Page 135 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

“Yeah, well, I’m a witch. Halloween is literally my holiday.”

He huffed out a laugh, returning to his design. “Fair point.”

I went back to my own pumpkin, scraping the sides clean. The kitchen smelled like autumn—pumpkin, cinnamon from the candles Axel had lit, and the apple cider warming on the stove. October sunshine streamed through the windows, painting everything gold. Outside, the mountains were a riot of color, the aspens blazing yellow against the evergreens.

It had been a week since the cave. Since Ambrose. Since everything changed.

A week since Axel claimed me, knotted me, bit me. Made me his in every way that mattered.

I scooped out another handful of guts. My off-the-shoulder sweater shifted down a bit more. Axel’s gaze lifted, noticing the movement, and fixed on the silvery bite mark at the junction of my shoulder and throat. His expression morphed, as it usually did. I caught him staring at it often.

He loved seeing it there. I could feel it in our bond. Feel the wave of possessiveness every time he saw it, reminding him of what we’d done.

“What are you thinking about?” Axel’s voice pulled me back.

“Nothing,” I said quickly, too quickly. Because my thoughts always turned hungry when I thought about him. About the things he did to me with his tongue and fingers. With his cock. His knot.

Heat dumped into my core, making my pussy clench.

“Liar,” Axel huffed. “I can smell your cunt from here. Should we take a break so I can see to your needs, sweetheart?” His eyes flared yellow, just for a second, and his eagerness seeped through the bond.

“Don’t even think about it,” I threatened, lifting my scraper and pointing it at him. “I know sabotage when I see it. I’ll not let you distract me.”

He huffed and shook his head, returning to his pumpkin.

We had all the rest of the day to enjoy the carnal pleasures of our newly-formed bond. All evening. All night. And tomorrow. And the next day.

We had time.

There was no curse hanging over my head. No Ambrose lurking in the shadows. Just...life. Our life.

The thought still made my chest feel so full.

My phone buzzed with several incoming texts. I glanced at the screen—our sibling group chat.

I wiped my hands on a dish towel and went to retrieve it.

Vera

I was so angry at a patient’s abusive family member today I accidentally shattered every cup on the nurses’ station. Looks like I need a little practice with control…

Robbie

Same, sis. Caden burned dinner and without thinking I just...unburned it. He stood there staring at the pan for five minutes. I told him it was a new cooking technique.

Vera

Looks like it’s finally time to come clean about your magic, now that the two of you are living together.

Robbie

I know…

Me

How’s that going, anyway? Glad you two moved in together?

Robbie