As if on cue, a cheerful voice chimed in from the side. “Hey, Bryce, Tom.” Riley had a pot of coffee in one hand and a grin so charming it could’ve sold car insurance.
Their orders taken and alone once more, Tom leaned across the table to Bryce, not wanting to announce his question to the entire diner.
“Riley’s the first non-shifter I’ve heard of actuallyjoininga pack, rather than simply being recognized as someone’s mate. How’d that come about?”
Before Bryce could answer, they were interrupted.
“Bryce Reynolds, you didn’t tell me you were escorting such handsome company today.”
Bryce glanced at Tom, a suggestion of rueful apology in his face, before turning in his seat to the woman two tables along. “Good afternoon, Nerissa.”
Nerissa, blonde, in her fifties, and dressed like lunch was an occasion, let her gaze travel over Tom before meeting his eyes, amusement sparkling behind hers.
“You must be the National Council rep Jason mentioned. Tall, handsome, and clearly overqualified to spend your time here.”
She was appraising but not predatory—like someone who knew good aesthetics and wasn’t shy about appreciating them.
Tom inclined his head, smiling back. “Tom Barrington, ma’am. Lovely to meet you.”
“Oh, honey,” she said, delighted. “So well-mannered. Bryce, if this one gets away from us, I’m holding you personally responsible.”
“I’ll add it to my sins,” Bryce said dryly. “According to Sam, they’re stacking up this week.”
As Nerissa returned her attention to her coffee, Tom glanced at Bryce. “You weren’t kidding about the reception.”
“She’s a menace,” Bryce said under his breath. “And I mean that with nothing but respect and affection.”
Then, picking up the thread without missing a beat, he added, “As for Riles? Jason asked if he could join, and we said yes. Didn’t seem complicated. Doesn’t matter that he’s not a shifter. He’s pack.”
Tom nodded slowly. That was more than unusual—it was quietly revolutionary. But Bryce had said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Their food arrived soon afterward, courtesy of Jason. He nodded politely at Tom, oblivious to the way Nerissa was appreciating his ass as he turned back toward the kitchen.
Over steak and fries, Bryce told him about the diner’s history. How Sam had taken it over when the original owner retired, how Jason had worked here ever since arriving in Elk Ridge, and it was now home away from home, with both Riley and Tristan picking up shifts. There was a warmth to Bryce’s stories, a kind of affection that made Tom wonder what it must be like to be part of something like this, to be woven into a community so deeply that the roots couldn’t be untangled.
“You ever miss city life?” Tom asked, because Bryce had been raised in Cheyenne and spent some time in Denver before coming to Elk Ridge.
“Not for a second,” Bryce said without hesitation. “I like having people I know around me. People who mean what they say.”
Tom nodded, slowly. “I can see the appeal.”
And he could. Because it wasn’t just Bryce—it was the way this town worked. The way people looked out for one another. When he’d mentioned to Bryce his frustration at getting information out of Ken, Bryce had nodded. “He’s probably worried about your intentions toward this pack,” he’d said. “There’s no other reason for National Council members to be in town.”
That type of unconditional loyalty wasn’t something he’d ever expected to want, but it stirred something in him. An awareness of a gap he hadn’t realized was there.
Sam stopped by their table to check they had everything they needed.
“How’s Nat doing?” Bryce asked her.
A shadow crossed Sam’s face. “Still on bed rest. She’s bored out of her mind, but the doctor says no getting up until the baby’s here.”
“Damn,” Bryce said softly. “Give her my love, yeah?”
“Will do,” Sam said, with a quick smile that didn’t mask the worry in her eyes.
“Nat?” Tom asked, as Sam moved away.
“She’s been the server here the last, God, four years? Seems like forever. She and Derek have been trying for a kid for a while now.”
