This is ridiculous.
But as he pulled onto the road ahead of them, catching glimpses of Electra’s face in his rearview mirror, Rune couldn’t bring himself to care about logic right now. For the first time in decades, something other than duty was driving his actions.
The cabin soon appeared through the trees—a rustic structure with a wraparound porch and large windows that would flood the interior with natural light.
She’ll be living here. In my territory.
Rune parked and was out of his cruiser before she’d even turned off her engine. His training kicked in automatically—assess the perimeter, check for potential threats, ensure civilian safety—but underneath the professional routine, his wolf was cataloging everything about her new home with predatory intensity.
“Let me help you with those.” He reached for the bags in her backseat before she could protest.
“Thank you.” Her voice was breathier now, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear in a gesture that made his chest tighten. “You really didn’t have to do all this.”
“Part of the job,” he lied smoothly, shouldering her laptop bag and suitcase with easy strength. “Making sure new residents feel welcome.”
He followed her as she walked up the porch steps and opened the front door. The cabin’s interior was exactly what he’d expected—cozy without being cramped, rustic charm balanced with modern conveniences. Someone had done an excellent job preparing it for her arrival.
Rune set her bags down by the door and turned to find Electra watching him with those incredible green eyes. She’dremoved her jacket, revealing a fitted sweater that hugged curves that made his mouth go dry.
“I should introduce myself properly.” She stepped forward, extending her hand with a smile that transformed her entire face. “Electra Calloway. I’m a writer—romance novels, actually. I’ll be staying here for about a year while I work on my next book.”
A year. She’ll be here for a year.
“Rune Hale.” He took her offered hand, intending to shake it briefly and professionally.
But the moment their palms touched, the world exploded.
The mate bond hit him like a freight train, flooding his system with recognition so profound it nearly brought him to his knees. Every cell in his body screamedmineas the connection snapped into place with devastating certainty. His wolf threw back its head and howled in triumph, finally understanding why it had been pacing restlessly since meeting her.
My fated mate. Mine.
The possessive instinct was so fierce it took every ounce of his control not to pull her against him in front of Gerri. The need to protect, to claim, to never let her out of his sight again crashed over him in waves.
Outwardly, he managed to keep his expression neutral, though he suspected his grip on her hand lingered longer than strictly appropriate. Electra was looking at him with a puzzled expression, as if she’d felt something too but couldn’t quite identify what.
She doesn’t know. She can’t feel the bond.
Human mates rarely recognized the connection immediately. It would come to her slowly, a growing awareness that would either draw her to him or terrify her completely.
“Well, isn’t this cozy.”
Gerri’s voice cut through the moment like a blade, and Rune reluctantly released Electra’s hand. The older woman was watching them both with undisguised satisfaction, her eyes practically glowing with triumph.
“I do love it when everything falls into place.”
The knowing tone in her voice confirmed Rune’s suspicions. Somehow, Gerri Wilder had orchestrated this entire meeting. The question was why.
“I promise I’ll stay out of everyone’s way,” Electra said, apparently oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around her. “I just need peace and quiet to write. You won’t have any trouble with me.”
You’re already trouble,Rune thought, though not in any way she could imagine.
“Well, if you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to call. The cell service can be spotty at times but there should still be a landline here.” He pulled out one of his cards and handed it to her, their fingers brushing again in a contact that made his wolf howl with satisfaction. “The sheriff’s office, my cell number—I’m usually available twenty-four seven.”
“Thank you, Sheriff. That’s very reassuring.”
Her smile was genuine, trusting in a way that made his chest ache with the need to prove himself worthy of that faith. She had no idea what she’d walked into—the territorial disputes, the pack politics, the dangers that lurked in these mountains. But she was under his protection now, whether she knew it or not.
My mate. In my territory.
