Page 36 of Howling for Cupcakes

“Ooh, look at them dance.” Daisy giggled, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air. “It’s like a magical puppet show.”

Ivy’s enchanted flowers released a soothing mist, the delicate fragrance wafting through the air. The men’s movements grew sluggish, their eyes drooping as the soporific effect took hold.

“Sweet dreams, boys,” Ivy crooned, her voice soft and melodic. “May you find peace in your slumber.”

Arden shifted into his wolf form, his fur a sleek black that blended with the shadows. A low growl rumbled deep in his chest as he cornered one of the fleeing men. The intruder froze, his eyes wide with fear as he stared into the gleaming eyes of the imposing beast.

Despite the tension, moments of humor punctuated the night. Vincent’s mechanical traps proved a little too effective, leaving one man dangling upside down from a tree, his arms flailing comically.

“Oops,” Vincent chuckled, scratching his head. “Maybe I overdid it with the counterweights.”

Daisy accidentally set off a minor fireworks spell, sending colorful sparks flying through the air. The sudden burst of light drew laughter from the group, the tension momentarily broken.

“Sorry!” Daisy called out, her face flushed with embarrassment. “I got a little carried away.”

Mari stepped forward, her magic pulsing through her veins like liquid fire. She channeled her power, focusing on the remaining men. Glowing ropes materialized from thin air, snaking around their bodies and binding them securely. Her confidence grew with each successful spell, bolstered by the support of her friends and the knowledge that she was no longer the timid woman she once was.

As the last man was captured, a cheer went up from the townsfolk. They had done it—Victor’s henchmen were neutralized. Arden shifted back to his human form, a grin spreading across his handsome face as he looked at Mari with pride.

“You were amazing,” he said, pulling her into a tight embrace. “I knew you had it in you.”

Mari returned his smile, a sense of accomplishment and relief washing over her. “I couldn’t have done it without you, without everyone. Thank you.”

Sheriff Reed Mallory arrived with Kade Blackwood and Roarke Easton, their faces grim as they surveyed the scene. They quickly took the men into custody, their expressions hardening as they listened to Arden’s report.

“We’ll get to the bottom of this,” Reed assured them, his hand resting on the hilt of his gun.

As Reed and Arden questioned the men, their voices low and intense, the captured henchmen began to reveal the depths of Victor’s control. They spoke of dark magic, of how he twisted their minds and bent them to his will.

“He’s a monster,” one man whispered, his eyes haunted. “He made us do things, terrible things. We didn’t want to, but we couldn’t resist.”

With the threat temporarily quelled, the group returned to the shop to debrief and tie up loose ends. Mari whipped up a batch of crème brûlée, the aroma of vanilla and sugar filling the air. Laughter and chatter mingled as they recounted the evening’s events, marveling at their teamwork and the more humorous moments.

“Did you see the look on that one guy’s face when he was caught in Thorne’s net?” Daisy giggled. “I thought he was going to wet himself.”

“And when Vincent’s trap left that other guy hanging upside down?” Ivy chimed in, her laughter ringing out. “I never knew someone’s face could turn that shade of red.”

As the night wound down, Mari found herself outside, gazing up at the star-strewn sky. The cool breeze caressed her skin, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming jasmine. Arden’s arm slipped around her waist, his presence a comforting warmth at her side.

“You were incredible tonight,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. “I’m so proud of you, Mari.”

Mari leaned into him, a gentle smile playing on her lips. “I couldn’t have done it without you guys. I never knew how much I needed this, needed all of you.”

She felt a renewed sense of hope and determination, a fire burning bright within her heart. Whatever challenges lay ahead, whatever Victor had in store, she knew she had the strength of her community and the love of an incredible man to see her through.

TWENTY

Mari stood in the quiet sanctuary of Luna Nightshade’s study, the air heavy with the scent of sage and old books. Sunlight filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room. Luna sat cross-legged on a plush cushion, her violet eyes piercing as she regarded Mari with a mixture of concern and determination.

“Take a deep breath,” Luna instructed, her voice a soothing melody. “Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Feel the air flowing in and out of your lungs, grounding you in the present moment.”

Mari did as she was told, allowing her eyelids to flutter shut. She inhaled deeply, the cool air filling her chest, and exhaled slowly, letting the tension drain from her body. The events of the past few days played out behind her closed lids—the dangerous occurrences, the confrontation with Victor’s henchmen, and the growing fear that Victor himself would soon make his move.

“Now, visualize your mental shields,” Luna continued, her words weaving a tapestry of protection. “Picture them as layers of light surrounding your mind, each one stronger than the last. See them shimmering, pulsing with the power of your will.”

Mari furrowed her brow, concentrating on the image Luna described. In her mind’s eye, she saw the barriers taking shape, gossamer threads of light knitting together to form a fortress around her thoughts. They glowed with a soft, pulsing luminescence like the beating of a heart.

Luna had been teaching her these advanced techniques for weeks, ever since Mari had confided in her about Victor’s relentless pursuit. The older witch had taken Mari under her wing, sharing her knowledge of psychic defense and mental fortification. Mari had thrown herself into the training with a fierce determination, knowing that her safety—and the safety of those she loved—depended on her ability to resist Victor’s influence.

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