Wild Bear (Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance) (Rescue Bears Book 2) by Scarlett Grove

Theo and tried to comfort him.
    As much as Lily wanted to hate Shane, she couldn’t. She loved him so fiercely it was under her skin. It had pierced her heart, and she’d never get it out.

15
    S hane paced the floor , trying to get a hold of Lily. His calls went to voicemail. His texts fell on dead air. She must have turned off her phone. He was about to go find a ride to his bike when Levi came to the door. Shane didn’t want to deal with this now. His mate said she was leaving town. He had to stop her.
    Levi stepped up on Shane’s porch and leveled his gaze at his errant chef. Shane knew that part of being a better bear was coming clean with Levi.
    “Shane. You know we have to work together as a crew. You could have put the entire mission at risk.”
    “I found my kid.”
    “You broke rank.”
    “We aren’t at war anymore, Levi.”
    “We might not be at war, but lives are still at stake.”
    “The life of my son.”
    “I was protecting your son.”
    “Did you really expect me to stand by and wait for someone else to find him?”
    “You’re unstable, Shane.”
    “I’ve faced my bear, Levi. I have control now.”
    “I have to ensure the safety of every person involved on a mission.”
    “We need to trust each other, Levi. I have control of my wild bear. Now I’m free. If you want me to stay, you have to trust my instincts.”
    “I want you here, Shane. You and your family.”
    “I need to get my girl.”
    “You need a ride?”
    “Let’s go.”
    Shane tried to text Lily on the way into town. She wouldn’t respond. If she left, he didn’t know what he would do. Levi drove in front of Lily’s apartment complex. Shane gripped the handle and opened the door before the truck come to a full stop. Shane jumped out of the car as Levi put on the breaks.
    “Go get your mate, Wild Bear,” Levi said.
    “Thanks,” Shane said. “For everything.”
    He shut the door and turned towards the stairs. He took them two by two. Lily’s car was full of boxes in the parking lot. He had to find her now. He sniffed the doors as he walked down the balcony until he came to the end. Her scent was strongest there. The door opened as he raised his hand to knock. Lily stood in front of him, her eyes full of sorrow.
    “What are you doing here?” Lily said, sniffling wearily.
    “I’m done running, Lily,” Shane said, reaching out to her. She moved away from him and out of his grasp. “Please don’t run from me now.”
    “Shane, this can never work. I can finally see that.”
    Someone down the hall opened their door and looked down at him. Shane cleared his throat and put his hands on his hips.
    “Can we at least talk about this inside?”
    “I don’t see what else there is to talk about, but come in anyway.”
    She stepped aside, and Shane entered the room. It was a tiny, dark, one-bedroom apartment. Everything was gone except for a few pieces of used furniture. Theo immediately ran to Shane and hugged him around the waist.
    Shane ruffled the child’s hair and held him close to his hip. He was so impressed with his son. The little guy had shown himself to be strong and crafty. Shane was proud of him, even though he shouldn’t have done it.
    “What do you have to say?” Lily said, crossing her arms.
    “I’m in control now, Lily. I’ve conquered my demons. I’ve tamed my wild bear. It’s because of you. I love you. I need you,” Shane said, putting it all out on the table. That was what he had to say. Those words were the truth, pure and simple.
    “Where is this coming from?” Lily said. “I thought you were too dangerous to be with me.”
    “I was, Lily. But I’ve changed.”
    “You have control of you bear now?” Lily said, her voice tight.
    “I know I’ve hurt you. I’m standing here, accepting my mistakes. I’m asking for your forgiveness if you can ever give it to me.”
    “It’s not that easy, Shane. We can’t talk about this in front of him. Sweetheart, go play in your room,” Lily