Chapter 20
Meanwhile, Nyra stood at the edge of the ocean, salt tinged wind whipping through her hair as waves crashed endlessly against the shore.
The setting sun painted the water in brilliant golds, each wave rolling in before retreating that seemed to wash away her past.
She inhaled deeply, letting the sea air fill her lungs-the first real breath she’d taken in years.
“You must the new here.” A warm voice called from behind her.
Nyra turned to see a tall man approaching, carrying a mesh bag of seafood. He had an easy, confident stride and wore a simple white shirt and jeans.
I’m Evander Merrow, your neighbor.” He stopped a distance away. “Heard you moved in today, so I brought some local catch.”
vyra blinked, caught off guard by the kindness. “That’s really sweet, but you don’t have to-”
Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried Eastern Territory crab.” Evander held out the bag with an easy grin. “Consider it a territorial welcome gift.”
omething about his relaxed confidence made it impossible to refuse. After a moment’s hesitation, she accepted the offering: “Thank you. That’s… really nice.”
vander’s eyes flicked to her scattered luggage on the porch. “Need help getting settled?”
I think I’ve got it handled, but thanks.”
Cool. I’m usually around if you need anything.” He nodded and headed back toward his own place.
yra watched him go, something loosening in her chest for the first time in months.
e was the first wolf to approach her since she’d arrived in Eastern Territory.
ver the next few weeks, Nyra found her rhythm in the coastal town.
he opened a small flower shop near the beach, spending her days arranging stems and wrapping bouquets. The routine was quiet but fulfilling.
ɔmetimes she’d sit on her shop’s front step during quiet moments, watching boats come and go.
vander would stop by occasionally for flowers-wildflower bouquets one week, simple sunflowers the next. He never lingered for small talk, just offered a mple greeting, paid, and left.
ntil someday evening a sudden storm rolled in.
yra was locking up when rain started hammering the pavement. She stood under her shop’s narrow awning, watching the downpour with growing concern.
No umbrella?”
hat familiar voice made her turn. Evander stood in the rain with a large black umbrella.
Come on, I’ll walk you home.”
yra started to refuse, but lightning flashed overhead and she nodded: “Thanks.”
hey walked through the storm together, and she noticed Evander angling the umbrella to keep her dry while his own shirt got drenched.
You’re getting soaked,” she pointed out, stepping closer.
I’ll live.” His smile was easy, unconcerned. “Wolves are waterproof, remember?”
it her front door, Nyra hesitated before asking: “Want some coffee? You’re dripping wet.”
vander studied her face for a moment, then nodded: “Sure.”
After that night, the careful distance between them began to shrink.
Evander would help her move heavy flower deliveries, and she’d sometimes bring him lunch when he worked late. Neither pushed for personal details-the inspoken understanding that they’d both come to Eastern Territory to escape something.
Until one afternoon when Nyra was arranging roses and caught her finger on a thorn.
The moment blood welled up, she went completely still.
Memory hit like a physical blow-the warehouse, Rowan’s knife, Theron choosing Delilah over and over again.
Her hands started shaking.
“Hey.” Evander’s voice cut through the spiral. “What’s wrong?”
She blinked back to the present, forcing a smile: “Just a thorn. I’m fine.”
But Evander was already moving, gently taking her hand to examine the cut: “This needs cleaning. You’ve got a first aid kit somewhere?”
His touch was warm and steady, completely different from every harsh grip she’d known.
Nyra stared at their hands, her throat suddenly tight.
When was the last time someone had cared about her being hurt?
That evening, the local pack was celebrating something on the beach-bonfires dotting the sand while wolves danced and laughed under the stars.
yra sat on the sand, quietly watching the festivities.
Not joining the party?”Evander settled beside her, offering a mug of hot cocoa.
he accepted it with a small smile: “Nah, I prefer watching.”
vander didn’t push, just sat with her.
fter a long comfortable silence, he suddenly spoke: “Nyra.”
Mm?” She turned to face him, questioning.
You deserve so much better than whatever brought you here.” He met her eyes, his expression completely serious. “Don’t let your past keep you trapped.”
yra went completely still.
cean wind swept around them as firelight danced across his face, highlighting the gentle in his features.
he looked down, her voice barely audible: “Yeah… maybe.”
or the first time in years, she actually believed it might be possible to move forward.
