Wilde Bear (BBW Paranormal Shapeshifter Romance) (Blue Bear Rescue) (6 page)

X
avier bided his time
. Laurel had been polite but distant over dinner and drinks and then all through the drive home. He had a hunch about the reason too. She’d gone white as a sheet at the sight of the kid in the glasses at Mack’s. She’d torn out in a panic, and he’d almost followed, but he knew her better than to barge into her problems. It would have only backfired on him. So he’d stayed behind and turned his animal hearing up to full volume, listening in from a safe distance instead.

Her co-worker hadn’t been overly friendly or accepting of her company, and Laurel was worried. He hadn’t been surprised at that. Or the way she’d tried going all alpha to cover up her fear. He knew now that was what she did.

At the table on the deck, none of the crew said a word about it which let him know they’d heard it too.

Fuck, his woman was complicated. And bossy. And too damn proud to admit when she was coming at a problem wrong.

At the Lodge, he let her go up to her room without a fight. He went to his, just down the hall, and waited for her to come to him, but she never did. The evening turned to midnight and still, Laurel didn’t come to him. He should have guessed she wouldn’t, but it still stung after everything they’d shared.

By one in the morning, he’d tossed and turned enough. He couldn’t take this shit anymore. He threw the covers back and padded to her room, flinging the door open without bothering to knock or tread softly. He stood over her sleeping form, his anger dissipating at the sight of her all tucked into the downy comforter, hands curled under her chin.

God, she looked so helpless.

His bear took one look at her and wanted only to protect.

He hesitated in waking her, warring with himself over why he was pushing her so hard in the first place. He was just as scared as she was about what it would mean to claim each other. A mate. He’d been running from that idea for ten years now. He couldn’t be that guy again. The one who shrugged off his duties for sex or love or whatever the fuck.

Laurel stirred, and Xavier felt all of his reservations crumble. He eased in beside her, careful to not jostle her too much and wake her. She sighed as he pulled her gently against him, tucking her close.

“Mmm,” she mumbled, cuddling against his bare chest. The ends of her hair tickled but he didn’t mind.

He ran his hands over her hip, relishing the silky fabric of her nightie against his fingers. Of course, she had sexy pajamas. All the best things about her were hidden away from everyone else, and for the first time, he wasn’t going to complain about that.

He ran his hand along her hipbone and down her thigh, and Laurel sighed. “This is either the best dream I’ve ever had, or the creepiest cop-a-feel anyone’s ever given me,” she said lazily. There was teasing in her words, and again, Xavier shoved his earlier temper aside in favor of playfulness.

“How about we call it something in between,” he said, nipping her earlobe.

Laurel squeaked, and he laughed until she moved against him, rolling her hips forward. His laughter died, and he tightened his grip on her, dragging her in and pressing them together.

“You want the sex of your dreams, come and get it, Mrs. Alpha,” he said.

Laurel’s body stiffened and then relaxed, and he knew she was fully awake now. He wondered if she’d object to his label for her, but she surprised him by slithering down his body instead.

She disappeared underneath the covers, trailing kisses down his abs and belly until her mouth dipped lower still. When her lips closed over the head of his swollen cock, he held his breath against the snarl that wanted release. He’d have to pace himself carefully, or a snarl wasn’t the only thing that he’d release too fast.

Down the hall, a phone rang. He recognized his cell’s ring tone. He glanced at the bedside clock. It was late. What the hell?

Laurel paused, and he could feel the friction where her mouth, hot and ready, hovered just over the head of his dick. She didn’t move or speak as she waited for his reaction, and he cursed inwardly at the timing. There was only one reason his phone would be ringing so late. An emergency call. Someone on the mountain needed his help.

God damn it all.

All of his fears came crashing over him. He had to choose all over again. Laurel and a swift release, or saving a life. He groaned. He already knew it wasn’t a choice. “Laurel, I have to go.”

Laurel made her way out from underneath the comforter. Determination etched on her face in shadowy lines. “A rescue call?” she asked.

He nodded. “That’s the duty line. This late, it’s got to mean a rescue call.”

Somewhere in the house, a bedroom door clicked open. Another of the crew was already up.

Laurel threw the covers back and went to her closet, yanking clothes out. Quiet, methodical. She threw her pants on and turned, her brows rising. “What are you still doing here?” She gestured to the door. “Go get dressed. We have to go.”

He rose, his chest swelling with love and pride for his woman. She got it without him having to say a word. “I’m sorry,” he began.

“Xavier Wilde, you will not apologize. Now go answer that call. If it’s an emergency, we’ll both suit up and drive out and save somebody. Because that’s our job. And even though you can love me more than your job, you will always save lives when they need saving. No matter what. Do you hear me? Now, go!”

“Hot damn,” Xavier breathed, completely awed by her ferocity and passion.

He rose and headed for the door, but he stalled and turned back to her. “Laurel, I want to tell you—”

“Later,” she said, practically shoving him into the hall. “Go.” She pointed a slender finger at the door, staring down at him with fiery eyes, and Xavier knew then he’d never loved anymore more than he loved Laurel Adams right now. His Mrs. Alpha. And as soon as he finished saving a life, he’d be sure to tell her.

L
aurel surveyed
the assembled mess of rescue vehicles and police cars that lined the road’s edge. She chewed on her thumbnail, searching until she finally caught sight of the truck pulling in at the end of the row of cars. It was white, making it easier to spot the DOT logo on the side.

She rushed for the car just as a man got out and came forward.

“Gerald,” she said, half-relieved but half-nauseous with nerves.

“Laurel,” Gerald greeted her. In that one word was a small thread of warmth. He’d been the nicest man she’d worked for and the friendliest, still careful to keep a professional distance but willing to relax. To talk and joke with her. He was the only boss she’d ever had that let her forget she was a woman in a man’s workplace. For that, she was grateful and held a soft spot for him.

He frowned when she got closer and cast a glance at the work crews assembled. “What’s the status?” he asked. “Is it bad?”

Laurel shook her head. “I don’t know. Blue Bear Search and Rescue went in about twenty minutes ago. No word yet on whether they’ve spotted them or details regarding the extraction.”

Gerald took a deep breath. “Report said it was poachers. This party was a group of four. Someone heard shots fired. What the hell happened?”

Laurel’s stomach tightened for the hundredth time at the mere mention of gunshots, but she nodded and kept her game face on. If Gerald only knew she was more worried about the Search and Rescue crew, specifically their alpha, than about the poachers who’d put in the emergency call.

“The details are still unclear,” she said.

“Well, let’s make them clear,” he grumbled. She ignored it, knowing he was upset at the situation, not her.

“Gerald, you’re supposed to be on vacation. I told Scott not to worry you. You should get some rest. Enjoy your last night off the clock.”

Gerald pinned her with a look and unease skittered along the back of Laurel’s neck.

“Look, there’s something you should know, Laurel,” Gerald began. He took her elbow and led her toward his truck, away from the crowd. He lowered his voice and Laurel’s nerves came rushing back with full force.

“What is it?” she asked.

“We’ve been getting complaints about the Blue Bear Search and Rescue here,” he said in a low voice. “Claims that these guys are cutting corners, making unsafe rescues, and putting people in more harm’s way with their tactics.”

“What?” She shoved her animal aside as it rose up, temper flaring at Gerald’s words. “That’s ludicrous. These accusations have no basis in reality. I’ve seen the crew at work, and I’ve spent time with them. They care deeply about the rescues they make.”

“I know, Laurel.” Gerald’s understanding tone helped soothe Laurel’s animal, and she managed to get herself under control. She hoped her eyes had returned to normal when she faced Gerald again. “Xavier Wilde’s a friend of mine. I knew his dad before him, and I have a lot of respect for both men. But these accusations are being filed through formal channels. I can’t ignore them. It’s why I’ve waited so long to delegate this on-site responsibility to you. It’s also why I showed up tonight. To see for myself so there can be no question this was being handled properly. As soon as they radio in the details of their proposed extraction, I have to log it.”

Laurel bit her lip, staring off into the trees where the crew had gone. When they’d arrived earlier and found out about the poaching and the reported gunshots, she’d made them all promise not to shift until they’d assessed things. Illegal hunters on the mountain meant they’d paint a target on their back by showing up as bears. But they’d been gone so long, and all she could think about was Xavier. Her animal was literally hurting at having to stay behind and let him go out there alone.

He had his crew, she reminded herself. Hopefully, that was enough.

She turned back to Gerald. “These complaints, are they because the crew is made up of shifters?” she asked him.

Gerald didn’t meet her eyes for a long time. When he did, regret was etched in the lines that had deepened around his mouth and eyes. “Yes,” he said finally. “Whoever this is, they aren’t happy to have shifters in positions of authority in this town.”

“You don’t know who made the complaints?” she asked.

Gerald shook his head. “They’re all anonymous. It’s one of the reasons I’m being so diligent. Could be anyone, including someone in our department. Hell, for all I know, it’s Kemp.” Gerald grunted, and Laurel felt his temperature rise.

“Alan Kemp?” she asked. “Doesn’t he run the public transportation system?”

“Yep. Asshole wants my job and hasn’t made it a secret for a while now. If he can prove the Blue Bear Search and Rescue are unsafe, he’ll have my title pulled along with theirs. I’m the one who approved them, after all.”

The radio at Laurel’s hip squawked, cutting off the rest of her questions. A crackly voice came through.

“Patrol one to base, copy?” Laurel’s limbs almost became liquid as Xavier made contact.

“Base, go ahead,” she said.

“Two of the four hunters located and in custody,” Xavier said. “I’ve got Lucas with me to help bring them in. One has a gunshot wound, upper right thigh. Nash and Jake split up to track the other two. They’ll radio in when they’ve got something.”

“Alerting medics now,” Laurel responded, unable to hide her relief at the sound of him in one piece. She felt Gerald’s gaze on her and gave him a nervous smile.

“You and Xavier, eh?” Gerald’s brow quirked.

“Um, sort of,” Laurel admitted. “It’s very recent.”

“Huh. Well, good for you.” Gerald grinned and gave her shoulder a pat. Laurel’s eyes bulged.

“You’re not upset that we work together?” she asked. “Or that he’s a shifter?”

“What you do on your time is your business, Laurel. Besides, he’s not DOT or anything, so it’s not an issue in my book. As for being a shifter,” Gerald took her hand in his, a gesture so familiar it felt like he’d done it many times before, “Laurel, I can’t imagine you being happy any other way. You need to spend time with your own kind.”

Laurel almost fell over. “What?” she squeaked.

“I know what you are,” Gerald said, “And as long as you want it kept a secret, it’s safe with me. But I don’t hold it against you. And coming out with it won’t affect your position at DOT if that’s what you’re worried about.”

She couldn’t believe it. She’d been so sure Scott would out her, and she’d be canned for hanging out with the Wilde crew. Maybe if Gerald had been anyone else in town, she would have been. Her heart warmed at the way he’d so easily accepted her—all of her. He reminded her of a father. Or what her father should have been.

“Thanks, Gerald. I appreciate it very much.” She was about three seconds away from blubbering when a cheer rose up from the crowd behind her.

She whipped her head around in time to see four figures emerging from the trees. “Xavier,” she said.

She forgot Gerald. She forgot everything else and took off for the trailhead where they descended. People parted for her with surprised murmurs, but no one stopped her. When she neared, she spotted Xavier and Lucas each leading a handcuffed man in front of them.

She darted around the one Xavier was shoving along just as the medics came forward and took him away. Xavier spread his arms wide, and she launched herself into them. He caught her, and she held on tight, tears stinging her eyes at the sweet relief of having him back safe and sound.

“If this is what I’m coming home to, hopefully, I get calls like these every night,” Xavier said on a laugh.

“Uh, no. You’re definitely not doing another poacher rescue for a while,” she said. “My nerves can’t handle it.”

“God, I love it when you get all bossy on me.”

“Mrs. Alpha!”

Laurel focused on a figure rounding the bend over Xaiver’s shoulder. She couldn’t make out the face, but she knew Jake from the sound of his voice—and his nickname for her.

“Hey, Jake,” she called, her arms still around Xavier. She grinned and leaned in, trailing kisses over Xavier’s cheek, headed for his mouth.

Another figure appeared several yards behind Jake, and Laurel pulled away, ready to yell out a greeting to someone she assumed must be Nash. But the figure broke into a run and cut across the trail, sprinting away toward the trees at an angle. He sidestepped Jake, who didn’t notice until the figure had blown past him, headed straight for Xavier.

“Stop!” Jake shouted.

Xavier pulled away, turning to identify the intruder.

“It’s the last poacher,” Harley called, appearing from around the bend in the trail. He pursued the man at a run, but Laurel knew he was way too far behind to catch up now.

She watched as the hunter neared her and Xavier. She figured he’d cut left and sprint for the forest again, but he was headed straight for them. Straight for Xavier, she realized, and he was close enough now that she could see the hateful determination blazing in his expression as he barreled closer.

“Fucking bear shifters,” the man yelled. “I came here to take you down, and I’m not leaving without you!”

Laurel’s throat constricted as the man raised a pistol in his hand and aimed it at Xavier’s chest. Everything slowed. The moment lengthened, and she could see it all spinning out of control. She didn’t waste any more time.

Shoving away from Xavier, she took off for the man at a run.

“Laurel!” Xavier called behind her.

She growled in frustration, a quick noise that rose in the back of her throat, bringing her fox to the surface. She gave in, and it exploded out of her. She leaped just as her two legs became four paws, and soared through the air straight for the attacker.

She landed with her paw—claws first—in his eye and felt the satisfaction of his flinch as she pressed into the soft place between his eyelids. He screamed and fell to the ground, sending Laurel tumbling with him.

She landed hard on her shoulder and rolled with the shuddering pain of her bone hitting the ground at an awkward angle. The air was knocked out of her, and she rose on her front paws, scanning for the man. Her stomach retracted painfully until suddenly air whooshed back into her lungs. Pain radiated sharply along her shoulder, and even with deep gulps of air to fuel her, she fell back again, unable to carry the weight of her right side.

A few yards to her left, the man, writhed on the ground as he moaned and held his eye. A giant white polar bear stood over him, jaw open and ready to take a chunk out of the man’s neck. Another polar bear, this one slightly darker, and a brown grizzly hovered nearby, all of them watching intently as Xavier poked the man with a massive paw.

Laurel wanted to go to him, but her shoulder was killing her. Xavier let out a deafening roar, his sharp teeth almost grazing the man’s nose, before he backed away and rushed at Laurel. Her fox stared but unlike before, she didn’t flinch at being charged by a larger animal. When Xavier reached her, he licked her face, his tongue almost the size of her whole cheek.

Big alpha polar bear, comforting his mate.

She nuzzled against him until the pain dialed back and eventually disappeared. When she could stand, she nudged at him to give her some space, and he backed up, still hovering as he watched her closely.

Now that the pain was gone, Laurel’s nerves returned full throttle. She cast a furtive glance over Xavier’s shoulder. He was massive enough that he shielded her almost completely from view, but when she craned her neck, she could see the crowd watching the entire drama with rounded eyes and quiet murmurs.

They’d seen her shift. Crap, there’d be no going back now. She was outed, and she’d never again be able to hide her animal from the people in this town. Maybe Gerald didn’t care, but she’d also be outed to people like Scott or worse, whoever was making these anonymous complaints about shifters. Would she be targeted now too?

She looked up and found Xavier watching her. His polar bear had wrinkled brows as he worried over her. She went to him, nuzzling her nose over his soft coat. She felt him vibrate with a growling sigh, and she leaned into him. She’d never touched another shifter before, much less a polar bear in animal form. It felt amazing, the power that rolled off him. And the security he offered with his massive frame bearing down on her. No more fear. Here was comfort and promises to protect. And Laurel realized it was the exact thing she’d been looking for. The only thing worth coming out of hiding to find.

She stood up straighter and faced the crowd, a proud red fox. She would live as a shifter out in the open, and for the first time in her life, that thought didn’t send her running. No more hiding. No more pretending. Xavier Wilde was worth it.