I inhale deeply, letting the calmness settle over me. For the first time in a while, I feel like I can exhale. It’s moments like these that make the move to Shadow Grove feel like the right choice.

“What do you think, girl?” I ask, unclipping her leash.

She yips in response as she takes off toward the water, her paws kicking up dirt as she barrels into the shallows. She barks with excitement as she splashes around like a puppy, I can’t help but laugh. Her joy is contagious.

Then, a voice—smooth, familiar, and entirely too amused—cuts through the quiet.

“Careful, don’t get too close; she might drag you if you have anything shiny.”

That voice. I recognize it before I even turn. My stomach betrays me with a ridiculous little flip.

I turn toward the sound, masking my reaction as best I can. Theo walks toward me from the opening in the trees that looks like it leads to another trail across the clearing, his dark hair slightly tousled, a smirk playing at his lips. He’s dressed casually—hiking boots, a fitted Henley that clings a little too well to his frame, sleeves pushed up to reveal strong forearms. He looks effortless. At ease. Like he’s a person who belongs anywhere he decides to be.

Annoying.

“Hi, it’s you,” I say, pushing a stray hair from my face, trying to look casual.

Our eyes meet, and suddenly, looking casual feels impossible. It’s the way he’s staring at me—open, warm like he’s genuinely happy to see me. It’s disarming. Dangerous.

His smirk deepens as he approaches. I swear he enjoys throwing me off balance.

“You sound disappointed,” he teases.

I arch a brow, refusing to fall into whatever little trap he’s setting. “Just surprised,” I counter, crossing my arms. “Didn’t take you for the ‘wandering through the woods’ type.”

He places a hand over his chest in mock offense. “Wow. And here I was, about to say hello. But if you’re going to start throwing accusations—”

“I just meant, I figured you’d be at the cafe.”

“Just because I happen to be the owner, doesn’t mean I’m there every day.” He points out, stopping just a few feet away. His gaze flicks to Valkyrie, who has abandoned the water in favor of digging an impressively large hole in the sand. “What is she doing? Do you think she saw something shiny in the sand?”

“Honestly?” I say as I shake my head, shooting Valkyrie a look. “Probably. I wouldn’t be surprised.”

He chuckles, his hands sliding into his pockets. That laugh—it’s an easy, comfortable sound, one that makes me excited to hear it again.