Page 21 of Wedding for My Werewolf (Fairhaven Falls #7)
CHAPTER 21
R obin took a deep breath, smiling at the scent of cider and candy apples and fried food. The Winter Festival was in full swing and strings of twinkling lights crisscrossed overhead, casting a warm glow on the snow-dusted streets. A group of children darted past, their faces painted with whimsical designs, while vendors called out their wares from wooden stalls decorated with evergreen boughs. She spotted Elara serving up coffee confections with Grondar looming behind her. Tourists mingled with Others, everyone relaxed and smiling.
A week had passed since they’d chased off Rick and she was beginning to believe she’d finally found the peace she’d been looking for. She smiled again, snuggling deeper into Eric’s jacket, which he’d draped over her shoulders when she’d shivered earlier. His scent enveloped her, both comforting and exciting, and his arm was a reassuring weight around her waist as they navigated through the crowd.
“Look at that,” she pointed to an ice sculpture of a wolf, its details so precise it seemed ready to leap from its frozen form. “It’s beautiful.”
“Not as beautiful as you,” he growled in her ear. The sound sent a pleasant shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. A month ago, such casual intimacy would have terrified her. Now it felt as natural as breathing.
“Want some of that cider?” he added.
She nodded, already missing his warmth as he stepped away. “With extra cinnamon, please.”
She watched as he made his way through the crowd. Even in this relaxed setting, he carried himself with that quiet authority that had first caught her attention. But now she knew the gentleness behind that strength, the way his eyes glowed when he looked at her, the fierce passion with which he made love to her, and the careful way he held her at night.
The winter air nipped at her cheeks, but for once she didn’t feel the need to look over her shoulder or scan faces in the crowd. She caught a glimpse of Alison and Will on the other side of the square, their daughter bundled in white fur, and waved. While she hadn’t quite had the nerve for the proposed girls’ night, she’d spent several afternoons with her new friend. She was even thinking of suggesting to Erik that they have the other couple over for dinner.
She was happily contemplating the possibility when the sound of her name cut through the festive sounds and she froze. The festive atmosphere shattered like glass as she turned, already knowing who she’d find.
Martin stood there, his expensive wool coat and leather shoes a jarring contrast to the casual winter wear of the other festival-goers. His face held that same smug expression she remembered from countless office meetings, but now there was something harder in his eyes.
“Time to face the music, Robin.” His voice carried across the space between them, drawing curious stares from the people nearby. “Come quietly, or I’ll have no choice but to make a scene. The police are already on their way.”
Her throat closed up, panic clawing at her chest as she felt dozens of eyes turn toward her. The cheerful festival lights now felt harsh and exposing. She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. The mulled cider scent that had been so comforting moments ago now made her feel sick.
Whispers rippled through the gathering crowd, and her legs trembled, her instincts screaming at her to run, but she remained frozen in place. Martin took a step closer, the smile that had once seemed so charming now turned malicious.
“Did you really think you could hide forever?” He lifted his chin, addressing the onlookers as much as her. “This woman is wanted for embezzlement. She stole millions of dollars from our company.”
“Well, well.” Lila’s voice cut through the tense silence as she stepped out of the crowd. The wolf’s painted lips curled into a vicious smile that made her stomach turn. “I knew there was something off about you. You’re just a common criminal trying to worm your way into our pack.”
Her cheeks burned as she heard mutters from the crowd. Everything was crumbling around her, but she wasn’t going to run.
“That’s enough,” Eric growled, suddenly appearing in front of her, his broad back blocking her view of Lila, his stance protective and fierce.
Through a blur of tears, she saw Callan emerge from the crowd as well, his expression grim as he positioned himself beside Eric. Then Aidan appeared on her other side, followed by more Pack members she recognized from meetings and gatherings. They formed a protective circle around her, their eyes fixed on Martin and Lila with unmistakable hostility.
A shadow fell over her as Garrick joined them, his stone features cold and intimidating as he moved to stand by Eric. Then Will was there as well, his normally cheerful expression replaced by a fierce scowl.
“Robin is one of us now,” Garrick said firmly, his deep voice carrying across the square. “And we protect our own.”
The crowd murmured agreement. Even the harpy vendor who’d once screeched at her was nodding.
“I suggest you leave.” Callan’s quiet words carried more menace than any shout. “Now.”
Martin’s confident facade cracked as he glanced around at the gathering. The man who had haunted her nightmares suddenly seemed smaller, less threatening, when faced with the strength of her new family.
“This isn’t over,” Martin spat. “I’ll be back with proper authorities.”
She put her hand on Eric’s arm, then stepped up next to him. She knew he’d have preferred her safely behind him, but he let her through. Her legs trembled as she stepped forward, but her voice rang clear and steady.
“You won’t have to come back with the authorities, Martin. I’m going to the police myself. I’ll tell them everything—about the documents, about how you set me up, about your bragging.”
The color drained from Martin’s face, replaced by an ugly flush of rage. His perfectly manicured hands clenched into fists at his sides.
“You’re making a mistake,” he hissed through gritted teeth, his composure cracking.
The fear that had chased her across state lines seemed to evaporate in the face of Martin’s impotent fury. She raised her chin, meeting his gaze directly.
“The only mistake I made was trusting you,” she said, and the words felt like she was breaking free of the chains that had bound her for so long.
He glared at her but she was no longer afraid of him. Eric’s hand was on her arm, supporting her. Her friends and new packmates stood by her side. Will gave her a thumbs-up sign as Eric tugged her gently back into the circle of his arms, his strength enveloping her.
“I’m so proud of you.”
She turned into his embrace, burying her head against his chest as the impact of what was to come swept over her.
“I feel like I can finally breathe,” she whispered. “But God, I’m terrified of what comes next. Making statements, possibly testifying…”
“Hey.” He tilted her chin up until she met his golden gaze. “You won’t face any of it alone. I’ll be right beside you, every step of the way.”
The absolute certainty in his voice calmed the sudden rush of panic and she managed to smile up at him.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course. That’s what mates do—support each other. You’re the bravest person I know, little bird. And the strongest.” His thumb traced her cheekbone. “But you don’t have to carry everything by yourself. Not anymore.”
She rose on her tiptoes and brushed her lips against his.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“No thanks needed. This is where I want to be. At your side.”
“Actually, that may not be necessary—at least not for this.”
She looked up as Garrick joined them, a rare smile on his hard face.
“What do you mean?”
“I told you I’d investigate. I made some calls and found out why Martin never actually went to the authorities.”
Eric’s arm tightened around her as she stiffened.
“The money’s still sitting in those accounts,” Garrick continued. “He can’t touch it without your signature. That’s why he sent the bounty hunter—he needed you, not the police.”
She heard Eric growl as the pieces clicked into place—Martin’s desperation, Rick’s persistence. No wonder they wouldn’t let her go.
“There’s more. The company owner is an old business contact of mine. He’s willing to forget the whole thing if the money’s returned. No charges, no record. Not for you anyway.”
“Just like that?” Eric asked and Garrick nodded.
“Just like that. The owner cares more about recovering the funds than pursuing legal action. Says he’d rather handle it quietly.”
“Oh, thank God.” Relief filled her as she sagged against Eric. Over. It was all over.
“You little bitch,” Martin snarled from behind her, and she realized she’d forgotten all about him. “I’ll make sure you never work again. I’ll?—”
Eric growled and stepped in front of her again, and she made no attempt to stop him. Time for Martin to understand what it was like to meet a real predator.