Page 12 of The Right to Bear Claws
Maeve Cross was compact but powerful, all sharp angles and controlled energy. Her short black hair was styled with casual precision, and her dark eyes held the kind of directness that suggested she didn't waste time on small talk or social niceties.
"You must be Kaia," she said, extending a hand. "I'm Maeve. Thanks for coming."
"Thanks for inviting me." Kaia shook the offered hand, surprised by the warmth of Maeve's grip. "Though I have to admit, I'm not sure why you wanted to meet me."
"Because you're the one who's got our resident grumpy bear tied up in knots," Maeve said with a grin that was all teeth. "And I wanted to see what all the fuss was about."
Heat flooded Kaia's cheeks. "I don't know what you mean."
"Sure you don't." Maeve gestured toward a corner booth. "Come on, let's get you fed and we can have a proper conversation."
The tavern's interior was fitting with its dark wood, low lighting, and the kind of atmosphere that suggested serious drinking and even more serious conversations. But it was also unexpectedly cozy, with a massive stone fireplace crackling merrily and the scent of something delicious wafting from the kitchen.
"So," Maeve said once they'd settled with plates of what she claimed was the best shepherd's pie in three counties, "how are you settling into our little town?"
"Everyone's been incredibly kind," Kaia said carefully. "More kind than I probably deserve."
"Why wouldn't you deserve kindness?"
The question was asked casually, but Kaia caught the sharp attention behind it. Like Maeve was testing her somehow.
"I'm not exactly bringing good things to Hollow Oak," she admitted. "From what I can tell, my arrival has stirred up some problems."
"Problems have a way of stirring themselves up," Maeve said philosophically. "The question is what you do about them once they surface."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean running away doesn't solve anything. Trust me, I've tried." Maeve's expression grew serious. "Whatever followed you here, it's not going to stop just because you leave. These things rarely do."
"You sound like you speak from experience."
"Everyone in Hollow Oak speaks from experience. The majority of us are refugees from somewhere else, people who didn't quite fit into the normal world." Maeve leaned back in her chair, studying Kaia with predatory intensity. "The question is whether you're planning to stick around and fight, or if you're going to keep running."
"I don't know if I have a choice," Kaia said quietly. "The dreams... they're getting stronger. More focused. I'm not sure how much longer I can resist whatever's calling to me."
"Then don't resist alone." Maeve's voice was matter-of-fact. "Accept help when it's offered. Especially from stubborn bears who've decided you're worth protecting."
"Elias has been very kind, but?—"
"But nothing." Maeve's interruption was sharp. "Let me give you some free advice about alpha shifters, particularly the bear variety. When they decide something or someone is theirs to protect, arguing with them is about as effective as arguing with a mountain. They're going to do it whether you like it or not."
"That sounds kind of controlling."
"It can be, if you let it. But there's a difference between protection and possession, and Elias knows the difference." Maeve's expression softened slightly. "He's a good man, Kaia. Better than most. And he looks at you like you hung the moon."
"We barely know each other."
"Sometimes that's all it takes." Maeve shrugged. "The heart knows what it knows. Question is whether you're brave enough to listen to it."
As if on cue, the tavern door opened to admit Elias himself, still in his work clothes and looking like he'd come straight from a construction site. His eyes found her immediately.
"Ladies," he said, approaching their table. "Everything all right?"
"Just having a friendly chat," Maeve said innocently. "Girl talk."
Elias's suspicious look suggested he knew exactly what kind of girl talk Maeve specialized in, but he didn't comment. Instead, he focused on Kaia, silver eyes searching her face for signs of distress.
"How are you feeling today?"
