Chapter 18

EIGHTEEN

S ayer stepped out of the shower, a cloud of steam billowing around him as he reached for a towel. Droplets of water traced the defined muscles of his chest and arms, a testament to his shifter physique. His mind buzzed with a heady mix of contentment and anticipation. Yesterday’s date with Fia had been... amazing.

As he dressed, Sayer caught his reflection in the mirror. The man staring back at him looked different. Happier. More alive. It wasn’t just the afterglow of their intimate night together - though that certainly played a part. No, this was something deeper. A sense of rightness, of pieces finally falling into place. He had his mate.

Downstairs, he found Fia in the kitchen, her hair still adorably mussed from sleep. She stood at the stove, humming softly as she flipped pancakes. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on her skin. Vienna sat in her high chair, happily mashing banana between her fingers, her giggles filling the air.

“Good morning, beautiful,” Sayer said, wrapping his arms around Fia’s waist and planting a kiss on her neck. He inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of vanilla and cinnamon that always seemed to cling to her.

Fia leaned back into him, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Someone’s in a good mood.”

“How could I not be?” He turned her gently, meeting her gaze. His heart swelled at the warmth and affection he saw there. “Fia, last night was... I don’t have the words. But I want you to know, I’m all in. You, me, Vienna - we’re a family now. And I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you’re both happy and safe.”

Fia’s eyes softened, a mix of joy and vulnerability flashing across her face. “Sayer, I-” She paused, seeming to gather her thoughts. “I never thought I’d have this. A partner, a family. Someone who understands me and accepts all of me.”

Sayer cupped her face gently, his thumb tracing her cheekbone. “You deserve all of it and more, Fia.”

Their lips met in a tender kiss, full of promise and newfound intimacy. When they parted, Fia’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes sparkling.

“You know,” she said with a mischievous grin, “if you keep distracting me like this, we’re going to end up with burnt pancakes.”

Sayer laughed, stealing one quick kiss before moving to pour coffee. “We can’t have that. I’ve grown quite fond of your cooking.”

As they settled around the table for breakfast, the easy banter continued. Sayer found himself marveling at how natural it all felt - sharing meals, exchanging glances over Vienna’s antics, planning their day together. It was domestic bliss, something he’d never truly allowed himself to imagine before.

“So,” Fia said, passing him the syrup, “I was thinking we could take Vienna to the park later. There’s this little pond where I’ve been teaching her to feed the ducks.”

Sayer’s heart warmed at the image. “I’d love that. Though I have to warn you, my animal magnetism might attract more than just ducks.”

Fia rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh really? Should I be worried about you running off with a flock of geese?”

“Never,” Sayer said, his tone suddenly serious despite his smile. “You’re stuck with me now, Barlowe. Both of you.”

A sharp knock at the door interrupted their moment. Sayer frowned, glancing at his watch. “Who could that be at this hour?”

He opened the door to find Reed Mallory, the town sheriff, and his deputy, Arden Flynt. The serious expressions on their faces immediately set Sayer on edge.

Sayer’s hand froze on the doorknob, his heightened senses immediately picking up on the tension radiating from Reed and Arden. The two officers stood on the porch, their usual easy-going demeanors replaced by grim determination.

“Reed, Arden,” Sayer greeted them, his voice carefully neutral. “Is everything all right?”

Reed’s jaw tightened, his eyes flicking past Sayer into the house. “We need to talk, Sayer. It’s about Vienna.”

A chill ran down Sayer’s spine. He stepped back, ushering them inside. “Fia!” he called, unable to keep the edge of worry from his voice. “Could you come in here, please?”

Fia appeared at the entrance to the kitchen with Vienna on her hip, her eyes widening as she took in the scene. She came in quickly and put Vienna’s in her playpen. “What’s going on?” she asked, her voice tight with concern.

Arden cleared his throat, his discomfort palpable. “We’ve been receiving some... concerning reports. Multiple calls about Vienna being spotted in dangerous situations.”

“What?” Fia’s voice was sharp, disbelief etched across her features. “That’s impossible. She’s always with one of us.”

Reed held up a hand, his expression softening slightly. “We know. That’s what’s so strange about this. The callers swear they’ve seen her in the middle of busy intersections, alone at the playground after dark, even at that construction site on the edge of town.”

Sayer’s mind raced, scenarios flashing through his head. He reached for Fia’s hand, squeezing it reassuringly. “That’s impossible. She can barely walk, much less be on the edge of town by herself.”

“Exactly,” Arden confirmed, running a hand through his hair. “Which is why we’re here now. Something doesn’t add up, and we needed to warn you.”

Reed’s voice was heavy as he continued. “Look, I hate to say this, but after a certain number of these welfare checks, we’re required to notify child services. You’d be placed under supervision.”

The room fell silent, the only sound Vienna’s soft babbling from her playpen. Sayer felt Fia stiffen beside him, her grip on his hand tightening.

“This can’t be happening,” Fia whispered, her voice barely audible.

Before anyone could respond, a sharp knock echoed through the house. Reed and Arden exchanged confused glances.

“Are you expecting anyone?” Reed asked, his hand instinctively moving toward his holster.

Sayer shook his head, moving to the door. He opened it to find a flustered-looking woman in a crisp suit.

“Mr. Gentry? I’m Sandra from Child Protective Services. We received an urgent call about a child in danger at this address.”

Sayer’s stomach dropped. He turned to look at Reed and Arden, who seemed equally shocked.

“I... we didn’t call CPS,” Reed stammered.

The next few hours were a blur of questions, explanations, and mounting tension. Sandra insisted on inspecting every inch of the house, her skepticism growing with each passing minute as she found nothing amiss.

Just as she was preparing to leave, visibly frustrated, another knock came at the door. This time, it was an elderly neighbor, her face pale with worry.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re here, Sheriff!” she exclaimed. “I just saw that poor baby crawling along the roof! How on earth did she get up there?”

Sayer and Fia exchanged horrified glances. Vienna, oblivious to the chaos, giggled from her spot on Fia’s hip.

Reed stepped forward, his expression a mix of confusion and determination. “Ma’am, I can assure you, Vienna has been here the entire time. We’ve all been right here with her.”

The neighbor blinked, bewildered. “But I saw her. Clear as day.”

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the living room, Sayer felt the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. Reed and Arden had finally managed to calm the neighbor and send Sandra on her way, but the tension in the air remained thick and oppressive.

“I don’t understand,” Fia murmured, cradling a now-sleeping Vienna close to her chest. “How can so many people be seeing things that aren’t happening?”

Reed stood, his expression resolute. “All right. Here’s what we’re going to do. Arden and I will increase patrols around your property. We’ll also reach out to some of the local witches, see if they can detect any unusual magical activity in the area.”

He turned to Sayer and Fia, his voice softening. “In the meantime, I need you two to document everything. Every false sighting, every welfare check, every unexplained incident. If this does end up going to court, we want to be prepared.”

The implication hung heavy in the air. If Fia’s family decided to challenge their custody...

“This is them, isn’t it?” Sayer growled, anger bubbling up inside him. “Fia’s parents, or that sister of hers. They’re behind this somehow.”

Fia paled, her grip on Sayer’s hand tightening. “But how? They’re not even in town, are they?”

Reed held up his hands. “We don’t know anything for certain. But given the circumstances, we thought you should be aware of what’s happening.”

After the officers left, Sayer and Fia sat at the kitchen table, the forgotten pancakes growing cold. Vienna babbled happily in her high chair, blissfully unaware of the tension surrounding her.

“We need to figure out what’s going on,” Sayer said, his jaw clenched. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body.

Fia reached out, her fingers tracing the furrow between his brows. “Hey,” she said softly. “Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”

Sayer caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. “You’re right. I just... the thought of anyone trying to take Vienna from us, to hurt you...”

“I know,” Fia nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “But we’re stronger than they are. We have to be.”

Sayer pulled her into his arms, holding her close. They stayed like that for a long moment, drawing strength from each other. When they finally pulled apart, Fia’s expression was determined.

“Jasper,” she said suddenly. “If anyone would know about strange occurrences in town, it’d be him.”

An hour later, they stood in the musty confines of the Whispering Pines library. Jasper Moon, the spectral librarian, floated before them, his translucent form flickering with agitation.

“I’m terribly sorry,” he said, adjusting his ghostly spectacles. “I’ve combed through every record we have, and there’s nothing quite like what you’re describing. Though there was an interesting case in 1843 involving a poltergeist and a particularly mischievous garden gnome...”

Sayer pinched the bridge of his nose. “Jasper, focus. Is there anyone else who might have insight into this?”

The ghost’s face brightened. “Oh! Of course. You should speak to Luna. If anyone can unravel a magical mystery, it’s her.”

As they left the library, Sayer noticed Fia shivering slightly. Without a word, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

“Thanks,” she said, snuggling into the warmth. “You know, for a big, tough lion shifter, you’re pretty sweet.”

Sayer grinned, pulling her close as they walked. “Don’t go spreading that around. I have a reputation to maintain.”

Luna’s apothecary shop smelled of herbs and ancient wisdom. Crystals hung from the ceiling, catching the light and casting rainbow reflections across the room. The witch listened intently as they recounted the strange occurrences, her violet eyes narrowing in thought.

“An illusion spell,” she said finally, her voice heavy with certainty. “And a powerful one at that. It’s creating false sightings of Vienna, sowing chaos and doubt.”

Sayer felt a surge of protective anger. “How do we stop it?”

Luna’s expression was grave. “Carefully. This kind of magic is tricky. Act rashly, and you could make things worse. We need to trace it back to its source.”

As they left Luna’s shop, Sayer’s phone buzzed. It was a message from his sister, Posey.

“Everything okay?” Fia asked, noticing his frown.

Sayer sighed. “Posey says she’s delayed. Some work emergency. But she’s keeping an eye on any legal maneuvers your family might try.”

Fia’s shoulders slumped. “I can’t believe they’re doing this. After everything...”

Sayer pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Hey. We’re in this together, remember?”

That night after tucking Vienna into bed, Sayer made a series of calls. He delegated hotel matters to his most trusted employees, appointed temporary managers, and made it clear that his family was his top priority now.

As he hung up the phone, he found Fia watching him from the doorway. The soft light from the hallway illuminated her silhouette, and Sayer was struck anew by how beautiful she was.

“You didn’t have to do all that,” she said softly.

Sayer crossed the room, taking her hands in his. “Yes, I did. You and Vienna are my world now. Everything else can wait.”

Fia’s eyes welled up with tears. “Thank you. I don’t even know how to manage my emotions anymore.”

His heart soared at her words. “It’s okay, Fia. You aren’t doing this alone. Feel free to feel your emotions. I’ve got your back.”

Their kiss was passionate, a reaffirmation of their growing bond. When they finally parted, both breathless, Sayer rested his forehead against hers.

“Whatever comes next,” he promised, “we face it together.”

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity. They installed magical wards around the house with help from Luna and Tabitha. Ivy from the Green Thicket Tea House supplied them with calming teas and focus-enhancing potions. The Blackwoods, Rowans, and other neighbors formed a protective network, keeping watch for any suspicious activity.

Sayer enlisted Roarke and other shifters to patrol discreetly, their enhanced senses proving invaluable. Slowly, patterns began to emerge in the reported sightings.

“It’s deliberate,” Roarke reported one evening. “The locations, the timing - someone’s trying to unsettle you and make you look like bad parents.”

Sayer nodded grimly. “Then it’s time we settled this once and for all.”

With Luna and Tabitha’s help, they devised a plan. Using a combination of Fia’s growing magical prowess and ancient tracking spells, they prepared to unmask the source of the illusions.

As the witches began their ritual, Sayer held Fia’s hand tightly. The air crackled with energy, and smoke swirled before them. Slowly, an image began to form.

Fia gasped. “It’s... it’s Brooke. My sister.”

The connection snapped, the smoke dissipating. Luna and Tabitha exchanged worried glances.

“We’ve broken the spell,” Luna said carefully. “But Fia, your sister is strong. She could try something else.”

Sayer pulled Fia close, his voice a low growl. “I’m sure she will, but I’m not going to let her get to my family.”