Page 50 of Fated Despite the Moon

"It is. It has its rough moments. Like the other night, but for the most part, we're better than we've ever been."

Makayla didn’t want to pry, but she had to admit that she was curious. "The other night, did it have to do with something that happened overseas?"

When Dakota didn't answer Makayla looked over. Dakota's hand shook as it hovered over the onion she was chopping.

"I'm sorry," said Makayla. "I didn't mean to snoop."

Dakota’s smiled but it didn’t meet her eyes. "It's okay. It's just... I've never really had someone to talk to about it before. Griffin and Caleb... did something about eight months ago, and it hit Griff pretty hard. He's a good man and a great mate, but he has days where what he did is almost beyond what he can deal with. Even though he knows in his heart he was justified."

Makayla's heart thumped. A million questions swirled in her mind, and she wanted to ask what had happened. What had he and Caleb done... but it wasn't her place.

"So anyway," said Dakota. "What about you? Are you going to get a job? Not that there is much to do here in Wolf River."

Makayla went back to her piecrust. "Well, I kind of had an idea of something I might like to do, but I'm still working it out."

"I'd be surprised if Caleb didn't let you do just about anything, if it made you happy."

"Why do you say that?"

Dakota shrugged. "He's so taken with you that I think if you told him you wanted to be an astronaut, he'd try and figure out a way to make it happen."

Makayla smiled. "I think he's pretty great too."

Dakota grinned back. "Do you? When I met you, I wasn't sure you'd make it out here."

Makayla nodded. "It was tough. Like being in a completely different world. But I'm finding that I like it more than I ever thought I would. The simplicity of it all. The quiet. The peace. It's given me a lot of time to think and reflect. Geez, I sound like I've been at a yoga retreat."

They both laughed.

"Wolf River is definitely different than the big city. I think it helps people gain perspective. When you cut out all that other stuff—social media, shopping, partying—it helps you to see clearly what you want out of life and who you want it with. Honestly, the first time I saw you I thought Caleb was doomed. But now... Now I think the two of you really have a chance."

The idea made Makayla’s wolf howl. Her and Caleb. She wanted to see that happen.

The front door opened, and Caleb stepped in and frowned. "What are you doing?"

"All right," said Dakota. "Back off, mountain man. The girl was going insane up there. You can only play so many rounds of cards before your eyes start to bleed. Maybe if you got a television hooked up in here somewhere..."

Caleb set down his bag and glared at Dakota while walking to Makayla. "How are you feeling?"

"Better now that I'm baking."

A worried crease furrowed his brow. Makayla rubbed at it with her thumbs and the lines faded away.

"See. All it took was a little flour to rub away your worry."

Caleb wiped his forehead. "Great. I'm supposed to go back to work with flour on my forehead?"

Dakota snickered.

"Sure. It'll match the flour on your nose." Makayla grabbed a handful of flour and threw it in his face.

Dakota howled with laughter as Caleb spit flour on the counter. He opened his eyes. Flour clung to his eyelashes and beard. Makayla giggled.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to throw that much."

"Didn’t you?" He cocked a white eyebrow.

"I mean it. I'm sorry." She wiped at his face trying to get the flour off while stifling a laugh. "It's everywhere. I'm really sorry."

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