As Elle disappeared behind the curtain, I caught Caleb's eye. He gave me a slight nod, a silent acknowledgment of what had just transpired. I nodded back, grateful for his intervention.
The rest of the shopping trip passed in a blur of dresses and giggles, Elle's earlier excitement returning in full force. But even as I laughed along with her, I couldn't shake the nagging sense of unease that lingered in the back of my mind.
As we walked out of the store, bags in hand, Elle bounced alongside me, her face alight with a grin. "Rissa, you totally scaredthat guy off, even before Caleb came. That was so badass."
I shook my head, adjusting my grip on the shopping bags. "I was just making sure you were safe," I said, trying to downplay the situation. But even as the words left my mouth, I couldn't help but feel a slight swell of pride. It felt good knowing I could protect her and keep her from harm.
The drive back was filled with chatter.
When we pulled up to the pack house, I spotted Nathan outside, deep in conversation with Gavin. Elle was out of the car before it had even fully stopped, racing toward her father with barely contained excitement.
"Dad, you should've seen Rissa," she exclaimed, practically bouncing on her toes. "This creepy guy came near me, and she totally got in his face. She was so ready to fight him. She was a total badass, Dad. It was amazing. Caleb had to drag him out of the store."
I watched as Nathan's face shifted from amusement to concern, his brows furrowing as he listened to Elle's tale. Then, he glanced over at me, his eyes darkening slightly.
I held his gaze for amoment, unsure of what to expect. But then, after a pause, he simply said, "Good."
Relief flooded through me. Nathan approved. He understood.
But the moment was short-lived as Nathan turned back to Elle with a sigh. "Watch your language," he chided gently.
Elle just grinned, undeterred by the reprimand. And as I watched them, father and daughter, I felt a pang in my chest. A longing for something I couldn't quite name.
But I pushed it aside, focusing instead on the warmth of the moment. We were safe. We were together. And for now, that was enough.
Chapter 24
Rissa
The late afternoonsun bathed Nathan's backyard in a golden glow as I stepped onto the porch. Wolves and dragons mingled, their voices carrying on the crisp mountain air heavy with the sizzling scent of barbecued meat. It was rare and special, seeing these two groups together like this, even in a supernatural town like Stock Creek.
Elle chatted with Bryce, her guard down for once. Krystal and Tavi bickered good-naturedly about where to put the drink cooler as they set up extra chairs. The whole scene radiated a cozy domesticity, a peace I hadn't realized I craved until that moment.
Nathan stood by the grill with Gavin and Ashton, the dragon alpha. Though his posture seemedrelaxed, he kept scanning the yard watchfully every so often, ever the vigilant protector. After the recent attacks, I understood his unease all too well.
Gavin had just gotten here and was still in uniform. He’d been working long hours for the last week, but it hadn’t gotten him anywhere. They were no closer to solving that poor girl’s murder than they were to world peace.
Krystal waved me over. "Rissa, come meet Aurelia, Ashton's sister. She's one powerful witch."
I grinned at the pretty witch. “We met when I had tea with Erin.” Speaking of Erin, she waved from across the yard, where she was talking to a couple of other pack women.
Aurelia smirked, sipping her drink. "So, how’s making Nathan lose his mind going?"
I forced a smile, caught off guard. What exactly had Nathan said about me? Before I could reply, Skye interjected.
"Aurelia, behave. I'm sure she's just here to relax and enjoy the party like the rest of us." Skye gave me an understanding look. “My bestie tends to be very straightforward.”
I nodded gratefully at Skye, relieved to avoid the awkward question for now. "It's, uh, still pretty new between us," I managed, hoping my face didn't betray my racing heart. Was it truly that obvious to everyone else?
"Oh, honey, a blind man could see the way he looks at you. Like you hung the moon and stars." Aurelia laughed wistfully. “Enjoy it.”
My cheeks burned. I took a long sip of lemonade to buy myself a moment. Erin, bless her, stepped in to rescue me.
"Leave the poor girl alone. Not everyone wants their love life dissected at a barbeque." She gave me a conspiratorial wink.
Aurelia held up her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. I'll behave. But mark my words, there's something special there."
I let out a breath as the conversation turned to lighter topics: Skye's latest tech gadget, Erin's plans for her garden, Aurelia's newest spell. The easy camaraderie washed over me, soothing the old aches and fresh worries.
