Page 37 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Nanny

I laugh, shaking my head. “Oh, please. I’m not even part of Green Lake, remember? I’m just passing through.”

“You could be, you know. If you wanted to be.”

There’s something in his voice, something that lingers between playful and serious, and it tugs at the part of me that’s been yearning for a place to belong. I’ve spent so much time convincing myself that Green Lake is just a pit stop, a way to dodge my past until the dust settles. But lately, the idea of staying, of planting roots somewhere new, doesn’t seem so far-fetched. Especially when Jack’s around, making it all feel a little less daunting.

“Yeah, but I’m not,” I remind him, keeping my tone light even as my heart beats a little faster. “I mean, this is your home, your pack. I’d just be a stranger trying to play mediator.”

Jack quirks an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he leans in closer. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. What youdid back there? Not everyone can handle something like that, especially with people they don’t even know. But you? You made it look easy.”

I bite my lip, glancing away as the reality of his words settles over me. He’s right—I did step in without thinking twice, without feeling out of place or uncertain. It was like second nature, like I’d been part of their pack all along.

Jack nudges my shoulder. “You know, the pack isn’t just about blood or bonds. It’s about finding where you fit, where you feel at home. And from where I’m standing, you fit here pretty damn well.”

I open my mouth to respond, but the words get stuck. Because I want to believe him, want to believe that maybe, just maybe, there’s a spot for me here, too. But the fear is still there, lurking beneath the surface, reminding me of every time I’ve tried to belong somewhere and ended up getting burned.

“I don’t know,” I finally say, my voice quiet. “It’s not that simple.”

Jack watches me for a beat, like he’s trying to read between the lines of everything I’m not saying. “Doesn’t have to be,” he murmurs. “Just think about it, okay?”

Before I can respond, the distant sound of someone calling his name cuts through the moment, breaking the spell.

Jack sighs, glancing over his shoulder, then back at me with a small, apologetic smile. “I’ll be right back,” he says, giving my hand a quick squeeze before turning to go.

As I watch him walk away, my heart pulls in two different directions. There’s a part of me that wants to take the leap, to see if this place—if Jack—could really be my home. But then there’s the other part, the one that’s still holding back, still afraid to letgo of the past. And as I stand there, caught between what could be and what I’m running from, I know that eventually, I’ll have to make a choice.

But for now, all I can do is watch Jack’s retreating figure and wonder where this path might lead if I just have the courage to follow it.

Chapter 20 - Jack

The clang of metal and the steady hiss of welding torches fill the air, a symphony of noise that’s always felt like home. But today, none of it cuts through the buzz in my head. My thoughts keep drifting, no matter how much I try to focus on the piece of steel I’m working on. It’s been days since Sonya stayed the night, and every minute that passes without her around feels like a weight pressing down on my chest.

I set my torch down, wiping the sweat from my brow as I glance around the shop. Reiner’s across the room, barking out orders to one of the newer guys while everyone else is busy, heads down and eyes glued to their work. Normally, I’d be right there with them, lost in the rhythm of the job. But not today. Today, my mind’s somewhere else entirely.

Or rather, with someone else.

The sound of the shop door creaking open catches my attention, and I turn just in time to see Sonya step inside with Fiona balanced on her hip. She’s wearing a loose sundress that flutters around her knees, and her hair’s pulled back in a messy bun that somehow still looks perfect. She spots me and offers a small wave. Her smile is bright enough to cut through the haze of dust and smoke surrounding me.

I raise my hand in response, trying to fight the stupid grin that’s threatening to spread across my face. She’s got this way of lighting up a room, of making everything else fade into the background. And when she’s holding Fiona, it’s like looking at something out of a dream.

Reiner’s the first to notice, a wide grin splitting his face as he saunters over. “Well, look who decided to drop by,” he callsout, his voice booming over the noise. “About time we got some real sunshine in here.”

Sonya laughs, and the sound is music to my ears. “Hey, Reiner. Thought we’d come by and see what kind of trouble you boys are getting into.”

Reiner reaches out, taking Fiona from Sonya’s arms with the ease of someone who’s done it a hundred times. “Trouble? Us? Nah, we’re on our best behavior today, right, Jack?”

I chuckle, shaking my head as I wipe my hands on a rag. “Right. Always.”

Sonya steps closer, her eyes scanning the shop with genuine curiosity. I can’t help but watch her, the way she moves, the way she fits so seamlessly into this space that’s always been mine.

One of the other guys, Jake, wanders over, and his eyes light up at the sight of Fiona. “Hey there, little lady,” he says, tickling her foot. Fiona giggles, and it’s like a spark ignites in the middle of the shop. Suddenly, everyone’s paying attention, crowding around to coo at Fiona and chat with Sonya.

She handles it like a pro, laughing and talking with each of them like she’s known them for years. She’s got that easy charm, the kind that makes people instantly feel at ease. I watch as she answers questions about Fiona, sharing little stories that make the guys laugh and shake their heads in amusement. She’s a natural, effortlessly blending into the mix of welders and mechanics like she was always meant to be here.

Reiner holds Fiona up, making faces that have her squealing with delight, and I can’t help but feel a swell of pride. This is my world, and Sonya’s right in the middle of it, making it all better just by being here.

I can’t take my eyes off her, and I don’t want to. Every time she laughs or glances my way, it’s like the oxygen has been sucked out of the room in the best possible way. I’ve never brought anyone here before, never let anyone see this side of me. But with Sonya, it feels right. Like she belongs here just as much as I do.

As the guys fuss over Fiona, I take my chance and step closer to Sonya, nudging her with my elbow. “Hey, you want a quick tour?”

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