The tension eased further, and Brielle’s shoulders dropped.“You know, I keep waiting for this to feel like a mistake.But somehow it doesn’t.”
“That’s because it’s not,” Hunter said.“It’s a start.”
She shook her head.“You’re dangerously convincing.”
Lennox chuckled.“He practices in the mirror.”
Hunter gave his brother a side-eye.“Keep it up, smartass.”
Their laughter warmed the cool air, the kind that came easily after too many tears.Then Brielle’s tone shifted again, quieter.“I’m not used to people caring this much.It’s ...weird.”
Hunter reached out, taking her hand again, his thumb tracing the lines of her palm.“We’re not just people, sweetheart.We’reyourpeople.”
Her lips parted in surprise, then curved into a small smile.“You’re relentless, you know that?”
Lennox shrugged.“You’ll appreciate it eventually.”
Brielle tilted her head.“What if I already do?”
That stilled both of them.Hunter felt something click inside him—something unspoken but deep.He wanted to kiss her, to seal the promise in her eyes, but instead, he said softly, “Then we’ll make sure you never regret it.”
The wind picked up again, sweeping Brielle’s curls around her face as thunder rumbled distantly.She looked between them, her smile tinged with determination.“Okay, then.You want to help me?We start tomorrow.I’ve got a feeling this storm isn’t just weather.”
Hunter grinned.“Then we better batten down the hatches.”
Lennox cracked his knuckles.“About damn time we had something worth fighting for.”
And for the first time in years, Brielle felt like she wasn’t just surviving—she was standing at the edge of something bigger, stronger, and maybe even worth believing in.
****
Brielle sank into theworn couch, the warmth from Lennox’s shoulder pressed lightly against hers.The night air was cool, the city humming below, and she felt the same fragile calm that had surprised her earlier.Her curls brushed against her cheek as she looked up at the moon, silver light pooling across the rooftop.She smiled softly, her pulse calm for the first time in weeks.
“All right,” she said, her voice steady but carrying the unmistakable weight of power.“Let’s call the others.”
Hunter arched a brow.“You mean call, like phone call, or call, like—” He made a vague gesture.“Witchy magic call?”
“Definitely the witchy kind,” Brielle said, smirking.“Much faster service.”
Lennox chuckled.“Oh, this I gotta see.”
Rolling her shoulders, Brielle drew in a slow breath.The air shifted, the scent of ozone and herbs filling the rooftop as a soft glow flared at her fingertips.She whispered ancient words, held up her palm, and a spiral of purple flame left her palm and made its way toward the stairwell.Wind spiraled outward, brushing their skin.Hunter’s eyes widened in fascination while Lennox let out a low whistle.
“Okay,” Lennox said, clearly impressed.“That was ...cool.”
Hunter grinned.“Yeah, baby, you officially have our attention.”
“Good,” Brielle said, suppressing her smile.“Because I think we’re going to need some advice on a few things, and the answers might be with the rest of my chaos.”
In seconds, Willow appeared first, her bright aura swirling with golden warmth.Saffie followed, then Ursula, each stepping through the shimmer of the spell with practiced ease.Brielle’s chest filled with affection at the sight of them.These were her sisters—her chosen family.
Ursula’s eyes immediately flicked to the men.“So, these are the bears?”
“Yep,” Brielle said, folding her arms.“Hunter and Lennox.Boys, meet the coven officially.”
Lennox gave a short, respectful nod.“Ladies.”
Hunter smiled.“Thanks for showing up.We, uh, come in peace.”