Page 17 of Hers to Call
“Will you call me when you wake tomorrow?” He glanced at the clock next to her bed, “well…rather later this afternoon when you wake.”
Her head jerked in agreement.
“Promise?” he whispered against her lips.
“Promise.”
He kissed her tenderly, careful to reign in his bear. Last thing he wanted to do was scare their mate more. “I’m willing to wait until you’re ready, Calita. I’ll try for more patience.” He brushed the tear from her face and kissed her cheek.
He lay next to her for several heartbeats until she completely calmed. Once her heart slowed, he nuzzled against her cheek and rolled out of bed.
Getting dressed, he left her room quickly before he gave in to the urge to stay. He was familiar with the panic attack she’d gone through. He recognized the signs of PTSD. He’d seen it enough times throughout his old life to understand. He’d also seen it in some of the bears when he’d taken over from his father. Before they’d had their rights recognized by the government, humans had taken their fear and anger out on any shifter they’d managed to corner. In his old life, he’d been a part of the shifters they’d called to enact justice. In this new life as Alpha, he’d had to learn how to take care of his bears in the aftermath. Five years as alpha and it was a change he was still getting used to, but he was grateful for the experience because now he could help his mate.
He first needed to find out what happened to her.
He went downstairs, unlocking and starting his truck from the entrance of the hotel. When he got in, he pulled out his cellphone.
Nate answered on the first ring, his voice sleepy. “Alpha.”
“Nate, I want you to look into Calita.”
“In what way?” More alert, the sheriff shuffled around, murmuring to his mate to go back to sleep.
“I want to know everything about her, and why she came to this town. Everything.” It was something he should’ve done once his bear recognized her as his mate, but he’d wanted to get to know her the old-fashioned way. Now he was doubting that decision.
Nate was quiet on the other end, and for a moment, Simon assumed his phone had cut out. “Nate?”
“Yeah, I’m here. I’ll find out what I can.”
“I want everything, Nate.” He didn’t feel bad about the power he put behind the request.
“Yes, Alpha.” Nate ended the call.
Simon buckled his seatbelt and put his car in gear. Nate was nothing if not efficient. It was only a matter of time before the sheriff would have something on Calita. Hopefully something that would help him figure out a way to help her.
