fine,” Everett said, patting Karen on the shoulder, completely carefree.
    Evan climbed into the cage to the sound of cheers. A stocky blond man with a long scar above his right brow got in behind him. The crowd went wild.
    “I didn’t know he was going to fight Alex,” Everett marveled, taken aback for a second. “This oughta be good.”
    “Evan said he was a hell of a fighter.”
    “Damn right. He’s a certified legend in the underground scene,” Everett pointed out. “Oh, but Evan can take him. For sure,” he continued, seeing Karen’s face drop.
    The ‘for sure’ was not very convincing.
    The referee gave the go-ahead and the men started circling each other, predators looking for a weakness. Alex charged first with a quick succession of blows. Evan dodged and blocked them flawlessly. A howl escaped Karen’s lips, surprising even herself.
    Evan started the fight off with a kick to his opponent’s midsection, knocking the wind out of Alex and making him stagger backwards. Evan closed the distance between them in a split second, landing punch after punch to the wolf’s face and sides.
    The referee stepped in and pulled Evan away, giving Alex time to recover. The interference seemed a little unnecessary to Karen, but then again, she was new to the sport.
    The referee still had a hold of Evan’s arm when Alex unexpectedly charged at him with a growl. Evan pushed the ref out of the way, momentarily distracted. Alex wrapped his arms around Evan’s waist, simultaneously pushing forward and using his bodyweight to slam him to the ground, falling on top of him.
    Evan was in the process of pushing his opponent off when the wolf suddenly straddled him and grabbed hold of his head, pounding it into the floor. Evan managed to close his eyes before Alex pressed his thumbs into his sockets, shaking his head, struggling as Alex applied more and more pressure.
    “Why the hell isn’t the referee doing anything?” Karen shouted at Everett, the crowd’s cheering almost drowning her out.
    “I have no idea,” Everett said with growing concern.
    Turning her attention back to the ring, Karen saw Evan grab Alex’s leg and pull it out from under him. That made the wolf fall back and let go of Evan’s head. Evan didn’t give the man a chance to get on his feet, falling on top of him instead. He jammed his elbow into his opponent’s ribcage, making Alex howl in pain.
    The referee stepped in once more and separated the men. Alex backed up, looking tired and out of breath.
    Probably mustering up all the strength he had left, the wolf made one more desperate charge at Evan. He sidestepped, making Alex stumble and fall on his hands.
    The referee shouted something Karen couldn’t hear to Evan, making him turn his back to Alex who was still on the ground. Seeing an opportunity, he leapt up and onto Evan’s back, sinking his teeth into the bear’s neck.
    Everett flew out of his seat, shouting some choice words at the referee, who was standing still, watching the scene unfold. Blood was