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"I will."

I was halfway to my duplex when I noticed the black sedan parked on a side street. The model was different from Marcus's usual car, but the tinted windows were the same. My stomach clenched, that familiar spike of adrenaline flooding my system.

The car didn't move as I drove past, but I could feel eyes on me. By the time I pulled into my driveway, my hands were shaking.

But this time, instead of spiraling into panic, I reached for my phone and did something I couldn't have imagined doing a week ago. I texted Micah.

Thanks for today. I felt like myself for the first time in a long while.

His response came within minutes:Anytime you need a reminder, I’m here.

I stared at the message, feeling that dangerous warmth spread through my chest again. Maybe the black sedan was still out there, maybe Marcus was still calling. But those threats felt manageable now, not because they were less real, but because I wasn't facing them alone.

I had Reed's security system, Jonah and Charlie's fierce protectiveness, and Micah's steady presence. I had a town that was starting to feel like it might want to keep me.

Maybe that was enough to grow something real.

Chapter 7

Reed

The morning sun was barely peeking over the mountains when I pulled up to Kit's duplex with coffee and my toolbox. The image of that black sedan cruising around town had been eating at me all night, and I wanted to double-check the security work I'd started installing when she'd first called, and get the cameras installed.

I'd texted Kit at seven to let her know I was coming. Her response had been immediate, almost like she'd been awake and waiting:Thank you. See you soon.

She opened the door before I could knock, looking like she hadn't slept much, but with a determined set to her jaw that I hadn't seen before. Her scent hit me as she stepped aside. Vanilla and honey layered with something sharper. Anxiety, yes, but underneath it a new note of resolve. My alpha instincts stirred, then settled.

"You're early," she said, stepping aside to let me in. "But I appreciate the backup caffeine."

I held up the travel cups I'd brought from the diner. "Figured you might need the good stuff. I just want to run through a final check on everything we installed yesterday, make sure it's all working properly, and then get these cameras up."

"The new locks feel so solid," Kit said, automatically engaging both deadbolts behind me. "I actually slept better last night knowing they were there."

We moved to the kitchen, where Kit's own pot was already brewing. The space felt different today, warmer, more lived-in. Her scent had deepened into the walls, grounding the space. It was hers now.

"How are you feeling about today?" I asked, testing the window latch nearest the sink. "Charlie's been planning this nest project for days."

"Nervous," Kit admitted, wrapping her hands around her mug. "I haven't built a proper nest in... well, a long time. What if I don't remember how? What if I mess it up?"

The vulnerability in her voice tugged at something primal in me. "Kit, Charlie's seven. She's going to think anything you two build together is perfect."

"Is that your professional opinion, Mr. Fix-It?"

"That's my personal guarantee." I moved to check the motion sensor by the back door, satisfied with the steady green light. "Besides, from what I've seen, you've got good instincts about what makes a space feel like home."

"Do I?" she asked, genuinely surprised.

"You picked this place, didn't you? Quiet street, good light, close enough to neighbors to feel connected but far enough for privacy." I nodded toward the kitchen details. Flowers in a mason jar, a cheerful dish towel, her coffee station set up by the window. "You're already making it yours."

Kit followed my gaze, seeing her space through my eyes. "I didn't even realize I was doing that."

"Sometimes the best choices are the ones we make without overthinking them."

We fell into easy conversation while I ran final checks, Kit asking questions about the system and me explaining how it all layered together. Her scent gradually mellowed as she relaxed, anxiety giving way to warmth and a note of quiet comfort. My alpha approved. It smelled like safety.

"Want to sit on the porch for a bit?" I offered once I'd confirmed everything was solid. "It's nice out, and I brought pastries from Micah."

"You're trying to spoil me," Kit said, but she was already heading for the door.