Page 58 of Hex and the Kitty (Whispering Pines #9)
FIFTY-EIGHT
T he warmth of Molly’s hand against his arm centered Warrick as they crossed the threshold. The interior of the community center had transformed beyond recognition. Stars glimmered across a midnight-blue ceiling that seemed to stretch into infinity. Silver and gold streamers cascaded from hidden fixtures, creating the illusion of falling stardust.
Each table featured centerpieces of crystal vases holding luminescent blooms that pulsed with gentle light—magical flowers that Molly had mentioned Ivy Sullivan cultivated specially for the event. The effect transported guests from a small-town community center to an enchanted ballroom suspended among the stars.
“Warrick! Molly!”
David Rhodes approached, looking uncharacteristically polished in his dress uniform. He clapped Warrick on the shoulder, eyes crinkling with genuine pleasure.
“About time you two made it official,” David said. “The firehouse hasn’t seen you smile this much in... well, ever.”
Warrick arched an eyebrow. “I smile.”
“Your ‘good morning’ face and your ‘I’m furious’ face are identical,” David teased. “Or at least they were before a certain witch with magical cupcakes came along.”
Beside him, Molly blushed deeply. “I think the chief has always had a wonderful smile. Some people just weren’t observant enough to notice it.”
“Oh, we noticed,” David laughed. “It appeared exactly once when Martinez accidentally set his boot on fire during that kitchen safety demonstration. Lasted approximately two seconds before vanishing again.”
“I’d rather not discuss my facial expressions all evening,” Warrick interrupted, though a smile—yes, an actual smile—tugged on his lips. Three centuries of careful distance, and somehow within months, this town—these people—had tangled themselves inextricably with his life. With his heart.
As they moved deeper into the room, familiar faces turned toward them. Celeste waved from where she stood with Kade, her advanced pregnancy not diminishing her radiance in a flowing purple gown. Ellie and Reed occupied a corner table, his arm draped protectively around her shoulders while she gazed up at him with unbridled adoration.
“Everyone looks so happy,” Molly murmured, squeezing his arm.
“They do,” he agreed, allowing himself to savor the moment—the peaceful culmination of weeks of tension. No more sabotage, no more threats. Just this night, this woman, this community.
Across the room, Warrick caught sight of his cupcake display—an elaborate tower of her “Fire Kade whispering something that made Celeste throw back her head in laughter; Bram sweeping Tabitha into an elegant turn.
Warrick extended his hand. “May I have this dance, Miss Hues?”
Her smile lit up her entire face. “I thought you’d never ask, Chief Shaw.”
He led her onto the floor, one hand settling on the small of her back, the other enfolding her fingers. Years of existence had taught him many things, including how to move with grace. He guided her through the opening steps, pleased when she followed effortlessly.
“You never told me you could dance,” she said, looking up at him through dark lashes.
“There are many things I haven’t told you yet.” He executed a perfect turn, drawing her closer than strictly necessary. “We have time for all of it.”
“All of it?”
“Everything.” His voice dropped lower, meant only for her. “Every story, every memory worth sharing. Every dream for the future—our future.”
Her eyes widened slightly, lips parting in soft surprise. “Our future,” she repeated, testing the words.
“If you want it.”
Around them, the music swelled, but Warrick heard only the rhythm of Molly’s heartbeat and his own. They moved together as if they’d danced a thousand times before, finding a synchronicity that seemed impossible for two people who’d known each other mere months.
“I want it,” she finally whispered. “I want a future with you, Warrick. I know it hasn’t been long, but...”
“Time moves differently when you’ve lived for centuries,” he reminded her, his thumb stroking her lower back. “Some connections require decades to form. Others happen instantly—like lightning striking.”
“And we’re lightning?”
“The most powerful strike I’ve ever experienced.” He drew her closer still, propriety be damned. “I’ve wandered this earth for three hundred years, Molly. I’ve seen empires rise and fall, witnessed technological revolutions, lived through wars and peacetimes alike. Nothing— nothing —has anchored me the way you do.”
Moisture gathered in her eyes, turning them luminous in the starlight ambiance. A single tear spilled over, trailing down her cheek. Warrick caught it with his thumb, his touch reverent against her skin.
“Happy tears?” he asked.
She nodded, a tremulous smile forming. “I never thought... never expected...”
“Nor did I.” He pressed his forehead to hers, continuing their dance while creating an intimate bubble amid the crowd. “You’ve changed everything, Molly Hues.”
The music slowed, and she rested her head against his chest, directly over his heart. Perfect. His tiger rumbled with satisfaction deep within—their mate, safe in their arms, where she belonged.