Page 16 of Witch Way to the Diapers

Sayer stared at his phone, his jaw clenched in frustration. Another crisis at the Hong Kong hotel demanded his attention, pulling him away from the peaceful morning he’d hoped to spend with Fia and Vienna. The constant barrage of calls and emails had been relentless for days, and he felt the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him.

“Mr. Gentry, we need your decision on the new management structure immediately,” his executive assistant’s voice crackled through the speaker. “The board is getting impatient.”

Sayer pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stave off the headache he felt brewing. “I understand, Amelia. Send me the final proposals, and I’ll review them within the hour.”

As he ended the call, Sayer caught sight of Fia in the kitchen, preparing Vienna’s breakfast. The toddler babbled happily in her high chair, oblivious to the tension radiating from her uncle. Guilt gnawed at Sayer’s insides. He’d barely spent any time with them over the past few days, constantly pulled away by one emergency or another.

“Everything okay?” Fia asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

Sayer forced a smile. “Just some work issues. Nothing I can’t handle.”

But as the day wore on, that optimism faded. Lunch came and went with Sayer trapped on a video conference call. He could hear Vienna’s laughter floating up from the garden where Fia played with her, and his heart ached to join them.

By dinner time, Sayer had missed another meal. The next day was the same. At the end of the day, he found himself eating his food while feeling like he’d missed the best part of dinner being with the girls. The house was quiet when he finally emerged from the home office on the third night, his eyes burning from hours of staring at spreadsheets and financial reports.

In the dim light of the kitchen, he found a plate covered with a warming charm – Fia’s thoughtfulness only intensifying his guilt. As he ate the now-lukewarm meal, Sayer’s frustration bubbled over. He needed to clear his head.

The cool night air was a relief as Sayer stepped outside. Without conscious thought, he found himself striding toward the woods at the edge of town. As soon as he was under the cover of trees, Sayer let his control slip.

The shift was instantaneous. One moment he was a man, the next, a massive golden lion stood in his place. Sayer’s feline form stretched, muscles rippling under his tawny coat. He took off at a run, paws pounding the earth as he lost himself in the primal joy of movement.

For hours, Sayer roamed the forest, his keen senses alert to every rustle and scent. The physical exertion helped calm his troubled mind, but as the sky began to lighten with the first hints of dawn, the weight of his responsibilities settled back on his shoulders.

Shifting back to his human form, Sayer made his way home. Sleep eluded him, his mind racing with thoughts of work, Vienna, and Fia. As the first rays of sunlight crept through hiswindow, Sayer gave up on rest. Perhaps another run would help clear his head.

The streets of Whispering Pines were quiet as Sayer jogged through town, the cobblestones echoing under his feet. He was so lost in thought that he nearly collided with another early riser.

“Whoa, there!” a deep voice chuckled. “You’re up and about early, Mr. Gentry.”

Sayer blinked, focusing on the man before him. Cedric Fernwood, the town mayor, stood with an amused smile on his face. Despite the early hour, the dragon shifter looked impeccable in a tailored suit, his golden eyes twinkling with warmth.

“Mayor Fernwood,” Sayer greeted, slightly breathless. “I apologize, I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

Cedric waved off the apology. “No harm done. But you look like you could use a friendly ear and a good cup of tea. Care to join me at Ivy’s?”

Sayer hesitated, acutely aware of his rumpled appearance and the mountain of work waiting for him. But something in Cedric’s kind expression made him nod. “I’m underdressed, but that would be nice, thank you.”

The Green Thicket Tea House was just opening its doors as they arrived. Ivy Sullivan greeted them with a warm smile, her curly blonde hair already escaping its ribbon.

“Mayor, Mr. Gentry. What a lovely surprise. Come in, come in. I’ve just pulled some lavender scones from the oven.”

“Ah, Ivy,” Sayer grinned, “that smells great. I was trying to maintain my lion-like physique, but I suppose one scone won’t hurt.”

The cozy interior of the tea house enveloped them as Cedric led them to a quiet corner table. Soon, they were settled with steaming cups of fragrant tea and plates of still-warm pastries.

“Now then,” Cedric said, his tone friendly but firm. “What’s got you prowling the streets at this ungodly hour, Sayer? And don’t give me any of that ‘just enjoying the morning air’ nonsense – I’ve been around long enough to recognize a man with a lot on his mind.”

Sayer leaned back, a wry smile on his face. “Is it that obvious? And here I thought I was maintaining my air of mysterious charm.”

Cedric chuckled. “About as mysterious as a neon sign, my friend. Spill it.”

Sayer sighed, his smile fading slightly. “It’s work. There’s been a crisis at one of my hotels, and it’s demanding more of my attention than I’d like. I’ve barely had time to spend with Fia and Vienna, and it’s... frustrating.”

“Ah,” Cedric nodded knowingly. “The age-old battle of work and family. And I’m guessing your inner lion isn’t too pleased about being away from his girls?”

Sayer’s eyebrows shot up. “Am I that transparent?”

Cedric laughed. “Sayer, my boy, you do realize we can all tell just by looking at you, right? I’m surprised you haven’t claimed and mated the sweet Ms. Barlowe yet.”

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