Page 56 of Chasing Stripes

Artemis felt her cheeks warm as she remembered how the handprints had appeared—Bartek’s strong hands gripping her waist protectively as he pulled her behind him, shielding her from danger. The memory sent a rush of heat through her that had nothing to do with embarrassment.

“But Bartek and I barely know each other,” she protested, though the steady warmth emanating from the marks contradicted her words.

“The heart recognizes what the mind hasn’t yet accepted,” Gloria said simply. “The magic merely makes visible what already exists.”

Artemis considered this, watching the steam curl from her cup. If what Gloria said was true, her soul had recognized something in Bartek worth binding itself to—something beyond his protective streak or the undeniable physical attraction. The thought should have terrified her. Instead, she found herself strangely comforted.

“The tea will help restore your magical reserves,” Gloria said, rising gracefully.

“Thank you,” Artemis said, touched by the thoughtfulness. “I should get back to the bakery soon. Tilly must be worried.”

“Tilly called earlier. She insists you take the day to recover.” Gloria paused at the door. “She also mentioned something about sentient muffin batter taking over the kitchen? Apparently, residual energy from your soul-tether affected her baking spells.”

Artemis nearly choked on her tea. “Oh no.”

“Don’t worry. She sounded more fascinated than upset.” Gloria’s eyes twinkled. “Breakfast will be ready whenever you are. Take your time.”

After Gloria departed, Artemis slipped into the adjoining bathroom, marveling at its size—clearly designed for people who occasionally needed space for a tiger form.

The shower would have put her apartment’s trickle to shame. Hot water pounded from multiple directions, easing the lingering soreness from last night’s attack.

As she dressed, she caught sight of the handprints in the mirror—perfect golden impressions of large hands spanning her waist, the fingers nearly meeting at her navel. Unlike a bruise or injury, they emitted a pleasant warmth, pulsing in time with her heartbeat.

She traced their outline, marveling at how perfectly they matched the shape of Bartek’s hands. Had some part of her known, even that first day in the bakery when he steadied her from falling? Had her magic recognized his before her conscious mind caught up?

FORTY-EIGHT

Asoft tug pulled at Artemis’s awareness again—Bartek moving through the house below. Her body responded automatically like a compass needle swinging north.

“Well,” she said to her reflection, watching golden light shimmer across her skin. “This should make hide and seek interesting.”

Despite her protests about returning to the bakery, Artemis found herself escorted to the family dining room by Gloria, who chatted happily about pride traditions and tiger shifter cuisine.

“...of course, most shifters prefer their protein rare, but I’ve prepared plenty of fae-friendly options. Hudson mentioned that fae often prefer sweet foods with natural magic—berries, honey, things that grow in enchanted soil.”

The twins bounded into the room, stopping abruptly when they saw Artemis. They exchanged a silent glance before Jade whispered loudly, “Uncle Bartek’s not scared anymore.”

“His worried smell is gone,” Lily agreed with a decisive nod.

Bartek cleared his throat, looking uncharacteristically uncomfortable. “They do that sometimes. Notice things.”

“Emotional scents,” Gloria explained. “Most cubs lose the ability as they grow, but these two seem particularly gifted.”

The massive oak dining table dominated the center of a room with vaulted ceilings and large windows overlooking the forest. Food covered nearly every inch—platters of rare steaks and protein-heavy dishes alongside colorful fruit arrangements and pastries drizzled with amber honey.

Before Artemis could take a seat, twin blurs of motion attached themselves to her legs. Lily and Jade gazed up with identical expressions of wide-eyed concern, their small hands clutching her jeans.

“Are you okay?” Lily asked, her voice solemn. “We felt the bad magic last night.”

“Uncle Bartek went all growly and glowy,” Jade added, making clawing motions with her hands. “He was scary, but not to us.”

Artemis crouched despite the twinge in her ankle, bringing herself to their eye level. “I’m fine now, thanks to your uncle. Were you worried?”

They nodded in unison, their expressions serious beyond their years.

“We could feel you were in danger,” Lily whispered. “Right here.” She tapped her chest over her heart.

Artemis blinked in surprise. “You could?”

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