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“Thank you, Jaxon.” That meant a lot, coming from him.
He shifted his stance, a hint of uncertainty showing in his eyes. “And, uh, I hope there won’t be any awkwardness betweenus if I happen to beat you in the next election and become mayor.”
My head jerked back, but I quickly shook off the initial shock. “Mayor?” I blinked, taken aback by Jaxon’s words. “I hadn’t even thought about running for re-election since...well, you know.”
“Sorry,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I thought Tori told you. She’s the one who suggested I run.”
I smirked as I connected the dots and realized what Tori had done. She was pulling the same move on me that I’d used on her when she’d first arrived in town, working behind the scenes to help without making it obvious. Like when I’d asked Diana to give Tori a dress I’d bought for her, but Diana told her it was one of Margo’s that no longer fit. She’d have refused to wear it if I’d given it to her myself.
“Leave it to Tori.” I chuckled. “She knows how hard it is for me to let go of responsibilities. Having you run for mayor would certainly help ease the burden.”
Jaxon’s eyes glimmered. “Is that a roundabout way of saying you approve?”
A warm smile spread across my face as I clapped Jaxon on the shoulder. “Actually, Jaxon, you don’t have to worry about beating me in the election because I’m not planning on running for mayor this term.”
“Really?”
I laughed at the surprise in his tone. “Yes, really,” I confirmed. “Though I have a hunch one or both of the Greenthornes might give it a shot, but I can assure you they’re not as popular as their egos might have them believe. I believe you’ll win in a landslide even though you’re new in town.”
Jaxon let out a relieved laugh. “You have no idea how much that means to me, Ridge. Thank you for your support.”
“Of course, and I’ll let everyone know you have my blessing—not that I think you’ll need it. I know you’ll be great at balancingthe needs of the humans and the supernaturals in Blackwood Creek. You’re exactly what this town needs.” The weight that had been bearing down on me all these years lifted now that I knew I could step back and leave the town in good hands.
“Thank you, Ridge,” Jaxon said sincerely. He glanced at Tori, who was talking animatedly with a group of shifters. He grinned mischievously before adding, “And I must say, I’m looking forward to having little grandpups running around town someday in the future. Whenever you and Tori are ready, of course.”
My cheeks flushed at the mention of starting a family with Tori, but I couldn’t deny I wanted that. “We’ll see what the future holds,” I said, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance. “For now, though, we need to focus on the task at hand.”
Jaxon’s expression turned serious once more. “Once we get through all of this, I’m certain Blackwood Creek will thrive.”
“So do I,” I said to Jaxon, but my gaze lingered on Tori as she laughed at something one of the shifters said. She truly was the heart of our community, and with her by my side, we could overcome anything.
Jaxon clapped me on the back once more. “I should get back to helping with preparations. I’ll see you later, Ridge.”
“Take care.”
The warmth spreading through my chest at the thought of having a family with Tori was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Through the bond, I could feel the happiness radiating from her as she approached me, two steaming plates of food in hand. Her eyes met mine, and she could sense my elation through our connection.
“Okay, spill it,”she sent telepathically through our bond, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.“What’s got you grinning like that?”
“Nothing much.”I tried to keep my internal tone light.“Just found out you’ve been playing matchmaker between Jaxon and the mayor’s office.”
Tori’s laughter rang through my mind as she handed me one of the plates and said, “Guilty as charged. I figured someone needed to help you let go of some stress, and who better than my own dad? Besides, he’ll do a great job.”
I handed her coffee back, and she took a sip. I smiled at the foam mustache on her upper lip. “I don’t doubt that for a second,” I said, wiping the foam away with my thumb. “I’m glad you did it, actually. Jaxon will be perfect for the job.”
Before she could respond, Clawson’s howl echoed through the air. It wasn’t a cry of pain or alarm. It was the signal we had agreed on to summon me if my presence was needed.
I exchanged a worried glance with Tori. “Let’s go.” I set my untouched plate of food down and, once she’d done the same, took her hand. We moved swiftly through the gathered shifters, our steps quickening as we neared the location of Clawson’s call.
When we arrived, we found Clawson and several other shifters crowded around a man who looked like he’d been through hell. His clothes were torn and bloody, his face bruised and swollen. Despite his obvious terror, he stood tall, his battered features set in a determination that spoke volumes.
“Ridge.” Clawson stepped aside to reveal the battered man more clearly. “This guy says he’s been sent by William to deliver a message.”
I studied the man carefully. Why would William involve a human like this? The man locked eyes with me, and I saw confusion and pain swirling within them.
“Who are you?” I asked.
The man swallowed hard before answering. “Name’s Erick,” he said hoarsely. “William’s got something he wants to say toyou. Said it was important enough to send me here, even in my...current state.”
