Chapter 32
The pumpkin guts were cold and slimy between my fingers as I scooped out another handful, depositing them into the large metal bowl between us.
Across the kitchen island, Axel worked on his own pumpkin with the kind of focus I’d come to expect from him—the same way he approached woodworking, cooking, or taking me apart in bed.
Which he did daily.
“You’re going to lose, you know,” I said, eyeing his progress. He’d already cleaned out his pumpkin and was sketching a design on the surface.
“That so?” He didn’t look up, but I caught the hint of a smile.
“I’m very competitive about Halloween.”
“I hadn’t noticed,” he deadpanned. When he looked up, his eyes were warm with amusement. I hardly noticed that one was marred, I’d grown so used to his appearance.
“Har har,” I shot back.
“We’ll see who’s laughing soon enough, lass.”
“Yeah. Me. When my creation beats yours.”
“But I’m a craftsman. This is literally what I do.”
“Yeah, well, I’m a witch. Halloween is literally my holiday.”
He huffed out a laugh, returning to his design. “Fair point.”
I went back to my own pumpkin, scraping the sides clean.
The kitchen smelled like autumn—pumpkin, cinnamon from the candles Axel had lit, and the apple cider warming on the stove.
October sunshine streamed through the windows, painting everything gold.
Outside, the mountains were a riot of color, the aspens blazing yellow against the evergreens.
It had been a week since the cave. Since Ambrose. Since everything changed.
A week since Axel claimed me, knotted me, bit me. Made me his in every way that mattered.
I scooped out another handful of guts. My off-the-shoulder sweater shifted down a bit more. Axel’s gaze lifted, noticing the movement, and fixed on the silvery bite mark at the junction of my shoulder and throat. His expression morphed, as it usually did. I caught him staring at it often.
He loved seeing it there. I could feel it in our bond. Feel the wave of possessiveness every time he saw it, reminding him of what we’d done.
“What are you thinking about?” Axel’s voice pulled me back.
“Nothing,” I said quickly, too quickly. Because my thoughts always turned hungry when I thought about him. About the things he did to me with his tongue and fingers. With his cock. His knot.
Heat dumped into my core, making my pussy clench.
“Liar,” Axel huffed. “I can smell your cunt from here. Should we take a break so I can see to your needs, sweetheart?” His eyes flared yellow, just for a second, and his eagerness seeped through the bond.
“Don’t even think about it,” I threatened, lifting my scraper and pointing it at him. “I know sabotage when I see it. I’ll not let you distract me.”
He huffed and shook his head, returning to his pumpkin.
We had all the rest of the day to enjoy the carnal pleasures of our newly-formed bond. All evening. All night. And tomorrow. And the next day.
We had time.
There was no curse hanging over my head. No Ambrose lurking in the shadows. Just...life. Our life.
The thought still made my chest feel so full.
My phone buzzed with several incoming texts. I glanced at the screen—our sibling group chat.
I wiped my hands on a dish towel and went to retrieve it.
Vera
I was so angry at a patient’s abusive family member today I accidentally shattered every cup on the nurses’ station. Looks like I need a little practice with control…
Robbie
Same, sis. Caden burned dinner and without thinking I just...unburned it. He stood there staring at the pan for five minutes. I told him it was a new cooking technique.
Vera
Looks like it’s finally time to come clean about your magic, now that the two of you are living together.
Robbie
I know…
Me
How’s that going, anyway? Glad you two moved in together?
Robbie
Yes. Definitely glad. That might change when I come clean about being a witch.
I bit my lip, holding back a smile. He’d finally taken my advice, giving this whole living together thing a try.
Vera
You’ll work through it. You owe him the truth. Now that our magic is back, it’s going to be a big part of our lives.
Robbie
Yeah, yeah. Message received.
It still didn’t feel real. This reality.
My siblings had noticed the return of their magic minutes after I’d broken the curse.
Once I finally got around to checking my phone the next day, after the hours’ long mating spree between me and Axel, I’d found countless missed calls and texts from them, along with my parents.
All demanding to know what was going on.
“Your siblings?” Axel asked, watching my face.
“Yeah. They’re still coming to terms with the return of our family’s magic.
” I set the phone down and went back to scraping my pumpkin, my thoughts drifting to my parents.
When I’d returned their call, it had been tense.
They’d wanted every detail and I’d been forced to lie, especially about Ambrose’s involvement.
They were especially displeased when I told them I was seeing someone—a werewolf—and would not be returning home.
It shouldn’t have mattered now that the curse was broken, but they seemed fixed on the idea of a relationship between the Blackthorns and Millers regardless.
I needed to tell them what Ambrose had done. I would eventually. But only when I was ready.
“I’m glad they’re happy,” Axel said.
“Oh. I forgot to tell you. Vera mentioned something about coming to visit the other day.”
I’d already given both my siblings an open invitation to come to Redding.
Axel hesitated, his gaze holding mine. His throat bobbed before he spoke. “I’d love to meet them.”
“I’d like that too,” I said softly.
Basil chose that moment to hop over, standing on his hind legs to sniff the air.
Sage wasn’t far behind, her little nose twitching with curiosity.
I scraped out some of the pumpkin flesh and crouched.
“Want a taste, cutie?” Basil took one sniff and immediately snatched the small piece from my hands, racing away, flicking his back feet out behind him as he went.
“Here sweetie, let me get you your own piece.” I scraped out a thin piece for Sage.
They could have a little pumpkin in moderation, and they deserved to be part of today’s festivities.
Axel watched with amusement. “I’ve been thinking…”
“Uh-oh. You didn’t come up with a new stew recipe to put them in, did you?”
He chuckled and the sound made my stomach swoop. “I was thinking, I might build them a bunny run outdoors. The snow will come soon, but it shouldn’t take more than a couple days. That way they can enjoy it before winter fully sets in.”
I let out a squeal. “Oh, my God. They would love that! I’ve always wanted to make them an outdoor area.
They were stuck in my cramped apartment first, then the bungalow.
I think they’d love the fresh air. Though, it might scare them at first. We’ll have to get them used to it.
Put lots of little hiding places in. All that. ”
“I’ll take care of it all.”
I melted a little. “You’re too perfect.”
“I just want you to be happy. Here. With me.”
“I am,” I said softly, my throat going tight. “I am happy here.”
The week that had passed had been the happiest of my life. Full of endless possibilities and Axel’s love. All while embracing my favorite season ever.
I didn’t think anything could be more perfect.
Which was why I would be paying out the end of my lease on the bungalow come November. My last official day as a renter was October 31st. As stated in my rental contract, I was obligated to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters since the home was part of Redding’s historic district.
But, I’d already moved the rest of my things in a few days ago, keeping only some stuff out on the porch. Neighborhood vibes were important, after all.
My books now shared shelf space with Axel’s. My clothes hung in his—our—closet. My photos of my family and friends dotted various surfaces alongside his sparse belongings. Combined with the decorations he’d put up, the cabin felt like home in a way nowhere else ever had.
“Good,” Axel said, and I felt his satisfaction through the bond. Deep and warm and right. “Because you’re stuck with me now, lass.”
“Such a hardship,” I teased. “Living with a man who cooks me gourmet meals, builds custom towers for my bunnies, and makes me come at least twice a day.”
“At least,” he agreed seriously. “Though I’d like to strive for more.”
“Then we’d literally never get anything done.” I chuckled, returning to my pumpkin. Now that it was clean, I needed to decide on a design. Something impressive enough to beat whatever masterpiece Axel was clearly planning.
“I’d be good with that.”
“I bet you would,” I teased, going on my tip toes to peek across the island. “What are you making?”
He angled the pumpkin away. “Nice try.”
“Come on, just a hint.”
“No.”
“Axel,” I whined.
“Rebecca.” He mimicked my tone perfectly, and I rolled my eyes.
“Fine. Keep your secrets.”
My phone buzzed again. This time, a text from Elle.
“I’ll be done well before you at this rate.” Axel paid my phone a pointed glare when I wiped my hands and picked it up.
“Oh, stop. It’s not a race, only a competition.”
Elle
How’s married life?
Me
*Mated* life is perfect.
Elle
LOL. Right.
Elle
I’m still mad you won’t let me visit for Halloween btw.
Me
We need time to settle in! Also you’d be SO ANNOYING about the whole thing.
Elle
I would be APPROPRIATELY EXCITED. There’s a difference.
Me
Yeah. Yeah. Don’t forget to send me photos of your couples costume tonight before your party.
Elle
Wouldn’t dare forget!
I smiled, shaking my head. Elle had been appropriately shocked when I called to tell her about the cave, Ambrose, and breaking the curse.
But she’d screamed when I told her about our mating.
Literally screamed so loud I had to hold the phone away from my ear.
Then she’d demanded to know every detail, which I did not provide because some things were private.