Mated to the Wilde Bear

Laurel surveyed the assembled mess of rescue vehicles and police cars that lined the road's edge. She chewed on her thumbnail, searching until she finally caught sight of the truck pulling in at the end of the row of cars. It was white, making it easier to spot the DOT logo on the side.

She rushed for the car just as a man got out and came forward.

"Gerald," she said, half-relieved but half-nauseous with nerves.

"Laurel," Gerald greeted her. In that one word was a small thread of warmth. He'd been the nicest man she'd worked for and the friendliest, still careful to keep a professional distance but willing to relax. To talk and joke with her. He was the only boss she'd ever had that let her forget she was a woman in a man's workplace. For that, she was grateful and held a soft spot for him.

He frowned when she got closer and cast a glance at the work crews assembled. "What's the status?" he asked. "Is it bad?"

Laurel shook her head. "I don't know. Blue Bear Search and Rescue went in about twenty minutes ago. No word yet on whether they've spotted them or details regarding the extraction."

Gerald took a deep breath. "Report said it was poachers. This party was a group of four. Someone heard shots fired. What the hell happened?"

Laurel's stomach tightened for the hundredth time at the mere mention of gunshots, but she nodded and kept her game face on. If Gerald only knew she was more worried about the Search and Rescue crew, specifically their alpha, than about the poachers who'd put in the emergency call.

"The details are still unclear," she said.

"Well, let's make them clear," he grumbled. She ignored it, knowing he was upset at the situation, not her.

"Gerald, you're supposed to be on vacation. I told Scott not to worry you. You should get some rest. Enjoy your last night off the clock."

Gerald pinned her with a look and unease skittered along the back of Laurel's neck.

"Look, there's something you should know, Laurel," Gerald began. He took her elbow and led her toward his truck, away from the crowd. He lowered his voice and Laurel's nerves came rushing back with full force.

"What is it?" she asked.

"We've been getting complaints about the Blue Bear Search and Rescue here," he said in a low voice. "Claims that these guys are cutting corners, making unsafe rescues, and putting people in more harm's way with their tactics."

"What?" She shoved her animal

aside as it rose up, temper flaring at Gerald's words. "That's ludicrous. These accusations have no basis in reality I've seen the crew at work, and I've spent time with them. They care deeply about the rescues they make."

"I know, Laurel." Gerald's

understanding tone helped soothe Laurel's animal, and she managed to get herself under control. She hoped her eyes had returned to normal when she faced Gerald again. "Xavier Wilde's a friend of mine. knew his dad before him, and I have a lot of respect for both men. But these accusations are being filed through formal channels can't ignore them. It's why I've waited so long to delegate this on-site responsibility to you. It's also why I showed up tonight. To see for myself so there can be no question this was being handled properly. As soon as they radio in the details of their proposed extraction, I have to log it."

Laurel bit her lip, staring off into the trees where the crew had gone. When they'd arrived earlier and found out about the poaching and the reported gunshots, she'd made them all promise not to shift unti they'd assessed things. Illegal hunters on the mountain meant they'd paint a target on their back by showing up as bears. Butthey'd been gone so long, and all she could think about was Xavier. Her animal was literally hurting at having to stay behind and let him go out there alone.

He had his crew, she reminded herself. Hopefully, that was enough.