Page 60 of Fetch Me A Mate
"Short and sweet," Miriam observed, reading over her shoulder.
"It's all that matters. This place, these people, this feeling of belonging somewhere."
"Even when things get complicated?"
The question carried weight Diana wasn't sure she understood. "Especially then. Easy times don't need sanctuaries."
"Wise words." Miriam reclaimed the ledger, sliding it into its protective case. "Remember that wisdom in the days ahead."
"Is something wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, dear. But change is coming. I can feel it in the air, the way you feel storms approaching." Miriam's expression softened. "The inn's weathered changes before. It'll weather whatever's coming."
"What kind of changes?"
"The kind that test what you're made of and force you to choose between safety and principle." Miriam gathered her knitting bag. "But you'll handle it. You've got the backbone for this work."
Before Diana could ask more questions, the front door opened. Rowan entered carrying supplies for the day's work, his pale eyes scanning the lobby with automatic wariness.
"Morning, Miriam. Diana."
"Morning," Diana replied, studying his face. The tension was still there, carefully masked but visible to her gift. "Everything okay?"
"Fine. Just want to finish the parlor trim work today."
"Good plan." Miriam headed for the door, pausing to pat Rowan's arm. "Take care of our girl, won't you?"
"Always."
After Miriam left, Diana confronted Rowan directly. "What happened last night? And don't say nothing. I can feel the stress radiating from you."
"Ran into an old acquaintance. Nothing I can't handle."
"The same old acquaintances who've been causing delivery problems and spreading financial rumors?"
Rowan's jaw tightened. "Yeah."
"What did they want?"
"Same thing they've always wanted. For me to come back and clean up old business."
Diana moved closer, her empathic gift picking up layers of protective fury and barely contained violence. "And you said?"
"I said no."
"And they accepted that?"
"They're still working on acceptance."
The careful phrasing told Diana everything she needed to know. The pack wasn't giving up. If anything, they were escalating.
"Rowan, if staying here puts the inn at risk?—"
"It doesn't." His voice carried absolute certainty. "I'm not running anymore, Diana. Whatever they throw at us, we handle it. No more pushing you away to keep you safe. No more making decisions without consulting you." He stepped closer, his hands finding hers. "We're partners in this. All of it."
"Then we'd better make sure the inn's ready for whatever's coming."
"Already on it. Security improvements, contingency plans, community support." Rowan's smile held grim satisfaction. "They think pressure tactics will break us down. They're wrong."
