Page 15 of Howling for Cupcakes

Arden smiled, his free hand reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

He leaned in, his lips brushing against her cheek in a soft, tender kiss. Mari’s eyes fluttered closed, her skin tingling where his lips had touched. When she opened them again, Arden was gazing at her with a look of such affection that it took her breath away.

“Goodnight, Mari,” he said, squeezing her hand before letting go.

“Goodnight, Arden,” she replied, a soft smile playing on her lips.

As she stepped inside and closed the door behind her, Mari leaned against it, her heart full to bursting.

EIGHT

Mari sat at a small table in the Green Thicket Tea House, cradling a steaming mug of Ivy’s signature lavender and honey blend between her palms. The warmth seeped into her skin, chasing away some of the chill that seemed to have taken up permanent residence in her bones these past few weeks. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, of eyes on her back everywhere she went.

Ivy slid into the seat across from her, setting down a plate of freshly baked scones with a sympathetic smile. “You look like you could use a little comfort food, love. These just came out of the oven, fig and goat cheese. I’ve noticed you always ask for them so I’ve made a mental note they’re your favorite.”

Mari mustered up a grateful smile, touched by her friend’s thoughtfulness. “Thanks, Ivy. They are. I don’t know what I’d do without you and the others looking out for me.”

Ivy reached across the table to squeeze her hand, green eyes soft with understanding. “That’s what friends are for, Mari. We’ve all got your back, you know that. Especially with that jerk ex of yours sniffing around.”

A shudder rippled through Mari at the mention of Victor, her magic prickling uneasily beneath her skin. “I just...I hate feeling like this. Jumpy. Paranoid. Like he’s going to pop out from behind every corner, try to worm his way into my head again.” She swallowed hard, staring down into the swirling depths of her tea. “I thought I was done being afraid of him. But it’s like he’s still got this hold on me, even from a distance.”

“Oh, honey,” Ivy’s face creased with sympathy, “what you went through with him...it’s going to take time to heal from that. You’re allowed to be scared, to feel vulnerable. It doesn’t make you weak.”

Blinking back the sudden sting of tears, Mari took a shaky sip of her tea. The delicate floral notes and soothing honey slid down her throat, gentling some of the jagged edges of her anxiety. “I know. I do. I just wish I felt...stronger. More in control. I hate feeling like a victim all the time.”

The bell over the tea shop door chimed brightly, announcing a new arrival. Mari glanced up to see Luna sweeping in, the gauzy skirts of her amethyst dress swirling around her ankles. The older witch made a beeline for their table, violet eyes warm as she leaned down to press a kiss to Mari’s hair.

“Hello, my dears. I hope I’m not interrupting.” Luna’s gaze was as sharp and knowing as ever as she glanced between Mari and Ivy.

Ivy waved a dismissive hand. “Not at all, pull up a chair. I was just about to put the kettle on for a fresh pot. Chamomile and lemongrass sound good?”

“Divine, thank you, Ivy.” Luna settled into the chair beside Mari, turning to study her closely. “And how are you doing? You look a little pale.”

Mari let out a rueful little laugh. “That seems to be the consensus. I’m...coping, I suppose. As best I can.”

Luna’s hand found hers under the table, long fingers twining with her own in a gesture of comfort and support. “It’s that scaly bastard, isn’t it? He’s still got you tied in knots even from afar.”

Swallowing hard, Mari nodded. “I can’t seem to shake the feeling that he’s nearby, biding his time. It’s making me crazy, Luna. I hate feeling this helpless and this hunted in my own life.”

Something fierce and protective flashed in Luna’s eyes, her magic crackling in the air like a gathering storm. “You’re not helpless, Mari. You’re a strong witch. A very strong woman.”

“But what if it’s not enough?” Mari whispered, voicing the fear that had been eating at her for days. “What if he comes at me and I can’t stop him? I don’t...I don’t ever want to be under his control again, Luna. I can’t.”

Luna’s grip tightened on her hand, almost painful in its intensity. “You won’t be. I swear it, Mari. I won’t let that happen.” She paused, seeming to come to a decision. “I think it’s time you come for training. I’ll teach you some advanced shielding techniques and a few offensive spells to keep in your back pocket in case Victor tries anything.”

A slow curl of hope unfurled in Mari’s chest, fragile but persistent. “You...you think that would help? Make me feel more...prepared? In control?”

“I know it will.” Luna’s smile was fierce and sure. “Knowledge is power. And I’m going to make damn sure you have all the tools you need to protect yourself, both magically and psychologically. Victor won’t know what kicked his ass the next time he tries to cross you.”

Ivy returned then, setting down a fresh pot of tea and a plate of lemon shortbread cookies. Her expression glinted with approval as she caught the tail end of Luna’s promise. “Damn straight. And you know you’ve got all of us in your corner, Mari. We’ll ward this town to high heaven if we have to, put up a shield so strong even the High Council’s best couldn’t crack it.”

Tears blurred Mari’s vision, overwhelming gratitude and affection welling to choke her. What had she ever done to deserve such fierce, loving friends? Such unwavering support in her darkest hours?

“I... thank you. Both of you. All of you. I don’t...I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Her voice cracked embarrassingly, but neither woman seemed to mind. Luna pulled her into a tight hug as Ivy rested a gentle hand on her knee.

“We’re here, come what may. Now…” Luna drew back, giving her a bracing squeeze before reaching for the teapot. “What do you say we drink this lovely tea Ivy’s made and have a bit of a chinwag, hmm? And later, you come to my place, and we’ll start working on that shield of yours.”

Mari nodded, immeasurably lighter with the knowledge that she wasn’t alone in this. She had her friends, her beautiful found family here in Whispering Pines, who watched her back and built her up.

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