Page 55 of Chasing Stripes

The anxiety in her expression melted into something warm and wondering. She leaned toward him slowly, giving him time to pull away if he wanted.

He didn’t want to. He met her halfway, their lips connecting in a kiss far gentler than the desperate one they’d shared earlier. The handprints brightened, but instead of the explosive magic from before, this created a soft golden glow that enveloped them both.

“Oh my,” Gloria’s delighted voice broke the moment. “Hudson, look at that. Just like your parents when they kissed.”

Bartek pulled back reluctantly, aware of his parents’ fond gazes. Any other time, such open display of affection would have embarrassed him. Now he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Let’s get you to the pride house,” he told Artemis. “You need proper rest.”

With dawn approaching, they prepared to leave. Haavi brought Bartek fresh clothes, and Artemis packed an overnight bag with Tilly’s help. Council investigators continued processing evidence outside while pride members maintained a visible presence throughout the neighborhood.

As they walked to Bartek’s SUV, Artemis leaned on him for support, her ankle still tender despite Tilly’s ministrations. The contact satisfied something primal in him—her willing acceptance of his support, his ability to provide it.

The sun broke over the horizon as they pulled away from Honeycrisp Bakery, painting the streets in soft golden light that matched the handprints connecting them. In the passenger seat, Artemis watched him with thoughtful eyes.

“This changes everything, doesn’t it?” she asked softly.

Bartek reached across to take her hand, surprised by how natural the gesture felt. “Not everything,” he said. “I’m still pride alpha. You’re still the most talented baker in Enchanted Falls.”

“But now we’re...”

“Together,” he finished simply. The word encompassed depths he wasn’t ready to fully articulate—mate, partner, beloved. Those would come with time.

For now, “together” was enough.

FORTY-SEVEN

Sunlight spilled through unfamiliar curtains, painting golden streaks across Artemis’s face. She blinked awake, momentarily disoriented by the high ceiling and rustic wood beams above her. This wasn’t her apartment over the bakery.

The memories from last night filtered back slowly—the shadowy figures, her ankle twisting as she ran, Bartek appearing out of nowhere, his body shifting into a massive tiger before her eyes. Then the revelation about soul-tethers that had turned her world upside down.

How is this my life now?she wondered, pushing herself up against plush pillows.

Just days ago she’d been worried about perfecting her honey-lavender scone recipe, and now she was waking up in the home of the town’s alpha tiger with magical handprints on her waist.

She traced the outline of the marks with her fingertips. They responded with a soft glow, sending a pleasant warmth through her body and tugging her awareness toward the eastern wing of the house. Bartek was there—she could sense him as clearly as if she could see through walls.

“What is happening to me?” she whispered to the empty room.

She took in the guest bedroom of the pride house with fresh eyes. Rather than the intimidating tiger’s den she might have expected, the room exuded comfort. Subtle tiger motifs decorated the space tastefully—a painting of a jungle scene, throw pillows with amber and black stripes, and a small collection of framed family photos that spoke of history and belonging.

A framed photo on the nightstand caught her eye—a younger Bartek in hiking gear, arm slung around his father’s shoulders, both grinning at the summit of some distant peak. His smile transformed his entire face, softening the sharp angles she’d grown accustomed to. She picked up the frame, studying the unguarded joy captured there.

“I wonder how often you smile like that now,” she murmured, running her thumb across the image.

She tested her injured ankle, rotating it carefully. The throbbing had subsided to a dull ache, Tilly’s healing magic working through the night. The bruises had faded to pale yellow shadows.

A soft knock interrupted her inspection. The door creaked open to reveal Gloria, her silver-streaked hair pulled into a loose bun, carrying a tray laden with a steaming teapot and freshly baked muffins. The older woman’s eyes sparkled with unmistakable motherly concern.

“You’re awake! I hoped you might be.” Gloria entered with the confident grace of a woman accustomed to managing a household. She set the tray on the bedside table, her gaze flicking between the photo and Artemis with undisguised interest. “That was taken five years ago before Hudson stepped down as alpha. One of the last carefree days before Bartek took on full leadership.”

Artemis set the frame down, feeling oddly guilty for the intrusion. “He looks happy.”

“He was. He could be again.” Gloria poured amber tea into a delicate cup painted with tiger lilies. The tea released a fragrant steam that reminded Artemis of mountain herbs. “The twins have been up since dawn desperate to see if you’re okay. They’re calling you ‘Aunt Artemis’ now—I hope that’s not too presumptuous.”

A surprising warmth bloomed in Artemis’s chest at the immediate acceptance. “That’s sweet of them.”

Gloria’s gaze dropped to Artemis’s waist where the handprints glowed visibly through the thin fabric. “They’re brighter this morning. The soul-tether strengthens.”

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