Page 8 of Falling for My Shifter Defender

"I need to find a job today," I say instead. "And a place for us to stay."

Eli doesn't look surprised, just thoughtful. "I might be able to help with the job part. A friend of mine runs a security company. They could use someone to handle the administrative side."

I narrow my eyes. "I don't need charity."

"It's not charity." His voice is calm, but there's a firmness underneath that wasn't there before. "Theo's expanding his operation. He needs someone organized who can manage the office while he's in the field. It's a real job with real pay."

"I don't have references," I admit grudgingly. "We've been moving around too much."

Eli shrugs. "Theo's a wolf. He can tell if you're lying about your skills." A hint of a smile touches his lips. "Besides, my recommendation goes a long way."

I want to argue, to insist I can find something on my own, but the reality of our situation weighs on me. We have no money, no connections, and Willow needs stability. Pride is a luxury I can't afford.

"Fine," I say finally. "I'll talk to him."

Willow beams, syrup smeared across her chin. "Does that mean we get to stay?"

I reach over with a napkin, wiping her face. "It means we're going to try to make things work here. For a while."

The smile she gives me is worth every ounce of pride I'm swallowing.

"I should get cleaned up," I say, pushing away from the table. "If I'm going to meet your friend."

Eli nods. "Take your time. I'll call Theo and see when he's available."

I hesitate, then ask, "Where are the towels again?"

"In the bathroom. And—" He pauses, looking slightly uncomfortable for the first time. "I left a new toothbrush on the counter for you. Still in the package."

The simple gesture—a toothbrush—hits me with unexpected force. It's such a small thing, but it speaks of forethought, of preparation. Of expecting us to stay, at least for a little while.

"Thank you," I say quietly, and retreat before he can see the confusion on my face.

The bathroom is clean and modest, with worn but good-quality fixtures. I turn on the shower, letting the steam fill the small space as I undress. My reflection in the mirror looks tired, wary—the face of someone who's been running too long.

The hot water is glorious, washing away the tension of the past twenty-four hours. I stand under the spray longer than necessary, savoring the simple luxury. When I finally step out, I feel more human than I have in weeks.

The toothbrush sits on the counter, still in its packaging—blue, brand new. I unwrap it slowly, the plastic crinkling in my hands. Such a small thing, and yet it feels monumental. A toothbrush means staying, at least for a night or two. It means Eli expected us, prepared for us.

I don't know how to feel about that.

After breakfast, Eli suggests we take a drive to see the Sanctuary site. I hesitate, but Willow's already bouncing in her seat at the idea of going somewhere new.

"Please, Grace?" she begs, her eyes wide and hopeful. "I want to see where the wolves live!"

I sigh, outnumbered. "Alright. But just for a little while."

Eli's truck is clean but clearly well-used, with a comfortable lived-in feel. Willow climbs into the back seat, buckling herself in with practiced ease. I slide into the passenger seat, hyper-aware of Eli's presence beside me.

The drive is quiet but not uncomfortable. Willow peppers Eli with questions about wolves and shifters, and he answers each one patiently, his deep voice filling the cab of the truck. I watch the scenery pass by—dense forest giving way to clearings, thenback to forest again. Whispering Pines is beautiful, I have to admit. Peaceful in a way that soothes something raw inside me.

We turn onto a dirt road that winds through the trees, eventually opening into a large clearing. Construction equipment sits idle near stacks of lumber and other building materials. The foundation of what looks like a large building has been laid at the center.

"This is it," Eli says, parking the truck. "The future home of the Whispering Pines Sanctuary."

Willow unbuckles her seatbelt the moment the engine stops, eager to explore. I follow more cautiously, taking in the expansive property.

"It's... big," I say lamely, unsure how else to describe it.

---