Page 147 of Freed By the Witchbone Knife

“So,” Elle said once they’d ordered drinks. “How’s everything been? Really?”

“Good,” Rebecca fussed with the menu. “Really good.”

“And the whole...” Elle made a vague gesture. “You know. Everything with Ambrose?”

Rebecca’s hand found Axel’s under the table. “No issues.”

Elle’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t push. “Okay. Good. Let us know if anything comes up on that front. Bastian has plenty of connections.”

“Will do.”

“Glad he got what was coming.” Elle flipped her menu open. “He was such a dick.”

“The biggest,” Rebecca agreed.

“And you?” Elle glanced at Axel. “You taking good care of her?”

He huffed. “Should I prepare myself for the best friend interrogation?”

Elle laughed. “I’m just happy she’s happy. That you both found each other. And happy I get to come visit sometimes.”

The server returned with drinks and the conversation shifted. Elle dominated most of it—stories about a forged painting she’d authenticated, about her cat Teddy destroying another pair of Bastian’s shoes, to which he grunted with irritation, and about the ridiculousness of academic conferences and how she couldn’t wait to finish her PhD.

Axel listened, content to watch his mate in her element. The way she smiled. How she leaned into him unconsciously. The small touches—her hand on his arm, her knee pressed against his.

Bastian seemed equally content to let Elle talk, his arm protectively draped over the table’s back. Occasionally their eyes would meet, and something unspoken would pass between them.

Food arrived. Elle immediately started critiquing the steak preparation compared to how Bastian would have done it. Rebecca kicked her under the table, which made Axel’s lips twitch.

“What? I’m just saying⁠—“

“Elle.”

“Fine. It’s delicious. Happy?”

Bastian smirked into his drink.

The meal passed easily and the drinks flowed freely. It was comfortable. By the time they’d finished, it was well past dark.

They escorted them back to the B&B. When they reached it, Elle hugged Rebecca again.

“I’m really glad you’re happy,” she said quietly.

“Me too.”

Elle pulled back, then surprised Axel by hugging him too. “I’m so glad she found you.”

He was more glad than he could ever put into words.

Bastian shook Axel’s hand. “Tomorrow. Nine?”

“Works.”

Then they disappeared into the B&B, leaving Axel and Rebecca alone on the sidewalk.

“That was such fun,” Rebecca said on a long sigh.

“Aye.” He was surprised by his own admission. He liked Bastian. The male wasn’t one for small talk and he appreciated that.