Chapter Six
Laird could hear the challenge in the other man’s voice with that statement, but he didn’t sense any jealousy or malice coming from him, so he didn’t think that Gage had wanted Sybella for himself—but he was protective just the same as any second would be.
“What exactly are your intentions towards Sybella?” Gage continued.
“My intentions?” Laird raised one eyebrow as if daring the other male to continue, and was a little mollified when Gage broke the eye contact first.
“I’m just looking out for her, Alpha. You have to know that she’s fought her entire life to get to where she is now. Bella is an incredible leader, and she won’t willingly leave us behind.”
“Why would you think I’d expect her to?” Laird was genuinely surprised at Gage’s implication, but if this was what Sybella herself expected from a mate, then he had to think it was no surprise that she’d fled him in the spectacular and aggressive way that she had. He needed to find her and talk to her about this.
“Rest assured, Gage, I don’t intend to take Sybella’s pard away from her,” he answered. “She is my mate, and I want her to be happy.”
The relief on the other male’s face was obvious, so it was clear how much she meant to all of these people.
“Thank the Goddess for that.” Gage smiled. “In that case, your next hurdle is going to be getting her to stand still long enough for you to explain that to her. She’s gone to her cabin up the mountain. It's where she goes when she needs to clear her head. The only way up is on foot, but I can show you the path you’ll need to take.”
They followed Gage down the snowy road until they came to a small shed. Inside it was well kept, with a cabinet and what looked like a large pet door out the back, facing the woods.
“You can shift in here. She would have taken the path directly to the left. It’s about a two-hour hike. Do you need me to go with you? It’s been snowing, so her tracks will be covered by now.”
Laird took a deep breath as he shed his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt. The sweet scent of his mate filled his lungs, and his cat wanted nothing more but to be let loose so he could hunt her down.
“No, I will find her.” He quickly shed the rest of his clothes before shifting and leaving out the back door, into the woods beyond. The cold air only made Sybella’s scent stand out more for him, so he followed its trail, his wide, padded feet easily plowing through the few inches of new snow.
It truly was a beautiful area. The white powder had covered everything anew, making the forest look clean and fresh. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d simply gone for a run through the woods to let his other half roam. There was always so much to do, and his job seemed never ending these days. What he wouldn’t give to be stalking through these woods with his mate by his side, their beasts bonding in the most elemental way. No human emotions like doubt, or confusion. The mating bond would be all they needed to know, that the Goddess had intended them to complete each other's souls—and what the Goddess had brought together, let no man tear asunder.
Laird followed Sybella’s scent trail until he finally came upon a clearing that led to a river. He could hear the roar of a distant waterfall, and when he reached the edge of the woods, he could see her. Her magnificent auburn locks and pale creamy skin translated into the most beautiful cougar he’d ever seen. She was the same deep browny red in her animal form, but the pale fur of her underbelly made the most stunning contrast. He kept to the edge of the trees as not to give away his location and startle her. She lay on the edge of a huge, flat rock that peered over the falling water. Laird watched her for a long time, her paws pushing rock after rock over the edge, only to watch it fall into the rapids below. He could feel her melancholy and his beast longed to comfort her—but he knew she would only flee from him once again.
No, he needed a plan on how to deal with his pretty little mate until he could convince her that they could be happy together.
Almost an hour after he’d found her, she finally stood and shook out her chilled fur before bounding off into the forest opposite his location. He followed her trail once again, staying far enough back that she couldn’t hear his pursuit until he arrived at the cabin that Gage had told him about. Laird watched her shift into her gorgeous skin and unlock the door while she hopped around on cold feet before the door finally closed behind her.
When he heard the rushing water of what must be the shower, he stalked closer until he was able to peer into the living room window. It was a small cabin, with a tiny kitchen and a cozy fireplace against the wall. Minutes later she came out of the bathroom door, steam billowing out around her. She padded out to the kitchen, just a towel wrapped around her, and grabbed a pot off the stove. Laird tried to stifle a growl when she reached up into the top cabinet for a can and her towel rose, giving him a lovely view of her perfect ass.
He sat out in the snow, just watching her as she prepared her meal and ate it still standing at the counter. She looked sad, and he wondered what she was thinking. Was she missing him the same way he’d been missing her?
When she finally was done, she walked to the bedroom and draped her towel over the bed post. Then she surprised him by shifting back into her fur before she curled up on the bed and closed her eyes. He waited until he was certain she slept before he crept towards the door. A lock would be no problem—but not waking up a sleeping cat as he broke into the cabin? Now, that might be a challenge.