Page 42 of Grin and Bear It

“Peace offering?” He extended one of the coffees.

Thora sheathed her knife with a scowl. “How did you find me?”

“You’re staking out my family’s jewelry store. There are exactly three viable surveillance spots within line of sight.” His slight smile transformed his serious face. “Process of elimination.”

Reluctantly, she accepted the coffee. The warmth seeped through the cup into her fingers, the rich aroma tempting her despite her annoyance. She took a sip—perfect, with just the right amount of cream.

“I told your sister I work alone,” she said.

“You mentioned that.” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “I brought honey croissants from Honeycrisp Bakery.” He held out the paper bag. “Best in town.”

Her traitorous stomach growled. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast with the “girl squad.” Her sabertooth practically purred at his offering of food, a primal response to being provided for that she refused to examine too closely.

“Fine.” She took the bag, careful to avoid touching his fingers this time. She’d learned her lesson about that particular fire.

“I ran into Bryn earlier,” Artair said as he settled beside her at a respectful distance. “She mentioned you had breakfast together.”

Thora grunted noncommittally, biting into a croissant to avoid responding. The pastry was heavenly—flaky, buttery, with threads of honey that melted on her tongue.

“She also mentioned the Tiikeri envelope.”

Thora paused mid-chew. “Has everyone in this town been discussing my mail?”

“Small town,” Artair shrugged, but his expression grew serious. “The Tiikeris aren’t known for reaching out to newcomers. They’re... selective about their associations.”

“So I’ve heard.” Thora pulled out the envelope, which she still hadn’t opened. “Any particular reason they’d contact me?”

Artair studied the gold seal. “The Tiikeris are the oldest tiger shifter family in the region. They’ve always been secretive, especially about their bloodlines.” His dark eyes met hers. “Sabertooth shifters are rare, Thora. The fact that you’re one without knowing your lineage would interest them.”

“You think they know something about my family?” The question emerged more vulnerable than she intended.

“It’s possible.” His voice gentled. “The Tiikeris keep extensive records of shifter bloodlines, especially feline ones.”

Thora turned the envelope over in her hands. Her sabertooth stirred beneath her skin, curious and eager in a way it had never been about her mysterious heritage. She’d long ago accepted her orphan status as immutable fact—no parents, no family, no connections. The possibility of answers after twenty-eight years of questions made her heart race.

Her finger slid along the back, prying the flap up. She slowly pulled out the thick paper. She read, “Your home awaits.”

They remained quiet, letting the implication settle.

“You don’t have to go alone,” Artair offered quietly. “If you decide to meet with them.”

The genuine concern in his voice caught her off guard. “Why would you help me with this?”

“Because—” He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “Because everyone deserves to know where they come from.”

FORTY

The echo of Bryn’s sentiment about deserving made Thora wonder if they’d discussed her. The thought should have irritated her, but instead, she found it oddly touching that he might have been thinking about her when they weren’t together.

“I’ll consider it,” she said finally, tucking the envelope away. “After we catch Blackwater.”

Artair nodded, respecting her boundary. “Tell me about your plan for tonight.”

Grateful for the shift to professional territory, Thora outlined her surveillance setup. “The night security guard makes rounds every hour. Last sweep of the display cases happens at ten. After that, the automated systems take over.”

“There’s more than automation,” Artair said. “Family wards. Blood magic. Only Maxens can deactivate certain protections.”

“Tell me about the artifacts inside,” she said.

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