Page 46 of Hex and the Kitty (Whispering Pines #9)
FORTY-SIX
T he mist coalesced into a scene of Molly and Warrick in the bakery kitchen. They moved in perfect synchronization, passing ingredients and stealing kisses between mixing bowls. Flames danced from their fingertips as they worked—her magic and his tiger-shifter heat creating something beautiful together.
The vision shifted to a nursery bathed in golden afternoon light. A handcrafted wooden crib dominated the center, surrounded by floating mobiles of planets and stars. Molly watched herself place a tiny firefighter hat on the crib’s pillow while Warrick’s arms encircled her from behind. The image began to fade just as a small sound came from within the crib.
Molly’s breath caught. A family with Warrick. A child. The vision dissipated before she could see the baby, but the yearning it awakened took her by surprise. Her chest constricted with longing for something she hadn’t admitted she wanted—not just Warrick as a lover, but Warrick as her partner, her future, her forever.
“Molly?” Celeste’s gentle voice broke through her reverie. “You’re glowing.”
Molly blinked, looking down to discover sparkling light emanating from her skin.
“That happens when a vision resonates deeply with your true desires,” Daisy explained softly. “Your magic recognizes your heart’s longing.”
Before Molly could respond, the mist shifted again, forming a new scene with Celeste at its center. She and Kade stood beside a crystal-clear lake, her head thrown back in laughter as his wolf form playfully splashed water at her. The image rippled to show them cuddled on a porch swing, Kade’s hand resting protectively on her stomach—not pregnant now, but the intention clear in his eyes.
“Another baby in your future,” Ellie observed with a smile. “Kade will be ecstatic.”
Celeste’s cheeks colored. “We’ve only just started discussing the possibility...”
The mist swirled again, revealing Ellie in her lush garden. Her son Asher, now older, helped two identical toddlers pick flowers. The twins’ fingers sparked with blue magic whenever they touched a blossom, transforming it into a butterfly that fluttered skyward.
“Twins?” Ellie whispered, her expression softening. “Reed would howl with joy.”
“Double trouble,” Tabitha agreed, squeezing her friend’s hand. “Just what Whispering Pines needs.”
The vision flowed into a new scene: Bram in a nursery rocking chair, his massive frame dwarfing the delicate furniture. In his arms lay a tiny baby girl wrapped in a pink blanket embroidered with bear paw prints. The tenderness on the burly shifter’s face made them all sigh.
“A baby girl,” Tabitha murmured, stroking her bump. “Bram would melt completely.”
“The toughest bears always do,” Daisy agreed with a wink.
The mist continued its dance, swirling into Sera’s vision. Lark Wilder appeared, his handsome face displaying comical panic as he chased three identical toddlers. The triplets zoomed on miniature toy dragons, leaving trails of sparks and gleeful chaos in their wake.
“Three?” Sera gasped, her usual composure shattered. The color drained from her face as she stared at the vision.
The room fell silent, everyone transfixed by the triplet prophecy.
“It’s just a possible future,” Daisy reminded her gently. “Not necessarily?—“
“Actually,” Ellie interrupted, her empathic abilities clearly sensing something, “I think we should verify.”
Daisy blinked, then darted to a cabinet. “I have a quick fertility test potion. It’s harmless—just indicates pregnancy and number.”
“This isn’t necessary,” Sera protested weakly, though she accepted the small thimble of clear liquid Daisy handed her. “Lark and I are careful. We plan everything.”
“Humor us,” Celeste urged, leaning forward.
With a skeptical look, Sera drank the potion. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, three bright runes materialized above her head, glowing with unmistakable meaning.
“By the Goddess,” Sera whispered, swaying slightly.
“TRIPLETS!” the others shrieked in unison.
The pharmacy erupted in celebration. Daisy danced around the table, Tabitha hugged Sera tightly despite her pregnant belly, and Celeste wiped happy tears from her eyes.
“How?” Sera kept repeating, a dazed smile replacing her shock. “We’ve been so methodical.”
“You’ve been methodical,” Ellie grinned. “I’m pretty sure Lark is planning a whole football team.”
“Still, we planned one child at a time. Not three in one go!”
“Dragon shifter fertility,” Celeste explained. “Kade and I had lunch with Briar and Falkor. Falkor mentioned that dragon shifters are extraordinarily fertile when they find their true mates. Something about ancient magic ensuring the continuation of rare bloodlines.”
“Three little dragons,” Ellie mused, squeezing Sera’s hand. “Lark will burst with pride.”
“And terror,” Sera added, laughing through tears. “Our organized life will never be the same.”
The celebration continued for several minutes before Daisy dimmed the lights and stirred the cauldron to settle the visions. The atmosphere shifted, becoming more intimate as their excitement mellowed.
“While we’re on the topic of futures,” Daisy said, refilling their teacups, “Molly, how are things truly progressing with our stoic fire chief? That nursery vision spoke volumes.”