Page 34 of A Match Made in Coven (Paranormal Romance #2)

Mary Callidora turned to Sarah Michelle and Lorcan.

“To thee, my descendants and thy beloved, I extend my deepest thanks. Thy courage and steadfast resolve have unraveled the tangled skein of falsehoods that hath bound our families in enmity for nigh on three centuries.” Mary Callidora’s melodious voice filled the air.

“Through thy actions, thou hast not only freed us from our earthly bonds but hast also paved the way for a new era of peace and understanding betwixt our covens.”

Lorcan smiled goofily. “You’re welcome.”

Sarah Michelle rolled her eyes, but at least this time she didn’t elbow him in the ribs.

The ghostly couple began to fade, their edges blurring like mist dissolving into the morning air.

Lysander took Mary’s elbow. “We must away now, my love.”

Mary’s gaze went to them one last time.

“Live well,” the ghost whispered, her voice like the soft rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze. “Remember that love and truth are the greatest magic of all.”

With that, Lysander Black and Mary Callidora ascended. The air surrounding them shimmered with silver dust, and the moon grew brighter, as if acknowledging their eternal reunion.

As they floated higher and higher, they became mere silhouettes against the full moon, merging into a single outline as they embraced in a last kiss that spoke of undying love and long-awaited freedom.

The cemetery fell silent as all present had their necks bent backward to gaze at the moon until Mary and Lysander became the shadow of a crater and nothing more.

Sarah Michelle leaned into Lorcan’s side, her warmth seeping through his jacket and into his skin.

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer as they shared a smile.

Behind them, Lorcan’s mother cleared her throat. He turned to find Cordelia standing tall and regal in her black gown. “Lorcan. I expect you and Sarah Michelle to join us for dinner soon. I’m owed a proper introduction to your girlfriend .”

That was as much warmth as could be expected from Cordelia Black.

Lorcan nodded. “Sure, Mother.”

“Very well.”

The matriarch turned to leave, and the other members of her coven followed suit.

As the two covens began to disperse, Elspeth Callidora made her way over to Sarah Michelle and Lorcan. She approached them with a twinkle in her eye, far less intimidating than Cordelia.

“Shelly, my dear. Not only did you uncover the truth about our coven’s past, but you also snatched a man I wouldn’t kick out of bed for snoring.” She winked at Lorcan, who grinned back sheepishly.

Sarah Michelle laughed, the sound ringing out like silver bells in the cemetery’s quiet. “Nana, you’re incorrigible.”

Elspeth chuckled, patting Sarah Michelle’s arm.

“When you reach my age, you’re allowed to be a bit cheeky.

” She turned her attention to Lorcan, her eyes sparkling.

“Now, young man, I expect you to treat my granddaughter like the treasure she is. And don’t think you can skimp on the family dinners.

I make a mean broomstick brownie that’ll have you begging for seconds. ”

Lorcan’s smile only grew. “I wouldn’t dream of missing out on that, Mrs. Callidora.”

“Please, call me Elspeth. Or Nana, if you’re feeling brave.”

As Elspeth hobbled away, leaning on her cane, Sarah Michelle turned to Lorcan with an amused look on her face. “Well, I guess that settles it. You’re officially part of the family now.”

“It’s an honor.” He bowed his head.

Sarah Michelle’s eyes sparkled as she gazed up at Lorcan. “So, Mr. Black, now that we’ve solved a murder, a centuries-old mystery, freed two star-crossed lovers, and got both our families off our backs, what do you say we go home and celebrate?”

He cupped her face, heat already surging through his veins at her suggestive tone. “I’d love nothing more than to celebrate with you. But… could we stay here a while longer?”

Sarah Michelle’s eyebrows shot up. “Lorcan Black, if you’re about to tell me you have a kink for cemetery sex, I’m outta here faster than a vampire at sunrise.”

Lorcan burst into laughter, his eyes crinkling with mirth. “Hex, no! Nothing like that. I just… I want to introduce you to someone.”

Confusion was clear in her eyes. “Introduce me to someone? In a cemetery? At this hour?”

Lorcan nodded, a hint of sadness creeping into his smile. He took her hand, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her skin. “Trust me?”

“Always.”

He led her through the winding paths between the graves, their footsteps crunching on the fallen leaves.

Soon, the older section of the cemetery, with its weathered tombstones and ancient trees, gave way to a newer, more modern area that had never been touched by their covens’ curses.

Here, polished granite markers replaced crumbling stone, and neatly trimmed grass carpeted the ground instead of tangled weeds.

The air grew cooler as they walked, and Sarah Michelle shivered.

Without a word, Lorcan shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

The gesture was purely romantic since he wrapped a warming spell around them a second later.

Sarah smiled up at him, understanding the gallantry, then lowered her nose to the collar of his jacket. “I love your smell.”

Lorcan leaned in closer, whispering, “I love your smell. I love how you taste. I love everything about you.”

She chuckled. “Are you sure you’re not trying to seduce me?”

Lorcan feigned outrage. “I thought I did all the seducing last night?”

“I could use more of the special treatment.”

Lorcan’s playful smile faded as they reached their destination. “We’re here.”

They stopped before a grave where a lone vase of white roses sat, the flowers now wilted and drooping. The headstone read Elijah Preston in elegant script, followed by dates that were far too close together.

Sarah Michelle’s breath caught. “Oh, Lorcan,” she whispered.

Lorcan stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the name engraved in stone.

He spoke in a hollow voice, like the words had been carved out of him.

“I know you’ll never really meet him, but I still wanted to introduce you.

He would’ve adored you and teased me to no end for the love-struck fool I’ve become since meeting you. ”

He kneeled on the floor to remove the dried-up flowers.

Lorcan looked around, unsure what to do with them until Sarah Michelle dropped next to him and took the wilted white roses from him.

She placed the dry blossoms on the ground and planted her hand on his, closing her eyes and whispering an incantation.

The earth warmed, and tiny green stalks erupted from the soil, pushing through the grass with surprising speed. The delicate stems grew, twisting and intertwining as they coated the grave. Leaves unfurled, their surfaces glistening with dew in the moonlight.

As the plant continued its miraculous advance, tiny buds sprouted, swelling and opening into a cascade of pearlescent blooms. The petals reminded him of Sarah’s wings—they held the same magic.

As the bush grew taller and wider, its branches arched over Elijah’s tombstone. The roses multiplied, their heady fragrance filling the air with a scent that was both sad and soothing.

Sarah Michelle opened her eyes, a soft smile playing on her lips as she surveyed her handiwork. The rosebush now stood proudly over Elijah’s grave, its blooms swaying in the night breeze.

Lorcan stared at the beautiful creation, eyes watery. “Thank you. It’s perfect.”

“You want to tell me about him?”

“Not tonight.” He hadn’t made peace with his grief yet. With losing his found brother, the person he thought he knew better than himself—but who had kept so many secrets instead.

Sarah Michelle hugged him, squeezing tight. “Whenever you’re ready.”

They sat in companionable silence, the distant hoot of an owl the only sound in the quiet cemetery. Despite the pain, Lorcan’s heart was full. Full of gratitude for the witch by his side, her kindness, her understanding, her quiet support.

Finally, he stood, offering his hand to help her up. As she rose, he pulled her into a tight embrace, burying his face in her hair and inhaling deeply. The scent of her mingled with the sweet fragrance of the roses.

Lorcan pulled the hair away from her face. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“Let’s get you home now.”

Sarah Michelle nodded.

He turned to Elijah’s grave. “Goodnight, my friend.”

Lorcan couldn’t be sure, but he felt a gentle pat on his shoulder, just like the ones Elijah used to say goodbye. With one last regretful nod, Lorcan steered them away.

They walked on, the cemetery’s shadows giving way to the light of dawn, as they stepped into a sunrise that whispered of healing, love, and adventures yet to be written.