Page 80 of Magical Mischief

“Maeve…that’s dangerous. Gideon’s magic is deceptive, manipulative. He uses visions and half-truths to twist minds. He could have easily shown you something false to lure you into trusting him. Let’s think about this logically. He knows your mom hasn’t returned to Stonewick since she left with you forty years ago. He’s probably just playing the odds. He knows there’s a strong chance that since her daughter is now in Stonewick, she would make it a point to visit.”

“I’ve thought about that as an option as well. I know it makes sense, and I want to believe that’s it,” I admitted, squeezing his hand gently. “But I felt like I needed to share it with you, in case there’s something more.”

Keegan withdrew his hand slowly. “I appreciate it, Maeve. We all have to remain vigilant. I’m honestly worried about your mom being here. I wanted her at the hotel because at least we can keep an eye on her.”

“And I thank you for that.”

He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. “Gideon wants you confused. He wants you to question yourself, to doubt your instincts. He knows exactly what your mother's return would do to you emotionally. It makes you vulnerable, and Gideon thrives on that.”

I felt warmth rush to my cheeks, emotions churning chaotically inside.

“That’s for sure.”

Keegan shook his head gently, as his eyes filled with quiet intensity.

“Maeve, I’m just worried for you. You’re brave and stronger than you think, but Gideon preys on compassion. I—” He hesitated, something flickering across his face, a tender vulnerability rarely seen. “I care too much about you to watch you fall into one of his traps.”

My heart quickened, a fluttering warmth blooming in my chest. I met his gaze, seeing a fierce protectiveness burning there that took my breath away. “Keegan…”

He looked away, exhaling slowly to regain control of his carefully guarded feelings. “I’m sorry. I know that wasn’tappropriate. But the thought of Gideon hurting you, tricking you, makes me lose all sense of reason.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I’m grateful you care. But Gideon or not, the Academy has already opened itself to me. It wants me back. The pull I feel is stronger than ever, Keegan. It’s almost impossible to resist, but I don’t know how long I’ll be there this time, and if my mom is still in town…”

“I’ve got you, Maeve. We’ll be on it with your parents.”

“How did I get so lucky with you?”

“I’ve learned it’s easier to support your decisions than try to change your mind.” He chuckled, and my heart skipped a beat.

I rose from my seat, feeling calmer, steadier, because of him. And I realized it wasn’t jealousy or envy that sprouted when Bella and Keegan were together. It was a fear of losing something that I was too afraid to let myself have.

“Your kindness and ability to trust your instincts never cease to amaze me.”

“Thank you,” I said softly. “I needed to hear that.”

His eyes softened as he stood beside me, strong and reassuring. “Always, Maeve. Always.”

The cottage door swung open abruptly, admitting a gust of chill evening air and Twobble, who shook himself vigorously like a dog, sending droplets of rain scattering across the rug. His wide, mischievous eyes immediately landed on Keegan and me around the table.

He grinned and rubbed his hands together.

“Evening, Twobble,” Keegan said.

“You two won’t believe what happened,” Twobble said gleefully, rocking on his heels.

“Bella got herself stuck halfway up a tree.”

“Our Bella? The graceful fox shifter and first teacher of our Academy?” I questioned.

“The one and only,” Twobble cackled. “Seems she thought she spotted something important, or perhaps shiny, in the branches. One minute, she’s confidently scaling the trunk. The next, she’s tangled in vines, fur everywhere, her dignity blowing away in the breeze.”

Keegan chuckled, though he eyed Twobble knowingly. “And I suppose you left her there?”

Twobble gave an exaggerated gasp, pressing a hand to his chest. “I would never…”

“You did.” My brows lifted.

“But I will say, fox shifters are notoriously prickly when embarrassed. It was self-preservation.”