There was no fucking way it was a coincidence. "My thoughts exactly."
Gavin clapped me on the shoulder, his expression grim. "We'll get to the bottom of it. One way or another."
I watched him go, his words echoing in my mind. My gut was telling me the same thing, that this was just the beginning of something much larger, much darker.
As the others filed out of the room, I lingered behind, drawn back to the picture on the table. The woman's face stared up at me, her eyes haunting and accusatory.
Inside me, my wolf paced restlessly, hackles raised and teeth bared. It sensed the same thing I did: a looming threat, a gathering storm on the horizon.
I exhaled sharply, running a hand through my hair. Something was coming. I could feel it in my bones, a deep certainty that set my nerves on edge.
And I had a bad feeling it was only getting started.
Chapter 7
Rissa
The school parkinglot buzzed with activity as I tied a balloon to the bake sale sign. Parents chased after giggling kids darting between tables laden with gift baskets and homemade treats. It was really good to be part of this, part of the community I'd left behind years ago.
Max strolled over, his hands in his pockets and an easy smile on his face. "You ready for the chaos?"
I grinned back. "Bring it on."
Max chuckled and glanced around the bustling scene. "Looks like a great turnout. You're a natural at this."
I shrugged, pleased at the compliment but trying to play it cool. "Just doing my part. The kids deserve the best we can give them."
As if summoned by my words, a gaggle of little ones raced past, their laughter infectious. Among them, I spotted Sophie, one of the quieter kids in my class. She clung to her mom's hand, hesitant.
I knelt down to her level. "Hey, Soph. Did you bring your piggy bank money?"
She brightened up, then leaned in and whispered, "For a cookie."
I winked conspiratorially. "Good choice. We have the best ones here."
Sophie relaxed, a small smile lighting up her face. As her mom led her toward the bake sale table, she mouthed a silent 'thank you' to me.
I straightened up. This was what I loved. Seeing these kids open up, trust a little more, and find joy in simple things. After the heartbreak of losing my own child, being here for them soothed my old wounds.
Max rested a hand on my shoulder briefly. "You're really good with them, you know. The kids. They adore you."
Iducked my head, touched, but unsure how to respond. "Thanks, Max. That means a lot."
As he moved off to check on another booth, I took a deep breath and surveyed the happy chaos. Yes, this was right.
I straightened, still smiling, and noticed Nathan standing near the raffle booth. His arms were crossed, his expression unreadable. My pulse jumped. Nope. Not today.I'm not thinking about him.
Before I could process it, Peter, the single dad who'd been a little too friendly with me at drop-off and pickup, walked up. He leaned on the table, a little too close. "Tell me,MissMitchell, which booth should I hit first?"
Ugh, he put way too much emphasis on the Miss. He was really trying to flirt. I forced a polite smile. "The dunk tank. I hear Principal Martin is up next."
Peter grinned. "Tempting. But I think I'll stick around here for a bit." He was harmless, but the way he leaned in made me shift back a bit.
Before I could step back again, a presence loomed behind me. Nathan. His posture was rigid, his wholeattention locked on Peter like a predator sizing up a rival.
Peter noticed and cleared his throat. "I should, uh, grab some tickets." He walked away fast.
I exhaled, shaking my head. "Did you have to do that?"
