“Are you sure?”
A pulse of warmth caressed, soothed her. “Vanse, back off.” But her words were without bite. “I’ll see you later.” She cut the connection, grateful he’d called. That ‘later’ had jumped out before she could stop it. She could practically see a lazy smile spreading across his face. Yes, he cared, but he crowded her, was over-protective; yet he had her back. No matter what happened, he’d come if she asked. The thought strengthened her.
She took out her phone. “Bill?” She turned away from the woman’s body, wiping away a tear. As a healer, she’d seen death more than once, but young women didn’t just come out into the woods, lay down and die. This wasn’t a natural death.
“Hey, Tat! You’ve returned. Great to hear from you. How are you?”
“I’m okay, but I’m standing next to a dead body in the Kimimela Woods. On one of the paths near the hospital.”
“Give me your exact location. I’m coming. Don’t move.”
Chapter Two: Reunions
Probably more by accident than intent, nobody else passed by. She waited, glancing at the woman’s half hidden body, looking away, trying not to think of what had happened here. Spring was in full swing, columbines and wild licorice blooms peppered the earth. Soft baby leaves, waiting to uncurl, covered nearby tree branches as sap rose and new life was born. Life and death: the eternal cycle. A wave of sadness at the tragedy of a young life cut short swept through Tatya. She paced, impatient for the sheriff and his deputies to arrive. Abruptly she heard sirens, cars, and then voices as people hurried along the track toward her.
Sheriff Corwin came first. “Good to see you, Tatya. Got you a latte.” Bill grinned at her.
Overcome with relief at his arrival, she threw her arms around him.
“Hey! Watch the coffee.”
“Sorry.” She pulled away. She and Bill didn’t normally do hugs, but he wasn’t just the county sheriff. Over the years she’d known and worked with him, he’d become one of her closest friends. He understood what she’d been through last year having been part of the team that stood by her when Angelus and his demon hordes descended on the town. He and Changing Sky together had become the father she’d lost when young.
“And boy, am I glad to see you too.” He pulled her close, hugging her again. “Okay, business first, Tat.” He handed her the coffee. “I’ll take your statement, and then you’re free to go.” He turned to the deputies behind him, “Branton, get the area roped off. Where’s Morton? We need pics ASAP.” He turned back to Tatya. “Have you, you know, done your thing?” Bill had often hired her, in an unofficial capacity, to scry and search for clues when somebody or something went missing. Despite his pragmatic outlook on life, he understood there was more to life than meets the eye.
She nodded. “Just a little.” Vanse had interrupted her scrying. “Then I thought it better I phone you.”
“And?”
“It’s probably nothing but there was something about her aura that didn’t seem right, though I can’t put my finger on exactly what. Sorry, Bill, that’s not much help, is it?”
After Bill took her statement, he sent her home, telling her he’d be in contact if they needed anything else.
Tatya left, relieved to be dismissed from the crime scene; her appreciation increased for the work the sheriff and his men did. Dealing with the worst of human behavior was a tough job.
Within minutes of walking into the shop, Tatya was supervising the installation of her new kitchen. One week. That’s how long she’d give herself to get everything shipshape before opening the shop.
The workmen left by mid-afternoon. They’d connected the cooker to the mains, installed the fridge freezer, washing machine, cupboard units, and breakfast bar. She liked the clean shiny whiteness of everything. This venture would work. She sighed in relief. She’d dedicate every ounce of energy she had into creating a successful business to honor Sean and Aunt Lil.
An hour later, not wanting to give herself time to brood over the morning’s discovery, she unloaded cans of paint from the truck and stacked them on the shop floor. She worked steadily through the afternoon, admiring the delicate light green shade she painted on the walls.
The wind chimes she’d hung on the front door jingled.
“Tat.”
She flew across the room and Bill enfolded her in his arms. “Whoa! Twice in the same day?”
“Yes, I missed you. Hey, you’re not blushing, are you?”
“Nah. I’ve fallen in love with that black beauty out front. I take it that’s yours? And, if you haven’t noticed, I’m jealous.”
She laughed, leading him into the kitchen.
“Wow. Don’t invite Winona over. She’d nag me to death if she saw this place. Which reminds me, you’re invited to dinner tonight, and don’t even try to make any excuses.”
“Will there be pie?”
Bill nodded.
“How can I refuse?” she laughed.
Winona still suffered from empty nest syndrome, even though the last of their three kids had left for college over a year and a half ago, and took every opportunity to mother Tatya. Which meant lots of pie, and Winona’s apple pies were competition winners.
“Have a seat. Tea?” Bill loved her sage tea though she was under threat of arrest if she ever told anyone.
He made himself comfortable on one of the chrome stools by the breakfast bar. “How are you after this morning?”
“I’m okay. Keeping busy.” Tatya gestured around the room. “Any information you’re allowed to tell me?”
“It was a vampire.”
She paused, let the knowledge sink in, and controlled the shudder that ran through her.
“Have you met up with Vanse yet?” The sheriff was one of the few people who were aware of her relationship with the vampire master.
“No, but I’m certain he’ll drop by soon. I promise you’ll be the first to know if anything develops in that department—positive or otherwise.” She tilted her head to the side. “You want me to give him a message?”
“No. I was being nosey. When you see him, don’t mention this morning. Not yet anyway. Okay?”
“No problem.”
“Are you still up for doing the occasional job for me?”
“Of course.” She remembered how peaceful the woman looked and hoped they caught whoever murdered her. “You got anything particular in mind?”
“I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know.”
“You’re a caring man, Sheriff Corwin, but remember I’m not as delicate as I look.”
Bill laughed. He made the appropriate noises as she showed him the small room she planned to use for healing and consultations, the lounge, the future herb plot, and the two rooms upstairs; her bedroom and a second room. She hadn’t yet decided whether to use it as a study or a meditation room. “I’ve got furniture, a bed, and other bits and pieces, ordered, but opening the shop is the priority.”’
“Have you thought of using Rob Svenson? His rates are reasonable and he’s quick. He’d get the walls painted, and any other jobs you wanted done.”
“I need to keep busy. Does he do signs? I need someone to put the name of the shop up.”
Bill nodded. “I’ll get his number to you.” He studied Tatya. “You’re looking well, Tatya.”
“Why thank you, kind sir.” She bobbed a curtsey at him.
“No, I mean it. You’re looking strong and healthy. Winona expects you at seven. Don’t be late, you know how she is when the food gets cold.”
“Yes, sir!”
After Corwin left, Tatya tried to control her wayward thoughts. She had another latte, enjoying the mellow taste of the brew from her new shiny steel coffee machine. The caffeine had little or no effect on her metabolism these days—whether it was the demon half or the vampire half responsible for her physical changes she couldn’t tell. Maybe it was both. More stuff she didn’t want to bother thinking about. She deliberately pushed thoughts of the master vampire out of h
er mind. Vanse would visit soon enough. She didn’t know how or why, but when he was around, her difficulties somehow multiplied.
The link flickered, and she broke the connection instantly. Dismissing thoughts of him had somehow been easier at Eva’s. Was it possible physical distance made a difference? Today she’d found herself unable to ignore the bond and blocking him took constant effort. What she needed was a conversation with him. Get things out in the open. She wasn’t clear in her mind exactly what things. But she wouldn’t be making the first move. There, read that thought. She knew he smiled at the challenge.
She returned to painting and covering up the grubby beige color with the soft green she’d chosen. With luck, she’d get two walls done today. But thinking of Vanse had turned on a tap.
The bond stayed quiescent, but memories surfaced, one after another–memories she’d kept in check for the last six months–lying next to him, her head on his chest, his arm heavy as it lay across her shoulders. The protection his presence gave. How many times had he saved her? When she’d agreed to surrender to Angelus, Vanse had offered the most resistance, but she’d never thanked him. She just took his help as if all he had to do was run after her and save her.
Most damning of all was the memory of how she’d felt toward him when she woke after having imbibed his blood. For a short time, she’d been consumed with love and adoration for him, would have done anything he asked to please him. Her devotion to him, the absolute need to satisfy him as her maker was like nothing she’d ever experienced with another human. It had been far richer and deeper. But he’d halted her transformation, and she’d not become a vampire, although the link remained. Even the slightest mental allusion to that time revived those emotions, and the golden chain between them would flare into life.
Tatya painted furiously, but the memories wouldn’t lie quiet. She kept seeing his soulful brown eyes, golden skin, and black hair; his head tilted just slightly as he studied her when he thought she didn’t notice. He was always protecting her despite the cost to both of them, when the safer option would have been to walk away. But she was back in Orleton and if she wasn’t going anywhere then she had to face whatever came her way—including him.
She finished the wall, and satisfied with the afternoon’s work, packed away the paint and brushes. Mrs. Mallachy’s daughter was an artist, and she’d thought of commissioning her to paint a mural on one of the walls. Something to create a visual impact when customers entered though she’d yet to come up with any clear ideas. A Garden of Eden, minus Adam and Eve?
Dinner at Bill and Winona’s was great. As they ate Winona commented on how long and thick Tatya’s hair was getting, and asked if she planned to keep it long.
When Aunt Lil was alive, she’d always trimmed Tatya’s hair, keeping her thick brown wavy curls short and under control, but since her aunt’s death, she’d let her hair grow. Now it was longer, thicker, and the red highlights more noticeable. The upside was she could now pull it back into a ponytail though it never stayed as tight or neat or out of her face as she’d have liked.
Winona was more than happy to keep piling the pie and cream on her plate.
Tatya didn’t stay late. Bill worked long hours, and an evening at home undisturbed was rare.
“Drop in any time,” Winona called after her as she headed out the door.
“With pie as heavenly as yours, you’ll be seeing a lot more of me,” Tatya responded with a wave.
She took her time driving home, enveloped in the warm haze that friendship and delicious home cooked food generated.
Most of Orleton was quiet at night, except for a few bars at the other end of town, where the young explored the few options available, and older sadder adults drank their misfortunes into oblivion.
Tatya parked the truck and was digging out the door key from the depths of her purse when the link blazed.
Suddenly Vanse was behind her. “Good evening, Tatiana.” His voice stroked her skin. His eyes bored into her.
She shivered. “Tatya. It’s Tatya. We’ve had this conversation before.” She dampened her emotions. This was the present, not the past. In this life, she didn’t love him. She didn’t.
“My apologies.”
“Come in.” There was no point in denying him entry—they were well beyond the stage of polite strangers. Added to which, even in this day and age there were people who objected to interspecies mingling, and a night conversation with the local vampire master might offer a nosey neighbor grist for the local gossip mill. She led him through the shop front, and into the kitchen.
He took in the new kitchen and the lack of furniture in the rest of the living space. “If you need help finishing off the place, I will send someone over to shop for whatever you want.”
“Thanks, but I got it covered.” Okay, it wouldn’t be the top of the range modern or expensive antiques he enjoyed in his extensive underground lair, but whatever she chose, she’d pay for it herself. “Coffee or sage tea?”
“Coffee. Black—”
“I remember. Black, no sugar. Have a seat.” She gestured at the breakfast bar.
Vanse sat, not saying a word, never taking his gaze off her as she made him coffee, and a cup of sage tea for herself.
“So, what can I do for you?” She kept her tone neutral, her emotions under control, sensing nothing from the link. He was behaving, not pushing the boundaries... not yet anyway.
“How are you?”
Away from Orleton, everything had been sorted. Now she was back, face-to-face with him, nothing was clear anymore. Her skin prickled as her power rose and fell, responding to her wavering emotions. Relax, she told herself. It’s a normal question to ask when you’ve not seen someone for a while. Everyone will be asking the same thing. The connection flared and a wave of power from Vanse enveloped her, soothing, easing the pain of remembering.
“Don’t!” She cut him off sharp and hard.
“Tatya, you can’t pretend the past hasn’t happened. Whether you desire it or not, I’m in your life. I am always aware of your emotions, affected by them. Even if I didn’t have these feelings for you, your change is comparatively recent. As your maker and someone who observes those obligations, I’m duty bound to help.”
Tatya’s power surged, a white-hot throb of anger. She flexed her hands as power dripped from her fingertips and the cup between her hands glowed. So much for her control. “Obligations? What does that mean? And I don’t want your help, thanks. I’m a grown woman and capable of managing without it.”
“Vampires have laws we are supposed to follow. There are consequences for those who don’t. I’ll explain them if you wish.”
“No, I don’t wish. You are not my master. Not now, not ever.” She slammed her cup down on the counter. A sharp crack echoed through the kitchen. She stared at the smashed pieces in horror.
Another surge of power; this time restraining her. “Tatya.” A world of sadness in the way he spoke her name.
Her resistance crumbled, and suddenly his arms were around her, holding her close, stroking her hair, sending wonderful shivers of pleasure down her spine. The idea of surrender was tempting—she just had to give in—so easy. “Promise me you will never compel me to do anything.”
“Tatya...”
“If you can’t promise me I have free will, then linked or not, there’s no future in this relationship.” She stared up him, her teeth biting her lower lip. He was so beautiful. The lines of his cheekbones and jaw. The brown eyes full of emotion; regret, sadness, love. She saw them in his gaze, but she wouldn’t be controlled. Not by him, not by anybody. She pushed him away. He let her go.
“I will not force you, Tatya, but we have always had, and always will have a connection.”
Was this his method of bringing her up-to-date? Informing her the rules of the game had changed? “Our lives are too different for you and me to work. Besides, a proper relationship takes two equal partners.” She saw him flinch. Yes, he could compel her, but that wasn’t h
is style. Damn him. Passion for him from past lives swirled and mixed with her feelings for him in this one, impossible to separate one from the other.
“I’ll make you a promise, Tatya.” He smiled. That lazy smile of his. “I am capable of waiting for as long as it takes for you to work out whatever it is that’s bothering you; unless I think you are in danger our bond will stay dormant. I’ll keep my distance, and will not activate my dominance for the moment. Will that satisfy you?”
“For the moment?” When he didn’t respond, she continued. “Yes, fine. Okay. Stay out of my life.” She searched under the sink, found a dustpan and brush, and began cleaning up the mess. “You know where the door is.” She didn’t look up at him, but there was no ignoring the weight of his intent pressing on her as he left. Or the sense of isolation and loneliness after he’d gone.
FROM THE AUTHOR
Thank you very much for reading Healer’s Magic. If you enjoyed the book, please let your friends know, and I'd be very grateful if you could take a few minutes to leave a review (short or long makes no difference) because you'll be giving me something more valuable than gold.
Sign up for my mailing list to receive your free copy of Hekate’s Chalice, Book One in the Adept Solutions Series, and information about new releases, discounts, and advanced reading copies. Click the link to get started: http://tinyurl.com/hk39yun
Books by Teagan Kearney:
The Kala Trilogy
Healer’s Magic
Vampire’s Bane
Demon’s Nemesis
The Adept Solutions Series
Hekate’s Chalice
Sorcerous Deeds
Ancestral Deeds
The Saoirse Saga
Stars & Ashes
Awakening Defiance
Hidden World Trilogy
Veiled Planet
One Summer in Montmartre
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