Chapter 44. Now It’s Mine

My ears burned. I hadn’t realized Noah had been singing my praises. I squirmed in my seat, cheeks aflame, but Ashley didn’t stop. She shifted the conversation toward Jade—asked about her favorite training exercises, her plans for the winter solstice hunt—deliberately drawing both of us in, looking between us with genuine interest. I answered as best I could, but mostly I watched their relaxed interaction, silently taking notes on how two confident women carried a conversation. Every time I hesitated, Ashley bridged the gap with a soft question or an encouraging nod, smoothing my awkward edges with her kindness.

Twenty minutes later, the kitchen door swung open and Daniel returned, hair damp from the shower, water droplets still clinging to his neck and shoulders. His blue eyes lit up when he saw me. A sharp inhale caught in my throat; I fought the urge to stare because he looked like some irresistible work of art. Apparently,