by Emma Nichols
“Hold it together, Savvy,” I whispered. “You can do this. You have to do this.”
Suddenly, someone squatted in front of me and laid his hands on the arms of the chair. I froze and inhaled deeply. No scent. Nothing human, nothing shifter. I frowned. Impossible. I uncovered my face and tucked my hands beneath my thighs. Blowing out a breath, I concentrated on masking my emotions while raising my gaze. “Quinn.” For some reason, his presence flooded me with relief. “I’m sorry,” I murmured. “It’s just…” I gestured to the house behind me.
“I know.” His eyes locked on mine. Slowly, he reached out and cupped my face. My lids lowered as I pressed my cheek against his palm. “The fire happened yesterday? You amaze me, Savvy.” Quinn stroked my cheek one time with his knuckles and then stood. He held his hands out to me and helped me stand, but even after, he didn’t let go. “Talk to the detective while I check out the land and take some measurements. Then we’re leaving.”
I stiffened. “I can’t. I need to take care of things here.”
“No, you don’t. There are so many people here to help you. What you need to do is come to my office so we can work on the design.” Quinn didn’t wait for a response. Instead, he spun me around and laid a hand on my lower back as he walked me to the front of the house.
I didn’t hate it. I didn’t hate him. In all honesty, he intrigued me, and after dealing with Tanner and Dallas, it was nice to be around a guy who didn’t doubt me or hover about waiting for me to fail.
7
I recognized the detective. We’d spoken briefly the day before. He was there when my parents were found. His eyes were on me as I neared. Quinn removed his hand from my lower back, laying it on my shoulder, ever so briefly.
“I’m taking measurements and making a rough drawing of the lot, then I’ll need you to come with me so we can get the design process started.” He stared, waiting for a response.
Feeling completely numb, I nodded. “Okay. Thank you.” My words were barely louder than a whisper. I watched him move toward the tree line and finally turn back toward me. He had his phone out and seemed to be typing on it. Notes, no doubt.
“Miss Silver?” The detective interrupted my thoughts.
“Yes?” I wrapped my arms around my body. The mountain air was chillier in the morning. Normally, it didn’t affect me. As a wolf shifter, my temperature ran hotter than humans. Today, everything bothered me.
“I’m Detective Sands. You may remember me…”
“Of course.” I sighed.
His brow furrowed. “We’ve done our preliminary investigation. As you know, your father was shot.”
My head tilted. The detective seemed to be holding back. “What is it?” I prodded.
“Strange. And it could be nothing. Homemade bullet. Silver.” He shrugged. “Thought I’d mention it in case you knew anyone who might smelt metal.”
“No, I can’t think of anyone offhand.” I followed his gaze as he studied the rest of the pack, working around the homestead. Their homes had survived the blaze with only minor damages, and those were due to the firemen’s efforts to save my family’s place. I frowned. “None of them would have harmed my father. They’re simple people. They have gardens. They craft. They aren’t violent in the least.” I stood with my shoulders back, but my eyes landed on the spot several feet away where Dallas and I had fought the day before. There were still blood droplets in the dirt I hoped Sands wouldn’t notice.
“Can you think of any reason someone might want to hurt your father?” He rocked on his heels.
My eyes narrowed as I considered his question. “I’ve been gone for the better part of four years. I’ve only been here when college was on break and even then I had internships which kept me away most of the days.” I swallowed hard and laid a hand on my chest. My wolf paced angrily, which made me anxious around strangers. “I was supposed to graduate in a few days.” I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. “You may want to speak to my sisters. They’re seniors…graduating next month.” I covered my face briefly with my hands. Even thinking about these experiences without my parents left an aching hole in my chest. I rubbed my forehead and looked at the detective again. “They might have overheard something. I wish I could help you, but as far as I know, life was great.”
“Of course.” He scribbled something on a pad. “Can I speak with them at school? It will only take a few minutes.”
“Sure. Anything to find the killer.” I nodded sadly. “I really need to work with the architect. Do you mind? I want my sisters to have a home. Plus, talking about the murder is seriously upsetting.” I licked my lips. “We were a close-knit family. My parents were crazy in love even after all these years.” I offered a watery smile. “I don’t know how I’m going to recover from this, how my sisters will either. I…” I had no idea what else to say. I could’ve babbled on for some time, but luckily Quinn suddenly appeared at my side.
“Savvy, do you have a minute? I have an idea.” He glanced at the detective for approval. When Sands nodded, Quinn gestured for me to follow him.
After rubbing my eyes, I waved at the detective and traipsed after Quinn. When he stopped near the corner of the porch I asked, “What’s your idea?”
“The barn.” He pointed to one of the original structures on the homestead.
“You want us to live in a barn.” I scrunched up my face.
Quinn chuckled. “No. I see it’s unused. I want to salvage it and make you an amazing timber frame home.”
“Right. A wood house.” I nodded. “We had that before. I was hoping for something more secure and flame retardant.”
“Like what? A tank? A fortress?” He rolled his eyes.
“Hey, a fortress doesn’t sound half bad right now. There’s a killer on the loose and I have siblings to protect.” I huffed. “Not that you’d understand.”
Quinn forced my chin up. His brow was furrowed. “You’d be surprised what I understand.”
I swear it felt like he was staring right into me and I withered under his gaze. Pushing his hand away, I sighed. “I’m sure.” Shaking my head at the old barn, I turned toward him again. “Okay, we definitely need to talk. Let me tell my…friends where I’m going. I’ll follow you.”
As was customary, I sought out Dallas to share my plans. “I have to go to the architect’s office. I’m not sure how long it will take. I’ll call you.”
He nodded but barely met my eyes. “Fine. I can take care of things,” Dallas mumbled.
“I know. I have faith in you, otherwise I wouldn’t leave.” I studied him for a moment, hoping for some kind of response, but he simply moved away from me and started planting a new row of green beans.
Though his response was disheartening, I refused to acknowledge his actions had impacted me in the least. Instead, I strode confidently to my vehicle and followed Quinn down the mountain, through town, and finally stopped at a stunning arts and craft style mansion constructed with wood and stone, perched on a cliff overlooking nothing but forest. As I stepped out of my vehicle, I couldn’t help but gasp.
“Thoughts?” Quinn studied my reaction while I tried to take in all the incredible aspects of the house.
“I’m awed.” I shook my head, unable to find all the words needed to adequately respond. Then I turned to him. “Also, I’m curious. Why did you bring me here?”
He chuckled as he held out his keys. “This is my home and also my office.” He winked. “I like to keep my life simple.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, I can tell.” There was nothing simple about the design of the place.
“Come on. I think there are some features you might want to incorporate into your new home.” Quinn motioned for me to follow him up the steps onto the porch, and then through the oversized wood and glass door.
Once inside, I admired the open floor plan, the way so many natural elements had been incorporated into his space. This attention to detail and his sense of style spoke to me. Who knew I could find the right architect so
easily? I mentally patted myself on the back. “This is really nice.” I shrugged. “So, let’s copy it, add a moat, a drawbridge, and stick it on my property. Problem solved.” I laughed.
With a grin, Quinn studied me. “Your heart isn’t in this right now.”
His words had a sobering effect. I looked away, unable to meet his eyes. “Not really, no.” I sighed.
He took a step closer to me with his arms open. I had this urge to simply fall into them and press my face against his chest. I wanted to hear his heart beating and feel alive again. Right now, I was simply going through the motions. I gazed up at him expectantly, waiting for him to give me a sign he was amenable to the closeness. Instead, he suddenly stuffed his hands inside his pockets.
“Let’s go talk in my office,” he suggested as he gestured toward the stairs. “It’s in the walk out basement.”
I nodded and followed him. “Thank you for meeting me so quickly. I’m sure you have other projects requiring your attention. I’ll try not to take up too much of your time.”
Quinn turned to face me at the bottom of the stairs. For the first time, I noticed his bright blue eyes and dark brown hair. My breath caught in my throat. I stumbled with three steps to go. Before I knew what was happening, I fell forward. My eye lids shut, unwilling to see the floor nearing. I fully expected to land in a crumpled and highly embarrassed ball at his feet. Only that didn’t happen. My face was smushed into his chest. I heard his heart and felt his muscles rippling under my cheek.
I blinked and looked up at him. “You caught me.” There was no hiding the wonder in my voice.
“I’ll always catch you, Savvy. If you let me.” His face had grown serious.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He casually helped me find my footing, and I realized the entire basement had been converted to his office. I inhaled deeply and nodded my approval. Quinn had moved to the nearest bookshelf. His fingers dragged along the spines, finally stopping on one. “Here it is.” He grinned and I could actually feel his passion for design. As he opened the book, he truly came alive. “I’m hearing your need for security. I’d like to pair this with something natural looking. Lots of stone, wood, and glass.”
“Where’s the security?” I frowned.
“Install CPI,” he joked. Then he sobered. “Really, it’s a special glass.”
“Is it also a special wood?” I huffed. “The house did catch fire. Arson.”
Quinn tapped his chin. “Have you considered getting a dog?”
My lips twitched. We’d never had a dog. Hell, we’d never had pets. My father explained cats would be too jumpy around us because of our wolves. I suspected a dog might feel the same way. “No, I haven’t.” I tilted my head. “Is this your idea of security? A dog?”
“They’re great for security and companionship. You never have to feel lonely.” He shrugged. “Just an idea.”
“Or, it’s one more thing for me to take care of,” I grumbled and then rolled my eyes. “And crap. Now I’m channeling my mother.” Before I could say another word, my phone began to ring. I grabbed it from the satchel. I recognized it as being a call from App State. “I’m sorry. I need to get this.” I glanced around, wondering where to speak with some privacy, when Quinn helped herd me out the basement door. Standing there on the concrete pad, I mustered the nerve to answer. “Hello?”
“Savannah Silver, please.”
I quickly recognized the voice. “Dean Simms? This is Savannah.” As the Dean of Students, I should’ve been expecting his call.
“Oh, Savvy.” He blew out a breath and it only served to make me more nervous. “I know about your parents. Were you planning on walking on Saturday?”
My shoulders sank. “Not anymore. It wouldn’t be the same. It wouldn’t feel right…” I could spout out a million reasons I no longer wanted to participate in my college graduation. Thankfully, he stopped me after two.
“Well, I don’t mean to bother you at a time like this, but we’re going to need your room emptied by then. Is there someone you can send?” I could hear him tapping his pen nervously.
I rubbed my forehead. “No one. It’s just me.” He cleared his throat uncomfortably. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of it. Will someone mail me my diploma?”
“Of course. And please know, we’re all very sorry for your loss.” A moment later, I realized the call had ended.
For a second, I stood on the concrete staring out over the mountains. It was so beautiful, so peaceful. My wolf paced insistently. I knew she wanted to run. Not now. Soon.
The door behind me opened. “Is everything okay?” Quinn soon stood behind me.
Somehow, I had no idea how to respond. Sometimes it felt like nothing would be okay ever again.
8
“Let me come with you. I’ll help you.” Quinn followed me to my car.
“I’m perfectly capable of packing up my room.” I huffed and turned to face him. “I’m not some helpless chick who needs rescuing. I’m strong. I’m tough. I can do this.” I glared at him for emphasis.
The sides of his mouth twitched. I soon realized he was trying to hide a smile. This happened a lot around me. My cheeks began to burn. This seemed like a pretty normal response to being completely humiliated.
“You don’t think so? You think I’m some damsel in distress?” I unlocked my car door, yanked it open, and sank down in my seat while I jammed the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life, but before I could close my door, Quinn had squatted down beside me.
“Don’t be mad,” he murmured.
I looked away. If I stared into his eyes, I’d melt. I didn’t want to soften in the least. “I’m not mad,” I grumbled. Quinn laid his hand on my thigh. I could feel the warmth soothing me. Frowning, I stared down at my leg.
“So, what is it then? How did I upset you?” He stared at me silently.
I shook my head. We couldn’t discuss this. Anything we said would make me feel like the girl I claimed not to be. Instead, I pasted a smile on my face, took a deep breath, and faced him. “I’m fine. I’m just gonna go take care of some business.” I shrugged then reached for the door handle.
“Wow. I earned a ‘fine.’ You’re seriously pissed. Well, I’m gonna go take care of my business. I’m designing your house. Think you’ll be back tonight?” Quinn leaned in until he was inches from my face. “Because I’d love to show you some preliminary plans. I know you’re in a rush.”
I closed my eyes. Dammit. Why won’t he let me be mad? That would be so much easier. Inhaling deeply, I nodded. “Yeah. This won’t take long. I already started bringing stuff home during spring break a few weeks ago.”
“Stop by.” He smiled. “I’ll make dinner.”
“It could be late.” I bit my lip.
Quinn chuckled. “Then I’ll make a late dinner.” He took a step back so he could shut my door.
God help me, I nodded. I agreed. What the hell had I agreed to? Then I gave him a slight wave as I drove away. I spent the rest of the drive thinking. What was Quinn’s motivation? Why was he being so nice to me? If he was a shifter, I’d have suspected he was in line to woo me. I groaned. I was already fighting off Tanner, who apparently hadn’t given up, judging from his interactions with me in the meeting last night. I shivered as I recalled how he stared at me while Lennie sat demurely at his feet.
Crap. I’d forgotten to tell my sisters what was going on. As soon as I parked in front of my dorm, I sent them a group text.
* * *
Me: Had the initial meeting with the architect. Now packing up my dorm room. When I return to Asheville, I’ll meet with the architect again to finalize the plans. Home much later. Sorry! Dallas is in charge in my absence.
* * *
They were in class, but Shelby still managed to find a way to respond. While I climbed the steps, I heard my phone chime.
* * *
Shelby: I’m going to need to hear more about this architect. We haven’t met him yet.
* * *
Me: We’ll talk later, Shelby, not that there’s anything to say.
* * *
Even as I typed it, my cheeks burned. The way he looked at me, this man was trouble. I took a deep breath as I reached my door. Though I had literally been here yesterday, it felt like years had passed. Walking in, I glanced around, wondering what I should take, what really mattered to me. The rest I’d have to haul out to the dumpsters. I could feel my wolf growling. She hated this kind of labor. Maybe I should’ve let Quinn join me after all.
For a moment, I leaned on the doorframe. The task seemed ridiculously time consuming, especially when time felt so precious. There was a tap on my shoulder. When I turned, I found my RA standing beside me holding her clipboard. “I seriously haven’t even done anything yet. Another violation?” I sighed. Over the past few years, I’d been in trouble more than once for silly infractions like music being too loud and the time I accidentally started a fire with my hot pot.
She shook her head sadly. “No violation.” She swallowed hard. “The Dean told me…everything. I’ve organized people to help you. I know you probably don’t even want to be here. Your sisters…” Her eyes watered.
“Please don’t cry. You’ll make me cry and so far, I’ve managed to hold it all in. I need to. I don’t have time to mourn yet.” My shoulders heaved and suddenly, I found myself in a hug, which soon turned into a group hug. So many arms wrapping around me, offering support. When they finally released me, I realized the jocks had joined us.
The RA sniffled. “Okay then. Tell us what goes where and we’ll handle it.”
“Seriously?” My brows peaked. I glanced in my room to see my old roommate from my freshman year yanking my suitcase from under my bed.
