Chapter 17

Katie

Banjo barked and scratched at the door, desperate to get out for our morning walk. I rolled my eyes as I pulled my boots on, something I was clearly doing far too slow for my familiar's taste. He could be an impatient dog at times, but I loved him even then.

He nudged me in the side and looked longingly at the door, as if it would magically open if he stared hard enough.

"You were never like this when it was just you and me," I chided him. At least he was excited about the change in our morning routine. I couldn't blame him for that, I liked it too.

I opened the door and Banjo raced out, leaving a trail of perfect footprints in the fresh snow, making it easy to see where he'd gone. The falling snow collected on his fur as he raced to the figure waiting for us at the end of the path. Sometimes, it seemed like Banjo was the happiest out of us all about this new relationship. Though that was only because he only really communicated joy and impatience.

With a smile, I left the farmhouse, shutting the heavy wooden door behind me, and made my way over to Brew. Snow had settled on his curls as well and I dusted it off, although it was mostly an excuse to touch him. With how fast the snowflakes were falling, his head would be covered again in no time.

He glanced around and stole a quick kiss. "Good morning, Katie."

I kissed him back, taking advantage of the early darkness. "Good morning."

Banjo barked too and pressed his snout against Brew's pocket.

"He's becoming very demanding," Brew joked as he pulled a piece of jerky out. "Do you want this, Mr Strings?"

I couldn't help but smile and watch with affection. It was so precious how he treated my familiar, I would never tire of it.

We set in motion and Brew kept me company for the first part of my patrol which was always devoid of people. It was my favourite part of the day, some quiet and private moments for just us.

I slipped my hand into his, enjoying the warmth even through our gloves. Banjo continued to bounce along up ahead, trying to catch the falling snow and then being surprised when it melted as soon as he caught it.

"Did Jasmine say when the dryad envoy was arriving?" I asked.

"A couple of weeks, I think," Brew responded. "And then we're going to have to be on our best behaviour."

I laughed. "All right, so you're going to have to climb through my bedroom window again instead of taking me to empty fields," I teased.

"I'd take you anywhere," he joked.

My cheeks heated at the insinuation, but there was no word of a lie in it. "At least Oliver is covering for us. It would be a lot harder if he wasn't."

"He's probably hoping we'll do the same when he finally asks Hana on a date."

"Do you think he's going to?" Even though it had been a couple of weeks since my brother had told us about his feelings for her, he didn't seem to have done anything about it yet.

"It's only a matter of time. It was for us," he said.

"Mmm, true."

We reached the second fork in the road, and disappointment flooded through me, just like it did every time I had to part ways with Brew. I checked around to make sure there was nobody around before giving him a quick kiss.

He smiled and savoured it. "One of these days, we should tell the families about us so we can stop sneaking around."

I nodded. "We should. I don't want this to be a secret forever but right now, I'm enjoying being Kate and Brew instead of Katheryn and Rooibos."

"I know. I'm sure they'll take it just fine."

"It's not just the families I'm worried about. What will the single women of Purple Oak say when they hear that you're taken?" I teased.

Brew chuckled and took a step closer. "They'll get over it. I only have eyes for you."

"I know." I touched his face, lingering as long as I dared. "And I for you."

"Of course, I'm very handsome," he bragged, the light tone of his voice making it clear he was joking around.

I squeezed his hand. "I'll see you tonight, handsome ?"

"You will. Just one moment." He pulled me into him and nuzzled into my neck, inhaling deeply. When he let go, he looked even more in love. "That'll keep me going for the day."

He was so adorable, I couldn't understand how there'd been a time when I hadn't been in love with him. He was everything I'd ever wanted in a partner and I knew that our relationship was going to last, regardless if we had the approval of our families or not.

I waved until he was out of sight, amused by how Banjo kept following him. He didn't return until I whistled for him.

I fussed him between his ears. "I know, you want to spend more time with Brew. I'll let you in on a little secret. Me too."

Banjo cocked his head like he usually did when he was trying to work out what I was saying. I patted him, enjoying the boosts of energy I got from our magical bond.

"One day soon," I promised my dog, watching the departing figure of the man I loved. Our families were going to have to accept us, because there was no doubt in my mind that he was the one I wanted to have a family of my own with. And nothing anyone could say was going to change my mind about that.

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