Page 52 of Whisker me Away
FREYA
Freya sat at her kitchen table, watching Maizy pace between the counter and the window. Her best friend's pointed ears twitched with agitation as she gestured emphatically with a cup of chamomile tea that was going steadily cold.
"You're doing it again," Maizy announced, stopping mid-pace to fix Freya with knowing eyes. "That thing where you take responsibility for everything that goes wrong while refusing help from people who care about you."
"I'm not refusing help. Kieran and I are working together on the ritual tonight."
"Are you though?" Maizy's fae heritage showed in the sharpness of her perception. "It looks like you're still trying to carry most of the burden yourself."
Freya shifted uncomfortably, her magic responding to her emotional state with tiny sparks around her fingertips. "The Bloom bloodline is my responsibility. My family's legacy to protect."
"Your family's legacy, maybe. But since when does legacy mean suffering alone?" Maizy set down her untouched tea and leaned against the counter. "Your grandmother had yourgrandfather helping her with the garden magic. Your great-grandmother worked alongside her husband on the protective wards. Even Celeste had her mate supporting the original binding."
"That's different."
"How?"
"Because they knew what they were doing. They had training, preparation, years of understanding their roles." Freya's voice rose with frustration. "I'm fumbling around in the dark, making it up as I go along, and people are suffering because of my mistakes."
"So accept help." Maizy's tone was gentle but implacable. "Stop trying to be the perfect guardian and start being a good partner."
The observation hit closer to home than Freya was comfortable admitting. She'd spent so long building her independence, proving she could handle her grandmother's legacy alone, that accepting true partnership felt like admitting weakness.
"It's not that simple."
Maizy moved to sit across from her, her expression serious despite the dancing light in her eyes. "Kieran's offering to share the load, to be your anchor during the ritual, to face whatever comes next as an equal partner. What's really stopping you from saying yes?"
A soft knock sounded at the door before Freya could make something up. They both looked toward the door, recognizing the careful rhythm that meant Kieran was giving them time to finish their conversation.
"That's my cue to leave," Maizy said, rising with fluid grace. "But think about what I said. Maybe the problem isn't your strength. Maybe it's your fear of letting someone else be strong for you."
She gathered her jacket and headed for the door, pausing to squeeze Freya's shoulder. "Whatever you decide tonight, make sure it's what your heart wants, not what your fears demand."
Maizy opened the door to find Kieran waiting patiently on the porch.
"Evening, Kieran," Maizy said with knowing mischief. "Try not to let her overthink this into the ground."
"I'll do my best," he replied, his attention already focused on Freya with laser intensity.
After Maizy left, silence stretched between them like a bridge waiting to be crossed. Kieran stepped into the cottage and closed the door, his movements careful and controlled despite the energy radiating from his frame.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Terrified. Hopeful. Ready to either save our town or die trying." Freya managed a shaky laugh. "You know, the usual pre-claiming jitters."
"About that." Kieran moved closer. "I want to make something clear before we do this. I'm not just completing the bond because the ritual requires it."
"I know that."
"I don’t think you do." He reached out to touch her face gently, his touch soft despite the intensity burning in his gaze. "Because I've spent the afternoon talking to people about what true mating means, and I realized something important."
"What's that?"
"I want this bond with you regardless of the crisis. Regardless of ancient evils or binding rituals or anything else fate throws at us." His thumb traced across her cheekbone with reverent care. "I want to wake up every morning knowing you're mine and I'm yours, completely and permanently."
The raw honesty in his voice made tears spring to her eyes. "Even knowing what you're getting into? The responsibility, thedanger, the possibility that I might fail and take you down with me?"
"Especially knowing that." Kieran's smile was soft and fierce at once. "I want all of it, Freya. The good days and the bad ones, the magical successes and the spectacular failures, the quiet moments and the life-threatening adventures. I want a future with you in it, whatever shape that future takes."
