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It warmed my heart to see how much they cared for each other. They’d tiptoed around each other their entire lives, andnow, finally, they’d come together. “You’re a lucky man,” I told Clawson sincerely.
“Tell me about it.” He grinned at Margo. She blushed and stood on the tips of her toes to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Ridge,” Jaxon greeted as he turned to me, his gaze focused and assessing. Although we’d only just met, I respected his strength and commitment to helping us defeat the hunters. Not to mention the fact that he was Tori’s biological father. Respect or not, though, if he hurt her, all bets were off.
“Jaxon.” I nodded, then turned my attention to Clawson again. “Any new developments since the riot? Anything we need to be concerned about?”
Clawson shook his head. “No, things have been pretty calm, thankfully. We’ve been keeping a close eye on the packs, making sure everyone is healing up and staying out of trouble.”
“Good to hear,” I said with relief. “We can’t afford any more setbacks or distractions right now.”
Margo beamed at me with a smile I imagined made Clawson cave to every request. “Before you go in, I had an idea I wanted to run by you both,” she said. “With all the tension lately, don’t you think it would be good for the wolves from all the incoming packs to run together? Build some rapport, ease those territorial instincts, you know? After the run, we could all have some of my mom’s homemade pies. If the run doesn’t work, the pies should do it. Everyone loves her baking.”
Uniting the packs in such a way and fostering camaraderie could strengthen our bonds. And if we could convince the other supernatural beings to join our ranks, it would be even more important for us to present a united front.
“I like the idea, Margo,” I said, trying to figure out the practical details. “We can host the run in the forest surrounding the manor. Easier to set up secure borders against threats, less risk of a human crossing paths with so many wolves. Afterward,we can all gather inside. There’s plenty of room for everyone, and it’s about time I put my hospitality skills to good use.”
“Great!” Clapping her hands together in delight, Margo added, “Only if Tori wants to, of course. If she’s not comfortable running with other wolves, we can move it.”
I appreciated how considerate Margo was of Tori’s feelings. My mate still harbored reservations about fully embracing her wolf, especially around others. Although she hadn’t exhibited any signs of being at all feral lately, the thought of her fearing and hating her animal nature still weighed on me.
With genuine appreciation, I hugged the bubbly shifter. “Thank you, Margo. I’ll talk to Tori about it. If she’s up for it, we’re in. If not, everyone can go on the run, and I’ll stay home with her and guard your mom’s baking.”
“Well, then.” Margo beamed again. Taking a step back from me, she rubbed her hands together, clearly eager to set her plan into motion. “I’ll start organizing the run and spreading the word between the packs. This is going to be so much fun.”
Clawson grinned at his mate’s enthusiasm. As Clawson and Margo moved into the building, I could hear Margo excitedly giving him names and instructions.
Jaxon moved closer to me, his eyes holding a curious gleam as he approached. We were alone, the chatter of the townsfolk fading into the background. His gaze was assessing, not hostile, but he was trying to get a read on me, the wolf who’d become mated to the daughter he’d only recently discovered.
“Ridge.” Jaxon’s voice resonated with a deep tone as he nodded at me. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
“Likewise.” I folded my arms across my chest. “Listen, Jaxon, if you’re not comfortable staying out with Isaac Frost’s pack, you’re welcome to stay with Tori and me.”
He raised an eyebrow as he considered my offer, but then he shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m aware that my daughter isstill unsure about me. I don’t want her to feel pressured or be uncomfortable in her own home. For now, I’ll continue camping with Isaac’s pack in the woods.”
I appreciated his consideration for Tori’s comfort and decided to speak my mind. “Look, Jaxon, I know Tori can come across as standoffish, but it’s because of her difficult past.”
Jaxon’s expression morphed into genuine concern.
“Her relationship with the man who raised her turned into a nightmare,” I continued. “When she shifted for the first time as a teenager, he rejected her and then hunted her. She spent four years on the run.” I watched Jaxon’s jaw tighten. “She has every reason to be wary of you, especially since up until yesterday, she suspected you’d killed her mother. Her not knowing what to make of you is nothing personal.”
Jaxon nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. “I understand, Ridge. And I appreciate your honesty. I just want what’s best for her, even if that means giving her space.”
“Then we’re on the same page.” As much as I wanted to trust Jaxon, it was crucial that Tori’s well-being remained our top priority. “By the way,” I said. “I don’t know if you overheard just now, but there’s a run being organized with wolves from all the packs. It’s a good idea. Might even help ease some of the tension around here.”
I thought about Margo’s plan again. The run could be an excellent opportunity for the packs to bond and work together. First and foremost, I needed to make sure Tori was comfortable taking part.
“I’m glad you’re here with us, regardless of the circumstances,” I continued. “Tori needs to know her father, and we could do with the support.”
“Thanks, Ridge,” he said warmly. “I have to admit, I like this town. It’s nice to be around other shifters again. I’ve hidden away from my own kind for far too long.” He paused, thoughtful.“Can I give you an observation from an old man with too much time on his hands?”
Intrigued, I nodded for him to continue.
“I’ve noticed that a hell of a lot of the responsibility seems to fall on your shoulders around here. You’re not on your own here anymore, son. You might want to consider getting some of the other alphas and wolves more involved in the town’s security. We’re here and available, after all. Might help ease some of the tension. If a shifter feels he has something to do, he’s not sitting around thinking how he’s no longer the center of attention, or how he’s lost his purpose in life.”
His words struck a chord within me. He was right. It was essential to involve others in keeping Blackwood Creek safe. And not just for shifters like us, but for humans and vampires and any other creatures that came along as well. Yet, something held me back from relinquishing control.
“True,” I said, my gaze drifting over the busy town square, where various pack members mingled with one another and oblivious humans did their shopping. “But I made a promise to everyone here that I’d make this place a safe haven for all. It’s my responsibility to ensure that happens, especially considering the role my ancestors played in betraying our kind to the hunters.”
