Page 74 of Hex and the Kitty

“The most powerful strike I’ve ever experienced.” He drew her closer still, propriety be damned. “I’ve wandered this earth for three hundred years, Molly. I’ve seen empires rise and fall, witnessed technological revolutions, lived through wars and peacetimes alike. Nothing—nothing—has anchored me the way you do.”

Moisture gathered in her eyes, turning them luminous in the starlight ambiance. A single tear spilled over, trailing down her cheek. Warrick caught it with his thumb, his touch reverent against her skin.

“Happy tears?” he asked.

She nodded, a tremulous smile forming. “I never thought... never expected...”

“Nor did I.” He pressed his forehead to hers, continuing their dance while creating an intimate bubble amid the crowd. “You’ve changed everything, Molly Hues.”

The music slowed, and she rested her head against his chest, directly over his heart. Perfect. His tiger rumbled with satisfaction deep within—their mate, safe in their arms, where she belonged.

FIFTY-NINE

They danced in comfortable silence, bodies swaying together while Warrick allowed himself the luxury of imagining their future. Mornings in her bakery, helping her prepare dough while stealing kisses between batches. Evenings at his home—their home—perhaps with children someday. Little ones with her fiery hair and his golden eyes, carrying both witch magic and tiger strength in their blood.

The song ended, but he kept hold of her hand, reluctant to break contact even momentarily.

“Thirsty?” he asked, noting the flush in her cheeks from dancing.

“Parched,” she admitted. “Between the dancing and the magic in the air...”

“I’ll get us drinks. Wait here?”

She nodded, squeezing his fingers before releasing them. Warrick made his way toward the refreshment table, accepting handshakes and congratulations from his firefighters along the way.

“About time, Chief,” Martinez commented with a knowing grin. “We were starting to think you’d never make a move.”

“Some things are worth careful consideration,” Warrick replied, filling two crystal punch cups.

“Well, she’s good for you. Never seen you smile so much.”

Was he smiling? Warrick realized his face had relaxed into an expression far removed from his usual stoic mask. The change must be obvious if his crew felt comfortable enough to comment on it.

He turned back toward the dance floor, seeking Molly’s vibrant form among the crowd. She stood chatting with Celeste and Daisy, her hands moving animatedly as she spoke. Even from across the room, the sight of her filled him with warmth that had nothing to do with his shifter biology and everything to do with what she’d awakened in him.

A flicker of movement near the service entrance caught his attention. David stood there, expression tense as he scanned the perimeter. Warrick’s internal alarm activated, his senses heightening automatically in response to his friend’s vigilance.

Careful not to spill the punch, Warrick made his way toward David.

“Everything all right?” he asked quietly.

David shook his head minutely. “Something feels off. Can’t pinpoint it, but...”

“Trust your instincts.” Warrick set the punch cups aside, switching fully into alert mode. “What specifically triggered your concern?”

“Thought I saw someone duck behind the utility shed outside. Build matched Gus’s, but he disappeared before I could confirm.”

Warrick’s jaw tightened. “Have you checked the wards?”

“All intact, but...” David hesitated. “You know how Gus had that uncle who practiced dark magic? The one who disappeared a few years back?”

A chill ran down Warrick’s spine. “You think Gus might have learned from him.”

“It would explain how he’s been managing the sabotage despite our precautions.”

Warrick glanced back at Molly, her laughter carrying across the room as she demonstrated something to Daisy with expansive gestures. The sight strengthened his resolve—nothing would ruin this night for her.

“I’ll check the exterior perimeter,” Warrick decided. “Keep an eye on things in here. Any sign of trouble, get Reed immediately.”

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