Page 29 of Hex and the Kitty

“Just doing our part to protect a fellow man,” Bram said with a grin.

As Warrick headed for the door, Kade called after him: “Tell Molly her order for the Lunar Committee meeting is ready for pickup!”

Warrick raised a hand in acknowledgment, stepping out into the morning sunshine. The conversation had been enlightening, if slightly alarming. The witches’ determination to see him and Molly together went beyond casual matchmaking—though their methods seemed more humorous than malicious.

And the information about Molly talking about him, thinking about him... his tiger practically preened at the knowledge.

He pulled out his phone, hesitating only briefly before typing:

Need to pick up your order at the Lone Wolf. Meet for lunch later?

Her reply was almost immediate:

Caffeine rescue mission? My hero! Lunch sounds perfect. Noon at the bakery? I’ll have special tiger-friendly treats ready.

His lips curved into a smile as he typed:

Noon it is. Looking forward to it.

Pocketing his phone, Warrick headed toward the station with a lighter step than usual. She was his mate—his tiger had no doubts about that. Whether it took weeks or months for her to fully recognize their connection didn’t matter. He’d waited three centuries to find her; he could be patient a little longer.

In the meantime, he’d cherish each moment, each smile, each instance of her magical chaos responding to his presence. He’d keep her safe from saboteurs and magical mishaps. He’d court her properly, the way she deserved.

TWENTY-THREE

The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafted through Warrick’s office, mingling with the rich scent of dark roast coffee. He lifted the lid on the pastry box Molly had sent over—miniature apple turnovers, still warm from the oven. A handwritten note accompanied them:

For the firefighters who keep us safe. Extra cinnamon for the chief. - M

His fingers traced the looping script, and his tiger stirred beneath his skin, rumbling with satisfaction. Three nights had passed since their evening at the bakery, and her scent still lingered in his memory—vanilla, wildflowers, and something uniquelyher.

Mate.

The word had thundered through him the moment their hands touched over those Fire Lotus petals. His tiger had recognized what his human side had been slow to accept—after a lifetime of searching, he’d found her.

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

“Enter,” he called, closing the pastry box.

David stepped in, eyebrows rising at the sight of Warrick’s coffee cup. “Is that an actual smile on your face, Chief? Should I be concerned? Call for medical backup?”

Warrick schooled his features, but the warmth in his chest refused to fade. “Just enjoying breakfast.”

“Uh-huh.” David crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. “Nothing to do with those turnovers from a certain magical bakery, then?”

“They’re well-made.”

“The pastries or the baker?” David’s eyes crinkled with mischief. “Because I’ve worked with you for three months, and I’ve seen you smile exactly twice—both times after seeing Molly Hues.”

Heat crept up Warrick’s neck, an unfamiliar sensation for someone who’d perfected stoicism over centuries. “Don’t you have equipment to check?”

“Already done.” David helped himself to a turnover. “The guys wanted me to ask when you’re bringing her around for dinner at the station. They’ve got a betting pool on whether she can make you laugh out loud.”

“They what?”

“Hey, you’re the one who went from brooding tiger to besotted kitten overnight. It’s fascinating to witness.”

Warrick growled low in his throat, but there was no real threat behind it. His tiger nature found no offense in David’s teasing—the man had earned his trust, a rare achievement.

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