Chapter 9

NINE

F ia’s phone buzzed incessantly, jolting her from a peaceful slumber. She groaned, fumbling for the device on her nightstand. The screen lit up with a barrage of missed calls and voicemails from her parents and sister. Linnet and Norris Barlowe, along with Brooke Barlowe-Chapman, had been relentless in their pursuit to see Vienna.

Fia’s stomach churned as she listened to the first voicemail. Her mother’s icy tone sliced through the air. “Sofia Barlowe, this is ridiculous. We demand to see our granddaughter. You have no right to keep her from us. Call us back immediately.”

The next message was from her father, his voice dripping with condescension. “Sofia, be reasonable. We’re Vienna’s only real family. You can’t possibly think you’re equipped to raise her on your own.”

Brooke’s message was the worst, laced with thinly veiled threats. “Fia, you’re in over your head. Don’t make me involve the courts. It would be such a shame if they found out about your inability to get a man to commit to you at your age. You’re not the person who should be raising that child. She needs the right people to help her learn how to use her magic. We want her. So figure out how you’re going to hand her over because I’m getting tired of waiting.”

Fia’s hand shook as she deleted the messages. She took a deep breath, steeling herself against the wave of anxiety threatening to overwhelm her. They couldn’t touch her here. She was Vienna’s guardian, and she’d be damned if she let her toxic family anywhere near the child.

A soft coo from the baby monitor drew her attention. Fia smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing as she listened to Vienna babbling happily in her crib. The sound of her niece’s innocent joy was a balm to her frayed nerves.

As Fia padded down the hallway to check on Vienna, a knock at the front door startled her. She froze, her heart racing. Had her family tracked her down already?

“Fia? It’s Luna! We brought coffee and pastries.”

Relief washed over her as she recognized Luna’s cheerful voice. Fia hurried to the door, opening it to find not just Luna, but Celeste, Ellie, and Tabitha as well. The sight of her new friends, arms laden with treats, brought a genuine smile to her face.

“Come in, come in,” Fia ushered them inside, her earlier anxiety melting away in the warmth of their presence.

Celeste waddled in, her heavily pregnant belly leading the way. “Sorry for the surprise visit,” she said, her eyes twinkling. “We thought you could use some company and sugar. I’m not sure how much longer I can have these outings before I’m caring for a newborn.”

Fia laughed, the sound light and grateful. “You have no idea how perfect your timing is.”

As they settled into the living room, the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air. Fia cradled her mug, savoring the first sip of the rich brew. The women chatted amiably, catching up on town gossip and sharing anecdotes about their daily lives.

Luna leaned forward, her expression softening. “Fia, dear, you seem a bit... tense. Is everything all right?”

Fia hesitated, her grip tightening on her mug. These women had been nothing but kind since her arrival in Whispering Pines. Still, old habits of keeping her guard up died hard.

Ellie reached out, placing a comforting hand on Fia’s arm. “You can talk to us, you know. We’re here to listen, no judgment.”

Something in Ellie’s gentle tone broke through Fia’s defenses. The words tumbled out before she could stop them. “It’s my family. They’ve been calling nonstop, demanding to see Vienna. They... they’re not good people. I can’t let them near her.”

The room fell silent for a moment. Tabitha was the first to speak, her voice filled with quiet determination. “Then we won’t let them near her. You’re one of us now, Fia. We protect our own in Whispering Pines.”

Celeste nodded, her eyes flashing with protective fire. “Absolutely. Have you considered getting more lawyers involved? My husband knows some excellent magical law practitioners who specialize in family cases.”

“That’s a great idea,” Luna chimed in. “And in the meantime, we can set up a rotation to ensure Vienna is always with someone trustworthy. Between all of us, Sayer, and the other townsfolk, your family won’t stand a chance.”

Fia blinked back tears, overwhelmed by the show of support. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I just... I never expected to find people like you.”

Ellie grinned, lightening the mood. “Well, buckle up, buttercup. You’re stuck with us now. Speaking of being stuck...” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “How about we talk about something more fun? Like, say, a certain tall, dark, and handsome lion shifter?”

Fia felt heat rise to her cheeks. “I... I don’t know what you mean.”

Tabitha snorted. “Oh, please. We’ve all seen the way you two look at each other. It’s like watching a rom-com in real life.”

“A very steamy rom-com,” Celeste added with a wink. “So, spill the tea, Fia. Have you two given in to those smoldering emotions yet?”

Fia buried her face in her hands, groaning. “Is it that obvious?”

Luna patted her knee sympathetically. “Only to everyone with eyes, dear. But don’t worry, we think it’s adorable.”

“Besides,” Ellie chimed in, “who says you can’t be amazing co-parents and explore a sizzling romance? Multitasking is a mother’s superpower, after all.”

Fia peeked through her fingers. “But what if it doesn’t work out? What about Vienna?”

Celeste waved her hand dismissively. “That’s future Fia’s problem. Present Fia should focus on the fact that she’s living with a man who looks like he stepped out of a firefighter calendar.”

The room erupted in laughter.

Luna tilted her head, studying Fia closely. “You know, I’ve noticed something interesting. Your magic seems a bit... erratic lately. Almost like it’s short-circuiting. When did this start?”

Fia frowned, thinking back. “Now that you mention it, it’s been acting up since I met Sayer. I thought it was just stress, but...”

A knowing smile spread across Luna’s face. “Ah, I see. You know, it’s not uncommon for a witch’s magic to go a bit haywire when she’s around her mate.”

The room fell silent. Fia’s jaw dropped. “Her... mate?”

Tabitha clapped her hands gleefully. “Of course! It all makes sense now. Fia, honey, your magic isn’t malfunctioning. It’s celebrating!”

Ellie nodded enthusiastically. “Think about it. Sayer’s not just some random guy. He’s a powerful shifter with his own magical lineage. Your magics are probably doing a happy dance at finding each other.”

Fia’s mind reeled. “But... but that’s impossible. We barely know each other.”

Celeste shrugged, her hand resting on her swollen belly. “Love doesn’t always follow logic, sweetie. Sometimes it hits you like a ton of bricks. Or in your case, like a 200-pound lion shifter.”

As if on cue, the sound of the front door opening caught their attention. Sayer’s deep voice called out, “Fia? I’m back from my run. Is everything okay?”

He appeared in the doorway, slightly out of breath and glistening with sweat. Fia’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of him, his T-shirt clinging to his muscular frame. A spark of electricity crackled in the air between them.

Celeste nudged Fia playfully. “Speaking of tons of bricks...”

The other women exchanged knowing glances, barely containing their giggles. Fia felt her face flush, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from Sayer.

Maybe there was some truth to what her new friends were suggesting. And, maybe, it was time to stop fighting whatever this was between her and Sayer.

Sayer’s eyes widened as he took in the group of women. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize we had company.”

Fia quickly composed herself. “It’s fine, Sayer. My awesome new friends just stopped by for coffee.”

The women exchanged knowing glances as Sayer excused himself to shower, the sound of his footsteps fading up the stairs. Once they were sure he was out of earshot, Ellie leaned in conspiratorially, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

“So, about that ladies’ night we mentioned last time...” she began, her voice low and playful. “You’re definitely coming this time, right? No excuses about needing to alphabetize Vienna’s stuffed animals or color-code her onesies.”

Fia chuckled, but hesitation crept into her voice. “I don’t know... what about Vienna? I can’t just leave her...”

Celeste rolled her eyes dramatically. “Oh please, like that little angel isn’t the most adored baby in all of Whispering Pines. I’m pretty sure there’s a waitlist to babysit her.”

“Besides,” Tabitha added with a wink, “I’m sure a certain lion shifter wouldn’t mind some one-on-one time with his favorite niece. And maybe his favorite witch, if you play your cards right.”

Luna nodded sagely. “A night out could do wonders for your magical... tension. If you know what I mean.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, causing the other women to burst into giggles.

As if summoned by their laughter, Sayer reappeared in the doorway. Fia’s breath caught in her throat. His hair was still damp from the shower, curling slightly at the nape of his neck. He’d changed into a soft, well-worn T-shirt that hugged his broad shoulders in a way that made Fia’s mouth go dry.

“I couldn’t help overhearing,” he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down Fia’s spine. “Fia, you should go to ladies’ night. I can watch Vienna for the evening.”