“Tanner? It’s me, Eddie. You busy?”

“That’s Sheriff Rochon to you, jackwagon,” Tanner said gruffly.

“That’s never gonna happen, dude,” Eddie replied.

Tanner sighed. “What do you want? I’m very busy and important.”

“You aren’t busy; you just want to get home to Brooke. You aren’t fooling anyone,” Eddie said.

“True, I’m not gonna deny that. My mate is always happy to see me,” Tanner chuckled.

“Eww, don’t go there,” Eddie said.

“What do you want, then?”

“Do you know anything about someone named Gemma Ellis?”

“Uh, doesn’t ring a bell. Why?”

“Her son came in today with a head injury. Just want to make sure he’s in a good place,” Eddie said. His bear had been nagging him all day. He wanted to smell the boy again. Wanted to make sure he was okay. He knew physically Dash should be fine, but he still wanted to know he was feeling better.

“You think it was intentional?” Tanner’s voice grew concerned.

“Oh, no. Totally an accident. Little guy was healthy, open, and engaging,” Eddie said. “I don’t think he’s abused. My bear is just worried. He’s pushing me to learn more.”

Tanner didn’t need him to explain. Tanner’s bear was often pushy when he was unsettled. Eddie’s polar bear was an enigma. It didn’t act like most of the other bears. For all of Eddie’s laid-back attitude, his bear was aggressive, had heightened senses, and would follow a lead, like food, for miles and miles. He was persistent to say the very least.

“Well, I can check them out if you really want me to,” Tanner said. He wasn’t opposed to discreetly asking around if it was important to Eddie and his bear.

But Eddie wanted subtlety. “Don’t make a big deal. I just want to make sure he’s okay.” He felt a little silly asking his cousin to help him out but he had to admit that he wanted to know about the boy.

“Will do, I’ll let you know what I find,” Tanner said.

“Thanks, man.” Eddie ended the call and returned the phone to the receiver. He stared at the tiny gnome salt and pepper shakers he’d found in his mailbox and decided to leave on his desk. He wasn’t sure if he was doing the right thing. A patient was a patient. There were lines that Eddie normally never crossed.

He’d been debating calling Tanner since little Dashiell had left. He had his address from the hospital forms, but he wasn’t about to make a house call. He just wanted…he wasn’t sure what he wanted. His bear wanted to make sure the little boy was happy and healthy. Not exactly a small order. He’d fixed his injury, but he wasn’t responsible beyond that.

Knowing it would take Tanner a while, Eddie finished up with some paperwork and made sure he wasn’t needed before walking out to the lot. His white Land Rover was sitting in a spot up front. A quick glance showed him there weren’t any gnomes in the vicinity.

Getting into his car, he turned on the engine and let it idle as he replayed the smell of Dash in his head. It wasn’t just his scent that was so intriguing. It was something else that clung to the little boy. Something that made Eddie’s brain go all fuzzy.

Sighing, he shifted the car into gear and pulled out. The drive to his cabin wasn’t far. It was just off the main road heading into the national forest, and he only lived there part-time. Occasionally he would rent it out to hikers, skiers, and even hunters. During those times, he went home to his parents’ house.

His brother and sister gave him shit for “living with mom,” but for Eddie, it was like his own mini-vacation. While earning money on the rental of his place, he got to hang out in his old room, with his mom cooking and washing his clothes for him.

She’d bake him cookies and bring him coffee in the morning. True, it was bit juvenile, but what the hell – Eddie wasn’t above having someone coddle him. The older he got, the more spoiled he became. He knew that he was over the top in a lot of ways. His job was high-stress, and he overcompensated by being a little bigger and brighter than the scary or ugly things he saw during his job.

Eddie would imagine his mate giving him the comfort and solace he was seeking; coming home to a house full of warmth and laughter. He would be able to protect and care for his mate, and she would give him the partner he and his bear needed.

Pulling into the driveway outside the cabin, he parked near the front door. Jumping out, he took in a deep breath. His bear wanted to run. Being a very large white bear was not easy to conceal in a forest full of brown and green. He had an easier time in the winter. He could run up to the snowline at night and be easily hidden.

During the summer, he would take trips to Mt. Rainier where there was always snow up on top. That meant that he had summited the peak more than most hikers who did it for a living.

This time of year, he’d only go out when he could make sure he was on Rochon property. His Alpha lived on a large piece of land. Late at night was the safest opportunity for him to venture out and he kept that to when his animal was really pacing in his head.

Right now, his bear was more interested in the puzzle of Dashiell Ellis. Unlocking the door, Eddie flipped on the lights and took in the cozy interior of his three-bedroom cabin. His sister had taken over decorating when he had been living on a futon for four months after he moved home. He really wasn’t worried. It was functional. His sixty-inch television, game consoles, and coffee maker were all state of the art. Who cared where he slept?

Apparently his sister did. She had taken his credit card and furnished the entire house. It was now Pacific Northwest chic – earthy, and lots of wood and glass. There were even live plants that he was pretty sure his sister sneaked in to water. He hadn’t watered them and they hadn’t died yet, so it was a reasonable guess.

Now his living room had a long cream colored sofa with throw pillows in black and white plaid, nestled next to forest green ones. A large solid wood coffee table that had seen more than a few pairs of boots sat in front of it. Two log-framed side chairs flanked the ends of the table; they were made by his Alpha, Cage. They were rough, with bits of bark sanded down and shellacked to keep the natural appeal. Huge brown cushions covered them making them perfect for lounging. His TV was mounted on the wall opposite.

Eddie didn’t mind sharing his space. His master bedroom was fitted with a large deadbolt that he secured whenever the house was rented. He kind of liked the idea that people were having fun in his home. Making memories that they would hopefully treasure. He was a believer that the good energy those people projected stuck around in the space.

His home always felt peaceful when he walked in. He liked that.

Opening the fridge he found some leftover pizza and grabbing the box, crashed on the couch with it in his lap. Another exciting night in the life of Dr. Edison Rochon.