Page 145 of Howlin’ For You

They’ll just have to get used to it. I have a life now.

I could think about training a few apprentices. I know of a few younger paranormals who are just out of high school and could use a little direction, just like I did. Lord knows this town has enough work for all of us, and it would free me up to devote every single second of my time to Izzy.

Memories of last night flood my head with each bang of the hammer against the stage. I’m probably more likely to smash my thumb than the nail at this point, but I don’t care. I’m a giddy, love-struck idiot. In fact, I almost do strike my thumb when my phone vibrates.

Clover: Isabella will find out today that there are five of my vendors who need a booth built. Since you’ll be finishing the stage, you can get started on those.

I read Old Lady Clover’s text with a fond chuckle. She’s a kind woman who just so happens to see the future and uses that fact to mess with tourists. No doubt she’s had her fun tormenting Izzy.

Not many people get to see the kind, nurturing woman underneath all the slightly off, but welcoming energy she puts out. In fact, she’s the one who pulled me out of my dark spiral.

After my parents’ death—once my brother, Caleb, announced he was leaving—I hid alone in my house for months. I let the wear and tear of grief pull at me until I barely had anything left.

Until Old Lady Clover showed up one night and told me that good things were coming my way, and I needed to be ready. Mayor Vale’s words from a few weeks ago suddenly play on a loop in my brain.

Clover insisted we hire her.

Clover insisted.

Clover.

I didn’t put the pieces together until now, but maybe, just maybe, Clover played a bit more of a hand in bringing Izzy to me than I had realized.

Nick: Did you know about Isabella?

Clover: A good seer never sees and tells.

I didn’t expect she’d actually tell me the truth, but the evasiveness draws another fond huff from me nonetheless. Of course, she saw Izzy coming.

Nick: Thank you.

Where would I be right now if Clover hadn’t forced me up out of bed and gotten me back to life? If she hadn’t insisted on Cole hiring some out-of-towner?

Without Izzy.

And even if I had somehow stumbled into her world someday, I wouldn’t have been the man she needed. Deserved.

I owe Old Lady Clover a whole lot more than a stage and a few booths, but this will do for now.

I refocus on my work with a new purpose, a new appreciation for how everything in my life has culminated in this moment. I refuse to take anything for granted. And that includes those who have been here for me all along.

Plans take shape in my head. Plans tonight with Izzy, plans for the town celebration, and for a family dinner—after I speak with Izzy about her being my mate.

The future is bright.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

ISABELLA

The bells above the door in Tea Leaves jingle as I finally make my way inside. After Nick dropped me off this morning, I spent almost an hour just soaking in the tub.

My yellow polka dot dress swings around my knees, hiding the small bite mark on my upper thigh. My thighs and abs ache, and I swear I can still feel him inside me.

I’ve never felt better.

Getting motivated to actually leave my house was tough, but I want to see Georgie. I want to gossip with her, chat, and sneak a glance at Nick as he builds the stage in the park. I want to be an active part of the life around me. It’s such a new feeling, wanting to connect and having that reciprocated. I’m enjoying leaning into it.

“Well, there she is,” Georgie croons from behind the counter. “The woman herself.”