Page 56 of Wedding for My Werewolf

“Your mother’s been talking about your mate, you know.” A hint of amusement colored Callan’s words. “Going on about how the girl stood her ground against that bounty hunter.”

He froze, his hand on the doorknob. “My mother said that?”

“Wouldn’t shut up about it at the Pack meeting. Said Robin had more backbone than half the wolves she knows.”

His mother, who’d fought their relationship at every turn, was now bragging about Robin’s courage? The knowledge filled him with satisfaction—and a degree of amusement.

But something else nagged at him. She had faced down that threat while he wasn’t there. She’d proven herself capable, strong. Here he was, arranging Pack protection, when she’d already shown she could hold her own.

His grip on the doorknob loosened. He’d been so focused on keeping her safe, on protecting her, that he’d forgotten she wasn’t some fragile thing that needed constant guarding. Even his mother—stubborn, traditional Marjorie—had seen that strength in her.

Maybe it was time he trusted in that strength too. Trusted that supporting her didn’t mean hovering over her every moment.His wolf grumbled at the thought, but he knew it was the right thing to do.

As he stepped out of Callan’s workshop he realized that the weight that had been pressing on his chest since her encounter with Thatcher had eased. Not that he intended to let down his guard.

As he walked back towards his office, his mind clicked through the other precautions he could take. He’d need to alert the shopkeepers, especially those with a clear view of the street. Set up regular patrols around Garrick’s house during her work hours. Maybe even reach out to some of his contacts in neighboring towns.

The familiar weight of his sheriff’s badge pressed against his chest as he climbed the steps to his office. This wasn’t just about protecting Robin anymore—though that would always be his priority. This was about keeping his town safe, about showing anyone who thought they could threaten his people that Fairhaven Falls wasn’t an easy target.

If another bounty hunter showed up, they’d find a united front of Others who protected their own.

CHAPTER 21

Robin took a deep breath, smiling at the scent of cider and candy apples and fried food. The Winter Festival was in full swing and strings of twinkling lights crisscrossed overhead, casting a warm glow on the snow-dusted streets. A group of children darted past, their faces painted with whimsical designs, while vendors called out their wares from wooden stalls decorated with evergreen boughs. She spotted Elara serving up coffee confections with Grondar looming behind her. Tourists mingled with Others, everyone relaxed and smiling.

A week had passed since they’d chased off Rick and she was beginning to believe she’d finally found the peace she’d been looking for. She smiled again, snuggling deeper into Eric’s jacket, which he’d draped over her shoulders when she’d shivered earlier. His scent enveloped her, both comforting and exciting, and his arm was a reassuring weight around her waist as they navigated through the crowd.

“Look at that,” she pointed to an ice sculpture of a wolf, its details so precise it seemed ready to leap from its frozen form. “It’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you,” he growled in her ear. The sound sent a pleasant shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. A month ago, such casual intimacy would have terrified her. Now it felt as natural as breathing.

“Want some of that cider?” he added.

She nodded, already missing his warmth as he stepped away. “With extra cinnamon, please.”

She watched as he made his way through the crowd. Even in this relaxed setting, he carried himself with that quiet authority that had first caught her attention. But now she knew the gentleness behind that strength, the way his eyes glowed when he looked at her, the fierce passion with which he made love to her, and the careful way he held her at night.

The winter air nipped at her cheeks, but for once she didn’t feel the need to look over her shoulder or scan faces in the crowd. She caught a glimpse of Alison and Will on the other side of the square, their daughter bundled in white fur, and waved. While she hadn’t quite had the nerve for the proposed girls’ night, she’d spent several afternoons with her new friend. She was even thinking of suggesting to Erik that they have the other couple over for dinner.

She was happily contemplating the possibility when the sound of her name cut through the festive sounds and she froze. The festive atmosphere shattered like glass as she turned, already knowing who she’d find.

Martin stood there, his expensive wool coat and leather shoes a jarring contrast to the casual winter wear of the other festival-goers. His face held that same smug expression she rememberedfrom countless office meetings, but now there was something harder in his eyes.

“Time to face the music, Robin.” His voice carried across the space between them, drawing curious stares from the people nearby. “Come quietly, or I’ll have no choice but to make a scene. The police are already on their way.”

Her throat closed up, panic clawing at her chest as she felt dozens of eyes turn toward her. The cheerful festival lights now felt harsh and exposing. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. The mulled cider scent that had been so comforting moments ago now made her feel sick.

Whispers rippled through the gathering crowd, and her legs trembled, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she remained frozen in place. Martin took a step closer, the smile that had once seemed so charming now turned malicious.

“Did you really think you could hide forever?” He lifted his chin, addressing the onlookers as much as her. “This woman is wanted for embezzlement. She stole millions of dollars from our company.”

“Well, well.” Lila’s voice cut through the tense silence as she stepped out of the crowd. The wolf’s painted lips curled into a vicious smile that made her stomach turn. “I knew there was something off about you. You’re just a common criminal trying to worm your way into our pack.”

Her cheeks burned as she heard mutters from the crowd. Everything was crumbling around her, but she wasn’t going to run.

“That’s enough,” Eric growled, suddenly appearing in front of her, his broad back blocking her view of Lila, his stance protective and fierce.

Through a blur of tears, she saw Callan emerge from the crowd as well, his expression grim as he positioned himself beside Eric. Then Aidan appeared on her other side, followed by more Pack members she recognized from meetings and gatherings. They formed a protective circle around her, their eyes fixed on Martin and Lila with unmistakable hostility.

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