He cracked a smile. “There she is.”
I smiled back, both of us beaming at each other. “Of course, you won’t really be able to change anything. I’ve spent ages perfecting it. I suppose I could clear out one corner for you.”
He pulled me back to him. “One corner is perfect. As long as I get to spend every moment by your side.” He cocked his head to the side. “You do need a bigger bed, though.”
“Good thing I know someone who can build one for me,” I joked.
He snorted. “Good thing.”
CHAPTER 46
Redd
That afternoon, I went by Mayor Tommins office to inquire about staying in town permanently. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I found myself taken aback when Tommins was on board in an instant.
He even had ideas for a business venture I could start up.
“You know, that old storage building behind the diner has seen better days. I don’t even remember what was stored in there– it has been ages since anyone has actively used it. It’s probably become more of a home for critters,” he said. “What do you think about fixing it up and opening a shop there? The gods know that we could use a stable woodworking business around here.”
I choked. “Tha–” I cleared my throat. “That would be amazing, boss. Yes. I’m in.” I reached into my pocket to pull out my pouch of silvers. “How much is the title?”
He stopped me with a hand on my shoulder. “We’ll get the paperwork sorted out later. For now, I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done for this town. Everything you’ve done for me.” He looked more serious than I had ever seen him. Somewhere during our time together, we had become something close to friends.
“Of course, Tommins. You gave me somewhere to go when I was lost. You gave me a purpose, something to keep my hands busy. I owe you one.” I shook my head. “Actually, I owe youwaymore than one.”
He pulled me into a quick hug, clutching the back of my neck and thumping my back. When he pulled back, he smiled at me. “Welcome to Moonvale permanently, Redd. We are so glad to have you.”
I grinned back at him, fangs flashing. “The honor is all mine.”
CHAPTER 47
Fiella
The next few weeks passed in a whirlwind.
Redd and I stood, hand in hand, surrounded by witches in the town square. They gathered around us in a circle, their hands upon us, chanting quietly.
Magic hummed in the air. My hair floated around me as though caught in a sea breeze. My skin prickled with awareness. The scent of spring and fire surrounded us.
The ritual would bind our souls together, forever joining us. Linking us. Making us one.
We would be tied irrevocably and completely. If one of us passed to the afterworld, the other would follow. We would never be apart. Together until the end and afterward.
Redd and I were standing facing each other, a small cauldron boiling between our feet. He held my hands in a gentle but firm grip, grounding me. I squeezed his fingers in reassurance. He squeezed mine back.
I stared into his eyes and could see his love shining back at me. He glowed with life like never before, his happiness showing in the flush of his skin. He fought to keep the smile off his face, ever the stoic, but I could see the muscles in his cheeks twitching.
This was it. Redd and I, forever. As one.
I felt a brush against my ankles and looked down to see Sookie and her orange friend. The two cats were purring, butting us with their heads.
The chunky orange cat had been following Redd around more and more lately. I sensed a friendship forming.
Redd halfheartedly pulled his foot away from the critter, but it followed him, and he gave in, allowing the cat to claim his ankle as its own. I smiled.
As the ritual came to a crescendo, the magic in the air thickened. My hands grew clammy, a sweat breaking out over my skin. Redd rubbed his thumbs over my knuckles, the gesture familiar and comforting.
That’s when I felt it. His soul inching closer to mine. His soul was warmth, and safety, and security. Spring and the tides. The power of the forest. The reassuring squeeze of a friend. My soul reached for his–a magnet. Undeniable.
