by Stormy Glenn
"Why would he do that?"
Alpha Barker sighed. Sadness flickered in his eyes. "Because he's mated to my son Carey, and I had to banish both of them from King City to keep them safe, just like you."
George's eyebrows swept up to his forehead. "You have another son?"
"I do, but very few people know about him. It's safer that way, safer for Carey. If word got out that I had fathered another child, Carey's life would be in danger."
"I won't say a word."
"You're a good bear, George Carver. I wish I'd been able to have you in my clan."
George felt bad for the guy, but not bad enough to stick around. He wanted out of Alpha Barker's territory just as fast as Leon could drive.
The bathroom door opened, and Leon walked out fully dressed. He paused for a moment when he saw Alpha Barker. "Problem?"
"No, as I was just telling George here, it's time for you two to go."
"What about the Carvers?"
Alpha Barker chuckled. "They have been taken into custody for questioning."
Leon's eyebrows lifted swiftly. "For what?"
"Fraud, identity theft, and conspiring to commit a federal crime by trying to steal money out of a bank by declaring someone dead who is not already dead." The man shook his head. "Damned if they didn't walk right into the police station with a death certificate for their son, who wasn't dead. The local sheriff can attest to that if needed."
Leon chuckled. "I knew you had a plan in mind when you started spouting all that bullshit back in your office, but I never could have dreamed it would be this diabolical. That was perfect. They hand delivered themselves to the authorities."
"Yes, I thought that was a nice touch." Alpha Barker grinned. "Okay, we need to get you two out of here. If you'll follow me?"
George was all for getting out of there. He was a little confused when Alpha Barker led them down a long hallway instead of taking them back up the stairs to his office. He started to grow concerned when they just kept walking.
"Where are we going?" he finally asked.
"This leads to a secret entrance just west of the estate grounds." Alpha Barker glanced back over his shoulder. "I expect you to keep this a secret. Only myself and my beta know about this entrance."
"I won't say a word, sir," George quickly said.
Leon agreed, although not as quickly. "My car is parked—"
"Sheriff Garret moved your vehicle. It's waiting for you."
Leon's eyes narrowed. "How'd you know about my car?"
"You really don't think I didn't know you'd come for George? I told you I had been expecting you."
"Yeah, I guess," Leon replied.
"I know a lot more about what is going on in King City than people give me credit for, and for you, that's a good thing." Alpha Barker paused in front of a door and punched a code into the numerical pad. When the door swung open, he glanced back over his shoulder and smiled. "This way to freedom, gentlemen."
George grabbed Leon's hand then followed the alpha through the door. He was surprised as hell when he stepped out into a fully furnished cabin. "I don't remember this place."
"It's my hunting cabin."
Wait.
George stared at the man. "You have a hunting cabin?"
Alpha Barker chuckled. "It was a hunting cabin about a hundred years ago. When I purchased it, I turned it into my own personal retreat, someplace where I can get away from all the headaches of being an alpha. It's still called my hunting cabin."
Huh.
"Your car should be right out front."
George followed the alpha once again, heading out to the front of the cabin. Sheriff Garret was there, leaning against the side of the car. He pushed away from it and walked up to stand next to Alpha Barker.
"Everything go okay?"
"Yes, Alpha," the sheriff replied.
"Good."
"Why is there a trailer hooked to the back of my car?" Leon asked.
"Remember when I told George's parents that my men were over at George's place, packing all of his possessions?"
George gasped. "What?"
"I remember," Leon replied.
Alpha Barker waved his hand toward the moving trailer.
"That's my stuff?"
"Yep."
George grinned. "Cool."
"Well, gentlemen, this is where I leave you." Alpha Barker held his hand out and shook both George and Leon's hands. "I won't say it's been a pleasure, but it's certainly been interesting. I wish you both the best."
"Thank you for all your help, Alpha Barker."
"You can thank me by telling Carey hello for me."
"I will, sir."
George was almost sad to see the man leave, but not enough to keep him from jumping into the passenger seat of the car.
Leon started up the car then tossed George his cell phone before heading the car down the driveway. "Call Ford and let him know we're on the way."
"Ford?"
"He's waiting for us on the edge of town. Your uncle wants us to take Ford with us. He's afraid of what Raymond might do to him once he finds out you were let go."
That actually made sense.
George quickly called Ford to let them know they were on their way. After hanging up, he pulled the debit card Alpha Barker had given him out of his pocket and called the number on the back.
"What's that?" Leon asked.
"Alpha Barker gave it to me. He said he put some money on it to hold us over until we could get settled somewhere. I wanted to see how much he put on the card so I know what we're working with."
His jaw dropped when he heard the recording. He quickly hung up then called the number again to make sure he'd gotten it right the first time.
"Well?" Leon asked.
"We're rich, mate. A billion dollars rich."
"He put all your money on that card?"
"Well, in a bank account attached to this card. He said I was the only one who had access to it. Not even he could get into it."
"Damn."
George grinned. "So, where do you want to go, mate?"
Leon reached over and grabbed George's hand. "I'd go anywhere with my bear."
Hot damn!
THE END
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