Page 61 of Trusting Her Bear

His jaw hardens as he reads the words.

“Do you know the man in your bed?”

He lowers my phone but keeps it clenched in his fist.

“I will keep you safe. This motherfucker can’t hide from me,” he growls harshly. “Do you believe me?” he asks.

“Yes,” I say firmly, knowing it’s important to him. He grabs my hand and pulls me out of the apartment.

I do believe him. I know my mate will do everything to keep his promise.

Chapter Thirteen

Quinn

My mate's hand is stiff in mine as we stand on the sidewalk, looking at the words written on the front of my building. Kade and Cash are standing beside us.

“Did you see anyone?” I ask without looking away.

“No,” Cash says.

“Cash went to get coffee and saw it,” Kade says.

“Is it real blood?” I ask, even though I can smell it. My claws threaten to emerge around Steph’s phone which I still hold.

“Yes,” Cash says softly. “It’s human.”

“Fuck.” I walk closer, pulling Steph with me. I don’t want her out of arm’s reach, but I hate that she has to see this.

“Leave her or I’ll break the bond for you.”

“Quinn,” Steph says. “It smells fresh.”

“It is,” I agree. “Asshole killed someone to write this.” Rage floods through me. We have to find this fucker. “Did you take pictures?”

“Yes.” Kade steps to my side.

“Send them to me now,” I command. While Kade does as I ask, I hand Steph her phone. “Don’t delete the message.” She nods and slips it in her pocket. I let go of her hand and reach for my phone as the pictures come in. I send them to Micah and Heath and then call Bash. “I need you here now,” I say and hang up.

“What are you going to do?” Kade asks.

“Clean this shit off after you lock the scents in your memory. Come inside when you're done, but keep one of the rags you use. Did anyone see it?”

“Not that we know of. I don’t think it was that long ago.” It’s later in the evening, and most of the businesses close by are closed for the night.

“Find out. Bash will be here soon; he will change their memories. You didn’t smell any kind of shifter?” I ask, lacing my fingers with Steph’s.

“Nothing unusual, but we don’t know all your friends here,” Kade starts.

“But we did smell a coyote and a lion,” Cash finishes.

“Remember them. It’s been too long. I don’t smell anything but human blood,” I say. I unlock the front door. “Do what I said.” I step into the office and use all my senses to search the building.

“Quinn?” Steph asks after I take us into my office. She has been waiting patiently.

“I have been avoiding the discussion about my past with my friends here.” I lean on the front of my desk and pull her between my legs. “I don’t have a choice now but to have it. I know I can protect you, but I know the more shifters on our side who know what’s going on, the better chances I have of catching him.”

“You don’t want to, though,” she guesses.

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