Chapter 15
CHAPTER 15
B rock grabbed his flannel shirt off the porch rail and slipped it on, but his eyes never left Deb.
She looked effortlessly beautiful in a light blue dress, a soft cream-colored sweater hugging her arms, and simple white tennis shoes that somehow made her look even more grounded—real in a way that tugged at something deep inside him. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone, and that made her all the more captivating.
He’d known she was there the second her foot hit the edge of the property.
Correction— his wolf had known first.
The second her scent drifted on the breeze, his wolf had snapped to attention, alert and focused like a hound on a scent trail. It was always that way with her. The wolf inside him didn’t just recognize her—it sought her out. It wanted her calm and her fire, her laughter, and even her sadness. And the man? He was finally starting to catch up.
Brock let out a slow breath as he buttoned the shirt. Never, in a million years, did he think his life would take this turn when he came to Lee County looking for Tammy and Ben. He'd come here with a plan: find his sister, make sure she and Ben were safe, and then track down the bastard who'd hurt her and finish what needed finishing. That was supposed to be it—a straight line from point A to point B.
But somewhere along the way, that straight line got tangled—with porch dinners and family moments, with quiet conversations and the pull of a woman who didn’t trust easily but stirred something he couldn’t ignore.
And now? Now he didn’t have a damn clue what his next step would be because walking away suddenly felt a hell of a lot harder than he’d planned.
He watched her laugh with Ben, her face unguarded and lit with a joy so pure it nearly knocked the wind out of him. That smile—God, that smile. It hit him square in the chest, leaving him frozen in place. Everything around him faded until all he could see was Deb.
“Mom said lunch is ready,” Ben’s voice pulled him out of his trance.
Brock blinked, realizing the kid had already made his way back to him. He hadn’t even noticed Ben had walked away—his eyes had been glued to Deb like he’d forgotten how to look at anything else.
“Well, you better hurry and grab your bowl before I eat all the chili,” Brock teased, ruffling Ben’s hair.
Ben laughed, “Not if I eat it all first!” then took off running like a bullet, legs pumping hard as he bolted toward the back porch.
Brock chuckled, shaking his head, then turned back to Deb. “I’m glad you came.”
She gave a small, crooked grin that tugged at something soft inside him. “A deal’s a deal,” she said, then laughed lightly. “Just kidding… sort of. But I do appreciate the invite.”
Brock frowned, his brows drawing together. “Hunter shouldn’t have said anything.”
Deb tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly in the sunlight. “He didn’t say anything to me directly. He told Emily, who told me. That’s how it works around here with you Shifters and your Mates. If you don’t want it to get around, you better keep your mouth shut. Mated Shifters seem to run straight to each other with the tea.”
Brock laughed genuinely, and it felt good. Easy. “Well, fair warning, the next time I want to know something about you, I’ll come to the source.” He winked, and sure enough, her cheeks turned the prettiest shade of pink. She cleared her throat but didn’t look away, which he took as a win.
“Fair enough,” she murmured, voice softer now as well as sounding a little nervous.
“Come on,” he said, motioning for her to follow. “Tammy’s probably already got lunch out on the back porch. And I don’t trust Ben not to follow through on his threat—kid eats like he’s got a bottomless pit for a stomach.”
As they walked side by side, a soft breeze stirred the scent of honeysuckle and fresh-cut wood between them. Brock glanced over, catching the way her dress fluttered around her knees, the way her lips curved even when she wasn't smiling full-on.
He’d come here to protect his sister and nephew. What he hadn’t expected was—her.
“Did you redo the deck?” Deb gasped as they rounded the corner to the back of the house, her eyes widening at the sight before her.
“I did,” Brock said with a quiet nod, his gaze following hers. “Some of the boards were so rotted, I was worried someone might fall through.”
“It looks amazing,” she said, turning to him with a warm smile that lit up her face. “You’re really talented.”
“Thanks,” Brock replied, a hint of pride softening his voice. “It’s what I do. I like fixing things.”
“But not people,” she teased, one brow lifting playfully.
He chuckled, the sound deep and genuine. “No, not people.”
“Come on before it gets cold!” Tammy called from the patio, waving them over. “I’m so glad Brock asked you over. I can’t wait to show you what I’ve done inside—after lunch.”
“I’m excited to see it,” Deb said, her smile lingering as Brock pulled out a chair for her. She settled into it with a nod of thanks. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, catching the way Tammy was watching him—her eyes dancing with a secret sort of amusement. He raised an eyebrow but said nothing, sliding into the seat beside Ben, directly across from Deb.
“What would you like to drink, Deb?” Tammy asked, setting a glass of water in front of Ben. “We’ve got water, or I made fresh sweet tea this morning.”
“Ooh, sweet tea sounds perfect,” Deb answered, watching Tammy with a fond smile. “Can I help with anything?”
“Nope,” Tammy said brightly, brushing her hands together with satisfaction. “This is my first time hosting someone, and I’m loving it.”
Deb laughed; the sound was light and genuine. “If there’s food and sweet tea, you can host me anytime.”
As they ate, the conversation flowed in light, easy waves. Most of it was carried by Ben, which no one seemed to mind. Brock especially appreciated it—he hadn’t seen Deb this relaxed before. Her shoulders weren’t tight, her laughter came freely, and the guarded edge in her eyes had softened. It felt… nice. Peaceful, even.
“Tammy, you have to give me the recipe for this chili,” Deb said with a contented sigh, rubbing her stomach. “That was amazing.”
“Thank you,” Tammy replied, her whole face lighting up with pride.
Brock watched Tammy closely, his smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. It was good to see her like this—happy, even if just for a moment. Lately, that spark in her eyes had been dimmed, shadowed by the weight she carried when she thought no one was looking. She wore a brave face for Ben, always trying to shield him, but Brock saw the pain behind her smile. He clenched his jaw, swallowing down the anger that rose in his chest.
One day, he would find her bastard of an ex. And when he did, the man would answer for every bruise, every tear, and every sleepless night he caused her and that little boy.
“What’s wrong, Uncle Brock?” Ben’s voice cut through his thoughts, pulling him back to the moment.
Brock blinked, then gave the boy a grin. “Not a thing, buddy. Just thinking about how full I am.”
Ben narrowed his eyes like he didn’t quite believe him but let it go. Brock and Tammy shared a look, knowing that Ben picked up on moods easily. Tammy had told Brock a lot about what happened to them and how Ben was afraid of his father. Okay, he needed to stop thinking about this, or he would definitely head out tonight and find the son of a bitch. He knew that he had to wait a little longer, though, until he was sure Tammy and Ben were settled. He wasn’t comfortable leaving them yet.
“How about we clean up and let the ladies chat for a bit?” Brock added, rising from his chair and ruffling Ben’s hair.
“Ah, man ,” Ben groaned, slumping in exaggerated defeat. “I wanted to go fishing!”
“Fishing?” Deb perked up, her eyes lighting with interest. “Can I come?”
Ben gave her a skeptical look, nose wrinkling. “You fish?”
“Of course I do,” Deb said with a mock gasp. “What, you think girls can’t fish?”
“Most don’t,” Ben said, his expression doubtful.
“Well, I do,” she replied, one brow arched and a challenge in her voice. “In fact, I bet I can out fish both you and your uncle.”
Brock chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Now that sounds like a challenge.”
Deb shot him a playful grin. “You better believe it is. Girls against the guys. What do you say, Tammy?”
Tammy gave an exaggerated shiver. “I’m in—as long as I don’t have to touch a worm. Or a fish.”
Deb laughed. “Deal. I got you covered.”
She stood, stacking a few plates with practiced ease. “Why don’t you boys grab the fishing poles? Tammy and I will clean up real quick. The fishing gear’s in that little room in the basement.”
“Ben found them a couple of days ago,” Tammy said with a fond smile, glancing at her son. “He’s been begging Brock to take him out ever since.”
Ben’s eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. “Yes! Come on, Uncle Brock!”
Brock chuckled as he stood. But his gaze lingered on Deb as she began clearing the table. Her movements were easy and natural. He stepped closer, just enough to lean down and murmur, “You’re gonna lose.”
Deb looked up, her smile teasing as she shook her head. “I don’t like losing. So I wouldn’t bet on it.”
“Actually,” Brock said, his voice a little lower now, his eyes locked on hers, “I will bet on it.”
“Oh?” She paused, still holding the dishes. There was a spark in her eyes now, something warm and challenging. “What kind of bet?”
“If I win,” he said, straightening to his full height, “you have dinner with me. Just you and me.”
Deb tilted her head, rising to stand a little taller herself. “And if I win?”
Brock’s lips curved into a slow, confident smile. “Whatever you want.”
She laughed softly, the sound curling around him like a whisper of summer wind. “That’s dangerous, you know.”
“I like dangerous,” he murmured.
“Well then,” she said, her eyes dancing with mischief and something a little deeper, a little more curious. “If I win, I get to pick the restaurant.”
“So does that mean either way I win because you’ll have dinner with me,” Brock said, his voice rougher now, caught somewhere between flirtation and something real.
“Yes, either way, I will have dinner with you.” She said, a pink blush coloring her cheeks. They stood there for a minute too long, the quiet hum of the afternoon buzzing around them, something unspoken settling between their smiles. Then Tammy cleared her throat, and Deb turned with a smile, carrying the dishes inside.
Brock watched her go, a smile still tugging at his mouth.
Ben tugged at his sleeve impatiently. “Uncle Brock, come on ! We have to beat the girls!”
Brock nodded, ruffling Ben’s hair as they headed toward the basement. “Don’t worry, kid. We’ve got this.”