Page 36 of Magic and Muffins

“Of course.”

He stood and came around the island to hug me from behind as I used the pot filler faucet.

“You smell so good,” he said, kissing the top of my head.

“Even with Cross’ scent on me?” I wanted to slap myself for actually saying that out loud. They were getting along, and I didn’t want that to stop.

Shepard chuckled and ducked in to kiss the side of my neck where Cross had bitten me.

“Yes. Even with his scent on you. It’s part of you now. He’s part of you.”

I glanced back at Shepard.

“Are you mad?”

“No. I accepted Cross as a part of our lives a long time ago. As long as he doesn’t do anything to hurt you, which I know he never will intentionally, then I’m willing to share. Whatever it takes to be a part of your life.”

I nodded and started cooking. Shepard stayed close, watching me and finding ways to be helpful until I had a plate of food ready for us both.

We sat at the island and ate together, chatting companionably, then cleaned up. The morning's peace wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, and I never wanted to leave it.

Unfortunately, my life never seemed to be peaceful for long.

Shepard and I were on the couch, watching a talk show together, when his phone rang again. Vena’s name flashed on the screen, and with a sigh, Shepard answered on speaker.

“Hey, King Alpha, Lord of the Otherworld.”

“Just Shepard, Vena.”

“That’s not nearly as prestigious.”

“I think it is,” I said.

“Hey, sister from another mister. Did you climb Mount Shepard this morning?”

“You’re a little extra spicy already, considering how you were yesterday.”

“Yesterday was insane, but a good night’s sleep worked wonders. Not on the undercarriage, though. That’s going to need some time. Which is why I’m calling.”

Sometimes, the line of Vena’s thinking scared me.

“I needed a distraction and scried,” she continued. “The crystal found a bigger nest again.”

“How do you know it’s bigger?” I asked.

“I’m going to take the higher road and not fall victim to your setup there. It’s the vibrations of the crystal. The more it vibrates, the bigger it is. I have to go. This conversation is giving me the tingles, and it’s still uncomfortable down there. Love you both!”

The line went dead, and Shepard looked at me.

“I already told Cross…I think Miles tested malfunctioning charms on her as a baby.”

Shepard chuckled and shook his head. Then he sent a text to Doc and Cross to check in with Vena.

Not long after her call, my phone pinged with a group text from Miles. They hadn’t found any information yet, but Curran was helping them acquire more books that might have the information they were looking for.

“That’s good news,” Shepard said, reading over my shoulder.

“Good news would have been, ‘We found the cure to vampirism and know where Orphia is.’” I sighed and rested my head on Shepard’s shoulder again. “Or even a text from Effora canceling her lunch invitation. What are the chances that she actually knows where Orphia is?”

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