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Tori shifted, propping herself up on one elbow. “You’re an incredible leader, Ridge. You’ve done so much for this town and for the shifters here. If you decide to run for mayor again, I’ll be right there by your side, supporting you every step of the way.”
I smiled. A lingering doubt remained, though, gnawing at the back of my mind. “If I don’t run, though…there are some seriously sketchy people who will, like Christie and Martin Greenthorne. Or some of the good but ignorant humans in town who wouldn’t understand our needs as shifters.”
“Then we’ll just have to make sure the right person wins,” Tori said.
Her confidence bolstered me. “You’re right.” I pulled her close once more. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”
Chapter 41
Tori
Hot water cascaded over us, steam rising as it hit the cool tile. Ridge’s strong hands were lathered with soap, gently massaging my back. I lay my head back and closed my eyes, enjoying the tenderness of his touch.
“Ridge,” I said, deciding to ask the question that had been nagging at me since his earlier phone call. “Do youwantto be the mayor?”
His hands stilled on my skin. “What do you mean?”
I turned around to face him, droplets of water clinging to my eyelashes. “I can see how much stress you’re under being the mayor and the alpha of the Northeast Pack. It’s a lot to handle.”
He sighed and leaned against the tiled wall, water streaming down his chiseled chest. “I’ve done as much good as I can for the last few years, even if I’m not always the perfect man for the job.”
“I didn’t mean you aren’t fit to be the mayor. You’ve done a fantastic job, and you’re a natural leader. But it takes a lot out of you. I just don’t like seeing you so stressed all the time.”
He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I know what you’re saying, but I have a duty to uphold. My Uncle Vincent taught me how important it is to give back to the community and work hard to rebuild our reputation and serve others however we can.”
I sighed. As much as I admired his dedication, I wished he would allow himself some reprieve from the constant burden of responsibility. Getting him to let go of some of his high-achieving workaholic tendencies might take a little finessing, but I was willing to work on it for his sake.
“Okay,” I said with a small smile. “Just promise me you’ll try to take care of yourself.”
“I promise.”
After we finished showering, we dried off and dressed. Half an hour later, as we walked through the town square, Ridge’s arm draped protectively around my shoulder, I fought down a roiling unease. Though our connection had strengthened since we’d become mates, there was still something missing. The fact that Ridge hadn’t claimed me yet gnawed at me, making me anxious whenever we were apart for too long. The temptation to bite him during our intimate moments was growing increasingly difficult to resist, but I was afraid he’d think I was only doing it because I’d gotten swept up in the passion of the moment.
“Hey.” Ridge gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “You okay?”
I gave him a tight smile and nodded. “Yeah, just thinking. How about we go check on Camila’s family? We haven’t seen them since the rescue mission.”
“Sure thing,” Ridge said.
As we approached the Garcias’ house, I spotted Hanna, sitting on the porch with Gabe. They both appeared to be doing well, and it brought a genuine smile to my face. There were more people moving in as the houses were being finished. It was starting to look less like a building site and more like a housing estate every day.
“Hello, Tori, Ridge,” Hanna said warmly. “Come in, come in.”
We entered their cozy home, where Camila was reading in the lounge. “Ridge, you’re all better now!” the teenage shifter squealed and rushed into Ridge’s embrace.
I felt a surge of pride welling up inside me, knowing the vital part we’d played in their rescue. That poor family. They’d lost so much at the hands of the hunters.
“Everything is going well,” Hanna assured us as we chatted about life in Blackwood Creek. “We can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done. Mrs. Bogford organized some furniture and clothing for us. Everyone has been so helpful. I’ve even spoken to the principal regarding these two and getting them into full-time education. It’s so nice to feel safe. Thank you, Alpha Blackwood. And you, Tori, you were amazing. Camila told me how helpful you were with her,”
“It’s Ridge, and it’s our pleasure, Hanna,” Ridge said sincerely. “We’re glad we could help.”
We spent the rest of the day mingling with other shifters, and I basked in the laughter and hum of conversation around me.
My gaze fell on Jaxon, who was engaged in conversation with a group of younger wolves. His easy smile and animated gestures drew them in, and I marveled at the natural leader he seemed to be.
He seemed to make a special effort to befriend the weaker wolves or those who appeared uncomfortable in town. He listened intently, offering advice or assistance when needed. It struck me how different he was from William, the man who had raised me.
A memory tugged at the corners of my mind, transporting me back to third grade. I’d defended a quiet, shy boy who was being bullied and thrown a punch when the bullies refused to leave him alone. I was so certain my parents would understand that I’d done it to protect someone who needed it.
