The Witch

Sunlight streamed through the silk curtains, rousing me from sleep. An empty space beside me sent a phantom warmth prickling across the sheets.

"Killian?," I called out disappointed he was gone. But a smile bloomed on my face anyway. Last night had been... everything.

We talked under the soft glow of lamps, whispered dreams and fears. Then, snuggled close, we drifted into a sleep that felt more like a shared sanctuary than mere slumber.

Knowing he wanted a future with me, really wanted it, filled me with a confidence I hadn't known I lacked. Let Josephine, and any other wolf for that matter, scheme, and snipe. Killian was mine, and that was all that mattered.

Stretching luxuriously, I threw on a robe and padded downstairs. No Killian at breakfast, but a note propped against the empty seat opposite mine.

"Lawyers. Northern Oil deal. Be back for lunch."

Relief washed over me. He hadn't left a message with some nameless servant, he'd made an effort, a small but significant gesture in