“Yes.” I turned around, glad I’d spent most of my time reading and studying. Raising my arms, I looked at the whirling leaves. “Stay if you will, go if you must. Blessed be.”
The wind slowed, and the leaves fell to the ground.
“That’s enough for today. You should rest and take it easy. Hang out with the other witches, watch movies or something. No spell casting or using your powers.” Calandra grabbed her bag. “Our ride should be here in a few minutes.”
As I walked out of the pentacle area, I glanced back at the altar and the stones on the ground. Hard to believe that the first Raven witches built this many years ago. I wondered if any of their spirits watched over this area.
“Let’s go,” Calandra called to me.
I hurried to catch up and followed her along the dirt road that led to the main road. “Am I allowed back here on my own?”
“No. Don’t ever come to the First Altar alone. We’ll meet twice a week here, so I can train you and check on your progress. Make sure you stop by the Healing Place next week and talk to the doctor. He can test your powers and show you a few healing spells. But it’s not something you need to focus on. Invoking the elements, blocking your mind, and casting spells are the highest priority.”
We stopped at the side of the road and waited.
“I want you to practice invoking water or earth. Wait a few days before trying and make sure you’re not inside Hale House when you do it. It’s also best if you have someone with you.” She looked at me. “What about Garrett? You were happy to see him the other day, and he knows how to control the elements.”
“I guess I could ask him.”
“If he’s busy, ask Orla or Rosella,” Calandra said as the golf cart appeared in the distance. “I’m leaving town for a few days. There’s a minor issue at one of the covens, but I’ll be back for the Lughnasadh Feast. It’s important you stay at the coven while I’m gone. Do you understand?”
“Yes,” I answered. A minor issue at one of the covens? She must be referring to the missing witches. At least the High Council was taking the necessary steps toward learning what was happening.
“If you need anything, go to Grace.” Calandra smiled at the driver as the golf cart drew closer. “Don’t forget to practice blocking your mind every day. It’s extremely important.”
I nodded but said nothing. Mind-blocking was important; I’d read up on the topic already and was doing my best to master the technique. Orla had given me a few tips, but even she and Rosella had a hard time blocking their minds from Grace, and they’d been practicing for years. It could easily take me forever.
Chapter 16
“Where is he?” Rosella crossed her arms. “If this boyfriend of yours doesn’t show up, everyone’s going to think you’re lying.”
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” I looked around the large grassy field filled with tents, where the coven held their Lughnasadh Feast. The largest tent held an enormous amount of food and drink, while the others provided places for everyone to sit, eat, and socialize. In the middle of all the laughter and chatter, and surrounded by the tents, stood a large tree. Bright colored ribbons had been tied to its branches, and a small cardboard box sat near the trunk.
Garrett was twenty minutes late, and I wasn’t sure if I should be worried. Had he changed his mind? Instead of waiting at our table, I’d decided to mingle and get something to drink. But Rosella and Orla had insisted on following me. They probably thought I’d sneak away or had lied about having a date.
“Why don’t you guys go back to your dates? As soon as he gets here, I’ll bring him over.” I glanced around, hoping to see Garrett.
“Our dates know we stick together,” Rosella said. “Listen, if he’s not here in fifteen minutes, tell us his name, and we’ll help you find him.”
“Hey, your brother’s here,” Orla said to Rosella. “Isn’t that your dad with him?”
Garrett and an older gentleman with black hair approached the party, talking to one another. They both wore khaki shorts and polo shirts.
“Yes.” Rosella squinted. “Where’s Garrett’s girlfriend? Dad’s been looking forward to this all week. There’s no way he didn’t bring her.”
Garrett smiled when he looked in our direction, and he waved to us. He hadn’t changed his mind, and now I needed to act like the best girlfriend ever.
I cleared my throat and said, “His girlfriend’s already here. Garrett’s my date.”
“I knew it.” Orla laughed, pulling me into a quick hug. “The way he showed up at the Healing Place with your favorite cookies and flirted with you at the library. I knew there was something going on between you two. It sounds like something happened at that pool party in Woodlake. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks.” I looked over at Rosella as she watched her dad and Garrett walk in our direction. “Rosella, are you mad?”
Rosella glared at me with cold, hard eyes. Her face flushed and her lip curled, she turned on her heel and stalked off toward the tent.
“Don’t worry about her. She’ll come around. As long as you and Garrett are happy, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.” Orla touched my shoulder. “I’ll meet you at our table.”
Orla walked away as Garrett and his father approached.
“Sienna”—Garrett tucked both hands into the pockets of his shorts and glanced at me nervously—“this is my father, Hanzi Sherrard.”
“Mr. Sherrard, it’s nice to meet you.” Holding out my hand, I smiled as I met his piercing blue eyes.
“Please, call me Hanzi.” Garrett’s dad ignored my offered hand and hugged me. “My son’s told me so much about you. It’s good to finally meet the girl who’s been keeping him busy.”
“Dad, you can let go of her now,” Garrett mumbled.
“Sorry. I’m just so happy you two are dating.” His father released me. “You’re just as pretty as I imagined. I can’t believe you’re dating Garrett. I mean, he’s a great warlock, but you’re from the Dinescu bloodline. Rosella told me the other warlocks have been sending you gifts, and you hadn’t shown interest in any of them. Now we know why. You’re in love with my son.”
“I never said she was in love with me.” Garrett shook his head, looking mortified. “We’re just dating.”
I took Garrett’s hand, not quite sure how to respond to his father’s words. “Garrett makes me laugh, and I love spending time with him. He’s been helping me learn how to cast spells.”
“My son’s definitely good at casting spells. I hear you’ve been training with Calandra.” Mr. Sherrard clasped his hands behind his back. “It’s a shame the High Council didn’t choose Ava to train you. She’s much more powerful than Calandra.”
“Calandra’s not that bad.” Garrett sighed. “Is that Ava over there, waving for you?”
Mr. Sherrard glanced over his shoulder. “Yes. I’ll have to tell her the wonderful news about you and Sienna. I’ll see you two later.”
“Sorry about him,” Garrett muttered as his dad walked away. “He didn’t like my last girlfriend, and he’s thrilled I’m dating you. I’ve never seen him this excited.”
“He seems nice.” I released his hand and moved to stand in front of him, then folded my arms. “You’re late.”
“I almost didn’t show, but Dad came by Castor House. What did Rosella say?”
“Nothing,” I said, realizing several people were already watching us. I unfolded my arms and moved closer to him, ensuring everyone knew we were together.
“Where are we sitting?” He slipped his hand into mine and let me lead him to our table.
As we entered the tent, several heads turned our way, including those of the High Council witches. As Julius’ gaze lowered to our clasped hands, I could see the disappointment on his face. Grace and Boris smiled. Ava looked away, talking to her husband, as Calandra’s eyes widened.
When we reached our table, I was surprised to see our plates filled with meat and vegetables.
“I got you some food,” Orla said, placing a hand on her date’s leg. “Figured you might want to avoid all the stares.”
“Thank you,” Garrett said as we took our seats. He glanced over at his sister.
“You and Garrett?” Cindy smiled as she and her date sat in the last two empty seats at our table. “I never would’ve won that bet.”
Rosella folded her arms, watching Garrett and me as we ate.
“Has everyone put their ribbons on the tree?” Orla asked. She took a sip of her water and looked around at us.
“Yes,” Cindy replied. “I wrote a blessing for my parents.”
My gaze lowered to the two red ribbons in front of Garrett and me. “We’ll do ours after we eat.”
“This is a joke, right?” Rosella finally said, looking at me. “You’ve been dating my brother all this time? When did you meet him?”
“At the Spring Ball.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin, ready to face whatever Rosella threw at me. I’d prepared myself all week, knowing she might not like me dating her brother. Not that I blamed her for being upset. “Garrett stopped me outside one of the tents, and we talked for a bit until Ethan showed up. I told you about Ethan, the guy they wanted me to marry? Anyhow, when your brother came back to Woodlake later, we met up again and spent every day together.”
“That’s why you volunteered to go with Calandra.” Orla’s date smiled as he gave Garrett a thumb’s up.
“Garrett, is this true?” Rosella asked.
“Yes. Sienna and I are dating.” Garrett put down his fork. “We should have told you, but I—”
“No.” Rosella shook her head. “You’re lying and making a fool of yourself. Anyone can see you’re not actually dating. Sienna’s not even your type.”
“They have no reason to lie.” Orla glared at Rosella. “I think they make a cute couple.”
“Sienna, let’s go make our wishes.” Garrett stood and grabbed the ribbons off the table, then held out his hand to me.
I slipped my hand into his, and we left the tent, heading toward the large tree I’d seen earlier. “What are we supposed to do with the ribbons?”
“You write on it then tie it to a branch.” He stopped by the tree’s trunk and took a pen from the small cardboard box. “A lot of people write their wishes for the harvest season. You can also write a good intention or a blessing for someone.”
I took the pen from him and tried to come up with something to write. I wished Kaleb was alive. I wished I was in Woodlake with my family. I wished I wasn’t a marked witch. So many wishes ran through my mind, but eventually, I settled on a blessing for Mom. I wished her cancer would go away forever.
“When you’re done, put the pen back in the box and tie the ribbon anywhere you want on the tree.” After tying his ribbon, Garrett moved aside for other people to attach theirs.
I walked around and found a bare branch for my ribbon. Then I joined Garrett, who stood with his arms folded, staring up at the tree. “What’s wrong?”
“Rosella’s right. No one believes we’re dating. They probably think I paid you to lie.”
“No one thinks that; your sister’s only mad because we didn’t tell her first.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close as I gave a soft laugh.
Garrett stiffened. “What are you doing?”
“I’m acting like your girlfriend. Look, it’s not as if we can tell everyone the truth. Did you see your dad’s face when you introduced me? He looked so happy. I know you don’t want to go over there and tell him the truth, and I certainly don’t want to admit to your sister or Orla that I lied.”
“Of course Dad’s happy. You’re the daughter of two High Council witches, and you’re dating his son, a half-warlock.” He shook his head. “He’ll be pissed when he learns the truth.”
“That’s not going to happen.” I caressed the back of his neck, playing with his hair. “Everyone’s watching us right now, and as long as we look like we’re dating they’ll believe it.”
“Next time you have a crazy idea like this, I’m saying no.”
Giggling, I loosened my arms around his neck.
“We might fool everyone else, but Rosella will never believe it,” he said. “She knows me too well.”
“Because I’m not your type? Should I feel insulted?”
“No.” He laughed, shaking his head. “She knows I usually prefer blondes.”
“I’m not dyeing my hair for you.”
“I wouldn’t want you to. You’re perfect just as you are.”
I looked around. “You should kiss me while everyone’s watching.”
“Right now?” He pulled his head away. “What happened to no kissing each other?”
“I changed my mind. No one’s going to believe we’re dating if they don’t see us kiss. It’s one kiss in public between friends. No big deal. It’ll be like kissing your sister.”
“I have no idea what kissing my sister’s like, and I don’t want to.”
“You know what I mean,” I insisted. “Don’t make the kiss too short, and no sticking your tongue in my mouth. That’s a rule you have to follow.”
He chuckled. “Oh, you wish I’d put my tongue in your mouth.”
“Ha ha. Very funny.” Keeping one arm wrapped around his neck, I slid my other hand down his chest and rested it against his shirt pocket. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a pink shirt before. It looks good on you.”
“Pink was my mom’s favorite color.” He lowered his head next to mine. “Are you sure we should kiss? It might be weird when we’re only friends.”
“I’m sure it won’t be that bad unless you’re a sloppy kisser. Are you? Because I don’t—”
Garrett pressed his lips to mine, kissing me gently as his hands cupped my face.
I kissed him back, surprised at how good he was, and pleased he wasn’t a sloppy kisser. It definitely didn’t feel like kissing a brother.
When our lips parted, he stared at me with a cocky smile. “How was that?”
“Not bad.” I looked in Rosella’s direction and saw her watching us along with several other people, including Julius and Ava. Hopefully, our kiss would dispel any doubts.
“Excuse me.” Calandra cleared her throat as she appeared beside us. “May I have a word with Sienna?”
“Of course. I’ll get us something to drink.” Garrett released me and headed toward the tent with the food.
I took a deep breath. “How was your trip?”
“Good. You might have heard about the missing witches. That’s why I was out of town. A few of them have already turned up alive. So there’s nothing for you to worry about.” Calandra glanced in Garrett’s direction. “I didn’t realize you and Garrett had become close.”
“We’ve been hanging out a lot, and he’s nice.”
“Yes. I’ve known him since he was a child, but I thought you were in love with Kaleb.”
I looked away, realizing lying to Calandra would be hard. She knew the truth about Kaleb and how much I loved him, but I still couldn’t tell her Garrett and I were faking a relationship. “I thought about what you said in Woodlake. How things could never work between Kaleb and me. Dating a warlock makes more sense, and I love being around Garrett. He makes me laugh.”
“You never seemed like the kind of girl who’d take the easy way out or move on so quickly.” She folded her arms, eyeing me. “If Garrett makes you happy, then you should be with him. I’m sure Kaleb would say the same thing if he were here.”
Why did she have to ask me about Kaleb? It was bad enough I’d enjoyed kissing Garrett, and if Kaleb were here, he wouldn’t be okay with this.
“The High Council has decided to add physical training to your schedule. You need to learn how to fight without using spells or your powers. I’ll come by Tuesday at nine o’clock to pick you up. Please be ready.” She glanced over my shoulder. “Your boyfriend’s coming back. Don’t forget, nine o’clock on Tuesday.”
Calandra walked away and joine
d Grace and Boris by the dessert table.
“Is everything okay?” Garrett handed me a cup of water as his gaze drifted to Calandra. He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Yes. She just wanted to talk to me about my new training next week. The High Council wants me to learn how to fight without spells.” I drank the water and tossed the cup into a nearby trashcan.
“Sounds like they’re bringing in a hunter,” he said. “Should I be worried you might find him hot and change your mind about us?”
“No.” I laughed as I looped my arm through his. “Do we have to go back to our table? I don’t think being around your sister right now is such a good idea.”
“How about I introduce you to my friends?”
“I’d love that,” I said, letting Garrett lead the way to another tent.
Despite Rosella’s reaction and the stares, revealing our fake relationship seemed to have gone well. It got Garrett’s family off his back, and I didn’t have to spend time with someone I didn’t know.
Chapter 17
“No…No…No.” Shaking my head forcefully, I followed Calandra away from the main road, toward a gravel path. This had to be some sort of bad joke. “Witches are supposed to train with hunters, not—”
“The best hunters aren’t available.”
“So, your next option was to ask Carter?” I couldn’t believe it. No way was I training with a Kingsley wolf. At the first possible chance, he’d kill me and claim it was an accident. “I won’t do this. Absolutely not.”
“How are you going to learn to fight the wolves if you don’t actually face one?” Calandra asked as she continued walking along the gravel path that led straight into the woods.
Groaning, I glanced around at the trees looming overhead and hurried to catch up with her. The sky looked gray and gloomy, but not one single raindrop fell. If only I could be so fortunate. “You’re forgetting I’ve already killed a wolf. I don’t need to train with Carter. He doesn’t even like me.”
“Of course he doesn’t. You’re a witch, and you just got lucky when you killed that wolf. What if you were confronted by a pack of wolves or another vampire? You’d be defenseless.”
Romani Magic (Shifter Blood: Romani Curse Book 3) Page 10
