Page 83 of Fetch Me A Mate
He tested the repaired step one more time, then gathered his tools. "I know."
"Do you? Because you're out here at dawn fixing things that weren't broken, like you're trying to prove something."
"Maybe I am."
"To who?"
Rowan leaned against the porch railing, looking out at the square where people were beginning their daily routines. "To everyone who's been watching to see if I'd stick around this time. To the Council members who offered me a job I didn't want. To myself, I guess."
"And what are you trying to prove?"
"That I'm not the same wolf who ran three years ago. That I can build something instead of just tearing things down."
Diana set her mug on the swing's armrest. "You've already proven that. The renovation speaks for itself. So does staying to fight for what matters instead of disappearing when things got complicated."
Rowan picked up the old step boards, noting the worn spots where countless feet had climbed toward shelter and warmth. "I need to ask Callum for help with something."
"What kind of help?"
"Security consultation. There's one more thing I want to do to make sure the inn stays safe."
"Safe from what? The pack's gone."
"Other threats. Future problems. I want to make sure nothing can touch this place or the people in it."
Diana stood and moved to stand beside him at the railing. "What did you have in mind?"
"Territorial wards. Official recognition of the inn's sanctuary status. Legal protections that go beyond town boundaries."
"That sounds complicated."
"Callum knows how to navigate supernatural law. He can help me set it up properly."
That afternoon, Rowan drove to the ranger station. Callum was reviewing patrol reports when he knocked, amber eyes lifting from paperwork with mild curiosity.
"Twice in one week. Either you're getting social or there's another crisis brewing."
"Neither. I need help with legal protections for the inn."
Callum leaned back in his chair. "What kind of protections?"
"Sanctuary status. Official recognition that makes it harder for outside forces to interfere with inn operations."
"Supernatural law or human law?"
"Both, if possible."
"Expensive. Time-consuming. Lot of paperwork." Callum studied Rowan's face. "But doable. What's your timeline?"
"Soon as possible. I want everything in place before Diana and I..." Rowan trailed off.
"Before you what?"
"Before we make things official."
Callum's smile was sharp with understanding. "Ah. Planning to propose?"
"Planning to ask if she'd consider it."
