Page 72 of Chasing Stripes (Enchanted Falls #3)
SEVENTY-TWO
“T ooth & Claw will serve as our secondary command center,” Bartek instructed the assembled group. “The bar’s security system is state-of-the-art—I designed it to protect pride interests and investments.” The establishment Artemis had once viewed as merely a neighboring business revealed its strategic importance—another layer of protection Bartek had built for those under his care.
“We want to help!” Lily announced, her voice carrying an authority that belied her tiny stature.
“We have special tiger senses!” Jade added, nodding emphatically.
Gloria’s expression conveyed both apology and exasperation. “They sensed something was happening and absolutely refused to stay at the pride house. Apparently, they have a personal stake in rescuing their aunt and uncle.”
The casual inclusion of Artemis in the family struck her with unexpected warmth. The twins had accepted her without question, incorporating her into their world with the simple, complete certainty only children could manage.
Bartek knelt to their level, his expression softening in a way that made Artemis’s heart flutter. “It’s too dangerous for little tigers,” he explained gently. “We need you to stay safe.”
The twins exchanged a look of silent communication before Lily planted her hands firmly on her hips. “We can smell things grown-ups can’t,” she insisted.
“Like what?” Artemis asked, genuinely curious despite the gravity of the situation.
“Like sadness,” Jade said with complete conviction. “And secrets. People smell different when they have secrets.”
Gloria attempted to steer them toward the kitchen. “I brought magical cookie dough to keep them occupied,” she explained. “I thought they could help bake while we?—”
“Wait,” Thora interrupted, her sabertooth instincts suddenly alert. “The twins might be onto something.”
Artemis crouched beside Bartek, addressing the twins directly. “What does sadness smell like?”
Lily scrunched her nose in concentration. “Like rain on metal. And old books.”
“And secrets smell spiky,” Jade contributed solemnly. “Like when someone wears too much cologne to hide something else.”
The adults exchanged skeptical glances, but something tingled at the edge of Artemis’s awareness. “The person who left my mother’s journal in our quarters—you said they smelled sad.”
The twins nodded in perfect unison.
“Very sad,” Lily confirmed. “But also... hopeful? Like when you’re crying but also smiling.”
“That’s not a smell,” Haavi objected, but Gloria raised her hand to silence him.
“Actually, for young shifters, emotional states can register as distinct scent patterns,” she explained. “I experienced something similar with Bartek when he was small. He could smell when someone was lying—said it was ‘sticky like old honey.’“
Bartek’s ears reddened slightly at this childhood revelation, but his focus remained on the twins. “If they can sense emotional residue, maybe they could help us locate The Collector’s magical signature.”
“Absolutely not,” Gloria protested, her maternal instincts flaring. “We are not taking children into danger.”
“No one’s suggesting that,” Artemis assured her quickly. “But maybe they could help us identify the correct entrance to the tunnels? From a safe distance?”
The debate that followed was heated but focused. Eventually, they reached a compromise: the twins would accompany them—heavily guarded—to the town square to help identify magical traces. Once the entrance was located, they would be immediately escorted back to the pride house while the rest of the team proceeded underground.
As midday approached, they prepared meticulously. Thora outfitted Artemis in a reinforced jacket that would “at least slow down magical attacks,” while Bartek transformed part of the bakery into a tactical command center. Through it all, they remained physically connected whenever possible—a touch on the arm as they passed, shoulders brushing as they studied maps, fingers intertwining during moments of decision.
Each time their eyes met across the room, the connection between them visibly intensified, causing knowing smiles among their friends.
When it was finally time to move, they gathered in the center of the bakery for final instructions. Rust, assuming natural leadership as both mayor and lion shifter, addressed the group.
“We move in teams. Bartek and Artemis at the center—their connection gives them unique protection and offensive capabilities. Thora and I will take point. Artair and Kalyna cover the rear. Haavi coordinates communications from the secondary position with Gloria and the twins.”
He looked each of them in the eye. “Remember, this isn’t just about stopping a magical theft. There are potentially captives who need rescuing. Stay alert, stay together, and for the love of all things magical, nobody play hero.”
The last directive was delivered with a pointed look at Bartek, who responded with a noncommittal grunt that fooled absolutely no one.
They moved through Enchanted Falls with careful coordination, using side streets and magical concealment to avoid drawing attention. The townspeople, sensing the tension in the air, had largely remained indoors, creating an eerie quiet that amplified every sound.