Page 25 of What the Shadows Hide
“Intense,” I repeat, half laughing. “That’s one word for it.”
He shifts his weight, crossing his arms. “Look, I shouldn’t tell you how to handle yourself. But Tristan—he’s not exactly neighborly. He’s protective of the valley, and he doesn’t like surprises. Especially not ones that wear blue shirts and walk straight into him.”
I raise a brow. “Is that supposed to be a warning?”
“A friendly one,” Calder says softly. “He’s not like me, Raine. When Tristan fixates on something, it doesn’t end clean.”
The words land harder than I want them to.
I lift my chin. “I can take care of myself.”
He studies me for a moment, then nods. “I don’t doubt that.” His smile returns, gentler now. “Still, be careful up there, yeah? The ridge has a way of keeping secrets.”
With that, he turns and opens his truck door. “You need anything—anything at all—come down to the distillery. Ask for me.”
I nod, my throat tight. “Thanks, Cal.”
“Anytime.” He hesitates, then adds, “And for what it’s worth—I like seeing life back on that hill again. Don’t let him scare you off.”
The truck engine roars to life. He gives me a small salute before pulling out of the lot, leaving me standing in the sunlight with the sound of his words echoing in my head.
He’s not like me. When Tristan fixates on something, it doesn’t end clean.
I draw a shaky breath, watching the dust settle.
The ridge road glints faintly in the distance, a thin scar curling toward home.
And for the first time, I wonder if I shouldn’t take Cal’s warning more seriously.
CHAPTER 14
Tristan
I toldmyself I wouldn’t come back up here.
That I’d give her space.
Let the board handle the permits.
Let the valley chew her up the way it does anyone foolish enough to challenge it.
But night falls, and all I can think about is her voice.“Good thing I’m not leaving.”
The way she said those words—sharp, fearless, defiant. Like she knew exactly how to crawl under my skin and stay there.
Now the vineyard lies silver under the moon, every row glistening with dew.
I kill the headlights halfway up the ridge and let the truck glide the rest of the way.
The engine ticks once, then quiets.
Silence presses in.
She’s still awake. I can see her window glowing, her shadow moving back and forth across the light.
It should be enough just to know she’s safe.
But it isn’t.
