Fool!his bear roared.
I have a plan,Caleb replied, fighting every instinct that told him to go after her.
So you keep saying, but this errand you keep talking about sounds like a fool’s errand,his bear grumbled.
We’ll see,Caleb said, but as he watched her go, the restaurant door swinging closed behind her, he did feel like a fool.
Only when she was truly gone did he allow his shoulders to slump, the mask of casual indifference slipping away.
His bear whined softly.Go after her.
I can’t,Caleb murmured.
He turned away and locked his senses on Matt, who was in the back office, going through invoices. Just the brother he needed to see.
No, we need to see our mate,his bear moaned.You can see Matt anytime.
“Hey,” Matt said, looking up as Caleb appeared in the doorway. “Is everything all right? Things seemed a little strained between you and Hannah.”
“I need to borrow your truck,” Caleb said without preamble.
Matt raised an eyebrow. “Sure. Where’s yours?”
“I gave it to Hannah. Along with my house keys.”
“You what?” Matt set down his pen, giving Caleb his full attention. “Why would you do that?”
“So she can get back to the cabin.” Caleb leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “I have an errand to run.”
“An errand?” Matt frowned. “More important than spending time with your mate?”
That’s what I said,his bear grumbled.
“Yes.” Caleb nodded. “I’m going to Riverside.”
Matt stared at him for a long moment, comprehension dawning slowly on his face. “You’re going to drive all the way to Riverside to get the car part? The one that would let her leave Bear Creek sooner?”
“That’s right.”
Nooooo,his bear roared.
“Why would you help her leave?” Matt asked, disbelief coloring his tone. “I thought... I mean, it’s obvious that she’s your...”
“Because it’s what she needs,” Caleb cut in firmly.
Matt shook his head, reaching into his pocket for his keys. “I never realized finding your mate made a shifter crazy.”
A smile tugged at Caleb’s mouth despite everything. “Crazy in love,” he agreed, taking the keys Matt held out.
His bear rumbled in agreement.Absolutely crazy in love.
“You’re going to drive three hours each way for a car part so she can leave town faster?” Matt asked incredulously. “That’s your grand romantic gesture?”
“It’s not about keeping her here,” Caleb explained, turning the keys over in his hand. “It’s about giving her the choice. On her terms.”
Understanding softened Matt’s expression. “And you think that will make her stay?”
“I don’t know,” Caleb admitted. “She needs to feel free to go before she can choose to stay.”
