Page 64 of Flare
“What did Sheriff Jacobsen say?” Emily asked, sounding apprehensive.
“The police discovered he’s been staying at the Pine Ridge Motel over in Salmon,” Elle said.“But according to the motel manager, Andrew returned briefly on Saturday afternoon, grabbed his bags, and hasn’t been back since.”
Emily’s face brightened with hope.“Maybe he’s given up? Gone back to Spokane?”
Ward wished he could agree with her. He exchanged a glance with Uncle Dane, whose grim expression mirrored his own thoughts.
“I don’t think so,” Uncle Dane said, his tone gentle.“Men like Andrew don’t just give up when they’ve decided someone belongs to them. And especially not if they’re a shifter with a mating bond.”
Sophie’s eyes widened. She turned to Matt with an inquiring look. He mouthed,‘Later.’
“You’re right, Uncle Dane,” Ward said, his voice low.“Andrew’s gone off the radar because he’s planning something.”
Emily’s hopeful expression faded. Her shoulders slumped.
Under the table, Ward felt her hand seek his. Her fingers were ice cold as he gave them a reassuring squeeze. She clung to his hand and intertwined her fingers with his.
“The whole town is on alert, dear,” Elle assured her.“And you’re surrounded by Swansons here. You couldn’t be safer.”
Emily nodded, but Ward could feel her pulse racing beneath her skin. He stroked her hand with his thumb, wishing he could do more to ease her worry.
“Enough about Andrew,” Aunt Annabeth announced, standing and going to the sideboard, where two large foil-covered cake pans rested.“Who’s ready for dessert? I made cheesecakes.”
“That sounds great, Mom, but please tell me they’re not lavender,” Maggie said in a teasing tone.“After working the festival all weekend, I’m burned out on lavender for a while.”
Everyone laughed.“Don’t worry,” Annabeth assured them.“I made salted caramel cheesecake with toasted pecans, and blueberry-lemon swirl. And I see Maggie brought a box of cookies from Cinnamon + Sugar.”
Ward’s parents had drawn cleanup duty this week. They quickly cleared the table and brought out insulated jugs of coffee and hot water for tea.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as everyone enjoyed dessert, but Ward remained acutely aware of Emily’s subdued mood. He kept hold of her hand beneath the table, a silent reminder that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.
∞∞∞
After dessert, Maggie pushed back from the table and stretched.“Sophie, Emily, want to go for a walk? I could use some fresh air, and we’ve got a ton to catch up on.”
“I want to know who Andrew is, and what’s going on,” Sophie said.
“It’s a long story,” Emily warned.
“TLDR: he’s an asshole, and he’s stalking Emily,” Maggie added.
Ward reluctantly released Emily’s hand as she rose from her seat. His bear protested at the idea of letting her out of his sight, but he shushed it.
Emily flashed him a quick smile before following Maggie and Sophie out the French doors from the dining room to the back porch.
Ward’s gaze lingered on the doorway even after the three of them had disappeared from view.
Dad, passing by with a stack of dirty plates, squeezed his shoulder.“They’ll be fine, son. The property is secure, and Maggie’s with her.”
“I know,” Ward replied.
“Come and give your father and me a hand with the dishes,” Mom urged, and Ward knew he was in for a benevolent interrogation.
Ward sighed, gathered up a stack of used coffee cups and saucers, and followed his parents into the kitchen.
“So,” Dad said casually, passing a stack of plates to Ward to put in the dishwasher,“Emily’s back to stay?”
Ward accepted the plates, recognizing his father’s tone.“I think so… if we can, uh,convincethat asshole to leave her alone.”
