Page 14 of A Second Roar for Love

“Stop right there!” Reed commanded, his hand on his gun. “Put the artifact down, now!”

The figure turned, his face obscured by a deep hood. “Ah, the cat and the witch. How quaint.” His voice was a sibilant hiss, echoing with an unnatural resonance.

Reed growled, feeling his tiger rising within him. Beside him, Ellie’s hands glowed with arcane power.

“Last warning,” Reed gritted out. “Put it down.”

The warlock laughed, a sound that scraped along Reed’s nerves like rusted nails. “You have no idea what you’re dealing with, tiger. This?” He held up the artifact, its surface writhing with dark sigils. “This is just the beginning.”

Ellie stepped forward, her voice ringing with authority. “By the power of the council, as a witch of Whispering Pines, I command you to surrender that relic!”

The warlock sneered. “Your council has no power here, witch.”

He thrust the artifact forward, a bolt of black magic hurtling toward them. Reed reacted on instinct, shifting into his tiger form and leaping in front of Ellie. The dark magic seared his fur, drawing a roar of pain from his throat.

Ellie cried out, her own magic surging forth to envelop Reed in a protective shield. Together, witch and shifter advanced on the warlock.

Reed leaped, his powerful jaws closing around the warlock’s arm, forcing him to drop the object. Ellie’s magic whipped out, binding the warlock in shimmering chains.

As the glow of battle faded, Reed shifted back to his human form, panting. Ellie knelt beside him, her hands gentle as she checked him for injuries.

“I’m okay,” he assured her, catching her hands in his. “We’re okay.”

The warlock lay bound and unconscious, the object safely contained in a sphere of Ellie’s magic. Reed called it in, his deputies arriving swiftly to take the warlock into the specially enchanted cell to block magic abilities.

Later, back at Ellie’s cottage, Reed held her close, reveling in the feel of her in his arms. The events of the night played through his mind, the dangers they’d faced, the secrets they’d shared.

“Ellie,” he murmured into her hair. “I know things are crazy right now with this new threat and everything. But I want you to know, I’m in this with you. No matter what comes.”

Ellie tilted her face up to his, her eyes shining with love. “Thank you,” she agreed, sealing her promise with a kiss.

EIGHT

The warm glow of laughter and friendship filled Molly’s cozy living room as Ellie, Celeste, and Daisy gathered around the coffee table, an array of Chinese takeout boxes and colorful cocktails spread before them. The air was fragrant with the aroma of sweet and sour chicken, steamed dumplings, and the tangy scent of Molly’s signature Giggle Juice.

“I’m telling you,” Celeste said, waving a dumpling in the air for emphasis, “Kade’s been hinting about baby names. Just the other day, he brought up the name ‘Luna’ if it’s a girl. I think he’s got baby fever.”

Molly giggled, her cheeks rosy from the Giggle Juice. “Well, you two would make the most adorable little wolf pups! Can you imagine the tiny little ears and tails?”

Daisy snorted into her cocktail, bubbles fizzing up her nose. “Oh my gosh, Molly! You can’t just say things like that!”

Ellie grinned, nudging Celeste with her elbow. “So, when can we expect the pitter-patter of little paws?”

Celeste’s grin turned sly. “Well, let’s just say we’re definitely trying. Extensively. Frequently.”

The room erupted into peals of laughter, Molly nearly toppling off the couch in her mirth.

“But enough about my baby-making exploits,” Celeste said, turning her gaze on Ellie. “I want to hear about you and Reed. Elsie told me you two have been spending a lot of time together.”

Ellie ducked her head, a blush staining her cheeks. “We’re just... taking things slow. Rediscovering each other.”

Daisy leaned forward, her pink hair falling into her eyes. “Slow, my spectral behind. I saw the way he looked at you the other day, Ellie. That man is smitten.”

Molly nodded. “It’s true. I had a vision of you two in my last batch of cookies. A vision of love, passion, and...” She trailed off, her eyes going wide.

“And what?” Ellie prompted, her heart fluttering in her chest.

Molly blinked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. “Let’s just say it involved a lot less clothing than I typically see in my cookie visions.”

---