The Wolf's Bride: Silveri Sisters, #4

By R. L. Medina

A cursed shifter. A nature witch. A quest that will bring them together.

 

Serafina Silveri is the daughter of a seer and well known for her biting tongue and short temper. Though the town doesn't know her secret power, they've long suspected her of being just as 'witchy' as her sisters. Spending her days helping her mother care for their enchanted villa and running errands in town, Serafina longs for something more exciting.

Angelo Rossi left Zamerra years ago, with a plan to return and win the heart of the fiery witch he grew up with. When tragedy strikes, he's left cursed and his dream shattered. Back for a final farewell, Angelo is reminded of the home and people he's giving up.

Seeing her chance to leave town and find adventure, Serafina sets out to help her childhood rival break his curse. She has long since buried her feelings for the stubborn Angelo, but the more time she spends with him, the more she's in danger of falling for him again.

Can they break his curse and heal their old wounds or will their quest fail and bring more heartache for both of them?

Welcome to Zamerra where cozy fantasy intertwines with Italian cottagecore and fairycore. Within this gaslamp fantasy realm, you'll find witches, fae, warlocks, house elves, and much more! Each standalone book features a sweet romance and heart-warming tale of family that readers can explore in any order.

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• Language: English
• Publisher: R. L. Medina
• Release date: Feb 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224332922

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Stranger

Serafina

The smell of fresh caffé and sugary fried bomboloni filled Serafina’s lungs as she stepped inside her sister’s bakery. A gust of cold air followed her and clung to her well-worn shawl. Stomping her boots on the little rug, she looked around the crowded parlor.

Not a table was empty. That was to be expected at lunch hour. Though bakery items were their specialty, Lorenzo and Pamina had recently added soup to their menu and the townsfolk were ravenous for it. That was also to be expected when it came to her sister’s magical cooking.

Voices drifted around Serafina as she made her way to the chimenea in the corner. She nodded in response to the friendly waves and ignored the scowls that followed her. People didn’t find her ‘as sweet as pie’ or ‘lovely in face and temperament’ like Pamina. She had a different reputation and description. ‘Witchy’ and ‘quarrelsome’ were the most common.

Warming her hands in front of the wood-burning chimenea, Serafina sighed. Were Mamma and Fiorella wondering why she hadn’t returned to their villa yet? She could neglect her duties for only so long. Her lip curled at the thought of the list of chores awaiting her. One would think with an enchanted home, there would be no house work. Sadly, that wasn’t the case.

Fina! What are you doing here? A familiar voice cut through the noise.

Serafina turned to find her oldest sister, Alessia, entering the bakery with her husband, Massimo, in tow.

Everyone fell silent. Some of the customers shot out of their chairs to bow and curtsy before Massimo and Alessia, their Count and Contessa. Poor Massimo reddened like a beet at the attention, from his cheeks to the pointed tips of his ears. After five years of reigning as count, you would think the half-fae would be accustomed to the fuss.

Where is Nico? Did you leave him with— Serafina stopped suddenly. A stranger stood beside her sister and Massimo. A middle-aged man with a wolfish smile and eyes nearly as dark as Serafina’s own. He removed his hat and inclined his head toward her politely.

Nico is with Mamma and Fiorella. They were waiting for you to return so they could start clearing out the pantry, Alessia said, following Serafina’s gaze. Oh, forgive me. This is Signor Vallejo. He’s passing through Zamerra and was looking for the best place to have lunch. Signore, this is my younger sister Serafina Silveri. Alessia made the introductions.

Lovely to meet you, signorina. The Contessa has told me great things about your caffé. The man replied, his voice deep and accented.

There was something off about him that Serafina couldn’t put her finger on. Something different apart from his speech and fancy traveling suit.

Oh, no. My apologies. This bakery belongs to my other sister and her husband, Alessia quickly explained, face reddening nearly as much as Massimo’s.

Signor Vallejo’s eyes darted to the counter where Lorenzo was busy taking orders. Ah. I see. My apologies. Her husband… would that be the… goblin?

The stranger’s nose crinkled slightly. A reaction that made Serafina bristle.

Do you have a problem with goblins, Signore? She asked hotly.

Alessia shot her a warning look. Serafina knew that look well. Unlike her older sisters, she wasn’t gifted with diplomacy nor decorum as Pamina called it. To put it bluntly, Serafina couldn’t keep her mouth shut.

Signor Vallejo met her glare, lip twitching up in amusement. No. Not goblins particularly. It’s witches that usually give me trouble.

Alessia stiffened, eyes meeting Serafina’s. She placed a hand on her bulging belly with a frown. Though she didn’t have magic she was just as much of a witch as Serafina, their mother and their three sisters.

I trust you won’t find any trouble here in Zamerra. Will you, Signore? Massimo spoke up, an edge in his tone that made it clear it wasn’t a question.

At this, Lorenzo glanced up from the counter, bushy brows furrowed. As a half-goblin, Serafina’s brother-in-law stood impossibly tall and broad chested. She smiled at the thought of him hoisting the arrogant stranger right off his feet and throwing him out the door. The day could use some excitement.

Everyone in the bakery turned to watch their exchange, their soup and pastries forgotten. In the back, someone coughed, the noise echoing loudly in the silence.

Gaze shifting uncomfortably, the man raised his arm in an appeasing gesture. No. No. I’m not looking for any trouble. Just a cup of this amazing caffé I keep hearing about and perhaps something to eat?

Well then, you’ve come to the right place. Please have a seat and I’ll be right with you, Pamina’s bright voice cut in.

Serafina turned to see her sister emerge from the back room, a weary expression on her pretty face. Before she could make her way over to them, Lorenzo left the counter to stop her and whispered something. He was probably telling her she should go back and rest. As a new mother, Pamina was supposed to be taking some time off from the bakery and leave most of the work to Lorenzo.

Seeing as there are no seats available and I’m just passing through, I believe I’ll take mine for the road, Signor Vallejo said, flashing Pamina his wolfish smile.

I believe that’s for the best, Serafina agreed with a nod.

Fina. Alessia gave her a tight smile, a warning in her eyes.

Her sister motioned for the stranger to follow her through the crowd and toward the marble counter. Where did you say you were heading, Signore?

Savoli.

Serafina stopped suddenly, a familiar pinch in her chest.

Massimo, bringing up the rear, frowned. Oh, isn’t that where… he let his voice trail off at his wife’s warning look.

Alessia turned her attention to Serafina, face softening in sympathy. She looked as if she thought Serafina would faint at the news. Serafina scowled. If her sister thought she was still pining for that miserable dolt Angelo, she was wrong. Dead wrong.

Yes. That’s where Angelo Rossi is. Or was. I haven’t heard from him in years so there’s no telling where he is now, Serafina said with a shrug.

Alessia eyed her warily. He’s still there, I believe. He writes to Salvatore sometimes. She glanced at Signor Vallejo. Oh, forgive us. Angelo is an old family friend. He left about five years ago to help his Uncle on his farm. The rest of his family still lives here.

Serafina bit back a snort. Angelo was no friend of hers. As children, they’d been rivals, always playing pranks on each other and bickering. It was one of those pranks that had gotten Serafina permanently expelled from the schoolhouse and earned her and her family an unsavory reputation. The memory of a young Angelo screaming and running around the schoolyard as snakes slithered up his pants made her smile.

Angelo Rossi, you say? Well, if I see him, I will tell him how you miss him. It turns out—

We don’t, she replied shortly, his words snapping her back to the present.

The man’s eyebrow arched at her in surprise. Alessia frowned. Not in the mood for more of her sister’s scolding, Serafina pushed her way to the front and stepped up to the long counter.

"Any cannoli left?" she asked hopefully, eyeing the nearly empty display.

Lorenzo smiled and nodded before turning away to get them. It was no secret that Pamina’s enchanted cannoli were Serafina’s favorite. The ricotta filling was creamy and delicious and mixed with a relaxing spell that soothed hot tempers and anxiety.

Pamina, how are the twins? Are they napping better? You should really sleep when they sleep. You— Alessia was cut off by Massimo’s not so subtle head shake.

Pamina, who’d been pouring some caffé into a travel mug, gave Alessia a tight smile. I’m fine. The twins are fine. Thank you.

You could always try one of Liliana’s sleeping tonics on them, Serafina suggested.

Both Pamina and Alessia looked at her aghast. Absolutely not! They’re too little for that, they replied in unison.

Lorenzo chose that moment to return with a large box of what Serafina hoped was filled with a lot of cannoli. Taking it eagerly, she moved out of the way to let the others to make their own purchases.

With her three older sisters being wives and mothers now, the conversation almost always steered toward sleeping patterns and excrement. Neither of which Serafina had much interest nor input to contribute to.

Tuning out their exchange, Serafina opened the box and pulled out one of the large cannoli. She took a bite and let the magic overtake her senses. Pamina’s spell settled her emotions and loosened the tightness in her chest. Even the mention of Angelo couldn’t dampen her mood now, but it would only last so long.

Feeling better, Serafina watched as Signor Vallejo paid for his drink and loaf of bread. He tipped his hat and said goodbye before quickly making his way outside. There was still something strange about the man, but Serafina didn’t care enough to keep pondering it over. She’d most likely never see him again anyway.

Are you staying for lunch? Pamina asked, interrupting Serafina’s thoughts.

Serafina opened her mouth to answer, but realized she’d been addressing her question to Alessia and Massimo.

Before they could answer, a sharp cry came from the back room. Another one echoed it. Pamina wiped her hands on her apron and hurried away with a defeated look.

Alessia shook her head. She looks exhausted. I should go and help her. I could—

Massimo took her gently by the arm. "I don’t think she wants that, amore. Besides, she has a more than capable husband to help," he added, nodding toward Lorenzo.

The half-goblin glanced at the door his wife had disappeared through and sighed. I wish she would let me help more. She’s just been so determined to do it all herself and I think it’s starting to wear her down.

Alessia frowned. Well, she’s going to have to accept help at some point. No one can do it all by themselves.

Your mother did. I think that’s why Pamina’s pushing herself so hard. I don’t know what to do. I… Lorenzo stopped himself and shook his head.

Alessia patted his hand. I’ll talk to Mama. Pamina will listen to her. Speaking of Mama, we should get back to her. She glanced at Massimo.

You’re not staying for lunch? Lorenzo asked.

Alessia flushed. Oh no, thank you. We just came to see how you were both doing.

Serafina snorted, drawing their attention. Busybody.

Alessia opened her mouth to object, but was cut off by Massimo. Did you walk to town, Fina? We can take you back home, he offered.

Serafina swallowed the last bite of cannoli and sighed. I guess it is time to get back and get to work.

He gave her a sympathetic smile. Is Bruno giving you trouble again?

She scoffed. When is he not?

Alessia gave Massimo a pointed look. You can imagine how well he takes to having his pantry cleaned out.

Amusement flashed on Massimo’s face. "Yes, I can. House elves don’t take kindly to having their treasure horde inspected or moved. I can talk to him, if you like."

Serafina shrugged. I doubt that will make a difference, but you’re welcome to try. My Elvish is good enough. He just doesn’t like to listen.

Similar to someone else we know, Alessia said under her breath.

Serafina ignored her quip and closed up the box of remaining pastries. After saying goodbye to Lorenzo and promising to check on them later, the three left the bakery and walked over to the waiting wagon outside.

Hello, Thea, Serafina greeted Massimo and Alessia’s horse.

The old brown mare turned her head to her. Serafina! Good day, child. Her cheery voice made Serafina smile.

Fina, Alessia called behind her, giving her the familiar, ‘don’t use your magic here’ look.

Serafina rolled her eyes before climbing into the wagon cart. Aside from her family, no one else in Zamerra knew about her power. She’d grown up trying to hide it, always told it would frighten the townsfolk too much. They didn’t need any more reason to dislike her.

The drive out of town and up the mountain was quiet. Only the sound of the horse’s hooves and wagon wheels against the dirt and dried leaves filled the silence. Cold air swirled around them and whipped through the surrounding trees. Yowls filled the air as they passed their neighbor’s villa and approached their gate. Serafina smiled as the animal’s words invaded her mind.

Who is it?

Serafina! She’s back. She’s back!

The tall wooden gate opened for them, propelled by a spell Liliana and Dante had convinced Signora Silveri to let them perform on it. Massimo drove the wagon into the yard. All the cats and little Gio, the only dog, surrounded them. Serafina waved them out of their path and sent them a mental pat on the head to calm them.

Mama and Fiorella appeared at the back door with a toddling Niccolò (Nico for short) between them. Massimo brought the wagon to a stop and helped Alessia down from the cart.

Mama! Nico cried, chubby arms stretched out for Alessia.

Massimo made it to him first and swept him up before handing him over to his mother. Alessia kissed the top of Nico’s golden curls. He’d inherited his father’s golden skin and hair, but his large, brown eyes, long lashes and rounded ears were all Alessia.

Serafina, holding the now nearly empty box of cannoli, hopped to the ground and stroked Thea’s neck in gratitude for the ride.

Fiorella walked up to her with a scowl. What took you so long? Mama and I have already finished the pantry. You were supposed to drop off the lavender to Liliana and come straight back.

At fifteen, Fiorella, the youngest Silveri sister, was turning into quite a bossy shrew.

I see you have something from the bakery. Did you even make it to the apothecary? She demanded.

Serafina gave her a flat look. Of course. Liliana said to thank you and that they won’t make it for dinner tonight. Isabella has a cold.

Mama clicked her tongue at this news. A cold? I’m sure a bit of Pamina’s soup or one of Liliana’s tonics would clear her right up. What about Pamina and Lorenzo? Will they be joining us?

Alessia frowned. Mama, it’s much too cold for them to bring the twins. Besides, Pamina has been trying to get them on a better sleep and feeding rotation. I wanted to talk to you about that actually…

While her family chattered about babies and sleep schedules, Serafina took a walk around the backyard and gardens. Gardens that remained green and alive thanks to Fiorella’s magic. Leaves crunched under her boots as she went, drowning out the voices of the others. The cats and Gio followed close on Serafina’s heels.

Wind swept through the trees that surrounded their villa with a loud whooshing sound. The animals, having picked up on her sour mood, watched her quietly, keeping their thoughts to themselves. Autumn had always been her favorite season, but lately even the colorful leaves that dotted the mountain couldn’t bring a smile to her face.

The encounter with the stranger replayed in her mind. Savoli. Five years ago, Angelo had left for the same place. Left her behind. It shouldn’t have mattered to her still—it didn’t matter to her, not at all.

Gio stared up at her with his buggy eyes, scruffy head cocked. Do you want to rub my belly? That always makes you feel better! He offered graciously.

Serafina smirked and knelt down to pet him. Dogs are much better than men.

Luna, one of the cats, hissed at this.

"Sorry, animals are better than men. Much more loyal anyway."

A chorus of agreement rang among her furry friends. Though Serafina was grateful for their companionship, she couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. Or someone. Sea blue eyes and a