Page 27 of Falling for My Shifter Defender

Jenna crouches down to Willow's level. "I've got your classroom all set up, and there are several other shifter children excited to meet you."

Willow's eyes widen. "Really? Can I meet them now?"

"Of course. See that group over by the swings? Why don't you go introduce yourself? We'll be starting class in about ten minutes."

Willow looks up at me, seeking permission. The moment stretches between us, heavy with meaning. My fingers tighten around hers reflexively.

"Go ahead," I manage to say, forcing my grip to loosen. "Have fun. I'll pick you up after school."

Willow throws her arms around my waist, squeezing tight. "Love you, Grace."

"Love you too, kiddo." My voice catches.

Then, to my surprise, she turns and hugs Eli with the same enthusiasm. "Bye, Eli! I'll tell you all about school later!"

His face softens as he pats her back. "Looking forward to it, squirt."

And just like that, she's off, racing across the playground toward the group of children, her backpack bouncing against her small frame. I watch her go, my heart in my throat, unable to move as she disappears into the crowd of children.

Jenna gives my arm a gentle squeeze. "She'll be just fine. I promise we take security very seriously here. No one gets in or out without proper clearance."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

"I should go round up the troops," Jenna says with a smile. "It was lovely seeing you both. See you at pickup!"

As she walks away, I stand rooted to the spot, my eyes fixed on the last place I saw Willow. Eli moves to stand beside me, close enough that his arm brushes against mine. The contact is subtle but grounding.

"She's going to be fine," he says gently, his gaze following mine to where Willow is now playing tag with a group of children, her laughter carrying across the yard.

"I know." My hands are clenched at my sides.

Eli doesn't rush me. He just stands there with me, a quiet, steady presence beside me. "Letting go is the hardest part," he says after a moment. "But it's also the bravest."

I exhale slowly, my shoulders dropping an inch. "I'm scared," I admit, the words barely audible.

"That's okay," Eli says, his voice gentle but firm. "You're still here. That's what counts."

The bell rings, and I watch as the children line up at the door. Willow falls into place, chatting animatedly with a girl beside her. She doesn't look back, doesn't search for me in the crowd of parents. She's already moving forward, embracing this new chapter with the fearlessness of childhood.

Maybe I could learn something from her.

"We should go," I say finally, tearing my eyes away. "I need to get to work."

We walk back to the truck in silence, my thoughts a tangled mess. As we reach the vehicle, I glance at Eli. "I never thought a school drop-off would feel like walking a tightrope without a net."

He chuckles softly. "Well, you didn't fall."

"Not yet," I say, my voice tight. Then, quieter, "But maybe I don't have to fall alone anymore."

Eli stops walking. He turns to me, his expression serious, eyes searching mine. "You never did. You just didn't know someone would catch you."

Something shifts in my chest, a tight knot loosening ever so slightly. I don't have words to respond, but as we continue walking, my fingers brush against his. And for once, I don't pull away.

Chapter 10

Grace

The office at Theo's security company is quiet this afternoon, just the soft clicking of keyboards and occasional murmur of conversation. I adjust my chair, focusing on the patrol schedule spreadsheet in front of me. My fingers move steadily across the keyboard as I update route assignments, trying to ignore the lingering anxiety from this morning's school drop-off.

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