AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Oh, yeah.” Tris wraps an arm around me. “She’s terrifying.”
Ros pulls his phone from his pocket, and his body stiffens.
I instantly go on alert. “Something wrong?”
“I received a report from some of my field people.” His gaze meets mine. “They spotted someone who fits Bryant’s description a few cities over.”
My breath catches, and fear spikes through me. “Are you leaving?”
He hesitates for a moment before shaking his head. “I want to be the one who takes him down. Both for you and for my sister. But now is not the right time to leave Hartford Cove.”
Warmth chases away my fear. As much as I want to know that Bryant is finally taken care of, I don’t want Ros to leave my side right now.
We reach the center of town, and the people inside Nesse’s Diner stare out the windows with a newfound respect for Owen. Word of his defense of the Alpha title has spread, and the townsfolk now regard him with a mix of awe and deference.
I scowl at them. “Why are they so surprised you won the challenge? Did they think Haut just gave you the position without a fight?”
Tris nods as if he’s heard that exact rumor circulating. “And that Haut refuses to challenge Owen because he’s ashamed that he left town to chase after you.”
Haut bristles at the suggestion. “I’d never be ashamed of chasing after my mate. When I left, it was only to bring her home.”
I raise my voice. “Stop gawking! This isn’t a circus!”
The diner’s straighten in their seats, looking away, and I huff with satisfaction.
Tris hugs me closer. “Tiny but fierce.”
Owen turns to Ros. “Will you join me for a few hours? I want to bring together our new town council before Horace stirs up more unrest.”
“You guys should talk to Mrs. Smith.” When everyone stares at Tris in horror, he lifts his hands in self-defense. “I know, I know. But the old bat has had a change of tune while she’s been at the clinic. Someone has been bribing her with bacon and puzzle books.”
“You all have fun with that.” Haut grabs my hand and tugs me against his side. “We will be at the clothing store having actual fun.”
Tris throws back his head and laughs. “You’ve obviously never been shopping with Rowe. Do you think it’s a coincidence I just buy all her clothes?”
Uncertainty fills Haut’s face, and I grab his hand before he can change his mind. “Ignore Tris. He’s a big fat liar, and we will have so much fun trying on clothes.”
Haut gives me a wolfish smile. “I look forward to the challenge.”
LEARNING TO COURT
As Haut leads me down the street, I ask about the flooding Owen mentioned.
“The roadways are mostly clear now that the storm has passed,” he reassures me. “We’re used to rain around here. This was just the first big one of the year, so it took a little longer than usual for the ground to absorb all that water. Things should be back to normal by tomorrow.”
“That’s a relief.” While I’m not happy with how people are treating Owen right now, I don’t want anyone stuck in their houses, starving.
Instead of the larger department store I expect to go to, Haut stops at a small boutique shop that displays dresses in the window and opens the door.
I give him a wary stare. If he thinks he’s going to stuff me into a skirt like what Mel was wearing around Aspen, then he’s mistaken.
A little bell jingles on the handle as we enter, and a voice calls out from the back. “I’ll be right with you!”
My suspicious gaze sweeps around the small store, and my shoulders relax. While there are dresses—quite a few of them, in fact—the center of the store is dedicated to everyday clothes.
A table at the front displays thick sweaters in several colors, and I lift a moss-green one that reminds me of Haut’s eyes.
“What can I— Oh, hello, Sheriff, what brings you in today?” asks a soft, feminine voice. “It’s been a while since you’ve stopped by to see me.”
