2. Waylen

2

WAYLEN

I bent down to get a closer look at one of the garden beds. Brushing my fingers over the tangled mess of weeds and overgrown plants, I noticed the soil was dry and cracked in some areas, like it hadn't seen a decent watering in weeks. There were some plants with yellowed leaves and brittle stems, while others were healthier looking.

Even though I didn't know Jack about gardening, it was easy to see that this bed wasn't just neglected—it was on the brink of giving up entirely. However, that could have been due to the weather change. We were heading into fall, after all.

What was I doing?

I was supposed to be looking for Maribel—the eccentric raccoon shifter and shaman who might help me and the rest of the Misfit Shifters free Xander from Lucius's spirit—not to take on a job as a gardener.

Clearly, Lyra had been expecting someone—someone who wasn't me.

However, now that I was here, I felt as though there was something I was meant to do here. Something big. While I didn't understand what that was, I understood that my eagle felt a connection to this land. There was a pull he felt here—a pull I felt, too.

"Each bed has gotten out of control, as you can see," Lyra said, pulling me from my thoughts. Her voice had a hint of frustration in it, like she'd been battling this garden for a while and was losing the fight. "It will take time, but you said you like a challenge. Does that mean you'll take the job?"

I glanced at her. "I've always wanted to star in my own jungle adventure," I joked, thinking a little humor might help break the ice between us, but the look she gave me remained all business.

Tough crowd.

Standing to my full height, I locked eyes with her again. "I'll be here at eight in the morning tomorrow to get started. It'll take me a while to get things tamed properly, but I'm sure I can do it."

A noise, like someone huffing, made its way to my ears. I glanced in that direction, and noticed an older woman on the porch, watching us with sharp eyes. While she had the same guarded look as Lyra, there was something else in her gaze, too. The old woman looked as though she could see straight through me.

Was she Maribel?

She was a shifter. I could sense that much about her. Lyra was too. Although, I wasn't sure what type of shifter they were.

"Don't mind her. That's my grandmother. This is all hers," Lyra said, gesturing to the garden and cabin. "She built these beds and planted them years ago with my grandfather's help."

The old woman's expression didn't soften any. Instead, she seemed to drill into me deeper. It was as though she was studying me, trying to figure out what I was really about. For a moment, I wondered if she saw through my little act, but then I shook the thought off.

"Eight tomorrow morning sounds good," Lyra said, hesitating.

Did she not trust I'd be here when I said I would? How late was the person she'd been waiting for?

I debated coming clean and letting her know I wasn't who she thought I was, but then decided against it. If that old woman was Maribel, then working in her garden was the best way to gain her trust and see if she'd help with the Xander issue.

I started to introduce myself to the old woman and ask for her name, but noticed the porch was empty. She'd already retreated inside and closed the front door.

Pressing my lips into a thin line, I shifted my gaze to the nearest bed again. The weight of what I'd agreed to do hit me, and I remembered yet again that I knew nothing about gardening.

Thank goodness for the internet. It made dumb people sound smart.

"All right, well, I'm gonna head out. I'll see you early tomorrow morning," I said, flashing Lyra a smile.

She crammed her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. Sure, she was guarded, but there was a fire in her. She had a spark of determination that I couldn't help but notice. It was the mark of a strong woman, and damn did I love a strong woman.

"Okay," she said, not returning my smile.

My grin grew as I headed to my truck. While I walked, my eagle grew animated, the pull to this place calling to him.

Or was it her?

I cast a glance back at Lyra when I reached my truck. She'd already shifted her attention to the nearest garden bed. As I watched her, I swore I felt something stir deep within me, like the call of a eagle resonating through my soul.

Movement in one of the cabin windows captured my attention.

The old woman was watching me. I waved to her. When she didn't respond, I climbed into my truck. As I started the engine, I remembered my schedule at Crescent Creek Ziplining for the week. They had me working mornings, which meant I'd need to swap with someone for the evening shift. It was another thing to juggle, but I'd manage.

I always did.

Cutting a left at the end of their driveway, I headed toward town. Some ice cream from Celestial Scoops was in order. After all, this was the only day I would have off for a while. Might as well enjoy it.

My cell buzzed with a text before I reached the next stop sign.

I glanced at the screen. It was from Dean.

How'd it go? Was it her?

I stared at the message, thinking of how to respond before typing out a response.

Not sure yet. Need more time to find out.

I hit send and tossed the phone onto the passenger seat. My thoughts drifted to the old woman before shifting to Lyra. My eagle stirred, and I wondered if it was because I was thinking of her.

If so, I needed to figure out why.