Chapter Nineteen
The snow had melted into soft patches around the edge of the cottage and rain had set in for an uncharacteristic January in Wisconsin, but I knew frigid temps would soon return and besides the only thing that mattered was that my dad was back.
My dad.
And now my mom.
My mom.
And it didn’t help that Gideon had gifted me with some visions that I couldn’t trust one way or another. But now, the one thing I never thought would happen, happened. My mom was here, just like Gideon planted.
I leaned back against the counter in the kitchen, cradling a mug of cinnamon tea, and stared out the window. The Academy indescribably beckoned me, and I knew I needed to return soon. There was something pressing with the call to go back.
“Well,” Stella said, setting down a teacup with a satisfying clink in the other room, “if Bella spends any more time staring longingly at Keegan, I might have to conjure up a matchmaking spell just to set her straight.”
I choked on my tea and glanced at my friend as I made my way into the living room.
“Stella. She does not stare longingly at him.”
“Oh, please. She stares like she’s deciding which sauce would pair best with him,” Stella smirked. “My guess is something spicy.”
Curled up in the armchair with her usual effortless elegance, Nova didn’t even look up. “You’re being ridiculous.”
“I’m being observant,” Stella said proudly. “Fox shifters are curious creatures. It’s all mischief and flirting until someone gets kissed under a full moon, and then a million cubs start frolicking under the trees.”
I groaned and glanced toward the front door. “Please don’t say that when he walks in.”
“Well, the whole thing is irritating because it’s you he should be pining over and vice versa.”
“I don’t have the energy or the ability to pine over anything, Stella. I just got divorced, and I’m finally doing things I want.”
As if summoned by the universe, and perhaps Stella’s wicked sense of timing, the door opened with a gust of crisp winter air.
I had barely settled into the worn armchair by the fire when Keegan stepped inside and shook off his cloak as droplets of water rolled off him.
His eyes instantly found mine. “Maeve, is everything alright?”
“Speaking of foxes,” I muttered into my tea.
Keegan arched a brow. “What’s that?”
I shook my head, feeling my cheeks warm. “Nothing. Where’s Bella?”
Keegan shook his head. “Beats me. She said something about checking out the forest paths before dusk. She vanished before I could stop her. Are you still thinking of heading to the Academy?”
“I am.”
He gave a small nod, all quiet strength and broody gaze. “What’s on your mind?”
I rose from the chair. “I was hoping we could talk… privately.”
Concern flashed briefly in his expression but was quickly replaced with warmth.
“Of course.”
We moved together toward the small kitchen table nestled by the window, the scent of rosemary and lavender drifted from bundles hung overhead. I assumed once spring came around, it would be my job to collect the herbs from the garden and ensure they were dried.
Keegan took a seat, but his eyes never left mine as I pulled out the chair across from him. The steady rain drummed against the roof, filling the brief silence before he finally spoke.
“So much for snow,” he said, shaking his head. “It’s been a warm January.”
I nodded, wondering how much small talk we should do before I told him my concerns. “It’s hard to believe we’re already in a new year.”
He leaned forward and never took his eyes off mine. “What is it you wanted to talk about?”
“Something happened, Keegan. Something I haven’t been able to share until now.”
“What is it?”
I drew a deep breath.
“Before my mom arrived, Gideon placed a vision in my head.”
“Of what?”
“My mom being back here in Stonewick,” I confessed. “It happened that night when we got my dad back.”
“When you two were sharing a bond,” he said flatly.
“I’ve been so cautious about believing anything he allowed me to access in his mind, but this is too big a coincidence, don’t you think?”
Keegan’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Maeve…that’s dangerous. Gideon’s magic is deceptive, manipulative. He uses visions and half-truths to twist minds. He could have easily shown you something false to lure you into trusting him. Let’s think about this logically. He knows your mom hasn’t returned to Stonewick since she left with you forty years ago. He’s probably just playing the odds. He knows there’s a strong chance that since her daughter is now in Stonewick, she would make it a point to visit.”
“I’ve thought about that as an option as well. I know it makes sense, and I want to believe that’s it,” I admitted, squeezing his hand gently. “But I felt like I needed to share it with you, in case there’s something more.”
Keegan withdrew his hand slowly. “I appreciate it, Maeve. We all have to remain vigilant. I’m honestly worried about your mom being here. I wanted her at the hotel because at least we can keep an eye on her.”
“And I thank you for that.”
He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “Gideon wants you confused. He wants you to question yourself, to doubt your instincts. He knows exactly what your mother's return would do to you emotionally. It makes you vulnerable, and Gideon thrives on that.”
I felt warmth rush to my cheeks, emotions churning chaotically inside.
“That’s for sure.”
Keegan shook his head gently, as his eyes filled with quiet intensity.
“Maeve, I’m just worried for you. You’re brave and stronger than you think, but Gideon preys on compassion. I—” He hesitated, something flickering across his face, a tender vulnerability rarely seen. “I care too much about you to watch you fall into one of his traps.”
My heart quickened, a fluttering warmth blooming in my chest. I met his gaze, seeing a fierce protectiveness burning there that took my breath away. “Keegan…”
He looked away, exhaling slowly to regain control of his carefully guarded feelings. “I’m sorry. I know that wasn’t appropriate. But the thought of Gideon hurting you, tricking you, makes me lose all sense of reason.”
“You don’t need to apologize. I’m grateful you care. But Gideon or not, the Academy has already opened itself to me. It wants me back. The pull I feel is stronger than ever, Keegan. It’s almost impossible to resist, but I don’t know how long I’ll be there this time, and if my mom is still in town…”
“I’ve got you, Maeve. We’ll be on it with your parents.”
“How did I get so lucky with you?”
“I’ve learned it’s easier to support your decisions than try to change your mind.” He chuckled, and my heart skipped a beat.
I rose from my seat, feeling calmer, steadier, because of him. And I realized it wasn’t jealousy or envy that sprouted when Bella and Keegan were together. It was a fear of losing something that I was too afraid to let myself have.
“Your kindness and ability to trust your instincts never cease to amaze me.”
“Thank you,” I said softly. “I needed to hear that.”
His eyes softened as he stood beside me, strong and reassuring. “Always, Maeve. Always.”
The cottage door swung open abruptly, admitting a gust of chill evening air and Twobble, who shook himself vigorously like a dog, sending droplets of rain scattering across the rug. His wide, mischievous eyes immediately landed on Keegan and me around the table.
He grinned and rubbed his hands together.
“Evening, Twobble,” Keegan said.
“You two won’t believe what happened,” Twobble said gleefully, rocking on his heels.
“Bella got herself stuck halfway up a tree.”
“Our Bella? The graceful fox shifter and first teacher of our Academy?” I questioned.
“The one and only,” Twobble cackled. “Seems she thought she spotted something important, or perhaps shiny, in the branches. One minute, she’s confidently scaling the trunk. The next, she’s tangled in vines, fur everywhere, her dignity blowing away in the breeze.”
Keegan chuckled, though he eyed Twobble knowingly. “And I suppose you left her there?”
Twobble gave an exaggerated gasp, pressing a hand to his chest. “I would never…”
“You did.” My brows lifted.
“But I will say, fox shifters are notoriously prickly when embarrassed. It was self-preservation.”
I studied Twobble closely, noticing the slight twitch of his fingers. The quick, furtive glances toward the door didn’t help either.
Keegan stood and grabbed his jacket to go rescue Bella.
“Twobble,” I began carefully, suppressing a smile, “why exactly are you always so nervous around Bella?”
“Nervous?” Twobble squeaked indignantly, drawing himself up to his full, if modest, height. “I am not nervous. I am merely… cautious. Fox shifters can be very tricky, Maeve.”
“Bella wouldn’t trick you,” I laughed gently. “She’s practically family.”
Twobble’s eyes narrowed skeptically, and he crossed his arms with a huff.
“Family or not, foxes have sharp teeth and sharper tempers. Once bitten, twice cautious, I always say. It’s wisdom, Maeve, pure and simple.”
Keegan smiled warmly. “I promise, Twobble, Bella is perfectly safe. She’s probably already freed herself and is planning her revenge as we speak.”
Twobble blanched, his exaggerated bravado evaporating instantly. “Revenge? Exactly what I’m talking about.”
“I was teasing. Relax. She’s one of us, and if the Academy accepted her, we should too.”
I watched Keegan curiously. There was such a quiet confidence in his tone.
It was so hard for me to be sure about anything right now.
My mind circled back to the visions Gideon had allowed me to glimpse, the uncertainty I now felt about the truths I thought I knew.
“Is there more to it, Keegan?” I teased. “Are you her knight in shining armor?
Keegan let out a low, throaty laugh and shook his head. “Not even a little bit.”
He shut the door behind him, and Twobble groaned dramatically, tossing his arms in the air.
“You see? This is precisely why I’m cautious, foxes and their games. Maybe, she just wanted Keegan to be her hero and rescue her.”
I chuckled.
“You don’t disagree, do you?”
I smiled and knew it was my time to return to the Academy. If anything, my dragons needed me more than love triangles.