Page 10 of The Soulmate Bakery

My fingers tightened on his jacket, imperceptibly, but enough for him to feel it. I’m not sure what my face looked like, but finally something like understanding crossed his face.

‘Actually, Madam Mayor,’ Orion said, glancing her way. ‘These trousers are dragon leather and are impervious to spells. Maya, would you mind helping me to the kitchen?’

I nodded quickly and beckoned him to follow me. ‘It’s right this way.’

As we left the living room, the murmur of the Coven filled the silence. I guided Orion to our kitchen, Jinx slipping in with us, closing the door of the kitchen before turning to face him. Orion was leaning back against the counter; arms folded over his chest. If I thought he would be the first one to break the silence, I was wrong. He simply stared at me, one eyebrow raised, waiting for an explanation.

‘The cook – I mean the baked good, the one you think caused the curse – which one was it?’ I asked, looking at Jinx. I could feel the pressure of Orion’s gaze, but I couldn’t meet his eyes.

And then he said the one thing I really, truly, didn’t want to hear him say. ‘A chocolate-chip cookie. It was the only thing Inspector Vale ate. The enchanted doughnuts he bought were still uneaten.’

I groaned, tipping my head back and slumping against the door. I wanted to cry, scream, eat something and take a nap all at the same time. Those felt like the only rational ways to deal with this.

‘Do you know who cast the love spell over the town?’ Orion demanded, and, when I didn’t reply, he let out a breath of exasperation. ‘Reverie.’

I considered lying to him; making up some story that would buy me some time. But it would be useless. Once my mother, and the Coven, found out a cookie caused this mess, she’d go to Ivy. Ivy would realize that she hadn’t been the one to bake chocolate-chip cookies for the sale, and then they would all know it was me.

I’d get a third point on my licence, accident or not. The Coven was strict about witches casting forbidden spells.

And then I’d have to spend a year being magic bound.

‘It was an accident,’ I whispered, defeated. ‘I didn’t mean to curse anyone!’ I exclaimed, after his eyes widened at my admission.

‘You did it?’ Orion said, and I couldn’t tell if he was outraged or shocked. ‘Why?’

‘It wasn’t supposed to be a love spell, it was supposed to be a soul–’ I blustered, feeling my cheeks heat up.

I was not about to tell Orion the reason I cast the spell. I’d made myself look bad in front of him enough times already.

‘Fine,’ Orion replied, and his jaw tightened. ‘But we need to tell your mother –’

‘No.’

The word tore out of me and, before I knew it, I was right in front of Orion. He didn’t look intimidated by my abrupt intrusion into his space, only confused as he continued leaning back against the countertop.

‘No, you cannot tell my mother that I cast the spell,’ I demanded.

‘She specifically asked me to help break the curse,’ Orion retorted. ‘What would you like me to do instead?’

‘Help me,’ I said, desperately.

Orion’s eyebrow raised imperiously. Through gritted teeth, I said, ‘I cannot get another point on my licence. One more and I’m magic bound.’

Orion opened his mouth to say something, to probably remind me it was my own fault I was in this position, but I cut him off.

‘Please, Orion,’ I asked.

Something in his eyes gentled and, for several long moments, neither of us said anything. I wondered if he was thinking about the last time I’d asked for his help. The way I’d pleaded then, and how he’d ignored it.

‘Orion, Maya,’ Mum called. ‘Is everything OK in there?’

Orion’s head turned to the doorway, and then back to me. The soft gaze disappeared, replaced now by a look I was much more familiar with – frustration.

‘Please,’ I whispered once more.

Orion inhaled sharply and then stepped neatly around me. He went right out of the kitchen, and I trailed behind him – feeling like a deflated balloon. In the living room, the mess I’d made had been cleared, in perfect time for my other mess to take centre stage.

‘Apologies about that, Orion,’ Mum said, all prim and proper. ‘Do continue with telling us about your theory?’