“It’s simple but effective. Not that I’ve actually tried it on someone for real.” She nodded toward him. “Although, I did think you were a contender there for a few minutes.”
“Show me the move.” He needed something to distract him while his mate was in the grocery store. He could still sense her out there. He could still pinpoint her exact location even though everyone else around her was a blur.
“Are you trying to trick me?” Isla’s eyes narrowed as she studied him.
He shook his head. “I promise. I just need something to do while we wait.”
“Okay, so this is how you stand.” Isla’s eyes sparkled as she placed her feet hip-width apart and at a slight angle to him. “This is how you strike.”
In a whirl of movement, she twisted around, the side of her hand aimed at his windpipe as it cut through the air.
That’s cool, his bear was impressed as Beck jerked his head back.
“Don’t worry, I was never going to hit you. Although I’ve never added the shifter speed before. I usually do it slowly. Like a normal person.” Isla was impressed with herself as she slowed the action down and repeated the move.
“You’re good. I certainly don’t think you’re in any danger walking the streets at night,” Beck complimented.
Isla turned around and went back to her reception desk as the elevator doors pinged and a middle-aged man in a business suit stepped out. “I never was anyway.” She winked.
That she-bear can look after herself, his bear said with more than a hint of pride.
Beck turned his attention back to the street outside. It was empty, the sky overhead already starting to darken as an early evening loomed. He couldn’t wait for spring to come, for the snow to melt and the sun to shine down on them.
I can’t wait for summer so I can go and roll in a stream to cool off, his bear said.
As he stood watching, his contact with Kassia faded. She was out of his reach now and he hated it.
We gave our word we wouldn’t leave, his bear reminded him.
And I am a man of my word, Beck replied.
So, despite his instinct, despite the raging need to leave the hotel lobby and go to his mate, Beck stayed put. He only hoped it wasn’t a promise he’d live to regret.
Chapter Sixteen – Kassia
Kassia eyed the other people in the grocery store, trying to spot the person who was spying on her. No one was paying her any particular attention and there was no one here that she recognized from her old life. Of course, Mindy might have an accomplice, someone unknown to Kassia who was watching her every move right now.
Fear crept up Kassia’s spine. What was the point? That’s what Kassia couldn’t figure out.
Were they planning on hurting her or simply destroying her life through fear and paranoia? Although, they could have no idea that Kassia planned to move to Bear Creek.
Although, Kassia wasn’t as concerned about herself as she was about her aunt. What if Betsy was the real target? Hurt Betsy in the same way Kassia had hurt Mindy’s brother, Travis.
Kassia took out her phone and sent a text to Betsy, asking her if she was okay.
Yes, the reply came back almost instantly. How are things there?
Kassia replied, all quiet, then put her phone back on her pocket. As she continued along the aisle of cookies, she placed her hand over the phone just to check that her phone was still there. It was a habit, as if her phone was her lifeline. Which in a way it might be.
Taking one last look around the store, she figured she’d been in there long enough for anyone to see her and possibly take her photo. If she received another message from this visit to town, Brad would be able to go through various CCTV cameras and pinpoint who the culprit was.
Her confidence in the town sheriff was high. If anyone could catch the person who was following her, it was Brad.
Kassia reached the cash register and paid for her small supply of groceries. After packing them all in a bag, she left the grocery store and took the usual route back to Betsy’s house where Avery was waiting inside.
Inhaling deeply, Kassia let the breath out, determined to look calm, as if nothing was bothering her. She could do this. She’d done it before with Travis, where the stakes had been much higher.
Or were they? At least with Travis if things went wrong the only person who would have gotten hurt was Kassia herself. If she’d failed, the police would have been unhappy about the wasted man-hours, but no one else would have been hurt.
Here, in Bear Creek, the stalker might target Betsy or Beck, or anyone else who had been in contact with her. Kassia’s heart beat rapidly as she thought of little, sweet Dahlia. What if she was targeted? Children always made an easy target since it only took a parent or guardian looking the other way for a minute or two for danger to strike.
Kassia put her hand to her cheek and brushed away a tear. She wanted this over.
Tilting her chin, she swung her hair back off her face and continued on her journey. They would catch the person responsible. They had to.
As she walked, she focused on the world around her, the sights, the sounds, the smells. She listened to her own footfalls as her heels struck the sidewalk where the snow had thawed, only for them to fade to nothing as she hit a patch of icy snow.
In these moments of quiet, she listened for the sound of other footsteps. There were none, the world around her was practically silent, even the traffic on the main street was scant.
Betsy’s house loomed up ahead. Kassia focused on it, putting one foot in front of the other and not letting her mind wander as a minivan turned down the street and came toward her. What if they stopped? What if someone leaped out of the back and grabbed her.
If she were bundled into the back of a van, would anyone know? Kassia looked around. There was someone watching her. She might not be able to see them, but someone was watching her, Brad had promised she wouldn’t make a move without one of his men having eyes on her.
Kassia reached Betsy’s house and opened the gate leading onto the front yard. As she closed it behind her, she took a look up and down the street but there was no one around.
Her stomach dropped. This had all been for nothing, she’d wasted everyone’s time.
Disappointment set in as she walked across the front yard and unlocked the front door with her key. Pushing the door open, she stepped inside, lingering on the doorstep before she pulled the key back out of the lock and shut the door behind her.
“Anything?” Avery’s voice from the hallway made her jump.
Her hand flew to her chest as her heart beat so hard the blood drummed in her ears. “No. Nothing. I didn’t see anyone following me and I didn’t see anyone I recognized from out of town. It was a complete waste of time.”
“We don’t know that yet. Someone else might have seen or heard something. And you might get a new photo and Brad will be able to figure it out from there,” Avery said reassuringly.
“You’re right.” Kassia’s shoulders slumped forward. “I’m drained.” She put her hand to her forehead. “I hate this stress.”
“Come on, I’ve put some coffee on. Mac and Beck are on their way over. Mac said that Beck won’t rest until he’s seen you and knows you are all right.” Avery grinned as she followed Kassia into the kitchen. “I heard from Isla at the hotel. She nearly had to hogtie him to stop him from following you.”
“Hogtie Beck?” Kassia asked in shock.
“Not actually hogtie him.” Avery raised her hand and sliced it through the air. “More like a kung fu chop.”
“Poor Beck and poor Isla having to deal with him.” Kassia went to the cupboard and got out a box of cookies, which she placed on the table while Avery poured the coffee. “It’s still so weird being in a relationship that went from zero to sixty in what feels like five seconds.”
“But isn’t it nice to not have to worry about whether Beck is Mr. Right or not?” Avery asked. “There’s no worrying whether he’ll leave you for another wom
an or grow tired of you.” She slid into a seat next to Kassia. “That’s what I love about having a shifter for a mate. It’s knowing that he’ll be there for you today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life.”
“I think I needed to hear that. From someone other than Beck,” Kassia admitted. “After Travis, I swore I wouldn’t let another man into my life. So, when Beck practically fell at my feet the first time we met, it was hard not to think he was playing me.”
“Oh, he’s not playing at all,” Avery said. “He’s very serious. This means everything to him. You are his world.” She looked up and turned toward the door.
“There’s someone here,” Kassia hissed as that someone knocked on the door.
“I’ll go.” Avery stood up and left the kitchen. Slipping into the living room, she went to the window and looked out. Kassia followed slowly but hung back by the door as Avery looked outside. Her shoulders relaxed as she announced, “It’s only Beck and Mac. I’ll let them in.”
Avery darted past Kassia and went to open the front door. Taking her phone from her pocket, Kassia checked if she’d received a message. Still nothing. Her frustration mounted as she shoved the phone back in her pocket and went into the hallway to meet Beck and Mac.
“Any news?” she asked.
“No.” Mac shook his head. “Nothing.”
“Are you okay?” Beck asked as he followed her to the kitchen.
“Yeah.” She turned around and flung her arms around his neck. Swallowing down a sob, she said, “Just disappointed that it all seemed for nothing. I haven’t received a message or anything. I didn’t see anyone following me or anyone I recognized.”
“Hey, it’s okay. Maybe it means they’ve had their fun and left town.” Beck wrapped his arms around her waist and held her close. His presence comforted her, and she hung onto him, not ever wanting to let go.
“That’s true,” Avery agreed. “They might just want to frighten you. And now they’ve left.”
“That means I’ll never know who is behind it.” Kassia’s right hand dropped down to her side and covered her phone, checking that it was still there. Which, of course, it was. She just wished the damn thing would beep to tell her she’d received a message. Or a photo. Anything that might take them one step closer to finding out who was behind this.
“Brad is still waiting on information on the number that sent the message, but we think it’ll be a burner phone. We could trace it if they called and you could keep them on the line for long enough.” Avery poured coffee for Mac and Beck.
Kassia nodded as she sat down at the table. “I think whoever the phone belongs to probably knows that. I tried to call the number after the first message, but it was switched off. They aren’t taking any chances.”
“I can give you some numbers of victim support. They might be able to help you deal with what’s happened.” Avery had been so kind and supportive. If nothing else came of this, Kassia had at least found a friend she could depend on and trust. So unlike Mindy.
“I’m okay,” Kassia insisted.
“There’s no harm in speaking to someone about this and about what happened with Travis,” Beck told her gently. “You went through an ordeal and it’s good to talk about it.”
“I know, and I get it, I really do, but I want to put it all behind me.” Kassia passed the cookies around.
“Thanks, but I should get back to the sawmill.” Mac finished his coffee and edged toward the door. “I want to check on Mom. Hex is there with them, but I’d rather be there, too. Just in case.” He looked directly at Beck. “If you can handle things here.”
“Yes, you go. We’re good.” Hex nodded and then went to his brother. “Thanks, Mac.” He wrapped his arms around Mac and patted his back. “I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.”
“It’s what I’m here for.” Mac went stiff for a second before he hugged his brother back. “And I know you’d do the same for me.”
“Always.” Hex let Mac go and then went back to Kassia and sat down next to her. “We’ll finish up here and then drive the truck back to the sawmill later.”
“I should go, too,” Avery said. “I’ll go find out if Brad has any updates.”
“Thanks, Avery.” Beck glanced at Mac. “Call me if you need us.”
“Will do. But you don’t have to rush back, take your time.” Mac headed for the front door with Avery behind him, leaving Beck and Kassia alone.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Beck asked. “Avery is right that sometimes it’s good to talk to someone who is good at listening.”
“Does that mean you are not good at listening?” she asked.
“I’m a good listener. My problem would be how to remain objective when all I really want to do is rip the head off of anyone who might try to hurt you.” He shrugged and looked sheepish as he added, “It’s a shifter thing.”
“I was worried about you out there,” Kassia admitted.
“You were worried about me?” Beck looked surprised.
“Of course. We don’t know who is out there and what they want.” She pressed her lips together, unsure whether to say any more. Would he be offended if she told him her worst fears?
“You’re also worried that I might not be able to control myself.” He’d seen right through her.
“This shifter blood you have in your veins is hot. And I know how much I mean to you, as your mate. So, of course, I was worried.” She recognized the uncertainty in his eyes. She’d gotten close to uncovering a part of Beck he kept hidden. “Do you want to talk about it?”
He shook his head and turned his cup around and around in his hands. “Something happened while I was away.”
Her heart faltered. “You hurt someone?” she asked incredulously.
“No,” he replied quickly. “Not me. But someone else did. Someone I befriended. He was a shifter, a wolf.”
“What happened?” Kassia reached for Beck’s hand and curled her fingers around his.
“I met Lim in a remote mountainous region. We were both backpacking, trying to figure out where we fit into the world. He was a lot younger than me, but we got along, we were on the same wavelength. Neither of us really knowing who we were.” He tapped his heart. “Not in here.”
“A midlife crisis for you?” she asked.
“I think, looking back with hindsight, that it was. I had no prospects other than working for my brother for the rest of my life and I had no mate to make a life with. So, I had this crisis where I needed to find myself. Or, at least find my purpose. So, I left. Without much thought as to how it might affect everyone else.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry for the way I behaved.”
“Then you met this wolf shifter,” Kassia prompted.
“Yes. We traveled for a while together. We talked, we laughed, we swam in mountain rivers that were cold enough to freeze the blood in our veins. As our friendship grew, our adventurous sides sought out new highs and we went deeper into the mountains.” He hesitated and Kassia waited, giving him the time he needed.
“Then one day we reached this isolated village. And my friend, Lim, he met his mate.” Beck kept his eyes averted as he continued. “This should have been the happiest day of his life, but his mate was already married.”
“Did Lim try to steal his mate away from her husband?” Kassia asked softly.
“It was an arranged marriage. Her parents had made the match because they wanted to help secure their future since they only had one child. Lim’s mate wasn’t happy. Her husband showed her little respect and bullied her.” Beck looked down at his hands. “Until I met you, I didn’t know just how strong a connection he had with his mate. I understand him more now than I did at the time.”
“We can only see the situation through our own eyes and make decisions from our own experiences. Don’t feel bad that you didn’t see exactly how Lim felt,” Kassia told him. “People are responsible for themselves and their own actions.”
“I know, I just wish I’d been able to change the outcom
e.” Beck raised his eyes to hers and the pain she saw there wrenched her heart. “Her husband suspected there was something going on behind his back. He thought she was going to run off and so he made her a prisoner in her own home.” Beck ran his hand through his hair and leaned back in his seat to look up at the ceiling as he tried to fight back tears.
“That’s terrible.” Kassia covered her mouth with her hand.
“Lim planned to break her out to set her free. He never meant to hurt her husband but when Lim finally broke into the house, there was a huge fight. Lim got his mate out of the house, but the fight spilled out onto the street. The husband was drunk. In a fit of rage, he grabbed Lim’s mate by the hair and hit her.” Beck placed his hand on his cheek. “Lim kept his wolf under control but his anger at seeing his mate hurt bubbled over. According to other witnesses, Lim grabbed hold of the guy and they fought. I arrived too late, Lim hit the husband, who fell backward and hit the back of his head. He died before anyone could get him medical treatment.”
“No.” Bile rose in Kassia’s throat as she imagined the scene. “What happened to Lim and his mate?”
“Lim was arrested and eventually taken for trial in the nearest town. His mate was arrested, too, but I, along with several other villagers, told the authorities that she had nothing to do with it. But my statement incriminated Lim. Even though he didn’t mean to kill anyone. Someone died and Lim had to pay the price with his freedom. Lim argued it was self-defense but none of the witnesses backed him up. If only I’d actually seen what happened.” Beck got up from the table and walked to the counter. Placing his hands on the edge, he stared out of the window. “If only I’d been there to stop him. I should have seen what he was planning. I should have stopped him. But after all the stuff we’d shared about our lives while we were traveling, this was one thing he kept hidden from me.”
“Don’t blame yourself,” Kassia told him. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“But I should have stopped him. I’m sure there must have been something I could have done to break them up.” Beck fought back tears. “He’s in jail now, pining for his mate. His family is in tatters as they try to get their heads around what happened to him.”
Beck (Winter - Shifter Seasons Book 2) Page 13
