7. Autumn

Chapter seven

Autumn

T he sun peeks through my bedroom window as I wake up. Rook visited me in my dreams. Or maybe I visited him? Either way, we spent time together, and something about that fact makes my chest warm with happiness.

I lean across my bed and reach for the notebook I keep on my nightstand. I get the impression that since these dreams are more real than not, they won't fade like normal dreams. But just in case, I flip open my notebook to an empty page and begin to write.

Over-The-Top To-Do List:

Eat Spaghetti Lady-and-the-Tramp style. (Check)

Dancing in the rain

Stargaze in the bed of a truck.

Have a Picnic in a meadow

Recieve a magical flower from a witch someone trying to court me.

- Get to know each other over coffee. Have sex on the beach.

A thrill of excitement shivers down my spine as I cross out the last item and write, ‘Have sex on the beach.' Oh, gods. Can I even show this to Rook? And why do images of Rook taking me on the sand or in the ocean make me so damn hard?

Last night was overwhelming, but in all the best ways. We shared our spaghetti just like I imagined, but what made it even more special was when Rook snapped his fingers and a dish appeared for Maple. For the rest of the night, Maple sent me happy and satisfied thoughts through our bond.

She likes Rook. A lot. And so do I.

Oh gods, so do I.

We shared more about ourselves than we ever have before. Rook told me more about the night of the attack, informing me that his father and their pack leader were trying to force Lyla into an arranged marriage. He confessed that his old pack leader was not a good guy, and he was afraid for his sister's life. An image of Lyla and Ruby happy together popped into my mind, and I knew Maple was pleased that Rook protected his sister.

I shared things about my situation, told him about my brother and how he was tortured by his betrothed, so I was happy nothing like that happened to Lyla. Rook seemed startled over my brother's kidnapping and torture, and I remembered how he reacted last week when I brought up Blaze. Before I could ask him anything, I started to fade out of the dream, indicating that I was waking up.

There's a knock at my bedroom door. "Honey, can you join me and your Nana downstairs in ten minutes? We wanted to talk to you about something," Mom calls out.

"Sure thing, mom. Be there in a few." I hop out of bed, accidentally yanking the blankets that were cocooning Maple in a perfect little blanket nest. She growls.

"Sorry, Maple."

I rearrange the blankets as best I can, and she shrinks down into her small cat size before burrowing in a ball. Once dressed, I make my way downstairs and find Nana in her usual spot on the sofa and notice that she's knitting a green scarf now. I guess she finished the pretty orange one.

As I eye the material on her lap, something about it makes me smile. It reminds me of Rook's green tendrils of magic.

"You look happy," Mom says, placing a platter of muffins onto the coffee table and pouring me a cup of tea.

I sit across from Mom and Nana with a grin. "I guess I am."

Nana studies me. "Who has my youngest grandson smiling like that?"

A blush heats my cheeks, and I smile into my teacup.

"Well, now. Isn't this interesting?" Mom chuckles. "Don't keep us in suspense, honey. It's part of why we wanted to chat with you. Don't think Nana and I haven't noticed you smiling like that the last several days."

Gods, where do I begin? Mom and Nana have always been open to me dating anyone I wanted, but does that extend to a shifter? And what about someone who might be ten years older than me? Damn. I really need to ask Rook for his age. I keep meaning to, but I always chicken out at the last minute. I don't want to give him more excuses of why we shouldn't be together.

"What's got you looking so worried over there?" Nana asks, placing the scarf she's working on next to her on the sofa.

"His name is Rook. He's a shifter, well, a hybrid, to be exact. And, um, he's older," I say in a rush.

Mom frowns. "How much older?"

Nana whistles at the same time Mom speaks. "Dear lord, are you talking about that sexy apothecary owner here in town?"

My head snaps toward Nana, and Mom's mouth drops open.

"Yes, Nana." I laugh. "He's so sweet and smart. And he makes me feel happy and alive. We have a lot in common. He loves to read and paint. He has a passion for spellwork and takes a lot of pride in his shop. Not to mention, Maple adores him."

"Does she?" Nana grins.

"Well," Mom says slowly, and I brace myself for the worst. "If Maple likes him, that's a really good sign. Familiars are wired to feel when someone is a threat to their witch."

Hope swoops in my stomach.

"I actually wanted to ask you if we had anymore invitations to the party. I wanted to invite him. Maybe introduce you both," I say, hope in my tone.

Mom hesitates. "Are you sure? Your father might need a bit of warming up to the idea. I think he always envisioned you and Blaze with another witch."

I stiffen, angry she would even bring up Blaze marrying another witch. "Mom—"

"I know, I know. Here, follow me to my office." She stands. "I have another invite. I'll talk to your father. If you like this Rook, then I want to meet the man who can make you smile like this."

Nana picks up her scarf and gives me a wink as we leave the room.

Mom leads the way, her fancy red heels clicking against the tile in the hallway. "You know Nana and I don't care that he isn't a witch. Just please tell me he isn't my age."

I hesitate.

Mom's head snaps in my direction. "Oh gods, Autumn, please tell me he isn't my age."

"I actually don't know." I throw my hands up in the surrender motion and laugh when she narrows her gaze. "In my defense, he looks like he could be in his early- to mid-thirties, but you know shifters, they age differently."

"True," she replies as she opens the door to her office. "Just be careful, honey. Shifters have a reputation for not wanting to marry, and when they do, it's usually with someone in their pack. I can't even guarantee that a shifter will help us preserve the magic."

The blood drains from my face. Oh gods. An image of Rook down on one knee pops into my head. Him looking up at me with a sad look, questioning whether I actually want to marry him or if I only want to save our magic.

"Honey?" Mom snaps her fingers in front of my face. "Autumn. What's going on?"

I shake myself out of a haze. "Mom," I whisper. "I really like him. But I don't want him to ask me just because he thinks it will save me and the coven's magic. I don't want to use him like that. I never want to trap Rook into anything he doesn't want. He's been through too much."

Mom gives me a soft smile and tugs me into a hug. "Oh, Autumn. I can see your aura right now. You're falling in love with him."

Nodding, I swallow hard. "I am."

"Then invite him to your party. Don't worry about the magic right now. Just invite him and see how things go. If anything, it's better to experience love at least once in your life."

Quietly, I nod again, not surprised when I feel Maple there suddenly, pressing against my leg and giving me her silent support.

By the time I make it to downtown Heart's Hollow, it's just after noon. My stomach rumbles with hunger, but I can barely feel it over the swooping nerves in my stomach. Rook might have kissed me in my dreams, and I might be falling for him, but does he feel the same way about me?

I clutch the book bag strap that's slung over my shoulder. Inside my bag I have the invitation, the Helena Hurt romance Rook gifted to me, and a copy of the ‘ Encyclopedia of Otherworldly Creatures .'

I've been researching endlessly in my grimoire, trying to find answers for why and how I'm able to walk into Rook's dreams. At first I thought it might have had to do with my familiar being my guide, but I'm starting to think that isn't the case. Then, I remembered Rook saying shared dreams were special amongst shifters.

So, I figured I would try looking into shifter lore after I visit with Rook today.

Movement catches my eye, and I see Rook's front door swing open. Laughter fills the air, and I halt in place. I know that laugh. My brother walks out of Rook's Apothecary. He's smiling. Tears brim my eyes. Cass walks out of the shop next. And to my shock, Cass wraps a possessive tail around my brother's muscular torso.

Blaze smiles down at the pretty demon and slides his arm around Cass' shoulders. He kisses the demon's temple before they make their way around the corner and out of sight. Their auras still linger in the air and a wide grin slides onto my face.

My brother is happy and in love. The urge to chase after them is strong, but just knowing that he's in town and in love with someone I know means he won't be going anywhere. I can give him some more time to come to me. If he doesn't reach out soon, I'll ask Cass to arrange a meeting.

Feeling lighter than I have all morning, I practically skip the rest of the way to Rook's door. As soon as I walk inside, I see Lyla.

"Autumn!" Her eyes pop wide and she glances around, looking worried. I'm pretty sure she knows about my brother. Huh. Interesting . That must be why Rook looks pale every time I bring up Blaze. Making a mental note to ask him about it later, I close the distance between Lyla and me.

Lyla swoops me into a big hug. I laugh. "Hey, Lyla. How are you?"

"I'm good."

"Is Rook here?"

She nods, grinning. "He is, but first," she says, leaning closer to me. "I wanted to thank you. Whatever you're doing, I've never seen my brother this happy before. He looks well-rested. It makes no sense. I have no idea when you two have time to see each other because he's working here and rushing home. Yet he's always telling me something new about you."

I can't fight the big smile on my face even if I tried. "He talks to you about me?"

She barks out a laugh. "Understatement of the year."

"Are you two gossiping over there?" Rook is suddenly by my side. He's also smiling. But unlike anyone else, he has this way that makes my insides heat with pleasure.

Lyla laughs, walking back to the front counter. She waves a hand in the air. "You know me. I'm always gossiping."

"Hi," I say, twisting my hands, suddenly excited yet anxious.

"Hey." He leans forward and presses a kiss to my temple, similar to the way my brother did to Cass.

I beam at Rook, surprised by the public display.

Lyla gasps from the other side of the shop.

He rubs the back of his neck, a blush on his cheeks.

"Any chance you want to get coffee with me?" I bounce on my toes. "I was hoping you were free. We can get something to eat and maybe chat for a bit?"

"I'd love that and I could really go for a break. We had a huge shipment this morning and I'm exhausted from all the unpacking. Let me just put a few things away. Be right back."

He jogs to the back room. I have to bite back another smile as I check him out from behind. Gods, I'm always smiling around this big wolf. When he returns, he walks over to his sister first. Her eyes bounce over to me before looking back to Rook with a smirk. She teases him for a bit before he laughs and pulls her into a quick hug.

Damn. There goes my heart again. Maybe I'm always destined to feel like a teenager around him.

After my chat with my mom, getting the invitation for Rook, and then seeing my brother so damn happy, it's hard to keep my feelings at bay. After we walk out of his shop, we slowly meander toward the café.

Shakily, Rook reaches over for my hand, as if unsure of my reaction. My heart fucking soars at the gesture, and I easily lace his fingers with mine. He might be a little shy at first, but it seems like my wolf is willing to take what he wants.

Gods, my wolf.

"Hi, Rook!" Jenny greets us from behind the counter. "Wait, Autumn? Are you two together?"

Rook tenses next to me and starts to pull his hand away, but I don't have any of that. "I'm not sure. It's actually really new." I lift Rook's clawed hand up to my lips and I kiss his knuckles. "But I sure hope so."

I giggle when I feel Rook's tail wagging and brushing up against my peacoat.

Jenny squeals. "Oh wow. I can't wait to tell Daniel! Would you two like your usuals to drink?"

"Yes, please." I glance toward Rook. "Would you want to split a sandwich with me?"

His tail wags again. "That sounds great."

After we order our large sandwich, we find a private booth in the back.

"You know, now that Jenny saw us together, the whole town will know about it by tomorrow."

"Gods, I was just thinking the same thing." He laughs, shaking his head. "What's your usual?"

"During the fall? A pumpkin spice latte, of course."

He chuckles. "Of course it is."

"And you?"

Rook waggles his brows and takes off his coat before sitting across from me. "An iced pumpkin spice latte."

I gasp. "I've always wanted to try it iced, but love my hot ones so much. Can I try a sip of yours too?" Don't think dirty thoughts. Don't think dirty thoughts.

"Sure. As long as I can try yours."

"How's your day going? You looked a little stressed in the shop earlier."

"You caught that, huh?" Rook sighs.

Shaking my head, I try to reassure him. "If I hadn't been spending so much time with you, I might not have noticed."

"Hmm." His smile returns. "I had to file a complaint earlier. Meyer had some teenagers passing out flyers for his shop to all the customers that walked in my door."

"What? He can't do that. It totally goes against town policy. He can't just pass out flyers in front of a competitor's business. He can only do it in front of his own door or in the town's square, for fuck's sake."

Rook chuckles. "You're cute when you defend me."

I blush. "Well, it's true," I mumble.

"It is. Hence why I was able to get someone to ask the young girl to leave. When I tried, she just said she didn't want to get fired."

I roll my eyes. "Meyer is an asshole. Did you want me to speak to your friend Zero and tell him about the fake love potion he tried selling me?"

Rook nods slowly. "That would actually be helpful. I don't have much to go on other than he's trying to poach my customers—"

"And talk shit about your products inside your own store. Heart's Hollow doesn't mind healthy competition, but all businesses need to be respectful. Anything less can lead to extra tension, which strains the town's magical wards."

Rook eyes me curiously. "It does? That's fascinating."

"It's our coven's magic that strengthens the wards. It's why I know random town rules." Rook loves spellwork of all kinds. I've never been in a relationship with someone who shared my interests. My dates were always bored by my specific kind of magic, but with Rook, he always seems to like the things I enjoy talking about. "Maybe I can take you with me when I strengthen the wards next time."

His eyes widen with shock. "Are you even allowed to do that?"

I shrug as if it's not a big deal, but it is. It's a very big deal. "You'd have to sign some magical NDAs, but we can make it happen. I trust you."

"Thank you, Autumn." The look he gives me is downright sinful. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Hey guys," Jenny says, carrying a tray with our drinks and food on it. "Here you go. Can I get either of you anything else while I'm here?"

"No, thank you," we both reply at the same time. Jenny grins at us and walks away.

Rook takes a sip of his drink and I take one of mine. We both hum in pleasure before sliding our drinks across the table for the other to try. Once we realize how in sync we are with each other, we both burst into laughter.

After we munch on our food for a moment, I set my book bag on my lap and pull out a slip of paper, sliding it over to Rook.

"What's this?" He grins. "Oh! Is this your ‘ Over-the-Top To-Do List' from our dream?"

He glances up at me, still smiling. That's how I know he hasn't read the whole thing. "Wait. Isn't this one of the things from your list? Get to know someone over coffee?"

I chuckle and tap the bottom of the list.

His mouth falls open when he reads the last line.

"I figured I could take that off my list since I wanted to ask you out for lunch. I replaced it with something better."

"Wow. That's…wow." His tail wags. He readjusts himself so he's sitting on the poor thing, then shoves his sandwich into his mouth and chews.

I laugh silently as I finish my food and sip my coffee.

"There's something else I wanted to give you." I pull out the pearl cardstock and hand it to him, my heart pounding.

"Oh," he breathes. Before I can decipher if that's a good or bad reaction, he abruptly stands up.

"I'll pay for lunch, but I gotta go back to work." His eyes bounce behind me. Within seconds he's at the front handing Jenny some cash and rushing out the door.

I look behind me at the spot that caught Rook's attention. Standing there is my friend Lucus, red-faced and looking slightly stricken.

What the fuck just happened?