Page 20 of Bearly Bewitched

“It’s lovely.” Vail took in the intimate atmosphere, the subtle enchantments woven through the décor that seemed to pulse stronger at that moment. “Though I suspect we’ll be the talk of the town tomorrow.”

“We already are.” His mouth quirked. “Romi texted updates to half of Mystic Hollow before we left the café.”

“Of course, she did.” Vail groaned. “I don’t suppose there’s any point denying this is a date?”

“Is that what you want to deny?”

The question hung between them loaded with possibility.

SEVENTEEN

Before Vail could answer, their server arrived – a young witch whose eyes widened with recognition, her own magic fluttering excitedly.

“Headmistress Kessler! Alpha Urso! What an honor.” She beamed at them, practically breathless with enthusiasm that made the floating candles bob in response. “Our chef’s special tonight is rosemary-infused lamb chops with truth-telling herbs. Perfect for honest conversations about feelings?—“

“Just water for now, thank you,” Vail interrupted hastily. Her embarrassment made the temperature around them rise several degrees, causing the enchanted ice in their water glasses melt.

The witch bounced away, but not before Vail caught her whispered communication spell, its magical signature trailing behind her like gossamer threads: “Romi! You’ll never guess who’s having a romantic dinner at the Bistro!”

“I’m starting to think the whole town is conspiring against us,” Vail muttered as the restaurant’s ambient magic seemed to pulse with collective anticipation.

“Against us? Or for us?” Kaine’s voice carried a hint of challenge that made his energy surge forward like a warm tide.“You have to admit, their interference led to some interesting developments.”

“Like what?”

“Like you agreeing to have dinner with me.” His eyes held hers, the gold flecks in them seeming to dance with their own light. “Like the way your magic reaches for mine every time we’re close, creating symphonies in the air between us. Like how we both know this isn’t just about research.”

Vail’s heart hammered against her ribs. “Kaine...”

“We don’t have to define it,” he said softly. “But I’d rather be honest about what’s happening between us than pretend it doesn’t exist.”

Before she could respond, the moment suddenly soured, turning thick and heavy like storm clouds gathering. A familiar voice cut through the restaurant’s gentle murmur: “Headmistress? What a surprise seeing you here.”

Thaddeus Ledger materialized beside their table, his presence sending discordant ripples through the magical currents. The enchanted candles dimmed and recoiled, their flames shrinking away from his aura as if sensing something toxic. Vail’s protective wards flared in warning.

“Mr. Ledger.” She forced politeness into her tone even as her magic bristled defensively. “Having dinner?”

“Just finished, actually. I was reviewing some fascinating texts about curse amplification magic.” His smile remained pleasant, but something dark and hungry lurked in his magical signature, making the protection runes on Vail’s rings burn cold against her skin. His gaze flickered to Kaine. “I understand your niece has an unusual magical signature. Such hybrid manifestations can be quite... volatile.”

Kaine’s bear energy surged protectively, making the glasses on the table rattle. The temperature around them plummeted ashe confronted Ledger’s unsettling aura. “Daisy’s magic is well-managed, thank you.”

“Of course, of course. Still, if you ever need assistance...” Ledger’s attention returned to Vail, his magic reaching out like oily tendrils that made her want to throw shields up. “I have extensive experience with similar cases. And given the recent ward fluctuations at the academy...”

“We appreciate your concern,” Vail cut in smoothly, her own magic rising to reinforce Kaine’s protective barrier. The air between them and Ledger crackled with tension. “But I’m confident in our current approach.”

“As you wish.” Ledger bowed slightly, his magic leaving an unpleasant residue in the air that made the enchanted plants nearby curl their leaves. “Though do let me know if you change your mind. Good evening.”

The atmosphere remained disturbed in his wake, like a pond whose surface had been poisoned. Kaine’s hand had tightened around his water glass.

“I don’t trust him,” he growled softly.

“Neither do I.” Vail frowned as her magic worked to cleanse the lingering corruption from the air. “And his timing is suspicious. First the ward maintenance books, now this ‘chance’ encounter?”

“While mentioning curse amplification magic and Daisy in the same breath.” Kaine’s eyes had taken on a golden sheen – his bear close to the surface, making the moment heavy with primal power. “He’s planning something.”

“Then we’ll figure out what.” Vail reached across the table, covering his clenched fist with her hand. The contact initiated another wave of sparks between them.

“I’m happy to be a team with you,” he said, his voice low and rough. Kaine leaned forward, still holding her hand, his thumb tracing small circles on her palm that sent shivers up her arm.The intimate gesture drew her eyes to his mouth, the strong line of his jaw, the heated look in his eyes that suggested he was thinking about far more than research. The air between them felt electric, charged with possibility and wanting. When he scooted closer, she caught another wave of his scent - pine and wild places and something uniquely him that made her magic surge with recognition.

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