Because there was something in the way he said it, something in the intensity of his focus, that suggested this wasn’t standard new resident protocol. This felt personal in a way that caused her stomach to twist.
“I appreciate the concern,” she said, meaning it despite her natural inclination to bristle at authority. “Though I have to ask, is this level of personal attention standard for all new residents?”
“You’re living in an isolated area with unique challenges. It’s my job to ensure you’re prepared for them.”
Before she could press him further, the radio clipped to his belt crackled to life with a burst of static and urgent voices.
“Sheriff Hale, we’ve got a situation on Mill Road.”
Rune’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant, professional focus replacing whatever personal tension had been building between them.
“Copy that. En route.” He looked back at Electra with something that might have been regret. “I have to go.”
“Of course. Duty calls.”
“Enjoy the coffee and donuts. And remember what I said about the trails.”
He was already moving toward the door, but he paused at the threshold, looking back at her with an expression she couldn’t quite read.
“I’ll see you around, Ms. Calloway.”
The way he said it sounded less like a casual farewell and more like a promise.
The silence that followed Rune’s departure felt almost oppressive, like the cabin had inhaled and forgotten how to exhale. Electra stood frozen by the door, her fingers still wrapped around the warm coffee cup, watching through the window as his cruiser disappeared down the winding mountain road.
A smile tugged at her lips without permission.
Get a grip, Electra. He’s just doing his job.
His explanation about safety made perfect sense. She was a city girl dropped into the middle of nowhere, surrounded by bears and wolves and God knew what else. Of course the local sheriff would want to make sure she didn’t become a cautionary tale. It was logical. Professional.
So why did it feel like he was being extra protective of her?
She shook her head, trying to dislodge the thought, and reached for her phone. If anyone could ground her back to reality and give her the motivation she needed to tackle the day, it was Cosette.
The FaceTime call connected after two rings, revealing Cosette’s bright hazel eyes and that mischievous grin that usually meant trouble.
“Well, well, well,” Cosette said, settling back in what looked like her favorite coffee shop in Hartford. “Look who’s glowing this morning. Let me guess—daily sighting of the hot, grumpy sheriff with control issues?”
“How did you—“ Electra started, then caught herself. “Never mind. I don’t want to know how your brain works.”
“Spill. Everything. Now.”
Electra found herself grinning despite her best efforts to remain composed. “He brought me coffee and donuts this morning. And a lecture about staying away from wolves and bears and trails at night.”
“Coffee and donuts?” Cosette’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh honey, that’s not public service—that’s foreplay.”
“It was not foreplay,” Electra protested, though her cheeks heated. “He was just being helpful.”
“Helpful.” Cosette rolled her eyes dramatically. “Right.”
Electra paused, the cup halfway to her lips.
“Classic alpha male behavior. He’s already marking his territory. Next he’ll be bringing you homemade soup and fixing things around your cabin,” Cosette continued, clearly reading her expression.
“You’re being ridiculous.”
“Am I? Because this sounds exactly like chapter three of every paranormal romance ever written. Mysterious, brooding authority figure? Check. Isolated heroine in need of protection? Check. Instant, inexplicable attraction that defies all logic? Double check.”
