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It was my turn to laugh. I didn’t havethings. I had a bag, and that was it, but I didn’t tell him that. If he found out how little I actually had, he’d have a whole wardrobe and things he decided I needed to be delivered by tomorrow night.
I didn’t understand how I was sure of that, but my wolf rumbled her appreciation. She liked that he’d take care of our needs. Slamming that thought down, I frowned at myself. I didn’t need anything. I took care of myself just fine, without any aid from anybody.
“I need to let Diana know that I won’t be staying there anymore, and I’d prefer to go alone.”
Ridge walked to a little table, pulled out the top drawer, and pulled something out. He walked over to me and handed over a set of keys.
“Okay, take the Range Rover. If you need anything, I’ll be getting some work done in my office in the library.” He pointed out the direction of the library before walking toward it.
Astonished, I gripped the keys. He was letting me take one of his cars? An expensive, shiny car, no less.
Then I frowned. It was late for him to be working. He should be resting. I figured that with the murder, he probably had a lot more on his plate. He already had significant responsibilities, but the town’s safety had just gone out the window. With everyone on edge, there was more pressure on him to resolve this quickly and make sure everyone felt safe again.
It bothered me that all of that fell on his shoulders alone. He needed someone to look out for him because he was bound to overwork himself. Sure, he had Sheriff Clawson, but Ridge was the mayor and the alpha. He wouldn’t let anyone step in, do his job, and take over his responsibilities. He needed someone by his side, forcing him to take care ofhimselfnow and then.
Chapter15
Tori
As I parked the Range Rover in front of the B&B, I couldn’t help but love how smooth a ride the luxury vehicle was. Since going on the run, I’d only driven rust buckets if I was fortunate enough to build up some savings. I’d drive the car until it wouldn’t go anymore, then leave it on the side of the road and hoof it.
More recently, I’d stuck to buses and hitchhiking. I’d had to burn my last fake identity and still didn’t have the funds to get another one. It wasn’t easy to get one, and I hated doing it, but it was the only way to stay ahead and alive.
Diana was drinking her nightly chamomile tea in the front room.
“Tori, I didn’t expect to see you this evening.” She gave me a coy, knowing smile.
“Right, yes.” Slightly flustered, I stumbled over my words. “I came by to let you know I won’t need a room here anymore. Now that the word is out, my fiancé wants me at his place.”
Diana let out a soft chuckle. “Of course, my dear. I’m surprised you stayed here at all. It’s not like an alpha to be willing to let his mate be alone and not within easy reach. With a murderer in the town, Ridge wouldn’t want you anywhere but at his home.”
“Yes, well, I wanted to try to make my own way in town first. I knew that as soon as I was known as Mayor Alpha Blackwood’s fiancée”—boy, was that a mouthful—“people would start treating me differently. Except you haven’t, and I appreciate that more than I could say.”
“I can see why you would want to make your own way for a little while, but I’m fond of you, Tori, and you always have a place here with Margo and me.” Her gentle eyes lingered over mine. “I hope you know that.”
Swallowing became a chore. “Thank you, Ms. Bogford.”
“Hush on that. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Diana?”
I choked on my emotions and left her to finish her tea so I could pack, but when I passed Margo’s room, I heard the faint sound of crying and sniffles. Indecision seesawed. Did I intrude or leave her be?
I’d let Margo decide. If she wanted to be alone, she would ignore me. Gently, I knocked on the door. Margo invited me in.
“Oh, hey, Tori.” She wiped her eyes with a tissue.
“Hey, are you okay?”
I wasn’t one to comfort people, but seeing my new friend so sad had me sitting on the bed with her and wanting to hurt whoever had made her cry and fix whatever damage was done.
My wolf whined a little at the usually bubbly Margo’s tears.
“Yeah, it’s just been a lot going on. It’s all catching up to me now.” Of course, the deputy’s death. It was only natural that she’d be affected by it. She’d known him. For all I knew, they’d been friends. “Sometimes a girl needs a good cry, and I’m taking advantage of it right now. Normally, I’d put onSteel MagnoliasorBeachesso that I’d have an excuse, but after today, there’s no need for an excuse.”
I hadn’t had the luxury of crying, not since before going on the run. It exerted too much emotion, which was exhausting and distracting.
“I’ll get through it.” She wiped her face and gave me a watery smile, which morphed into her trademarked smirk. “I’m surprised you’re here, now that the cat’s out of the bag.”
I was getting somewhat used to Margo’s abrupt changes in topic and lighthearted demeanor.
