Knox's Fate: A Fated Mates Bear Shifter Paranormal Romance (Silver Falls Shifters Book 1) by Delta James

Author:Delta James [James, Delta]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-11-13T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 13

RUBY

Earlier

She watched as Knox and his men left the compound to confront the intruders, not knowing quite what to do. As she watched the others disperse, Ruby followed her nose.

“May I help you miss?” asked a lovely woman who looked like the perfect characterization of a clan cook come to life.

“I’m Ruby Edwards. Knox asked that I remain here, but I’m not very good at just sitting around. I’m a cook by trade and wondered if I might be of help here in the kitchen.”

“I’m Agatha. That’s so kind of you, and I won’t turn down the help. There will be more of a demand today on the kitchen. What do you like to cook?”

“I worked at an upscale diner in Aspen, but I also love to bake.”

“If you could make some cookies or bars that would be so appreciated.”

“I’d be happy to do that. Just show me where I can work and be out of the way.”

“If you can tell me what you need…”

“Agatha, you strike me as an efficient and organized cook. Just assign me a space and I’ll find what I need. I don’t need anyone waiting on me, and I don’t want to make extra work.”

Agatha’s smile told Ruby she’d just made a friend, as the last thing Agatha needed right now was the boss’ girlfriend playing prima donna.

“Bless you, miss. Why not use the space in the auxiliary kitchen. The mixer is plugged in there, and there’s a double wall oven as well.”

“Got it. Now, I’ll let you get back to work, and if I run into a problem, I’ll let you know.”

Agatha squeezed Ruby’s arm before turning back to her workers.

Ruby's hands moved with practiced ease, scooping and rolling the sticky dough between her palms before placing each mound onto the baking sheet. The sweet, homey scent of oatmeal butterscotch cookies filled the kitchen, a warm contrast to the cool mountain air that seeped in through the open window.

"Miss Ruby, what are you making?" a small voice piped up from behind her. She turned, smiling down at a group of children who had gathered around like moths to a flame.

"Oatmeal butterscotch cookies," she said, her tone light and inviting. "Would you like to help me?"

Their nods were eager, eyes wide with curiosity not only about the cookies but also about the woman who couldn't shift like they could. They whispered among themselves, sneaking glances at Ruby as if trying to spot some hidden difference that set her apart.

As she guided little hands in the art of cookie-making, laughter bubbled up from the group, their innocent fascination helping to soothe her anxiety. It was easy to forget the sharp edges of her past here among these open-hearted children, easy to lose herself in the simple joy of baking.

"Can you really not turn into an animal?" one freckle-faced boy asked, his dough-covered fingers paused mid-squish.

Ruby chuckled, dusting flour off her apron. "No, I can't. But I can make a mean batch of cookies. That's kind

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