She nods, seeming to process my words.I tense, waiting to see what she’ll say.
Before she can respond, a knock sounds at the door.
Her head snaps toward it.
“That’s Fern and Jameson,” I say.“It’s okay.”
I move to open it, barely getting the door unlocked before Fern barrels inside.
“Roxie!”
Roxie’s already on her feet, swaying slightly as Fern crashes into her, wrapping her up in a fierce hug.
“Oh, my god,” Fern sobs.“I thought—I was so scared?—”
“I’m okay,” Roxie says, clinging back just as tightly.“I’m okay.I swear.”
Jameson hangs back, watchful and calm, his eyes flicking to me in silent thanks before returning to his mate.
My wolf hums with satisfaction.Good.Her friend is here.She’ll stay with us for sure.
I ignore him.
For now.
Fern pulls back, cupping Roxie’s face.“Are you hurt?”
“No,” she replies.“Tired and sore, but I’m okay.”
Fern’s gaze shifts to me, tears swimming in her eyes.“Thank you for finding her and bringing her home, Abe.”
“It was my pleasure.”
Jameson steps forward.“We owe you.”
I shake my head.“You’d have done the same.”
He smiles slightly.“Yeah, I would’ve.”
My stomach growls loudly.Roxie laughs softly, surprising everyone, including herself.
“I guess that’s my cue,” I say.“You all hungry?”
Fern nods.“Starving.”
“I’ll help,” Jameson offers.
I head for the kitchen, my wolf finally allowing me to breathe a little easier as I move around the space, pulling out eggs, bread, and fruit.Jameson joins me, wordlessly falling into rhythm beside me.
“You good?”he asks quietly.
I glance toward the living room, where Roxie and Fern are curled together on the couch, whispering.
“No,” I say honestly.“But she’s alive.And that’s enough for today.”
“One day at a time,” Jameson says.
“Exactly.She knows about shifters.”