Page 10 of Wedding for My Werewolf

The kitchen door swung open and Flora bustled in wearing a lime-green tracksuit with a silver spaceship over the words,Let’s Go Probing.

“Did someone mention our delicious sheriff? I do like a man with big?—”

“Flora!”

“Shoulders,” Flora continued innocently. “He does seem to have taken a shine to you, dear.”

Her cheeks heated. “It’s not like that. He just… happens to be around.”

“Happens to be around?” Flora raised an eyebrow. “Honey, that wolf doesn’t ‘happen’ to do anything. He’s the most responsible member of this town. If you’ve caught his attention, it’s because he’s chosen to keep an eye on you.”

“But why?” The question slipped out before she could help herself, and Flora patted her arm.

“You’ll have to ask him that yourself, dear. But it never hurts to have a wolf on your side.”

If he were on her side.

“Of course he is.” Flora answered her unspoken thought, then gave her an innocent look. “Trust me, dear.”

Before she could think of a response, the back door opened and a tall, pretty troll entered with a baby on her shoulder.

“Your daughter’s hungry,” she announced. “And my babysitting skills don’t extend that far.”

Alison jumped up to take the baby and the troll looked over at her.

“Hi. I’m Nichola. You must be Eric’s new obsession.”

“Nichola,” Alison chided as she unbuttoned her blouse, but Nichola ignored her, studying Robin with an intensity that brought the heat rushing to her cheeks again.

“I’m Robin.” She managed a smile, despite the fluttering in her stomach. “I’m not his obsession.”

“Really? Then why does he spend all his free time patrolling the same four blocks? And he hasn’t been at the bar for drinks since you showed up.”

“Really?” The question popped out before she could prevent it, and Nichola laughed.

“I can see we’re going to have to have a girls’ night very soon.”

Alison groaned and shook her head.

“Don’t do it! Don’t give her any ideas.”

“Too late. You and the sheriff, Robin. That’s definitely a story I need to hear.”

Nichola grinned, teeth flashing white against her pale blue skin, then sauntered out of the kitchen, leaving Robin staring after her.

“There’s nothing to tell,” she said desperately, turning to Flora but the old woman had disappeared.

She looked over at Alison and the other woman smiled at her.

“I told you this town takes some getting used to, but honestly everyone means well. But if you do go drinking with Nichola, make sure to tell her the drinks need to be a tenth as strong as her. Trust me—I learned that lesson.”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen.”

Alison studied her thoughtfully, then nodded.

“No pressure. But I hope you’ll at least come back and visit me again. We can have tea and watch the snow fall. And if you feel like talking, I’m a good listener. And a good friend.”

“Thank you.”

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