chapter 20

The rain finally let up, the sun filtering down through the forest canopy. The rich scent of black earth and new life filled the air. Droplets of rain trickled down from leaves, and Caleb had to wipe some from his face.

He tested the air for something more.

“The rain probably washed away his scent,” said Brian. “Then we’ll track him.”

Caleb had regrets. He’d let that crazed bear walk away when he’d literally had him in his grasp. After checking the news reports and rounding up the remaining members of Joe’s sleuth, they’d determined three bears had gone rogue from the mutant genes. But the dominant one had already killed the other two. That left the same rogue bear that needed to be taken out.

He'd been toying with them, leaving little calling cards near their home to let them know he’d been there. It was a game to him. The rogue was a killing machine. He’d wanted Joe at first, but now he wanted Caleb and his pack for becoming involved.

“But he keeps stalking the property when we’re off doing patrols,” said David. “What about your mate?”

“Even if something happens to Bethany, you’ll all still be free to find your mates. Wolves only mate once.” Caleb growled his irritation.

“That’s not what I meant. Bethany’s part of our pack now. Even our wolves want to keep her safe.”

He exhaled. His nerves were on high, and he was taking it out on those closest to him. “I know,” he said. “I could have ended this days ago, but I let him walk.”

His pack had tried to warn him, but he’d ignored them.

“You did what you thought was best. Now that we know there aren’t any more, we can handle it properly.”

“I need to send Bethany away until we kill the bear,” said Caleb. It was the last thing he wanted to do. His wolf demanded he protect her and keep her close, but her safety had to come first.

“Where?”

He paced, the soft earth forgiving under his booted feet. “Far away. The next town is hundreds of miles away. Reese, can you arrange a taxi and room at a nice hotel? I want her to have the best. ASAP.” “Will do.” Reese returned to the house.

Caleb felt torn but good about his decision. Once he knew his mate was safe and sound, his pack would go feral until that bastard was rounded up. The bears were going to help, even if it had taken a lot of convincing.

“David, tell Joe to prepare his sleuth.”

A local taxi would be there within the hour, then they could begin. Joe joined them in the forest.

“Speak of the devil,” said Caleb. “I was just talking about you.”

“I still don’t like the idea.” Joe ran a hand down his face, dark circles under his eyes.

Caleb frowned. “You’re a fucking bear. Act like it. You’re the largest shifters in the forest.

You shouldn’t be afraid of anything or anyone. Think of your sleuth. They need a leader, an alpha, someone willing to fight for them and not bow out when things get tough.”

“I’m not like you. You’re a born alpha, I’m not.”

“Not all alphas are born, Joe. I started this pack from scratch, and we fought together for all the land we have. Nothing was handed to us.

Nothing was easy.” Caleb patted his chest. “It starts here. You have the strength, size, and muscle. Get your heart and mind into the game and you won’t lose.”

David chimed in. “Tell your men to get ready. As soon as Caleb’s mate is out of town, we hunt.”

Joe nodded, not arguing.

“I’ve got to tell Bethany the plan and have her pack a bag. My new mate is a major incentive to get this shit cleaned up fast.” He wanted to end this tonight so he could pick up Bethany tomorrow.

They were still freshly mated, their desire and need still as intense as day one. It would be brutal being away from her longer than a day.

“We do one more patrol then meet you at the house,” said David.

Caleb walked alone through the forest. The birds and insects singing usually calmed the beast. He loved this land and wanted things back the way they were. There were so many beautiful places and things he wanted to show his mate. She hadn’t even met his wolf.

“Hey, sweetheart.”

He slipped into the house. She was sitting on the sofa, her legs tucked up beside her.

“Is everything okay?” she asked. “Everyone seems so tense.”

“More bear problems. Actually, that’s what I need to talk to you about.” He sat down beside her, resting a hand on her knee. “You need to leave town.”

“What?”

“Hush now. It’s just for a day or two until we find this threat. As soon as we deal with it and everything is safe, I’ll pick you up myself.”

She shook her head. “I’ll be fine here. I don’t want to leave you.”

The love bite and mating connection made it difficult to separate in the best of circumstances.

His anxiety was already through the roof with the fact he had to send her hundreds of miles away.

“Bethany, it’s dangerous. The bear’s playing a game of cat and mouse, and he won’t hesitate using you against me. I can’t let anything happen to you. You’re too important to me.”

Reese opened the door, knocking to get his attention. “Cab’s ready.” She turned to him, her eyes wide with fear.

“Baby, I need you to be strong. Pack a bag with a few essentials. This is only temporary,” he said.

Even with her eyes glistening with unshed tears, she did as he asked and left to the bedroom.

“That was fast,” he said to Reece.

“Cab won’t drive out here. You know how the humans are. I can drive her into town when she’s ready.”

There were so many old wives’ tales, most of them true, about dangerous beasts in the forest. The rogue had slaughtered dozens of large forest animals for pleasure, not even harvesting the meat. The humans were on high alert, keeping away from the woods.

He nodded. If he took her, he’d be a mess, and it would be harder for her to go.