“You’ll remember me. I’ll be back,” the rogue said.
“Next time, I’ll break your fucking neck.”
The rogue was gone, disappearing into the night, the putrid scent fading.
Caleb wrinkled his nose.
“Why did you let him get away? We could have taken care of him here and now, and we wouldn’t have to deal with him later. You and Bethany would be safe,” said Brian.
“Because I need to know if there are others. What if more bears have turned rogue? The man is strong. Not as strong as my wolf, but there are others he could easily take down. We’ve got to find out if any other bears from their sleuth were affected the same way. They usually band together. The last time I heard of this happening was about fifteen years ago. I hope this time isn’t as bad.” He started to leave the forest, heading back to their home.
He wanted to go inside, but David was standing by the entrance, complete with a gun.
Caleb cocked a brow. They’d never needed to use guns.
“Just in case,” David said. “I don’t think your woman would feel too comforted with me pacing in wolf form.”
Caleb smiled. “I guess we will see one day. I’ll have to introduce the pack sooner or later.”
He went to where their dogs were kept. The moment he was near, the dogs ran toward him. He petted them and Joe crawled out, brushing the grass from his pants.
The dogs never strayed far even though their kennels were open. The shelter was helpful in the colder winter months.
“You saw him?”
“I saw him.”
“And?”
“He’s too far gone,” Caleb said.
“I told you that. You could have killed him?” Joe asked.
“I could have, but I need to know if he’s the only one. Have you heard of others going rogue?”
Joe opened his mouth and closed it. “I don’t.”
“You were forced out by him. Others too.”
“A lot happened. It was so fast. I didn’t even think about others turning rogue, but I guess it’s possible.”
“It would make sense. Last time this happened, six bears went mad. That was a long time ago.”
“No, it can’t be possible, can it?”
“It depends. Not everyone gets pulled in to kill. Some are able to fight it.” Caleb ran a hand down his face. “Taking a life isn’t easy. We can kill without mercy, but it doesn’t mean we don’t chip away at our soul. Rogues do it for pleasure. I don’t know what could be left of your sleuth.” He shook his head. “Fuck.”
“I’m sorry.”
Caleb’s brow rose. “You’re sorry?”
“I know this isn’t your problem. It’s a bear thing. I shouldn’t be here, putting you and your pack in danger.”
“Look, this rogue is everyone’s problem.”
Joe stepped forward as if he were going to leave.
“He won’t stop at bears. He’ll ravage the forest, including wolves.” Caleb caught hold of him, stopping him. “No, you don’t get to leave.”
“You think I can’t smell the mating on you? Do you know how precious that is? If the rogue were to do anything to hurt your woman, it would send you mad, and as much as I hate your wolf ass, I don’t wish that on anyone. Not to you, not to your pack.”
“Stop,” he said. “I get it. You don’t want the guilt. We need to know if there have been any reported bear attacks within the area. We need to know what we’re walking into.”
“You’ve done enough.”
“Joe, stop. You’re not going anywhere. We’ve got this handled, and when the time is right, you’re going to take over as alpha, or whatever you’re called in your little thing.”
“I don’t have what it takes.”
“Why the hell not?” Caleb asked. “I don’t see a problem with you taking that role. You’ll be a hell of a lot better at it than glowing eyes.”
“No.” Joe shook his head.
“What is this? Someone is going to need to take over once the dust settles. To help any bears left. You’re not going to take that role?”
“Look at me, Caleb. I didn’t stand and fight. I ran. I’m a fucking coward.”
Silence rang out.
He stared at the man, feeling his pain. He didn’t have any affection for this man. In fact, he rather hated him for the trouble he’d already caused. If it wasn’t for Joe, he’d have been able to make love to his woman properly without her going into heat. Instead, everything had been rushed and put him in an awkward place.
His woman.
He wanted to get back to his prize.
Not talk business.
“No leader would ever have run. I did. I have no right to help, to take that place.”
“Yes, you ran, but you’ve got time to make up for that now.” He put a hand on Joe’s shoulder. “Help us make this right. Your people, they need you. Don’t let them down now. Help them ensure there’s only one rogue. If that’s the case, I’ll end him.”