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“Let’s head home,” I said, starting the engine and heading for the road. As we drove, I kept a careful watch over the townsfolk and the shifters from other packs who had found refuge here. All seemed peaceful, but I couldn’t forget that there were those who still held on to Christie Greenthorne’s twisted ideals of superiority.
“Ridge,” Tori said softly, drawing me out of my thoughts, “I know you’re worried about what’s coming, but we’ll face it. You can talk to me. That’s what’s so great about being in a relationship—you don’t have to carry this burden alone.”
I pulled over, unable to wait to reach the manor to feel my lips on my mate. I leaned in to kiss Tori again, the warmth ofher lips against mine sending another bolt of heat through my body. My inner wolf stirred, eager to claim her as my mate, and I unbuckled her seatbelt, pulling her into my lap. Our breathing grew heavier as our bodies pressed together, but the logistics of getting hot and heavy in the driver’s seat were far from ideal.
Tori shifted in my lap, attempting to find a more comfortable position, and accidentally bumped the horn on the steering wheel. The loud honk echoed through the quiet street, drawing the attention of passersby. Among them, I spotted the Magpies, the two gossiping widows knew everything about everyone in Blackwood Creek. We’d just handed them some juicy gossip. Everyone would know that the mayor had been making out like a horny teenager in his truck.
“Shit,” Tori cursed, her cheeks flushing as she scrambled out of my lap. We both burst into laughter, unable to help ourselves at the ridiculousness of our predicament.
“I really don’t want to deal with the Magpies right now,” Tori groaned, pressing her forehead against the window. “They’re just going to berate us some more about not getting wedding invitations out.”
I grinned. “If you can handle hunters, surely you can handle two sweet, old, gossiping widows?”
She shot me a playful glare before rolling her eyes. “Fine, but it’s your turn to come up with an excuse about the invitations or the save the date cards, or whatever else it is they want.”
Resigned to our fate, I rolled down the window just as the Magpies approached the truck, wearing twin expressions of scandalized amusement. “Well, well, what do we have here?” Maggie Peters drawled, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
“Ah, young love,” Maggie Hill replied, sighing dramatically. “You know, we still haven’t received our wedding invitations.”
Tori and I exchanged glances, struggling to contain our laughter. “We’re working on it.” The words barely made it past my lips without making me dissolve into a chuckle.
“Good,” Maggie Hill retorted, wagging her finger at us. “Remember, a wedding is not just about the two of you. It’s about bringing joy to the community.”
“Of course.” Tori nodded solemnly, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from grinning.
The Magpies seemed satisfied with our response, and after offering a few more unsolicited pieces of advice, they finally left us alone. The moment they were out of earshot, Tori and I burst into laughter again.
“Ah, life in Blackwood Creek.” I sighed, leaning my head back against the headrest. “Never a dull moment.”
“Indeed,” Tori said, still giggling as she settled back into her own seat.
“Let’s grab some food at the café,” I suggested, watching as the Magpies disappeared down the street. “We’re a block away, and you look like you could use a pick-me-up. And—” I looked around conspiratorially—“we know the Magpies aren’t there, so it’s safe.”
“I am famished,” Tori laughed, her stomach growling audibly. We left the truck and made our way to the Moonlight Café, the warmth of her fingers laced through mine chasing away the slight chill in the air.
The café was packed with townsfolk and refugee shifters. It gave the place a lively, if slightly tense atmosphere.
“Table for two?” the hostess asked as we approached the counter.
“Actually, we’d like to get some food to go.” I glanced around the crowded room. My instincts urged me to keep an eye on the situation, searching for any signs of tension between the various groups present.
“Sure thing.” She handed us a couple of menus. “Just let me know when you’re ready to order.”
As Tori and I perused the menu, I scanned the faces of the other patrons. For the most part, it seemed everyone was getting along well enough, despite the influx of new wolves in town. But as I’d reminded myself earlier, there were still those who might cling to Christie Greenthorne’s toxic beliefs, so I stayed watchful.
“Ready to order?” Tori asked me.
“Uh, yeah. I’ll have the burger special and a chicken caesar salad.” I handed the menu back to the hostess.
“I’ll have the same.” Tori smiled. “Except I’ll have mine without the salad, thanks. Sweet potato fries instead, please.”
“Coming right up,” the waitress said before she hurried back to the kitchen.
While we waited for our food, I continued to observe the interactions among the patrons. It warmed my heart to see many of the Blackwood Creek residents making an effort to welcome the newcomers, but I was under no illusion that it would take time and patience to truly bring everyone together.
“Here’s your order.” The hostess placed two boxes on the counter. “Enjoy.”
“Thank you.” Tori grabbed the boxes, and we headed for the door.
