Page 9 of A Second Roar for Love

Kade nodded, his eyes glinting with determination. “You know I’ve got your back, Reed. The Lone Wolf Café will always be a safe haven for those who need it. And if there’s anything I can do to help, just say the word.”

Reed managed a small smile, gratitude warming his chest. “Thanks, Kade. I know I can always count on you.”

As Reed and Ellie interviewed townsfolk, they found themselves at Vincent Shaw’s garage. The gnome mechanic wiped his hands on a greasy rag, his beard twitching as he spoke.

“There’ve been some strange magical disturbances lately, Sheriff. Objects moving on their own, technology going haywire. It’s got folks on edge.”

Reed frowned. “Thanks for the info, Vincent. We’ll look into it.”

Suddenly, Reed’s radio crackled to life. “Sheriff, we’ve got a situation at the market. Enchanted objects flying everywhere!”

Reed and Ellie raced to the scene, dodging levitating cans and whizzing produce. Ellie’s powers surged, a shimmering aura enveloping her as she stretched out her hands. The chaotic magic quieted, objects settling back into place.

Onlookers gaped, and Reed pulled Ellie aside. “You need to be careful, Ellie. Showing your growing powers so openly could put a target on your back.”

Ellie met his gaze, defiance and vulnerability warring in her hazel eyes. “I can’t just stand by when people are in danger, Reed. You have to trust me.”

Reed’s heart clenched. He wanted to trust her, to let her in, but years of hurt and unanswered questions held him back.

He didn’t want to hurt her feelings so he stopped himself from arguing. Instead, they visited Luna’s shop. The elegant witch offered them a shimmering potion. “This might help you see past magical illusions. But be warned, it could also reveal truths you’re not ready for.”

Reed and Ellie exchanged a glance before downing the potion. The world spun, and suddenly they were standing in a different time watching Ellie’s grandmother and the magical council perform an ancient ritual.

A dark force, sealed away in a hidden crypt beneath the town, strained against its bonds. Reed’s blood ran cold as he realized the murder and disturbances could be connected to this long-forgotten evil.

As the vision faded, Reed turned to Ellie, determination etched on his features. “We need to find that crypt. It might hold the key to solving this mystery.”

“There’s a crypt in the main cemetery,” Luna said. “It’s very old. That may be what you’re looking for.”

Ellie nodded, her hand brushing his, sending sparks along his skin. “I’m with you, Reed. No matter what.”

Reed’s heart swelled, old feelings resurfacing with a vengeance. He had never stopped loving Ellie, and having her back in his life was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Reed couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the cusp of something monumental. The secrets they uncovered in the crypt could change Whispering Pines—and their relationship—forever.

Reed glanced at Ellie, her chestnut hair gleaming in the fading light. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain: he would protect her with every fiber of his being. She was his mate, his love, and he would face any darkness to keep her safe.

With a shared look of understanding and a brush of hands, Reed and Ellie set out into the gathering dusk, ready to confront the mysteries that awaited them in the heart of Whispering Pines.

FIVE

Ellie and Reed stood at the entrance of the crypt in Whispering Pines’s communal cemetery, their breath visible in the chilly air. Ellie gripped the strap of her satchel, feeling the magical artifacts inside hum with protective enchantments. Reed checked his holster, the silver gleam of his tiger-emblazoned gun catching the moonlight filtering through the trees.

“Ready?” Reed asked, his amber eyes meeting hers.

Ellie nodded, steeling herself. “As I’ll ever be.”

They descended the stone steps, the ancient passageway growing narrower with each turn. The damp walls pressed in, and Ellie’s heart raced as a surge of power washed over her. This place, it recognized her, called to the magic in her blood. Her skin tingled, emotions amplified, threatening to overflow.

Reed paused, his brow furrowing. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” Ellie managed, focusing on the warmth of his presence beside her. “This place, it’s just... a lot.”

As they pressed deeper into the crypt, the air grew heavy with dormant enchantments. Ellie’s fingers twitched, her magic instinctively reaching out, probing. Suddenly, a glowing sigil flared to life on the wall, pulsing with warning.

“Watch out!” Reed shouted, pulling Ellie back as a crackle of energy shot toward them.

Ellie threw her hands up, a shimmering shield erupting from her palms. The bolt ricocheted, shattering a stone urn and sending shards flying. Ellie’s chest heaved, adrenaline pumping through her veins.

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