Page 136 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

Yes. Definitely glad. That might change when I come clean about being a witch.

I bit my lip, holding back a smile. He’d finally taken my advice, giving this whole living together thing a try.

Vera

You’ll work through it. You owe him the truth. Now that our magic is back, it’s going to be a big part of our lives.

Robbie

Yeah, yeah. Message received.

It still didn’t feel real. This reality.

My siblings had noticed the return of their magic minutes after I’d broken the curse. Once I finally got around to checking my phone the next day, after the hours’ long mating spree between me and Axel, I’d found countless missed calls and texts from them, along with my parents. All demanding to know what was going on.

“Your siblings?” Axel asked, watching my face.

“Yeah. They’re still coming to terms with the return of our family’s magic.” I set the phone down and went back to scraping my pumpkin, my thoughts drifting to my parents. When I’d returned their call, it had been tense. They’d wanted every detail and I’d been forced to lie, especially about Ambrose’s involvement. They were especially displeased when I told them I was seeing someone—a werewolf—and would not be returning home. It shouldn’t have mattered now that the curse was broken, but they seemed fixed on the idea of a relationship between the Blackthorns and Millers regardless.

I needed to tell them what Ambrose had done. I would eventually. But only when I was ready.

“I’m glad they’re happy,” Axel said.

“Oh. I forgot to tell you. Vera mentioned something about coming to visit the other day.”

I’d already given both my siblings an open invitation to come to Redding.

Axel hesitated, his gaze holding mine. His throat bobbed before he spoke. “I’d love to meet them.”

“I’d like that too,” I said softly.

Basil chose that moment to hop over, standing on his hind legs to sniff the air. Sage wasn’t far behind, her little nose twitching with curiosity. I scraped out some of the pumpkin flesh and crouched. “Want a taste, cutie?” Basil took one sniff and immediately snatched the small piece from my hands, racing away, flicking his back feet out behind him as he went. “Here sweetie, let me get you your own piece.” I scraped out a thin piece for Sage.

They could have a little pumpkin in moderation, and they deserved to be part of today’s festivities.

Axel watched with amusement. “I’ve been thinking…”

“Uh-oh. You didn’t come up with a new stew recipe to put them in, did you?”

He chuckled and the sound made my stomach swoop. “I was thinking, I might build them a bunny run outdoors. The snow will come soon, but it shouldn’t take more than a couple days. That way they can enjoy it before winter fully sets in.”

I let out a squeal. “Oh, my God. They would love that! I’ve always wanted to make them an outdoor area. They were stuck in my cramped apartment first, then the bungalow. I think they’d love the fresh air. Though, it might scare them at first. We’ll have to get them used to it. Put lots of little hiding places in. All that.”

“I’ll take care of it all.”

I melted a little. “You’re too perfect.”

“I just want you to be happy. Here. With me.”

“I am,” I said softly, my throat going tight. “I am happy here.”

The week that had passed had been the happiest of my life. Full of endless possibilities and Axel’s love. All while embracing my favorite season ever.

I didn’t think anything could be more perfect.

Which was why I would be paying out the end of my lease on the bungalow come November. My last official day as a renter was October 31st. As stated in my rental contract, I was obligated to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters since the home was part of Redding’s historic district.

But, I’d already moved the rest of my things in a few days ago, keeping only some stuff out on the porch. Neighborhood vibes were important, after all.