Chapter 21
Carla
The Red Fang Saloon buzzed with morning conversation, silverware clinking on plates and laughter rippling across the room. Christmas Eve had arrived, bringing with it a particular energy I’d experienced many times before, anticipation and joy wrapped in a blanket of longing.
No, here the word was belonging.
I glanced around the room at these people who’d somehow become my family in just a few short weeks.
Jessi discussing menu plans with Lavon. Max describing his latest sorhox riding lesson to Hail.
Grannie Lil dispensing unsolicited advice to Greel about his Christmas playlist selections.
And Becken beside me, his arm occasionally brushing mine as he reached for the dartling syrup, each touch sending awareness skittering across my skin.
This was everything I'd spent years avoiding, the vulnerability, the risk, the possibility of being hurt the way I was when my parents died, when my aunt and uncle counted the days until I turned eighteen.
But for the first time, I wanted to stay and fight for something instead of running toward the next job.
Did I have the courage to choose love over safety?
“Pass the tea?” I said.
Becken handed me the pot, our fingers touching. The golden mark on my wrist tingled, and his eyes darkened as if he felt it too. This connection between us was unlike anything I’d experienced, both primal and tender all at once.
“Sleep well?” he asked, his voice pitched low enough that only I could hear.
“Not really.” I poured tea into my mug, focusing on the liquid to avoid looking at him. “You?”
“No.” The single syllable contained volumes.
I risked meeting his gaze, finding heat and something softer beneath his usual stoic expression. Last night played through my mind in vivid detail. His hands on my skin. His mouth everywhere. The way he’d whispered my name. The intensity of it should’ve frightened me. Instead, I craved more.
“More pancakes, dear?” Aunt Inla appeared at my elbow, a plate stacked high with fluffy buttermilk cakes.
Today she wore a red dress with tiny Christmas trees scattered across the fabric, and she’d twisted her silver-threaded hair into an elaborate updo.
“You’ll need your strength for the starlight ride tonight. ”
“I’ve had enough, thank you.” My stomach was already tight with too many emotions to accommodate more food.
Lavon emerged from behind the counter, wiping his hands on a towel. “Drundeg and cheese biscuits will be out soon,” he announced to the room at large, though his eyes found Aunt Inla. “You said you wanted to try them, Inla.”
Her cheeks darkened. “How thoughtful of you to remember.”
“I remember everything.” The quiet intensity in his voice made me raise my eyebrows. This was definitely not professional courtesy.
“They’re doing that again,” Beth whispered from across the table, nodding toward the pair. “They’ve been dancing around each other since he got here. I understand they knew each other when they were young, but his family moved to a different cavern, and they lost touch.”
I smiled. “They’re cute together.”
“Mmm.” Beth shifted in her chair, wincing as she rubbed her lower back. “If by cute you mean frustratingly oblivious to what everyone else can see.”
“Are you okay?” I noticed the lines of discomfort around her eyes.
“The baby’s restless today. Pressing on my spine.” She adjusted position again, grimacing. “Ruugar says he’s a warrior already, practicing battle kicks.”
“Or she,” Rosey chimed in. “Could be a female warrior.”
“Either way, they’re determined to make their presence known.” Beth laughed, and we all joined in.
Ruugar appeared behind her chair, his large hands settling on her shoulders. “Need anything, breela?”
The tenderness in his voice struck me, as did the way Beth immediately relaxed under his touch, leaning back against him. “I’m okay. Our youngling’s reminding me they’ll soon be ready for the next adventure.”
“Takes after their father.” He kissed the top of her head.
My phone vibrated in my pocket, the screen lighting up with a number I didn’t recognize. California area code. I frowned, then suddenly remembered. Wildwind Ranch, the prestigious rodeo operation I’d applied to months ago, before Lonesome Creek was even on my radar. My dream job at the time.
“Excuse me,” I said, sliding away from the table. “I need to take this.”
Becken’s questioning gaze followed me as I walked to the stairs, settling on the bottom step for some semblance of privacy in the crowded saloon.
“Carla Smith speaking.”
“Ms. Smith, this is Victoria Wildwind from Wildwind Ranch.” The voice on the other end sounded brisk, professional. “I’m calling about your application for our rodeo management position.”
My heart skipped. “Yes, of course.”
“I apologize for the delay in getting back to you. We’ve had quite the selection process.” She cleared her throat. “I’m pleased to inform you that we’d like to offer you the position. Your credentials are impressive, and your references spoke highly of your work.”
The words I’d been waiting to hear for years. The opportunity I’d worked toward my entire career. With success at one of the most prestigious operations in the country, my consulting plan would be set.
Six months ago, I would’ve leaped up and hopped around with excitement. Now, my first thought was of Becken. Of the community gathered around the big breakfast table nearby.
“That’s…wonderful news,” I said, my voice sounding distant.
“We’d need you to start by January 30th.
The salary is as discussed in your preliminary interview, with benefits starting after ninety days.
We do expect at least a one-year commitment.
” Papers rustled on her end. “I’ll have my brother send over the formal offer letter today, but I wanted to call personally.
We’re excited to have someone with your expertise joining us. ”
“Thank you, Ms. Wildwood. I appreciate the opportunity.” The words came out automatically, muscle memory taking over while my emotions churned through me.
“Call me Victoria, please. Assuming you say yes, we’ll be working closely together.
” More paper shuffling. “Take some time to review the offer if you’d like, but we’ll need your decision by Friday at the latest. I understand it’s the holidays, but these things move quickly. We do have other stellar candidates.”
“I understand. I’ll review everything as soon as it comes through.”
After a few more minutes of details and pleasantries, we ended the call, and I tucked my phone into my pocket.
My dream job, the position I’d pursued relentlessly. The stability and professional recognition I’d craved to top off my resume. A year at Wildwind, and I could step back and launch my consulting career. The life I craved was suddenly within my reach.
Why did it feel like a loss rather than a gain?
I glanced back at the table where breakfast continued.
Max had moved to sit beside Becken, showing him something on his tablet that made the orc nod.
Hail and Allie huddled close, sharing quiet conversation.
Jessi topped off mugs while exchanging friendly banter with her friends, turning to wink at Greel periodically.
Lavon had emerged from the kitchen again, this time with a basket of steaming biscuits that he presented to Aunt Inla first. With a big smile, she took one and sniffed it.
This was what family looked like. What belonging meant.
I’d spent my entire adult life chasing professional success, convinced it would fill the emptiness left by my childhood. I’d moved from contract to contract, always the outside expert, never fully part of anywhere or anyone.
Until I came to Lonesome Creek and found Becken.
What should I do now?
I returned to the table, sliding into my seat beside him.
“Everything alright?” he asked.
“I got a job offer.” I kept my voice neutral, though my heart pounded. “From Wildwind Ranch in California. It’s a dream job, the one I’d need to solidify my experience and launch my consulting career.”
His expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened. “I see.”
“I’d given up hope they were still considering me.”
“Congratulations.” A single word, perfectly controlled.
“I haven’t accepted yet.”
“But you will.” It wasn’t a question.
“I don’t know.”
His eyes widened, surprise breaking through his stoic mask. “Why not?”
I reached for my tea, needing something to do with my hands. “I need to think about it.”
“Carla.” Max’s excited voice cut through our conversation. “Are you coming to the hot chocolate contest tonight after the starlight ride? I’m entering my special recipe with three kinds of chocolate.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” I forced a smile. “I’ll be your official taste tester.”
“Cool. Becken already promised to try it too.” He beamed at both of us. “Mom says you guys make a good team.”
Heat crept up my neck. “Your mom’s very observant.”
“She says you’re part of our family now.” Max’s casual statement landed like a thunderbolt. “Like how Rosey and Allie and Beth and all the others are. Right, Becken?”
Becken’s gaze found mine. “Right.”
The word family was filling spaces I hadn’t known were empty. These people had claimed me, given me a place that was mine alone, simply for who I was.
Aunt Inla glided past, patting my shoulder. “Don’t forget we need your help with the final starlight ride preparations at three, dear. Your creative touch with the sleigh decorations has been invaluable.”
“I’ll be there.”
Across the table, Ruugar was rubbing Beth’s shoulders. The protective tenderness in his expression made my heart ache.
Becken followed my gaze. “They’re good together.”
I studied the gentle way Ruugar supported his mate, how naturally they acted with each other. “Everyone here is. It’s like you all just…fit.”
“Not only us.” His eyes held mine. “You fit too, Carla.”
“Do I?”
“Yes. You always have.”
While I sat in the middle of all this holiday joy, a part of it yet apart, I couldn’t stop thinking about the decision I still had to make.
California meant advancement, recognition, and the chance to finally launch my dream. It was the culmination of everything I’d worked for.
Lonesome Creek meant Becken. A makeshift family. The golden mark on my wrist and whatever future it promised.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
“That I have a decision to make. A big one.”
“Whatever you decide, I want you to be happy.”
My eyes burned. No one had ever prioritized my happiness before.
But Becken did.
And somehow, in this small tourist town with its orc cowboys and Christmas traditions, with its makeshift families and mating magic, I’d found something I hadn’t known I was searching for.
I just had to decide if I was ready to grab onto it and hold on tight.