Bear with Me (Bear Mountain Patrol Series Book 1) (15 page)

Chapter 20

“Where is he?” Rex stormed into the room where his father sat on the sofa reading a paper.  He ignored the expensive artwork on the wall and vases on pedestals. The old man always enjoyed surrounding himself with pretty things. Stopping a few feet from his parent, he searched the area for clues although he doubted there were any. Brody could be in another country by now hiding in a basement or lying on the beach, depending on how the old man set things in motion.

“This time he’s gone too far. I warned him about trifling in my affairs, babysat that sniveling…idiot and he goes and does this.” Rex slammed his fist against the mahogany sofa table and pointed at his father. “You can’t keep protecting him, he’s a royal fuck-up and you know it.”

His dad closed the paper and looked at him. Their gazes clashed. “He left town.”

Hearing confirmation of his thoughts, fury chased by disappointment raced through Rex’s veins. Why couldn’t the old man be on his side just once? Fist clenched, he stared into the eyes of the man who had chosen the wrong son this time. This time Brody would pay. “I’ll find him.”

“As a favor to me, I’m asking you to let him go. Everything you’ve said is true, Brody’s weak, can’t be trusted. It’s amazing he’s lasted this long working for you but he took a liking to this last one...”

“Took a liking?” Rex yelled. His skin tightened as the enormity of the situation slammed into him. “He talked. Not just talked but bragged to the wrong people. Word got out about her and now… now my fucking client is demanding I bring her to him. He wants this Camilla person, the one I switched, do you understand? What do you think is going to happen when I can’t produce her?” He slammed his palm against the bookcase, dislodging a few books. “He will kill me, that’s what. Your son… your fucking golden child signed my death warrant because of his mouth and you… you ask for a favor, to let this shit slide. Why should I do a damn favor for you? You’ve always made it clear you preferred Brody and the others…” He shook his head. “Well, pretty soon that’s all you’ll have left!”

“Stop talking nonsense,” his dad snapped. “Listen to me, no one is going to kill any of my children. We’ll fix this. I’ll make a few calls and we’ll fix this.”

Years of respect for the older man stopped Rex from leaping across the room and slapping sense into him. “You don’t get it do you? Sanchez won’t accept anyone other than Camilla Lopez now. He’s demanding I deliver her next week and the only reason he knows about her is because of Brody running his mouth.”

His father pursed his lips. “She is a beautiful girl.”

Rex didn’t care how she looked, he didn’t want to die over her. “You’re fucking killing me.”

“Language,” his father said in a sharp tone.

Rex walked in a tight circle biting back the caustic remark to his father while wishing Brody was within striking distance. Whether his dad liked it or not, Rex had already sent two men to find the bastard and when they found Brody, he’d make him sorry for all this trouble.

“No contracts on your brother either, this is a family matter. When you cool down, we’ll deal with that as well.”

Rex stopped and stared down at the old man he’d always wanted to be proud of him. He remembered the days he had sought his father’s love and respect. Nothing ever worked, he always fell short. Perhaps he’d been fooling himself all these years and the old man just didn’t have it in him to give. Regardless, Rex no longer needed or wanted anything to do with this man. “I don’t have a brother,” he said, fed up with his father’s bullshit. Arms crossed and feet spread apart, he faced the old man. “I have no brothers or sisters. None. Just my mom.” The fleeting guilt that chased across the old man’s face pleased him. “Feel free to turn me in to the cops and cut me out your will but Brody will pay in blood for this.” He turned to leave.

“Rex, wait.”

“No, Dad.” He stressed the empty title. “No matter how long it takes, if I live, I promise he’ll pay for this.”

“What if I make a trade?”

The cautious tenor in his father’s voice made him turn. His stomach clenched at the pleading in the old man’s eyes. Curiosity made him ask. “What do you have to trade?” Money? Rex didn’t want a penny from him.

“How long before Sanchez expects the girl?”

Rex’s chest tightened at the reminder and the task of securing her again. “One week.”

“I’ll deliver her to you before then.”

Frowning, Rex stared down into forest green eyes, like his own. His father had never gotten involved with this type of business. Sure he knew about it, even introduced Rex to a few people but never directly involved. Knowing he’d do that now pierced Rex’s heart. “You love him that much?” Rex hated the words slipped out.

His father released a long sigh and held out his hand in a placating manner. “I love all of my children and will do whatever’s necessary to protect you. When you’re not angry and thinking rationally, you’ll remember that. I love all of my children, son.”

Rex searched his father’s gaze and realized the old man probably believed what he said which put them at odds. “Well, I wouldn’t allow anyone to do what Brody did, it sends the wrong message. When I find him, you’ll be short a son.”

“In that case I’ll be short two sons. Remember that,” his dad said in a hard voice.

“Strange, hearing you say that this time doesn’t bother me so much. So I must truly be done with all this. Done being walked over and shit on. All these years you knew he wasn’t right and yet you insisted he work for me –”

“Because you were a good influence on him. If he hadn’t worked there, god knows what would’ve happened to him by now.”

“You used me to babysit your son!” Rex spat. The words left a bad taste in his mouth.

His father released another long stream of air. “No. Not really. He needed direction and you were good with him. Look, I’m not saying he didn’t mess up, he did. That boy never could hold his liquor. What I’m saying is I’ll handle getting the girl back to you in time for Sanchez; all I ask is that we trade. I give her to you and you leave Brody alone.”

Rex took a step back and shook his head. “Sorry, no deal. I have to find her, my client won’t accept excuses or hold her over my head as a bargaining chip.”

His dad stood and took a step forward. “Please, son, reconsider. I don’t want to lose you too.”

Hearing the words from his father’s lips crushed his heart. Rex looked over his shoulder at the man whose respect he’d fought so hard and long to win. “You did that the day you chose your bastard’s well-being over mine.”

Chapter 21

Camilla lay on the chaise lounge in the pool house thinking about everything Cyndy and Gold said. Their comments, the genuine affection they had for each other and the way he looked at Cyndy… the man had it bad. All of that ran on a continuous loop in her mind.
Bears
? Men who turned into bears or bears who turned into men? The chicken or the egg? Which came first?

Rolling onto her side, she listened to the soft gurgling of the water filter and wondered if she could do this. How would they manage as a mixed couple? She chuckled. Mixed couple? With a Black mom and Cuban father, she understood the label well. But this… mixed what? And Tag, he’d been mixed all his life. The women in the Facebook group were all shapes, colors and nationalities yet bound together because their husbands, who were also from varied backgrounds, were bears.
Mind-boggling!

“Hot tub?” Tag asked standing near her lounger.

“No, not right now.” She didn’t look at him. Just the thought of him turning into that large, lumbering animal sent her heartbeat into a tailspin. Yesterday he had shown her Grizzle. Most of the time she kept her eyes closed, taking occasional peeks. Grizzle had brushed against her and she scooted away and covered her head until Tag returned to human and left her alone.

“Right.” He paused. “Hungry? Can I get you something to eat?”

“No. Thank you, though. I’m still full from breakfast.”

“That was five hours ago,” he complained.

“I know that,” she snapped preferring to be left alone with her thoughts.

Tag held up his hands, took a step back and walked toward the door.

“Tag,” she called. Filled with guilt, she looked over her shoulder just as he walked out. “Great,” she muttered. “That was totally uncalled for, stop being such a bitch.” Two days had passed since the visit with Cyndy and Camilla was no closer to making a decision. Did she love the man? Yes, with all her heart. The past two days, he showered her with so much attentive affection she couldn’t imagine life without him. Then she’d hear the grunting of Grizzle, that sound his bear made and she wasn’t sure she could accept that part of him.

The door opened. With an apology on her lips, she turned.

“Hey, you okay?” Tyra asked walking toward her.

Disappointment filled her chest but she smiled. She and Tag agreed she’d continue wearing the contacts so Ryan and Tyra wouldn’t ask questions. “Just thinking, lot on my mind.”

“Tag?” Tyra sat on the lounger next to her.

Cyndy, Gold and Tag all explained she wouldn’t be able to discuss Tag’s ability with anyone other than bears or their mates. She wondered if that were true.

“Yes, he’s different.” A tingling sensation skittered across her back.

Tyra frowned. “We’re all different, that shouldn’t be a problem. You’ve been waiting for this guy for years. Don’t tell me you’re going to walk away because he’s not how you thought. I see how he looks at you and whatever’s wrong, you guys can work it out.”

“Maybe.” Her gaze slid to Tyra’s. “He’s a bbbbig guy,” she switched when the word bear wouldn’t pass her lips. “A shapesssss…” she shook her head to dislodge the miserable tightening in her throat.

“What?” Tyra asked, her head tilted to the side.

“A shifffffff…” Unrelenting sharp jabs ran through her head and she slumped onto the chair breathing hard. At least she’d never make a mistake and give away Tag’s secret.

“You okay?” Tyra placed her hand on Camilla’s forehead.

“Yes,” she said as the pain eased slowly. “Just trying to say, he’s different in ways I’m not sure I can handle.”

“Sexually?”

Camilla shook her head. “No, we’re great, excellent match in that area.”

“Based on what I’ve heard for the past two nights, you’re two peas in a fucking pod.” Tyra laughed.

Camilla smiled. “But there should be more, right?”

Tyra sobered and took her hand. “Depends on what you want. If you want a future with him, then yeah, you need more. But if you’re, just… you know, scratching an itch, then go with the good sex, ride that horse until you’re ready to get off. It’s all about what you want.”

“Makes sense,” Camilla said wishing she could discuss her dilemma with her best friend.

“Do you know what you want?”

“Sometimes.” She looked at Tyra. “I could be with Tag, he’s perfect is so many areas. Smart, funny, good-looking and strong –”

“Financially secure, sex god, go on,” Tyra said smiling.

“Yes, all that but there’s this one thing… I can’t really explain it but he changes.” She stopped and waited for the pain. Nothing happened and she relaxed a bit.

“Change is the one thing that’s definite,” Tyra said.

“Not change like his bees and life in general,” Camilla said then wet her lips. “Change, change.” She nodded slowly hoping Tyra would make the leap to understand.

“Change, change… means what?”

Camilla dropped her head into her hands. “I can’t explain, I wish I could but I can’t.”

“Okay, when you can, I’ll be here.” She paused. “Ryan’s leaving today, well, we’re leaving. He has an appointment with a specialist, a guy named Jackson. They’re sending a car for him, he um… he told me to go home.”

The frustration in Tyra’s voice pulled Camilla out of her funk. “Really? Tag didn’t mention that.” She stared at Tyra’s downcast face. “Ryan? You like him?”

Tyra’s head snapped up. Her mouth opened then closed. She shrugged. “He’s okay.”

Camilla groaned. Ryan wasn’t a bear, he was a dog with a love for the ladies. “Yeah, he’s good, like a brother.”

Tyra smiled.

No doubt Tyra didn’t see Ryan that way. “What do you want to do?”

Tyra shrugged again. Uncertainty and lack of focus was totally out of character for the woman. “Thought about going to visit Nana for a week or two before prepping for law school, see how that goes.” She didn’t meet Camilla’s gaze.

“When did you decide that? What happened to our plans for the summer?” They had a couple of concerts, road trips and spa weekend on the calendar.

“Things changed and that’s a good thing.” Tyra stood. “You need to see this thing through with Tag. We’ve been friends since freshman year and no one has ever affected you like him. Don’t overthink this, he’s your one.” She winked at Camilla and left.

Chapter 22

Tag stood next to the reconfigured ambulatory jeep and stared at Jackson. “How long will he be there?”

“I’m not sure. A week, month or a year. A lot depends on how his body responds to the treatment. So far he’s responding to the medication in a healthy, positive way. His sense of smell and hearing surpass human thresholds and he continues to think rationally. Those are all good signs that he’ll pull through this.”

“Then he has to learn how to function, that will stretch his disappearance further. What can I tell my mate about her cousin?” He looked toward the house where Camilla and Ryan were saying goodbyes.

“Nothing until he either changes or dies. She can’t know of the process or what he’s going through. Once he’s done she can see him.”

Tag ran his hand through his hair and spoke through a clenched jaw. “She won’t accept that, especially after seeing you pick him up and take him away. She’ll demand answers.”

Jackson pursed his lips and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Human mates are more difficult, I’ll grant you that. But I’m confident you’ll do everything to keep them both safe.”

Tag stiffened at the implied threat then growled. “Don’t.”

Jackson waved him down. “Then do as we ask and keep her away from him until his transition is complete. I promise to get word to you as soon as it’s over.”

That concession was the best he would get from Jackson. “Thanks, we appreciate it.” He glanced toward the house again and fought to ease Grizzle. Although Camilla told him to get over her being around her cousin he wasn’t always successful. Knowing Ryan would be kept in a secure location with BMP didn’t help either. Once Camilla found out the truth, she might never bond with him. Each day the need for her grew into a terrible ache that couldn’t be eased. Grizzle had no rational side when it came to her, only a constant, nagging demand they be one.

The door opened, Ryan stepped outside then looked behind at the door. Tag had been listening to their conversation and appreciated Ryan’s advice that Camilla give him a chance. He prayed she’d listen to her cousin and agree to bond with him.

Camilla hesitated at the door, her gaze met Tag’s and she smiled. Ryan reached the jeep, shook his hand and gave him a one-arm hug. Yesterday, Tag called Jackson and asked him to speak to Ryan, his friend’s discomfort had to be addressed. The conversation after that call had been difficult. Ryan asked numerous questions then demanded to talk to Jackson again. Dealing with an enraged Ryan, a teary-eyed Tyra and distant Camilla, Tag’s emotional barometer cracked. If he could’ve gone for a run in the mountains, he would have. But he couldn’t leave his mate.

“Thank you for everything,” Ryan said then glanced over his shoulder. “Take care of her, she’s not as tough as she thinks.”

“With my life,” Tag said and took a step back so Ryan could enter the truck.

“Oh and keep an eye on Tyra, she’s angry with me right now. One day I hope… or not. Just keep her safe, please.” Ryan’s penetrating gaze seared Tag to the spot. Was Ryan in love with the feisty female who left an hour ago? That could be a problem, especially now.

“Will do, Camilla would skin me if I didn’t,” Tag said to lighten the mood and to give his friend a moment to recover from the intensity of that moment.

“True.” Ryan chuckled then waved goodbye to Camilla. She lifted her hand then walked back inside. “Give her time, she’s almost there. This is a lot for her to digest but she loves you and that’s what will bind you guys in the end.” Ryan slapped his shoulder and slid into the seat. A few seconds later, they were gone.

Tag held Ryan’s encouraging words to his chest and went inside to find his mate. She passed him on her way to the pool house. He pivoted and followed. Camilla waited for him by the door and locked it after he entered.

His jaw tightened as her arousal slammed into him. Swinging her hips she headed toward the hot tub and pulled her sundress over her head. When she dropped the fabric to the floor and looked over her shoulder at him, his cock hardened to the point of pain.

“Don’t play with me, Camilla. I need you all the time.” Hopeful she accepted him as mate, he moved toward her with sure strides. “Bond with me. Be my mate. Love me,” he said when he stood chest to chest with her.

Camilla’s eyes widened and she ran her tongue across her lips. “Tag, I –” Her phone rang with Tyra’s ringtone. Frowning, she looked down at her discarded dress as the song “That’s What Friends Are For,” played. Bending she grabbed her phone and answered. “Tyra?”

“Somebody’s been here, the place… they…” She sobbed. “They wrecked the house, we’ve been robbed.” Tyra released a low keening sound sending goosebumps over Camilla’s skin. She met Tag’s hard gaze and sensed he knew what Tyra said. He handed her the sundress and took the phone.

“Tyra, this is Tag. Leave the condo and go to the bakery, we’ll pick you up from there. Do you understand?”

Camilla’s hands shook as she pulled on her dress and slid her feet into her sandals. Tag reached for her hand, together they walked toward the house. He turned and pressed a button on his key chain before they entered the living room.

“Do you need to take anything?” he asked heading to their bedroom.

“No. We’ll be coming back here, right?” He strode into his closet and a few moments later returned holding a long case and duffle bag. “What’s –”

“Tyra’s waiting for us, she’s alone, scared and we need to go. I promised Ryan to look after her,” Tag said heading toward the door.

Remembering the uncharacteristic outburst of her best friend propelled Camilla into action. She grabbed her purse, ran outside and slid into the front seat while Tag locked everything. A few moments later they drove in silence down the side of the mountain.

Camilla’s heart thudded in her chest. Bits and pieces of her kidnapping ate at her. She’d been so taken with Tag she had pushed the horrible event to the back of her mind.

“So… I was really kidnapped? Why? I don’t have any money, why did they take me?” Questions hidden in the dark recesses of her mind rose with swift tenacity, forcing her to reconnect with devastating truths. Her hands stung from the death-like grip used to keep them still in her lap. Face forward, she waited for his answer and prayed he didn’t say what her mind screamed.

“Not a hundred percent sure but we suspect they planned to sell you.”

If there had been pity or sorrow in his voice, Camilla would’ve lost it. But the matter-of-fact manner in which he answered calmed her fears, to a degree.

“I’ve heard about that but didn’t expect it to happen here. Any idea who was behind it?”
Oh my God, I cannot believe we are discussing this so calmly. Somebody drugged me to sell me? God help!
Her fingernails pierced her skin and her arms ached from the tension.

Tag placed his hand over hers. “Camilla.”

She tried to respond but every horror movie she’d ever seen replayed in her mind with her cast in the starring role. Fear clutched her throat.

“Hmm?”

“Look at me,” Tag said still seeking to calm her.

“I can’t.” A tremor started in her core and radiated through her being. The car stopped and his palm rested on her face. Warmth from his touch eased her muscles and chased the stark, white terror holding her captive.

Closing her eyes, she leaned into his palm, soaking in his heat and confidence.

“Look at me,” he said in a low growl.

Halfway opening her eyes, she met his angry gaze. What had she done?

“No one will ever, ever, take you from me,” he gritted.

Straightening, she stared at him, surprised by his intensity.

“If we are ever separated it will be your choice… you are the only person who can separate us, do you understand?”

Camilla nodded slowly trying to read what he didn’t say. “Why are you angry?”

“Because you’re scared. Someone caused you discomfort and I need to address that, try and fix the problem.”

She exhaled and glanced behind her. Although she didn’t see the weapons, she knew they were in the car somewhere. “I never dealt with… you know. But now… it’s real, they’re still after me. Why let me go then…?” She frowned. “It doesn’t make any sense, does it?”

For a few seconds he simply stared at her then brushed a kiss against her face. “No. Selling humans doesn’t make sense, enslaving people against their will makes no sense.” He restarted the car and slowly pulled onto the road. “None of that matters right now. Tyra’s waiting.” He glanced at her. “After we pick her up, I need to search the place.”

“I know. We’ll come with you.”

His brow rose.

“Just like you, I can’t let you go either so we do this together. Deal?”

He smiled as he took her hand and brought the back of it to his lips. “Yes, deal.” He pressed his lips to her hand, sealing their pact.