Crossing my arms I level him with a glare. “Orion. I saw my life flash before my eyes. Twice.” I raise two fingers to emphasize my point.

He smirks like this is the most ridiculous thing he’s ever heard. “So dramatic.”

I shake my head. “No. Dramatic is when Vin Diesel launches a car off a collapsing bridge and lands it perfectly on the other side. What you did back there was vehicular manslaughter waiting to happen.”

Orion snorts. “Alright, fine, Miss Fragile Nervous System. What’s the plan? Are we just going to stand here until you no longer feel the need to write your will?”

I ignore him and start walking. Valkyrie happily trots beside me, sniffing at everything like she owns the place. Orion, still amused at my refusal to get back in his death machine, shoves his hand in his jacket pockets and falls into step beside me.

The town square is bustling in that slow, small-town way—people moving at a pace that suggests nobody’s ever really in a hurry. The air smells like fresh bread from the bakery down the street, and wind chimes clink softly as a breeze rolls through.

Of course, it doesn’t take long for people to notice Orion.

I swear, small-town folks have a sixth sense for when there’s a newcomer, especially one as impossible to miss as my brother.

Mrs. Josie, the owner of the flower shop, is the first to approach, her warm eyes squinting up at Orion like she’s trying to figure out if he’s friend or foe. Wiping her hands on her apron she asks, “Selene, Dear, who’s this?”

“This is my brother, Orion,” I say, watching as her eyes widen slightly.

“Brother, huh?” She looks back at me. “You never mentioned you had one of those.”

“That’s because I don’t routinely give out my entire family history at the register.”

She hums as a shadow of a smile appears on her face. “Big guy.”

Orion flashes his most charming smile. “I get that a lot.”

Mrs. Josie eyes him for a moment longer, then nods approvingly. “You look like you could lift a refrigerator on your own.”

Grinning at her he confirms, “I can.”

She gives him another once-over before turning back to me. “Are you coming by for your usual this week?”

“Of course,” I say. “I’ll stop by tomorrow.”

She nods, seemingly satisfied, and bustles off.

As we continue walking, a few more locals glance Orion’s way, and I can feel the curiosity radiating from them. I swear, if someone had a notepad, they’d already be taking notes.

“Are people always this nosy?” Orion mutters.

I smirk. “You are kind of a spectacle.”

Orion rolls his eyes but doesn’t argue.

Then, just as we’re passing the bookstore, I spot Cassie.