Page 23 of A Second Roar for Love

Luna shook her head, a fond smile playing on her lips. “You two are incorrigible. But your joy in your magic, in each other... that’s a power in itself. Never lose that.”

Celeste grinned, pulling Luna into their embrace. “Aw, Luna, you softie. Get in here, this is a Witch Hug Moment.”

Luna laughed, allowing herself to be enveloped by the two younger witches. “All right, all right. But don’t think this means you can slack off on your training.”

Ellie smiled, her heart full to bursting with love and gratitude for these women. “Wouldn’t dream of it, Luna. After all, we’ve got a town to protect and mischief to manage.”

As they stood there, arms around each other, their laughter ringing through the clearing, Ellie felt a sense of belonging, of purpose, that she’d never known. Here with Celeste and Luna, honing her skills and embracing her legacy, she was exactly where she was meant to be.

The Witches of Whispering Pines, united in magic, bound by friendship. Together, they would face whatever challenges came their way. Their love for each other and their town was a force more powerful than any darkness.

And as the sun shone down upon them, casting its golden glow, Ellie knew that no matter what the future held, she would never stand alone. She had her sisters, her magic, and the strength of her own heart to guide her.

The Guardian of Whispering Pines had awakened, and she was ready to embrace her destiny, one spell, one laugh, one hug at a time.

THIRTEEN

The morning sun peeked over the horizon when Reed and Ellie stepped into Molly’s Bewitched Bakery. The bell above the door jingled merrily, announcing their arrival.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite couple!” Molly exclaimed from behind the counter, her round face split in a wide grin. “Ellie, per your request, I’ve got your usual ready to go. Blueberry scones for you and a cinnamon roll the size of your head for Reed.”

Reed laughed, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the gooey, oversized pastry. “Molly, you’re incredible.”

Molly winked. “It’s all her, Sheriff. Now, you two lovebirds have fun today. And don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

Ellie rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips as she accepted their coffee and pastries. “Thanks, Molly. We’ll try to stay out of trouble.”

As they settled into Ellie’s car, Reed raised an eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in his amber eyes. “So, what’s on the agenda for today? You’ve been awfully secretive.”

Ellie grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. “After all the exhaustive work we’ve been doing, we need a break or we’ll be too drained when the time comes. So, just a few surprises. Starting with... this.”

She pulled into the parking lot of the Whispering Pines Gun Range, laughing at the look of shock on Reed’s face.

“Target practice? El, you hate guns.”

Ellie shrugged, a playful smile on her face. “But you love them. And today is about trying new things, stepping out of our comfort zones.”

Reed shook his head, amazement and adoration warring on his face. “You never cease to surprise me, my beautiful Ellie.”

They spent the morning at the range, Reed patiently teaching Ellie the proper stance, how to aim and fire. To his surprise and delight, she was a natural, her aim steadily improving with each shot.

“Remind me never to get on your bad side,” Reed teased as they packed up, Ellie having thoroughly trounced him in their final round.

The next stop was even more surprising. A two-hour drive to the nearby city where Ellie had booked them a session at an indoor skydiving facility.

“I figured if we’re going to take leaps in our relationship, we might as well practice the physical kind first,” she joked as they suited up.

The experience was exhilarating, the rush of the wind, the feeling of weightlessness. But for Reed, the real thrill was watching Ellie, seeing the pure, uninhibited joy on her face as she soared.

Afterward, giddy with adrenaline and laughter, they found a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint. Over beer and slices loaded with toppings, they talked, really talked, in a way they hadn’t in years.

“I can’t believe you like pineapple on your pizza,” Ellie teased, wrinkling her nose at Reed’s choice. “I’m not sure I can be with someone with such questionable taste.”

Reed grinned, taking an exaggerated bite. “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it, El. It’s a sweet and savory masterpiece.”

Ellie laughed, shaking her head. “I’ll stick with my classic pepperoni, thanks. Some things are better left traditional.”

But even as she said it, she knew it wasn’t true. Not when it came to them. Their love, their bond, was anything but traditional. It was magical, unexpected, a constant adventure.

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