Sleigh Bells and Dragon Spells (Whispering Pines #8)

Chapter 21

TWENTY-ONE

T he storm’s sudden retreat painted Whispering Pines in brilliant winter sunlight, transforming ice-covered cobblestones into sparkling pathways. Briar seized her chance the moment she noticed the dark clouds retreating, practically dragging Falkor from his cabin into town. “Fresh air will do you good,” she insisted, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. His heat radiated through his black wool coat, warming her entire side.

“I have plenty of fresh air at home,” he grumbled, but he didn’t pull away. If anything, he adjusted his stride to match hers, sheltering her from the worst of the winter wind. His powerful presence beside her made her feel oddly safe despite knowing the storm’s retreat was temporary.

The Lone Wolf Café emerged from the winter wonderland like a beacon of warmth, its windows glowing with welcoming light. Delicious aromas wafted out each time the door opened—Kade’s famous beef stew, fresh-baked bread, and something sweetly spiced that made Briar’s mouth water.

“Look who finally left his cave!” Celeste’s delighted voice greeted them as they entered. She sat with Kade at their usual corner table which had expanded to accommodate Reed and Ellie as well. Luna raised her teacup in greeting from where she sat, her violet eyes twinkling with obvious interest in this development.

“The storm broke,” Briar explained, unwinding her scarf. A few snowflakes still clung to her dark red hair, melting in the café’s warmth. “I wasn’t about to waste the opportunity.”

“Smart woman,” Kade rumbled approvingly, pulling out chairs for them both. Briar noticed how Falkor positioned himself slightly behind her, protective even in this safe space. His hand ghosted over the small of her back as she sat, the brief touch sending shivers up her spine.

They had barely settled when the bell above the door chimed again. Tabitha and Bram entered in a swirl of cold air and laughter, followed closely by Fia and Sayer. Moments later, Sera arrived with Lark, their cheeks pink from the cold.

“Well, this is turning into quite the gathering,” Ellie observed, smiling as the tables were pushed together to accommodate everyone. The café filled with the scraping of chairs and friendly chatter as everyone rearranged themselves.

Briar found herself wedged between Falkor and Celeste, noticing every time Falkor’s arm brushed hers as he reached for his coffee. The café hummed with conversation and laughter, a welcome change from the eerie silence of the storm.

“How’s the reorganizing of the children’s shop coming along?” Fia asked, leaning forward with interest. Her businesswoman’s directness was softened by genuine warmth. “Any trouble with the storm?”

“We’ve managed to keep it protected,” Briar replied, unconsciously leaning into Falkor’s warmth beside her. “Though I have to reinforce the wards daily now.”

“Speaking of protection,” Sayer’s deep voice rumbled from beside his wife, “what brought you two out during this brief respite?” His golden eyes, so similar to Falkor’s, held a knowing gleam.

“Someone,” Falkor said dryly, “can be very persistent when she wants something.” His gaze darkened slightly, sending heat curling through her stomach.

“And on that note,” Kade announced, standing with a grin, “I think we need more coffee. And maybe some of those cinnamon rolls Celeste made this morning.”

As he moved toward the counter, Briar caught several knowing looks being exchanged around the table. She should have felt embarrassed by their obvious matchmaking, but somehow, with Falkor’s solid presence beside her and his thigh pressed warmly against hers under the table, she couldn’t bring herself to mind.

“Not that I’m complaining about the break in the weather,” Lark said, his arm draped casually across the back of Sera’s chair, “but it seems almost too good to be true.”

Briar nodded, her expression growing serious. “It’s similar to the eye of a hurricane. The calm before an even bigger storm.” She felt Falkor tense beside her and instinctively placed her hand on his arm. “The spirit is likely gathering strength for something bigger.”

“All the more reason to stay vigilant,” Reed agreed, his sheriff’s instincts clearly on high alert. His amber eyes scanned the café windows, already planning for worst-case scenarios. “At least the little ones are all safe and accounted for.”

“Speaking of which,” Luna interjected, her violet eyes twinkling, “how are the children and adults enjoying their impromptu playdates?”

Fia smiled, maternal pride evident in her expression. “Baby Vienna is absolutely enchanted with Roarke. According to my previous update, she’s trying to convince Roarke to shift into his panther form so she can ‘pet the big kitty.’“

“He’ll do it too,” Roarke’s wife laughed. “He pretends to be all tough, but he’s wrapped around that little girl’s finger.”

“Amara’s with them too, isn’t she?” Tabitha asked Celeste.

“Yes, and apparently she and Vienna are thick as thieves.” Celeste shook her head fondly. “I’m a little worried about what kind of mischief those two will get up to once they’re older.”

“And my little troublemaker?” Ellie asked with a grin.

“Last I heard, Asher was having the time of his life with Mari and Arden,” Briar replied. “Mari sent me a message saying he’s fascinated by Arden’s wolf form. Keeps trying to ride him like a horse.”

Reed chuckled. “That’s my boy.”

“It takes a village,” Sera observed warmly. “Especially in times like these.”

“Speaking of which,” Celeste turned her attention to Briar and Falkor, her green eyes twinkling, “I hear you’ve been spending time at the orphanage, Falkor. The children haven’t stopped talking about the ‘dragon man’ who helped protect their trees.”