Page 26 of Bearly Bewitched

“Am I a complication?” The words slipped out before he could stop them.

Vail’s steps faltered. Her magic surged against his, hot and honest. “You are. The most dangerous kind.”

“Because of what happened with Ames?”

“Because you’re nothing like Ames.” She looked up at him, firelight dancing in her eyes. “You’re raw, bold, kind, and honest. That’s terrifying. You’re the man I always wanted but never got. But here you are, now. And I don’t know that I can be who you want me to be.”

His bear pushed forward desperate to protect and cherish. “I’d never ask you to be less than you are. To be anyone but yourself.”

“I know.” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “That’s what scares me most.”

They’d reached her cottage. Moonlight silvered the climbing roses around her door, their enchanted blooms releasing soft sparkles into the night air. Vail turned to face him, and his breath caught at the vulnerability in her expression.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “For coming to the academy’s event, walking me home, and...” Her magic wrapped around him like a caress. “Understanding.”

Before he could respond, she rose on her tiptoes and pulled his head down to hers. Her lips brushed his with exquisite gentleness, a question and an answer all at once. His bear surged forward with a growl ofmine, and he deepened the kiss, pouring weeks of longing into the press of his mouth against hers.

Vail made a small sound of need that nearly shattered his control. Her fingers curled into his shirt as she pressed closer, her magic blazing against his. He cradled her face in his hands, memorizing the silk of her skin and the sweet fire of her response.

The enchanted roses burst into full bloom, releasing waves of sparkles that danced around them like stars. Kaine felt the moment brand itself into his soul—the taste of her, the perfect fit of her body against his.

When they finally broke apart, they were both breathing hard. Vail’s eyes had gone molten gold, and her magic still wound around him possessively. He rested his forehead against hers, unwilling to step away.

“That was...” She swallowed. “Unexpected.”

“Was it?” He brushed his thumb across her cheek, satisfaction rumbling through him when she leaned into his touch.

“Maybe not.” A smile curved her lips. “But I’m still not looking for complications.”

“Noted.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “We’ll take it at your pace.”

Her magic sparked with surprised pleasure. “Even if it’s super slow?”

“Even then.” His bear grumbled but subsided. They had time. “Though I reserve the right to walk you home again.”

“For protection?” Her eyes danced with happiness.

“Exactly.” He stole another quick kiss, reveling in the way she melted against him. “Purely professional concern.”

She laughed and stepped back, though her magic maintained its connection to his. “Goodnight, Kaine.”

“Goodnight, Vail.”

He waited until she was safely inside before turning away. His bear practically strutted as they walked home, trailing golden light and the lingering warmth of her kiss. Above them, the stars seemed to shimmer in approval, and the evening breeze carried the scent of enchanted roses and possibilities.

TWENTY-FOUR

Vail paused in Arcane Academy’s quiet foyer, taking a moment to appreciate how the morning sun transformed the normally austere space into something almost ethereal. Her fingers traced through a particularly vibrant ray of light, and her fire magic responded instinctively, making the colors ripple and dance like the Aurora Borealis.

The simple meditation did little to settle her racing thoughts. Every time she closed her eyes, she relived last night’s kiss with Kaine. His fingers had traced her cheek with surprising gentleness for such powerful hands, the magnetic pull between them that had nothing to do with supernatural energy and everything to do with attraction.

“Not helping,” she muttered, smoothing her navy blazer for the tenth time. The silver buttons caught the light, reminding her of the gold flecks in Kaine’s eyes. She groaned. “Really not helping.”

Focus on the lesson plan. The hybrid magic tutorials needed structure, clear objectives, measurable progress markers. She could do this. She was a professional, after all. The fact that her magic sparked and danced at the mere thought of working closely with Kaine again meant nothing. Absolutely nothing.

The ward stones near the entrance suddenly pulsed with golden light, matching her treacherously quick heartbeat. A familiar warmth spread through her magical core, recognition flooding her system moments before a deep voice filled the foyer.

“Morning, Headmistress.”

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