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As we drove away from the B&B, I lost myself in my thoughts. I considered the possibility that I might need to kick the Greenthornes out, but even they didn’t deserve to be picked off by the hunters. It was a tricky situation, one that made me dislike being the alpha sometimes. Especially since I’d never had to force people out of the pack.
I thought about how Jaxon Hyde had worked with other paranormal beings and turned to Tori. “Have you ever met anyone from the hunter factions who hunted other paranormals, not just wolf shifters?”
She shook her head. “Not really. The hunting factions have little need to talk to other types of hunters since each has one type of being they’re responsible for ridding the world of. It’s different battling a vampire compared to a shifter, so the hunters specialize in one being to gain the best outcome possible. To be the best at exterminating their so-called chosen monster.”
How could hunters live that way? I glanced over at Tori as she gazed out the window, waving at a few people we passed in town. I hated how easily hunters were brainwashed to believe the worst just because a paranormal being was different.
“Kyle told me that vampire hunters are still out there in large numbers, like shifter hunters,” Tori continued. “But I haven’t heard about others.”
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that all paranormals were in the same boat. If we could team up against all types of hunting factions, that would be the most ideal situation. But first, I needed to focus on protecting my pack and looking after Tori. And in order to do the latter, I neededanswers about her father and what had happened to him. Maybe if Tori knew more about her biological father, she could heal, close off that chapter of her life, and move forward. What better time to find out more about Jaxon Hyde than now, when so many different packs were converging in Blackwood Creek? Now was a great time to go digging.
As we drove through town, I knew I couldn’t let this matter rest. I needed to find the truth, no matter the cost.
Chapter 19
Tori
I paced around Ridge’s office at the town hall, my heart aching with our recent troubles. The scare with Zander and the horrifying realization that my real father might have been the one to kill my mother made me feel like I was drowning in an ocean of pain.
I glanced over at Ridge, who was engrossed in a heated discussion with Clawson about security measures. Despite his fierce appearance, he bore the same heavy burden I did. His protective nature had only intensified after Gordon had infiltrated Blackwood Creek.
“Ridge,” I interrupted their conversation. “I need to get out of here for a bit. I want to go to the store and pick up some art supplies.” I tried to sound strong, but my wavering voice betrayed my emotional turmoil.
“Absolutely not,” Ridge said without a moment’s hesitation. “You’re not going anywhere alone.”
“Come on, Ridge,” I pleaded, desperation creeping in. “It’s just a quick trip to the store. What could possibly happen?”
“Sorry, Tori,” Clawson said apologetically. “Ridge is right. We can’t take any chances right now.”
I fumed silently, hating how being mated had made Clawson even more protective and how he was apparently lumping me into that protection. Was it because I was friends with Margo, and he didn’t want her upset if something happened to me? Or was it just some kind of recently mated, post-glow male dominance? Either way, I couldn’t stand it.
As the two men continued discussing security measures, I seized my opportunity to slip away unnoticed. Ridge would be furious later, but I needed a breather. If Ridge couldn’t let me live normally, our relationship would never last.
The cool air hit my face as I stepped out of the town hall, strengthening my determination. I was going to get those art supplies and find solace in expressing myself—something I hadn’t done in far too long.
As I walked toward the store, I tried not to think about the dangers lurking around every corner, focusing instead on the release painting would bring me. But deep down, I knew Ridge’s protectiveness wasn’t entirely unwarranted. The world we lived in was full of danger, but I refused to let that hold me back from living my life.
At the store, I gathered up an armful of art supplies without incident and checked out. Not fifteen minutes later, I made my way back to the town hall, triumphant. I had proven that I could still manage on my own, even though I now had someone who cared for me deeply.
My heart was still racing happily as I turned the corner, my art supplies cradled in my arms. The sun warmed my face, but a sudden collision with someone nearly put me on my butt.
“Oof.” I struggled to keep my grip on the supplies.
My gaze landed on a young man, his expression one of shock and recognition. He looked so familiar, yet I couldn’t place him.
“No way,” he said, eying me up and down. “How old are you?”
“Excuse me?” I snapped, offended and uncomfortable. “You don’t just ask someone that when you first meet them. Mind your own business.”
His laughter rang out, doing nothing to ease my tension. “Sorry, sorry.” He offered an exaggerated bow. “Dean Aldrin at your service.” He straightened up and gestured to the supplies I was juggling. “Need some help with those?”
“Thanks, but I am fine,” I said curtly. As I attempted to step past him, an art easel slipped from my grasp. To my surprise, Dean caught it with unnatural speed. My nerves spiked. He didn’t smell like a shifter, but his reflexes were too quick for a human. Could he be another hunter?
He handed back the easel. “Here. Don’t want you dropping anything important.”
“Th-thanks,” I stammered, forced to accept his help. If he was a hunter, panicking would only put everyone around us in danger. Instead, I had to lead him away from the town square to somewhere we could confront each other without causing a scene. With a nod, I began to walk toward Ridge’s manor, hoping to find a secluded spot along the way.
As we walked, the tension within me grew. Adrenaline pumped through my veins, and I struggled to maintain a normal pace. My inner wolf was ready to strike, but I had to wait for the perfect moment.
