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Chapter 47
Tori
I stared in fascination as the two tiger shifters stepped out of the vehicle. They were siblings, both tall and muscular with tawny golden hair and green eyes that held mysteries I couldn’t wait to unravel. The brothers exchanged wary glances as they surveyed their new surroundings. The subtle tension coming off them told me they were uncertain about whether this town was truly safe for them.
“Welcome to our humble little town,” Jaxon greeted, stepping forward with a warm smile. “I’m glad you decided to come.”
The older of the two nodded at Jaxon, his face softening slightly. “Thank you, Alpha Hyde. It’s been a long journey, but we hope this place can be our new home.”
“Please, call me Jaxon,” my father said. “We’re all friends here. Besides, I’m no longer an alpha.”
“Jaxon, then,” the man said, extending his hand for a firm handshake. His brother followed suit, and their tension slowly dissipated.
“Let me introduce you to Tori.” Jaxon gestured toward me. “She’s…well, she’s quite special. Tori, this is Raoul Morris.” Henodded at the older of the two, then at the younger. “And this is his brother Leon.”
“Hi,” I greeted them shyly, feeling a strange mix of excitement and nerves. “I’m Tori. Don’t mind Jaxon. He’s just being his usual cryptic self.”
Raoul chuckled at my comment, while Leon offered a small smile. “Nice to meet you, Tori. We’ve heard a lot about you,” Raoul said.
“Really?” I arched an eyebrow. “I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
“Definitely a good thing,” Leon reassured me, finally speaking up. His voice had a deep, smooth quality that captivated me.
“Let’s get you guys settled in,” Jaxon said, guiding the brothers toward the house that had been prepared for them. “We’ve set up a place for you to stay while you adjust to life here.”
As we walked, Raoul and Leon kept casting furtive glances around, apparently expecting trouble to jump out at any moment.
“Listen, I know things might seem strange right now, but I promise you this town is safe, or as safe as it can be,” I told them earnestly. “You have no idea how much it means to us that you decided to come here.”
“Thank you, Tori,” Raoul said with genuine gratitude.
“Don’t mention it.” I gave him a reassuring smile. “If there’s anything you need or any questions you have, just let me know. I’m always here to help.”
“Same goes for me,” Jaxon said, putting his arm around my shoulders in a protective manner.
“Welcome home,” I told the brothers, watching as they took their first steps into their new lives. “Margo, Audrey, let’s get this stuff inside.”
We unloaded the boxes filled with food and toiletries from the trunk of the car. We’d gathered some basic supplies for Raoul and Leon on the way here. Like most of the shifters who’d joined us, they’d left most of their belongings behind when they fled.
“Can you believe it? Two tiger shifters,” Margo whispered excitedly as she handed me a box. “And they’re brothers. This town just got a whole lot more interesting.” She suddenly stopped and peered at me. “Speaking of interesting…anythinginterestingyou want to tell me, Tori? Any information you think I would prefer to hear from my friend rather than from my mate? Anything at all?” Her eyes narrowed as she locked her gaze on me.
I gave her my most innocent expression. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Margo.”
Margo fought to keep a stern expression, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement. “Clawson told me he met you and Ridge crossing back into town and that the two of youfinallyclaimed each other,” she said, a hint of laughter in her voice. “I am so happy for you both,” she gushed, her eyes sparkling with happiness. “Tor, you both deserve to have happiness in your lives.”
“Thank you, Margo.” I still couldn’t quite believe it myself. My life had changed so much. Gone was the lost soul who had arrived in town with nothing. Now, I had friends, a devoted mate who lavished me with love and attention and supported me, and a deep bond with my wolf that made me feel whole. My life was enhanced by each and every one of them. I hoped that all the newcomers would find the same thing here.
“Back to the brothers,” I said, balancing a box on my hip. “I’m just glad we can help them settle in. I remember what it was like to arrive here with nothing.”
“Definitely not an easy situation,” Audrey said, her tone more somber as she took a box from Margo. “They have us now. We’ll make sure they are at home here.”
As we carried the boxes up the walkway, I thought about how much things had changed since I’d first arrived in town. Back then, I was the one who had needed help and reassurance. Now, I was the one providing support for others. It felt good to be able to give back.
“Hey, Tori.” Ridge’s voice caught my attention, and I turned to see him and Kyle walking toward us. I smiled, pleased to see no tension between them. They appeared to be getting along well now.
“Are you two ready to make friendship bracelets yet?” I asked, shifting the box in my arms so I could wave at them.
Kyle held up his wrist, displaying the incomplete tattoo that marked our shared past. “Well, I still need this finished sometime. And I was just telling Ridge about that stunt you pulled.”
