Page 27 of Spellbound & Speechless (Witches of Starbrook #2)

Aspen

“You seem happier lately,” Juniper says, watching me across the bar. Even though her expression is neutral, the faintest glimmer of mistrust hides behind her gaze.

Considering Laurel’s matchmaking, which I’ve heard of in great detail, and Rowan silently knowing everything … Juniper is not the first person I expect to meddle.

Laurel sits in the little corner where she does readings. Her head lifts, a sign she’s listening in on the conversation. I don’t mind. Everyone should know how happy I am—how happy Mac makes me.

I shrug. “I am happy…”

“You know what I mean.” Juniper smiles. “Who is it?”

“You already know who.” I dry a glass as I wait for the pieces to click together.

“Gods.” It doesn’t take long for Juniper to shake her head. “I guess I should have considered that before letting you share a room.”

I laugh. “Letting us? I’m not a child!”

“I know that. When have I ever treated you like a child? ”

“Well, I would say… right now… kind of.”

It could be worse. Juniper may seem concerned, but I don’t feel judged. Why would she judge me? He’s handsome, protective, and a great boyfriend. Mac is the whole package.

Isn’t that what I deserve?

“Yes! I knew it!” Laurel calls. “If he had let me finish the reading…”

“I know, I know. You’re a talented reader.” I roll my eyes. “Come on. We haven’t exactly been secretive!”

Well, Mac is secretive. That’s just who he is. He’s quiet around the others, but I don’t hide the looks I give him, not one bit. Why should I? We’re happy together, and I think the world deserves to see more people who are madly in love.

Juniper was never interested in love, but I thought loving Ozan would change her, make her more open. I guess not. She still looks at me with the same scrutinizing glare she used to give me when I brought my high school boyfriends home.

She was often right to judge them, but this is different. Why can’t she see that?

“What’s going on with you two, exactly?” Juniper asks.

“I don’t know. I think we’re still figuring it out. Like, we’re together, but it’s new.” Warmth spreads over my cheeks. “I like him.”

She presses her lips together. “You’re sure that you’re together already? It seems early for that.”

My smile falters. “ Yes . I’m sure.”

There’s no reason to be so sure, but I am. Mac isn’t seeing anyone else, and I’m not either. He’s new to relationships, but we’ve been good at communication so far.

I think .

“I just want to make sure he isn’t using you.

” Juniper’s words are sharp, cutting through me, even though I know that isn’t her intention.

She leans across the bar and places a hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t get me wrong. I like him, and I’m sure that isn’t the case, but I don’t want to see you get hurt. ”

“Yeah…” I shake my head. “I don’t think that’s… I mean, like, I’ve done most of the initiating, but that doesn’t mean anything.”

“You’re right. That’s normal.” Juniper leans away and nods. “I’m probably worrying over nothing. Don’t mind me.”

Laurel joins us, her curiosity likely getting the better of her. She slides into the seat next to mine. “I haven’t seen him looking at anyone else— and he went to a wolf meeting. That’s huge for a lone wolf. It probably means he’s thinking about staying.”

Besides a vague mention of partying with wolves, he didn’t tell me about a meeting. So much for good communication. It’s probably nothing, but what if it’s something ?

My brows furrow. “A wolf meeting? Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Laurel says. “He’s thinking about joining the pack. There were a lot of wolf cuties, but I got to keep them all to myself. He’s obsessed with you.”

There must be an explanation. He said he trusts me. Why is he keeping secrets? I’ve been showing him my fashion and my life, but even though we talked about his history with packs, he didn’t tell me about this. How did he change his mind about joining a pack so quickly?

I let out a light, nervous laugh. “Yeah. Totally obsessed…”

Then why didn’t he tell me about his wolf meeting? It feels like it’s big. If he’s joining a pack, that’s great !

Why wouldn’t he tell me about it? In fact, why does Laurel , of all people, know?

I shake my head and continue wearing a smile, but it’s not genuine anymore. Now, it’s about convincing Juniper everything is fine—because it is!

Isn’t it?

I never wanted to be this kind of person—the one who anxiety takes hold of, who runs through the woods like a wild animal to get answers. It’s not as if Mac is cheating on me. He can’t be. The pack meeting was probably before we were together, but…

Why does he feel comfortable telling Laurel instead of me? That doesn’t feel right. I’ve told him so much about myself, my family trauma, and my life. I would love to support him with his pack endeavors, but he has to give me a chance to.

It’s easy to find him, even though the sun is still rising. He lies down in the backyard with his hands under his head. Mac is so peaceful… and I’m about to ruin it.

Not that I want to ruin it. This is supposed to be a calm, rational conversation. It’s more of a casual question, really.

I inhale slowly, remembering everything I’ve learned about being a love witch. Balance. Harmony. Communication. Self-love must always come first.

Self-love is exactly the reason I’m having this conversation. Juniper is right. No one will use me, and I refuse to be on different pages with someone, especially not with Mac. I want things to work out with him.

“I hear you,” he says before I can announce myself .

I jump. “Good.” I settle onto the grass next to him. “I’m not hiding from you.” And I’m not hiding anything from him, even if he’s hiding something from me.

He isn’t. Is he?

Mac sits up and leans forward, brushing my hair out of my face. “What’s wrong?”

“What do you mean?” I pitch my voice higher, trying to hide my frustration.

If Mac wants to act like everything is normal, maybe it is. Perhaps I’m the problem. I don’t need to know about his pack meetings; that’s his business, and he can keep secrets if he wants to.

He groans. “Stop. I can tell something is bothering you. You feel… off.”

“How do you know how I feel?”

“Aspen…”

“Fine.” My jaw tenses. “Why didn’t you tell me about the pack meeting?”

“What?” He shakes his head. “What pack meeting?”

“Oh, stop it! Laurel told me.”

He stares at the sky before it seems to click into place, his bright eyes widening. “That was weeks ago! Back when I first moved into the house. I went to a pack meeting to… well, to get some allies. More people to keep you safe.”

“Oh.” I falter, not expecting him to be so upfront. “You think the wolves can keep me safe? What are they keeping me safe from?”

“The corrupt witch.” His eyes flash red. “I know she’s been quiet, but?—”

Right. It’s so easy to forget about her, but he doesn’t seem to be able to. I guess Mac has a good reason to want to keep me safe .

I pull my knees into my chest and wrap my arms around myself. “Have you seen any signs of her? Or smelled any?”

“No.” He rubs a hand over his face. “But that doesn’t mean she’s gone. She’s still dangerous.”

“What if she is gone?” I ask. “Didn’t you tell me to be optimistic and look at silver linings, or whatever?”

“This is different.” His features are as cold as stone. “‘What ifs’ are not good enough for me. I need her dead. If she’s gone, I… I would have to go. To find her.”

“Oh, Mac…” My expression softens. “You can tell me about these things. I appreciate that you were trying to keep me and my family safe.”

And I don’t want him to leave, but I won’t say it. How have I gone from the one running from Starbrook, to begging for someone to stay? No. That won’t be me.

The look he gives me is earnest and passionate. How could I have doubted him? “Of course, I am. That’s all I ever wanted to do.”

I bite my lip, chewing nervously. My next question feels silly. “Then you do… like me?”

“What the hell?” He chuckles, running his fingers through his hair. “What are you asking?”

“Like, this isn’t just sex?” I force myself to hold my head higher, even though I want to run and hide. “Right? I mean, it’s fine if it is, I just want to know where we stand… so we’re not standing in different places.”

Why can’t I stop talking?

I don’t know what I’m hoping for. Maybe some reassurance. A little comfort would be nice. I know how to set my boundaries in relationships now , but he wouldn’t be the first man to latch on to a love witch just for good sex.

He wouldn’t even be the first man to do it to me.

Instead of soothing me, he laughs. How dare he?

My jaw drops. “What are you laughing at?”

“You really don’t know, do you?”

“No! I know nothing, apparently. That’s why I’m asking you .”

“Gods…” He presses his lips to mine with fervor, smiling against my mouth.

My anger melts, my fingers tangle into his hair, and I find it easy to return his passion with my desire. I shove my tongue into his mouth, claiming him with my kiss, before yanking on his hair to pull him back.

He’s laughing again, positively exhilarated.

“What is wrong with you? Goddess .” I’m seconds from begging him to speak plainly. “I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Do you...” His breath comes out in harsh pants. “Aspen, this is important.”

My heart races. “Okay?”

“Do you know what a mating bond is?”

“Well… well, yes.” I freeze. “You already asked, and you told me about it… and like I said last time, I heard about it. Witches have something similar?—”

“But do you know what it feels like?”

I swallow thickly, shaking my head.

“You can feel everything they feel. When they’re upset or worried, you know it. When they’re happy, it feels like you’re happy. You can’t stop thinking about them. All you want to do is keep them safe. Every move you make, every word you say, becomes about them.”

My heart pounds in my ears, loud enough for him to hear it. “What does this have to do with me ?”

“You’re my mate.” His eyes bore into mine. “Don’t you feel it?’

An understanding clicks into place. There’s something in the way he looks at me that makes me trust him and understand everything.

The first day we met, the tug at my chest, the urge to talk to him.

The lovers card fell from the deck secretly, only for my eyes to see.

He protected me, time and time again.

How it felt to have sex with him. It was better than with anyone else—and I’ve had some good sex. Not like with him. It felt like our emotions, hearts, and minds were merging.

And, oh, it always seems like he can read my mind. He showed up to save me when no one else was around. Was it truly a coincidence, or was it magic?

My breaths emerge in nervous, soft, shallow pants. His emotions become mine. It’s true. All true. The bond is open. I can feel him even now. Uncertainty, worry, and hope all mix. None belong to me. It’s all him.

“My mate,” I whisper.

They’re the last words I say before I fling myself at Mac, kissing him with the hunger of a wolf.

His voice echoes in my mind.

My mate… my mate…