Page 21 of Jacob

He couldn’t believe he’d forgotten that Jacob was still getting dressed.He’d put on his jeans, but his t-shirt was in his hands.Tony almost got whiplash as he quickly looked over Jacob’s shoulder, but since Jacob huffed out a laugh, he suspected that his mate had noticed.

Thankfully, Jacob didn’t say anything about it.They weren’t here to talk about their relationship, and they had some of the answers they’d been seeking.That meant they had to talk to Gal and come up with a plan.They needed to find the shifter.So far, they hadn’t hurt anyone, and Tony hoped that was how things would continue, but he needed to know to protect the town.

No one should have to live in the forest on stolen blankets.If there was anything Tony could do to help this person, he’d do it.

Chapter Four

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WHEN JACOB KNOCKEDon the door to Gal’s office, he didn’t expect to hear a squeak coming from inside.He frowned and waited, knowing that whatever was happening, Gal no doubt had it under control.

“Come in,” Gal called out after a few minutes.

Jacob opened the door and stepped in.He grinned when he saw that Liam, Gal’s mate, was sitting in one of the chairs in front of Gal’s desk.His cheeks were flushed, and there was a hickey on his neck.

Jacob knew who’d squeaked.

“Jacob,” Gal said with a smile.

He was sitting behind his desk and looked unaffected by what had just happened.If Jacob had to guess, though, he wasn’t.He was just better at hiding his feelings than his mate.

“I’m sorry to bother you,” Jacob said, glancing at Liam again.

Gal chuckled.“Not a problem.My workday isn’t over yet.”

From the looks of it, Liam wished it was, and Jacob wanted to get out of the office as soon as possible.He was sure they’d be happy to get back to what they’d been doing.

He cleared his throat.“I just came back from spending the day with Tony.We found traces of the shifter.”

Gal’s expression turned more serious, and Liam straightened in his chair.“What did you find?”Gal asked.

“It’s some kind of bear shifter, but I don’t know what kind.Not black or brown.I’d recognize the scent.”

“Polar bear?”

“It’s possible.It would explain the white color the people who reported seeing that shifter noticed, but I can’t tell you.What Icantell you is that it’s clear this shifter is living in the forest.”

“Oh,” Liam said softly.“They’re homeless?”

“I think so.They spend most of their time in their bear form, and there could be another reason, but again, it’s impossible for me to tell.You’ll have to talk to the shifter.”

“Did you find them?Do you know where they are?”Gal asked.

“No.We found what looked like a nest, but they hadn’t been there in a while.The scent wasn’t fresh.I followed their trails around the forest, but I couldn’t find them.They’ve been visiting the town, though, and they came close to here, too.They never stepped into pride territory, but they came close.”

“You think they’re watching us?”

“Maybe.I don’t think they have nefarious reasons, though.To me, it looks like they’re searching for help but don’t know who to ask.”

“We have to do something,” Liam said as he turned to his mate.

Gal was a good man and a good alpha.Jacob knew he wanted to do something to help the shifter, so he wasn’t surprised when Gal nodded as soon as Liam was done talking.

“Of course we’ll do something,” Gal reassured his mate.“I don’t wish for anyone to have to live in the forest if there’s a way to help them.We just have to find the shifter.”

“Which won’t be easy,” Jacob pointed out.“I’m surprised I didn’t find them today.I wonder if it means they left the area.”

“You think so?”

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