Disappointment filled her chest but she smiled. She and Tag agreed she’d continue wearing the contacts so Ryan and Tyra wouldn’t ask questions. “Just thinking, lot on my mind.”
“Tag?” Tyra sat on the lounger next to her.
Cyndy, Gold and Tag all explained she wouldn’t be able to discuss Tag’s ability with anyone other than bears or their mates. She wondered if that were true.
“Yes, he’s different.” A tingling sensation skittered across her back.
Tyra frowned. “We’re all different, that shouldn’t be a problem. You’ve been waiting for this guy for years. Don’t tell me you’re going to walk away because he’s not how you thought. I see how he looks at you and whatever’s wrong, you guys can work it out.”
“Maybe.” Her gaze slid to Tyra’s. “He’s a bbbbig guy,” she switched when the word bear wouldn’t pass her lips. “A shapesssss…” she shook her head to dislodge the miserable tightening in her throat.
“What?” Tyra asked, her head tilted to the side.
“A shifffffff…” Unrelenting sharp jabs ran through her head and she slumped onto the chair breathing hard. At least she’d never make a mistake and give away Tag’s secret.
“You okay?” Tyra placed her hand on Camilla’s forehead.
“Yes,” she said as the pain eased slowly. “Just trying to say, he’s different in ways I’m not sure I can handle.”
“Sexually?”
Camilla shook her head. “No, we’re great, excellent match in that area.”
“Based on what I’ve heard for the past two nights, you’re two peas in a fucking pod.” Tyra laughed.
Camilla smiled. “But there should be more, right?”
Tyra sobered and took her hand. “Depends on what you want. If you want a future with him, then yeah, you need more. But if you’re, just… you know, scratching an itch, then go with the good sex, ride that horse until you’re ready to get off. It’s all about what you want.”
“Makes sense,” Camilla said wishing she could discuss her dilemma with her best friend.
“Do you know what you want?”
“Sometimes.” She looked at Tyra. “I could be with Tag, he’s perfect is so many areas. Smart, funny, good-looking and strong –”
“Financially secure, sex god, go on,” Tyra said smiling.
“Yes, all that but there’s this one thing… I can’t really explain it but he changes.” She stopped and waited for the pain. Nothing happened and she relaxed a bit.
“Change is the one thing that’s definite,” Tyra said.
“Not change like his bees and life in general,” Camilla said then wet her lips. “Change, change.” She nodded slowly hoping Tyra would make the leap to understand.
“Change, change… means what?”
Camilla dropped her head into her hands. “I can’t explain, I wish I could but I can’t.”
“Okay, when you can, I’ll be here.” She paused. “Ryan’s leaving today, well, we’re leaving. He has an appointment with a specialist, a guy named Jackson. They’re sending a car for him, he um… he told me to go home.”
The frustration in Tyra’s voice pulled Camilla out of her funk. “Really? Tag didn’t mention that.” She stared at Tyra’s downcast face. “Ryan? You like him?”
Tyra’s head snapped up. Her mouth opened then closed. She shrugged. “He’s okay.”
Camilla groaned. Ryan wasn’t a bear, he was a dog with a love for the ladies. “Yeah, he’s good, like a brother.”
Tyra smiled.
No doubt Tyra didn’t see Ryan that way. “What do you want to do?”
Tyra shrugged again. Uncertainty and lack of focus was totally out of character for the woman. “Thought about going to visit Nana for a week or two before prepping for law school, see how that goes.” She didn’t meet Camilla’s gaze.
“When did you decide that? What happened to our plans for the summer?” They had a couple of concerts, road trips and spa weekend on the calendar.
“Things changed and that’s a good thing.” Tyra stood. “You need to see this thing through with Tag. We’ve been friends since freshman year and no one has ever affected you like him. Don’t overthink this, he’s your one.” She winked at Camilla and left.
Chapter 22
Tag stood next to the reconfigured ambulatory jeep and stared at Jackson. “How long will he be there?”
“I’m not sure. A week, month or a year. A lot depends on how his body responds to the treatment. So far he’s responding to the medication in a healthy, positive way. His sense of smell and hearing surpass human thresholds and he continues to think rationally. Those are all good signs that he’ll pull through this.”
“Then he has to learn how to function, that will stretch his disappearance further. What can I tell my mate about her cousin?” He looked toward the house where Camilla and Ryan were saying goodbyes.
“Nothing until he either changes or dies. She can’t know of the process or what he’s going through. Once he’s done she can see him.”
Tag ran his hand through his hair and spoke through a clenched jaw. “She won’t accept that, especially after seeing you pick him up and take him away. She’ll demand answers.”
Jackson pursed his lips and stuffed his hands into his pockets. “Human mates are more difficult, I’ll grant you that. But I’m confident you’ll do everything to keep them both safe.”
Tag stiffened at the implied threat then growled. “Don’t.”
Jackson waved him down. “Then do as we ask and keep her away from him until his transition is complete. I promise to get word to you as soon as it’s over.”
That concession was the best he would get from Jackson. “Thanks, we appreciate it.” He glanced toward the house again and fought to ease Grizzle. Although Camilla told him to get over her being around her cousin he wasn’t always successful. Knowing Ryan would be kept in a secure location with BMP didn’t help either. Once Camilla found out the truth, she might never bond with him. Each day the need for her grew into a terrible ache that couldn’t be eased. Grizzle had no rational side when it came to her, only a constant, nagging demand they be one.
The door opened, Ryan stepped outside then looked behind at the door. Tag had been listening to their conversation and appreciated Ryan’s advice that Camilla give him a chance. He prayed she’d listen to her cousin and agree to bond with him.
Camilla hesitated at the door, her gaze met Tag’s and she smiled. Ryan reached the jeep, shook his hand and gave him a one-arm hug. Yesterday, Tag called Jackson and asked him to speak to Ryan, his friend’s discomfort had to be addressed. The conversation after that call had been difficult. Ryan asked numerous questions then demanded to talk to Jackson again. Dealing with an enraged Ryan, a teary-eyed Tyra and distant Camilla, Tag’s emotional barometer cracked. If he could’ve gone for a run in the mountains, he would have. But he couldn’t leave his mate.
“Thank you for everything,” Ryan said then glanced over his shoulder. “Take care of her, she’s not as tough as she thinks.”
“With my life,” Tag said and took a step back so Ryan could enter the truck.
“Oh and keep an eye on Tyra, she’s angry with me right now. One day I hope… or not. Just keep her safe, please.” Ryan’s penetrating gaze seared Tag to the spot. Was Ryan in love with the feisty female who left an hour ago? That could be a problem, especially now.
“Will do, Camilla would skin me if I didn’t,” Tag said to lighten the mood and to give his friend a moment to recover from the intensity of that moment.
“True.” Ryan chuckled then waved goodbye to Camilla. She lifted her hand then walked back inside. “Give her time, she’s almost there. This is a lot for her to digest but she loves you and that’s what will bind you guys in the end.” Ryan slapped his shoulder and slid into the seat. A few seconds later, they were gone.
Tag held Ryan’s encouraging words to his chest and went inside to find his mate. She passed him on her way to the pool house. He pivoted and followe
d. Camilla waited for him by the door and locked it after he entered.
His jaw tightened as her arousal slammed into him. Swinging her hips she headed toward the hot tub and pulled her sundress over her head. When she dropped the fabric to the floor and looked over her shoulder at him, his cock hardened to the point of pain.
“Don’t play with me, Camilla. I need you all the time.” Hopeful she accepted him as mate, he moved toward her with sure strides. “Bond with me. Be my mate. Love me,” he said when he stood chest to chest with her.
Camilla’s eyes widened and she ran her tongue across her lips. “Tag, I –” Her phone rang with Tyra’s ringtone. Frowning, she looked down at her discarded dress as the song “That’s What Friends Are For,” played. Bending she grabbed her phone and answered. “Tyra?”
“Somebody’s been here, the place… they…” She sobbed. “They wrecked the house, we’ve been robbed.” Tyra released a low keening sound sending goosebumps over Camilla’s skin. She met Tag’s hard gaze and sensed he knew what Tyra said. He handed her the sundress and took the phone.
“Tyra, this is Tag. Leave the condo and go to the bakery, we’ll pick you up from there. Do you understand?”
Camilla’s hands shook as she pulled on her dress and slid her feet into her sandals. Tag reached for her hand, together they walked toward the house. He turned and pressed a button on his key chain before they entered the living room.
“Do you need to take anything?” he asked heading to their bedroom.
“No. We’ll be coming back here, right?” He strode into his closet and a few moments later returned holding a long case and duffle bag. “What’s –”
“Tyra’s waiting for us, she’s alone, scared and we need to go. I promised Ryan to look after her,” Tag said heading toward the door.
Remembering the uncharacteristic outburst of her best friend propelled Camilla into action. She grabbed her purse, ran outside and slid into the front seat while Tag locked everything. A few moments later they drove in silence down the side of the mountain.
Camilla’s heart thudded in her chest. Bits and pieces of her kidnapping ate at her. She’d been so taken with Tag she had pushed the horrible event to the back of her mind.
“So… I was really kidnapped? Why? I don’t have any money, why did they take me?” Questions hidden in the dark recesses of her mind rose with swift tenacity, forcing her to reconnect with devastating truths. Her hands stung from the death-like grip used to keep them still in her lap. Face forward, she waited for his answer and prayed he didn’t say what her mind screamed.
“Not a hundred percent sure but we suspect they planned to sell you.”
If there had been pity or sorrow in his voice, Camilla would’ve lost it. But the matter-of-fact manner in which he answered calmed her fears, to a degree.
“I’ve heard about that but didn’t expect it to happen here. Any idea who was behind it?” Oh my God, I cannot believe we are discussing this so calmly. Somebody drugged me to sell me? God help! Her fingernails pierced her skin and her arms ached from the tension.
Tag placed his hand over hers. “Camilla.”
She tried to respond but every horror movie she’d ever seen replayed in her mind with her cast in the starring role. Fear clutched her throat.
“Hmm?”
“Look at me,” Tag said still seeking to calm her.
“I can’t.” A tremor started in her core and radiated through her being. The car stopped and his palm rested on her face. Warmth from his touch eased her muscles and chased the stark, white terror holding her captive.
Closing her eyes, she leaned into his palm, soaking in his heat and confidence.
“Look at me,” he said in a low growl.
Halfway opening her eyes, she met his angry gaze. What had she done?
“No one will ever, ever, take you from me,” he gritted.
Straightening, she stared at him, surprised by his intensity.
“If we are ever separated it will be your choice… you are the only person who can separate us, do you understand?”
Camilla nodded slowly trying to read what he didn’t say. “Why are you angry?”
“Because you’re scared. Someone caused you discomfort and I need to address that, try and fix the problem.”
She exhaled and glanced behind her. Although she didn’t see the weapons, she knew they were in the car somewhere. “I never dealt with… you know. But now… it’s real, they’re still after me. Why let me go then…?” She frowned. “It doesn’t make any sense, does it?”
For a few seconds he simply stared at her then brushed a kiss against her face. “No. Selling humans doesn’t make sense, enslaving people against their will makes no sense.” He restarted the car and slowly pulled onto the road. “None of that matters right now. Tyra’s waiting.” He glanced at her. “After we pick her up, I need to search the place.”
“I know. We’ll come with you.”
His brow rose.
“Just like you, I can’t let you go either so we do this together. Deal?”
He smiled as he took her hand and brought the back of it to his lips. “Yes, deal.” He pressed his lips to her hand, sealing their pact.
Chapter 23
Tag stormed through the condo going room to room, clenching and unclenching his fists. Drawer contents littered the floor, furniture was toppled and papers were scattered everywhere. Inhaling, he filtered scents searching for whoever had been in the condo. After identifying the three residents, he discarded Ryan and his own. That left two.
An icy cold calmness raced down his back as the identity of one of the scents registered. He pulled out his phone and called Lorenzo. “Where are Amber and Justin?” He tried to keep the rage strangling him from his voice but failed.
“Don’t know where that bastard is but Amber’s been avoiding him for the past coupla’ days and I finally called Jackson. She’s with BMP now.”
“What happened?” Had Justin finally crossed a line Amber couldn’t ignore? The bear had been bad news for years.
“With Justin? Not sure, only that he loses control more now than before. Amber got off on a little pain but not what he’s doing now. She thinks he’s unhinged and doing all kinds of illegal shit.”
“They were both doing shit,” Tag reminded Lorenzo.
“True but she had reasons, ask Jackson about it.”
Tag almost said he didn’t care but stopped before he insulted his friend. “So you have no idea where Justin is? I really need to find him.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
Tag hesitated. “I need to clear a few things with him. If you find out anything on his whereabouts, let me know…please.”
“Sure thing, I owe you. But just so you know, BMP is looking for him too.”
Shit. “Thanks.” He clicked off and returned to Camilla and Tyra. The two sat in the midst of scattered chaos on the living room floor. Camilla met his gaze and his heart stuttered at the sorrow and fear reflected in her depths.
Tag stooped, took her hands in his and waited for her to read the sure-fire confidence of his ability to keep her safe, or die trying, in his gaze. For the next few seconds, neither spoke, instead they spoke with their eyes. She accepted his pledge for her safety and he accepted her pledge to bond with him.
Grizzle pushed and grunted. “Protect mate. Mate hurt, help mate.” Grizzle’s anger tightened Tag’s chest to the point rumbling sounds slipped from his mouth.
“What’s that?” Tyra asked frowning as she looked around.
Tag stood, pulling Camilla to her feet. He wrapped an arm around her waist then extended a hand to Tyra. They moved to the sofa and he corrected its position so they could sit.
“At this point I don’t know why someone broke into the condo. The police are on their way up and will have a lot of questions.” He kissed Camilla’s forehead. “For both of you. Answer them to the best of your abilities. When we’re done, we lock up this place and head to my place.”
&n
bsp; “What about Jewel? She went to visit some friends but should be back later today,” Tyra said.
“This is some homecoming,” Camilla added before kicking a few papers.
“Call her, tell her what happened or leave her a note. At this point there’s no reason for her to return, neither of you will be here.”
“Can’t she come with us to your place?” Tyra asked.
Keeping two women, potential hostages, safe would stretch his capabilities. If someone demanded Camilla’s life for Tyra’s, Grizzle wouldn’t hesitate. But he made a promise to Ryan and believed his human side would fight to find another solution to keep both women safe. He had no allegiance to Jewel which could make her potential cannon fodder.
“Let’s not borrow trouble,” Camilla said before he responded. “Jewel is safe where she is, send her a text telling her we’re still at Tag’s. That’s the reason she left in the first place, right?”
Tyra nodded. “She didn’t want to be here alone.”
“Well, we still aren’t going to be here, you came home for a change of clothes and saw this mess. We came to get you. Just tell her the basics,” Camilla said.
“Okay.” Tyra stood and walked to the back as a knock sounded on the door. Tag opened it. Detective Ivory’s gaze lit upon the debris on the floor as he walked inside and looked around. He waved in a uniformed officer who started taking pictures.
“A detective for breaking and entering?” Tag said staring at the shorter man.
“Slow day, plus this is the last address for Ryan Lee and Camilla Lopez. Those are two opened cases.” Ivory looked around. “Is Mr. Lee here?”
“No.” Tag returned to the sofa and took Camilla’s hand in his own. Tyra greeted the detective and sat next to Camilla.
“How is your fiancé, Ms. Sands? He never came to the station to file a complaint or to give us any information on his assailants.”
Tyra ran her tongue over her lips. Her fear spiked. “As well as can be expected.”
Ivory looked at them, one at a time. “Where is he?”
Tyra’s chin went up a notch. “He left for rehab this morning.”
Bear with Me (Bear Mountain Patrol Series Book 1) Page 15