Page 37 of Magic on the Prowl

The conversation flowed easily as the group enjoyed their meal, laughter and stories filling the air. Daisy leaned against Roarke, her head resting on his shoulder as she listened to her friends share funny moments from their lives.

Celeste leaned forward as she launched into her tale. “So, there I was, sitting in the living room, wondering what was taking Kade so long in the kitchen,” she began, her voice filled with dramatic flair. “Suddenly, I heard this loud beeping noise, and I rushed in to find the room filled with smoke!”

Kade ducked his head, a sheepish grin on his face. “I wanted to make her favorite dish, but I guess I got a little carried away with the spices,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

Celeste playfully swatted his arm. “Carried away? Kade, the fire department showed up. They thought the house was on fire.”

The table erupted into laughter, and Ellie chimed in. “Oh, that reminds me of the time Reed had a run-in with a skunk in our backyard.”

Reed groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Please, Ellie, not this story again.”

But Ellie was already off and running, her words tumbling out between fits of giggles. “He was trying to be all macho, you know, like ‘I’m the big, bad tiger shifter, I can handle anything!’ So, he goes out there, puffing up his chest, ready to shoo the skunk away.”

She paused for effect, her grin widening. “Well, let me tell you, that skunk was not impressed. It took one look at Reed and just let loose! The smell was so bad, we had to sleep at my parents’ house for a week.”

Reed shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. “I swear, that skunk had it out for me. It was like it knew I was a tiger shifter and wanted to take me down a peg.”

Tabitha nearly choked on her drink, her laughter ringing out through the cafe. “Oh, that’s nothing compared to the time I convinced Bram to take ballroom dancing lessons with me.”

Bram’s eyes widened, and he held up his hands in protest. “Tabby, love, I thought we agreed never to speak of that again.”

But Tabitha had already started her story. “Picture this: Bram, all six-foot-five of him, trying to waltz in the middle of this tiny dance studio. He kept stepping on my toes and bumping into the other couples.”

She wiped a tear from her eye, her shoulders shaking with laughter. “At one point, he got so flustered that he shifted right there on the dance floor. I had to pretend he was just a really, really hairy guy in a bear costume.”

The group howled with laughter, and even Bram couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory. Sera, her cheeks flushed pink, raised her hand to get everyone’s attention.

“Okay, okay, but have I ever told you about the time Lark tried to bake me a birthday cake?” she asked, her voice quivering with barely held giggles.

Lark draped an arm over her shoulders, pulling her close. “In my defense, I had never baked anything before in my life,” he said, his tone filled with mock solemnity.

Sera patted his hand, her expression one of fond exasperation. “Lark, sweetheart, you used salt instead of sugar. And you forgot to add the eggs.”

She turned back to the group, her eyes dancing with amusement. “When he brought out the cake, it was like this sad, lopsided brick. I think I chipped a tooth trying to take a bite.”

Lark pressed a kiss to her temple, his laughter mingling with hers. “But you ate it anyway because you love me,” he teased, his voice filled with warmth.

The evening wore on, filled with laughter, love, and the kind of easy camaraderie that only comes from years of shared experiences. As the last plates were cleared and the final stories told, Daisy and Roarke bid their farewells, stepping out into the crisp night air.

When they reached Roarke’s cabin, nestled at the edge of the woods, Daisy paused, her eyes roaming over the cozy exterior. “You know,” she said softly, her voice filled with longing, “I wish we could keep this place forever. It feels like home.”

Roarke pulled her close, his strong arms wrapping around her waist. “Then let’s make it ours,” he murmured, his breath warm against her ear. “I’ll buy it, and you can move in with me. We can rent out your house if you want, or keep it as a place for your magical experiments.”

Daisy’s heart skipped a beat, her eyes widening with surprise and joy. “Really?” she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. “You’d do that for me?”

Roarke smiled, his dark eyes filled with love and tenderness. “I’d do anything for you, Daisy,” he said softly, his fingers tracing the delicate curve of her cheek. “You’re my everything.”

Daisy surged forward, her lips capturing his in a passionate kiss. Her arms wound around his neck, pulling him closer as she poured all her love and gratitude into the embrace. When they finally parted, breathless and giddy, she rested her forehead against his, a brilliant smile lighting up her face.

“I love you, Roarke,” she whispered, her voice filled with wonder and adoration. “More than anything in this world.”

Roarke held her tightly, his heart beating in perfect sync with hers. “And I love you, Daisy,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. “Forever and always.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely, witch.”

“Come on then,” she said, pulling him around the corner of the house, toward the creek.

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