Page 16 of Echoes of Us
Her eyes met his, and he knew the ghosts of the past still whispered, but he hoped that together, they could put it all behind them.
“Okay,” she said finally, her voice soft but steady. “Let’s do this.”
Talon squeezed her hand, smiling faintly as he leaned close enough for his breath to brush her cheek. “That’s my girl.” He tilted her chin up so she could meet his gaze. “Trust me.”
CHAPTER 9
The sound of laughter and music drifted through the night air long before Willow and Talon rounded the corner of the house. The scent of grilled food mixed with pine and the faint sweetness of honeysuckle growing wild along the fence line filled her senses. Fireflies blinked lazily across the open space, their golden glow weaving through the soft string lights, which were draped from tree to tree like glowing ribbons. It was rustic and beautiful in a way that felt completely at odds with the nervous energy twisting in her stomach.
Willow could feel the weight of eyes on her the moment they stepped into the sprawling backyard. The chatter didn’t stop, but she caught the subtle shift of voices dipping just enough for her to know she was being talked about. Packs were like that, she guessed. Protective, curious, and cautious. Even though most of them knew her, she was still the outsider.
Talon’s hand tightened around hers, steady and sure. His warmth seeped into her palm, grounding her. He didn’t have to say a word. That small gesture told her everything she needed toknow. He had her, he wasn’t ashamed, and he sure as hell wasn’t hiding her.
Lights flickered over faces, some she knew and others she didn’t. Women stood laughing near long wooden tables lined with food as men tossed horseshoes near the edge of the clearing, while kids darted between the trees chasing the glow of fireflies. Someone had set up a bonfire pit, the flames snapping and sending sparks dancing toward the star-filled sky. Music played low from a set of speakers—something country, smooth, and familiar.
Willow lifted her chin and forced herself to smile, returning a few curious glances with polite nods. Every instinct told her to shrink back, but she refused. Talon had asked her to trust him, and she would. Even if her heart raced and her palms were damp, she would stand beside him.
Her gaze caught movement near the grill, and her shoulders eased just a little when she spotted Cory flipping burgers like a pro. He grinned the moment their eyes met and waved them over with a spatula, the flames lighting his easy smile.
“Guess we’re being summoned,” Talon murmured, the corner of his mouth twitching as he leaned closer.
Willow couldn’t help but laugh softly, the sound breaking through her nerves. “Lead the way.”
He squeezed her hand again, pride and affection glinting in his eyes as he guided her forward through the crowd.
“Hey, Willow.” Cory grinned, pulling her into a big, brotherly hug that smelled like smoke and grilled meat. “Hope you’re hungry.”
“Depends.” Willow’s lips curved as she leaned back and arched a brow. “Has he gotten any better with his grilling skills?” Her gaze flicked toward Talon, who was already smirking.
“Still see you’re a smartass.” Cory gave an exaggerated scowl before winking at her. “Guess some things never change.”
“She’s perfect,” Talon said, his voice warm and proud as he slipped his arm around her waist. He tugged her close and brushed a quick kiss against her temple.
Cory groaned dramatically, waving his spatula like a weapon. “Okay, enough of that mushy crap before I lose my appetite.”
“You’re just jealous.” Talon snorted, shaking his head.
“Jealous my ass,” Cory shot back, pointing the spatula at him. “You two keep that up, and I’m spraying you both with the hose.”
“Stop playing with that spatula and get me a hamburger, Cory,” a familiar voice called from behind them. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
Willow turned, instantly smiling when she saw Lois walking toward them with her hands on her hips and her usual confident stride.
“Well, look who decided to show up,” Cory said, pretending to look annoyed but failing miserably.
Lois ignored him and went straight to Willow, pulling her into a tight hug. “Glad you made it,” she said warmly.
Relief flooded Willow. She hadn’t realized how tense she’d been until now. “So am I,” she admitted, keeping her arm looped around Lois’s shoulders for a moment longer than necessary.
“Just because you work in a restaurant doesn’t mean you get to tell me how to handle my spatula,” Cory muttered, trying to sound tough.
Lois rolled her eyes, laughing. “Oh, please. You burn toast.”
“Lies and slander,” Cory replied, flipping a burger a little too hard, sending grease popping into the air.
Lois ignored him and turned back to Willow, her tone softening. “Everyone treating you okay?”
“Yes,” Willow said, glancing around at the pack members laughing, talking, and eating under the warm glow of string lights. “We just got here, actually. Whose party is this, anyway?”
