Chapter 13

THIRTEEN

T he next morning, Arden strode into the sheriff's office, determination etched into every line of his face. Reed, Kade, and Roarke were already gathered around the large conference table, their expressions grim.

"Thanks for coming, guys," Arden said, taking a seat. "We need to figure out how to keep Mari safe from Victor."

Reed nodded, his amber eyes sharp. "Agreed. That bastard's not getting near her again."

Kade cracked his knuckles, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Just say the word, and my pack will tear him apart."

"As much as I'd love to let you loose on him," Arden sighed, "we need to be smart about this. Victor's a slippery snake with a lot of resources."

They spent the next hour hammering out schedules and roles, ensuring Mari's safety was the top priority. Arden's wolf settled slightly, knowing he had the full might of Whispering Pines at his back.

"It's a long shot," he admitted, "Victor being the canny bastard he is. But if we can make it even a little harder for him to get to Mari, it's worth it."

Reed clapped him on the shoulder. "We've got this, Arden. He's not laying a finger on our girl."

Arden's heart swelled at the easy claim, the casual acceptance of Mari as one of their own. "Thanks, guys. Truly."

As the meeting wrapped up, an idea sparked. He fished out his phone and fired off a quick text to Mari.

"Lunch at the Lone Wolf? Figure you could use a breather after yesterday's craziness."

Her response pinged back moments later. "I'd love that. See you at one."

Arden pocketed the phone, a slow grin pulling at his mouth. Maybe he couldn't singlehandedly dismantle the threat to his mate, but he could damn well give her a few hours of laughter and normalcy.

The Lone Wolf was packed when they arrived, the mouth watering scent of burgers and ribs perfuming the air. Sera waved them over to a large corner booth already occupied by Lark, Reed, and Ellie.

"Well, don't you two look adorable," Sera drawled.

Mari blushed, and Arden couldn't resist brushing a kiss to her temple as they slid in. "She sure does."

Lark leaned back in his seat as he surveyed his captive audience. "So, there I was, minding my own business, when I hear this god-awful racket coming from the Smithson's yard."

He paused for effect, letting the suspense build. Mari found herself leaning forward, already caught up in his storytelling.

"Now, you all know how Mrs. Smithson gets about her award-winning petunias," Lark continued, pitching his voice into a passable imitation of the elderly woman's quavering soprano. "‘Not a single petal out of place, or there'll be hell to pay!'"

Sera snorted into her drink, shooting him a knowing look. "Let me guess. You couldn't resist investigating."

"Damn straight," Lark affirmed with a roguish wink. "What kind of concerned neighbor would I be otherwise?"

He launched to his feet, long limbs flailing as he mimed sneaking through imaginary hedges. "I crept closer, keeping low to the ground, when suddenly..."

Lark let out an unholy screech, arms pinwheeling wildly. Mari nearly choked on her iced tea, startled laughter bubbling up her throat.

"A massive, feathered beast erupts from the begonias, squawking like a banshee with a bullhorn!" Lark ducked and weaved around the table, dodging invisible attacks. "Feathers flying, beak clacking, the whole nine yards. And me without my dragon form to even the odds."

Ellie giggled uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face. "Only you could piss off a chicken and make it sound like an epic battle, Lark."

"Excuse you, that was no mere chicken," Lark sniffed, affronted. "That was the Poultrygeist of Petal Lane, scourge of the snapdragons."

A beat of silence and then the table collectively groaned at the terrible pun. Mari buried her face in Arden's shoulder, her own shaking with mirth.

"Oh my god, that was awful," Sera declared, chucking a wadded napkin at Lark's head.

He caught it easily, bowing with a flourish. "Thank you, sweetheart. I'll be here all week. Try the fried pickles, they're divine."

"So, wait," Reed interjected, fighting a smile, "what happened with the evil chicken?"

"Oh, I'm getting there, hold onto your britches." Lark dropped back into his seat, expression turning sly.

"So this devil bird's got me cornered by the window box, and I'm thinking this is it. Death by possessed poultry. The indignity!"

Arden watched Mari completely invested in the ridiculous story.

"When who should appear like an avenging angel wielding the Hose of Justice, but Gideon Frosty Freeze himself!" Lark clutched his chest dramatically.

"I have never been so grateful to see a man in tartan pajamas and bunny slippers in my life. He turned that spray on Feathers the Furious and bam! Chicken soup for the intrepid explorer's soul."

Mari completely lost it, peals of laughter spilling from her lips. He loved that. Loved that she had been able to relax and enjoy the moment.

Arden slipped his arm around her waist, his thumb tracing circles against her hip. "Okay there, beautiful?"

She wiped her streaming eyes, letting her head fall to his shoulder. "More than. I haven't had this much fun in..."

"Too damn long," Sera supplied, raising her glass in salute. "But you'd better get used to it. This here's just your average Tuesday here. Especially with this one," she laughed and leaned in to kiss Lark.

"Goddess, I needed this. I feel like I haven't laughed in years."

Arden twined their fingers together under the table, marveling at how perfectly they fit. "Get used to it."

Ellie then regaled them with stories of baby Asher's antics, her and Reed playfully bickering over who could scoop him up fastest when he summoned.

"I'm telling you," Ellie insisted, "I've got the advantage. Mama knows best, and Mama has magic."

Reed snorted. "Please. Kid wants his dad, and Dad has tiger reflexes. I'll beat you to the nursery every time."

"Speaking of magic," Sera interjected, arching a brow at Mari. "How're your lessons with Luna going?"

Mari smiled, a hint of pride warming her expression. "Really well, actually. Luna and Celeste are incredible teachers. I feel like I'm finally starting to understand my own power."

Ellie reached over to squeeze her hand. "You've got two of the best in your corner, Mari. And the rest of us witchy types too. We'll make sure you can blast Victor's smarmy ass into next week if he tries anything."

Emotion rippled across Mari's face too quick to catch, but Arden felt it in the minute trembling of her fingers against his. Gratitude, relief, and a tentative unfurling of confidence.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you all," she said thickly, "but I've never been more grateful."

"Hush that talk," Sera said firmly. "You're one of us. And we take care of our own."

Arden's eyes met Mari's, an unspoken promise passing between them. No matter what the future held, she'd never face it alone. Not anymore.

"Hey," Celeste yelled from the front counter, "don't you all forget girls' night tonight."

Mari raised her brows. "That's tonight?"

Ellie chuckled. "Yeah. That means Reed will stay with Asher while I hang with the girls."

"I'm starting to get jealous of all the fun you have at girls' night," Lark mumbled. "Why don't we ever have a spa night with good food?"

Reed shrugged. "Because nobody wants to set it up and we'd rather sit at the brewery and drink a beer and eat burgers."

"Ah, yeah." Lark chuckled. "I like that idea more."

"So we'll have guys' night at the brewery with beer and burgers," Arden said.

"It won't be as fun as girls' night." Mari gave an evil grin. "Tonight it's a Mexican fiesta."

Ellie nodded. "Tacos, margaritas and loteria."

"Loteria?"

"It's like BINGO but different. Lots of fun." Ellie gave the men a sad smile. "Too bad you guys can't join."

"I'm starting to feel like girls' night is anti-men," Lark grumbled.

The women laughed. "It is," they all replied.

Arden shook his head but didn't debate. He loved that Mari had something fun to look forward to. "I'll pick you up after and walk home together."

She smiled softly at him. "Sounds great."