Page 82 of Spellbound & Speechless
It takes a moment to remember Rowan doesn’t like hugs. She’s stiff but hugs me before I can pull away. Her hand claps against my back once, twice.
“I’m happy for you,” she murmurs. “I knew this was an important time for you in love.”
“You were right. It’s written in the stars. How beautiful.” I giggle under my breath. “I’m happy, too. I know it’s all obscure.”
She lifts a shoulder. “Who cares? Obscure is good. You’ve always been the least obscure of us, so… I like this. It’s a fun change.”
“Love changes people. Hopefully, it’s for the better.”
“I think it is. And you know I take my duties seriously, so if there’s anything you need me to do…”
“I’ll make a list.”
Rowan likes lists.
“Perfect.”
I feel Juniper’s presence before she announces herself. “Am I interrupting?”
Rowan shakes her head. “Nope. I was just leaving.” She shoots me a look as if to saygood luck.
Great. As helpful as Rowan is, she’s already leaving me alone to deal with Juniper, who is probably upset. Only Ozan seems to calm her down, and he’s nowhere to be seen now.
“All right.” I smile weakly. “I’m ready for my lecture.”
“I’m not here to lecture you.” Juniper’s lips flatten into a tight line. “I want to make sure?—”
“You have to believe me. I want this.” I step closer and fix her with an earnest stare. “I do.”
“The mating bond can be strong for wolves,” she intones. “Are you sure he isn’t pressuring you into this?”
“No. He isn’t.” I shake my head. “It wasmyidea. Mac and I met at such a bad time, when everything was already going wrong, and… I want the goddess to protect our relationship.” I deflate. “It’s selfish, I know.”
She tilts her head to the side. “Then it was a choice of the mind, not of the heart. Somehow, that makes me feel better.”
“Don’t get me wrong. My heart wants this, too.”
“And I know you always go after what you want.”
I roll my eyes playfully. “Why do you say that like it’s abadthing?”
“It’s not,” she says. “I want to make sure you’re ready for this. To a witch, this is marriage. You’re getting married. You already practically eloped.”
“Yes. I know.” I hold her shoulders. “Your baby sister is getting married. I’m sure that’s hard for you to grasp.”
“You have no idea.”
“But I’m ready for this. I’m twenty-five.”
“Aspen. That’s stillsoyoung.”
“But it’s old enough for me to make my own decisions.” I lift a brow. “Isn’t it?”
“You’re definitely old enough for that,” she says, “and Iwillsupport this decision and any other you make. I only want to ensure you’re not getting wrapped up in the mating bond.”
My expression falls, and my hands do, too. “I love him, Juniper. I do. Mating bond or not, we’re in love.”
Her jaw is still tight, but she nods. Acceptance. It’s not excitement, but it’s better than the alternative. “Good. Then I’m happy for you. Mom would be, too.”
