Don’t let that happen.It was my wolf’s turn to growl.
“I need to know everyone you talked to at the cookout.”
“Just Amelia, and her two friends.”In my panic, I blanked on their names.“One had blue hair, and the other is about to have a baby any minute.”
“Luna and Lyssie.”
“Yes.”It gave me a tiny bit of comfort that he knew exactly who I was talking about.In that giant crowd, there was no guarantee he’d know them.“And then your coworkers from the fire department.”
“Baron and Dallas—who is Lyssie’s mate.”
Even better.At least we knew she could be trusted.Or I hoped.
“Wait.”I took a deep breath, because my next thought could make what was left intact of this arrangement implode.“Do you think Brad could’ve had something to do with this?”
A low rumble emitted from Beau’s throat.
“We were never supposed to be separated,” I reminded him.“Barrett was so meticulous about every detail.I can’t imagine he would forget to tell Brad something so important.”
Beau nodded, and his mouth set in a grim line.“You’re right.I’ll talk to Barrett.In the meantime, you should probably get ready to move quickly if needed.”
ChapterEighteen
Beau
“Pack your bags,” Barrett grunted as a close to our conversation when I told him about the paper we’d found on the walk.
I tipped my head back and sighed, needing a moment before I gave Kayla the news.Once I did, nothing would be the same.We’d say goodbye to this cabin and our life together here.
What had started as a ridiculous pipe dream, a celebrity crush, had turned into something real.Something I never knew I wanted.
Hell, I wasn’t ready to let it be taken from me.
Fight for her,my bear growled.
But I couldn’t stop thinking this was my fault.I should’ve known better than to indulge Kayla when she wanted to break the agreement and leave the cabin.My soul was just as wild as hers, and I understood horseback riding wasn’t just about being rebellious.And the cookout wasn’t just about connecting with Amelia.We needed that freedom in a way that I didn’t have words for.
All I had to do was keep her safe, and I’d fucked it up.
Kayla took the news with a nod.She disappeared into her bedroom, and the click of the door was like a punch to the gut.I had a bad feeling that no matter what Barrett chose as plan B, it would include this case being reassigned.While I hated failure, I could handle it.What I wasn’t ready to do was say goodbye to Kayla.
Mate.
She still needed protection, now more than ever.It was possible that in a matter of hours, I’d have no idea where she was or have any way to contact her.
You’ll still protect her,no matter what Barrett says.
Easier said than done, bear.I liked having a job.
Your mate deserves better than you taking the easy way out.
Ouch.
Gigi whined, like she knew exactly what was at stake.She’d followed me into the bedroom, standing guard while I shoved my clothes into my duffel bag.
A heavy knock on the door raised her hackles—she wasn’t used to visitors anymore.My bear was on edge as I went to greet my coworkers.
“The gang’s all here,” I said as Barrett and his mate Tegan, and Bellamy and his mate Clover entered the cabin.“Guess there’s no reason to keep this place a secret anymore.”
