Page 77 of Trusting Her Bear

“I need one of you to go to the apartment and look around for anything that could be a clue. Take in any unusual scents,” I say. “Kade is waiting there.”

“Lucas and Logan will do that, and I’ll bring Breeane,” he offers.

“Thank you.” I sigh. “I need to explain my connection to Heath, and warn you: He will be involved.”

“I just have one question: do you trust him?” Las asks.

“He won’t do anything to hurt my mate or yours,” I answer.

“Alright. I need your address.”

“I’ll text.” I end the call and scroll to Shade’s name.

“Yeah,” he answers.

“Have you found anything?” I ask harshly.

“I was going to call you soon. I found the store that sold the phone. Of course, they didn’t have any information on who it was, it’s not something they keep track of with a packaged phone.” In other words, it’s a burner phone that thousands of people buy. “I am watching the feed from the store right now. I was able to pinpoint the time and date of sale.” I don’t ask questions about his methods.

“I need to know who it is,” I say.

“Something happened?” he asks alertly.

“More messages through text,” I say shortly. “A very bloody one on the wall of my building.” I don’t bring up the apartment.

“Mmm…” I hear the clack of his keyboard. “Escalating.”

“Yes.”

“Hold on,” he says. I grit my teeth. “Got him.”

I tighten my grip as Steph tenses. “Tell me.”

“It’s not great quality. The only thing I can tell right now is it’s a man. Average height. He’s wearing a hat, jeans, and a t-shirt.”

“So, about half of the world,” I snarl.

“Give me time. I’ll clear it up,” he says.

“Fine. Call when you have more.” I hang up just as Cash jogs down the stairs. He nods. “Steph, the house is safe.” I quickly send the address to Las. None of them knew where I lived.

“Okay,” she says in a small voice.

I open my door and kick it all the way open. With my hand palming her ass and my other one on the top of her head, I stand.

I stop at the bottom of the steps and let my bear flood my eyes. He can see better through the dark and sense anyone threatening. I slowly climb the stairs when everything is quiet, and all I can smell are the natural animals and the wet ground. I actually prefer to have Steph here in my home. I have the advantage out here. My bear is more comfortable with the area and knows it well.

It pisses me off that the circumstances are what they are, but it motivates me to catch this fucker.

I walk through the door, going directly to the couch. When I sit down, Steph doesn’t move.

“Little Cub,” I say. “We are in.” I wait, but she doesn’t respond. “Cash, wait outside. Shut and lock the door behind you,” I order. When he does what I said, I try again. “Open your eyes,” I say roughly.

“I’m embarrassed,” she whispers into my neck.

“You have nothing to be embarrassed about.” I squeeze her neck. “Steph, anyone would have had the same reaction.”

“You wouldn’t,” she says.

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