Adara tugged at her mother’s hand. “Mama, can we unpack the car? Fizz wants her things.”
Leo noticed how Estelle’s expression softened instantly when she looked down at her daughter. The transformation was striking. From guarded stranger to loving mother in the blink of an eye.
“Of course, honey,” she said, her voice warming. Then she looked back at Leo, the coolness returning. “If you’ll excuse us, we have a lot of unpacking to do.”
It was a dismissal, polite but firm. Leo felt a pang of disappointment, but he wasn’t beaten yet.
“Of course,” Leo said, taking a step back to give them space. “Or I could help. Since you’ve had a long day.”
She smiled,his bear said happily.
Yes, there was no mistaking the quirk of her lips, even as she tried to hide it.
Then the smile slowly faded from Estelle’s face, replaced by something that made Leo’s chest tighten. A sadness so profound it seemed to age her before his eyes. It was as if pushing him away was costing her dearly, but she was determined to do it anyway.
“Please,” Leo said softly, his bear whining in distress at the pain in her expression. “I understand you need space. No strings, no expectations.”
He meant it, even though every instinct in him wanted to draw her closer, to protect her and Adara from whatever shadow haunted her eyes.
Estelle nodded, her shoulders slumping slightly. “Okay.”
That single word carried such weariness that Leo had to fight the urge to reach for her. She was carrying something heavy. Hecould see it in the tightness around her eyes, the way she held herself as if braced against an invisible weight.
Whatever had brought her to Bear Creek, it wasn’t just for a change of scenery. Or the call of her mate.
No. Something was wrong. Leo could sense that current of friction beneath her polite smile, beneath the protective way she looked down at Adara. His instinct to fix, to protect, rose strong within him.
Do it,his bear urged.Ask her what’s wrong. We can help.
I can’t,Leo replied silently.I just promised no strings and no expectations, and I think no questions is probably wrapped up in that promise too.
She had something to hide, that much was obvious. But it was too soon to pry. If he pushed now, she might disappear completely, and the thought of never seeing her again made his chest ache with a hollow pain.
That would surely hurt her as much as it hurts us,his bear insisted.
Maybe,Leo conceded.But to Estelle, it seems worth the cost.
Which meant whatever she was hiding, whatever she was running from—because he was certain now that she was running—was significant.
“The car is this way,” Estelle said, breaking into his thoughts. She walked down the porch steps, still holding Adara’s hand firmly in hers.
Leo followed them to a modest sedan parked nearby. Estelle opened the trunk, revealing a surprisingly sparse collection of belongings, just a few boxes and bags, most of which appeared to contain children’s items.
They’re traveling light,his bear observed.
Very light,Leo agreed, concern growing as he took in the meager possessions. This wasn’t the normal amount of luggage for a permanent move.
“Can you help me carry my toys and clothes to my room?” Adara asked, looking up at him with those golden-flecked eyes.
“Yes,” Leo said, grateful for the distraction from his worrying thoughts. He reached for one of the boxes. “This one?”
Adara nodded enthusiastically, then pointed at another. “And this one.”
The little girl slipped her hand from Estelle’s grip and beckoned to him as she ran toward the house, her stuffed dragon trailing behind her. “Come on, come on, let’s put them in my room!”
Leo chuckled, balancing both boxes easily in his arms as he followed the energetic child. A movement caught his eye, and he turned to find Estelle watching him with an expression he couldn’t quite decipher... surprise, perhaps, mingled with something softer, more vulnerable.
“She doesn’t usually warm up to people so quickly,” Estelle said quietly, picking up a duffel bag. “She’s normally cautious around strangers.”
