Page 5 of Witch Way to the Diapers

As if in response, a small burst of sparks erupted from Vienna’s fingertips, showering them both in tiny, harmless flecks of light. Fia laughed, her heart swelling with love and a touch of amazement at her niece’s budding powers.

“Well then,” she said, pressing a kiss to Vienna’s forehead, “I’d say that’s a yes. Whispering Pines, here we come.”

With Vienna on her hip, Fia made her way downstairs. The morning light transformed the house, chasing away the shadows of grief and filling each room with promise. As she prepared breakfast, humming a tune Myla used to sing, Fia felt the first stirrings of true happiness since her sister’s passing.

This was a new beginning for both of them. And with the support of their new friends and the magic of Whispering Pines surrounding them, Fia knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

THREE

The quaint town of Whispering Pines materialized through Sayer Gentry’s windshield, its cobblestone streets and charming storefronts a stark contrast to the sleek urban landscapes he typically frequented. His hands tightened on the steering wheel, his jaw clenched with determination. He’d come here with one purpose: to claim custody of his niece, Vienna.

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of grief and responsibility. The deaths of his brother Dune and Dune’s mate Myla had left a gaping hole in Sayer’s heart, one he’d barely had time to process. Urgent matters at his Hong Kong hotel had demanded his immediate attention, forcing him to put his personal loss on hold. He’d barely gotten a few hours at the funeral before he had to get on his jet to put out fires.

Now, finally back and ready to step up for his family, Sayer had learned that Myla’s sister, Fia, had moved into Dune and Myla’s home to care for Vienna. The news had initially relieved him, knowing the child wasn’t alone, but it also complicated matters. Vienna needed her family – his family – around her. She needed the stability and support only they could provide.

As Sayer navigated the winding streets, his eyes caught glimpses of the town’s magical nature. A group of children giggled as they chased iridescent butterflies that left trails of sparkling dust in their wake. An elderly woman casually levitated her groceries beside her as she walked. In any other circumstance, Sayer might have found the display charming. Today, it only served as a reminder of how different this place was from the modern, tech-advanced world he could offer Vienna.

He pulled up to the address he’d been given, a charming two-story cottage with a wraparound porch. Flower boxes bursting with vibrant blooms adorned every window, and wind chimes tinkled softly in the breeze. It looked like something out of a fairy tale – exactly the kind of home Dune and Myla would have chosen.

Sayer took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. He’d rehashed his arguments a hundred times on the drive here. Vienna needed family. She needed the resources and connections his family could provide. She needed–

The thought evaporated the moment Fia opened the door.

Sayer’s world tilted on its axis. The air crackled with an energy he’d never experienced, and his lion – the primal, instinctual part of his shifter nature – roared to life within him.Mine, it growled.Mate.

For centuries, Sayer had searched for his mate. He’d traveled the world, meeting countless people, always hoping to feel that instant, undeniable connection his parents had described. He’d begun to believe it might never happen for him.

Yet here she stood in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Fia was nothing like Sayer had imagined. Her light brown hair fell in soft waves around her oval face, framing warm brown eyes that regarded him with a mixture of wariness andresolve. She stood with quiet confidence, her posture straight but not rigid. Everything about her radiated a sense of nurturing strength.

“Mr. Gentry,” Fia said, her voice low and melodious. “I’ve been expecting you. Please, come in.”

Sayer swallowed hard, forcing his lion’s insistent growls to the back of his mind. He had a mission here, one he couldn’t lose sight of no matter how much his instincts were screaming at him to claim this woman as his own.

“Miss Barlowe,” he managed, his voice rougher than he intended. “Thank you for seeing me.”

He followed her into a cozy living room, noting the toys scattered across the floor and the baby gate blocking off the top of the stairs. Everything about the space spoke of a home well lived in and loved. It was nothing like the sterile luxury of his hotel suites or his rarely-used penthouse apartments.

“Please, call me Fia. I assume you’re here about Vienna,” Fia said, gesturing for him to take a seat on the plush sofa. She remained standing, her arms crossed loosely over her chest. “I understand you have concerns.”

“Yes. Thank you and please call me Sayer.” He cleared his throat, trying to recenter himself. “I appreciate you stepping in to care for her, but I believe it’s time for Vienna to come home with me. She needs to be with family.”

Fia’s eyebrows rose slightly. “She is with family, Sayer. I’m her aunt, and this is the home her parents chose for her.”

“I understand that, but–”

“Do you?” Fia interrupted, her voice still calm but with an undercurrent of steel. “Because from where I’m standing, it seems like you’re suggesting uprooting a child who’s already lost both her parents from the only home she’s ever known.”

Sayer bristled, his lion growling at the challenge in her tone even as part of him admired her fierce protectiveness. “Fia, Iassure you, I only want what’s best for Vienna. My family can provide her with everything she needs – the best education, the finest opportunities–”

“What about love?” Fia asked softly. “What about the community her parents chose for her? The magic they wanted her to grow up surrounded by?”

Her words gave Sayer pause. He’d been so focused on the practical aspects of raising Vienna that he hadn’t considered the less tangible elements. Still, he pressed on. “We can provide all of that too. My family–”

“Your family is not the only family Vienna has,” Fia said firmly. She moved to a nearby desk, retrieving an envelope. “Did you receive a letter from Dune and Myla’s lawyer?”

Sayer frowned. “I received some paperwork, but I haven’t had a chance to go through it all yet. I’ve been dealing with–”

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