Page 32 of Shifters Unifying

“That’s the plan.” I shrugged. “I hope she’s ready to hear it.”

She leaned close. “If all else fails, you can turn into her favorite animal, and prove it all,” she whispered. “I know your mom. She’ll be happy when you’re happy. So, are you happy, Emma?”

“Once we get passed a few…uh…” I paused, searching the right words. “Hurdles, I think I’ll be the happiest I’ve ever been in my life.” If a particular hurdle named Acheron didn’t kill me first.

“Then that’ll be all that matters to her,” she said. “Make sure to tell her that part.”

“And how are you? Are you okay, Shannon?”

She beamed at me. “We’ve been great. I’m enjoying my time off, and the kids have fall break. It’ll be the first time I’ve been able to take off for their whole fall break.”

“Any strangers poking around?”

“Not a one,” she said. “You know, it’s hard for me to believe all that happened… before. It feels like a dream.”

“Some days, it feels like that way to me, too.” I gave her a sheepish grin. “I’ll get out of your hair. Zeke looks like he’s afraid you’ll never be on your way.”

Shannon laughed. “He’s always the first one up. Isn’t that right, Zeke?”

He threw his head back. “Can we goooooo?”

Shannon gave me a quick hug, and I made my way back to Jasper and the SUV. Another ten minutes brought us to Riley’s family home, and Jasper pulled into the driveway. I took a deep breath with my hand on the door handle, but I didn’t climb out.

Jasper considered me. “Ye well, lass?”

“Afraid of what I’ll find,” I murmured.

“She’ll be fine. Torbin’s the best at what he does.”

I climbed out of the car, strolled up the sidewalk, and rang the doorbell, swaying back and forth while I waited, nervously.

When Riley answered her door, her eyes widened. “Emma! I didn’t expect to see you today.” Her pale skin and reddened eyes sent a chill down my spine. I didn’t know what to say. But then she stepped onto the porch and threw her arms around me. “It’s good to see you.”

“How are the headaches?” I asked as I squeezed her back. She felt thinner than I remembered, but as her boss, I wasn’t sure how often I’d actually hugged her.

“Getting better. I haven’t had one in a few days. Whatever it was seems to be fading. Want something to eat?”

“That’s great.” I stepped back and wiped an escaped tear from my cheek before she noticed it. “No, I’m having an early lunch with my mom, but I had to check on you since I’m back in Willow Creek for a few hours.”

“I’m glad you did.”

“Have there been any strangers poking around here?” I asked.

She gave me a confused look. “Other than the Viking?” She laughed. “He’s a real trip. Totally sus without being sus.”

My grin split my face. “Yes, other than Flynn.”

“No, nobody’s been around. It’s pretty much business as usual around here. You’re the one with all the excitement.”

I studied her expression, trying to figure out if she had remembered anything about my shifting and her kidnapping, or if she meant my extended leave of absence. “Yeah, it’s been pretty exciting for me,” I said, figuring the noncommittal answer would be safe enough. “I’ve got to get back to it. I’ll text you soon.”

“Sounds good,” she said. “Thanks for checking on me. You really didn’t have to make a fuss over my headaches, but it’s good to see you. I’ll be glad when we’re all back to work.”

“Me, too,” I said, almost ready to admit the old normal would never happen again.

We said our goodbyes, and I returned to the vehicle.

Jasper reversed out of the driveway. “Feel better about Riley?”