Page 14 of Fetch Me A Mate
"Right." Lucien's tone suggested he had opinions about that arrangement. "Let me see what we've got."
He rose from his chair with fluid grace and disappeared into the stacks. Rowan heard the soft sound of footsteps on the upper level, books being shifted and examined. A few minutes later, Lucien returned carrying a thick volume bound in dark blue cloth.
"This what you're after?" He set the book on the counter. "Henderson's Guide to Historical Electrical Systems. Fourth edition, 1987. Out of print now, but it covers everything from knob-and-tube to early circuit breakers."
Rowan opened the book, scanning the detailed diagrams and technical specifications. "This'll work. What do I owe you?"
"It's a loan, not a purchase." Lucien's voice carried a warning. "I expect it to be back in the same condition."
"Course."
Lucien picked up Diana's project plan, studying the neat handwriting and careful measurements. "She drew this herself?"
"Yeah. Takes good notes."
"Miriam chose well, then." Lucien folded the papers carefully. "Human or not, the woman's got sense."
From the back room came the soft sound of movement. Moira Marsh appeared, her mahogany curls escaping from their loose bun, reading glasses perched on her nose.
"Rowan?" She smiled warmly, though he caught the subtle way she positioned herself beside Lucien. "How's the renovation going?"
"Moving along. Diana's got a good eye for what needs doing."
"I'm sure she does." Moira reached for the project plan. "May I?"
Rowan nodded. Moira spread the papers on a clear section of counter, her fingertips tracing the room layouts and repair schedules.
"Such careful work," she murmured. "You can see how much she cares about getting it right."
She closed her eyes, her hands hovering just above the papers. Rowan felt the subtle shift in the air that meant magic was being worked, gentle and protective.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Just a small charm," Moira said softly. "For clarity of purpose. Success in the work ahead." Her eyes opened, meeting his. "The inn deserves to thrive again."
Lucien watched his mate work, his expression softening. "How's Diana settling in? Town can be... particular about newcomers."
"She's handling it." Rowan thought about the way she'd stood up to Gerald Finch, polite but unshakeable. "Tougher than she looks."
"Good. She'll need to be." Lucien's mouth thinned. "Some folks still remember what happened before you left. They'll be watching to see if you stick around this time."
The words hit their mark, as Lucien had intended. Rowan's jaw tightened. "This is different."
"Is it?" Lucien leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like the same pattern. Take on a project, get people depending on you, then disappear when things get complicated."
"I'm not disappearing."
"No? Then what happens when Diana starts asking questions you don't want to answer? When the pack politics catch up with you again?" Lucien's green eyes were hard. "What happens when she needs you to be something more than just the guy fixing her roof?"
Rowan's hands curled into fists. "It's a job, Lucien. Nothing more."
"Right." Lucien's smile was sharp. "Keep telling yourself that."
Moira placed a gentle hand on Lucien's arm. "Enough." She looked at Rowan with understanding in her brown eyes. "People change, Rowan. Circumstances change. What matters is what you choose to do now."
She folded Diana's project plan and handed it back to him. "The charm will hold for the duration of the work. May it bring success and... clarity."
Rowan tucked the papers back into his jacket. "Thanks."
