Minor details. He hadn't told them yet, not formally, although of course, they knew. They were his pack.
Chapter 3
Olivia balanced the boxes as she climbed to the second floor. She entreated the wind to help, but it only lessened the burden, not the awkwardness. If only she was something like Snow White and could whistle for some animals to carry the heavy boxes up to the party.
The boxes teetered. Maybe a second trip would have been prudent. She was a crappy witch, but at least she’d have some killer biceps.
Blowing a strand of hair off her sweat kissed forehead she focused on the burn of her legs muscles. She’d probably have a killer ass for once in her life. Maybe she should do more deliveries instead of Bridgette.
Peeking around the box as her foot hit the top stair, the end was in sight. An open door greeting her in a short few steps.
Laughter tumbled through the open door, and pink and blue streamers dangled like vines in the doorframe.
“Oh good. You must be the baker,” said a woman walking towards her.
Olivia huffed in a few breaths before answering.
“Yes,” was all she said as her lungs practically started a fire in her chest.
“Oh, wonderful. Here, let me help.” The young woman grabbed one of the boxes and carried it in. “I was so worried you wouldn’t have been able to deliver when you called about the cake. Honestly, we didn’t care just as long as we got your red velvet. I don’t know what your secret it, but it’s wonderful.”
Olivia straightened up a bit at the comment. “Oh, well thank you. I’m sorry for the change. I think we are planning to transition to a full cupcakery, but the cake recipes will stay the same.”
Olivia’s eyes flicked one way, then the next.
A longing Olivia didn't want to recognize surfaced as she stepped into the baby overload party.
I'm never finding the right one.
The idea hurt, but the thought of Ethan brought an ache deep within her stealing a breath as her steps faltered.
"I think cupcakes will work better. Maybe I can control all these big appetites. I had no idea that shifters ate so much."
“I've only just met my first shifters, well I wouldn't say met. But yes, I've seen their appetites. It matches their size though doesn't it?” Olivia asked. She nearly shook in need as she remembered the size of Ethan and how it would feel to have him pressed up against her body.
The woman smiled as she looked over her shoulder. “You have no idea. I'm really new to shifters too. My friend married, or mated one."
Olivia nodded. "What's the difference?"
The girl shrugged. "Just the term. Shifters prefer mate, while I prefer married. Anyway, this way. Do you need help? And ignore all these people. Everyone showed up early to help.” Shaking her head, she shrugged. “And I mean everybody. Even the dad and mom to be.”
Olivia gave a weak smile. “Oh. That’s nice.” She pointed at the ribbon. “Is this one of those gender reveal parties? No one asked for any specific color of cupcakes, just flavors. Did I mess up?”
Marci smiled. “Oh no. The parents are having twin cubs. One boy and one girl. Sweetest couple.”
Olivia took a deep breath, sucking down her pain. She was okay being a successful business owner. She was fine being herself. If anything, she’d learned she had to love who she was before anyone else was going to love her back. Too bad it had taken her years to love herself.
Pressing her lips together she bit back the whimper of sadness and turned back to the boxes.
“Here, this way. I don't mind grabbing a box. Let's just put them on the island in the kitchen. Anyway, you're Olivia, correct? The owner of the shop? I’m Marci.”
“Nice to meet you, Marci. So, are these your kids?” Olivia asked, and instantly felt rude. None of them looked like her in the first place.
Diverting her eyes, she focused on the boxes as she saw a look cross Marci’s face. It could very well have been terror or wistful hope.
“No. Defiantly not. If I have anything to do with it, I won’t have kids ever. Not with the man my mother expects me to marry. The guy will be a crappy dad.”
“Just place the boxes back there. I put some of those cupcake stands here, just fill what you can. If that's alright?”
A quick nod and she set to work. Distraction was the best way to cope with anything she didn't want to think about.
Olivia pulled out each iced treat and started placing each on the stands.
“I’m sorry to hear that about your fiancé. Mine left me and honestly, I don’t really miss him. He was a warlock and a really cocky one at that.”
Marci laughed. “What is it with cocky male witches? You’d think they thought they were kings of the paranormal world.”
Olivia smiled. “So, your parents are forcing you to get married?”
Marci chewed her lower lip. “Yeah. It’s a long story. I’m not much with magic, and my family is. They think that maybe marrying a high-profile warlock is going to make me seem less of a mundane and keep their social status.”
“I understand completely. My parents aren't exactly in the highest circles, but they can’t handle the only thing I seem to conjure - outside of disaster, is something out of nature. The tiny wind gust is apparently nothing. My cousin can pretty much do anything. Just ask her. Last holiday she boasted that she can conjure up a batch of world peace if the government would let her."
"Don't let it bother you. You seem to be putting your talents to good use. At some point, the covens are going to need to understand not everyone has the same magic. You'd think this was sixteenth century Europe or something."
Olivia smiled at her. "You're so right. I hope that at some point our society recognizes that. It's not black
