Page 39 of Bearly Believable Romance

“Good morning, beautiful,” Bram murmured, his voice low and husky. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering against her skin. “Did you sleep well?”

Tabitha hummed in contentment, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. “Always when I’m with you,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with a joy that made Bram’s heart swell with love and protectiveness.

He pulled her closer, his arms encircling her waist as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent. “I love you, Tabitha,” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. “I will never let anyone hurt you as long as I live.”

Tabitha’s arms tightened around him, her breath hitching in her throat. “I love you too, honey bear,” she murmured, her words muffled against his skin.

They lay like that for a moment, wrapped in each other’s embrace, their hearts beating in unison. But as the morning light grew stronger, the weight of their responsibilities began to settle on their shoulders, a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

With a sigh, Bram reluctantly eased himself from the bed, his hand trailing along Tabitha’s arm in a lingering caress. “We should get ready,” he said, his voice tinged with regret. “The town meeting won’t organize itself.”

Tabitha nodded, her expression sobering as she sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist. “You’re right,” she agreed, her brows knitting together in concern. “The recent revelations about my family have left everyone on edge. We need to address their concerns head-on.”

Bram leaned in, pressing a quick, reassuring kiss to her lips. “We’ll get through this. This town is on your side.”

“I just want it all out in the open, even if it means telling the entire town every dark little secret my family tried to hide.”

“I love that you’re willing to put all that out there for the town’s safety.”

Tabitha smiled, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek. “Of course. These are my people too. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she murmured, her thumb brushing along his jawline.

With renewed purpose, they prepared for the day ahead, their movements efficient and focused. They dressed quickly, exchanging glances and brief touches that spoke volumes without the need for words. Together, they made their way to the meeting hall, their steps falling in sync as they walked hand in hand.

The meeting hall was abuzz with nervous energy as the residents gathered, their faces etched with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Bram stood tall at the front, his broad shoulders squared and his jaw set with determination. His presence was a reassuring anchor amidst the sea of uncertainty, a beacon of strength and stability that the townspeople instinctively gravitated toward.

Tabitha took her place beside him, her hand slipping into his, their fingers intertwining in a silent show of support and unity. The warmth of her touch seeped into his skin, grounding him, reminding him that together, they could face anything.

“Thank you all for coming,” Bram began, his voice carrying across the room, commanding attention. “We know that the recent discoveries about Tabitha’s family have raised concerns and questions among you. We’re here today to address those concerns and to reassure you that the safety and well-being of Whispering Pines remains our top priority.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd, heads nodding in agreement and appreciation. Bram could see the tension in their faces, the unease that had settled over the town like a dark cloud. But he also saw the glimmer of hope in their eyes, the trust they placed in him and Tabitha to guide them through this difficult time.

“We understand your fears,” Tabitha spoke up, her voice clear and strong, yet laced with empathy. “The secrets of my family’s past have come as a shock to us all. But I want you to know I am committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that any potential threats to our town are dealt with swiftly and decisively.”

“That’s right,” Bram added, his hand squeezing Tabitha’s in a show of support. “We will not allow anyone or anything to jeopardize the peace and security of Whispering Pines.”

The air buzzed with a renewed sense of unity and determination, a collective resolve to protect their beloved town and all who called it home. The meeting was adjourned and the two shared ideas as they made their way back to Tabitha’s house, the weight of the day’s events slowly lifting from their shoulders.

As they stepped onto the front porch, the smell of sweat and unfamiliar body odors hit his nose. He put his arm out to stop Tabitha from going any farther.

“I smell something I don’t like.”

Her brows folded down. “What is it?”

He put a finger against his lips. “Shh.” He slowly opened the front door, not a single squeak from a hinge. He tiptoed in, senses on high alert. Somewhere in the house, he heard noise only a human could make. It sounded like someone searching through drawers for something. And it was coming from more than one room.

He smiled and winked at his little mate. She scowled back and mouthed, “What’s going on?”

Taking a deep breath, Bram let loose a roar that shook the plates in the hutch and the glass chandelier in the parlor. Within seconds, several boys scrambled down the stairs. When they saw Bram and his mate, the boys took off running toward the back door of the house.

Bram managed to subdue one of them, his grip firm but not deadly. The boy trembled beneath his grasp, his eyes wide with fear and desperation.

“P-please, don’t hurt me!” the boy whimpered, his voice cracking with terror. “I-I didn’t take anything... I was just following orders!”

Bram’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening slightly. “Who sent you?” he demanded, his voice a low growl. “What do they want with Whispering Pines?”

The boy’s lips quivered, his words tumbling out in a rushed confession. “I-it was a woman,” he stammered, his eyes darting around frantically probably looking for his accomplices long gone out the door. “She hired us to steal some kind of magical artifact. A big silver cup. She said it was hidden somewhere in this house.”

Bram’s eyes widened, a flash of understanding passing between him and Tabitha. The Celestial Chalice, the artifact mentioned by her father, the key to her inheritance and the very fate of Whispering Pines. It all made sense now, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place with sickening clarity.

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