Chapter 9 Wolf
Wolf
If Riley Tate had been born in another era, she would’ve either ruled a kingdom or burned it down.
Probably both.
She strutted around the library like she owned the deed, the Magnolia Ladies’ improvised weapons forgotten as everyone watched her stir the place like a tornado made of sarcasm.
Riley flicked her hair over her shoulder. “Well, as much as I love small-town theatrics, I’m heading out. Vacation’s over. Dallas won’t survive without me.”
Trigger deflated like someone pulled the air out of him.
“Already?” he blurted. “You just got here.”
Riley smirked. “Aw, Trigger. Are you going to miss me?”
“I—no—I mean—maybe—NO,” he sputtered, face turning red enough to ignite Mabel’s hairspray without the lighter.
The Magnolia Ladies huddled.
Agnes whispered loudly, “Poor boy doesn’t stand a chance.”
June whispered back, “She’s too big a lawyer to stay in this small town.”
“June!” I snapped, which only made Riley grin wider.
She leaned one hip against the counter. “Relax, Wolf. I’m not here to steal your girl.”
Nora went rigid beside me.
My jaw tightened. “She’s not my—”
Riley held up a hand. “Please. You’re practically snarling. It’s adorable.”
Trigger choked again.
Havoc muttered, “I’m getting popcorn next time she visits.”
Riley finally slid her jacket on. “I’m driving out in an hour. Would’ve gone earlier, but I wanted to check on the report from last night.”
I stepped closer to her. “You got a description?”
She sobered. “Only that someone tall was seen near the tower after midnight. Boots. Moving slow. Could’ve been drunk.” She looked at Nora. “Could’ve been watching.”
Nora’s breath hitched.
I felt her pulse jump even from a foot away.
Riley softened, just a fraction. “Don’t worry, library girl. You’re surrounded by protection. Lucky you.”
Then she winked at Trigger just to torment him. “Try not to cry when I’m gone.”
He made an unintelligible sound.
She sauntered out, the bell chiming behind her, leaving a trail of chaos and confusion in her wake.
The moment she was gone, the entire room exhaled.
Saint shook his head. “That woman is a handful.”
Havoc grunted. “More like a whole armful.”
Trigger stared at the door like a kicked puppy. “She didn’t have to leave today…”
Agnes patted his shoulder. “Bless your heart.”
I ignored all of them.
Because Nora was staring at the floor, shoulders tight, fear creeping around the edges.
I lowered my head to her ear.
Quiet. Controlled. For her only.
“Nora. Look at me.”
She did.
Those eyes—soft, nervous, brave—hit me like a punch straight to the sternum.
“You’re not alone,” I told her. “Not now. Not tonight. Not until we figure out who was behind you.”
Her throat bobbed. “Wolf… you don’t have to—”
“I do.”
I let that truth settle between us. Heavy. Real.
Her fingers twisted around the strap of her bag. “I don’t want to make this a big thing. I’m trying not to overreact.”
“You’re not overreacting,” I said. “Someone was following you. That’s a fact.”
She swallowed again. “What do we do?”
I took a slow breath.
Because what I wanted to say was Move in with me.
What I actually said was, “We start with tonight. I’ll walk you home. I’ll check the property again. And tomorrow morning, we set up a plan.”
Trigger perked up. “A PLAN? I love plans. Can I be involved? Should I bring snacks?”
Havoc shoved him. “Not. Now.”
Saint folded his arms, thoughtful. “We’ll look around the tower after lunch.”
The Magnolia Ladies gathered like a battle council.
Mabel held up her hairspray. “We’re on night patrol.”
“Absolutely not,” I snapped.
Agnes waved me off. “Hush, Wolf. We’re elderly, not dead.”
June patted Nora’s hand. “Sweetheart, try not to worry. This town protects its own.”
Nora let out a shaky laugh. “You all are unbelievable.”
I watched her smile. Small. Fragile. But real.
And I made a decision in that moment—one I didn’t say out loud yet.
Whoever touched her peace?
I’d find them.
And make sure they never came near her again.