A Snowstorm & A Stronghorn (Evershift Haven #4)

Chapter 4

THE STORM’S FURY FINALLY subsides, leaving behind a pristine blanket of white that stretches as far as the eye can see. I stand at the cabin’s window, marveling at the transformed landscape. The trees now wear coats of glistening snow. It’s beautiful, but also daunting. We’re surrounded by several feet of it, effectively cut off from the rest of the world.

“Looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us,” he says, coming to stand beside me. His massive frame dwarfs mine, but I no longer flinch at his presence.

I turn to look up at him, taking in his rugged features. “What’s the plan?”

“First things first, we need to clear the roof. Too much snow can cause it to collapse.”

I nod, determination setting in. “Let’s do it.”

We bundle up in warm layers, and he hands me a long-handled snow rake. He demonstrates how to use it, his movements graceful despite his size.

“Start from the edge and work your way up,” he instructs. “Be careful not to pull too much snow down at once.”

I follow his lead, finding a rhythm in the repetitive motion. It’s hard work, and I’m soon sweating despite the cold, but there’s something satisfying about seeing the progress we’re making.

“You’re a natural,” he calls out, a hint of admiration in his voice. Maybe something more. Flirtation?

I grin, feeling a spark of pride. “Maybe I missed my calling as a professional snow remover.”

He chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that sends an unexpected warmth through me. “I’m sure Evershift Haven could use your skills. We get quite a bit of snow here whenever the town is in the mood for it.”

As we work, we fall into an easy banter. I pepper Bram with questions about the town and its inhabitants, fascinated by this hidden world.

“So, do all the residents have some kind of magical ability?” I ask, pausing to catch my breath.

Bram leans on his rake, considering. “Not exactly. Some are magical creatures, like myself. Others are humans with magical talents, and some are just regular folks who’ve found their way here and decided to stay.”

“How does someone ‘find their way’ to a hidden magical town?”

A mischievous glint appears in Bram’s amber eyes. “Sometimes, they take a wrong turn in a snowstorm and crash into a tree.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Touché, but seriously, how does it work?”

“The town has ways of calling to those who need it,” he says, his tone growing more serious. “People who are lost and searching for something they can’t quite name. Evershift Haven has a knack for finding them and offering them a home.”

I fall silent, pondering his words. Is that why I’m here? Because I’m lost?

We continue working, and I keep looking at him more and more. I catch myself staring, wondering what he looks like under his clothes, and quickly look away, hoping he hasn’t noticed.

“Watch out,” he suddenly shouts.

I look up to see a large chunk of snow sliding off the roof, heading straight for me. Before I can react, he’s there, pulling me out of harm’s way. We tumble into a snowbank with his arms wrapped protectively around me.

For a moment, we lie there, our faces inches apart. Heat radiates from his body, and there’s an earthy scent to his fur. My heart thrums, and it’s not just from the near-miss.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his voice low and concerned.

I nod, suddenly very aware of our proximity. “Thanks to you.”

He helps me to my feet, his touch lingering a moment longer than necessary. We brush the snow off our clothes while an awkward silence falls between us.

“Maybe we should take a break? How about some hot chocolate?”

“That sounds perfect,” I say, grateful for the distraction.

Inside the cabin, I shed my outer layers while Bram busies himself in the kitchen. I sink into the cozy armchair by the fire, watching him move about with surprising grace for someone his size.

“So,” I say, trying to recapture our earlier ease, “Tell me more about your woodworking. How did you get into it?”

He seems energized by the question as he brings over two steaming mugs of hot chocolate and settles into the chair opposite me. “It’s a family tradition. My grandfather taught my father, and my father taught me. There’s something magical about taking a raw piece of wood and coaxing it into something beautiful and useful.”

I sip my hot chocolate, savoring its rich sweetness. “What’s your favorite thing to make?”

“Chess sets,” he says without hesitation. “Each piece is a little work of art, and when they come together, they create something greater than the sum of their parts.”

“Like Evershift Haven?”

Bram nod with a smile. “Exactly like that. You’re catching on quickly, Fiona.”

The way he says my name sends a little thrill through me. I try to focus on the conversation. “Do you sell your work in town?”

“Some of it. I have a small shop where I sell furniture and smaller items, but a lot of what I make is custom work for the townspeople.”

“I’d love to see it sometime,” I say, surprising myself with how much I mean it.

“I’d like that. As soon as the storm clears, maybe?”

Our gazes meet, and for a moment, I forget to breathe. There’s heat in his gaze that has nothing to do with the fire crackling nearby. I wonder what it would be like to touch his face and run my fingers through his wild mane of hair.

The moment stretches, charged with unspoken possibility. Then Bram clears his throat and stands, breaking the spell. “We should probably get back to work,” he says. “There’s still a lot of snow to clear.”

I nod, both disappointed and relieved. As we head back outside, I steal glances at Bram. The fear I initially felt upon seeing him has been replaced by something else entirely – a curiosity that runs deeper than I care to admit.

We resume our task, working side by side in companionable silence. The physical labor helps clear my head, but I can’t shake the feeling that something has shifted between us. As the sun begins to set, painting the snow-covered landscape in hues of pink and gold, I’m no longer in a hurry to leave this magical place – or the gentle giant who’s quickly becoming more than just my rescuer.

THE EVENING CHILL SEEPS through the cabin walls as I stand by the window, watching the last rays of sunlight paint the snow-covered landscape in hues of pink and gold. The beauty of it all takes my breath away, but a shiver runs through me, reminding me of the practical concerns at hand.

“We should bring in more firewood,” I say, turning to Bram. “It’s going to be a cold night.”

Bram nods, his amber eyes reflecting the warm glow of the fireplace. “Good thinking.”

We bundle up in our winter gear and step out into the crisp evening air. The snow crunches beneath our feet as Bram leads me around the side of the cabin to a neatly stacked pile of logs under a small overhang. A surge of pride hits me. I’ve helped build the pile in the days I’ve been here.

“Here,” Bram says, handing me a pair of thick work gloves. “These will protect your hands.” He reminds me every time, but I find it caring rather than tedious.

I slip them on, grateful for the extra warmth. We each take an armful of logs safely and begin the task of ferrying wood back to the cabin.

On my third trip, my arms laden with logs, I misjudge a step on the slippery path. My foot slides out from under me, and I lose my balance. The logs tumble from my arms while I brace for impact with the hard ground.

But the impact never comes. Instead, I’m abruptly enveloped in Bram’s strong arms. He catches me mid-fall, his massive frame shielding me from the cold snow.

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs, his voice low and close to my ear.

I look up, suddenly very aware of our proximity. Bram’s face is inches from mine, his warm breath visible in the cold air. His amber eyes seem to glow in the fading light, filled with concern...and something else I’m sure is desire.

For a moment, we stay frozen like that, neither of us moving.

“Are you okay?” he asks softly, still holding me close.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Slowly, reluctantly, he helps me to my feet. His hands linger on my arms, as if making sure I’m steady.

“Thank you,” I manage to say breathily.

Our gazes meet, and I see a flicker desire tempered by uncertainty before he steps back, breaking the spell.

“We should get these logs inside,” he says, his voice gruff.

We gather the fallen wood in silence, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. As we carry the last armfuls into the cabin, I wonder what it would be like to be held in those arms again, this time without the pretense of a fall.

Inside the cabin, we shed our outer layers. The fire has died down to glowing embers, casting long shadows across the room. Bram kneels by the hearth, carefully arranging new logs on the grate.

“Can you hand me the kindling?” he asks, gesturing to a small basket nearby.

I bring it over, crouching beside him. Our hands brush as I pass him a handful of thin sticks, causing a jolt of electricity at the contact. Bram’s movements falter for a moment, and I know he felt it too.

We work together in silence, rebuilding the fire. As the flames begin to catch, casting a warm glow over us both, I’m hyper-aware of his presence beside me. The heat of the fire is nothing compared to the warmth radiating from his body. “Bram,” I say softly, turning to face him.

He looks at me, his eyes reflecting the dancing flames. “Yes, Fiona?”

The way he says my name makes a tendril of heat spread from my core outward. I open my mouth to speak, but the words catch in my throat. Instead, I reach out, hand hovering inches from his face.

Bram stays perfectly still, his gaze never leaving mine. Slowly, I close the distance, brushing my fingers against the soft fur of his cheek. He lets out a shaky breath, leaning ever so slightly into my touch.

“Fiona...” he whispers.

In answer, I lean forward and press my lips to his. For a moment, Bram freezes, and I worry I’ve made a terrible mistake. Then, with a soft groan, he returns the kiss, his large hand coming up to cup the back of my head.

The kiss is gentle at first, almost tentative, as if we’re both afraid of breaking some fragile spell, but as Bram pulls me closer, his other arm wrapping around my waist, the kiss deepens. I run my fingers through his wild mane of hair, marveling at its softness.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing heavily. Bram rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

“I’ve wanted to do that since the moment you woke up in my cabin,” he confesses.

I laugh softly, surprised by the admission. “Even when I was terrified of you?”

Bram opens his eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Especially then. You were so fierce, even in your fear. It was captivating.”

He reaches up, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch is so tender, so at odds with his intimidating appearance, that it makes my heart ache.

“I never thought...” Bram trails off, shaking his head. “I’m not exactly what most women are looking for.”

I cup his face in my hands, forcing him to meet my gaze. “Bram, you’re incredible. You’re kind, and gentle, and strong, and yes, you’re different, but that’s what makes you special.”

A look of wonder crosses Bram’s face, as if he can’t quite believe what he’s hearing. Then he pulls me into another kiss, this one filled with passion and need.

As our tongues entwine, a fire ignites inside me. I want more than just kisses. I want all of Bram. I want to feel his skin against mine, to know the pleasure of having him inside me. To be united with him in the most intimate way possible.

My body aches with desire, and I can tell Bram feels the same way. He breaks off the kiss, his breathing ragged.

“Fiona,” he says, his voice husky with lust. “Are you sure about this? My physiology is quite different from a human male’s.”

I nod, biting my lip. “I don’t care. I want you, Bram. All of you.”

With a deep groan, Bram stands, lifting me easily in his arms. He carries me over to the bed and lays me down on the handmade quilt. He strips off his shirt, revealing a broad chest covered in coarse fur. His muscles ripple beneath the fur, and I reach out to touch them, marveling at their strength. His fur is soft and thick, and I stroke it eagerly, exploring every inch of his powerful torso.

Bram leans down, capturing my mouth in another heated kiss. His muzzle makes it a little awkward to deepen the kiss, but tilting my head proves to be the answer, and his tongue surges against mine seconds later. It’s rougher than mine, but the raspy texture is unexpectedly thrilling.

While our tongues duel, he slides his hand under my sweater, cupping my breast through the thin fabric of my bra. I arch into his touch, moaning softly as he teases my nipple to a hard peak. I protest when he starts to pull away, but it’s so he can remove my sweater and bra. Strands of my red hair get caught in the weave, and he’s careful and gentle with his three fingers as he untangles them.

“You’re so tender and careful with me.” Tears sting my eyes as I utter the words.

He smiles. “You expect a minotaur to be as lumbering as...a bull in a china shop?” he asks with a laugh.

I giggle. “No, I suppose not, but you’re also far gentler than any man I’ve known.”

“That’s because they weren’t worthy of you, Fiona,” he replies, his tone serious now. “They didn’t appreciate what they had. They didn’t see the treasure before them.”

His words make my heart swell with emotion, but before I can say anything, he gently pushes me back and crouches over me. His raspy tongue against my nipple sends a jolt of pleasure through me, and I gasp, tangling my fingers in his mane. He lavishes attention on both breasts, teasing and sucking until I’m writhing beneath him, desperate for more.

Finally, he moves lower, trailing kisses down my stomach. When he reaches the waistband of my jeans, he pauses, glancing up at me questioningly. I nod frantically, urging him on. With deft movements, he unbuttons my jeans and tugs them down, taking my panties with them. I lift my hips to help him remove them, and soon, I’m completely naked before him.

I should feel self-conscious, exposed like this, but instead, I feel free. Liberated. This is who I am, and Bram accepts me without reservation.

He gazes down at me, his eyes filled with awe and desire. “You’re so beautiful, Fiona,” he murmurs. “So perfect.” He strokes one hairy finger down my slit. “I’ve never been with a human woman before. You’re exquisite and fragile.” He frowns. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

I sit up slightly, shaking my head. “You’d never do so deliberately, and I want you. I want this.”

He hesitates for only a moment longer before nodding. “Very well. If you’re certain.”

“I am.”

With that, he settles himself between my legs, spreading them wide. I watch, transfixed, as he dips his head and runs his long, rough tongue along my pussy lips. The sensation is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before, and I cry out, bucking my hips involuntarily.

Bram chuckles, holding me steady with his large hands. “Easy, now,” he rumbles. “We have all night.”

And then he sets about driving me wild with his tongue. He licks and sucks at my clit, sending waves of pleasure crashing through me. His tongue is so big, and the texture so unique, that it doesn’t take long before I’m teetering on the edge of orgasm.

“Please.” I beg shamelessly, tugging at his mane. “I...I need...”

“What do you need, Fiona?” he asks, looking up at me with those intense brown eyes. “Tell me.”

“I need to come. Please, Bram!”

He grins, showing off his large, blunt teeth. “As you wish.” And then he returns his attention to my aching core, licking and sucking with renewed vigor. It only takes a few more moments before I’m flying apart, screaming his name as I climax. Waves of ecstasy wash over me, and I ride them out, clinging to Bram’s fur like a lifeline.

When I finally come back to myself, I’m panting and trembling. Bram is watching me closely, concern written all over his face.

“Are you all right, Fiona? Did I hurt you?”

I shake my head, smiling weakly. “No, Bram. That was incredible. I’ve never felt anything like it.”

He relaxes visibly, returning my smile. “Good. I’m glad.”

But I can tell he’s still worried. So I reach out and stroke his cheek, trying to reassure him. “Really, Bram. I’m fine. Better than fine, actually.”

He nods slowly. “All right. If you’re sure.”

“I am.” I glance down at his massive erection, straining against his pants. “Can I return the favor?”

He blinks in surprise. “Return the favor?”

“Yes.” I lick my lips, suddenly nervous. “I want to taste you, too.”

A low growl escapes his throat, and his cock twitches visibly. “If you’re sure that’s what you want, Fiona.”

“It is.”

Without waiting for further permission, I reach out and undo the buttons on his jeans. He helps me pull them down, revealing his thick, throbbing shaft. It’s huge, even bigger than I expected, and I wonder how I’ll ever fit it inside me. The thought makes me shiver with anticipation.

I wrap my hand around his cock, marveling at the size and weight of it. My fingers can’t meet, and the head is bulbous and slick with pre-cum. I lean forward and tentatively lick the tip, tasting his salty essence. He’s earthier than any human lover I’ve been with, but it’s not unpleasant. His balls are as big as his cock, and I test the weight of one in my hand. He must come a lot when he’s satisfied. I shiver at the thought, mostly with longing.

Bram groans as I continue to explore his body, running my tongue along his cock and cupping his heavy sack. He seems content to let me set the pace, and I enjoy discovering every inch of him.

Eventually, though, he can’t take it anymore. He grabs my shoulders and pushes me back onto the bed, looming over me. His eyes are wild with arousal, and his breath comes in ragged gasps. “I need to be inside you, Fiona. Now.”

I nod eagerly, spreading my legs wide. “Yes, Bram. Please.”

We fumble for a minute before figuring out me mounting him seems to be the easiest way for his cock to reach my pussy without him risking crushing me beneath him. He holds my hips firmly as he guides his cock to my entrance. I’m already dripping wet, and he slides in with little resistance. It hurts a bit as he stretches me open, but the pain quickly gives way to pleasure as he sheaths himself fully inside me.

He freezes then. “Are you all right? Can you handle this?”

I nod frantically, unable to speak. The feeling of fullness is almost overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. I feel complete in a way I never have before.

Bram begins to move, thrusting slowly at first, then picking up speed. I cling to his broad chest as he reaches depths no human man could ever hope to match. The friction of his cock against my inner walls sends sparks of pleasure shooting through my body, and I writhe in ecstasy.

Soon, we’re both lost in the throes of passion, our bodies moving together in perfect sync. We climb higher and higher toward release. His cock is so much to take, but it fills me in a way I never expected. I’ve never been into crazy-sized sex toys, but I regret that now. To realize how satisfying it is to have a man, er Minotaur, of his girth and length inside me makes me sad that no sex in my life has ever measured up to this—and never can once I leave Evershift Haven.

The thought makes my chest constrict, and I gasp.

He freezes. “Did I hurt you?”

I shake my head. “No, Bram. You didn’t hurt me. Keep going.”

He hesitates, but then resumes his movements. He’s clearly holding back, afraid of hurting me, but I don’t want him to. I want him to lose control and fuck me hard. I want him to claim me completely.

So I urge him on, digging my nails into his shoulders and grinding my hips against his. He growls and picks up the pace, slamming upward into me with abandon. I cry out in pleasure, clinging to him as he pounds me mercilessly.

Our orgasms build rapidly, and soon, we’re both teetering on the edge of release. With a final thrust, he buries himself deep inside me and roars as he comes. The sensation of his massive cock pulsing within me triggers my own climax, and I shudder with pleasure as my orgasm crashes over me. Even in the throes of my release, I’m aware that he comes for almost a full minute, filling me with his seed. I have a brief thought of him getting me pregnant. Is that even possible?

Oddly, I hope so, though motherhood isn’t in my immediate plans. It makes me climax again just thinking about it.

Finally, we collapse in a tangle of sweaty limbs, panting heavily. I rest my head on his furry chest, listening to his heart pound.

After a few minutes, he speaks. “That was incredible, Fiona.”

I smile. “It really was. Thank you, Bram.”

He chuckles. “I should be thanking you. That was the best sex I’ve ever had.”

I blush, pleased by his compliment. “Me too.” I lift my head and brace my hands on his chest. My eyes widen as I realize he’s already getting hard again. With a grin, I flex my pussy muscles around him. “It seems like we might have found something besides chess to fill the time, Bram.”

He returns my grin. “Indeed, we have.”

I lay down on him again, and we remain tangled together for a while. Bram traces lazy patterns on my back, and I snuggle closer to him, reveling in the warmth of his body.

“What are you thinking?” he asks softly, still moving his fingers in soothing circles.

I consider the question, trying to sort through the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. “I’m thinking that I’ve never felt like this before. With anyone.”

Bram’s hand stills for a moment. “Like what?”

I prop myself up on an elbow, looking into his eyes. “Safe. Understood. Like I belong somewhere for the first time in a long time.”

A smile spreads across Bram’s face, lighting up his eyes. He pulls me close, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I feel the same way, Fiona, though I never expected you to be attracted to me despite wanting you from the moment I picked you up and walked with you through the snow.”

I run my hand along his arm, marveling at the softness of his fur. “All of this is part of what makes you special, Bram. I wouldn’t change a thing about you.”

We fall into a comfortable silence. As I lie there, wrapped in Bram’s arms, I question everything I thought I knew about my life and my future. How is it possible that in just a few short days, this hidden magical town – and this gentle giant – have come to mean so much to me?

I think back to what Bram said earlier about Evershift Haven calling to those who are lost, searching for something they can’t quite name. Is that what happened to me? Did some magical force guide me here, to this moment?

As if reading my thoughts, he asks, “What happens now, Fiona? Once the roads are clear...”

I tense, the reality of our situation crashing back down on me. The outside world still exists, with all its responsibilities and expectations, but the thought of leaving Evershift Haven – of leaving Bram – makes my chest tighten painfully.

“I don’t know,” I whisper. “I’ve been looking for...something. Direction, maybe. Purpose. I thought I’d find it out there on the road, but now...”

Bram’s arms tighten around me. “Now?”

I look up at him, taking in the warmth in his amber eyes. For the first time since my mother’s passing, I feel truly at peace. “I’m not so sure I want to leave.”

THE FIRE CRACKLES SOFTLY in the hearth. I lie awake, nestled against Bram’s broad chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. His arm is draped protectively over my waist while his fur tickles my skin. The intimacy of our position, and the lingering scent of our lovemaking, should fill me with contentment. Instead, an uncomfortable knot forms in my stomach.

My gaze drifts to the window, where moonlight filters through the frost-covered glass. The world outside is silent, blanketed in snow. It’s beautiful and peaceful – everything my life hasn’t been these past months.

Memories of my mother flood my mind unbidden. Her laugh, the way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, and the comforting scent of her perfume. The ache of her absence hits me anew, sharp and raw. How can I be here, finding happiness, when she’s gone? The guilt washes over me in waves, threatening to pull me under.

I extract myself carefully from his embrace, trying not to wake him. He stirs slightly, a soft rumble escaping his throat, but doesn’t wake. I pad quietly across the room, wrapping myself in a blanket, and settle into the armchair by the window.

The moon hangs low in the sky, casting long shadows across the snow-covered landscape. It’s the same moon that shone down on me as I sat by my mother’s bedside, holding her hand through those final, agonizing nights. How can it be that only a few months have passed? It feels like a lifetime ago, and yet the pain is still so fresh.

I close my eyes, remembering the last conversation we had.

My mother’s voice was weak, but her eyes were clear as she looked at me. “Fiona, my darling,” she had said, her hand cool in mine. “Promise me something.”

“Anything, Mom,” I had replied, fighting back tears.

“Promise me you won’t let grief consume you. Live your life, find your happiness. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. You’ve taken such good care of me, and when I’m gone, I want you to find someone who takes care of you.”

I had nodded, unable to speak past the lump in my throat, but now, as I sit here in the quiet of Bram’s cabin, I’m sure my mother would be happy for me, but is it too soon to be feeling this way? To be contemplating a future in this magical town, with the being who’s captured my heart?

The sound of rustling sheets pulls me from my reverie. I turn to see Bram sitting up, immediately focusing on me in the darkness.

“Fiona?” His voice is thick with sleep. “Is everything all right?”

I force a smile, though I know he can probably see right through it. “I’m fine. Just couldn’t sleep.”

He rises from the bed and crosses the room to me. Kneeling beside the chair, he takes my hand in his, and his touch is impossibly gentle. “What’s troubling you?” he asks, his gaze searching mine.

I open my mouth to brush off his concern, but the words stick in my throat. Instead, I tell him everything – about my mother’s illness, her final days, and the promise I made. The words pour out of me, and with them, the tears I’ve been holding back.

Bram listens silently, his thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of my hand. When I finally fall quiet, he pulls me into his arms, cradling me against his chest. “Oh, Fiona,” he whispers, his voice rumbling through me, “I’m so sorry. I had no idea you were carrying all of this.”

I bury my face in his fur, inhaling his comforting scent. “I just... I don’t know if I should be feeling this way. If I should be happy when she’s gone. It feels like I’m betraying her somehow.”

He pulls back slightly, cupping my face in his hands, eyes filled with understanding and compassion. “Listen to me. Your mother wanted you to be happy. Finding joy doesn’t diminish your love for her or the pain of your loss. It honors her memory.”

His words are authentic, but the guilt still lingers. “It’s only been two months. Isn’t it too soon?”

He shakes his head. “There’s no timeline for grief, and no right or wrong way to feel. Your heart knows what it needs. If you’ve found something here – in Evershift Haven, with me – that brings you peace, that’s not something to feel guilty about. It’s a gift.”

I want to believe him, but the doubt gnaws at me. “I just... I need some time to process all of this. To figure out what I’m feeling.”

He nods, his expression understanding but tinged with sadness. “Of course. Take all the time you need. I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.”

He starts to rise, but I catch his hand. “Will you... will you just hold me for a while?”

Without a word, Bram scoops me up in his arms and carries me back to the bed. He settles us both down, wrapping me in his warmth. I curl into him, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

As I lie there, surrounded by Bram’s comforting presence, I try to sort through the tangle of emotions inside me. The grief for my mother is still there, but alongside it, there’s something else – a sense of possibility that I haven’t felt in a long time.

I think about what my mother would say if she could see me now. Would she be disappointed that I’ve found happiness so soon after her passing? Or would she be glad that I’ve stumbled upon this magical place, this gentle soul who seems to understand me in a way no one else ever has? Even as I think that, I know the answer. She’d never want me to be unhappy.

The moonlight shifts, casting new shadows across the room. I watch them dance on the walls, remembering how my mother used to tell me stories about the moon and stars when I was little. She always encouraged my sense of wonder and my belief in magic.

“Mom,” I whisper, so softly I’m not sure if I’ve actually spoken aloud. “I miss you so much. I wish you were here to tell me what to do.”

As if in answer, a gentle breeze rustles the curtains, carrying with it the faint scent of wildflowers – my mother’s favorite. For a moment, I could swear I feel her presence, warm and comforting.

I close my eyes, letting the memories wash over me. My mother’s laughter as we baked cookies together. The pride in her eyes when I graduated college. The way she always knew exactly what to say to make me feel better when I was down.

“Live your life and find your happiness. I love you, my darling, and I don’t want to be the reason you feel even a moment’s more pain.” Her last words to me suddenly surge in my mind.

Is that what I’m doing here in Evershift Haven? Have I stumbled upon the very thing she wanted for me?

I look up at Bram, studying his face in the moonlight. His features are relaxed in sleep, his wild mane of hair falling across his forehead. There’s a gentleness to him, a quiet strength that draws me in. In the short time I’ve known him, he’s shown me such kindness and understanding.

The realization hits me with sudden clarity – I’m falling for him. The thought both thrills and terrifies me. It’s too soon, too fast, and yet... Isn’t this exactly what my mother would have wanted for me? To find someone who sees me, who understands me, who makes me feel safe and cherished? Who takes care of me, as he’s done several times? That’s what she told me to find.

I reach out, my fingers hovering just above Bram’s cheek. I want to touch him, to reassure myself that he’s real, that this isn’t some elaborate dream my grief-stricken mind has conjured up, but I hold back, not wanting to wake him.

Instead, I carefully extricate myself from his embrace and slip out of bed again. The floorboards creak softly under my feet as I make my way to the window. Outside, the world is still blanketed in white, the snow glittering in the moonlight.

I press my forehead against the cool glass, my breath fogging the pane. “What do I do, Mom?” I whisper. “How do I reconcile these feelings with the grief that’s still so raw?”

The silence that follows is heavy, broken only by the soft crackling of the dying fire. I half-expect – hope for – some sign, or some message from beyond, but there’s nothing. Just the quiet of the night, and the steady rhythm of Bram’s breathing behind me.

I turn back to look at the tender male who’s turned my world upside down in just a few short days. The moonlight catches on his horns, making them gleam like polished gold. He looks so peaceful, and so at ease. I envy that peace, even as I’m drawn to it. I need time to sort through these feelings, to find a way to honor my mother’s memory while also allowing myself to embrace this unexpected chance at happiness.