Page 32 of Magic on the Prowl

They spent the next few hours playing with Asher, taking turns reading him stories and showing him the new toys. The baby was a bundle of energy, his laughter and babbling filling the room with a joyful noise.

As the evening wore on, however, it became clear that Asher was fighting sleep. His eyelids drooped, and his movements became sluggish, but every time they tried to put him down in his crib, he would start to fuss.

“Maybe he needs a lullaby,” Daisy suggested, rocking the baby gently in her arms.

Roarke raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “You want me to sing?” he asked, his tone incredulous.

Daisy grinned, holding out Asher to him. “Why not?” she teased. “I bet you have a lovely singing voice.”

Roarke hesitated for a moment before taking the baby, cradling him awkwardly against his broad chest. He cleared his throat, looking down at Asher with a mixture of uncertainty and determination.

“All right, little guy,” he said softly. “Let’s see if this works.”

He began to hum, the deep rumble of his voice sending vibrations through the room. Daisy watched, transfixed, as Roarke swayed back and forth, his eyes closed and his face relaxed. The melody was unfamiliar, but it was soothing and sweet, a perfect lullaby for a sleepy baby.

Asher’s eyes fluttered shut, his tiny body going limp in Roarke’s arms. Daisy felt a lump form in her throat, touched by the tender moment unfolding before her. She had never seen Roarke like this, so open and unguarded, and it made her fall in love with him all over again.

As the last notes of the lullaby faded away, Roarke carefully lowered Asher into his crib, tucking the blankets around him with a gentleness that belied his strength. He stepped back, a look of wonder on his face.

“I can’t believe that worked,” he whispered, turning to face Daisy.

She smiled, reaching out to take his hand. “You’re a natural,” she said softly, squeezing his fingers.

They tiptoed out of the nursery, leaving the door slightly ajar. As they settled onto the couch in the living room, Daisy nestled into Roarke’s side, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her.

“You know,” she said, tracing patterns on his chest with her finger, “seeing you with Asher tonight made me realize something.”

Roarke looked down at her, his eyes curious. “Oh? What’s that?”

Daisy took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “I want this,” she said softly. “I want a future with you, Roarke. I want lazy Sundays and family dinners and nights spent cuddling on the couch. I want to build a life with you, here in Whispering Pines.”

Roarke was silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Daisy felt her heart begin to race, worried that she’d said too much, too soon. But then he smiled, a slow, tender smile that made her insides melt.

“I want that too,” he said, his voice rough with emotion. “More than anything.”

He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that stole her breath away. Daisy sank into his embrace, losing herself in the feel of his mouth on hers, the warmth of his body pressed against her own.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily, their faces flushed and their eyes bright. Daisy rested her forehead against Roarke’s, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

“So, what do you say we start planning for that future?” she asked, her tone playful.

Roarke grinned, pulling her closer. “I thought you’d never ask.”

They spent the next hour discussing their dreams and plans, their voices low so as not to wake Asher. Daisy told Roarke about her ideas for keeping the town’s magical defenses strong, using her knowledge of potions and spells to create a renewing source of power.

Roarke listened intently, his brow furrowed in concentration. “I’ve been thinking about that too,” he said, reaching for a notebook on the coffee table. “I’ve been working on some tactical layouts, trying to figure out the best way to integrate your magic with our physical defenses.”

He flipped open the notebook, revealing pages filled with detailed sketches and notes. Daisy leaned in, her eyes widening as she took in the intricate plans. Roarke had mapped out the entire town, marking key points where her magical barriers would be most effective.

“Roarke, this is incredible,” she breathed, tracing her finger over the lines. “You’ve put so much thought into this.”

He shrugged, a hint of pride in his voice. “I want to do everything I can to keep Whispering Pines safe,” he said simply. “And I know your magic is the key to making that happen.”

Daisy felt a swell of emotion in her chest, touched by his dedication and support. She knew that Roarke had struggled to find his place in their magical community, his past as a solitary panther shifter making it difficult for him to let others in. But seeing him like this, so fully integrated into her world, made her heart sing.

He stared at her face and moved a strand of hair back. “Come dance with me under the stars,” he said, standing and offering his hand.

TWENTY-ONE

---