Page 146 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

“It’s been like two hours since we talked.” Rebecca was laughing, squeezing her friend in a hug.

“You know what I mean,” Elle said as she pulled back, hands on Rebecca’s shoulders, studying her face. “You look amazing. Like, genuinely glowing. Mountain air agrees with you, clearly. Or…could it be⁠—”

“Don’t you dare!” Rebecca cut her off. He didn’t miss the cute flush that crept over her cheeks or the way his mate’s eyes darted to him.

“Oh, fine. I’ll behave.” Elle’s gaze shifted, landing on Axel. Her eyes went wide. “Holy shit, you weren’t kidding.”

Bastian gave a low growl, stepping closer to his mate. “What, babe?” She batted her lashes at Bastian. “I’m allowed to assess my best friend’s mate to determine if he’s up to snuff.”

“And?” Axel couldn’t help but ask, his mouth twitching.

“Oh, he definitely passes the test.” Elle’s eyes were locked with Becca like they were sharing a secret conversation.

Rebecca cleared her throat. “Right, introductions.”

“Axel MacKinnon.” He reached forward, offering his hand to Elle first, as was polite.

“Scottish, right? Becca mentioned the accent.” Elle’s handshake was surprisingly firm.

“Aye.” He shook her hand, releasing it just as quickly before offering it to the goblin.

Bastian stepped forward. “Bastian Croft. Good to meet you.”

Axel shook his hand, noting the strength in the other male’s grip. “Likewise.”

They held eye contact for a beat longer than necessary, silent understanding passing between them. If Bastian wondered about his scar or how he got it, he didn’t make any indication.

“All right, now that the alpha male posturing is done,” Elle said cheerfully, “can we please get food? I’m starving.”

“Lead the way.” Rebecca looped her arm through Elle’s.

They started walking, the women falling into easy chatter. Axel and Bastian followed a few paces behind, content to let their mates take the lead.

“The Timber Lodge?” Bastian asked after a moment.

“Aye. Good food. Quiet.”

“Works for me.”

They walked in silence, watching Elle gesticulate wildly about something that had Rebecca laughing. Through the bond, he felt his mate’s joy—bright and uncomplicated.

“Elle wants to see the cave tomorrow,” Bastian said. “The knife.”

Axel’s jaw tightened. “Rebecca doesn’t want me going back.”

“Not a problem. I can take her.” Bastian casually slipped his hands into his pockets. He didn’t ask why, which Axel was grateful for.

“I can give you the GPS coordinates and you can borrow the UTV at our place.”

“Perfect.”

“Rebecca wants you both over for dinner afterward.”

“That should be fine. Shouldn’t take too long.”

“Good.”

The restaurant was only a few blocks away. Maggie—one of Rebecca’s students’ mothers—greeted them at the door and led them to a curved, corner booth. Axel took the seat on the outside. Bastian did the same from the opposite side. The girls were shoulder to shoulder in the middle.