Page 20 of Wedding for My Werewolf (Fairhaven Falls #7)

CHAPTER 20

E ric stalked across the wooden floor of the cabin, his wolf’s anxiety making each step more aggressive than necessary. The memory of Robin’s hurt expression played on repeat in his mind.

He paused at the window, scanning the tree line yet again. No sign of her. His fingers curled into fists at his sides. His wolf demanded action—find her, protect her, keep her close. The rational part of his brain knew she needed time to process, but his instincts screamed otherwise.

“Fuck,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. He should have handled the investigation differently. Should have told her what he was doing instead of going behind her back. But the need to keep her safe had overridden everything else.

The cabin felt empty without her. Her scent lingered but it wasn’t enough. Not when his wolf knew she was out there alone, vulnerable. He’d checked the scent trail multiple times, but there was no trace of Thatcher. Apparently his mother and Robin had been successful in driving the man away. Unlike him.

He turned for another lap across the floor and picked up a new scent. He rushed over to the door, opening it just as Garrick arrived in the clearing. The gargoyle’s stone-like features were set in a frown, his usual stoic demeanor tinged with concern.

“Where’s Robin? She didn’t come to work this morning.”

His wolf settled slightly at the familiar presence, though irritation still prickled under his skin. “She needed some time alone. Went for a walk in the woods.”

“Alone?” Garrick’s frown deepened. “With that bounty hunter skulking around?”

“I don’t think he’s still around, but I checked the area before she left.” He scowled at the other male. He didn’t need anyone else questioning his ability to protect her. “No unfamiliar scents.”

Garrick crossed his arms, his shoulders scraping the doorframe. “She’s upset about something.”

“We had a… disagreement.” He fought back a growl at having to explain himself. “I looked into her past without telling her.”

“Ah.” Garrick’s expression shifted to understanding. “She values her privacy.”

“She’s had reason to. It was a stupid thing to do.” He raked a hand through his hair. “She’s fine, Garrick. Just needs space to think.”

The gargoyle nodded slowly. “Tell her not to worry about work today. But I expect her back tomorrow—the library’s getting dusty.”

He studied Garrick’s impassive face, for a moment, weighing his options. His wolf trusted the gargoyle, and after everything that had happened, he needed someone else in their corner.

“She was framed.” The words came out in a low growl. “Her former boss set her up to take the fall for his embezzlement scheme. Made her sign documents, buried the evidence in her name.”

Garrick’s stone features hardened even further. “And the bounty hunter?”

“Working for the bastard who framed her.” His claws threatened to emerge at the thought. “She’s been running ever since she discovered what he’d done.”

“That explains her wariness when she first arrived.” Garrick leaned against the doorframe, causing the wood to creak. “Good thing she found you.”

“Found me?” He snorted. “More like I couldn’t stay away. My wolf knew something was different about her from the start.”

“I noticed.” A hint of amusement crept into Garrick’s gravelly voice. “Never seen you so protective of anyone before.”

“This whole mess…” He shook his head. “At least she’s not alone anymore.”

“No, she’s not.” Garrick straightened. “You did right by her, Eric. Not many would take on someone else’s troubles like that.”

The gargoyle’s approval eased something in his chest. Having another ally, especially one as formidable as Garrick, could only help keep Robin safe.

“What’s the name of the company she worked for?” Garrick added. “I still have some connections in the city. People who owe me favors. Let me have a quiet word.”

“I’d appreciate that.” He meant it. His usual instinct to handle everything alone wasn’t as strong as his need to protect her. “But it could be dangerous.”

“Please.” Garrick’s laugh rumbled like rocks in a tumbler. “I didn’t get to where I am by being careless. Besides, no one should live looking over their shoulder.”

He nodded, his tension easing slightly. Having Garrick’s help could make a real difference.

The gargoyle’s expression softened.

“I can sense the mate bond between you.”

His wolf preened at the words, though he tried to maintain his composure. “That obvious?”

“To those who know what to look for.” Garrick’s eyes gleamed. “I’m surprised it formed so quickly, especially with a human. But then again, Robin’s not exactly typical, is she?”

No, she definitely wasn’t typical. She was fierce and brave, even when terrified. His wolf hummed with satisfaction at the thought. As if his thoughts had conjured her, her scent suddenly drifted towards him and a few seconds later she stepped out of the trees. His wolf settled instantly at her return.

“What’s going on?” she asked as she came to join them, her cheeks flushed from the cold.

“You didn’t show up for work,” Garrick said calmly. “I was worried.”

“Oh.” Her shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry, I should have?—”

“No need to apologize.” Garrick waved off her words. “Eric explained the situation.”

He watched her face carefully, ready to step in if she showed any sign of distress at his revelation. But she just nodded, wrapping her arms around herself.

“Garrick’s offered to help,” he said, moving closer to her. The urge to touch her, to reassure both himself and his wolf that she was safe, nearly overwhelmed him. “He has connections in the city who might be able to help.”

Her eyes widened as she looked over at the gargoyle. “You’d do that?”

“Of course.” Garrick’s stone features softened. “You’re one of mine now, even if you’re living with this mutt.”

He snorted at the jab, but kept his eyes on her. Her body relaxed a little and something that might have been hope crossed her face.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Garrick shot him a quick look and the knowing look in his eyes made him wonder just how much his old friend understood about the situation. But Garrick only nodded and left, the door closing quietly behind him and leaving them alone. Her scent filled the cabin—anxiety mixed with something warmer, sweeter. His wolf stirred, wanting to erase the distance between them.

She shifted her weight, still standing near the door as if unsure whether to bolt again.

“I’m sorry,” they both said at once.

Her lips curved up slightly, and his chest tightened. He took a step toward her, then stopped, giving her space to retreat if she needed it. But she didn’t move away. Instead, she raised her chin, meeting his gaze with those clear amber eyes.

“I believe you meant well,” she said softly, smoothing her hands over her jeans. “It’s just… hard to trust.”

“I understand, but you can trust me. I’m on your side. Always. I won’t walk away.”

“I believe you.” She crossed the remaining distance between them. “Should we kiss and make up?”

Her shy smile sent his pulse racing.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded, and he pulled her against him, the feel of her soft body filling his wolf with contentment.

“Then let me show you just how sorry I am.”

He scooped her up, loving the way her arms wrapped around his neck, and carried her to the bedroom.

The next morning he walked her to work as usual, his senses alert for any sign of danger. The morning air carried the usual mix of scents—fresh bread from the bakery, wood smoke from chimneys, the crisp bite of mountain snow—but he searched for anything out of place. His wolf prowled beneath his skin, equally vigilant.

Her shoulder brushed against his arm as they walked, and the casual contact grounded him, even as his protective instincts had him scanning every shadow and alleyway they passed. He didn’t really expect any more trouble from Thatcher, but something was still nagging at him.

As they approached Garrick’s mansion, his steps slowed. The thought of leaving her, even in his friend’s capable protection, made his wolf restless. The gargoyle stood in the doorway, his stone-like features impassive as ever.

“She’ll be safe here, Eric,” Garrick said quietly, reading his hesitation. “No one gets past me uninvited.”

He nodded, knowing Garrick’s reputation for protecting what was his.

“I’ll be back to walk you home later.”

She nodded and his wolf settled slightly at her acceptance of his protection, at the way she didn’t question or push back against his need to keep her safe.

After the doors closed behind her, he hesitated, then made his way to Callan’s workshop. The small building sat at the edge of town, smoke curling from its chimney. His wolf bristled at seeking help from the Alpha, but protecting Robin mattered more than his pride.

The workshop door creaked as he entered, the scent of wood shavings and metal thick in the air. Callan stood at his workbench. The Alpha looked up when he entered, his expression unreadable.

“Can we talk?” he asked quietly.

Callan put down his tools and crossed his arms, waiting. The silence stretched between them, heavy with the history between them.

“The bounty hunter who was after my mate—I’m concerned he won’t be the only one.” He managed to keep his voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath the surface. “Others may come looking for her.”

Callan’s neutral expression didn’t waver, but he caught the slight shift in his scent—concern, perhaps? The Alpha remained silent, letting him continue.

“I can protect her from one hunter. But if more show up…” His claws popped out. The thought of Robin being hunted made his wolf snarl. “I need to know if the Pack will stand with us.”

The stern line of Callan’s mouth softened. “The Pack protects its own.”

He blinked, caught off guard by the simple declaration. His wolf, which had been bristling for a fight, settled.

“You’ve always fought against tradition,” Callan said, leaning back against his workbench. “But being part of the Pack isn’t about following rules blindly. It’s about having people at your back when you need them.”

He winced. He’d spent so long pushing against Pack bonds, that he’d forgotten they could be connections as well as chains.

“I wasn’t sure at first—I thought you were playing games—but now I know that Robin is truly your mate and that makes her Pack. We’ll keep watch. If anyone comes looking for her, they’ll find more than they bargained for.”

A knot loosened in his chest—one he hadn’t even realized was there. Despite years of maintaining his independence, of keeping the Pack at arm’s length, their support settled something deep inside him.

“Thank you,” he managed, the words rough but sincere.

He was about to leave when the Alpha shook his head, his lips quirking.

“Your mother’s been talking about your mate, you know.” A hint of amusement colored Callan’s words. “Going on about how the girl stood her ground against that bounty hunter.”

He froze, his hand on the doorknob. “My mother said that?”

“Wouldn’t shut up about it at the Pack meeting. Said Robin had more backbone than half the wolves she knows.”

His mother, who’d fought their relationship at every turn, was now bragging about Robin’s courage? The knowledge filled him with satisfaction—and a degree of amusement.

But something else nagged at him. She had faced down that threat while he wasn’t there. She’d proven herself capable, strong. Here he was, arranging Pack protection, when she’d already shown she could hold her own.

His grip on the doorknob loosened. He’d been so focused on keeping her safe, on protecting her, that he’d forgotten she wasn’t some fragile thing that needed constant guarding. Even his mother—stubborn, traditional Marjorie—had seen that strength in her.

Maybe it was time he trusted in that strength too. Trusted that supporting her didn’t mean hovering over her every moment. His wolf grumbled at the thought, but he knew it was the right thing to do.

As he stepped out of Callan’s workshop he realized that the weight that had been pressing on his chest since her encounter with Thatcher had eased. Not that he intended to let down his guard.

As he walked back towards his office, his mind clicked through the other precautions he could take. He’d need to alert the shopkeepers, especially those with a clear view of the street. Set up regular patrols around Garrick’s house during her work hours. Maybe even reach out to some of his contacts in neighboring towns.

The familiar weight of his sheriff’s badge pressed against his chest as he climbed the steps to his office. This wasn’t just about protecting Robin anymore—though that would always be his priority. This was about keeping his town safe, about showing anyone who thought they could threaten his people that Fairhaven Falls wasn’t an easy target.

If another bounty hunter showed up, they’d find a united front of Others who protected their own.