Page 32 of Christmas at Wolf Creek

Kane’s posture shifts immediately, tension radiating from every muscle. “What exactly did they say?”

“That Ella isn’t who she says she is.” Declan meets each of our eyes in turn. “They told me to ask her about St. Petersburg. About what really happened the night she ran.”

I let out a slow breath, processing this. “Could be a bluff. Someone fishing for information.”

“Maybe,” Declan concedes. “But how many people know enough to connect Ella to us? To this place?”

“Not many,” Connor interjects, pacing the small space between bookshelves. “Tomas kept this property separate from his public holdings. It’s not linked to the MacGallan name in any searchable records.”

I watch Kane’s face darken as the implications sink in. “So, either someone’s been watching her for a long time...”

“Or someone very connected is looking for her now,” I finish for him.

“Either way, we need to know exactly what we’re dealing with,” Declan says firmly. “We need the whole truth from Ella.”

I shift uncomfortably, torn between concern for their sister and respect for her privacy. “She’s kept these secrets for eight years, Declan. For good reason, apparently. We can’t just demand she spill everything because of one cryptic phone call.”

“We can if it puts Nora at risk,” Kane counters, his voice hard. “If someone’s found them here, their safety is compromised.”

“Agreed,” Connor nods. “But we need to be careful how we approach this. Ella’s skittish enough as it is. Push too hard, and she might bolt.”

I’ve been thinking the same thing. In the short time I’ve known her, I’ve recognized something in her that resonates with me—the instinct to run when cornered—the preference for fight or flight, with a heavy lean toward fight for me.

“So, what’s the plan?” I ask, looking to Declan. Despite our complicated history, he’s still the one we turn to for strategy.

“We’ll talk to her tonight, after Nora’s asleep,” he decides after a moment. “All of us, together. No accusations, just honesty about the call and our concerns.”

Kane nods slowly. “And if she won’t tell us?”

“Then we respect her choice,” I say firmly, surprising myself with the conviction in my voice. “But make it clear we’re here regardless. That she’s not alone anymore.”

A knock at the door interrupts us. It swings open to reveal Kori, holding a tray of steaming mugs.

“Hot chocolate delivery,” she announces, then pauses as she takes in our serious expressions. “Am I interrupting something?”

“Family meeting,” Kane says, moving to take the tray from her. “Thanks for this.”

She studies his face, clearly picking up on the tension. “Everything okay?”

“Not sure yet,” he replies honestly. “We’ll fill you in later.”

Kori nods, understanding the dismissal. “Nora’s story is wrapping up. So that you know.”

Once she’s gone, we each take a mug of hot chocolate, the cheerful mini marshmallows floating on top at odds with the gravity of our conversation.

“So, we’re agreed?” Declan confirms, looking at each of us. “Tonight, after Nora’s in bed.”

We all nod, a silent pact formed over steaming mugs of chocolate. Whatever storm is coming, we’ll face it together.

When we return to the great room, the scene isso peaceful it makes my chest ache. Ella sits on the couch with Nora curled against her side, reading from a worn copy of “The Night Before Christmas.” The fire crackles softly, casting warm light across their faces. The others are scattered around the room, listening with expressions ranging from nostalgic to amused.

“...and I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight, ‘Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!’” Ella finishes, gently closing the book.

“Again?” Nora asks hopefully, fighting to keep her eyes open.

“Tomorrow,” Ella promises, kissing the top of her head. “It’s bedtime for elves.”

“But Uncle Rory just got back,” she protests, spotting me as I enter the room. “He hasn’t told me about Toronto yet.”