Page 45 of A Dash of Wolf

“What do you want to say?”

Adeline looked at the box of chocolate chip cookies and sighed. “That I’m sorry.” She reached out and stroked her cat. “But that I’d do it all over again if given the opportunity. Both parts...confronting Mrs. Abernathy and telling him the truth afterward. Because that’s who I am. So if he wants me, he has to understand that.”

Princess Muffin Top blinked slowly. “That’s actually quite good. Did you rehearse that?”

“A little.”

“It shows. But in a good way.” The cat stood, stretched, and jumped down from the counter. “Now, let’s go get this done. I’ve been emotionally supportive for two straight days, and I’m running on fumes. I’m going to need a full spa day and a meal of baked salmon to perk me up to my usual awesomeness.”

20

Like many werewolves who live in Moonlight Bay, Mason’s cottage was located in the Foxfire Lane subdivision. It hadn’t taken much sleuthing on her part to figure out what house the council had secured for their new chief. Providing the chief with a house was part of the salary package, she knew. As she pulled to a stop in front of it, she admired the small, slate-blue clapboard home with its wide front porch and manicured yard. There was a single light on inside the house.

Adeline sat in the Beetle Bus with the bakery box on her lap and stared at the front door, willing herself to just go inside.

“Well, are you going to sit here all night, or are you going to go knock?” Princess Muffin Top asked from the passenger seat.

“I’m working on it.”

“Work faster. I’m hungry.”

Adeline took a deep breath and climbed out. Princess Muffin Top jumped down after her and trotted up the porch steps like she owned the place. Before Adeline could knock, the cat scratched at the door with one paw.

“Delivery,” Princess Muffin Top announced.

The front door opened, and Mason stood there in a white t-shirt and gray sweatpants, his hair still damp from a shower. “Uh…hi.”

“Hi.” She held up the box she’d brought. “I baked chocolate chip cookies. One hundred percent magic-free.”

He looked at the box, then back at her. Smiling, he stepped back and motioned her inside.

His place was clean and cozy as she glanced around the living room. He had a leather couch, a coffee table, and a matching leather recliner. A pair of running shoes sat next to the recliner, but that wasn’t what she focused on. Her eyes had landed on the little orange goldfish swimming in lazy circles. It was the goldfish Granny Edna had given him last week at the street market.

She thrust out the box to him. “For you.”

Mason took the box from her and untied the twine, carefully lifting the lid. Smiling, he pulled out a cookie, took a bite, and moaned. “Delicious.” He swallowed. “I’m not much of a sweets guy except for chocolate chip cookies. And yours are amazing.”

The knot in her chest loosened. Just a fraction.

They sat on the couch, and he reached for another cookie, polishing it off in two bites as well. Princess Muffin Top had already made herself at home on the recliner, her eyes fixed on the goldfish with an intensity that was mildly concerning.

“So,” Adeline said, shoving her hands between her knees. “Mrs. Abernathy came to see me this afternoon.”

“Did she?”

“She mentioned community service and restoring the marsh. She said we could do it together.” Adeline watched his face. “She also said something about me not hearing it from her, but that you and Thad had something to do with it. I must admit, I’m a little confused. I didn’t think we’d be allowed back out at the marsh.”

“I spoke with the council this morning. Told them exactly what you’ve been saying all along—that the marsh is ecologically essential, and that if the squish-squids’ habitat was damaged, that would have grave consequences for the entire town.” He paused and smiled at her. “And then I pulled some PADA strings. The squish-squids are now on the future endangered species list. Which means their habitat can’t be altered or destroyed.”

Adeline stared at him incredulously. His words hit her all at once. The marsh was safe. The squish-squids were safe. Herman and his whole adorable, cooing, tentacled family were safe.

With a delighted cry, she flung herself at him. He caught her around the waist as she pressed her lips against his. She wrapped her arms around his neck and a shiver ran over her as he chuckled against her mouth. But she didn’t give him time to say anything. Instead, she tilted her head and deepened the kiss as she threaded her fingers through his hair. He tasted like chocolate, and it gave her a little buzz to know those were her non-magical cookies he loved.

When she finally pulled back, they were both breathing hard.

“I should save squish-squids more often,” he joked.

She laughed. “I guess you should.” She placed a hand over her heart. “Herman will be delighted when I tell him on my next visit. He and his family can now live in the marsh without fear of having their habitat destroyed.”