Page 61 of Dawn Unearthed

I visibly shuddered. “We’ll never have to deal with that again.”

“Of course, you won’t. You opened the bakery for the whole town,” Aunt Penelope said, cutting through the tension I hadn’t even realized had risen.

It made sense because we were all figuring out where we were, and my aunt gave me time to breathe—something I desperately needed.

“Here, let me help.” Rome walked forward and took the heavy tray from me. I nodded in thanks and went to set the next items. Aunt Penelope was filling in for Sabrina today since she had a dentist appointment. My aunt would go over to the bookshop with Laurel later once Sabrina came back.

And Rome was here. I think just for me, but I didn’t mind. It was good to get to know him better, to be with him, even as we worked on a thousand other things. He had to go in later to help Jaxton with a few ward issues and attend a meeting with the fae. And I would be here, working. On my breaks or when there was a lull, I’d practice spells with Rowen.

I had a routine and things to do, all while we waited for what would happen next.

“You’re fortunate that you washed your hands before you stepped over here, or I wouldn’t have let you behind that counter,” I said, teasing.

Rome shrugged. “I want some honey buns. I have to follow the health code.” He leaned down to almost kiss me but looked over at my aunt first. She rolled her eyes.

“Pretend I’m not here,” she singsonged and went over to work on the display. Since Rome’s and my hands were empty, he leaned down and kissed me softly.

“I’m pretty sure that’s against the health code,” I whispered.

He shrugged. “They can give me a citation. I don’t mind.”

I warmed, my magic tingling at his closeness. “You need to head out soon, don’t you?”

“I have a couple of hours.”

His phone buzzed, and he frowned. He pulled it out of his pocket and shook his head. “Apparently, I don’t. Alden wants to meet with me now so we can go over what we’re going to say to the fae.”

I frowned, wondering why my magic felt off at that. “Alden will be there?”

“Iwill be there with Alden. Ariel and Trace are securing the pack. We try to never have all of us in one place—except for when we’re in the den itself.”

“That makes sense,” I said. “What do you have to talk about with the fae, anyway?”

“Our normal peace treaty. There’s never been a war with them. At least, not us personally. But there was one a century ago. So, we meet once a quarter to lay out our rules.” He sighed and kissed me again. “It hasn’t changed in a century, and it won’t now. I don’t know what Alden wants, other than to tweak something as usual, but nothing ever changes. The fae are long-lived and don’t tend to like change.

“Witches and shifters do?” I asked, teasing.

He shook his head. “Not even a little. I think the fae are even worse than us, though. Anyway, I’ll be back soon. Be safe.”

I sighed. “Rowen and Laurel are watching out, and I’m doing okay on my own. You be safe, as well. After all, you’re going to treaty negotiations.”

He snorted. “Yes, bynegotiations, you mean I’m going to have coffee with a couple of people I’ve known for my entire life, and we’re going to sign a document that already has our signatures on it. It makes total sense.”

“Oh, bureaucracy. Who knew it would touch the supernatural, as well?”

I laughed then sighed, looking at the door, daydreaming about what could happen.

Aunt Penelope cleared her throat, and I nearly dropped the spoon I forgot I was holding. “You are a goner, darling,” Aunt Penelope said.

I looked over at her, my heart racing. “What?” I practically squeaked out the word.

“It’s so nice to see you falling again.”

I swallowed hard. “You think so? That I’m falling?”

“I see how you two look at each other, the way you’re so careful with one another as if you’re learning each other’s needs and wants. So, yes, I think you’re falling. And not because of a bond that could happen.”

“It feels like I just arrived, but it’s been a couple of months now.”

---