Chapter 57
A tendril of fear returned at the thought of what would happen if Bagsby did happen to find out TJ was harboring him.
“First of all, anyone in this town will recognize a stranger. They aren’t about to blab where to find you right off the cuff. I’m certain they’d give us a call with a head’s up, if they know you’re with me in the first place.”
“Makes sense. In a small town, he’ll stick out like a rabid kangaroo hopping down Main Street.” Unlike huge cities where there’s endless faces on strangers that people don’t even take a moment’s notice of.
“Right. We don’t need to incite mass panic. So, don’t tell anyone about Bagsby. He won’t be gunning for the whole town. They’ll be safer knowing nothing.”
Donovan agreed. “Yeah. I can see how that might not be a good idea, planting the seed of worry in their minds.” They didn’t deserve all the apprehension that came along with the load he carried. He’d gladly continue shouldering it for everyone else.
“Also, don’t underestimate the guarding abilities of our bears. Their senses are much more advanced. They’ll warn us if anything is amiss.”
Not that it worked before.
I told you he smelled like road kill. You ignored me.
Yeah, I know. Stupid human side.Donovan nodded. “Yeah. Guess being a shifter comes in handy in this situation.”
“Yep. Not just in detecting, but in taking out a threat. Never forget that.” He stared sternly at Donovan.
“Trust the bears to rip out the guy’s throat for daring to enter our territory. Got it.” Donovan swallowed hard. He did believe in his bear and TJ’s, too. The only monkey wrench revolved around the fact that even in bear form, they were still mortal. One well-placed bullet could snuff out life in an instant.
“Donovan.”
Donovan glanced up.
“We’re predators. Hunters. Remember? Our turf. No one invades our territory or attacks one of us without paying the ultimate price. It’s all about instinct. Call on those throwback genes to add some attitude to your thinking.”
“Maybe I need to try a little tree scratching.”
The corners of TJ’s lips curled slightly. “That’s a start. You’ve been living too much as a human. Time to get back to your wild side. We’ll go running in the woods. That’ll help.”
More optimistic, Donovan bobbed his head slowly. “Okay.”
“Then lock this place up, get your things, and we’ll get this show on the road.”
Relieved and out of reasons to argue, Donovan stood back up. “I’ll pack an overnight bag and take it to work with me.”
TJ gave a single nod. “So help me, if anything happens to you…”
Donovan smiled, enjoying the fierce protectiveness carried in both TJ’s words and his body language. “Yeah, I know. You’ll lose your mind, rip those responsible into shreds, and end up as a bear skin rug in front of some rich guy’s fireplace.”
TJ’s lips twitched even as his eyes still broadcast the fires of leashed fury. “Smart ass.”
“Yep.” Donovan agreed unrepentantly. “So, since that’s settled, I should finish packing.” He wandered down the small hallway to the bedroom.
* * * *
TJ watched him go with a knot in his stomach. The upcoming days would be filled with anxiety, worry, and an explosive rage that TJ struggled to control. Just the thought that Bagsby would harass Donovan was enough to make TJ ready to pummel the guy into a bloody pulp. The idea that the man was coming to kill Donovan, on the other hand, set TJ into a mode where he could easily rip the bastard’s head off without so much as a flinch. His beast agreed wholeheartedly as he vowed to destroy anyone who dared threaten Donovan. His lover. The man who returned humor to TJ’s life, who made the days happier, and the nights nearly go up in flames with their lovemaking. Never had TJ felt like this. Never. So needy. So intent upon Donovan. So determined to do anything and everything to keep him at his side.
The promise didn’t go unnoticed and he couldn’t blame it on the mating season, his hormones, or even his horniness. No. This was something different. Deeper. More intimate.
I’ll slash that bastard into tiny pieces.
His bear’s hostile vow echoed TJ’s own thoughts. No one is going to take him from us. That’s a fact.
His phone rang. Without hesitation, he answered. “Yeah?”
“Rigby here. Just checking in. No new activity and our trackers have come up empty-handed. They found a tire tread. A common brand. Yet, they’re pursing it.”
TJ sighed. Of course, it wasn’t going to be that easy.“Nothing happening here, either. I’ve been scouting in my sector and there’s no signs.”
“He’s too slick.” Frustration coated Rigby’s words.