Page 122 of Magic and Muffins

I was the first one through the door and saw the three throw pillows he’d added to the bed—“His, Hers, and His.” Laughing, I turned to tell him I loved it and caught sight of the new painting on the wall.

It was massive.

So massive.

And strategically lit by “art” lights.

“It’s impressive, isn’t it?” Cross said as Shepard made choked sounds.

The glorious painting of Cross, fully nude in a ‘paint me like a French lady’ pose, was on a canvas that was at least six feet high and twelve feet long. Cross was proportional to the size of the canvas, which meant we would be staring at Cross’ spot-lit mega penis every time we went to sleep at night.

But behind Cross, on his knees to offer a bunch of grapes, was Shepard, just as nude. However, the position and the angle of Cross’ top arm gave Shepard’s equipment a stubby ending rather than the well-endowed length he had.

“Ass,” Shepard breathed.

“We can have one of those on that wall,” Cross said, completely serious and pointing to the empty space above the bed.

“I think one nude painting is enough,” I said, fighting my laughter. “Vena is going to love it.”

“We’re covering it when company is over,” Shepard said.

I shrugged, knowing she’d peek.

Taking in the sight of Cross grinning at Shepard and Shepard’s return scowl, I felt happy and alive.

I never thought falling into a cave would bring so much joy to my life, but I wouldn’t redo any of it if given the chance. Not even the dangerous parts. Because this ending could have only happened as it had with all the horrible, scary, and wonderful parts.

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER.

“We’re here!”Vena called when she opened the door to the bakery. I peeked out of the kitchen to find Anchor and six other pack wolves. I knew Tank and Boulder from working at Blur, but the others were unfamiliar faces. “Are the cookies ready?”

“Yep! Have a seat.”

Pam grinned at the men from her position at the front counter.

This was our fourth Cookie Mate event. The first three were pretty successful, considering we found mates for at least a few of the wolves. This was Pam’s first time partaking in the event. She watched as guys sat at the designated tables that already had cookies plated and numbers assigned to them.

Vena quickly explained the process to them and then gave them the go-ahead to dig in.

Arms wrapped around me as I watched the wolves take their first bites.

“I say one will find their mate,” Cross said, then kissed my neck.

“I say three.”

“Very optimistic.”

I grinned. “I’m feeling optimistic.”

“You should. You’re living your dream, Sunshine. Bites and Delights started out slow, but we’re selling out daily and even have a line in the morning. You should be proud.”

“I am. I’m proud of all of us. But I can’t see how we couldn’t be successful. You’re too smart for your own good and keep the business running. Vena is finding books that even Miles and her parents couldn’t find. And with Shepard’s outreach programs letting people know our bakery is all-inclusive, we’re getting more otherworlders and humans every day.”

“Speaking of Shepard, he’s pestering me to make sure you don’t lose track of time. I’m now your keeper. It’s almost time to go.”

“I won’t lose track of time, but you know I love the Cookie Mate event. I really hope Pam finds a match.”

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