Eleanor didn’t try to fight with the front-runners as they playfully jockeyed for position. They would soon settle into their pace, or they would never finish. She chose her pace with Bear beside her and Caine matching on the other side. They moved with the crowd, following the roped pathway leading them out of the park.
The crowds on either side thinned. Runners stopped showing off and settled down around them. Eleanor paid them no mind as she kept her eyes out for the markers, keeping them on the route. She was still new to town, so getting lost was more of a concern. Beside her, Caine remained silent as he too watched the others spread themselves out and settled in to run.
“How are you feeling?” Eleanor asked once they established their pace.
“Good,” Caine winked, “considering how e
