Page 21 of Sleigh Bells and Dragon Spells

“Someone,” Falkor said dryly, “can be very persistent when she wants something.” His gaze darkened slightly, sending heat curling through her stomach.

“And on that note,” Kade announced, standing with a grin, “I think we need more coffee. And maybe some of those cinnamon rolls Celeste made this morning.”

As he moved toward the counter, Briar caught several knowing looks being exchanged around the table. She should have felt embarrassed by their obvious matchmaking, but somehow, with Falkor’s solid presence beside her and his thigh pressed warmly against hers under the table, she couldn’t bring herself to mind.

“Not that I’m complaining about the break in the weather,” Lark said, his arm draped casually across the back of Sera’s chair, “but it seems almost too good to be true.”

Briar nodded, her expression growing serious. “It’s similar to the eye of a hurricane. The calm before an even bigger storm.” She felt Falkor tense beside her and instinctively placed her hand on his arm. “The spirit is likely gathering strength for something bigger.”

“All the more reason to stay vigilant,” Reed agreed, his sheriff’s instincts clearly on high alert. His amber eyes scanned the café windows, already planning for worst-case scenarios. “At least the little ones are all safe and accounted for.”

“Speaking of which,” Luna interjected, her violet eyes twinkling, “how are the children and adults enjoying their impromptu playdates?”

Fia smiled, maternal pride evident in her expression. “Baby Vienna is absolutely enchanted with Roarke. According to my previous update, she’s trying to convince Roarke to shift into his panther form so she can ‘pet the big kitty.’“

“He’ll do it too,” Roarke’s wife laughed. “He pretends to be all tough, but he’s wrapped around that little girl’s finger.”

“Amara’s with them too, isn’t she?” Tabitha asked Celeste.

“Yes, and apparently she and Vienna are thick as thieves.” Celeste shook her head fondly. “I’m a little worried about what kind of mischief those two will get up to once they’re older.”

“And my little troublemaker?” Ellie asked with a grin.

“Last I heard, Asher was having the time of his life with Mari and Arden,” Briar replied. “Mari sent me a message saying he’s fascinated by Arden’s wolf form. Keeps trying to ride him like a horse.”

Reed chuckled. “That’s my boy.”

“It takes a village,” Sera observed warmly. “Especially in times like these.”

“Speaking of which,” Celeste turned her attention to Briar and Falkor, her green eyes twinkling, “I hear you’ve been spending time at the orphanage, Falkor. The children haven’t stopped talking about the ‘dragon man’ who helped protect their trees.”

TWENTY-TWO

Briar felt him shift uncomfortably but was surprised when he didn’t pull away. Instead, his hand found hers under the table, his thumb tracing absent patterns on her palm that made it hard to concentrate.

“The children need protection from the storm,” he said simply.

“And it has nothing to do with a certain red-haired witch who spends time there?” Tabitha teased.

Heat crept up Briar’s neck, but before she could respond, Falkor surprised everyone by saying, “Her dedication to them is... admirable.” His voice softened as he added, “She has a gift for bringing light to dark places.”

The sincerity in his tone made Briar’s heart flutter. She looked up to find him watching her with an expression that stole her breath—something warm and almost tender in those golden eyes.

“You should see her with the little ones,” Ellie said, clearly picking up on the moment. “They absolutely adore her.”

“The other night, a little girl was crying about her failed levitation spell,” Sera added. “Briar sat with her for hours, telling stories and trying again until she succeeded.”

“That’s our Briar,” Fia said proudly. “Heart as big as her talent.”

“You’re all impossible,” Briar muttered, but she couldn’t help smiling, especially when Falkor’s fingers tightened around hers.

“They’re not wrong,” he murmured, his breath warming her ear. “I’ve seen how you light up around the children. It’s... quite something to witness.”

The intimacy in his voice sent shivers down her. When she glanced at him, the heat in his gaze made her forget to breathe for a moment.

“Well, well,” Luna’s knowing voice cut through their bubble. “I haven’t seen magic spark like that in quite some time.”

“Luna,” Kade warned.

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