Page 22 of Knox's Fate

Earlier

She watched as Knox and his men left the compound to confront the intruders, not knowing quite what to do. As she watched the others disperse, Ruby followed her nose.

“May I help you miss?” asked a lovely woman who looked like the perfect characterization of a clan cook come to life.

“I’m Ruby Edwards. Knox asked that I remain here, but I’m not very good at just sitting around. I’m a cook by trade and wondered if I might be of help here in the kitchen.”

“I’m Agatha. That’s so kind of you, and I won’t turn down the help. There will be more of a demand today on the kitchen. What do you like to cook?”

“I worked at an upscale diner in Aspen, but I also love to bake.”

“If you could make some cookies or bars that would be so appreciated.”

“I’d be happy to do that. Just show me where I can work and be out of the way.”

“If you can tell me what you need…”

“Agatha, you strike me as an efficient and organized cook. Just assign me a space and I’ll find what I need. I don’t need anyone waiting on me, and I don’t want to make extra work.”

Agatha’s smile told Ruby she’d just made a friend, as the last thing Agatha needed right now was the boss’ girlfriend playing prima donna.

“Bless you, miss. Why not use the space in the auxiliary kitchen. The mixer is plugged in there, and there’s a double wall oven as well.”

“Got it. Now, I’ll let you get back to work, and if I run into a problem, I’ll let you know.”

Agatha squeezed Ruby’s arm before turning back to her workers.

Ruby's hands moved with practiced ease, scooping and rolling the sticky dough between her palms before placing each mound onto the baking sheet. The sweet, homey scent of oatmeal butterscotch cookies filled the kitchen, a warm contrast to the cool mountain air that seeped in through the open window.

"Miss Ruby, what are you making?" a small voice piped up from behind her. She turned, smiling down at a group of children who had gathered around like moths to a flame.

"Oatmeal butterscotch cookies," she said, her tone light and inviting. "Would you like to help me?"

Their nods were eager, eyes wide with curiosity not only about the cookies but also about the woman who couldn't shift like they could. They whispered among themselves, sneaking glances at Ruby as if trying to spot some hidden difference that set her apart.

As she guided little hands in the art of cookie-making, laughter bubbled up from the group, their innocent fascination helping to soothe her anxiety. It was easy to forget the sharpedges of her past here among these open-hearted children, easy to lose herself in the simple joy of baking.

"Can you really not turn into an animal?" one freckle-faced boy asked, his dough-covered fingers paused mid-squish.

Ruby chuckled, dusting flour off her apron. "No, I can't. But I can make a mean batch of cookies. That's kind of a superpower, don't you think?"

"Definitely," a tiny girl with pigtails agreed, nodding so fervently a few crumbs fell from her lips.

The room was filled with a warmth that had nothing to do with the oven. At one point Ruby looked up to see Agatha looking in on them and smiling. As the cookies baked, the children sat on the floor, and Ruby told them stories of the bustling life she'd left behind in Aspen and how Silver Falls was so much better. With every word, she could feel the tight knot inside her unraveling, the sense of belonging in this strange, wonderful place growing stronger.

Later, after most of the cookies had been devoured and the children had run off to play, Ruby leaned against the counter, lost in thought. Her mind wandered to Knox, the silent strength of him, the way his presence seemed to fill any space he occupied. Despite the initial shock of discovering the truth of Silver Falls and the alpha who led the grizzly-shifters, there was something undeniably compelling about him.

She remembered the intensity in his gaze, the way it stirred something deep within her, something primal and unexplored. It was a connection that felt almost tangible, like an invisible thread pulling taut between them.

“You were wonderful with the children. Thank you.” The voice startled her, and she spun around to find Agatha watching her with knowing eyes as she handed her a mug of coffee.

"My pleasure. They were delightful, and they didn’t manage to eat all of the cookies.”

Agatha laughed. "When I stuck my head in you looked like you were thinking about Knox."

“Was it that obvious?" Ruby asked, feeling a flush creep up her neck.

"Only to someone who's seen that look before." The cook gave her a conspiratorial wink. "He's a good man, Knox. Strong. Loyal. And he hasn't looked at anyone the way he looks at you since... well, since ever."

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