Page 13 of His Protective Bear

Wasn’t that the damn truth?

“Well, ya’ll at least try, you know, pretend like I’m your boss and all.” She snorted. Sandra was in her sixties and had been here long before I was. She worked part-time now and said it helped her keep up with her grandbabies.

The dispatch radio went off, and she walked into the office like it was hers and put the box with cinnamon buns on my desk. As she lifted the radio to her mouth, as I listened to the call, then stood. I checked that my gun was holstered, then grabbed my coat from the back of a chair.

“I’m taking it,” I said to Sandra. It was nothing serious, just a domestic dispute, but I needed out of the office.

I ignored all the looks and walked out of the station to my cruiser. I knew this town like the back of my hand, so driving to the call didn’t need my attention. So I played back my mate’s reaction in my head. Sage thought I was joking. Why would I joke or lie about something like that? Something so important?

Before I could figure it out, I pulled into the estate and drove to the house at the end of the lane, and jumped out.

Mr. Muller was standing at the end of his driveway with his wife, both of them clearly waiting for me.

“Afternoon Sir,” I said, looking between them.

“Afternoon, Sheriff, sorry about the waste of your time,” he said.

“We got a call about a disturbance from your home,” I told him. “It’s our duty to make sure all is well.”

I could tell he was reluctant to talk about it, but he also knew I wouldn’t leave until I knew exactly what had gone down that a call had to be made to the sheriff’s office.

“My youngest Lucas,” Mr. Muller began, then wiped his face blowing out a breath. “He was with a boy. They say they’re mates, but he’s fifteen, and the other boy is nineteen. His older brother Lincoln walked in on them kissing… and well… things got heated.”

“Ahh.” I understood what was going on. “I’d like to speak to Lucas.”

Mr. Muller exchanged a look with his wife.

“I promise I only want to make sure he’s okay. He’s not in trouble.” But the alpha might be if Lucas didn’t say the same thing.

Mr. Muller nodded, “But we won’t leave him.”

“Of course,” I replied. He was a minor, so a parent present was actually his right.

Mrs. Muller turned around and gestured. I looked up to see two boys in the doorway. One taller, at least six feet, the other around five-six, maybe five-seven. Their features were similar, both dark blondes with grey eyes, clearly taking after their mother.

As they made their way down the drive, the omega, Lucas, held his head bent, his long hair hiding his face. On the other hand, Linc looked defiant and met my gaze the whole way. I tried not to smile. Because I recognized that look.

When they were next to their parents, I ignored everyone else and focused on Lucas. “Hi Lucas, I’m Sheriff Hallbjorn.”

He nodded, acknowledging he’d heard me but said nothing.

“Your dad explained what happened, and I want to reassure you you’re not in any trouble, but I have some questions,” I said. I kept my voice low so I didn’t startle him.

“Did anyone take advantage of you?” I asked as gently as I could, “I promise you won’t get in any trouble if you tell the truth. If this alpha—”

He looked up, “Cameron wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. He’s my mate. He keeps me safe, even when some kids were mean to me at school.” He pushed his hair back, “He won’t hurt me.” His voice was fierce.

“And how do you know he’s your mate?” I asked. I knew it wasn’t impossible for one to scent their mate that early. But usually, it was around the eighteenth year.

Lucas's cheeks stained pink, “He smells soo good. I’d never smelled anything like it before. Like coffee and cinnamon and something else,” he whispered almost reverently. “He smells like home and safe…” his shoulder lifted and dropped, “my bear knows. And I know. He’s ours.”

Mr. Muller cleared his throat, and when I met his gaze, I saw the older alpha looked slightly abashed. Apparently, it was his first time hearing this.

“Thank you, Lucas. Our bears know these things don’t they?” I asked, and he smiled slightly and nodded.

“Alright, then you’re free to go,” I said.

He didn’t move, “Cam won’t be in trouble, right? He didn’t do anything wrong.”

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