Bear Naked (Halle Shifters) by Dana Marie Bell Read Free Book Online Page A

summed up his feelings perfectly. “We need to find this guy and rip his head off. I’m tired of our mates being in danger.”
    “It could truly be a secret admirer, someone who simply wants to make an impression.”
    Bunny could be right, but Ryan wasn’t so sure. “We can ask the girls if anything odd has gone on around the shop, but we all know the answer to that one.”
    All three men grimaced. Sometimes it seemed like nothing normal ever happened around their girls.
    Ryan sighed. “We should talk to Emma and Max Cannon. Since Glory and Hope were human when she disappeared, we might need their approval to borrow Gabe for the investigation.”
    Bunny shook his head. “I don’t think so, because they were human. This would fall under Gabe’s job as sheriff of Halle, not as a Hunter or even the Second. There shouldn’t be any conflict, so I’d go straight to him with this.”
    “I agree.” Julian leaned forward, impatiently brushing a lock of his waist-length black hair behind his ear. “This isn’t shifter business, but human. So his human authority would be ascendant. Besides, Max declared all three girls under his protection. He’d probably give his permission anyway, so the point is moot.”
    Ryan had to admit they were probably right. “Then I’ll call him and ask him to meet us at Cynful. Glory can talk to him, explain what happened all those years ago.”
    “And Gabe might even have the original missing person’s report on file, since she disappeared here in Halle.” Julian grinned. “Cyn will be willing to give you any help you need.”
    “Tabby too, though I’ve already told her to take it easy. I don’t want her risking the baby.”
    “Thanks, guys. I don’t think they’ll be in any danger, but whatever we find, Glory will need her friends and family around her.”
    Julian pulled out his cell phone. “Want me to call Gabe and have him meet us there?”
    “Not a bad idea. I’ll call Glory and let her know what’s up.” Ryan pulled out his own cell phone and punched in the number for Cynful.
    “Good morning, Cynful Tattoos, Cyn speaking. How may I help… Oh. It’s you.”
    “And good morning to you too, sunshine.”
    Cyn grunted.
    “Are we still decaffeinated?”
    She grunted again.
    “Julian’s here with coffee.”
    “I hate you so much right now. Tabby vomits if she even smells coffee.” Cyn whimpered. “I’m dying here.”
    Ryan didn’t laugh. “Listen, the guys and I are heading over with Gabe.”
    “Why? What’s wrong?”
    That overprotective instinct of Cyn’s had kicked into high gear. She suddenly sounded wide awake and vaguely growly, her Bear ready to defend her friends.
    “It’s okay. I promised Glory we’d look into Hope’s disappearance, so we thought we’d meet with Gabe at Cynful where Glory feels most comfortable.”
    “Oh.” Cyn sighed, the sound relieved. “Good idea. Come on over, and bring herbal tea.”
    Ryan started to laugh. “Can you sound any more disgusted?”
    “Hate. You.” And Cyn hung up before he could answer, not that he could. He was laughing too hard.
    Julian was clipping his phone back to his belt when Ryan hung up. “Gabe says he’ll be there in an hour.”
    Ryan stood, putting a lid on his coffee. Tabby might not be able to stand the smell, but Ryan wasn’t giving up his early morning love. “Your mate wants to kill us for our caffeine.”
    Julian sighed, but it was anything but sad. “Yeah. She’s mean like that.”
    Bunny shrugged on his jacket and grabbed his coffee. “C’mon. I’ll need you both to suck some breath mints before we go in the shop.”
    Julian’s expression turned instantly concerned. “It’s that bad?” When Bunny nodded glumly, Julian frowned. “Do you want me to check her out?”
    As Bears, each of them had the power to heal, both themselves and others. But where Bunny and Ryan could only heal minor wounds, aches and illnesses, Julian, as a Spirit Bear, had powers neither of them could