Chapter 18

Kade surveyed the town square, his keen eyes assessing the damage from the recent battle. The once pristine cobblestones were scorched, and several shop windows were shattered. Yet, amidst the chaos, the residents of Whispering Pines bustled about, already working together to clean up and rebuild.

A warm hand slipped into his, and Kade turned to see Celeste by his side, her emerald eyes shining. “We’ll make this place even stronger,” she said.

Kade nodded. “With you by my side, I have no doubt.” He pulled her close, inhaling the soft scent of lavender that always clung to her hair.

As they walked through the town, people stopped to offer their thanks and praise for Kade’s leadership during the crisis. He accepted their words graciously, but inside, he knew it was the strength of the entire community that had saved them.

“We need to fortify the town’s defenses,” Celeste mused as they approached the Lone Wolf Café. “I’ve been thinking about a network of magical surveillance and protection spells.”

Impressed, Kade raised a brow. “That’s a brilliant idea. We can work on it together.”

Inside the café, Elsie Blackwood greeted them with a warm smile. “There you are. I was just about to send out a search party.”

Kade chuckled, hugging his mother tightly. “You know I can take care of myself, Mom.”

Elsie swatted his arm playfully. “That doesn’t mean I won’t worry.” She turned to Celeste, embracing her as well. “And you, my dear, were magnificent out there.”

Celeste blushed, her cheeks turning a delightful shade of pink. “I couldn’t have done it without Kade and the rest of the town.”

Kade cleared his throat, suddenly feeling nervous. “Mom, I’ve been thinking... It’s time for me to officially take over the café.”

Elsie’s eyes widened, then crinkled with joy. “Oh, my boy, I thought you’d never ask.” She reached beneath the counter and pulled out a worn leather folder. “I’ve been keeping the paperwork ready for this day.”

As Kade signed the documents, a sense of rightness settled over him. This was his place, and he would do everything in his power to protect it.

In the days that followed, Kade and Celeste worked tirelessly to implement their new defenses. They wove complex spells around the town’s borders, creating an invisible shield that would alert them to any malicious intent.

Kade stood behind the counter at the Lone Wolf Café, his eyes scanning the bustling room. The aroma of sizzling burgers and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, mingling with the lively chatter of the patrons. He couldn’t help but smile as he watched the townspeople gather, their faces alight with joy and camaraderie.

At the center of each table stood a small chalkboard, proudly displaying the café’s new menu. Kade had spent weeks perfecting the dishes, each one a tribute to the town’s unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

The star of the menu was the “Phoenix Rising” burger, a fiery creation that embodied the spirit of Whispering Pines. The juicy patty was infused with a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, and cumin, giving it a bold, smoky flavor. Topped with melted pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, and a tangy chipotle sauce, the burger was a testament to the town’s ability to rise from the ashes, stronger than ever.

But the “Phoenix Rising” was more than just a delicious meal. Kade had worked with Celeste to imbue the ingredients with subtle regenerative properties, ensuring that each bite not only satisfied the appetite but also nourished the soul.

As he watched the diners take their first bites, Kade couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. The looks of pure bliss on their faces, followed by murmurs of appreciation, told him that he had created something truly special.

“Kade, this is incredible,” Molly exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight as she savored the burger. “I can feel the love and care you put into every bite.”

Kade grinned, wiping his hands on his apron. “Thank you, Molly. I wanted to create something that would bring everyone together, something that would remind us of our strength as a community.”

As he moved through the café, refilling cups and checking on his customers, Kade realized how much he had changed. Not so long ago, he had been a solitary protector, shouldering the burden of keeping Whispering Pines safe on his own. He had built walls around his heart, afraid to let anyone in, afraid to be vulnerable.

But then Celeste had walked back into his life, and everything had shifted. With her by his side, Kade had found a true partner, someone who understood the weight of responsibility that came with their roles. Together, they had faced challenges that would have broken lesser bonds, and they emerged even stronger.

He caught her eye across the room where she was chatting with Luna. As if sensing his gaze, Celeste turned, her emerald eyes locking with his. A soft smile played on her lips, and she blew him a kiss. Kade’s heart skipped a beat.

She excused herself from the conversation and made her way to him, her hand slipping into his as naturally as breathing. “You’ve outdone yourself, love,” she murmured, leaning into him. “The ‘Phoenix Rising’ is a masterpiece.”

Kade wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “I couldn’t have done it without you,” he replied, pressing a kiss to her temple. “You inspire me every day.”

Together, they watched as the townspeople laughed and shared stories, the café a warm haven in the heart of Whispering Pines.

There would be more challenges ahead, more battles to fight. But with Celeste by his side and the strength of their community behind them, he had no doubt they would rise to meet the obstacles, again and again.

Celeste couldn’t waitto show Kade her new dress. Okay, it was barely a dress, but she’d bought it with him in mind. Kade was busy making another one of her favorite dishes, fresh grilled Mahi with mashed potatoes.

“No. No way,” he said, pointing with a spatula he was holding. “If we are going to eat this while it’s fresh made, I’m gonna need you to keep a six-foot distance.”

She leaned over the kitchen island and pushed her breasts over the low cut neckline. “Really? I can’t interest you in an appetizer?”

Kade licked his lips and inhaled. She knew he could smell her desire. She was wet and she’d been wanting him naked since they got home.

The dress wasn’t one she’d ever seen herself wear, but for Kade, she’d become the sexiest woman she could be. It paid off by the look on his face. That feral hunger that made her pussy clench.

“What’d you say?”

“I said, can I interest you in an appetizer?” she teased, stroking along her damp bottom lip.

Kade’s gaze snapped up from her breasts up to her eyes. He turned the stove off, put the spatula down and eyed her like she was his prey.

“Come here.”

She shook her head. “Nope.”

A predatory grin split his lips. She remained still, leaning over the island, watching him with a feverish curiosity.

“You are going to have to come.”

Oh, yeah. She planned on it.

Kade approached like a stalking predator, circling around the island as Celeste moved her body so her back was against the marble. He pussy ached with need for him.

He stood before her, towering. He used two fingers to tip her chin upward, making her crane her neck. She peered into the blue of his eyes, flickering through the memories of their uninhibited, addicting, brutally divine lovemaking. Today, today she wanted him to lose all control.

“I suppose I can enjoy an appetizer before my entrée.” His voice was rough churned gravel and it made her nipples hard.

Kade growled, his wolf coming through at that moment.

“Eat me. I’m yours for the taking.”

His mouth came to hers hard and rough. Kade lifted her with ease onto the marble countertop, slapping her ass against the surface. Their mouths remained glued, desperately rubbing their tongues together.

Celeste rubbed her hands roughly over Kade’s hair and over his shoulders, caressing his muscles and squeezing his biceps. Kade’s hands got busy ripping the dress off her as if it were nothing but a piece of paper.

Celeste heard a slicing sound before the air of the room brushed against her exposed skin. The fact she’d gotten him to lose his control this much turned her on even more.

“Kade,” she mumbled between kisses. “You owe me a new dress.”

“I’ll buy you ten more. But I have to taste you.”

Kade’s mouth traveled down the side of her jaw, the skin of her throat, and her shoulders. His tongue swirled around the pulse on her neck and then ventured delicately down along the ridges of her collarbone. His mouth then moved to her breasts, taking one nipple in his mouth before suckling hard. The sensation sent electric pulses straight to her clit.

“God, Kade,” she moaned. “That feels amazing.”

He growled at her breast and her pussy clenched again. Then he nibbled on her nipple and moved to do the same to the other.

Celeste’s eyes rolled back. Her mind and body swam with pleasure, her hips swaying in a natural dance against Kade’s protruding cock.

“Kade, I need you in me.”

Celeste lulled her head back as Kade suckled on her, her pussy damp and ready to take his cock. The friction of her clit against his bulge was almost enough to send her over the edge.

Kade carried her to the bedroom and laid her on his bed. Their bed. He lay on top of her gently, their lips brushing so softly she almost begged for more.

“I love you, Celeste,” Kade whispered.

“I love you too, Kade.”

Their lovemaking was slow, sweet, and tender. They climaxed while declaring their love for each other. Gone were the lonely moments of the past. The unsure emotions of confusion. All that was left was the power of the magic they created together. The magic of their love and bond as mates.