Page 22 of Bearly Bewitched

Her phone chimed, breaking through her increasingly dangerous thoughts.

Just wanted to say thank you again for dinner. Your insights about hybrid magic were fascinating. I’d love to hear more of your theories, perhaps over coffee? No pressure – completely your choice.

Warmth bloomed in her chest. Always so careful with her boundaries, never pushing, yet making it clear he wanted to spend time with her. The opposite of Ames’s constant demands and attempts to control.

“That smile!” Romi bounced on the couch. “That’s definitely a Kaine-text smile. What did tall, dark, and bearish say?”

“Nothing.” But Vail’s magic danced happily, making the fairy lights shimmer in response. “He’s just... being nice.”

“Nice?” Sabine’s eyebrow arched. “Honey, that man looks at you like you’re the answer to every question he’s ever had. That’s not nice. That’s...”

“Destiny?” Romi supplied dreamily.

“Mate-bond material,” Clover agreed.

“You’re all incurable romantics.” But Vail’s protest lacked conviction. Because she’d felt it too – that instant recognition, that bone-deep certainty they belonged together. It terrified her. It thrilled her. It made her want things she’d sworn she wasn’t ready for.

Her phone chimed again. This time it was Ames:Come on, V. You’ve made your point about independence. Isn’t it time to come home? We can work through this magic obsession together.

The words hit like ice water, dousing her warm thoughts of Kaine. Magic obsession.

With trembling fingers, she typed a response to Kaine instead:Coffee sounds lovely. And thank you for being so patient with all this.

His reply came instantly:Take all the time you need. I’m not going anywhere.

“Now that,” Sabine said softly, “is the difference between someone who wants to change you and someone who celebrates exactly who you are.”

Vail stared at his message, her magic humming with recognition. Because Kaine had never once asked her to be less. He didn’t try to dim her fire or contain her power. Instead, he matched it with his own strength, creating something more beautiful than either of them alone.

“I’m still not ready,” she whispered.

“No one’s pushing.” Romi patted her hand. “But maybe being not ready doesn’t mean never? Sometimes the right person comes along exactly when you need them to.”

“Even if that person is a sexy alpha bear who looks at you like you hung the moon?” Clover teased.

“You’re all terrible.” But Vail smiled into her wine, watching the tiny constellations swirl. Because maybe, just maybe, some complications were worth exploring.

Especially complications with really nice forearms.

TWENTY

Magic rippled through the academy’s gates as Kaine approached, the ward stones recognizing his bear energy with welcoming pulses of amber light. The grand courtyard buzzed with supernatural families setting up for the Community Magic Share. Floating lanterns bobbed overhead, trailing sparks that danced like fireflies against the deepening sky.

His bear stirred the moment her scent reached him. The beast’s eager recognition sent waves of warmth through his blood, making the ward boundary stones flare brighter. Kaine inhaled deeply, letting his enhanced senses map Vail’s location before his eyes found her.

She stood near the central fountain, her dark hair catching the dying sunlight as she demonstrated a fire-weaving spell to a group of young students. Her hands traced elegant patterns in the air, leaving trails of golden flame that transformed into shimmering butterflies. The children’s delighted gasps carried across the courtyard.

“Your bear’s doing that glowy thing again.” Daisy’s voice held barely suppressed laughter. She pointed to the nearestward stone, which pulsed in time with his heartbeat. “It always happens when you see Headmistress Vail.”

“The wards respond to strong magic,” Kaine said, trying to sound professional. His bear huffed in amusement at the attempt.

Daisy’s grin turned mischievous. “That’s why they only glow when you’re looking at her.”

Before Kaine could defend himself, Romi materialized beside them with a knowing smile. “Oh good, you’re here! Vail’s been checking the gates every five minutes. Not that she’d admit it.”

Heat crept up Kaine’s neck. “She’s probably monitoring security?—“

“Right, because the headmistress personally guards the entrance at every event.” Romi winked at Daisy. “Nothing to do with certain tall, dark, and bearish alphas.”

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