Page 19 of Wolf’s Providence (The Shadowridge Peak #3)

EIGHTEEN

Caleb

I could feel their stares on me. Even Lily had twisted in her position at the end of our bench to somehow be drilling me with eyes.

“What do you want to know?” I asked, trying to fake a smile that looked open and genuine.

Willow jumped in. “Now, Lorna, I told you earlier not to pester Caleb with questions. I promised him you all would be kind and gentle .” Somehow, I didn’t need to see the look she gave Lily to know it was pointed. “Caleb’s staying with me for a while.”

For a while? I didn’t blame them for the unspoken questions. It wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement. It hardly said our relationship was a solid one. But how else did she explain me?

Lily’s dad, he was very easy to read. He’d been looking at me with suspicion since I first met him. “What do you do for work?”

I was guessing drifter wasn’t going to win any favors. “I like to move around a lot,” I told him. I wasn’t going to lie, but I also wasn’t going to be completely truthful. “I pick up what work’s going as I move around.” His gaze flicked to Willow briefly, worry etching into the lines around his eyes.

“You have no trade?” he asked me, his tone taking on a slight edge.

“Did criminal justice at college, didn’t go to law school.” I preempted his next question. “Joined the army instead. Did two tours, came out, felt like my service wasn’t over, went back for one more tour.” Lorna’s husband and Lily’s dad were both watching me, and I saw the suspicion shift to respect, albeit in Lily’s dad’s case, it was grudgingly. “Got back after the third one, knew I’d seen too much, done too much to then face conflict every day at work, so the skills I learned in the army, I worked on them. While I’m no tradesman, I can fix things. Build things. It keeps me honest.”

“Hard work is the most honest,” Lorna’s husband said with a salute of his beer.

“Noel,” his wife admonished him, flicking a worried glance at Lily’s dad.

“I missed your name,” I told him bluntly, knowing damn well that Willow introduced him as “Lily’s dad.”

“Raymond.”

“Thanks,” I murmured, feeling Willow squeezing my hand.

“So, you have no job right now?” Lily asked, leaning forward.

“Didn’t say that,” I countered with an ease that belied the tension I was feeling. “My job right now allows me to work from home.” Which wasn’t a lie. Protecting Willow was working from home. Her home. But they didn’t need unnecessary details.

“And how long are you here for?” Raymond asked, his eyes still shrewd.

“For as long as Willow wants me here,” I countered smoothly.

I heard Lily’s impatient huff and Lorna’s murmuring to her husband about how sweet that was. But I kept my gaze locked on Raymond’s, knowing the answer didn’t satisfy him. His jaw clenched, but before he could say anything else, Willow leaned forward, her hand on the menu.

“So, what’s everyone having?”

As discussion picked up about who was ordering what and what appetizers could be shared, Willow leaned into me, and I could feel her unease, but despite that, she forced a smile. “You’re doing great,” she said quietly, low enough for only me to hear.

Lorna asked her if she wanted to halve a pizza with her, and Willow turned back to the conversation.

Even with her encouragement, it was hard not to feel like an outsider. Ostracized. Every glance in my direction felt like a spotlight on how different I was. When Noel asked me where I was from, I gave him the vaguest answer I could manage without lying outright. Small town, moved around a lot, definitely an American. That seemed to satisfy him, but a glance at Raymond told me he wasn’t buying it.

Food ordered, it arrived not long after. The bonus of Italian cooking, everything was fresh and cooked quickly.

Willow ate her chicken parmesan quickly, and I caught the slight look of surprise on Lily’s face when Willow leaned over and asked for a bite of my veal.

“But it’s a baby cow!” Lily protested.

“Mm-hmm, meat, yummy, I want some,” Willow said, looking directly at me, but the look of hunger in her eyes had nothing to do with the meat on my plate.

The dinner dragged on, and I listened to her friends tell her about the town gossip that she’d missed. Though I was confident Willow would have missed this had she been in town these last few weeks. Even now, she looked bored at their retellings of what had happened. The only piece of gossip, if that’s what it could be called, was that Alistair’s dad had figured out the pattern to the break-ins and gave his ass a kicking. Then dragged his son to every house and made him apologize and offer to make amends.

The sheriff had deemed that appropriate punishment.

Alistair’s dad had also kicked his wife out and was going to be staying more permanently in Whispering Pines. Willow looked both sad and happy for her young friend, and I wrapped my arm around her as she listened.

The only highlight of the evening was watching her smile and laugh with her friends, her cheeks flushed with happiness and the heat of the room. There was something about seeing her so content that made me…protective.

But as much as I enjoyed seeing her enjoy herself, I couldn’t settle. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Raymond didn’t drop his stare, and neither did his daughter, but it was more than that. It was irritating me, and despite having my back to a wall, I still had the urge to look over my shoulder.

When the bill came, it devolved into a three-way argument between the women. Lily thought couples, or father-daughters, should pay a third. Lorna wanted everyone to pay their own for fairness, and Willow wanted to pay for it all. Raymond excused himself to go to the restroom, saying Lily’s vote would be the same as his.

When he came back, he’d settled the bill. Lorna gushed at his generosity, Lily rolled her eyes, Noel murmured his thanks, his ears turning red with embarrassment, and Willow seethed beside me. Her “thank you” was neither heartfelt nor sincere.

Which was why I was going to fuck her to oblivion when we got home. Willow had invited them out, so it was for her to pay it all if she wanted. Taking that choice from her by an underhand move was shitty.

His intention may have been good, but I’d seen my girl bite her tongue too many times today.

Dipping my head to her ear, I spoke so lowly Willow may not have heard me. “You’re going to come on my tongue so much tonight I’ll never be thirsty again.”

My girl stiffened in surprise at my words, and the little intake of breath got my cock hard as her scent overpowered the stench of garlic. If I’d known making her wet was a relief for my nostrils, I would have whispered dirty promises in her ear all night.

The evening had finally wound down. Lorna was still talking—when was she not?—but I felt myself finally relax a little. Willow was pressed into my side, almost subconsciously, as if the tension and the pretense of the night had taken a toll on her too. Lorna and Noel had accepted my presence, Lily too, although I knew she resented the fact she was softening towards me. The only one who was pissing me off now was her father.

Eventually, Willow’s gaze met mine, a hint of relief in her eyes. “I’m ready to go if you are?” she murmured softly, the question just for me.

“More than ready,” I replied, a touch of humor in my voice, and welcomed seeing her bright smile.

We said our goodbyes, and as we stepped out into the cool night air, I took a deep inhale of the pure air. Willow’s hand slipped into mine, settling me once more as she tugged my hand to look at her.

“Thank you for this,” she said quietly. “I know that was a lot for you, and I know it wasn’t easy. I really appreciated it.”

Pulling her a little closer, I dropped a kiss on her lips. “For you, I’d face worse.” Leaning down, I pressed a gentle kiss to her head, knowing how true my words were.

We started the walk home, when Lily came barreling out of the restaurant, yelling for Willow.

What now? I was tempted to keep walking and pretend we hadn’t heard her. But my good, sweet girl stopped and turned.

“Lorna wants to know who’s opening the store tomorrow. She’s turned hysterical, thinking she’s out of a job.” Lily rolled her eyes at the overly dramatic woman. Like she could speak? “How much liquor was in the tiramisu?” she snarked, leading Willow back into the restaurant.

I would face worse for her—I just told her that—but the Goddess herself could not make me walk back inside that restaurant tonight.

“Willow?” I called after her.

She turned back, her hand on the door, understanding in her eyes. “Stay out here. I’ll be two minutes, once I’ve calmed her down.”

I could see inside the restaurant from out here. I could see everything and not have to hear everything; it was a win-win for me.

“I will make it up to you,” I promised, relishing her flushed look at my dark promise.

Looking around, I could still feel the sense of being watched. I couldn’t scent anyone out here though. There were a few pedestrians. It was a nice evening for the time of year, but there was no shifter in the air.

Cursing the lingering scent of garlic, I turned to look up the street. Nothing. Frowning, I turned to look back into the restaurant and saw the party of five all heading to the door and Lorna apologizing profusely for being overly emotional when she was tipsy.

She’d had one glass of wine. The thought made me smile despite her annoying traits. I could see why my girl loved her, and I knew she would probably grow on me. Whether I wanted her to or not.

Once outside, we grouped into our respective pairs, more hugs between the women were shared, and we finally, fin a lly started the walk home.

Willow leaned into me as we walked, and I was ready for a pleasant walk and a long night of owning her body when a whisper on the wind made me falter.

“I know what you are.”

Turning to look over my shoulder, I met Raymond’s dark gaze as he held the passenger door open for his daughter, who wasn’t paying attention to where her father’s focus was.

He dipped his head in acknowledgment, and as I turned back, holding Willow closer to me, I made the mental note to make a house call to Raymond Summers when his daughter wasn’t home.

Standing outside the large but modest, slightly weather-worn house, I shifted my weight, hearing the porch creaking as I listened for any signs of life inside. The street was quiet, no one around to witness my unannounced visit. I’d dropped Willow off at work, and then I’d watched Lily leave for work, her father conspicuously absent, but I didn’t know them well enough to know if they traveled to work together.

I suspected that Raymond Summers had opted to stay at home today. This would be a conversation that was best kept private.

Rapping my knuckle against the door again, I heard footsteps approach from inside. The door opened and Raymond stood there, his look one of expectation, and when he glanced at his watch as if to ask what had taken me so long, I snorted as I walked past him into his house.

“Come in, why don’t you,” he murmured, closing the door behind him.

“Thanks, don’t mind if I do,” I replied, failing to keep my own bite from my words. “Where do you want to have this talk ?”

Raymond looked me over from head to toe, weighing me up, and I got the impression he found me lacking.

I didn’t give a fuck.

He saw that very clearly, and I saw the ghost of a smirk before he gestured to a door behind me. “The study, I think.”

He led the way, and I followed him inside to a room with dark wood and dark navy walls. It was oppressive, and I knew what he’d been aiming for, but in an office this size, all he’d done was make it claustrophobic. Raymond took the seat behind the desk, a weak power move, but I let him have it. I opted to sit in one of the weathered leather chairs.

We sat in silence for a beat, the hum of the recessed lighting and the faint sounds of the road filled the space between us. Raymond leaned back in his chair, folding his hands, which were laid on the desk, as he waited for me to speak.

I’d played poker with my father, a notorious ball-breaker. Raymond Summers could kiss my ass if he thought I would break first.

“You’re not what I expected, Caleb Foster,” he started, his voice firm, and when I grinned at the small victory, he gave me a flat, unimpressed stare, but I could scent his irritation, and it made me grin wider. “My daughter, Lily, likes to talk, though, God’s mercy, not as much as that woman last night.”

The fact Raymond also struggled with Lorna made me decide right then and there Lorna was okay. This time, I saw his slight smirk, and I gave him that one for free.

Manipulative bastard. He was worth the watching.

“When Lily first mentioned the hot guy”—he looked affronted at having to say the phrase—“who was interested in Willow, I admit I didn’t pay her any mind. But then I heard you left. Then you came back. Then you left just as suddenly as you arrived in the first place. Then she got her home and business broken into on the same day.” He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the desk, his fingers steepling in front of him. “That made me look a little closer. Maybe I put a few things together…”

I waited patiently, acknowledging the words without confirming anything.

The shrewd look he wore last night was back, and his next words were slow as if testing the weight of each one. “I’ve seen your kind before,” he told me carefully, his eyes never leaving mine. “Different places, different people, but it’s hard to forget that…”

“That what?” I prompted him, my patience running thin.

“The particular look in the eye.” He sat back and considered me. “The unexplained explained.”

I felt my wolf stir, but I kept my expression bland, committing to nothing as a low instinctive wariness prickled at my skin. “And what look would that be, exactly?”

His mouth twitched as if my non-confirmation was confirmation enough. “The look of someone who sees beyond what most of us do. Someone who doesn’t quite fit.” He paused, his gaze unflinching. “I’ve known about your kind for some time now, one way or another.”

“My kind?” I asked, stretching one leg out in front of me casually.

“Shifter.”

Fuck . Would Willow forgive me if I killed her best friend’s dad?

“You know and have said nothing?”

Raymond shrugged. “Why would I?” His expression hardened. “Never needed to. Your kind has never bothered me or mine before. But Willow…is like a daughter to me. Family .” His expression softened slightly when he mentioned her name. “She doesn’t know the danger you bring with you.”

If only he knew…

“Danger I bring?” He was lucky he’d mentioned the word daughter when he declared she was his , else we’d be having a very different conversation. “I only want to protect her.”

Raymond’s gaze sharpened. “By putting her in the hospital?” His look was challenging. “Don’t bullshit me about a car accident. I don’t know what happened, but the blood my Lily saw, the care that girl needed to be saved was your doing.” He held his hand up to stop me from speaking. “Even if you didn’t cause the wounds yourself, I know it was being tied up in your business that scarred that girl.” A flicker of something like pity flickered across his expression. “You may be protecting her, but you’re the reason she needs protecting.”

My jaw clenched, my fists instinctively flexing as I held my frustration in check. “You don’t know shit,” I spat out at him.

Raymond leaned back in his seat, his voice quieter, almost resigned. “I’m not the enemy, Caleb. But I also won’t stand by and pretend I don’t see what’s happening right in front of me. You may be here for her, but I’ve seen what happens when things go wrong with your kind.”

“Then you’ll know I will do anything in my power to make sure she’s protected.”

Raymond huffed out a laugh. “Your threats don’t work on me, son. Willow will come to no harm from me.”

We sat in silence for a moment, a silent truce as we considered our positions. Willow forgave me for almost killing her ; surely, killing Lily’s dad wasn’t as bad as that? Was it?

However, the older man’s first reaction was to protect her, which not only demonstrated he cared for her but that he was loyal to her. I could respect that. I didn’t want to, but I could.

“You want to protect her? Prove it.” He studied me, his gaze stern. “Leave her. Leave Whispering Pines and don’t come back.”

“Never going to happen.”

Raymond said nothing, holding my stare, and then he stood, gesturing for me to do the same. I followed his lead as we walked back to the front door, where we faced each other once more.

“She has people who will protect her as fiercely as you do,” he told me, his voice low. “No matter who they’re protecting her from . Don’t forget that.”

“Are you threatening me?” I asked him, surprised he had the balls to do so.

“No.” Raymond shook his head slowly. “That’s a promise , son.”

Making my way down the porch steps and away from the house, I thought of Raymond’s words as they echoed around my mind.

Looks like Raymond could grow on me, too… Damn Willow’s friends for being so fiercely protective.

Shifters respected pack that protected each other.

Raymond left me with a lot to think about, and I knew I needed to speak to Willow.

And I knew she wasn’t going to like it.