Page 25 of Bearly Bewitched

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.”

TWENTY-THREE

Heat crept up Kaine’s neck as Vail’s fire magic sparked with embarrassed amusement. But she didn’t protest when he offered his arm for their walk home.

The evening air carried more of the night-blooming jasmine and late summer warmth. Their auras continued their intimate dance, creating a soft golden glow that lit their path through Mystic Hollow’s winding streets. Each brush of their shoulders sent sparks of awareness through Kaine’s body.

“Have you been friends with Rook, Ren, and Xabir a long time?”

“Xabir, Rook, and I all grew up together and have been friends all our lives. I’ve known Romi, Clover, and Sabine forever. Ren…is new to the group but he’s a great guy. So we all like him.”

“They all look so happy,” Vail said softly. “With their partners.”

“They deserve it. They’re all great people.” Kaine glanced down at her. “Finding the right person changes everything.”

“If you find the right one.” A shadow crossed her face. “I thought I had, once. Turns out I was just convenient.”

His bear growled at the pain in her voice. “What happened?”

“Six years with someone who saw me as a placeholder.” She shrugged, but Kaine felt the tension in her shoulders. “Ames wanted the idea of me—the successful witch who’d look good at faculty parties and wouldn’t challenge his plans. The woman who would drop everything for him and put him first at all times. After he proposed...” She shook her head. “I realized I’d been settling for comfortable instead of real.”

“That’s why you came to Mystic Hollow?”

“Partly. I needed somewhere I could focus on my career without...” She gestured vaguely. “Complications.”

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