Page 70 of Love At First Roar
She blinked against sudden tears. “I didn’t do it alone.”
“No,” Twyla agreed, resting a hand on her shoulder. “But youdidit. And that counts.”
The rest of the day passed in slow warmth. People greeted her like they always had, but with something new behind their eyes. Respect. Gratitude. Familiarity. She spent the afternoon helping Miriam steep herbs and shelve jars. Maeve popped in with Callum’s patrol update and two small cuts that Cora patched with salve. The kids near the fountain brought her wildflowers.
Every moment reminded her she’d chosen this life.
And that it had chosen her back.
When dusk painted the sky in hues of amber and rose, she returned to the inn to find Callum waiting on the porch, arms folded, leaning against the post like he hadn’t moved all day. His golden skin glowed in the warm light, shaggy brown hair ruffled from the wind. His eyes found her, and the soft smile he gave lit every part of her chest.
He straightened and opened his arms.
Cora walked straight into them.
“You look better,” he said, voice rumbling against her cheek.
“I feel better.” She pulled back slightly, cupping his face. “I’m registered.”
His brow lifted. “Legally dangerous now?”
“Legally helpful.” She grinned. “I’m told my sleep draughts made Rufus cry.”
“I’d pay good coin to see that.”
She kissed his chin. “I’m starting to think I belong here.”
Callum leaned in, his lips brushing her forehead. “You do.”
“Forever?”
“If you want.”
“I do.”
He kissed her then, long and slow and sure. When they finally pulled apart, the moon had risen behind the trees, and Hollow Oak exhaled around them, alive and whole.
They stood there for a while, hand in hand, wrapped in quiet and promise.
Home.
38
CALLUM
The moon rose full over Hollow Oak, casting silver light across rooftops and trees like the town had been dipped in quiet magic. Most of the windows had gone dark. The kids were tucked in, fires banked, shop lanterns blown out. The only sounds were cicadas, the gentle swish of breeze through pine and the unified breathing of Callum and Cora as they enjoyed the moment of peace entwined in each other’s embrace.
He eventually pulled away, letting her adjust her shawl and took in her glow that had only seemed to have grown brighter since the blood bond had been severed. Since she had been allowed to be herself.
He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. The moonlight painted her in silver and shadows, and he felt himself feel suddenly like a vulnerable school boy.
“Come walk with me?” he asked, voice low.
She tilted her head, amused. “At this hour? Planning to show me some secret ranger trail?”
“Maybe.” He reached for her hand. “Just trust me.”
She didn’t hesitate. She never had when it came to him.
