Chapter 20

Bram's eyelids fluttered, the first tendrils of consciousness tugging him from the depths of slumber. As his senses awakened, he became aware of the soft warmth pressed against his side, the gentle rhythm of her breathing a soothing lullaby. Slowly, he turned his head, his gaze settling on Tabitha's sleeping form, and his heart stuttered in his chest.

She lay beside him, her golden hair splayed across the pillow like a glowing halo, the silken strands catching the first rays of sunlight that filtered through the curtains. Her face, usually so expressive and alive, was now softened by the tranquility of sleep. Long lashes brushed against the delicate skin of her cheeks, and her lips were slightly parted, a whisper of breath escaping with each gentle exhale.

Unable to resist, Bram reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they ghosted over her skin. With a featherlight touch, he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. Tabitha stirred, a soft murmur escaping her lips as she instinctively nestled closer to him, seeking his warmth and comfort.

"Mmm...Bram?" Tabitha's voice was thick with sleep, her eyes fluttering open to meet his gaze. A slow, sleepy smile spread across her face, and she stretched languidly, her body arching against his in a way that sent a shiver down his spine.

"Good morning, beautiful," Bram murmured, his voice low and husky. He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering against her skin. "Did you sleep well?"

Tabitha hummed in contentment, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on his chest. "Always when I'm with you," she replied, her eyes sparkling with a joy that made Bram's heart swell with love and protectiveness.

He pulled her closer, his arms encircling her waist as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent. "I love you, Tabitha," he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. "I will never let anyone hurt you as long as I live."

Tabitha's arms tightened around him, her breath hitching in her throat. "I love you too, honey bear," she murmured, her words muffled against his skin.

They lay like that for a moment, wrapped in each other's embrace, their hearts beating in unison. But as the morning light grew stronger, the weight of their responsibilities began to settle on their shoulders, a reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

With a sigh, Bram reluctantly eased himself from the bed, his hand trailing along Tabitha's arm in a lingering caress. "We should get ready," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "The town meeting won't organize itself."

Tabitha nodded, her expression sobering as she sat up, the sheets pooling around her waist. "You're right," she agreed, her brows knitting together in concern. "The recent revelations about my family have left everyone on edge. We need to address their concerns head-on."

Bram leaned in, pressing a quick, reassuring kiss to her lips. "We'll get through this. This town is on your side."

"I just want it all out in the open, even if it means telling the entire town every dark little secret my family tried to hide."

"I love that you're willing to put all that out there for the town's safety."

Tabitha smiled, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "Of course. These are my people too. I wouldn't have it any other way," she murmured, her thumb brushing along his jawline.

With renewed purpose, they prepared for the day ahead, their movements efficient and focused. They dressed quickly, exchanging glances and brief touches that spoke volumes without the need for words. Together, they made their way to the meeting hall, their steps falling in sync as they walked hand in hand.

The meeting hall was abuzz with nervous energy as the residents gathered, their faces etched with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Bram stood tall at the front, his broad shoulders squared and his jaw set with determination. His presence was a reassuring anchor amidst the sea of uncertainty, a beacon of strength and stability that the townspeople instinctively gravitated toward.

Tabitha took her place beside him, her hand slipping into his, their fingers intertwining in a silent show of support and unity. The warmth of her touch seeped into his skin, grounding him, reminding him that together, they could face anything.

"Thank you all for coming," Bram began, his voice carrying across the room, commanding attention. "We know that the recent discoveries about Tabitha's family have raised concerns and questions among you. We're here today to address those concerns and to reassure you that the safety and well-being of Whispering Pines remains our top priority."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, heads nodding in agreement and appreciation. Bram could see the tension in their faces, the unease that had settled over the town like a dark cloud. But he also saw the glimmer of hope in their eyes, the trust they placed in him and Tabitha to guide them through this difficult time.

"We understand your fears," Tabitha spoke up, her voice clear and strong, yet laced with empathy. "The secrets of my family's past have come as a shock to us all. But I want you to know I am committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that any potential threats to our town are dealt with swiftly and decisively."

"That's right," Bram added, his hand squeezing Tabitha's in a show of support. "We will not allow anyone or anything to jeopardize the peace and security of Whispering Pines."

The air buzzed with a renewed sense of unity and determination, a collective resolve to protect their beloved town and all who called it home. The meeting was adjourned and the two shared ideas as they made their way back to Tabitha's house, the weight of the day's events slowly lifting from their shoulders.

As they stepped onto the front porch, the smell of sweat and unfamiliar body odors hit his nose. He put his arm out to stop Tabitha from going any farther.

"I smell something I don't like."

Her brows folded down. "What is it?"

He put a finger against his lips. "Shh." He slowly opened the front door, not a single squeak from a hinge. He tiptoed in, senses on high alert. Somewhere in the house, he heard noise only a human could make. It sounded like someone searching through drawers for something. And it was coming from more than one room.

He smiled and winked at his little mate. She scowled back and mouthed, "What's going on?"

Taking a deep breath, Bram let loose a roar that shook the plates in the hutch and the glass chandelier in the parlor. Within seconds, several boys scrambled down the stairs. When they saw Bram and his mate, the boys took off running toward the back door of the house.

Bram managed to subdue one of them, his grip firm but not deadly. The boy trembled beneath his grasp, his eyes wide with fear and desperation.

"P-please, don't hurt me!" the boy whimpered, his voice cracking with terror. "I-I didn't take anything... I was just following orders!"

Bram's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening slightly. "Who sent you?" he demanded, his voice a low growl. "What do they want with Whispering Pines?"

The boy's lips quivered, his words tumbling out in a rushed confession. "I-it was a woman," he stammered, his eyes darting around frantically probably looking for his accomplices long gone out the door. "She hired us to steal some kind of magical artifact. A big silver cup. She said it was hidden somewhere in this house."

Bram's eyes widened, a flash of understanding passing between him and Tabitha. The Celestial Chalice, the artifact mentioned by her father, the key to her inheritance and the very fate of Whispering Pines. It all made sense now, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place with sickening clarity.

"Where is this woman now?" Tabitha asked, her voice tight with urgency. "What does she plan to do with the chalice?"

The boy shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears. "I-I don't know," he whispered, his voice trembling. "She never told us her plans, just gave us our money and sent us on our way. Please, I swear that's all I know!"

They needed to act fast to find this mysterious woman and stop her before she could lay her hands on the Celestial Chalice. The fate of Whispering Pines hung in the balance, and they would not let it fall.

With a nod of understanding, Bram released the boy, his voice firm but not unkind. "Go," he said to the boy with no scent of magic, dark or light, on him. "Choose a different path, one of honesty and help to your fellow men. It's never too late to change."

The boy hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching Bram's face for any sign of deception. Finding only sincerity and compassion, he nodded, a glimmer of hope sparking in his gaze. With a final glance at Tabitha, the boy turned and fled, disappearing into the woods.

"We need to find this woman," Tabitha said, her voice low and urgent as she turned to Bram. "If she gets her hands on the chalice, who knows what kind of destruction she could unleash?"

Bram nodded, his jaw clenched with determination. "Agreed. But there's nothing more we can do tonight. We'll plan tomorrow after we meet with Luna."

After they'd cleaned up the mess in the rooms the boys had rifled through and Bram made sure every window and door was locked, they settled on the couch, He grabbed the remote, a mischievous grin on his face.

"No more thinking about magic and disasters tonight. How about a movie to unwind? I'm thinking Die Hard."

Tabitha raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Die Hard? Isn't that a Christmas movie?"

Bram let out a bark of laughter. "Oh, not you too. It's an action classic that just happens to take place at Christmas."

They fell into a spirited debate, their laughter ringing through the house as they argued the merits of John McClane's holiday heroics. As the movie played, Bram pulled Tabitha closer, his arm draped around her shoulders.

In a quieter moment, their conversation turned serious once more. They discussed plans for the Celestial Chalice, the magical artifact that had brought so much trouble to their doorstep.

"We could use it to strengthen the town's defenses," Tabitha mused, her fingers tracing idle patterns on Bram's arm. "Create a protective barrier that would warn us of any future threats."

Bram pressed a kiss to her temple, his heart swelling with love and pride. "I like the way you think. We'll bring it up at the meeting."

"Now, about this Die Hard being a Christmas movie," he said, "I will have you know that is completely incorrect. Elf is a Christmas movie."

She gave a slow nod with a grin. "I think I understand. Like Home Alone is about a kid being left at home, not a Christmas movie, right?"

"Wait…that's not what I mean."

She raised her brows and laughed. "Because it's a Christmas movie, isn't it."

He gave a gruff sigh. "You're impossible."

"Admit it, I'm right."

"I admit nothing other than the fact you look good in my T-shirt." He leaned in for a kiss and pulled her into his arms, forgetting all about the movie.