by Moxie North
“Hmm, very technical,” Brooke said.
“Maybe not technical so much as emotional. I like you, Brooke, and don’t think it’s lost on me that I only know the person you are right now. But no one with a heart as sweet as yours could be a bad person. I’m not expecting any surprises when you get your memory back. I’m expecting you to be the same as you are now, just a little more…you.”
Brooke thought about that. A little more her. What if this was it, this person she was when he was near? What if there was no huge dramatic personality change when she got her memory back? And what if she needed to keep running? She wasn’t about to tell Tanner that she already had feelings for him. Her problems in California were hers, and she wasn’t going to let anyone else get involved, not when it sounded like people wanted her dead. Innocent people could get hurt trying to protect her. That was not something she was going to allow to happen to Tanner.
Chapter 21
Walking back to the hospital, Brooke felt a spring in her step. She was ready to leave the hospital and work on jogging her memory.
“So, you gonna give me a ride to the motel, Sheriff?”
“I think I can squeeze you in,” Tanner said with a smirk. “I’d like to take you to dinner first. There is an Italian place in town. What do you say?”
“Sounds good. I think I like Italian,” she said like she was thinking hard about it.
“Who doesn’t like Italian? I mean, it’s like people saying they don’t like chocolate. Something is mis-wired in their brains,” Tanner said.
“Firm words there, Sheriff,” Brooke said, walking through the door he held open.
“Well, it’s just not natural. I’m not a bad cook, maybe I can cook for you some time,” he offered. He wanted to cook for her every night, he thought.
“Hmm, maybe, if I’m still around,” Brooke said, not making eye contact with him.
Tanner held back an angry growl. She wasn’t going anywhere. He wasn’t sure if that was his thought or his bear’s, but they were feeling about the same at that moment.
“I’m sorry, Tanner. I just don’t know what my future holds. I may not be able to stay here too much longer. If those men find me, well…”
“No one is going to get to you. Once we have this figured out, then we’ll talk,” he said. He didn’t want to discuss what-ifs with her. What he wanted was to start living his life with his mate. He wanted to bond with her, love her, and start a family.
He wouldn’t have been able to explain it before it happened, the instantaneous love you could feel for someone. Another person became the center you happily revolved around. It wasn’t scary or bad; it was the way it was supposed to be.
He loved Brooke Nishi, and he wanted to tell her. Show her. He couldn’t right now. Tanner didn’t know when he could tell her. It was driving him and his bear crazy waiting. He’d gotten one small kiss from her, and it wasn’t even close to being enough.
“Why don’t I get you settled back into your room? I’ll let Eddie know that you want to be released. I know the paperwork can take some time. I’ll come back and pick you up later tonight. We’ll go have some pasta, and I’ll take you back to the hotel.”
Brooke knew what she said hurt him. She could see it; it was written all over his face. But she also knew that she already liked him enough that she didn’t want to hurt him.
“Okay, Tanner,” she said quietly.
Tanner walked her back to her room and gave her hand a squeeze. He went to find Eddie, who assured him he’d drag the paperwork until Tanner could come back.
Tanner had been holding off letting his parents know about his mate, but it was time. They would be expecting him for dinner soon.
Calling his mom’s cell, he waited for her to pick up. It clicked over, and there was a pause before his mom said anything. She was usually making sure it connected; technology still baffled her sometimes.
“Mom? You there?” he asked.
“Of course I am, where else would I be?” Claire had been a stay-at-home mom while he was in school, but when Trinity hit elementary age, his mom went back to teaching. She taught at the high school for years. She took her retirement early and now was happily spending her days canning and attempting crafts that usually failed miserably. Tanner had a number of handmade snowmen created from old socks that he had to put out at Christmas. Not to mention his mother’s attempt to make everyone in the family pinecone wreaths for the holidays, but she didn’t know she had to bake them to get rid of the bugs in the cones. It wasn’t a very Merry Christmas last year.
“I have some news,” Tanner started. He wanted to share his joy with his family, but his joy was still muted.
“Sure, honey, what’s going on?” his mother asked. She sounded distracted.
“I need you to promise to just keep this between you and dad for right now. Someone’s life depends on it.”
“Whose life? Is it with your work?” his mother asked, finally sounding interested.
“No. Well yes, it’s work – and it’s about me. It’s my mate’s life that is in jeopardy.” He realized this was a bomb to drop on her, but he didn’t have the time to be subtle.
“Oh my,” his mother gasped.
“Yes, oh my,” Tanner agreed.
“Who is she? When do we get to meet her?” his mother asked, sounding excited now.
“She’s actually in trouble, Mom. She’s been at the hospital for a couple of days; she’s not from around here.”
“Hospital, is she sick?” she asked, concerned.
“No, she was injured. She doesn’t remember who she is, mom. As you can imagine finding my mate and not being able to tell her who I am is frustrating to say the least. I’m taking it slower than my bear or I would like, but there is no helping it. She’s in danger. There are very bad people after her. The fewer people that know she is here, the better off she’ll be. I’ve talked to Cage, and he’s set up a watch for me.”
“Well, honey, you know we will do whatever it takes. Tell me about her. What is she like? Who is she?”
“Her name is Brooke Nishi,” Tanner started. “She works at a hospital in San Francisco. She fell out in the woods. Gabe scared her, and she hit her head.”
“That boy is gonna be the death of his momma” She sounded exasperated.
“Yeah, it caused a series of events that have made my life nothing but trouble. But I found my mate, mom. She’s beautiful, sweet, and funny. At least, the person she is right now. She’s worried she’s someone different, but she’s exactly perfect for me. The fates found someone who is sweet and kind, and I can’t wait to be able to have a life with her.”
“Sweetheart, you will have that time. You’ve waited this long. What’s a little bit longer in the grand scheme of things?” His mother was always wise, and she had kept him focused throughout his life. She also always had his back.
“I know, Mom. I’m just anxious. She’s so amazing. I can’t wait until you can meet her. But if you can do me a favor and try to keep the aunts and the uncles from gossiping, that would be great. And I know you have to tell dad, but threaten him with death and/or dismemberment if he interferes,” Tanner warned.
“I’ll handle your father. Don’t you worry,” his mother assured him.
“Thanks. As soon as the dust settles, and I convince her I’m not a freak, I’ll bring her to meet you,” Tanner promised.
“Tanner, just be your charming self, and she will fall in love with you, just as you are already in love with her,” his mother said knowingly.
“I’ll try, Mom, thanks for understanding,” he said.
“Call when you can,” she said.
Giving his mother a warm goodbye, Tanner hung up and checked another item off his to-do list. He wanted to get back to the hospital. Dialing his deputies, he checked with both of them and found that all was quiet outside of the normal traffic tickets and whatnot. He let them know he was on a special case and to refer any out of state questions to him.
Dri
ving back to the hospital, Tanner saw that twilight was setting. The clear sky would make for a beautiful sunset. Tanner thought about his mate. He had all the time in the world if he wasn’t worried about someone else finding her first.
Tanner parked in front and strode inside. He found Brooke sitting cross-legged on the bed looking incredibly sad. Her hands were twisted into the sheets, her eyes wide and scared. Her body was shaking, and tears were running down her cheeks.
Chapter 22
“Baby, what’s wrong?” Tanner rushed to her side. He didn’t hesitate, scooping her into his arms as he seated himself on the bed and settled her into his lap.
He could feel her body start to shake as the tears turned into a torrent of sadness.
“Shhh, Brooke, sweetie did something happen?” He kept his arms tight around her, hoping she’d feel his strength holding her tight.
“I’ve seen so many injuries, wounds, traumatic horrific things. I’ve never seen them actually happen. I never knew that is what a head looked like when a bullet passed through it,” she sobbed.
Tanner realized she remembered something. And the first thing was the night of the murders.
“Oh god, sweetie. I’m so sorry you had to see that.” He didn’t want to push her, so he let her talk.
“I was so scared. I ran, Tanner. I ran. I didn’t know what else to do. I went to my house, and someone had already been there. My door was open. At first, I thought it was maybe maintenance for my condo. But when I pushed the door open, my desk had been rifled through, and my computer was on. Nothing else was taken. It looked like someone was just looking for information. I love TV dramas and figured it wasn’t anyone that I wanted to find me. I went to the bank and pulled money out of my savings and rented a car and drove. I dumped my phone. I could only think of getting away. I didn’t even think about going to the police. I don’t know why.”
“You were protecting yourself. You just wanted to regroup. You were also leading them away from your home and your parents,” Tanner said softly.
“Maybe, but it was weak. Why didn’t I go to the police? Tell them what I saw?”
“Sometimes when we are traumatized, it’s not always clear how or why we react the way we do. I’m glad you ran. I’m glad you ran straight to Apex, straight to me.” Tanner hated what she’d gone through, but he was grateful.
A small hysterical laugh came out of her, “Yes, I did.”
Tanner rubbed her back and said gently, “You remembered?” He knew she did, but he wanted to know if it was everything or just parts.
“I…I dropped my cup. It hit the floor. The water spilled, and I saw blood. I remembered those men shooting the bikers. I could see their heads exploding. It was like a flash. When I saw them die, I remembered everything. It was a rush of memory. My life rushing back at me. It was silly, like how could I have forgotten? It was there all along. Wasn’t it?”
Tanner cupped the back of her head. “Of course, it was. It was just in the dark for a while. But you are back, sweet girl. You are back, and I’m going to keep you safe,” he promised.
“Will you? I know you don’t owe me anything, but I know what they are capable of now. They won’t rest until they make sure I can’t tell anyone what they did,” she whimpered.
“No one, no one will ever lay a finger on you, Brooke. I can promise you that. I’ll kill anyone that tries,” Tanner said. He could barely keep his bear out of his voice. Her fear was coating the air in her room.
Tanner could hear her trying to catch her breath. “Just so you know, I’m not very interesting. I’m pretty boring. You should just cut ties now and move on.” She said this with almost a laugh.
“I think you are perfect,” Tanner said, placing a kiss on the top of her head.
“You don’t know me, not really,” she sniffled.
“Tell me then. Tell me what I need to know about you,” he encouraged.
“I like my job. I like to ride my bike in the park. I have plants, lots of them. I like cheesy movies. I don’t have pets because I’d forget to feed them. I’m always working; my mom made me take up knitting because I had insomnia and she thought it was from stress. I actually like doing it. It makes me calm.”
“That sounds nice,” he said.
“It sounds boring.”
“It sounds settled. Like you enjoy your life. You didn’t happen to remember a boyfriend, did you?”
Brooke started to laugh then. “No, I don’t have time for a boyfriend. Besides, everyone I meet are doctors or nurses. They only want to talk shop. There is a reason I sit behind a desk. I joke that I can save your life, but I really don’t want to have to.”
“Well, it sounds like your colleagues miss you. They were really concerned when you left,” he offered.
“What should I do now? Should I contact the police? I mean, other than you?”
Tanner hadn’t missed the fact that she hadn’t tried to move from his lap. “I’m in contact with the detective on the case.” Tanner wasn’t sure how to tell her that it was more serious than that.
“Brooke, I need to tell you something. There is a contract out on you,” he said quietly.
“A contract? Like someone is offering money to have me killed?” Brooke was shocked. She knew they were after her, but she thought it was just the shooters after her. Now there were an unknown number of people after her. This had gone from terrifying and bad to unbelievably horrific.
“How do you get someone to stop hunting you?” She had to ask.
“We find them first,” he offered.
“But what if that doesn’t work?”
“You hide.” It was true, and it wasn’t lost on him that he would be more than willing to let her find her hiding place with him.
“Can I hide at Disneyland? I always liked it there. The frozen bananas are awesome,” she said laughing.
“Yeah, we can hide at Disneyland,” he said, giving her a squeeze. Tanner didn’t care where they lived as long as he got to keep her.
“You’d come with me? We could live in one of those little shacks on the It’s a Small World ride,” she said.
“Well, it might get a little crowded. My family wouldn’t want me living so far from them. We’d have to keep building onto our little cardboard house to fit them all in,” he joked.
“Sounds nice,” she said, still sniffling.
Chapter 23
Tanner knew that she was emotionally overwhelmed, but he needed to make sure she knew where he stood. She couldn’t leave him now that her memory was back.
“Brooke, do you know how I feel about you?”
Brooke wanted to play dumb. She wanted to run as far as she could so he wouldn’t be in danger like she was. But this man had taken her under his wing. Offered her protection that went above and beyond his duties as a police officer. Brooke could feel him and not just the bulge in his pants that she’d been ignoring. She could feel the attention and need pouring off of him. His desire for her was physical and emotional. It wrapped her up in a warm, safe place, and she wanted to see what would happen if she let herself accept what he was offering.
“I’m not stupid. I can feel how much you like me,” she said, giving her ass a little wiggle.
She heard a low growl roll out of him. “Stop that.”
Brooke almost felt like giggling, but they were having a serious discussion. “I know. I’m confused about how I feel about you. I thought maybe what I was feeling was just because I was clinging to you since I couldn’t remember anyone else. When my memory came back, it was a shock. But the one thing that didn’t surprise me was that I still liked you. I still felt like I needed you.”
“Sweetheart, I need you too, so much. I want to be able to tell you all about me, but I think we need to get you sorted first. Will you stick around long enough for me to have that chance?” Tanner needed to know that she wasn’t going to run, that she was going to give them a shot.
“I’ll stay. I was so afraid on my own. I felt like there was alwa
ys someone behind me, watching me. If I’m here, I can hope that person is you,” she admitted.
Tanner took her words to heart. She felt comfortable with him. Felt safe. He could build on that. He knew that her trust was going to be the basis for all of the truths he had to share with her.
Using his hand to cup her jaw, he tilted her face up to his. “I’m not going anywhere,” he promised. Bringing his mouth down, he kissed her. It wasn’t the soft kiss from before; this was a kiss of promise. A kiss that showed her that he didn’t take her willingness lightly. Tanner felt her mouth open under his, and he couldn’t resist letting his tongue slide into her mouth.
Brooke moaned into his mouth. His tongue was like velvet, and it made her squeeze her thighs together. The sharp ache at her clit and the dampness spreading between her legs from his kiss were mind-blowing. This wasn’t like any kiss she’d ever had before. It was a claiming, and it was the best kiss she’d ever had. In a ranking of kisses, this one needed its own category.
Trying to keep up, Brooke kissed him back, groping at his shirt. She clenched the fabric and pressed her body to his. She could feel his hand skimming over her hip, his other hand that had been at her jaw was now in her hair gripping the back of her head, holding her head tight to his. It was freaking hot.
Brooke was running out of air; she needed to catch her breath, but she didn’t want to stop kissing him. Oxygen won out when she pulled back and gasped in the precious air. “Wow,” she said.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” Tanner said, his voice low and husky. He let her take another breath before he claimed her mouth again. He wanted to taste her and soak in her scent. She tasted as sweet as she smelled. Her mouth was soft and giving, meeting his tongue with every stroke.
Tanner wanted to lay her down on the bed, strip her clothes off and ravish every inch of her. He knew they didn’t have any privacy, but he wasn’t thinking rationally. His bear was urging him on, wanting to mate, wanting to bite her and mark her as theirs.