Page 20 of Bearly Believable Romance

“They said... something about their birthright. They wanted me to give it to them or they would kill me.” A violent tremor racked Tabitha’s body at the memory. Bram tightened his hold.

A tense, heavy silence fell. Tabitha could practically hear the anxious thoughts whirling through everyone’s minds. Did this have to do with the mysterious item in her grandmother’s will? But for someone to want her dead because of it?

“We’ll get to the bottom of this,” Bram vowed, steely determination hardening his jaw. He brushed a tender kiss to Tabitha’s brow. “But, first, you need to rest and heal. I’ll keep you safe. We all will. Nobody is going to hurt you again. I won’t let them.”

Exhaustion dragged at Tabitha, the soothing potion lulling her toward unconsciousness. She burrowed deeper into Bram’s embrace, taking his words into her very soul.

“I know you won’t,” she breathed.

The last thing Tabitha felt was the soft press of his lips against her temple as she surrendered to the darkness.

Tabitha shifted gingerly against the mound of pillows propping her up, wincing as the movement pulled at her healing wounds. The tantalizing aroma of Celeste’s famous rosemary chicken soup wafted from the kitchen, making her stomach grumble. Trust her best friend to know exactly what comfort food she needed.

A riot of colorful wildflowers in a crystal vase on her nightstand brought a smile to Tabitha’s face. Ellie’s thoughtful touch, no doubt. The delicate blooms seemed to emit a faint, soothing glow - knowing the sweet witch, she’d probably enchanted them with a charm for swift recovery.

“Knock, knock,” a familiar voice called from the doorway. Molly peeked her head in, arms laden with a basket overflowing with mouthwatering pastries. “Up for some visitors, honey?”

Tabitha’s smile widened. “Always, for those honeybuns and cinnamon scones you make.”

Molly chuckled, settling the basket on the bed. “I thought you might say that. Brought your favorites - scones, lemon tarts, and those honeybuns Bram inhales by the dozen.”

“You’re an angel, Molly. Thank you.” Tabitha squeezed her friend’s hand gratefully.

Luna appeared behind Molly, a tray of clinking bottles in her hands. “And I come bearing more potions. You’re healing remarkably well, Tabitha, but a few more doses will have you right as rain in no time.”

Warmth blossomed in Tabitha’s chest that had nothing to do with her injuries. The outpouring of love and support from the Whispering Pines community over the past few days had been overwhelming. It seemed like every hour, someone new was stopping by with small gifts and well wishes - Daisy’s hand-knitted blanket, Jasper’s stack of romance stories to keep her entertained, Vincent’s homemade get-well card with its endearingly crooked letters.

She’d never experienced anything like it, this sense of belonging and mattering to so many people. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

“Oh no, what hurts?” Bram was at her side in an instant, his brow creased with concern. “Do you need more painkillers?”

Tabitha huffed out a watery laugh. “No, I’m okay. Just... really feeling the love right now, you know?”

Bram’s expression softened. He perched on the edge of the bed and took her hand, mindful of the bandages. “You’ve got the whole town wrapped around your little finger, sweetheart. Everyone adores you. How could they not?”

Molly and Luna shared a knowing grin. “We’ll leave you two lovebirds alone. Holler if you need anything, all right?”

Then they were gone, leaving Tabitha cocooned in the warmth of Bram’s presence. He’d scarcely left her side since the attack, hovering protectively as if afraid she’d disappear if he so much as blinked.

“How are you feeling, really?” he asked softly, his amber eyes searching her face for any sign of discomfort.

“Sore,” Tabitha admitted. “Tired. But... safe. Loved.” She brought their joined hands to her lips, brushing a kiss across his knuckles. “Thanks to you.”

Bram’s throat worked as he swallowed hard. “I’ve never been that scared. Seeing you like that, covered in blood... I thought I’d lost you.”

“But you didn’t. I’m right here.” She tugged him closer until their foreheads touched. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

“Damn right, you’re not. I won’t let you out of my sight until we figure out who’s behind this.” A low growl rumbled in Bram’s chest, his protective instincts flaring. It shouldn’t have been attractive, but Tabitha couldn’t deny the little thrill that raced down her spine.

“Mmm, I kind of like this growly side of you,” she teased, tracing the line of his stubbled jaw. “My big, tough, grumbly honey bear.”

Bram arched an eyebrow, a playful glint entering his eye. “Oh yeah? Careful what you wish for, Tabby cat. I can out-growl any bear in these woods.”

As if to prove his point, he let out an exaggerated snarl, baring his teeth. Then he proceeded to nuzzle into the crook of her neck, making silly growling noises against her skin.

“Ahh, oh no, I’m being mauled by a vicious beast!” Tabitha giggled, halfheartedly trying to squirm away. “Someone save me!”

Bram pulled back with a mischievous grin. “Nope, you’re all mine. I’ve got you in my clutches now, witchy woman.”

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