Gavin stands. “I’ll keep digging. We’ll monitor any movement from Vale’s people. For now, rest. Heal. Let us handle the rest.”
He leaves with a quiet nod. The door clicks shut behind him, and the cabin falls silent again except for the soft pop of the fire.
I turn back to Sadie. She’s watching me, something soft and vulnerable in her expression. The pull I feel toward her is stronger than ever. I want to kiss her. I want to wrap her in my arms and promise her the world. But I can’t cross that line. Not yet. Not while she’s still scared and healing.
Instead I move to the stove and finish making dinner. “Eat,” I say, sliding a plate in front of her. “You need your strength.”
She smiles faintly and picks up her fork. “You’re very bossy when you are worried.”
I allow myself a small smile. “Only when it matters.”
We eat in comfortable silence. Every so often our eyes meet across the table, and the air between us feels charged. I force myself to look away, focusing on my food, reminding myself again and again that she needs protection, not complications.
But deep down I know the truth.
I’m already in too deep.
And I have no intention of letting her go.
SEVEN
SADIE
The evening air is crisp as Thorne and I walk hand in hand from his cabin toward the lodge. Snow crunches softly under our boots, and the sky above is a deep, clear navy scattered with stars. My ankle is much better now, but Thorne still keeps a steadying arm around my waist, as if he can’t quite trust it yet. I do not mind one bit. His touch feels safe. Warm. Like something I could get used to if I let myself.
Dinner was simple but perfect. Thorne made grilled chicken with herbs and roasted vegetables from the small garden behind the lodge. We ate at the little table by the window, talking about small things. The way the mountain looks at sunrise. How his father taught him everything he knows about tracking. How I love reading romance novels. Every conversation with him feels easy, like we’ve known each other much longer than we actually have.
As we approach the lodge, the golden light spilling from the windows makes the big timber building look even more welcoming. Laughter drifts out, along with the low murmurof voices and the occasional squeal from one of the children. Thorne squeezes my hand gently.
“The men want to look at the USB drive tonight,” he says. “We need to know exactly what’s on it so we can figure out how to keep you safe. You can stay with the women while we meet. They will take good care of you.”
I nod, though a knot of worry tightens in my stomach. “Okay. I trust you.”
He stops just before the porch steps and turns me toward him. His dark eyes search mine. “You’re safe here, Sadie. No matter what is on that drive, we’ll handle it together.”
I manage a small smile. “I know.”
Inside the lodge the warmth wraps around me like a hug. The main room is lively. Poppi toddles across the rug chasing a soft ball while Aidan claps from Kayley’s lap. Harper waves us over with a bright smile. Hannah is already pouring tea. Emma and Fiona are setting out plates of cookies on the coffee table.
Thorne leans down and presses a quick kiss to my temple. “I’ll be in the meeting room with the others. Come find me if you need anything.”
I watch him walk away, his broad shoulders cutting through the room until he disappears into the side meeting space with Rafe, Silas, Gavin, and the rest of the men. The USB drive feels heavy in my pocket. I hand it to him just before he goes. He gives my hand one last reassuring squeeze.
Harper pulls me gently toward the couch. “Come sit with us. You look like you could use some tea and cookies.”
I settle between Harper and Hannah. Kayley passes me a warm mug. The tea smells like chamomile and honey. Poppi climbs into my lap almost immediately, offering me a half-eaten cookie with a gummy smile. I accept it and kiss her chubby hand.
“Thank you,” I say quietly. “All of you. For everything.”
Emma smiles warmly. “We’re happy you’re here, sugar. You don’t have to thank us for doing what’s right.”
Fiona leans forward, eyes kind but curious. “How are you feeling tonight? Any pain left in that ankle?”
“Much better,” I admit. “Eli’s care has been wonderful. And Thorne… he’s been so patient with me.”
Harper’s smile turns knowing. “Thorne is quiet, but when he decides to protect someone, he does it with everything he has. We’ve all seen the way he looks at you.”
My cheeks heat. I take a sip of tea to hide it. “I don’t know what I did to deserve any of this. I feel like I’m bringing trouble to your doorstep.”
