Page 37 of Trusting Her Bear

“Got it. Later, boss,” he says and hangs up.

Yes, he is an asshole. His brother is slightly less of an asshole. They have been working for me since the start of the business. I hired them because of their discretion, fighting skills, and the ability to be invisible. They are tiger shifters. They don’t play well with others so this job is perfect for them. They are the ones that guard from the outside of the situation. The women who are in safe houses never know they are there, watching, keeping them safe.

I know they just completed a job. Fortunately, we don’t have anything lined up for them for a few weeks. I don’t spend a lot of time with them. At most, we have shared a beer or two. I do know they are good men, if a bit cranky and secretive. I respect their skills and I have a feeling we are too much alike. I promised them I would never reveal any of their past because, of course, I had them investigated. I understand the need to forget the past and be taken at face value. I trust them to protect my mate with their lives if necessary.

Next, I call the contact I use for in-depth searches, Shade. I have no idea if that’s his real name, and it doesn’t matter if it is or isn’t—he gets the job done.

“What do you need?” he answers briskly.

“I’m going to send you a number. It’s probably a burner, but see what you can do,” I explain.

“Yep.” I hear computer keys clacking. “You need everything?”

“As deep as you can get. Name. Location. Where they were when it was sent. Job. Any relationship they have ever had.”

“I’ll send you what time he takes a shit every day if I can.”

I huff. “Whatever will be helpful.”

“Time frame?”

“Now.”

“Be in touch.”

“Good.”

I disconnect and send the information he needs.

I take a deep breath. I have done everything I can do for now. Whoever this is can’t hide forever. I’m guessing it won’t be the only message I get. In my experience, it’s never a one-time thing just to piss you off. They have an agenda. What that is, I don’t know yet. I can speculate but I need to know the facts first.

My time needs to be spent with Steph for the rest of the day, making her feel safe.

I look around the property again. I have shit security. I never felt the need, knowing I could protect myself. It’s difficult to sneak up on a shifter, especially in our own environment. Being in the woods, surrounded by trees and animals, the slightest sound would alert me to danger. I have to think about my mate now, though. I don’t give a shit if someone wants to come after me for whatever reason, but when they fuck with my mate, I will kill on the spot.

I’ve killed plenty of times before. I believe every one of them deserved it, but their blood still stains my hands. I don’t want to dirty my mate's beauty with them.

I hear her turn over on the couch. I take one more look around and go back inside. I shut the door and locked it.

I walk back to the couch and see she rolled over, her hair shielding part of her face, the blanket tangled around her legs. Her hand is tucked under her cheek, but she is still sleeping.

I sit down on the coffee table and place my phone beside me. I lean forward, putting my elbows on my knees and dropping my head. I rub my hands over my hair and grasp the back of my neck.

The bond is no fucking joke. The second I saw her, I knew I wanted her. I didn’t expect the need to protect her with such desperation would instantly hit me. I wish I could disappear with her, going wherever I had to, just to keep her to myself. I realize that isn’t realistic, and she would probably protest, but it doesn't stop the urge.

I drop my hands, and they hang between my legs. I am going to have to confess everything. A knot develops in my stomach. It wouldn’t be such a nauseous thought if I didn’t know what she had been through. I fear she will see too many similarities with the things I did.

The fading light of the day shines in the window, the rays bathing her legs. I should wake her soon to eat something, but the sleep will do her good. As long as she feels safe enough to sleep in my home with me, I will leave her be.

Without her wide eyes on me, giving me something else to think about, all the demons and questions bombard my mind. I raise my hand and slide my fingers over her cheek, moving her hair behind her ear. My eyes track them, and I smile as I tuck the stands. Her body jerks and my attention flies back.

“Quinn?”

“Are you hungry?” I ignore the way her body tenses.

“I told Breeane I would eat with her and her mates.”

Great. “I guess we are eating with them,” I grumble.