Chapter 9

Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a pink glow across Celeste’s face as she stirred from her slumber. Her mind instantly drifted to her questions to Kade, his uneasy behavior igniting a spark of determination within her. Today, she vowed, she would confront him about their past. He hadn’t shared much and there was something he wasn’t telling her.

Celeste dressed quickly, her fingers fumbling with the buttons of her blouse as anticipation coursed through her veins. She stepped out onto the quaint streets of Whispering Pines, her boots clicking against the stones. As she made her way through town, snippets of conversation caught her ear.

“Did you know Celeste Rowan’s back in town,” an elderly woman whispered to her companion.

“I wonder if she remembers the old days, her family’s mysteries,” the other replied, their voices fading as Celeste walked on, her mind reeling.

Mysteries? Her family? The words echoed in her mind, urging her to dig deeper. Celeste found herself drawn to the enchanted grove just outside of town, a place that tugged at her heartstrings with a strange familiarity. As she stepped into the lush greenery, fragmented memories of magic lessons flooded back, the scent of wildflowers and the tingle of magic in the air.

“Celeste, is that you?” a chipper voice called out.

Turning, Celeste saw Daisy approaching, her bright pink hair a beacon of cheer in the tranquil grove. A smile spread across Celeste’s face, feeling a genuine connection with the quirky witch after their recent girls’ night.

“Daisy, hi!” Celeste greeted, embracing her friend. “What brings you here?”

“Oh, just gathering some spectral snapdragons for a new potion,” Daisy grinned, holding up a basket filled with shimmering blooms. “But I could ask you the same. Feeling nostalgic?”

Celeste’s brow furrowed. “Nostalgic? I... I don’t fully remember my time here, Daisy. It’s all so hazy.”

Daisy’s eyes widened. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. I forget sometimes that you’re still piecing things together.” She paused, a mischievous glint in her eye. “You know, you and Kade were pretty much inseparable growing up. Two peas in a magical pod, always getting into trouble with your spells.”

Celeste’s heart skipped a beat. “Kade and I? We were close?”

“Close? You two were bonded, deeply. I thought for sure you’d end up together and have a brood of babies. I was surprised you didn’t mention it at girls’ night.”

Celeste’s mind raced, trying to reconcile this new information with the fractured memories she’d managed to retrieve. She thanked Daisy for her insights and bid her farewell, wandering deeper into the grove. It was one thing to be crazy attracted to Kade, but to hear that they were bonded. That was like…marriage.

Finding a quiet spot, Celeste settled onto the soft grass, crossing her legs and closing her eyes. She began a deep meditation spell, focusing on the wisps of memory that danced just out of reach. Slowly, a vivid flashback took shape.

A young Kade, his dark hair tousled and eyes sparkling with mischief, stood beside a cauldron, waving Celeste over. “Come on, Celeste. I think we’ve almost got it this time.”

Celeste watched her younger self giggle, skipping over to join Kade. Together, they chanted an incantation, their small hands clasped as the cauldron bubbled and glowed. Magic, pure and exhilarating, swirled around them.

The memory faded, leaving Celeste breathless. She had to confront Kade. Now.

Celeste burst into the Lone Wolf Café, her heart pounding in her chest. The cozy space was abuzz with activity, but her eyes sought only one person. Kade emerged from the kitchen, his gaze locking with hers. Before she could utter a word, a loud crash interrupted the moment.

A customer, a young witch, had accidentally unleashed a whirlwind spell, sending napkins and utensils flying through the air. Patrons ducked and yelped, chaos descending upon the café.

Instinctively, Celeste stepped forward, her hands outstretched. With a newfound confidence, she wove a counter-spell, her voice ringing clear above the commotion. The whirlwind dissipated, debris settling gently back into place. Silence fell, every eye in the room fixed on Celeste.

Kade stared, a mix of awe and pride flickering across his face. Celeste met his gaze, her own expression resolute. “We need to talk. Now.”

Kade gave a sharp nod, gesturing for her to follow him to the back room. As the door clicked shut behind them, Celeste whirled to face him.

“Why have you been keeping things from me? I know we had a past together. A bond. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Complicated?” She argued. “Are we like married?”

“No…”

She raised her brows. “You don’t sound sure.”

He ran his fingers through his hair. “We were just kids, and so much has changed since then.”

She frowned. The idea of things changing enough that their bond wasn’t as important didn’t sit well with her. “But it was important, wasn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“Is it any less important now?”

“No.” His steadfast gaze never faltered. “It’s the most important thing to me. Then and now.”

Her heart did a little skip at the depth of emotion in his words. “Daisy said we were inseparable, that everyone thought we’d end up together.”

“Daisy told you that?” He shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. “She always was a bit of a gossip.”

Celeste crossed her arms. “I need to know the truth. I deserve to know about my own life.”

Kade’s nodded and his shoulders slumped a little. “You’re right, Celeste. I’m sorry.” He took a deep breath, his voice softening. “We were close, incredibly close. There was a reason for that. As kids, we were always getting into magical mischief, pushing the boundaries of what we could do.”

Celeste listened intently, her heart racing as Kade recounted tales of their childhood adventures. Snippets of memories resurfaced, clicking into place like puzzle pieces. But even as the picture became clearer, Celeste sensed there was more, deeper secrets yet to be disclosed.

“Kade, I appreciate you sharing this with me, but I feel like there’s still so much I don’t know. About our bond. I- I want to know more. What did you mean when you said there’s a reason for us being so close?”

He took hold of her hand and pulled her into him. “You are my mate.”

She gasped. “I am?”

He gave a slow nod. “I didn’t know it when we were kids, but it was why you and I were always attached at the hip. We belong together.”

“I feel like there’s something you aren’t telling me.”

He brought her hand up to his lips. “You’re the only woman for me.”

Her heart filled with warmth. Kade was good at derailing her thoughts. “What about my family’s mysteries?”

Kade’s expression grew guarded. “Celeste, some things are better left in the past. Trust me.”

“What?” Celeste shook her head, betrayal and disappointment filled her. She had confirmation of their deeply connected history, but the revelation only raised more questions. Her feelings for Kade, once a flickering ember, now roared to life, confusing and exhilarating all at once. She loved the stubborn, broody wolf. All she wanted was to know her past.

“I can’t just let this go, Kade. I need to understand the full extent of our bond and my family’s history. I need to know my own story.”

Kade sighed, his eyes softening. “I know, Celeste. And I promise, I’ll help you uncover the truth. But some secrets, some memories... they’re not easy to face.”

Celeste’s mind raced. The ancient texts she’d discovered in the library, the whispers of her family’s unresolved mysteries - they all pointed to something deeper, something that called to her very core.

She gave a stubborn lift of her chin. “I’m ready now. I need to know no matter how deep or dark the secrets may be.”