As he neared the bear, the creature suddenly jerked to one side with astonishing speed, and for a moment, instead of the massive animal, Mikhail caught a glimpse of a man with flowing golden hair and blazing golden eyes. Inhaling sharply, Mikhail pulled back, realizing the bear was an illusion. Aidan's cry was sharp in his mind. Mikhail whirled to face the real animal charging him, nearly on top of him. He waited calmly, bracing himself, already gathering strength to slam his fist through the heavy protective wall of muscle and bone. Even as he felt the bear's hot breath, Gregori materialized in front of him, ducking his head as he took the brunt of the charge, his fist buried deep in the maddened creature's chest. , Gregori reprimanded. Mikhail grunted his annoyance. , Gregori retorted.