Hunter gave a faint grin.“Not when it comes to you.”
For a moment, silence stretched.Then Brielle exhaled shakily.“He didn’t know about my magic, that I was a witch.Not until the Boutique.That’s when something in him snapped.”
Lennox frowned, curiosity cutting through his anger.“Hold up—you’re telling us you’re a witch?”
Brielle raised an eyebrow.“What, you don’t believe me?”
Hunter snorted.“Hard for us not to, sweetheart.We literally turned into bears for the first time four days ago.At this point, I’d believe you if you told me you could make toast by glaring at bread.”
Lennox barked a laugh.“Yeah, magic’s not exactly the weirdest thing we’ve seen lately.”
Brielle tried to fight her smile, but failed.“You’re both ridiculous.”
Hunter grinned.“Maybe.But we’re ridiculous and on your side.”
She shivered.“When he found out what I was, something in him broke.He tried to hit me with his magic.Nothing I could do would have been enough to stop him.”
Lennox’s hands balled into fists, a low curse slipping out.Hunter felt the burn of rage flood through him.“He won’t get another chance to hurt you,” Hunter said quietly, deadly calm.“Not while we’re breathing.”
Brielle’s voice was soft, but fierce.“You don’t understand.He’s smart.He’s been planning something.If he comes for me again, he won’t stop until he wins.”
Hunter straightened, every muscle coiled tight.“Then we’ll be ready.You’re not alone anymore.”
She blinked, a tear sliding down her cheek.“You don’t even know what you’re signing up for.”
Lennox snorted.“We’re bears, sweetheart.We were born for hard battles.”
That earned a watery laugh from her, and for a heartbeat, the heaviness eased.The city sounds below carried faintly on the wind, a reminder that the world was still moving even as theirs had changed.Hunter met Lennox’s gaze, silent agreement passing between them.
Hunter turned back to her.“You don’t have to believe in fate right now.Just believe that we’ll stand between you and whatever’s coming.”
She looked at both of them, her voice trembling.“I don’t want anyone else getting hurt because of me.”
Lennox shook his head.“Too late, sweetheart.You’re ours now.And protecting what’s ours isn’t negotiable.”
Brielle laughed softly, shaking her head.“You two are infuriating.”
Hunter smiled.“But maybe you like infuriating.”
She hesitated, eyes glistening.“Maybe I do.”
The rooftop wind stirred around them, carrying the promise of a storm—and something that might finally be healing.
Brielle’s laughter faded into a small sigh as she looked out over the city lights.The night was alive with noise, but it felt distant, like the world below existed in another dimension.Hunter followed her gaze, his voice quiet.“You’ve been fighting alone for too long, Brielle.It’s not weakness to let someone stand with you.”
She huffed a soft laugh.“You two don’t seem like the standing kind.More like bulldozing.”
Lennox grinned.“We prefer decisive problem solving.”
Hunter smirked.“See, you’re already catching on.”He stepped closer, his tone gentler now.“You don’t have to keep looking over your shoulder.Whatever Caleb’s planning, we’ll be ready.”
Brielle turned toward them, her expression soft but wary.“You say that like you already have a plan.”
“We do,” Lennox said.“It involves claws, teamwork, and possibly breaking a few laws.”
She raised an eyebrow, fighting a smile.“Comforting.”
Hunter laughed quietly.“You’ll get used to it.Bears aren’t great at subtle.”