Page 111 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

He huffed a laugh. “You know I was never planning to eat them.”

“I know but…” My throat felt tight. I forced a swallow, moving into the living room space to examine the piece.

Basil and Sage hopped over, cautiously investigating. Bunnies were always curious. Sage was the first one to go up on her back legs, placing her paws on the first level.

“See? The little snacks like it already,” he decided, nodding once.

Tears pricked my eyes and I quickly wiped them away before Axel would see. But it didn’t matter. He smelled me anyway.

Bridging the distance between us, he pulled me into his arms.

“Thank you,” I breathed against his neck. “For everything.”

“There isn’t a single thing I wouldn’t do for you, sweetheart.”

“I know.” I believed him.

For now, in this moment, with Axel’s arms around me and my bunnies exploring their new tower, I let myself pretend that Sunday nights like this could last forever. And maybe, if everything worked out, they would.

27

My boots crunched against the sidewalk as I hurried down Main Street, the last of the daylight fading behind the mountains. October’s chill bit through my cardigan despite the brisk pace I’d set. I should have worn a heavier coat.

The Roost’s warm glow appeared ahead, its windows still lit. A few customers lingered inside—I could see their silhouettes through the glass. Good.

I was more careful than ever to ensure there were always people around. Especially after Ambrose’s threat on Sunday. Since then, I felt like I was constantly checking over my shoulder.

I pulled out my phone as I walked, checking the time. 5:47pm. I’d finished my last class of the day, dropped everything by my office after asking a couple of my students to escort me. They’d heard about what happened and were eager to make sure I felt safe. Then I’d parted ways with them just outside the quad.

The street was populated with a mix of small town folks from Redding and a few tourists enjoying everything the season had to offer. Most of them were heading into the couple of restaurants around and on Main Street. The majority of the other shops closed down around six, in true small town fashion. Even The Roost.

Iris would be closing up any minute, and then we’d have privacy to talk.

My thumb hovered over Axel’s contact. I’d already texted him earlier—keeping him updated throughout my day. He checked in on me nearly every hour.

My encounter with Ambrose had been playing on repeat in my head for three days. Every time I closed my eyes. Every quiet moment between lectures.

His words about Iris were impossible to shake.

The guilt sat like a stone in my stomach. This was my fault. My mess. And now Iris was tangled in it.

I tucked my phone away and pushed through The Roost’s door. The familiar chime announced my arrival and the scent of coffee and cinnamon wrapped around me—usually comforting, but tonight it did nothing to settle my nerves.

Iris looked up from behind the counter, her face brightening. “Becca! Perfect timing.” She gestured to the few remaining customers. “Just finishing up with these last stragglers.”

“Take your time.” I gave her a smile, dropping my bag at my usual table by the window.

A college-aged guy was working on a laptop at the corner table, headphones in. An older woman sat near the fireplace with a paperback. They both looked settled in, oblivious to closing time.

I dropped into my chair, pulling out my phone to look busy. My knee bounced under the table. Every few seconds, my eyes flicked to Iris behind the counter.

She was wiping down the espresso machine. She glanced up at the clock and frowned, then turned to look at the remaining patrons. “Miss?” she called to the woman by the fireplace, her voice friendly but firm. “We’re closing in a few minutes.”

The woman looked up, startled, then quickly gathered her things. The college guy did the same after Iris tapped on his table. Within minutes, they’d both filtered out, the door chiming twice.

And then we were alone.

“Ahh. That’s better.” She flipped the sign to CLOSED and turned the lock. “They’ll stay all night if you don’t give them a firm push.”