Bearly Bewitched (Mystic Hollow #4)

Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO

M ovement caught Kaine’s eye—Ledger stood at the courtyard’s edge, scribbling furiously in a journal. Without conscious thought, Kaine drew Vail and Daisy closer, his bear aura wrapping around them protectively. Vail’s power wove into his immediately, strengthening their shared shield.

“We should get ice cream!” Daisy declared with suspicious enthusiasm. “To celebrate everyone being safe! Please? The Moonlight Creamery has that new maple pecan flavor...”

She shot a meaningful look at Romi, who gave her a subtle thumbs up. Kaine bit back a groan, realizing his niece had joined forces with the town’s most determined matchmakers.

“We should discuss those ward fluctuations,” Vail said slowly. But her eyes told a different story when they met his—she was just as affected by their connection as he was. The air between them shimmered with possibility.

“Ice cream would be the perfect place to talk,” Kaine found himself saying. “Strategic planning requires proper fuel.”

Vail’s laugh sent warmth curling through his chest. “Is that what they’re calling it?”

“I find sugar helps with magical theory.” He offered his arm, hardly daring to breathe until she took it. Her fire magic danced around them both, matching the joy in her smile.

“In that case, how can I refuse? But it’ll have to wait until this event is over.” She fell into step beside him, fitting against his side like she belonged there.

“Of course.” His bear rumbled happily as her magic twined with his.

Behind them, Romi’s delighted squeal carried clearly across the courtyard: “Look at the fountain!”

Every water spout had burst into heart shapes, creating a tunnel of shimmering droplets above their heads.

Vail turned to face him, and his breath caught at the way the fading light illuminated her features.

“I should check the wards one last time,” she murmured, but made no move to step away. Her fire magic curled around him like a caress, making his bear push against his skin with the need to be closer.

“I’ll help.” His voice came out rougher than intended. He placed his hand over hers where it still rested on his arm, and their combined magic surged. Golden light spiraled up their joined fingers, creating patterns that mirrored the quickening of their heartbeats.

Vail’s breath hitched. “The wards seem stable now.”

“Very stable,” he agreed, though neither of them was really talking about the wards anymore.

She swayed slightly closer, her scent wrapping around him like an enchantment. His bear’s protective instincts flared as her free hand came up to rest against his chest, directly over his thundering heart. Through the thin fabric of his shirt, her touch burned like sweet fire.

“Daisy’s waiting for you,” Vail whispered, even as her magic wound tighter around his.

“She is.” But he couldn’t make himself step back. Not when Vail’s eyes held that mix of desire and vulnerability that made his bear want to shelter her forever.

A cool evening breeze swept past them, carrying the scent of night-blooming jasmine from the academy gardens. It stirred Vail’s hair, sending dark strands dancing across her face. Without thinking, Kaine reached up to tuck them back, his fingers grazing her cheek. She leaned into his touch with a soft sigh that nearly undid him completely.

The smile she gave him could have outshone the sunset. Behind them, the ward stones hummed with contentment.

Some kinds of magic, Kaine realized, were impossible to resist. Especially when they felt exactly like falling in love.

The night dragged on, much too slowly for Kaine’s liking. His bear wanted to get their mate close and keep her there. Finally, most of the families had left for the night.

Sabine announced to everyone within earshot, “We’ll take Daisy for ice cream.” She exchanged a meaningful look with Ren that made Kaine’s bear grumble about meddling felines and dragons. “Since it’s on our way home.”

“I can—“ Kaine started.

“It’s settled.” Ren’s tone brooked no argument. His dragon magic flared briefly, creating an oddly protective shimmer around both Kaine and Vail. “The paths are lovely for evening walks right now. Perfect for... discussing ward security.”

Daisy hugged them both goodnight, her grin suspiciously knowing. “Don’t forget to check ALL the wards,” she stage-whispered to Kaine. “Even the ones by Headmistress Vail’s cottage.”