Chapter 5 #2
Something stirred in my chest. Respect, maybe, for an alpha who’d chosen progress over tradition. “That’s impressive. A lot of alphas were against going public.”
“Yeah, Nate said it was pretty controversial. But this alpha, he believed it was the right thing to do. That hiding was making everyone weaker, not stronger.”
She turned onto a smaller road, trees pressing in on either side.
“I think it makes a huge difference, having a leader who’s willing to challenge the old ways. It really does set the tone for the whole pack.”
I nodded. “I agree. I’ve been to a few packs out east that barely tolerate humans. The alphas there are old-school, traditional. They see the integration as a necessary evil at best.”
“That must be hard,” Nina said sympathetically. “How do you even work with packs like that?”
“Carefully.” I smiled slightly. “Lots of patience. Lots of listening. You’d be surprised how much people will compromise if they feel like you actually hear them.”
“See? That’s what I mean. You’re perfect for this job.” Nina reached over and squeezed my hand. “Forever the peacemaker.”
I laughed, the sound surprising me. “I guess some things never change.”
We drove in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the landscape growing more rural. Log cabins appeared among the trees, rustic and beautiful. Everything here was wood and stone, built to blend into the forest rather than dominate it.
“How’s work going otherwise?” Nina asked. “Any interesting cases?”
“It’s good, mostly. The packs I work with are great, for the most part. There are just two that are more traditional, prefer as little contact as possible with non-shifters.” I shrugged. “But even they’re coming around, slowly. Change takes time.”
“You’re so patient,” Nina said admiringly. “I don’t know how you do it.”
“Practice,” I said dryly. “Lots and lots of practice.”
Nina laughed, and then we were pulling up to a two-story log cabin that was somehow both rustic and modern. Large windows reflected the afternoon sun, and a wrap-around porch gave it a welcoming feel. The yard was modest, surrounded by towering pines that provided privacy and shade.
As soon as Nina turned off the engine, the front door opened and a man stepped out.
Nate was exactly what I’d expected from Nina’s descriptions: tall, easily over six feet, with broad shoulders and the kind of muscular build that came from physical labor rather than a gym.
His blonde hair was slightly shaggy, and his face was handsome in that way all shifters seemed to be—strong jaw, high cheekbones, eyes that were a little too bright to be entirely human.
He bounded down the porch steps as Nina got out of the car, and I watched as he pulled her into his arms, lifting her off her feet slightly as he kissed her. The love between them was palpable, and I felt a pang of something that might have been envy.
I got out of the car, grabbing my purse, and Nate set Nina down to turn to me. His smile was warm and genuine as he approached.
“Emily! It’s so great to finally meet you in person.” He pulled me into a hug that was surprisingly gentle despite his size. “Nina talks about you all the time.”
“All good things, I hope,” I said, returning the hug.
“Always.” He pulled back, his eyes kind. “Welcome to Edgewood. I hope you’ll feel at home here.”
“Thank you for having me.”
Nate grabbed my suitcase from the trunk like it weighed nothing and headed inside. Nina linked her arm through mine again, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Come on, let me show you your room.”
The inside of the cabin was as beautiful as the outside—exposed beams, hardwood floors, furniture that managed to be both comfortable and stylish. Nate led us down a hallway to a room at the back of the house.
“Here you go,” he said, setting my suitcase down. “Bathroom’s right across the hall. Make yourself at home.”
The room was perfect. A queen-sized bed with a thick comforter, a small desk by the window, and French doors that led out to a deck. I walked over and looked out at the backyard—modest and private, surrounded by trees that swayed gently in the breeze.
“It’s beautiful,” I said honestly. “Thank you.”
“We’ll let you get settled,” Nina said. “Come find us when you’re ready. No rush.”
They left, closing the door behind them, and I stood in the middle of the room, my heart pounding.
I was here. I was really here, in the place I’d sworn I’d never return to.
I unpacked mechanically, hanging clothes in the closet, setting my toiletries in the bathroom. I changed out of my travel clothes into jeans and a soft sweater, washed my face, tried to calm the anxiety that was building in my chest.
This was fine. I was fine. I was here for Nina, for her happiness. Two weeks, and then I’d go back to my life on the East Coast. Two weeks, and I’d never have to come back here again.
A knock on the door made me jump.
“Come in,” I called, and Nina poked her head in.
“Hey, you ready to go meet the alpha?”
My stomach dropped. “Now?”
“Yeah, it’s kind of traditional. When a pack member brings a guest, especially for something as important as a mating ceremony, the alpha likes to meet them.” Nina smiled encouragingly. “It’s just a formality. He’s really nice, I promise.”
I nodded, my mouth dry. “Okay. Yeah. Let’s go.”
We piled into the car—Nina in the passenger seat, me in the back, Nate driving. As we pulled out of the driveway, I stared out the window, watching the trees blur past.
The pack house, Nina had said. Where the alpha lived and worked. Where I’d have to smile and be professional and pretend that being back here wasn’t tearing me apart.
I could do this. I’d faced down hostile alphas, negotiated with territorial pack leaders, walked into rooms where I was the only human and everyone else could kill me without breaking a sweat.
I could handle meeting one more alpha.
Even if every instinct I had was screaming at me to run.
Even if the dread in my stomach felt like a warning I should have heeded.
Even if some part of me, buried deep and desperate, was wondering if maybe, just maybe, I’d finally get the answers I’d spent five years trying not to need.
The pack house appeared through the trees, and my breath caught.
This was it.
There was no turning back now.