Page 91 of Chasing Stripes

“Nothing that will make you float or turn purple,” Artemis assured her. “Just a touch of happiness enhancement.”

“I’ll take six,” Artair decided, his bear shifter appetite in full force. “And whatever that cinnamon thing is.”

Kalyna breezed in behind them, fox-red hair piled in an elegant updo that somehow managed to look both centuries-old and perfectly modern. Her arms were laden with what appeared to be ancient tomes.

“I’ve brought housewarming gifts,” she announced, depositing the stack on the counter. “Or rather, bakery-warming gifts. The oldest cookbooks from the library’s restricted section—on indefinite loan to the establishment that saved Enchanted Falls.”

Thora peered at the top book. “Is that... blood on the corner?”

“Cranberry sauce,” Kalyna replied primly. “From the Great Jam Disaster of 1873. There’s a chapter on hownotto enchant preserves that I thought might be relevant to your magical baking endeavors.”

EIGHTY-ONE

Artemis ran reverent fingers over the ancient bindings. “These are incredible.”

“Consider it my contribution to your bakery’s revival,” Kalyna said with a smile. “Rust insisted on dropping half the town treasury on structural reinforcements, so I had to get creative.”

As Artemis boxed selections for Thora and Artair, she caught sight of Bartek entering through the back door, his arms laden with fresh supplies. He wore an apron Gloria had custom-made—forest green with “Yes, I’m the Alpha. Yes, I Made That Croissant” emblazoned across the chest in gold thread that matched the patterns visible on his wrists.

There was a contest on the best saying: “Still the Alpha. Still Covered in Flour,” “Try Stealing My Cupcake. I Dare You,” and “This Apron Has Seen Things… Mostly Burnt Banana Bread.”

Their eyes met across the room. In the week since The Collector’s defeat, their connection had settled into something profound and comfortable—still capable of fiery passion but underpinned by deeper understanding.

“The pride’s all set up in the square,” he reported, depositing his burden on the prep table before crossing to kiss her lightly. “The twins have already sampled half the cupcake display despite Mimi’s best efforts at restraint.”

“I made extras because I anticipated twin-level destruction,” Artemis replied with a grin.

“Smart woman,” Kalyna commented. “Never underestimate the appetite of tiger cubs for sugar. Did you know they once devoured an entire section of edible books in the children’s library? The fairy tale section hasn’t been the same since.”

The grand reopening had expanded beyond the bakery into the town square, becoming an impromptu celebration of their victory. Tables laden with food and drink dotted the open space. Council members mingled with pride members, supernatural boundaries temporarily forgotten in the joy of community preserved.

Even Pandora Hurley had returned, offering sheepish assistance after The Collector’s manipulations came to light. Artemis had assigned her to cupcake distribution—a small step toward redemption.

As twilight descended, guests gathered in the square for the event many had been anticipating—the formal soul-binding ceremony that would permanently seal Artemis and Bartek’s connection.

A circular platform stood where the fountain usually resided, decorated with tiger lilies and honeycrisp blossoms. Selene Moonlace and Tygra Fangcross waited to officiate, representing both fae and tiger traditions.

In the small room above the bakery that had become their shared dressing area, Artemis smoothed the skirt of her simple white dress—chosen to leave her shoulders bare, showcasing the golden patterns that now adorned her skin like the most intricate tattoos. Bartek adjusted his dark formal attire beside her, their movements naturally synchronized after weeks together.

“Nervous?” he asked, catching her hand as she reached to fidget with her hair again.

“Not about us,” she confessed. “More about potentially floating the entire town when we kiss. Our magic has been a bit... reactive lately.”

His low chuckle resonated through her. “The price of being cosmically compatible, I suppose.”

A knock at the door preceded Gloria’s entrance, the twins peeking around her legs in matching golden dresses.

“It’s time,” she announced, smiling softly at the sight of them together. “Everything’s ready.”

The twins bounced with excitement. “We have the special bracelets!” Lily announced.

“And we promised not to spill anything on them,” Jade added solemnly.

“A true sacrifice,” Bartek teased, kneeling to their level. “Are you ready for your important jobs?”

They nodded with such fierce determination that Artemis had to bite her lip to keep from laughing. Despite their mischievous nature, the girls had taken their role as “ring-bearers” with utmost seriousness.

Kalyna popped her head in, eyes widening dramatically at the sight of them. “Well, don’t you clean up nicely.” She entered fully, revealing her own formal attire—a vintage-inspired gown in fox-red that somehow managed to bridge several centuries of fashion.

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