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I know trying to talk her out of it is pointless. Erica’s stubborn streak could challenge tectonic plates—but that doesn’t stop the twist of worry in my gut. Once her mind’s made up, the best I can do is brace for impact.

I step outside, hoping to catch Ray before he disappears into his work. I don’t have to look far. He steps out of the workshop, grease streaked up his arms, white tee clinging to him in all the right ways. Rough around the edges. Ridiculously handsome.

“Sleeping beauty returns,” he teases, wiping his hands on a rag. “Good to see you upright.”

“Yeah, thanks,” I murmur. “I just heard the plan. Erica told me.”

He raises a brow. “Not a fan, huh?”

“Not exactly.” I fold my arms. “You’re sending my best friend into a dangerous situation.”

He meets my eyes, calm as ever.

“She volunteered. And she’s not just capable—she’s getting stronger every day. She’s more than ready for this.”

“Why not send someone else? Helena, maybe? She’s experienced. More...covert.”

“Erica took down a wolf-shifter on her own. That’s not just impressive—it’s rare. I trust her and more than that, shewantsto help. Are you sure it’s her you’re worried about?”

I pause. He sees right through me. Damn it.

“No,” I admit, finally letting my arms drop. “It’s not just her. It’syou,too. You’re going into a town full of humans who don’t know what you are. One slip, one wrong move—and it could all blow up.”

He steps closer, expression softening.

“We’ve thought about that. That’swhyshe’s going. With Erica there, we won’t have to use the wolf. Not even once. She’s our buffer.”

He leans in, that familiar warmth in his eyes making my chest ache.

“It’s all going to be okay. I promise. And when I get back, I’ll take you for a ride on my bike. Just you and me. Wind in our hair. Nothing but open road.”

Something in me melts. In such a short time, he already knows how to work me.

“I’m holding you to that.”

He wraps his arms around me without hesitation, pulling me in like he was always meant to. My cheek finds the solid warmth of his chest, and I let myself breathe. Earth. Grease. Him.

I could argue. Could pick apart the plan or demand a different approach. But I don’t. Because standing here in his arms, all that fight drains out of me.

He’s being kind. Considerate. Protective in ways that make me feel like maybe—just maybe—I’m not in this alone anymore. Whatever happens next, I can only hope they all come back in one piece.

This strange, haunted little town needs protectors—people willing to fight back. And as much as it terrifies me,Ineed them too.

16

RAY

Ten minutes to ten, Raul’s going over the details of our so-called excursion again. Like it’s a goddamn picnic—as if what we’re about to do is barely worth the effort.

Honestly? I agree. Humans pose no challenge. We don’t even need the wolf—not for them. The odds are stacked in our favor like a house rigged for the win.

Everything shifts when Erica steps out of my brother’s cabin, worry written across her face. Her eyes lock onto mine, searching for answers—maybe reassurance. Something’s wrong.

“I can’t find Sam,” she says, voice quick and clipped. “He left two hours ago, said he needed to stretch his legs. But that was two hours ago, and he’s not answering his phone.”

Raul groans, looking away.

“Erica, stay here. Ray and I’ll go find him. Get in the truck, kid.”