Page 62 of Chasing Stripes

Time dissolved as they explored each other, discovering places that made each gasp and sigh. When they finally lay tangled together, breathless and sated, the handprints had spread golden light in intricate patterns across their skin, painting them both in matching filigree that pulsed in time with their synchronized heartbeats.

Bartek traced the curve of her face with gentle fingers, his expression filled with wonder. “Beautiful,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Artemis nestled against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat beneath her ear. “I never expected this,” she whispered. “Any of it.”

They remained entwined, reluctant to break their connection until the distant chiming of the town clock reminded them of their obligation. With reluctance, they separated to dress, though they couldn’t keep their hands from straying back to each other between buttons and zippers.

When they finally descended to the bakery, flushed and glowing with visible golden light, Kalyna’s knowing grin and Thora’s raised eyebrow made it clear their activities weren’t as private as they’d hoped.

“You’re making every bakery item float,” Thora remarked casually, pointing to the display cases where muffins and pastries hovered an inch above their trays. “The cinnamon rolls are doing synchronized swimming in midair.”

Artemis buried her face in her hands with a groan of embarrassment, but couldn’t suppress the laughter that bubbled up. “Oh gods, all the muffins?”

“And the cupcakes,” Thora confirmed with a smirk. “Very impressive magical output, though the customers are a bit confused.”

Bartek didn’t bother hiding his satisfied smile as he placed a possessive hand on Artemis’s lower back, fingers aligning perfectly with his handprints. The gesture sent another pulse of golden energy through the bakery, causing the floating pastries to spin in gentle circles before settling back onto their trays.

“I think we should head to the council meeting,” he suggested, though his reluctance to leave. “Before we cause any more magical disturbances. Maybe they have info on Thaddeus.”

Artemis leaned into his touch, savoring the way her body responded to his proximity. “Probably wise,” she agreed, though her eyes promised they would continue their exploration later.

FIFTY-FOUR

The room buzzed with whispers as she and Bartek entered, their handprints glowing visibly through their clothing, the golden glow having spread further from the original marks creating intricate patterns that peeked from beneath their collars and sleeves. Extra chairs had been brought in for witnesses and security personnel, making the normally spacious chamber feel crowded with curious onlookers.

Bartek’s hand rested at the small of her back as they walked forward, a possessive touch that sent warmth cascading through her. The simple contact betrayed his need to maintain physical connection even in this formal setting. The connection between them was palpably electric causing several of the elders to exchange knowing glances.

Rust presided as mayor from the central throne, wearing formal robes that somehow failed to diminish his leonine presence. His expression remained professionally neutral, though Artemis caught the amused glint in his golden eyes.

“The council recognizes Bartek Arbor, Alpha of the Western Mountain Tigris Pride, and Artemis Blu, Fae Baker of Honeycrisp Bakery,” he announced formally.

Lysander Foxworthy, the fox elder, leaned forward eagerly in his throne, his silvered red hair catching the light. “The magical emissions from your bond have triggered every monitoring device in Enchanted Falls!”

“Are we in trouble for kissing?” Artemis asked bluntly, causing several elders to cough in surprise. Under her breath, she added so only Bartek could hear, “Among other things.”

The subtle comment made his lips twitch with suppressed amusement, his thumb tracing small circles on her back that sent delicious ripples of awareness through her.

Willow Waters, the witch elder, smiled kindly from her throne draped in earthy green fabrics. “Not at all, dear. We’re intrigued by the soul-tether. It’s been over a century since one manifested in our town.”

Tygra Fangcross, the tiger elder, studied Bartek with open pride, her jet-black hair streaked with orange highlights. “A soul-tether to a fae strengthens both bloodlines. The pride’s position will be considerably enhanced.”

“We’re not political pawns,” Bartek growled, his protective arm sliding around Artemis’s waist, fingers aligning perfectly with his handprints. The contact sent a visible surge of golden energy rippling through the chamber, causing the crystal chandelier above to sway gently.

“Of course not,” Selene Moonlace, the fae elder, interjected smoothly, her silvery hair shimmering with subtle magic. “But surely you understand our interest when two powerful magical beings form such a rare connection. The magical implications alone are worth studying.”

The discussion turned to the attack on Artemis and the stolen recipe book, with Rust explaining their working theory. “We believe the same individual who orchestrated the theft is behind the binding attempt.”

As Rust spoke, Artemis noticed one council seat conspicuously empty. “Where is Alaric Nightbourne? Shouldn’t the vampire elder be present for something this important?”

An uncomfortable silence fell over the chamber.

“Alaric has taken a... leave of absence,” Willow Waters explained carefully. “Family matters.”

FIFTY-FIVE

Something in her tone made Artemis suspect there was more to the story. She exchanged glances with Bartek, seeing the same skepticism reflected in his eyes. His hand tightened slightly on her waist in silent communication.

“What’s required of us?” Bartek asked directly, his patience clearly waning.

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