Chapter 12

Bram's mind wandered as he went through the motions of managing the brewery, his thoughts persistently drifting to Tabitha and her quest to uncover her family's secrets. The clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation faded into the background, overshadowed by his growing concern for her well-being and his own conflicted emotions.

As he was wiping down the bar, lost in thought, a familiar voice jolted him back to the present. "Hey, cuz, you look like you're a million miles away." Bram looked up to see his cousin Chris leaning against the bar, a knowing grin on his face.

"Just got a lot on my mind," Bram replied, tossing the rag aside.

Chris's expression softened. "I can see that. Listen, why don't you let me handle things here for a bit? Seems like you might have other priorities right now."

Bram hesitated, his sense of duty warring with his desire to find Tabitha. "I don't know, Chris. I can't just leave you to handle everything."

"Nonsense," Chris waved off his concern. "Family looks out for each other. Go on, I've got this."

With a grateful nod, Bram untied his apron and headed for the door. "Thanks, Chris. I owe you one."

The crisp autumn air greeted him as he stepped outside, his mind already charting the path to Tabitha's house. But as he turned the corner, a glimpse of familiar blonde hair caught his eye. Tabitha was walking briskly, her head down staring at a piece of yellowed paper in her hands. Bram's brows furrowed as he watched her turn toward the woods, her steps purposeful.

Concern and curiosity propelled him forward, his shifter instincts urging him to follow her to ensure her safety. He moved quietly, tracking her through the forest with practiced ease. The scent of fallen leaves and rich earth filled his nostrils, but beneath it all, he could detect the subtle, enchanting aroma that was uniquely Tabitha.

As he approached a clearing, he slowed his pace, his eyes widening at the sight before him. Tabitha stood at the center of an ancient stone altar, her hands gripping the weathered edges as her body swayed slightly. The air around her shimmered with an otherworldly energy, and Bram could sense, through the inexplicable bond they shared, the tumult of emotions coursing through her.

Every fiber of his being urged him to go to her, to wrap her in his arms and shield her from whatever visions plagued her mind. But he held back, understanding this was a journey she needed to take, a revelation she had to face on her own terms. So he watched, his heart aching with each passing moment, until her eyes finally fluttered open, glistening with unshed tears.

"Tabitha," he called out softly, stepping into the clearing.

She turned to him, her expression a mix of surprise and relief. "Bram? What are you doing here?"

He closed the distance between them, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. "I was worried about you. I saw you heading into the woods and I just... I needed to make sure you were okay."

Tabitha leaned into his touch, a shaky sigh escaping her lips. "I saw something, Bram. Something I never could have imagined."

"What is it?"

She looked up at him, eyes shining with a newfound determination. "I think I'm a twin, Bram. I saw it in my vision. But there's never been any mention of a sibling, not even a hint."

Bram's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A twin? Are you sure?"

Tabitha nodded, her hands reaching for his. "I know it sounds crazy, but it felt so real. And then there are these artifacts," she gestured to the altar. "The symbols hint at a protective spell cast long ago. I think something happened, something that caused the rift between my parents and my grandmother."

Together, they examined the altar more closely, Bram's keen eyes picking out details that Tabitha had missed. With each new discovery, the pieces began to fall into place, painting a picture of a family secret buried deep beneath layers of magic and mystery.

Seeing a notch carved into a stone on the side of the altar, Tabitha pushed on it. A zap of magic raced up her arm, startling her to where she stepped back with a gasp.

The gentle breeze suddenly swirled around them, kicking up leaves and sticks. A voice boomed through the woods, "Blood of my blood. Be revealed."

With that, a section of the altar's flat top slid to the side revealing a stunning silver chalice that looked to be straight out of Medieval times.

Bram gaped at her. "What the hell was all that? And what is that?" He pointed to the chalice.

Tabitha reached in and lifted it from its resting place. "The voice said blood of my blood. Was this my grandmother's way of hiding this until one of her descendants came here?" She marveled at intricate designs and lunar images engraved around the foot-tall cup.

"What do we do with it?" Bram asked.

Tabitha snorted. "I have no clue. But it was meant to be found because the map led straight here." She placed it back inside the altar's top and the lid closed of its own accord.

"That's as good as any place to keep it safe," Bram said. "If it hadn't been found until now, it probably won't be discovered by anyone else for a long time."

Tabitha agreed and began the trek back to town, their minds heavy with the implications of her discovery. As they walked, Bram listened intently as she shared her theories and fears, offering his own insights and a steady shoulder to lean on.

"What does this mean for my inheritance, Bram?" Tabitha asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "For my family? What if my twin died and I caused it?"

Bram pulled her closer, his arm wrapping around her waist. "Don't speak like that, love. One step at a time. We unravel the truth. And no matter what we find, I'll be right here beside you."

The smile she gave him made his heart swell. "Thank you, honey bear."

"Let's get some dinner," he suggested.

"Good idea. I just realized I haven't eaten in forever." As they approached the Lone Wolf Café, the warm glow of the windows beckoning them inside, he held her hand in his, loving the heat of the touch.

The bell above the door jingled as they entered, the cozy atmosphere enveloping them like a comforting embrace. They settled into a corner booth, their hands still intertwined as Celeste approached with a knowing grin.

"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite lovebirds," she teased, setting down two cups of water. "You know, there's a betting pool going on about when you two will tie the knot."

Bram chuckled and gave Tabitha's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Is that so? And I suppose you've got the inside scoop?"

Celeste winked conspiratorially. "Let's just say Molly gave me a special cupcake, and I have a feeling my bet is going to pay off big time."

Tabitha shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Well, I guess we'll have to wait and see, won't we?"

"Speaking of waiting," Celeste turned to Tabitha, "don't forget about girls' night tomorrow. We've got some serious catching up to do."

"I've been looking forward to it. I wouldn't miss it for the world," Tabitha assured her.

As Celeste sashayed away, Bram leaned in close to her ear, loving the way she melted into him. "So, you think there's any truth to her prediction?"

Tabitha met his gaze and he watched her pupils dilate with desire. "I don't know, Bram. But I do know one thing..."

He raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "And what's that?"

She leaned in closer, her lips brushing against his in a soft, tender kiss. As she pulled back, she whispered, "I could get used to this."

Bram's heart thundered in his chest, her words igniting a fire within him. He pulled her back into him, capturing her lips in a deeper, more passionate kiss. The world around them faded away. The only thing that mattered was the feel of her in his arms, the taste of her on his tongue.

The moment was broken by a chorus of cheers and whistles, the other patrons of the café clearly enjoying the show. Celeste's voice rang out above the din, "Told you all I've got this in the bag!"

Bram reluctantly pulled away. "Now, now, I'm not that kind of bear," he announced loudly, eliciting a round of laughter from the crowd. "Tabby cat will have to make an honest bear out of me first."

Tabitha grinned, leaning in close to whisper in his ear, "First, I need a reason to make an honest bear out of you."

He groaned at her words. "You're playing with fire, witchy woman."

"Am I?" She gave him an innocent look.

After dinner, he walked her home and stopped at the front door. Once she had the door open, she turned to him. "Do you want to come in?"

Fuck yes. He followed her inside the house in silence. She closed the door and he immediately set to getting a fire going.

"I have a proposal."

He glanced over his shoulder at her. The scent of her arousal was going to make him crazy. He needed her. Closer. Now. "Really?"

Once he stoked the flames, he sat on the sofa and motioned for her to come to him. She stopped in front of him, and before she got a chance to sit next to him, he pulled her onto his lap, her legs draped on either side of him.

"Bram!" His name left her lips in a breathless gasp.

He grabbed her hips and held her in place. "You were saying?"

She licked her lips. A deep flush crept up her neck up to her cheeks. "What if we change the rating of…this…us?"

"To what, exactly?"

"R?"

He shook his head and cupped the back of her head, pulling her down to his face. "I was thinking more along the lines of X."

Her eyes brightened with need. "That sounds better."

"Yeah. I think so too."

Bram's bear roared inside. Tonight, she's mine.