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My conversation with Audrey had convinced me that this group knew I was associated with the hunters. They might not know the extent of it, as Audrey did, but with Kyle coming back with us, it wouldn’t be long before others connected the dots.
At the airport, we turned in the rental car and boarded Ridge’s plane without incident. I couldn’t have been more relieved. Even though I’d taken the magic pill, I had yet to have a moment to breathe.
The flight to Pennsylvania was standard and unexciting. It helped that we had the plane to ourselves and didn’t need to answer questions about the two unconscious men in our care.
I curled up under Ridge’s arm and napped. It was the first time I’d ever let my guard down while traveling, the first time I felt safe enough to do so before I’d first shifted. I was under no illusions, though. Once my role in the hunters’ infiltration of the town became common knowledge, they’d have no choice but to expel me. Then I’d be back on the run.
Until that happened, I’d help by giving Ridge as much information as possible about the hunters and their methods so he could fortify the town against any future attacks. Before I had to leave, I wanted as much time with Ridge as I could to create as many happy memories with him as possible. I’d cherish those memories of us for the rest of my life.
Not wanting to risk a run-in with any hunters, we arrived at a different small private airport than the one Clawson and I’d departed from the day before. It meant another rental car and a long drive back to the off-the-path town, but given the circumstances, it was better to be safe than sorry.
As I drove through the Pennsylvania countryside, I realized that for the first time in five years, I was excited to head back to a place. Blackwood Creek was so inviting, and I wanted to stay. I wanted somewhere I could call home.
Mentally scolding myself for the foolish daydreams, I moved around in my seat and frowned. As much as I wanted that, it could never be. It was best to get everyone settled, and then, to protect the people I cared about, I’d have to be on my way before I brought more heartache to the town. Now that I knew the risks of becoming feral, I’d stop and meet with shifters when the urge and opportunity arose. That was the best I could hope for.
A pang throbbed in my heart at the thought of leaving, but I would do it if it meant everyone would be safe.
“You okay, little wolf?”
“Hmm?” I glanced at Ridge, then turned my eyes back to the road.
“I asked if you’re okay.”
“Oh, yeah. I’m good.” I plastered on a smile, trying to make it as believable as possible because who was I kidding? Ridge could read me like a book, but he didn’t need to be so clued into me that he’d figure out my plans.
Hesitantly, he tightened his grip on my thigh, then kissed my temple before settling back down in his seat. “Okay.”
That reaction didn’t sound very believable, but there was nothing to discuss. He’d only try to convince me otherwise, and we had an audience.
As we rolled into the idyllic town of Blackwood Creek, it was like everyone in the car exhaled a sigh of relief and all the tension vanished. It was clear the town hadn’t weathered any more surprise attacks from the hunters, which had been on all our minds while we were away. The hunters had infiltrated once, so why wouldn’t they attack again? Especially when they were aware we’d been weakened? It would’ve been a smart move on their part—it’s what I would have done—but the town was the same as we’d left it.
However, it wasn’t all rainbows. The town was restless, and a large group of police officers and townsfolk were gathered outside the town hall, engaged in heated discussions. It looked like law enforcement was trying to keep everybody calm, but people weren’t stupid. They knew something had happened the night before last, and they were scared. And with the mayor and sheriff gone, they weren’t getting any answers.
“It’s no surprise that the town’s in disarray after everything that’s happened. I just wished we could settle in first,” Ridge said with a sigh as we drove by the town hall.
Audrey huffed. “I’d like to add that I’m sure my parents have been throwing civil lawsuits at departments and divisions everywhere they can to make this more interesting. Not that they give a shit about my safe return. They just thrive on drama and causing chaos.”
Everyone looked at Audrey, and I caught her eye in the rearview mirror.
“Okay, fine.” She rolled her eyes. “I admit, not unlike myself. I like a little flair to situations, but not when it’s something like this. People’s lives are at stake. They don’t have a clue what’s going on.”
We all couldn’t help but smirk a little at her statement. Who knew Audrey Greenthorne would be the tension-easer of the bunch?
Ridge turned to me. “Tori, why don’t you head to the Bogford Bed and Breakfast? We can drop you, Diana, and Audrey off. Birch and I will take Zander to the hospital, then head to the town hall.”
I wanted to argue with him about being separated, but I kept my mouth shut. He had to do his mayoral duties, and he’d get more done and be more effective if I wasn’t trailing after him. The town was still divided about welcoming me, and the events that had taken place since my arrival had not gone unnoticed, so I wasn’t sure how the residents would receive me in this tense situation. To most of them, I was still an outsider.
As I approached the B&B and pulled on the parking brake, Margo appeared at the door, her expression a mix of hope and fear as she looked out at the unfamiliar vehicle. Peering into the car, she let out a small gasp of recognition. Before we’d even gotten out of the car, Margo was rushing down the walkway and launching herself at her mom.
They cried openly and held each other tight. It didn’t take long for Margo to open her arms and pull me into the embrace. My heart squeezed at the bittersweet moment, reminding me of the love and connection I’d missed for so long.
Soon, I’d have to give this all up.
Stopping the pity party before it could take hold of me completely, I basked in the happy moment.
Margo graced Clawson with a stern “thank you,” but wouldn’t look at him or say more.
I wondered if I should butt in and say something to my friend about how Clawson was obviously super in love with her or mention the term he’d used when he’d spoken about her—"fated mate.” The way he’d said it, and the pained look on his face… it had to mean something significant. The timing wasn’t right, however, so I made a mental note to bring it up at a more appropriate time.
