“Systematic destruction. Windows, furniture, even the walls looked like something with claws had a tantrum.” His voice drops to that serious tone that makes every conversation feel like an interrogation. “I’m concerned about you making deliveries to some of the more isolated properties. Especially the ones with monster clients.”
The defensive reaction is instant and surprising in its intensity. “My clients are perfectly respectable, regardless of species.”
Dale’s eyebrows raise at my sharp tone. “I’m not saying they’re not. It’s just… some of them have capabilities that could be dangerous if they’re having a bad day.”
I don’t like the implication. “I’ve been doing this job since spring without incident. I know how to handle myself.”
“I’m sure you do.” Dale’s voice gentles, like he’s talking to someone who doesn’t understand the danger she’s in. “But some of these monsters… they don’t think like we do. Their instincts are different. More primitive.”
Primitive.I choose not to take the bait.
“I’m a big girl, Dale. I don’t need you fussing over me.”
The words come out sharper than I meant, and I see hurt flash across Dale’s features before being replaced by professional stoicism.
“You’re right,” he says quietly. “I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
The awkward silence stretches between us until Merry appears with the coffeepot, refilling our mugs with the practiced timing of someone who’s mediated a thousand small-town tensions.
“Sure is some nice weather out there, isn’t it?” she says, offering us both a lifeline.
“Sure is,” Dale says, clearly grateful for the topic change. “Might be the last warm day of the year.”
I down the rest of my coffee before saying, “I should get going. Long day ahead.”
I leave money on the counter and slide off the stool, conscious of Dale’s eyes following my movement.
“Drive safe,” he calls as I head for the door.
Outside, the crisp morning air helps clear my head, and I manage to settle myself down. I know Dale means well, buthis protective instincts feel more patronizing than reassuring sometimes.
Sure, there have been a few missing people and strange incidents on the mountain over the years, but that’s not all that uncommon in such a treacherous landscape. And the worst cases could be a bear just as much as it could be a monster.
I’d rather not assume the worst based on appearances alone.
Hell, Riven might look more alien and predatory than any creature of legend, but his careful attention to me, his adorable confusion about human customs, his almost shy pride in his craftsmanship—none of that felt primitive.
It felt considerate. Thoughtful, even.
More thoughtful than most of the guys I’ve dated, if I’m being honest.
I spend the day throwingmyself into familiar routines, trying to focus on the mechanical precision of package delivery. First stop is Ethel Mae Prescott, who greets me at her cottage door wearing a housecoat covered in cat hair and a knowing smile that makes me instantly suspicious.
“June, sweetheart!” She takes her medication delivery with hands that shake slightly with age but manages to catch my wrist with surprising strength. “Come in for a minute. I just pulled cookies out of the oven.”
“I really should—”
“Nonsense. Five minutes won’t hurt your schedule.” She’s already tugging me through the door into her cramped living room, where five cats of various shapes and colors are distributed across every available surface. “You look different, dear.”
Oh, boy. “Different how?”
“Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.” Ethel Mae settles into her favorite armchair with the satisfaction of someone who’s about to extract gossip. “There’s a spring in your step that wasn’t there last week. Are you seeing someone?”
“Mrs. Prescott—”
“Ethel Mae, dear. And don’t you try to change the subject.” She presses a still-warm chocolate chip cookie into my hands with the determination of someone who’s mastered weaponizing baked goods. “I know something’s changed. I’ve always had an eye for these things, and you’ve got a new romantic aura about you.”
I shove the cookie in my mouth, if only to delay having to answer. The cookie is admittedly perfect. Crispy edges, soft center, just the right amount of salt to balance the sweetness. But I can feel my cheeks heating under her maternal scrutiny.
