Page 23 of Caught Bear Handed (Sawtooth Security #3)

Chapter Eighteen

Beau

“Pack your bags,” Barrett grunted as a close to our conversation when I told him about the paper we’d found on the walk.

I tipped my head back and sighed, needing a moment before I gave Kayla the news. Once I did, nothing would be the same. We’d say goodbye to this cabin and our life together here.

What had started as a ridiculous pipe dream, a celebrity crush, had turned into something real. Something I never knew I wanted.

Hell, I wasn’t ready to let it be taken from me.

Fight for her, my bear growled.

But I couldn’t stop thinking this was my fault.

I should’ve known better than to indulge Kayla when she wanted to break the agreement and leave the cabin.

My soul was just as wild as hers, and I understood horseback riding wasn’t just about being rebellious.

And the cookout wasn’t just about connecting with Amelia.

We needed that freedom in a way that I didn’t have words for.

All I had to do was keep her safe, and I’d fucked it up.

Kayla took the news with a nod. She disappeared into her bedroom, and the click of the door was like a punch to the gut.

I had a bad feeling that no matter what Barrett chose as plan B, it would include this case being reassigned.

While I hated failure, I could handle it.

What I wasn’t ready to do was say goodbye to Kayla.

Mate.

She still needed protection, now more than ever. It was possible that in a matter of hours, I’d have no idea where she was or have any way to contact her.

You’ll still protect her, no matter what Barrett says.

Easier said than done, bear. I liked having a job.

Your mate deserves better than you taking the easy way out.

Ouch.

Gigi whined, like she knew exactly what was at stake. She’d followed me into the bedroom, standing guard while I shoved my clothes into my duffel bag.

A heavy knock on the door raised her hackles—she wasn’t used to visitors anymore. My bear was on edge as I went to greet my coworkers.

“The gang’s all here,” I said as Barrett and his mate Tegan, and Bellamy and his mate Clover entered the cabin. “Guess there’s no reason to keep this place a secret anymore.”

Kayla emerged from her bedroom. Just her presence took my breath away.

“Sweet moon, I’m so excited to finally get to meet you.” Tegan gushed. “I was hoping to have a chance to hang out on the Fourth, but fate had other plans. I’m such a huge fan of The Wolf’s Moon . Are you a hugger?”

“I am. And I was rooting for you on Moonlight Mates,” Kayla said as they embraced. “I might have cheered out loud when Barrett bearnapped you.”

“Working with Sawtooth Security changes your life in the most unexpected ways.” Tegan winked at me.

“The ladies have been helping us with the case,” Barrett said gruffly.

The announcement wasn’t a huge surprise.

Tegan had been working with us in the office, doing admin, and assisting on some of the lower stakes jobs while she learned the ropes.

She was human, but had tons of experience with shifters.

And Clover had gone all in on learning magic after discovering she had it.

In her spare time, she was busy opening a spa.

Still, I felt like I was out of the loop, and the case was moving on without me.

Bellamy cleared his throat. “I’ve watched as many surveillance videos as I could. I have it set up to alert us to any activity on the property. All I’ve picked up is you on walks with Gigi.”

“We found the paper in a pretty remote location.” I slid the evidence across the island toward the guys.

The ladies were still fawning over Kayla. I had to trust that this wasn’t just a distraction. They were both clever, smart women, and they were probably doing their own version of an investigation.

“We’d love to see where you found it, and check for any clues left behind,” Barrett said. “Right now, we’re operating under the assumption that a shifter left this, and that’s why we didn’t detect any unusual human activity.”

I nodded. “That would make sense. Gigi probably freaked out because they marked their territory.”

“Let’s go,” Bellamy said.

The ladies joined us.

“I can take Gigi,” Kayla said as I hooked her leash onto her collar.

“You sure?” I asked, but Gigi had already gone over to her.

“Yeah. You can concentrate on the investigation. And Gigi and I can spend some quality time together.”

Fuck, she was thinking the same thing I was—that this could be it. That we could wake up tomorrow morning and never see each other again.

Our hands brushed as I handed her the leash. Another one of those exhilarating bolts of electricity charged through my body on contact.

I could not lose this woman.

If I was taken off this case, I’d protect her no matter what. Even if it meant going rogue.

She’ll need more than just protection , my bear argued. You need to apprehend these bastards and set her free.

Kayla trailed slightly behind us, stopping to give Gigi treats. My girl only had eyes for my mate. And I was feeling pretty enamored, watching Kayla bond with my dog.

But those loving feelings didn’t last as we came closer to the post where we’d found the paper. Gigi freaked out all over again.

“Definitely marked the spot,” Kayla said, waving her free hand. “It stinks of wolf.”

I inhaled deeply. It wasn’t sweet honey like Kayla. It was earthy wolf, and I’d missed it completely the first time I was here. In my defense, I had been blindsided by the message they left behind.

Everyone was staring at the ground, combing the area, looking for moon only knew what.

“I found something,” Kayla exclaimed as she crouched down and produced a soft peach disk. “It’s a makeup puff. The artists on set use these for powder. It’s covered with… I think it’s my lipstick.”

“Or blood,” Tegan said.

She poked it tentatively. “It’s more the consistency of makeup.”

“Makes sense,” Barrett said as he took the puff from her. “You were in disguise, and the note referred to your character, not your real name. So whoever was here either has a connection to the show, or they’re obsessed with the show.”

“Mark Peters,” I said, as Kayla’s eyes widened.

“How could they find us here?” she said in a shaky voice.

I would do anything to wrap my arms around her and make this all go away. I could make her feel better, but to give her freedom, we had to take that bastard down. Now.

“We need to get you off the property as soon as possible,” Bellamy said. “We’ve secured a cabin for you on my clan’s land?—”

“The clan that rejected you?” I asked.

Bellamy groaned.

“Actually, it was me who rejected him,” Clover said with an apologetic grin. “The clan didn’t stop him from leaving, but they also never forgave me.”

“The clan with the alpha that challenged you the last time you were there?” I wasn’t trying to be an uncooperative pain in the ass, more like trying to figure out what the hell they were thinking.

“It’s not a perfect plan, but we’re thinking that a remote location with a community might help keep Kayla safe,” Barrett said.

There were too many doubts and variables in that sentence for comfort.

“There are some seriously nosy bears in our clan with absolutely nothing else to do but mind everyone else’s business,” Clover said. “A stranger doesn’t stand a chance against them.”

Kayla laughed. “I’m looking forward to meeting your clan.”

This was a terrible idea, but I’d go along with it, because I’d already fucked up enough. These bastards had gotten too close for comfort. And I would make sure no one laid a paw on my mate.