Page 13 of Howls & Harvest

With the lycan strong and true,

A tale of love, both old and new.”

My cheeks flush when I realize the trees are talking about us.

Ronan chuckles. “They seem to like you,” he says. “The Whispering Woods don’t talk to just anyone, you know. Only those with an affinity for greenery can hear them directly.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Really? So not everyone can hear this?”

Ronan shakes his head. “No. Throk can hear them, and I can, of course, but even Suzette can’t. You must have a special connection to nature.”

The revelation makes me pause. I’ve always loved plants, but I never imagined it could be anything more than a hobby. Could there be more to my connection with nature than I realized?

As we continue walking, the trees’ whispers grow more insistent. Their branches seem to reach out, gently brushing against us as if trying to push us closer together.

“Young love, so sweet and shy,

Beneath our boughs, don’t be sly.

A kiss, a touch, don’t hesitate,

For in this moment, seal your fate.”

My eyes widen as I process the words. Are the trees telling us to kiss? I glance at Ronan, who looks equally surprised and...is that a hint of hope in his eyes?

For a moment, I consider it. He is undeniably attractive, and there’s something about him that draws me in, but the suddenness of it all, coupled with the strangeness of our surroundings, makes me hesitate.

“I, uh... I think I need a break,” I stammer, taking a step back. “And maybe a drink. How about we head to ‘The Enchanted Espresso?’”

His expression flickers with disappointment before he nods. “Of course. Let’s head back.”

As I turn to walk away, I hear Ronan’s deep voice behind me, chiding the trees. “Now look what you’ve done. You’ve scared her off.”

The trees rustle in response, their tone almost apologetic. He chuckles before following me as I pretend I didn’t hear their exchange.

We make our way back toward town, the silence between us charged with unspoken words. The Whispering Woods gradually give way to the more manicured landscape of Evershift Haven, and I’m both relieved and oddly disappointed to be leaving the magical forest behind.

Approaching “The Enchanted Espresso,” I sneak a glance at Ronan. His profile is strong and defined, and his fur gleams in the late afternoon sunlight. I wonder what it would feel like to run my fingers through it.

Chapter 5

THE BELL ABOVE THEdoor of “The Enchanted Espresso” chimes as Ronan and I step inside. The cozy interior wraps around us like a warm blanket with the scent of freshly ground coffee beans and cinnamon filling the air. Plush armchairs in rich autumnal hues invite patrons to sink into them, while floating candles cast a soft, flickering glow over the room.

Behind the counter, Bella Brewster’s curly leaf-red hair frizzes with magical energy. Her eyes, currently a warm amber, twinkle as she spots us. “If it isn’t my favorite new human and our resident lumberjack? What can I get for you two today?”

I glance at the menu board, which seems to be writing and erasing itself. “I’m not sure. What do you recommend?”

Her grin widens, revealing dimples in her rosy cheeks. “Oh, I’ve got just the thing for you both. How about our special fall drink? The Autumn Glow Latte.”

Ronan nods with interest. “Sounds perfect. Two of those, please.”

As Bella busies herself with the espresso machine, which hums and purrs like a contented cat, I turn to Ronan. “So, what makes this latte so special?”

“I don’t know yet.” He leans in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Bella’s drinks always have a little extra magic to them. I’m curious to see what this one does.”

Before I can ask for clarification, she returns with two steaming mugs. The foam on top swirls and shifts, forming an intricate design. I bend closer, eyes widening as I recognizethe scene depicted in the latte art. It’s Ronan and me, walking through the woods we’d explored earlier. The foam figures move, brushing their hands against each other. As I watch, they turn toward each other, leaning in for what looks like a kiss.

Heat rises to my cheeks, and I quickly grab a spoon, stirring the foam away before Ronan can see. “That’s, uh, some impressive latte art,” I say with a stammer.

---