Page 35 of Shifting the Flame
"Hovering Alpha." She countered with a smile. "Go mingle with your people. I promise I'll take a break... eventually."
His fingers captured her hand, bringing it to his lips. "One hour. Then I'm coming to find you, clipboard or no clipboard."
The heat in his eyes promised consequences she might actually enjoy. Danica swallowed hard as she watched his tall frame turn away and move through the crowd, people naturally parting as he approached.
She moved on to the food truck area, where savory aromas of Cajun spices mingled with sweet treats. The vendors greeted her with warmth.
"There she is—the infamous event planner and the Alpha's mate!" called a woman serving jambalaya. "Your invitation tohave me serve at the festival is bringing in twice my usual business."
"Just doing my part to make this festival a success," Danica replied, though the words 'Alpha's mate' still sent a strange thrill through her body.
At the maypole, she helped untangle ribbons after an enthusiastic group of children had created a colorful knot. The adult supervisor thanked her profusely.
"The Alpha chose well," the woman said softly. "We haven't seen him smile this much in years."
Throughout the afternoon, Danica noticed the shift in how people regarded her—from suspicion to cautious acceptance. When a children's game area became overcrowded, she swiftly created an impromptu overflow section, earning appreciative nods from parents.
Finally, she allowed herself a moment's rest beneath an ancient oak tree at the edge of the festival grounds. She slid off her heels and wiggled her toes in the cool grass.
"Wow, you're actually taking a break." Asher appeared with two glasses of lemonade, settling beside her on the grass with casual grace that belied his powerful frame.
"Just recharging." She accepted the drink gratefully. "Your people really love this festival."
"Our people," he corrected, his eyes intense. "They're warming up to you."
Danica watched the celebration unfold before them—families laughing, children running with dragon-shaped kites, and couples dancing to the band's lively music. The small town pulsed with a vibrant energy she'd never experienced in her events back in New Orleans.
"I get it now," she said quietly. "Why they're so protective of this place... and of you."
Asher's fingers interlaced with hers. "And?"
"They've built something special here." She turned to face him. "Something worth protecting."
"And something worth letting their Alpha share with the right person," he added, his thumb tracing circles on her palm.
Danica felt a complicated twist of emotions. "But I'm an outsider to them. I can see why they'd be hesitant about me taking their Alpha's attention."
"You're not an outsider. You're my mate." The fierce certainty in his voice made her breath catch. "And a mate isn't someone who takes attention away—they make everything better." His hand slid to cup her face. "Like you've done with this festival."
The way Asher looked at her—like she was essential to his existence—made her throat tight with emotion. For someone who'd always kept moving and always looking toward the next project, the conviction in his eyes made her want to stay still for once.
Thirty minutes later, Asher got pulled away by a group of stern-faced council members. Danica watched him go, admiring how commanding he looked in his light gray suit and crimson tie, the fabric stretching perfectly across his broad shoulders as he strode away with reluctant backward glances.
She turned her attention back to the festival decorations, noticing that some of the cloths with the town emblem prominently displayed had come loose in the afternoon breeze. Climbing onto a stepladder, she stretched to reach the highest ones, the yellow fabric of her sundress billowing slightly.
"Need a hand with those?"
Danica glanced down to see Joni standing below her, looking up with a friendly smile. The woman's blue dress clung to her athletic frame, the neckline plunging daringly low while somehow managing to look elegant rather than tacky. Danica had to admit – Joni knew how to make an entrance.
"I've got it," Danica replied, securing the emblems. "But thanks."
As she climbed down, Joni handed her a glass of wine. "You deserve this after running around all day." Joni paused for a moment, as if contemplating something. "That speech Asher gave earlier was quite something, wasn't it?"
"It was," Danica agreed, accepting the drink and taking a small sip.
"A real testament to his devotion to you," Joni mused, leaning against a nearby post. "I've known Asher for years, and I've never heard him speak about anyone that way."
Something in Joni's tone – genuine, almost wistful – made Danica's usual guard drop slightly. "Can I ask you something?"
