Sleepy Fox Hollow The way she goes, Bubs

There was recognition there. Anselm's brief moment of vulnerability snapped back with a clap, his mental shell hard and spiked like the self-same urchins that poisoned Suzu's belly. He did not think he could trust anyone, least of all a wolf who seemed to know the widow.

Tormented by his imagination, which informed him Etienne would discover Rivenwood's company more amenable than his own and leave him like everyone else did, Anselm looked back to Suzu with something akin to detachment.

He was not so sure Etienne would return. Why would he? Anselm knew he was an asshole. He knew he brought nothing to the table that Etienne needed. He had driven Heda and her daughter away. Why wouldn't Etienne be next? Like I said, He motioned gruffly, voice gravelly with heartsickness he could not entirely disguise. Rivenvood is that way.