Free Ethan (Blackbeary Creek 1) by Ruby Shae

she's not stupid. I don't think she'll just go anywhere, and the cabin was her original destination. Now that that asshole can't follow her anymore, I think she’ll continue with the same plan.”
    “Maybe, but she knows you’ll find her there,” Tristian said.
    “Yeah, and I think that’s what she wants. I think she thinks it will be easier to stand her ground on her own turf.”
    “That makes sense,” Tristian agreed. “What do you need from me?”
    “I'm going to pack everything into my SUV, and I need someone to pick it up.”
    “I’ll send Aiden and Zach out today.”
    “Sounds good,” Ethan replied.
    “Good luck, man. I have a feeling you're going to need it.”
    “Thanks a lot,” Ethan deadpanned, though he knew Tristian was right. 
    “Anytime,” his alpha laughed. “Oh, and Ethan?”
    “Yeah?”
    “I’m sorry about yesterday. I've always thought of you as a brother, and it would be awesome for it to really be true.”
    “Thanks,” Ethan said. “I'll let you know as soon as I know anything.”
    Tristian ended the call, and Ethan stared at his phone, taking the time to register his alpha’s words. He’d known Tristian would forgive him all along, but hearing the words meant a lot more than he wanted to admit.
    He scrolled his contacts for the other number he needed, and pressed the call button. Lance Middleton was a blue bear shifter, and forest ranger, in the remote town of Bluebeary Ridge. A two lane road went right through the mountainous area, and it was the only way to get to Ravenwood by vehicle.
    “Ranger's office,” the man answered.
    “Hey Lance,” he said, “this is Ethan Brooks.”
    “Ethan! How are you?” Lance said. “It seems like it's been forever.”
    “I’m good,” Ethan said, “but I need a favor.”
    “Name it.”
    “My mate is on the run, and I need a little time to catch up to her.”
    Ethan explained his idea, and Lance laughed.
    “Setting up roadblocks blocks for personal gain is against the law.”
    “You are the law,” Ethan countered, good-naturedly.
    “Yeah, you're right,” Lance conceded. “Why is she running?”
    “It’s complicated,” Ethan said. “But she doesn’t actually know we’re mates yet, and I’d like to change that as soon as possible. There’s one other thing…she was attacked last night, and looks pretty beat up.”
    “Attacked by who?” Lance growled, all humor gone.
    Ethan wasn’t offended. He expected nothing less from the man.
    “Some crazy asshole wanted for murder in three states. She went out with him once, and he followed her to Maple Bear Falls.” 
    “Holy shit.” 
    “Yeah, it was ugly,” Ethan said. “Luckily, I made it in time. I won’t give the details, but he's been neutralized.”
    “Good,” Lance approved. “Text me the details, and we’ll keep her stranded for a couple of hours.”
    “Thanks man,” Ethan said. “I owe you one.”
     
    ***
     
    Tegan stopped her SUV in front of the large, secluded cabin at the top of the hill, and frowned when she saw the black bear waiting on her porch. The two-hour drive to Ravenwood had taken nearly four hours, and she knew Ethan was to blame.
    When she got out of the vehicle, he shifted back into his human form, and waved wearing only a smile.
    Why did he have to be so hot, anyway?
    “Ugh” she said, walking toward the door. “I knew that roadblock was your fault.”
    “I don't know what you’re talking about,” he laughed.
    “Don't even try it,” she said. “Those freaking blue bears pretended to have a fight in the middle of the road and your friend , Lance the Ranger, wouldn't let me pass for nearly two hours.”
    “They fought for two hours?” he questioned. “That's crazy.”
    “Yeah, crazy,” she said, rolling her eyes and opening the door. “Just remember, payback is hell, and I will get revenge one day.”
    “I’m looking forward to it,” he said, following her inside.
    “Right,” she said, deadpan. “Put some clothes