Page 18 of Howling for Cupcakes

As he worked to set up the cameras, Mari assisted with reading the directions which he firmly believed weren’t needed.

Once the cameras were in place, Arden and Mari settled in for a cup of tea, the events of the day weighing heavily on their minds. As they sipped the comforting brew, they found themselves opening up to each other, sharing their fears and hopes for the future.

“I meant what I said earlier, Mari,” Arden said softly, his eyes locking with hers. “I’ll always be here for you. No matter what happens, I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe.”

“I know you will, Arden. And I can’t begin to express how much that means to me.”

As the evening drew to a close, Arden reluctantly said his goodbyes, the promise of a new day and a strengthened bond between them lingering in the air. He knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but with Mari by his side, he felt ready to face whatever obstacles came their way.

TEN

The sweet aroma of blueberries and oranges wafted through the cozy kitchen of Divine Escapes as Mari popped another tray of citrus soufflés and berry tarts into the oven. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, letting the comforting scents soothe her frayed nerves.

This new life she was building in Whispering Pines was still fragile, but being here in her bakery surrounded by her sister Molly and the other supportive witches of this quirky little town, she finally felt a sense of belonging and purpose that had been missing for so long.

Mari’s thoughts drifted to Arden as she carefully piped intricate designs onto large macarons, infusing each one with a touch of magic meant to bring joy and warmth to those who ate them.

The handsome, charismatic wolf shifter had been on her mind constantly these past few weeks. His frequent visits to the bakery, always finding excuses to see her and help out, sent a thrill through her each time.

She couldn’t help but smile as she recalled their playful banter from his last visit. Arden had leaned against the counter, his green eyes sparkling with mischief as he swiped a finger through the bowl of Italian Meringue buttercream frosting she’d just finished whipping up.

“Hey!” Mari had swatted at his hand, laughing. “Paws off, mister. That’s for paying customers.”

Arden grinned, unabashed, and slowly licked the frosting off his finger. “Mmm, I don’t know, I think I deserve a taste for all my hard work around here. Quality control and all that.”

“Is that so?” Mari arched an eyebrow, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach at his proximity. “And what exactly have you done to earn it?”

“Well, let’s see...” Arden tapped his chin in mock contemplation. “I’ve taste-tested at least a dozen of your new creations, hauled in those heavy bags of flour from the delivery truck, and charmed all the little old ladies who come in here with my dazzling smile. I’d say that deserves a little compensation.”

Mari rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at her lips. “Fine, you can lick the spoon when I’m done. But don’t get used to it, mister. I’m not running a charity here.”

Now, piping bag in hand, she flushed at the memory of Arden’s low chuckle and the way his eyes had darkened ever so slightly as he watched her work. There was no denying the attraction that simmered between them, growing stronger each day. But after the hell she’d been through with Victor, Mari was hesitant to open her heart again so soon.

A sudden shrill ring from her phone jolted Mari out of her reverie. She set down the piping bag and wiped her hands on her apron before picking up, frowning slightly when she saw her lawyer’s number on the caller ID.

“Hello?”

“Mari, hi. It’s John Hawkins.” Her lawyer’s familiar voice held a hint of apology. “I know it’s short notice, but I need you to come down to the office today to sign some papers regarding the separation of assets from Victor.”

Mari’s stomach clenched at the mention of her ex-husband’s name. Even now, after finally breaking free, it still held power over her. She swallowed hard and forced her voice to remain steady. “Of course. I can be there in about an hour, is that all right?”

“Perfect. See you then.” John disconnected the call, leaving Mari staring at the phone in her hand as a mix of emotions washed over her. Relief that the separation was moving forward, but anxiety over what Victor might try to pull. Even from a distance, he still had a way of getting under her skin.

A knock at the bakery’s back door startled her and she turned to see Luna poking her head in.

“Is this a bad time?” Luna’s gentle voice held a knowing note as she took in Mari’s pale face and tight grip on her phone.

Mari shook her head and mustered up a smile. “No, not at all, come in. I was just about to head out, actually. My lawyer called, I need to go sign some papers for the divorce.”

Luna stepped into the kitchen, her long skirts swishing around her ankles. Her keen violet eyes met Mari’s, seeing far more than Mari was comfortable with. “Ah, I see. Alone?”

Mari shrugged and looked away, fiddling with her apron strings. “It’s not a big deal.”

“Nonsense. You’re still healing. There’s no shame in wanting support, especially when it comes to facing the past.” Luna squeezed her shoulder. “Why don’t I come along for the ride? We can chat, maybe grab a coffee after. I’ve been cooped up in my shop for too long anyway. I could use a change of scenery and some good company.”

Tears pricked unexpectedly at the back of Mari’s eyes and she blinked them away, touched by the older woman’s kindness. She hadn’t realized until that moment how desperately she wanted someone at her side today. “I’d like that. Thank you, Luna.”

Luna just smiled and patted her cheek. “Don’t mention it. Let’s get going then.”

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