Her sincerity softened something tight in my chest. She wasn’t posturing or playing games. Even my wolf, usually alert and on edge around strangers, felt at ease. There was no challenge in her gaze, just quiet respect.
“Please just call me Ruby,” I said, shaking her hand. “It’s nice to meet someone who’s not... guarding me.”
“Ruby it is,” she said brightly. “Let me know if you need help with anything.”
Then her friendly smile turned devilish as she glanced at her brother. “As for you, dear brother… I have a job for you.”
Before he could protest, she dragged him to the other side of the store.
“I’ll be outside,” Luke said, his voice a little too eager. “Patrolling. You know… patrolling.”
He didn’t wait for a reply before escaping the store like it was on fire. I rolled my eyes. What w
