Page 26 of Fated Wolf's Destiny

“Hey,” he says, his easy smile firmly in place as he steps into the room. “Thought you might be able to help this guy. Found him limping near the trailhead by the creek.”

“Of course,” I say, pulling on a pair of gloves and gesturing to the exam table. “Put him up here.”

Lucas sets the dog down gently, and the animal whimpers, his big brown eyes glancing around nervously. I move slowly, speaking softly as I examine his leg. “It’s okay, buddy. We’ll take care of you.”

Lucas leans against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with a relaxed posture that somehow feels deliberate. “Figured if anyone could help, it’d be you. Word around town is the clinic’s finally back in business.”

I glance at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I’m not exactly open for business as usual, but I want to be available if someone needs me. Word travels fast around here, doesn’t it?”

“You have no idea.”

The dog flinches as I probe a sore spot, drawing my focus back. “Looks like he’s got a sprain,” I say, grabbing a bandage. “Nothing too serious, but he’s probably been limping on it for a while.”

Lucas scratches the dog behind the ears, his touch light and reassuring. “You’ve got a good bedside manner,” he says. “Animals trust you. People too, I bet.”

I laugh softly, shaking my head. “I’m not sure everyone in this town would agree with you.”

“Give it time,” he says, his voice warm. “Shadow Hollow has a way of coming around. Eventually.”

There’s something in his tone—something genuine—that makes me pause. Ryder’s intensity always feels like a wall, impenetrable and unyielding, but Lucas is different. He’s open, easygoing, and somehow... disarming.

“Thanks for bringing him in,” I say, gently wrapping the dog’s leg. “Not everyone would go out of their way for a stray.”

“I can’t help it,” Lucas says with a grin. “I’ve got a soft spot for the underdog.”

We both chuckle, and the burden I've been carrying since I returned to Shadow Hollow feels lighter.

I get the dog settled in a crate with a supportive bandage, a snuggly blanket, some kibble and a bowl of water. Lucas lingers, leaning casually against the counter as I clean up.

“You’re really settling in here,” he says approvingly, but watching me closely. “What do I owe you?”

“Nothing. It’s not your dog. As for settling in, I don’t know that I’d go that far, but I’m trying to,” I reply, glancing at him.

Lucas nods, his expression softening. “Arthur left big shoes to fill, but I think you’re the right person for the job.”

His words catch me off guard, and I pause, meeting his gaze. There’s no hidden agenda in his eyes, no walls like Ryder’s. Just honesty.

“I hope so,” I say quietly, then add, “He left me some interesting journals and papers.”

Lucas raises an eyebrow, his posture shifting slightly. “Interesting how?”

I hesitate, then reach for the folder I’ve been keeping Arthur’s loose notes in. “He documented injuries—animal attacks, mostly—that didn’t add up. Non-traditional wounds, oversized tracks, things that don’t match local wildlife.”

Lucas takes the folder, flipping through the pages. His easygoing demeanor falters, just for a second, replaced by something harder to read. “He wrote a lot,” he says, his voice carefully neutral.

“He did,” I reply, studying his reaction. “Does any of it seem... familiar to you?”

Lucas’s eyes flick up to meet mine, but he doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he sets the folder down, rubbing the back of his neck. “Shadow Hollow’s always had its share of... unusual stories,” he says carefully. “But a lot of it is… oh hell, I was going to try to mislead you, but apparently big brother was far more forthcoming…”

“He was,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “He thought there was something more than just the usual shifters out there—something undiscovered.”

Lucas exhales, nodding. “He was right,” he says finally. “The Crimson Claw.”

“Do you think they killed him?”

“It doesn’t seem likely. Ryder has always believed something or someone else has been controlling them. The Claw are mutants, more brawn than brain.”

“If there’s something dangerous out there, don’t I have a right to know? Arthur thought it was important enough to investigate, and I believe it cost him his life.”

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