Page 71 of Dream Weaver

“Maybe Harlon told someone else about the ranch.” Pippa looked at Ingo. “Is there a way to check on his closest associates?”

Ingo looked grim. “Another thing I need the agency database to check.”

They both looked at me.

Impatient as I was, I shook my head. “Tomorrow.”

“The good news is, Erin called her dad, and he’s on his way,” Pippa said, pressing a cup of tea into my hand. “Mike will be here as soon as he can.” Her tone softened. “You know my dad would rush over too if he weren’t leading a fire crew.”

I nodded past the lump in my throat. I owed Mike and Greg so much. Claire did too.

I knew what they would say.You’re family. Of course we would do anything for you

“But he’ll come if we think we need help,” Pippa assured me.

Ingo patted her hand. “I don’t think that will be necessary, though.”

I prayed that wouldn’t be the case. But only time would tell.

Chapter Eighteen

ABBY

“You’re sure?” I asked, holding my daughter’s hands.

“I’m sure, Mommy.” She tugged away impatiently. “We’re having pizza and everything.”

It was 3:20 the next afternoon — a Friday — and school was letting out. No Jay in sight, thank goodness, though I had brought Cooper with me, just in case.

But I hadn’t popped over from the shop to pick up Claire, only to see her off.

“It will be fine, I promise,” Lana Hawthorne, one of the top-ranking wolves from Twin Moon Ranch, assured me with a warm smile.

We’d only met a few months before, but our daughters had become fast friends, and they’d been planning a sleepover for weeks.

I promise it will be fine, too,Lana’s big, badass mate, Ty Hawthorne, echoed with a thunderous look.

Their home was a forty-minute drive away, and unlike our modest property — population six — Twin Moon Ranch was a huge place packed with over a hundred shifters. Most were tough-as-nails wolves willing to battle for life and love, as they’d proven over a few tumultuous years. Things had calmed down since then, and strong leadership had allowed the pack toprosper. More than a ranch, the place was a community with business interests across the state.

Jealous? Maybe a little. But our tiny setup suited me fine, especially since my ambitions only extended topeace.

Cooper stood beside me, hands shoved deep into his pockets, quiet as a mouse. A six-foot-two mouse whose bulk more than made up for Ty’s greater height.

A damn good thing they were allies, not enemies.Myallies.

My heart warmed, and my grip on Claire’s hands loosened. She would be as safe — or safer — on Twin Moon Ranch than at home. She had also slept long and peacefully, waking without a trace of the fear Jay had left her with.

She hadn’t reported any dreams, but hey. A good night’s sleep was miracle enough after what she’d been through. So, why ruin her chance at a sleepover with a friend?

“Sorry. Just being clingy, I guess.” I kissed Claire, hugged her, kissed her again for luck, then hugged her…

“Mom…” she protested.

I forced myself to step back. “Have fun, sweetie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye!” she called, running toward the Hawthornes’ Jeep Wagoneer.

“Love you,” I called past the lump in my throat.

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