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Jack stared at her for a long moment before he finally nodded, slow and deliberate. “He loved you like you were his own,” he said, his voice rougher now. “Told me more than once you were the best decision he ever made.”

Billie’s chin trembled, and Rafe watched her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. “He was the only one who ever believed in me,” she whispered.

Jack stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, his expression firm but kind. “Then you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Not even me.”

He turned to the others behind him. “This bar belongs to her. That’s Davey’s will—and mine, too.”

Rafe’s shoulders loosened just a hair, but he didn’t stop watching the man who was now staring at Billie Ann, and Rafe didn’t like the look he was giving her. He didn’t trust Crow Shifters, especially when it came to Billie Ann.

“Thank you,” Billie Ann said to Jack when he turned back around. “I plan on opening tomorrow. You’re all welcome to come.”

“I’ll be here.” The man Rafe didn’t know, but planned on knowing real fucking soon, gave Billie Ann a wink.

“Thanks, Frisco.” Billie Ann gave him a half smile, but Rafe also noticed it didn’t reach her eyes. There was a story there, something he needed to flesh out.

Frisco gave her a nod, then his gaze swung to Rafe, his eyes narrowing as if in challenge. Rafe’s eyes narrowed back as accepting that challenge.

“I’m going to have one of my men here during opening hours to keep you safe,” Jack informed her.

“I volunteer,” Frisco announced without hesitation.

“Not necessary,” Rafe said, his eyes not leaving Frisco. “I’m staying here.”

“More manpower won’t hurt.” He gave Rafe a measured look, then stepped back into the shadow of his crows, and just like that, they shifted in a burst of feathers and were gone, leaving the wind stirred and the air lighter than before.

Bruce snorted. “You know what they say about Crows...never trust a bird who brings roadkill to a gathering and calls it a family recipe.”

“I’ve never heard anyone say that,” Billie Ann said, rolling her eyes as she looked at Bruce, who sat proudly like he’d delivered the quote of the century.

Rafe caught the way her lips twitched, like she was fighting a smile.

“Why don’t you do me a favor and go tell everyone thatShift Facedis opening tomorrow?” she added, brushing invisible lint off her jeans as if steeling herself for what was to come.

Bruce stretched, his tail curling in a lazy arc. “You sure you’re ready for that? Because once I run my mouth, it’s like tossing meat into a wolf den. You’ll have Shifters crawling out of the woods, witches teleporting in, and don’t get me started on the gnomes. They drink like fish and tip like raccoons.”

Billie Ann laughed, just a soft breath of sound, but it was real. Rafe felt something warm catch in his chest when she glanced at him, like the sun breaking through storm clouds. He could see the nervousness in her eyes, but also the fire of determination.

He gave her a quiet nod, solid and steady.

“Yeah,” she said, her voice stronger now. “I’m ready.”

She offered Rafe a small, grateful smile before turning and heading back into the bar, shoulders a little straighter and spine a little firmer.

Bruce watched her go, then shot a look at Rafe. “Break her heart and I’ll break your ugly face, Jaggie.”

Rafe didn’t dignify that with a response. He just watched the door swing shut behind her, his heart already following where she’d gone.

He stopped Bruce before he could walk away. “Bruce, what do you know about the Crow, Frisco?”

“Not much other than he used to bartend when Frank was scheduled off. He also did odd jobs. He was around a lot, did some bouncing when things got out of hand. Whatever Daveyneeded done, he did.” Bruce said, then looked deep in thought. “Why? Didn’t like that he had his hands on yourgirlfriend.”

The way Bruce said girlfriend made Rafe want to punch him. “Did they date?”

“Damn, didn’t know Jaguars were more of the jealous type than Panthers. Color me shocked.” Bruce snorted. “But no, not that I know of. Davey was pretty strict where guys were concerned with Billie Ann. All I got from Billie Ann was that they were friends. Seriously, why? Are your spidey senses working overtime?”

Rafe ignored his question. “Was he working here when Davey was killed?”

Bruce turned fully around and walked up to Rafe. “Damn, you’re on to something aren’t you, Jag?”