Page 33 of Magic and Muffins

“But not today. Come on. Let me feed you before I put you to bed.”

The way he said it started all sorts of yummy thoughts. He seemed to know, too, because he suddenly picked me up and darted to the second floor with me.

“Behave, Everly,” he said tenderly. “I’m still hungry for you, and it would take very little to break my fragile control.”

I considered him. “I like seeing you lose control, though.”

He groaned, kissed my forehead, and led me to a stool. “Sit. I’ll cook for you. How does a BLT sound?”

“Phenomenal.”

I watched him move around the kitchen, enjoying the simplicity of our time together. When it was time to eat, he playfully fed me.

Outside, the light started to fade.

“I’m starting to worry about Shepard,” I said.

Cross had his phone out and sent a text before I could stop him. When it buzzed, he chuckled and pocketed it.

“I promise he won’t let another night pass without you.”

“What did you say to him?”

“That he was starting to worry you, and if he wanted to keep his claim on you, he needed to rectify the situation.”

“That’s not fair, Cross. He’s putting out fires Orphia is setting, not playing out there.”

Cross shrugged. “His priority is you, not the pack. He shouldn’t need a reminder.”

“Since you’re not being nice, I’m going to shower and go to bed early. You can come help me.”

“That doesn’t sound like a punishment if it’s meant to be.”

“We’ll see.”

I teased Cross the entire time I showered, telling him he could look but couldn’t touch. He loved every second of it and couldn’t take his eyes off me. And I adored the appreciation and joy in his gaze and his relaxed smile as he helped me brush and blow dry my hair.

When I closed my eyes, I was in his arms.

But when I opened them again the next morning, I was in Shepard’s.

He was sound asleep beside me. The room was dark, but I could tell from his soft, steady breaths.

As tempted as I was to check the time, I stayed where I was, comfortably in the little spoon position, and dozed for a while longer. I knew exactly when he woke up because his arms tightened around me.

“Good morning,” I said softly.

“Good morning.” He nuzzled my neck, kissing me right where Cross had bitten me. “Did he hurt you?”

“No.” I hesitated a moment. “I liked it. Are you mad?”

“No. As long as you’re okay, I’m okay.” He sounded completely relieved and accepting.

“I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too. I’d rather stay with you like this and let the rest of the world deal with its own stupidity, but Cross reminded me you have your heart set on opening a bakery, and that can’t happen if Orphia and her vampires take over.” He exhaled heavily. “He’s an ass when he’s right and knows it.”

Laughing, I turned in Shepard’s arms.

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