The electric hum of the window motor cut through the mountain silence as the tinted glass descended, revealing the woman inside. Rune’s breath caught in his throat.
She was stunning—not in the polished, artificial way of magazine covers, but with a natural beauty that stole his breath. Her dark brown hair tumbled in loose waves around her shoulders, and her green eyes sparkled with intelligence and wariness as they met his. Then her full lips curved in a smile that managed to be both apologetic and slightly defiant.
My God.
The floral scent that had teased him from a distance now enveloped him completely—jasmine and vanilla with something uniquely her underneath. His wolf prowled restlessly beneath his skin, every instinct screaming at him to lean closer, to breathe her in, to claim what was clearly?—
What the hell is wrong with me?
“License and registration, please.” The words came out rougher than intended, his professional mask slipping for just a moment.
She held out both documents without hesitation, her fingers steady despite the slight flush creeping up her neck. “I didn’t realize I was speeding. I’m sorry, Officer—“ Her eyes flicked to his badge. “Sheriff Hale.”
The sound of his name on her lips sent heat racing through him. Rune forced himself to focus on the license in his hand.
Electra Calloway. Hartford, Connecticut.
“Electra Calloway.” He tested her name, savoring the syllables. “You’re not from around here.”
“No, I’m actually heading to my new cabin up the road. Just moving in today.”
So that’s who bought the old Henderson place.
Rune had noticed the moving trucks yesterday, furniture and boxes being carried into the cabin that had sat empty for three years. He’d meant to check on the new owner once they arrived.
“The reason I stopped you is that you were doing forty-five in a thirty-five zone.” He kept his voice level and professional, even as his wolf paced impatiently. “These mountain roads can be dangerous, especially for someone unfamiliar with?—“
“Sheriff Hale.”
The voice from the passenger seat made him freeze. He’d been so focused on Electra that he’d barely registered the other occupant, but now he leaned down to get a better look and felt his unease deepen.
Gerri Wilder sat in the passenger seat like a queen holding court. Her bright blue eyes twinkled with something that looked suspiciously like amusement, and her smile held secrets that made Rune’s instincts flare.
Of all the people...
He’d heard about Gerri Wilder in shifter circles—whispered stories about her uncanny ability to bring fated mates together, her mysterious Paranormal Dating Agency, and her unsettling knack for showing up exactly where she was needed. Seeing herhere, now, with Electra, made every alarm bell in his head start ringing.
“Ms. Wilder.” He straightened, his shoulders squaring automatically. “I wasn’t expecting to see you in Blackpine.”
“Oh, you know how it is.” She waved a manicured hand airily. “I’m just helping dear Electra get settled into her new home. Making sure she finds everything she needs here.”
The way she emphasized ‘everything’ made Rune’s jaw clench. His wolf was practically vibrating now.
“I see.” He turned his attention back to Electra, who was watching their exchange with curious eyes. “Well, Ms. Calloway, I’m going to let you off with a warning this time. But please watch your speed—these roads can be treacherous, especially as the sun sets.”
Don’t let her leave. Not yet.
The thought came from somewhere deeper than logic, a primal demand that made his next words tumble out.
“Actually, given the hour and your unfamiliarity with the area, I’d be happy to escort you to your cabin. Make sure you arrive safely.”
Electra’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “That’s very kind of you, Sheriff, but I’m sure we can manage?—“
“Oh, what a wonderful idea!” Gerri clapped her hands together, her eyes sparkling with delight. “How thoughtful of you, Sheriff. We’d be delighted to accept your escort.”
The older woman’s obvious pleasure at this development only increased Rune’s suspicion, but he found himself nodding anyway. “Follow me, then. The cabin’s about three miles up the mountain.”
He walked back to his cruiser on unsteady legs, his mind reeling. Thirty-eight years of carefully controlled existence, and one look at Electra Calloway had shattered his composure likeglass. His wolf was practically howling with satisfaction, as if it had been waiting its entire life for this moment.
