His throat bobs. “Sold.”
I smirk. “Thought so.”
Chapter 23
Selene
Sweet Dreams is busy this morning, but thanks to Dove putting a little reserved sign on our usual table, she, Cordelia, and I are sipping coffee happily inside the cosy bakery. It’s decorated ready for the Halloween festival but, instead of the usual orange, everything matches the pink, turquoise, and white colour palette of the rest of the shop. Each table has a small pastel centrepiece—ours is a light pink pumpkin with a little ghost sitting on it holding a mug. It’s adorable. So is the ghost garland wrapped around the glass display case up front.
“You look happy,” Dove comments.
“I am. Now that Jared knows we’re mates and has his powers under control, I can breathe easy.”
“Have the two of you discussed bonding?”
“Cordelia,” Dove hisses. “You can’t just ask that.”
“What? We’re her best friends. Don’t act like you’re not dying to know.” Cordelia leans forward, the ends of the large bow at the neckline of her crimson blouse dangerously close to dipping into her latte. “So, have you?”
Rolling my eyes, I slide her coffee away so the silk bow is no longer in danger. “We’re taking things slow.”
“But you’re mates. Why wait?”
“Just because they’re fated doesn’t mean they have to rush,” Dove says, tugging the sleeves of her fluffy cream jumper over her hands.
“Exactly. Jared’s had enough life-changing events since moving here. Bonding can wait until he’s ready.”
“Are you OK with waiting?” Cordelia asks. “This can’t be how you imagined things would go when you met your mate.”
“It’s not, but that doesn’t matter. Jared and I are happy. We’ll bond when both of us are ready.”
“Alright.” Cordelia lifts her hands in surrender then pulls her coffee closer again, pausing with the mug halfway to her red-painted lips. “You know I’m only trying to look out for you, right?”
“I do, and I appreciate it, but it’s not necessary. When have I not spoken up when something’s been making me unhappy?”
“Point taken.”
We chat for a little while longer before parting ways to go to work. Dove switches her jumper for the chef’s jacket I made her.
“Looking good, girl,” Cordelia comments, and Dove gives us a little twirl.
“Selene did a great job.” She smooths her hands down the front of the white coat. “Seriously, thank you.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Cordelia asks Dove what enchantments are on the jacket, and the two of them chatter away eagerly, but something pulls my attention to one of the large shop windows. There’s an older man with paper-white skin and salt and pepper hair looking right at me. I don’t recognise him, so he’s not a local. The wards won’t let humans through until Friday, so he must be a supe. There’s no reason not to believe he’s simply arrived in town early for the festival, but something about him feels… off. Realising I’ve noticed him, the corners of his mouth pull up into a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Hey, are you listening?” Cordelia asks, stealing my attention.
“Sorry, I thought I saw…” I turn back to the window, trailing off when I realise the unsettling man is gone. Shaking my head, I brush off the strange interaction. He probably mistook me for someone else. “Never mind.”
I’m walking through town square when I spot Jared a few feet away. I call out to him, and his entire expression brightens when his gaze settles on me. He strides towards me, grinning.
“This is a nice surprise.” He runs his hands down my arms then threads his fingers through mine.
“Very.” I raise onto the balls of my feet to kiss him. “Who were you interviewing this morning?”
“The head of the festival’s decorating committee. Did you enjoy coffee with the girls?”
