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Some people had too much money and not enough sense.
“You’re right.” He curled around me tighter, and I could feel the smile on the back of my neck.
I huffed, satisfied he was seeing things my way now.
“I can do whatever I want with it because it’s my money, and I want to spoil you. That’s what’ll make me happy.”
“That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”
“I have a brilliant idea.” He sounded as giddy as a little boy on Christmas morning. “Do you want your own tattoo parlor?”
I choked, my breath sputtering out of me.
What was he talking about? My own tattoo parlor?
A thrill ran through me. Having my own tattoo parlor was something I’d never even allowed myself to dream about—it hurt too much to know I couldn’t have it.
After a moment of insanity, I brought myself back to reality. I rolled my eyes at Ridge as I got defensive and practical, rebuilding my much-needed walls of security.
“I can fend for myself, thank you very much. The money should be put to better use, such as fortifying the town’s security, or funding the building of new homes and facilities for the packs you’re determined to bring here. Those shifters will need places to live, and they might be more inclined to uproot their lives and relocate if they knew they had houses ready and waiting for them when they join your pack.”
“I already spoke with Clawson about more funding for law enforcement and security, but you’re absolutely right about more housing for packs that might come to Blackwood Creek.” He kissed my cheek, and I heard the smile in his voice when he spoke. “Little wolf, you’re a genius. I can’t believe I didn’t think about that sooner. I’ll set that in motion tomorrow. That’ll make a big difference for shifters deciding whether they want to come here. It’ll show them that I’m serious about this.”
Happy for the darkness concealing my face, I beamed at how seriously he’d taken my advice and that he wanted to start implementing it immediately. My father—or, rather, William—had never really listened to me, so it amazed me to have this leader, this alpha, take something I’d said in passing and deem it worthy and applicable.
Snuggling in closer to him, I enjoyed how natural it felt to be with him like this. Ridge made everything easier, and I’d take it and absorb it all for the night.
Later, I’d worry about that strange need to bite him, how to leave Blackwood Creek, and how to protect him and this town. For now, I was basking in him, and it was never easier for me to fall asleep than when I was wrapped in his arms.
Chapter49
Ridge
Waking up wrapped tightly around Tori was incredible, but when I looked at the clock, I didn’t think I could go back to sleep. I held her for a bit longer, but all my responsibilities and duties weighed heavily on my mind, and I needed to take care of them.
At the top of my list was checking in with Clawson. We needed to discuss the town’s security. After that, I needed to work on my regular business, then I’d gather the shifters and discuss the dangers Blackwood Creek would soon face.
Sneaking out of bed so I didn’t disturb Tori, I dressed for the day and hit the ground running in my office. Figuring that the sheriff would still be asleep, I decided to work through the mountain of emails waiting for me.
The sun started to rise, sending muted rays through my office windows, and I was relieved to have already accomplished quite a bit of work. I wasn’t completely caught up, but I could now see the light at the end of the tunnel and feel almost certain it was the exit, not a train racing toward me from the opposite direction.
Draining another cup of coffee, I refilled it in the kitchen and decided to call Clawson. He should be up and about by now, and we had a lot to get settled.
“Good morning,” I said when he answered.
“It’s too early to be a good morning,” he griped.
I chuckled. “What, did I wake you?”
“No, I’ve been up for a couple of hours now, but it’s just been several long days in a row.”
“You can say that again.”
“What’s going on, Blackwood?”
“I was calling to get an update on the security measures. Also, I need to get the word out about an emergency shifter meeting. It’s time to start letting shifters know what’s going on and what risks there are now. Tell everyone to meet at the clearing at eleven tonight.” I leaned back in my chair and watched the colors in the sky shift and meld.
“I’ll spread the word about the meeting. As for security, luckily, more shifters have signed up and started doing the police training. Getting enough trainees who don’t even join the force would be remarkable because more would be prepared. I also hired a new deputy, and they’ll be starting soon, so that will help lessen my patrol time so I can get on the horn more with the other packs.
