Page 51 of Trusting Her Bear
He wouldn’t. I have to believe he wouldn’t.
Chapter Eleven
Quinn
They are late. I lean against the tree and cross my arms, trying not to scratch them. My skin is vibrating with the need to be with my mate. I hated leaving her. I want to be near her constantly, but I have to do this.
Kade and Cash arrived last night. I received a text in the middle of the night. They crashed at a hotel for a few hours before sending another message this morning informing me they were in place outside the bakery. I know they will protect her with their life if necessary.
I narrow my eyes when I see movement in the trees. Heath saunters closer, his shiny black shoes stepping through the grass as if he’s in the city. My old acquaintance is wearing a black suit with a blue tie. It is rare to see him dressed any other way. He smirks when he comes to a stop ten feet away.
“Hello, old friend,” he says. He tilts his head. “You didn’t scold me for using that word.” He squints suspiciously.
I shrug. “What’s the point?”
“Hmm…” He slides his hands in his pockets.
The air moves, and Micah stands between us. “Brothers,” he rumbles. He’s wearing what he always wears: ripped jeans and a T-shirt. His hair is a mess and blowing in the breeze.
“Good to see you, Micah,” Heath says.
“It is,” Micah agrees.
“How have you been?” Heath asks.
“You know I’m doing well. Did you not think I noticed the men you have follow me periodically?” Micah grins.
Heath tips his chin. “I knew you would. It was my way of saying hello.” He wiggles his fingers.
“I figured. How’s business? As shady as ever?”
“I’ve had to clean house. There were too many fuck-ups lately,” Heath hisses.
“That will happen when you are trying to build an empire,” Micah says dryly.
I look between them. “Are you fucking done?” I snarl. They look at me blankly. “We are here for a reason. Did you secure your phones?”
“Of course,” Micah says. “Are we amateurs?”
“Don’t answer that,” Heath says. “Only you would drop a pin in the middle of the forest.”
“I didn’t want to be followed. At least out here, we would hear anyone who tries to come after us,” I point out.
“Do you have any idea who it could be?” Micah asks.
“I can think of numerous people who want revenge on me and us.” I drop my arms and step away from the tree. “I don’t care who the fuck it is—all I care about is my mate.”
“Obviously.” Heath rubs his chin. “Who’s the top of the list?”
“Anyone who was a relative of the people we killed,” Micah says plainly.
“I agree.” I rake my hands through my hair. “It’s going to be a long list.”
“But all of those people deserved their sentence,” Heath says.
“Doesn’t matter,” I say. I turn away from them. “Family will defend each other.”
“Not in my experience,” Heath mutters.