“I should get back to patrol.” The lie came easily, though what he really needed was distance and time to process what had just happened. “Enjoy your first night in Blackpine, Ms. Calloway.”
He nodded to Gerri, who was still watching him with that insufferable knowing look, and headed for the front door. Eachstep away from Electra felt like tearing something vital from his chest, but he forced himself to keep walking.
Outside, the mountain air did nothing to clear his head. His wolf was growling with the need to go back inside, to stay close, to make sure she was safe. The rational part of his mind knew he needed to think, to plan, to figure out how to handle this impossible situation.
Everything just changed.
As he climbed into his cruiser, Rune caught one last glimpse of Electra through the cabin window.
His mate. His responsibility. His future.
And he had absolutely no idea what to do about it.
THREE
ELECTRA
Electra closed the cabin door behind Sheriff Rune Hale and leaned against it, her heart still hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird. She pressed her palms flat against the cool wood and tried to make sense of what had just happened.
What the hell was that?
She’d gotten pulled over on her very first day in town—by a sheriff who looked like he’d stepped straight out of one of her romance novels. All six-foot-three of solid muscle and controlled authority, with those steel-gray eyes that seemed to see right through her defenses. The man was absolutely gorgeous in a way that made her mouth go dry and her brain temporarily short-circuit.
And I was speeding. Of course I was speeding.
She hadn’t even realized she’d been going over the limit, too caught up in the anticipation and nerves of finally arriving at her new home. But instead of writing her a ticket like any normal law enforcement officer would have done, he’d let her off with a warning. Then—and this was the part that really threw her—he’d offered to escort her to the cabin, helped carry her bags, and told her to call him anytime she needed anything.
Anytime. Twenty-four seven, he said.
The level of helpfulness bordered on suspicious. In her experience, men didn’t go out of their way to be that accommodating unless they wanted something. But Sheriff Hale hadn’t seemed like he was angling for anything beyond making sure she arrived safely. He’d been respectful, professional, almost... protective.
Different from every other man I’ve ever met.
And the way he’d stared at her—like she was some fascinating puzzle he was trying to solve. Those gray eyes had swept over her face with a piercing intensity that made her skin flush with heat. When they’d shaken hands, his grip had lingered just a beat too long, his fingers warm and strong around hers, as if he hadn’t wanted to let go.
Stop it. You’re reading too much into a simple handshake.
“Well, that was quite the introduction to mountain life,” Gerri’s amused voice cut through her spiraling thoughts.
Electra pushed away from the door and found the older woman standing in the kitchen, already unpacking one of the boxes the movers had left on the counter. Gerri’s snow-white bob was still perfectly styled, and her blue eyes sparkled with something that looked like satisfaction.
“I can’t believe I got pulled over by the sheriff,” Electra muttered, moving to help with the unpacking. “Talk about making a stellar first impression.”
“Oh, I think you made quite the impression indeed.” Gerri handed her a stack of plates, her tone deliberately innocent. “Sheriff Hale seemed very... attentive.”
Electra busied herself arranging the dishes in the cupboard, trying to ignore the heat creeping up her neck. “He was just doing his job. Making sure the new resident feels welcome and all that.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Gerri’s knowing hum made Electra’s shoulders tense. “And the way he looked at you? Also part of the job?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Of course you don’t, dear.” Gerri pulled out a set of coffee mugs. “Though I must say, for your fresh start, you certainly won’t be disappointed. These mountains are full of... mysterious creatures.”
Electra paused in her unpacking, a chill running down her spine at the odd phrasing. “Mysterious creatures? You mean like bears and mountain lions?”
“Among other things.” Gerri’s smile was enigmatic as she arranged the mugs on a shelf. “The wilderness has a way of revealing hidden truths. You’d be surprised what secrets lurk in these ancient forests.”
Wildlife. She’s talking about wildlife.
