Page 19 of The Right to Bear Claws
Elias studied the schedule, impressed despite his worry. His family had thought of everything, creating a net of protection that would keep Kaia safe without making her feel smothered.
"What about her emotional state?" he asked. "The nightmares are wearing her down, making her doubt herself. She's starting to believe she's more danger than she's worth."
"Then you remind her otherwise," Magnus said simply. "Every day, in small ways. Show her what it's like to be valued, protected, cherished. Make sure she understands that her safety and happiness matter to people who don't want anything from her in return."
"And if she's not ready for a mate bond by Halloween?"
Magnus was quiet for a long moment, considering possibilities that made Elias's stomach clench with dread.
"Then we fight," his father said finally. "All of us, together, whatever it takes. The supernatural community has ways of dealing with entities that threaten our own. It won't be easy, and there's no guarantee we'll win, but we don't abandon family."
"Speaking of which," Finn said with a thoughtful expression, "what's our girl doing for lunch today? Because I was thinking it might be nice if some of us happened to be working on the inn's front steps around noon. You know, checking for loose boards, making sure everything's structurally sound."
The transparent excuse made Elias smile for the first time all morning. "She usually eats with Miriam around twelve-thirty. Helps with the afternoon tea service."
"Perfect," Thorin said, already reaching for his tool belt. "Finn and I can handle the 'structural inspection' while you happen to stop by for... what's a good excuse?"
"Dropping off Miriam's monthly invoice," Magnus suggested with twinkling eyes. "Always takes at least an hour to discuss payment schedules and upcoming projects."
"You're all terrible at subtlety," Elias said, but he welcomed the blatant scheming. This was what Kaia had been missing her entire life: family who cared enough to meddle, people who would move heaven and earth to make sure she felt loved and protected.
"Subtlety's overrated," Finn declared cheerfully. "Besides, our future sister-in-law needs to get used to having Vanes in her business. Might as well start now."
Future sister-in-law.The casual certainty in his youngest brother's voice made Elias's bear practically rumble with satisfaction. His family had already accepted Kaia completely, ready to fold her into their chaotic, loving dynamic without reservation.
"All right," he said, standing and straightening his shoulders. "Let's go court my mate."
"Now you're talking," Magnus said approvingly. "But remember, son—patience. Let her set the pace. Your job is to be steady and available, not to push her toward decisions she's not ready to make."
"And if my bear gets impatient?"
"Then you remind him that the best alphas are the ones who earn their mates' trust instead of demanding it," his father said with the wisdom of decades. "Real strength isn't about claiming what you want. It's about being worthy of being chosen."
By eleven-thirty, Elias found himself back in town with a folder of completely legitimate invoices and a chest full of nervous energy. The plan was simple: spend time with Kaia in natural, low-pressure situations while his family provided subtle backup. Show her what it felt like to be have people who cared about her wellbeing without expecting anything in return.
But as he walked toward the inn, he couldn't shake the memory of her terror from that morning, the way she'd clung to him like he was the only solid thing in a world gone mad. Whatever was hunting her was getting stronger, more focused. They were running out of time.
His bear snarled at the thought, protective instincts demanding immediate action. Mark her, claim her, make sure everyone knew she was under his protection. But Magnus was right about the importance of patience. Kaia had spent too many years being pushed around by forces beyond her control. The last thing she needed was another one trying to make decisions for her, even with the best intentions.
So he would court her properly, give her time to choose, and pray that two weeks would be enough to build the foundation of trust they'd need to face whatever Halloween brought.
Because losing her wasn't an option his bear was willing to consider.
10
KAIA
Two days of careful courtship had turned Kaia's world upside down in the most wonderful, terrifying way possible.
She stood at the inn's kitchen window, watching Finn and Thorin Vane argue good-naturedly over the proper way to repair the front steps that had been perfectly fine yesterday. What should have been a simple repair had somehow required extensive consultation, multiple trips to the hardware store, and increasingly creative interpretations of basic carpentry.
It would have been transparent if it wasn't so endearing.
"They're trying too hard," Miriam said fondly, joining her at the window with two cups of afternoon tea. "But their hearts are in the right place."
"I think it's sweet," Kaia admitted, accepting the steaming mug gratefully. "I've never had people who cared enough to be overprotective."
"And how do you feel about their big brother?"
