Page 87 of Magic's Rise

He leans over to press a kiss on the top of my head. “You’d do anything for your mates, so why wouldn’t the moon-madness amulets interest you? There’s nothing wrong with being strategic.”

He straightens, his gaze soft on me. “But I also know you would have come here even without a cure for Owen dangled in front of your face.”

A sigh escapes, and I lean against him, comforted by the warmth of his body. “You have more faith in me than I do.”

“Of course I do.” His arm leaves the table to wrap around my shoulders. “Just look at how you saved Aspen.”

“Mel saved Aspen.” I turn my face into his side. “I didn’t even know magical tattoos were a thing. If Mel hadn’t helped, he’d be dead.”

“True, but you knew to call Mel,” he points out, nudging me gently. “And now you know about magical tattoos. You’ve grown a lot since you came to Hartford Cove, not even knowing you were a witch.”

“Not enough, though.” I try to pull away, but he holds me tighter.

“You’ve only been training for a few months.” His chin settles on top of my head. “Give yourself time.”

“Sometimes I miss being crazy. I understood crazy.” My gaze returns to the flames. “Now everything keeps changing and evolving, and the world has gotten so big.”

Haut nods, his chin moving against my hair. “It is big, but it’s also wonderful, Rowe. Don’t make yourself small out of fear of being amazing.”

We lapse into silence, watching the bonfire die down.

A cool breeze sweeps past, and I shiver. “Are we alone?”

Haut cocks his head to the side, listening intently before nodding. “Patrol just passed.”

“Good.” I bend and pick up a napkin from the ground, a smear of bright red staining its surface.

As I tuck it into my pocket, Haut catches my hand. “Can we go inside now? I need to hold you.”

The soft, vulnerable question fills me with warmth, and I squeeze his fingers. “I’d like that.”

He pulls me easily to my feet, and we walk toward the big cabin across the clearing.

When we slip through the front door, Levi greets us. “I had your room checked to make sure no one’s been in there. Nothing was found, but we’re switching to bottled water until we can test everything in the house.”

“Thank you,” I hadn’t even considered that the poisoner might try to strike twice in one night.

“I’m sorry this happened.” He rubs the back of his neck. “When I came to you for help, I didn’t guess it would be this dangerous.”

“None of this is your fault,” Haut assures him. “Someone really wants that barrier down.”

“Tell me about it.” He runs a hand through his hair. “We’ve increased the patrols, so don’t go anywhere without an escort, okay?”

“Of course,” I say, my mind already working on a plan. “But we need to focus on finding the culprit, too, or anything we do to fix the barrier will be pointless. We’ll end up right back here again if we don’t also stop the person responsible. I want to check out the western forest tomorrow morning.”

“We’ll go as soon as you’re ready.” Levi steps back. “I’m at your complete disposal until this is settled.”

“Have a good night.” Haut directs me down the hall, his hand warm on my back.

Inside our bedroom, it looks the same as we left it earlier. It shouldn’t surprise me, but I thought there would be some sign of Levi’s search.

The door closes behind us, and Haut pulls me into his arms, his mouth crashing onto mine with a potent mix of love, fear, and relief. I melt into him, tangling my hands in his thick locks.

“Thank god you’re safe,” he murmurs against my lips. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I tighten my hold on his hair. “You better not leave me hanging tonight.”

Haut lifts his head. “I’ll be gentle.”

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