Page 46 of Chasing Stripes (Enchanted Falls #3)

FORTY-SIX

“O ut of the question,” Bartek interrupted, surprising himself with his vehemence. “Not until we identify who’s behind this and neutralize the threat.”

“Agreed,” Hudson nodded. “She needs the protection of the pride.”

“The pride house has excellent magical barriers,” Gloria added, addressing Artemis directly. “Plus the combined protection of our shifters.”

Bartek watched Artemis’s expression, prepared for resistance. Moving to the pride house represented a significant step—one he hadn’t anticipated taking so quickly. The golden handprints had accelerated everything between them.

“Your mother’s right,” Tilly said unexpectedly. “You’d be safer there, surrounded by protection.” She patted Artemis’s hand. “I can manage the bakery for a few days. Your safety comes first.”

“I...” Artemis looked up at Bartek, her hazel eyes searching his. “Would that be okay?”

The hesitant question gutted him. Did she truly not understand?

“More than okay,” he said softly. “I won’t rest until you’re somewhere I know is safe.”

Until you’re with me hung unspoken between them.

As his parents discussed logistics with Tilly, Bartek remained beside Artemis, her hand clasped in his. The handprints pulsed in unison, their magic quieter now but still visibly connecting them.

“This is all happening so fast,” Artemis murmured. “A week ago, I didn’t even know you existed. Now I can’t imagine...”

“I know,” he agreed. For years, he’d convinced himself romance would interfere with his duties to the pride. Yet now with Artemis, he couldn’t imagine continuing without her. The thought terrified and exhilarated him in equal measure.

“Do you regret it?” she asked, vulnerability clear in her voice. “Being tethered to a fae baker instead of a nice tiger shifter girl?”

The question struck him forcefully. How could she doubt, even for a moment?

“Artemis.” He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “I’ve spent years telling myself duty comes before personal happiness. That the pride needed my full attention. That business success required my complete focus.”

Her eyes never left his face as he continued.

“Then you walked into my life with your golden magic and cinnamon scent, and suddenly every excuse I’d made collapsed. You make me want things I’d convinced myself I couldn’t have.”

“What things?” she whispered.

“Partnership. A mate who challenges me. Someone to come home to at night.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “You.”

The anxiety in her expression melted into something warm and wondering. She leaned toward him slowly, giving him time to pull away if he wanted.

He didn’t want to. He met her halfway, their lips connecting in a kiss far gentler than the desperate one they’d shared earlier. The handprints brightened, but instead of the explosive magic from before, this created a soft golden glow that enveloped them both.

“Oh my,” Gloria’s delighted voice broke the moment. “Hudson, look at that. Just like your parents when they kissed.”

Bartek pulled back reluctantly, aware of his parents’ fond gazes. Any other time, such open display of affection would have embarrassed him. Now he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“Let’s get you to the pride house,” he told Artemis. “You need proper rest.”

With dawn approaching, they prepared to leave. Haavi brought Bartek fresh clothes, and Artemis packed an overnight bag with Tilly’s help. Council investigators continued processing evidence outside while pride members maintained a visible presence throughout the neighborhood.

As they walked to Bartek’s SUV, Artemis leaned on him for support, her ankle still tender despite Tilly’s ministrations. The contact satisfied something primal in him—her willing acceptance of his support, his ability to provide it.

The sun broke over the horizon as they pulled away from Honeycrisp Bakery, painting the streets in soft golden light that matched the handprints connecting them. In the passenger seat, Artemis watched him with thoughtful eyes.

“This changes everything, doesn’t it?” she asked softly.

Bartek reached across to take her hand, surprised by how natural the gesture felt. “Not everything,” he said. “I’m still pride alpha. You’re still the most talented baker in Enchanted Falls.”

“But now we’re...”

“Together,” he finished simply. The word encompassed depths he wasn’t ready to fully articulate—mate, partner, beloved. Those would come with time.

For now, “together” was enough.