1. Emma

ONE

Emma

I stepped outside, the morning chill biting at my bare arms as I hauled the trash can to the curb. A bit of soreness nagged at my neck, a memento from an old car wreck that liked to say hello when I least wanted it. I squinted against the light, pulling the bin back from the street just in time to catch a glimpse of Beth's car idling by Wade's place next door.

Every muscle in my body tensed. I didn’t want to spy on them, but a huge part of me felt Beth and Wade were perfect for each other. I think even Wade knew it. Beth was the one who needed convincing. But maybe he’d finally managed to convince her?

Unable to help myself, I took a step closer. Through the windshield, their silhouettes were close, too close for just friends. My gut twisted with a strange blend of curiosity and something else… Feet-kicking excitement? It looked like they were about to kiss, lips inching closer — but then they didn't. Beth pulled away, her hand brushing through her tied-back blonde hair as if she needed to put some space between them.

No Beth, go for it! Go for it! But, instead, Wade stepped out of the car. I watched as Beth’s pained gaze turned to me, and her eyes widened. I debated about running for it back into the house, feeling like I’d just spied on a private moment, but she killed the engine, and climbed out of the car.

"Hey, Emma!" Beth called out through the quiet morning.

"Morning," I replied. "Everything okay?"

"Can we talk?" Her eyes darted away from mine, blue and clouded with something unreadable.

"Sure." I gestured toward my porch. "Coffee?"

"Gods, yes." Her chuckle was strained, but it was pure Beth. She said a quick goodbye to Wade and darted down the sidewalk. We walked up the steps together, the wooden boards creaking under our feet as we moved.

"Something on your mind?" I asked as I pushed open the door, leading her into the chaos of our wedding prep supplies sprawled across my living room. Tulle and ribbons everywhere, like a craft store had exploded. "Excuse the mess."

"Wow, it's really happening, huh?" Beth managed a weak smile as she glanced at the table, cluttered with decorations.

Yes, very soon my little brother and Alice would be tying the knot. As nervous as I had been for my own wedding, I wasn’t the least bit nervous for theirs. They were the perfect couple. Quirky as individuals and as a couple, in ways that just made sense. I knew they’d be happy together.

"Two weeks out," I said, excitement in my voice.

From the kitchen, the sizzle of bacon mingled with Henry's laughter and Daniel's deep voice guiding him through flipping pancakes. I knew that sound—Daniel was in his element, caring for people the best way he knew how. And Henry was right there with him, loving every second of it, an almost father-son relationship having formed between them that made my little heart want to explode.

"Hey, Emma?" Daniel called out, unaware of our guest, "Where'd you put the—Oh, hey, Beth."

He stopped in the doorway, wearing jeans and a plaid shirt that hugged him in all the right places. My bear shifter was a giant of a man, with big arms that I loved to touch. Arms I’d never get tired of touching, just like the rest of him.

"Morning," Beth greeted, her attempt at cheerfulness falling flat.

"Everything all right?" he asked, eyes narrowing in concern as his gaze ran over her.

"Fine,” she said, but even the word sounded everything but fine.

"Let's talk outside," I suggested to Beth, catching her eye. She nodded gratefully, eager to escape the warm, domestic scene that must have been suffocating her after all she’d been through with her ex cheating on her with her sister.

Beth was one of those people who was there celebrating every milestone for me and her friends, and as much as we appreciated it, I knew that deep down it was hard for her to see us all moving on. I understood that. When I was miserable in my marriage, it was hard to see other people being happy and in love.

"Be right back," I said.

We moved onto the porch, the worn wooden boards familiar beneath my feet. Morning light cast long shadows around us, and I sat in my favorite chair, nudging a fallen leaf with my toe. Beth took the chair opposite me, her eyes searching mine before she looked away.

"Thanks," she mumbled, pulling her jacket tighter around her.

"Anytime." I leaned back, resting my elbows on the railing behind me.

Then, I waited, because it was clear Beth had something to tell me. Maybe it’d be about Wade. Maybe it wouldn’t be. Either way, I’d be here, ready to listen, just the way she’d always been there for me.

The screen door creaked open, and Daniel stepped out, balancing two steaming mugs. "Coffee delivery."

"Thank you," Beth said as he handed her a mug.

"Here you go, black, just how you like it." He offered me the other mug, and his fingers brushed mine. A familiar warmth spread through my chest.

"Perfect timing," I said, taking a sip. The rich, slightly bitter liquid was exactly right.

"Always." His green eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled down at me. He leaned in, and his lips met mine in a quick, soft kiss that still managed to send a flutter through me.

"Breakfast will be ready soon," he said before turning back toward the house.

"Smells good," I called after him, watching as he disappeared inside.

Beth blew on her coffee, eyeing me with a half-smile. "You two are cute, you know that?"

"I know,” I said happily as I watched the steam curl from my coffee, the morning chill making me grateful for the warmth, but I didn’t want to focus on that. Not right now. I wanted this to be about her. "So, how have the stakeouts been going at the Unicorn Pit?"

It was the best way I could think to ask her about Wade without coming on too strong. She had been private about her thoughts and feelings concerning the man, but I wanted to leave the door open for her to talk to me about him. When she was ready.

Beth took a sip of her coffee, and a mischievous twinkle lit up her eyes. "Oh, you know, the usual magical creature surveillance," she said. "Three dead unicorns turned up, but it's been quiet since. No new deliveries."

"Dead unicorns, just like that?" My brows knitted together as I processed her words.

"Yep," Beth popped the 'p' as if she were discussing the weather. "Dead as doornails. But no one's brought any more since then." She shrugged, a wry smile playing on her lips. "And they’ve been whole, except for the horns," Beth continued, stirring the creamer into her coffee absently.

Except the horns? Why would someone kill a unicorn but just take its horn? There must be something I’m missing here. Heck, I don’t even know what the benefit of killing a unicorn would be in any way. I clearly need to keep learning about the supernatural world.

"Someone just… took them?" I frowned, the idea unsettling.

"Clean cut." Beth's face tightened, a shadow passing over her features. "Whoever did this knew what they were doing. It wasn't some amateur with a hacksaw."

"Three unicorn horns..." My voice trailed off. "But what for?”

"They can do a lot,” Beth said. "Like dangerous magic a lot. Like you don’t want to mess with that much magic a lot."

I sipped my coffee as the magnitude of that statement sank in. In the supernatural community, that kind of powerful magic was not just dangerous; it was catastrophic if put in the wrong hands.

"Right. A person with that much power..." Beth shuddered. "They could bend reality. It's seriously dark stuff."

We’d already seen so much darkness since I returned to Mystic Falls. I’d hate for these unicorn horns to lead to even more. I could do without more death and pain. We all could.

"Have you seen anything? Any leads on who might be behind this?" I asked, hoping for some shred of good news.

"Nothing." She shook her head, frustration clear in her eyes. "It's like they vanished into thin air. No traces, no signs. Nothing since those three."

"Great," I muttered. Three hornless unicorns and a mystery person out there somewhere wielding dangerous magic. Just another day in Mystic Hollow.

I leaned back in my chair, arching an eyebrow at Beth as my mind slid to other dark things. "With all the madness going on, tell me you and Wade are keeping an eye out. The robberies around here..." Images of bruised faces and broken locks flashed through my mind, but I pushed them away. "You guys have to be careful."

Beth nodded, a serious look replacing her usual smirk. "We are, trust me. We're just tied up trying to crack this unicorn case. It's driving us crazy."

"I can't imagine." I gave her a sympathetic pat on the hand. "But you'll get it sorted. You always do." I paused, my mind sliding back to her and Wade. A mischievous grin spread across my face. "So, how are things with you and Wade? Any sparks flying?"

"Sparks?" Beth snorted, rolling her eyes. "More like waiting for a lightning strike that never comes."

Oh? Is that how it is? Somehow, I got the impression that Wade was coming on strong, and Beth was running for the hills. Had something changed?

"So, no… lightning strike?”

She groaned. "None at all. I’m just sitting here. Dry as a desert waiting for a storm.”

I was tempted to make a dirty joke, but I didn’t want to take it too far when she was finally opening up to me, so I let the whole "dry” thing go. I wouldn’t directly tell her I had suggestions on how to moisten her up. Instead, I’d dance around it.

"Maybe you should be the storm," I teased, taking a sip from my coffee.

"Me? Oh sure, because I'm just brimming with smooth moves," she replied with a laugh, shaking her head.

I bet if she even gave Wade a signal or two, he’d be all over her, but then she’d actually have to give a signal. She’d have to put herself out there. She’d been out of the game so long I bet she’s just nervous. I needed to build her up.

"Hey, you've got the magic touch when it comes to unicorns, don't sell yourself short on charming mermaid scholars." I winked at her.

"Ha! Well, we'll see about that," Beth said, but the twinkle in her eye told me the idea wasn't as far-fetched as she made it sound.

Unable to help myself, I decided to push a little further. I wanted to see if she’d be truly honest after all of this. If she could be honest with me, I think it’d be easier to be honest with herself.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms over my chest. "You know, you haven't actually said it yet."

Beth fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "Said what?"

"About Wade," I pressed. "How you feel."

She glanced up at me, then away, a sigh escaping her lips. "It's... complicated."

"Complicated how?" I nudged.

It wasn’t that complicated. Boy met girl. Boy fell for the girl. Girl pretended not to like the boy, but the girl was obsessed with the boy. And now, boy and girl were investigating magical trouble together, totally in love with each other.

It was something straight out of a romance movie.

"Okay, fine." Beth blew out a breath, meeting my eyes. "I like him, alright? More than I thought I would. But I was so scared he'd try something and now..." She shrugged helplessly. "He doesn't even seem to be considering it."

She was totally wrong. I’d seen the way Wade looks at her. Wade was absolutely head-over-heels for her. I’d have to be blind not to see it. Heck, a blind person could see it. But this wasn’t about what was obvious, it was about everything she’d been through.

"Look," I said, leaning forward, "you've been through hell and back. You have raised those girls of yours, ran a business, handled your gift. You can handle Wade."

She chewed on her lower lip, thinking it over. "Maybe."

"Come on," I prodded gently. "What's the worst that could happen?"

"Rejection?" The word hung between us, heavy and unwanted.

"Or," I said, "he feels the same and you both stop dancing around each other."

"Emma," she began, but trailed off. Her noncommittal shrug spoke volumes.

"Think about it," I said, standing up. "No rush, no pressure. Just... don't wait forever, okay?"

Beth nodded, her smile returning, though it wavered just a bit. "Okay. I'll think about it."

"Good," I replied. "Now, let's get some more coffee before we turn into a couple of sad sap romance novel characters."

"Too late for that," she joked, and we both laughed, leaving the tension behind us for a moment.

As she was standing up, the screen door creaked and Daniel stepped onto the porch, a large tray balanced in his hands. Sunlight glinted off the silverware, and the smell of bacon wafted towards us.

"Mind if we join you ladies?" Daniel's voice was warm, friendly, but there was hesitation in his gaze. He wanted to make sure it was really okay.

It was. We were done talking about the tough stuff. Now, it was time for fun.

"Of course not," I replied, scooting over to make room at the picnic table.

"Good, 'cause Henry's chomping at the bit to discuss more wedding stuff." Daniel chuckled, setting down plates filled with scrambled eggs and strips of crispy bacon.

Henry followed, balancing a pot of coffee and a stack of papers. "Morning, Emma, Beth."

"Hey, Henry." Beth greeted him with a nod and a smile.

"Thanks for breakfast," I said, accepting a plate Daniel handed me.

"Anytime," he replied, taking a seat beside me. His eyes met mine for a moment, a silent conversation passing between us.

Henry plopped down across from us, eagerly shuffling his papers. "So, I've got seating charts and playlists to go over."

"Hit us with it," I said, picking up my fork.

"Okay, so first things first..." Henry began, but I was only half-listening, my mind still on Beth's situation with Wade.