Page 11 of Howling for Cupcakes

They stood there for a moment, lost in each other’s gaze, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. Mari wanted so badly to follow her instincts when it came to him, but the wounds from her past were still fresh, and the anger toward her ex-husband simmered beneath the surface.

“Are you doing anything for dinner?” Arden asked casually, his voice breaking the tension.

Mari nibbled her bottom lip and shook her head. “Arden, I don’t want you to think that how we met that night is how I am on a regular basis.” She cleared her throat, her voice growing stronger as she continued. “I am trying to figure out who I am. I need to learn what I want, and I don’t want you to get hurt in the process. I’m still dealing with the aftermath of my divorce, and I’m not sure I’m ready for anything more than friendship right now.”

Arden took her hand and lifted it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. The gesture was both comforting and electrifying, sending a shiver down Mari’s spine. “If you need time, I can understand that. But don’t deny what we both know is there. I won’t rush you or push you. I only want us to get to know each other.”

Mari swallowed hard at the heat in his eyes, her resolve wavering for a moment. She couldn’t deny the attraction between them, but the fear of falling into another controlling relationship held her back. “I won’t deny there’s something there, but that’s as far as I can go right now, Arden. You’re young and hot, I’m sure you have a group of women looking for a good time, whereas I’m not that type of person. I need to focus on myself and my own healing.”

His slow grin made her heart thud hard in her chest. “You think I’m hot?”

She rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. “That’s all you heard, huh?”

“No, but it’s nice to know.”

Mari shook her head and laughed, the tension in the room easing slightly. “This isn’t going to be easy, is it?”

Arden pulled her into his arms and brushed his lips over hers in a soft caress that made her instantly moan. He moved back just as quickly and shook his head. “No, no it’s not. But it will be interesting.”

Mari sighed, her heart torn between the desire to explore the connection between them and the need to protect herself from further heartbreak. She knew that healing from her past would take time, and she couldn’t rush into anything new, no matter how tempting it might be.

“I need to take things slow, Arden,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I hope you can understand that.”

Arden nodded, his eyes filled with understanding and a wide smile on his lips. “I do, Mari. I’ll be here as a friend, sex slave, or whatever you need me to be. We’ll take this at your pace.”

Mari laughed. “Thank you, Arden. That means more to me than you know. Especially the sex slave part.”

SIX

The soft glow of dawn crept over the horizon as Arden stepped out of his house ready for his morning patrol. The crisp, pine-scented air filled his lungs, invigorating him for the day ahead. As he walked through the quiet streets of Whispering Pines, his thoughts drifted to Mari, the enchanting witch who had captured his heart that fateful night in the city.

Arden’s brow furrowed as he recalled the threats Mari had received from her ex-husband, Victor. A fierce protectiveness surged through him, fueling his resolve to keep her safe. He quickened his pace, eager to ensure the town remained peaceful and secure.

Approaching the sheriff’s office, Arden spotted Reed Mallory, the town’s steadfast leader. “Morning, Reed,” he called out, his voice carrying across the tranquil street.

Reed looked up, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Arden, just the man I wanted to see. Any updates on Mari’s situation?”

Arden nodded, his jaw clenching slightly. “I’m keeping a close eye on things. Victor’s threats have me on high alert.”

“Understood,” Reed replied, his tone serious. “We’ll increase patrols around her shop and home. If Victor or his lackeys show up, we’ll be ready.”

Gratitude warmed Arden’s chest. “Thanks, Reed. I appreciate the support.”

With a parting nod, Arden set off toward Mari’s bakery, his senses attuned to any signs of trouble. As he approached the charming storefront, the aroma of freshly baked pastries and the gentle hum of magic enveloped him, easing the tension in his shoulders.

Pushing open the door, Arden was greeted by the sight of Mari, her auburn hair pulled back in a messy bun, a dusting of flour on her cheek as she worked her culinary magic. She looked up, her emerald eyes sparkling with warmth when she saw him.

“Arden, what a pleasant surprise,” she said, her voice as sweet as the confections she created.

He grinned, leaning against the counter. “Just wanted to check in, make sure everything’s okay.”

Mari’s smile softened, a flicker of vulnerability in her gaze. “I feel safer knowing you’re watching out for me.”

Arden’s heart swelled with affection. “Always, Mari. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

As he helped her with the day’s deliveries, Arden remained vigilant, his senses heightened for any signs of danger. Stepping out the back door of the bakery, a flicker of movement caught his eye. A shadowy figure lurked near the dumpsters, the form obscured by the early morning mist.

Instinctively, Arden moved to shield Mari, his body tensing as he prepared for a confrontation. “Stay here,” he whispered, his voice low and urgent.

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