“I’m sorry that I didn’t realize they’d be here, I thought I was getting you away from danger,” he said as he rose, gloriously naked.
“Don’t you dare apologize for anything.”I winced.The silver was threatening to burn straight through my skin.“You were amazing.”
“I’ll get you out of this, I promise.I put some tools in the bag I sent over with you,” he said.“Hopefully, the phone is working now.”
I couldn’t believe he was thinking this clearly after all we’d been through.In the darkness, I could only see his shadow searching for the supplies, but he emerged empty-handed.
“Stay still,” he said as he moved behind me.“This soon after a shift I still have my bear strength.”
Nothing had ever sounded more satisfying than the snap of metal as Beau broke the restraints away from my wrists.
My arms were numb, my whole body not much better, but that wouldn’t stop me from wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him.
“It’s over,” I said against his cheek with a mixture of relief and sadness.
He nodded.“You don’t have to hide anymore.”
Beau’s body stiffened, and Gigi growled.Leaves crunched under human footfall and I braced myself for another attack.More bad guys wanting retribution for Beau’s actions.
But instead, it was Barrett, Bellamy, Brad, and a bunch of other people I assumed worked for Sawtooth Security.
“Mark Peters is dead,” Beau announced.“This case is closed.”
ChapterTwenty-Four
Beau
Smoke rose from the charred earth on either side of us as Barrett navigated his SUV along the windy road.This was the part of fighting fires I liked the least, after the fire was extinguished and everything left behind was revealed.Some things reduced to rubble, others defiant and still standing.
“I should get out there and help the guys,” I said.The volunteer fire department was always short-staffed, and this needless blaze spanned multiple municipalities.
“No,” the rest of the occupants of the SUV said in unison.Even Gigi lifted her head from my lap and gave me an incredulous look.
I was so relieved my girl was okay.We’d wrapped one of her paws that got cut during our journey.I hated that anything happened to her, but was also so thankful it was something she’d easily recover from.She’d be getting extra treats and snuggles for the foreseeable future.
Kayla put her hand on my arm, igniting a very different fire inside me.“You’ve done more than enough today.And we need to get your injuries checked.”
“Kayla’s right.You stayed cool under pressure and made smart, quick decisions today that probably saved your lives,” Barrett said, meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror.“Extremely impressive work, Beau.Once you’ve recovered from the ordeal, I’d love to chat with you about the decisions you made.I think it will benefit the other guys on the team.”
“Absolutely.”
“If you’re open to it, we’d like to make you a tactical trainer,” Bellamy added.“We get resumes from a lot of guys who know how to guard, but they’ve never had to act under pressure before.Some of it you learn in the military, but the rest is pure instinct and confidence.With a little training, these guys could be exactly what we need.Barrett and I just don’t have the time to do it, and we’ve been talking about adding someone into that role.With this job, you proved that you’re the guy.”
“Wow, I don’t know what to say.I mean, yes, obviously, I’d love to help out Sawtooth Security any way I can.”This was pretty incredible.I wasn’t sure if I should play it cool or totally geek out that the guys thought I was ready for more.I was a rookie, and as Kayla had pointed out, I always thought of myself as an underdog.Now I was getting an opportunity to give more guys like me a chance to thrive.
Barrett brought us back to the place it all began—the cabin.
“Glad to see this place still intact,” Kayla said as the SUV came to a stop.
“We sent some of the guys to check on it to make sure it was safe,” Barrett said.“Passed with flying colors.We’ll keep the rental for a few more days, so Kayla can make plans to go back to her regular life.”
She sighed softly, but the guys didn’t wait for her to answer.
“I’m gonna miss this,” I said.
“Me too.”She wouldn’t meet my gaze.“I’m glad we get to give the place a proper goodbye.”
After coaxing Gigi off my lap, I walked hand in hand with Kayla up to the old cabin.I hated that this could be the last night that we spent together.There was no doubt thatThe Wolf’s Moonwould be anxious to have her back on set.
