Page 11 of Falling for My Shifter Defender

I straighten my blouse—the cleanest one I own, though it's seen better days—and nod. "I need a job. They need someone organized who can keep their mouth shut about supernatural business. Seems like a match."

"Theo can be... intense," Eli warns, turning in his seat to face me. The morning light catches in his hazel eyes, turning them almost golden. "Don't let him intimidate you. Under all that Alpha posturing, he's fair."

"I've dealt with worse than reserved werewolves," I say, more confidently than I feel. In truth, the prospect of working for an Alpha makes my stomach knot—not from fear, exactly, but from the uncertainty of entering another power dynamic I can't control.

From the backseat, Willow pipes up. "Will I get to see the werewolves shift? Like you showed me yesterday, Eli?"

I shoot Eli a look, and he has the grace to appear slightly sheepish. "You shifted for her?"

"Just my hand," he explains, flexing his fingers as if to demonstrate. "She was curious about the difference between her partial shifts and an adult's controlled transformation."

I want to be annoyed, but I can't. Willow needs someone who understands the shifter side of her—a side I can support but never truly comprehend. Still, the casual way Eli has stepped into this role makes my chest tighten with an emotion I'm not ready to name.

"We'll stay right here," Eli promises as I reach for the door handle. "Take your time."

"Can we get popcorn?" Willow asks, pointing to a vendor across the street.

"If your sister says it's okay," Eli replies, looking to me for permission.

I hesitate. Old habits die hard—I don't like being separated from Willow, even for a short time. But we're in the middle of town, in broad daylight, with a wolf-shifter who could track her by scent alone. "Just don't go far," I finally concede.

Willow's face lights up, and Eli gives me a reassuring nod. "We won't go anywhere else. Promise."

Taking a deep breath, I step out of the car and approach the building. When I enter the code Eli provided, the door clicks open with a soft electronic sound. Inside, the lobby is surprisingly warm—both in temperature and atmosphere. The walls are a deep blue, adorned with photographs of forests andmountains. The reception desk is polished wood, and behind it sits a young woman with a welcoming smile.

The receptionist glances up. "You must be Grace. Theo's expecting you. Down the hall, second door on the right."

I nod my thanks and follow her directions, my footsteps silent on the carpeted floor. I walk to Theo's office and knock firmly on the door.

"Come in," a deep voice commands.

Theo Waverly rises slightly as I enter—not fully standing, but acknowledging my presence with the subtle courtesy of a leader who doesn't need to prove his dominance. He's tall, with broad shoulders and the kind of presence that fills a room without effort. His office is surprisingly comfortable—a large desk of the same polished wood as the reception area, bookshelves lining one wall, and large windows overlooking the town square.

"Grace Connelly," he says, gesturing to the chair across from his desk. Not a question but a statement. "Eli speaks highly of you."

"That's generous of him," I reply, taking the seat. I refuse to fidget under Theo's assessing gaze, meeting his eyes steadily instead.

"He says you need a job," Theo continues, leaning back slightly.

"I do," I confirm. "And from what I understand, you need someone to help with administrative work for your security team."

His eyebrow raises slightly. "And what makes you qualified for that position?"

"I've spent the last seven years keeping my sister and myself alive, moving constantly, managing resources, anticipatingthreats, and staying three steps ahead of people who wanted to find us." I lean forward slightly, my voice even. "I'm organized, I work well under pressure, and I know how to keep secrets. I'm also very good at spotting patterns—useful when you're filing reports about potential threats."

"You're human," he points out, though there's more curiosity than accusation in his tone.

"Yes," I acknowledge. "But my sister isn't. And I've been living in the supernatural world long enough to understand the stakes."

Theo studies me, his expression thoughtful rather than dismissive. "Why Whispering Pines? Why now?"

It's the question I've been expecting. For once, I decide on honesty instead of evasion.

"We came for the Sanctuary," I say simply. "Willow needs to learn about her shifter side in a safe environment. She deserves stability, a community that understands her." I take a breath, finding it easier to speak about Willow's needs than my own. "Everyone says this is becoming the safest place for supernatural beings. After years of running... we need that."

"We've neutralized the most dangerous hunters in the area," Theo says. "But that doesn't mean we can relax our guard."

I hesitate, not wanting to oversell myself. "I don't have security experience, but I'm organized and detail-oriented. I've spent years keeping Willow safe, staying vigilant. I can learn whatever systems you need me to manage."

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