He takes them with a nod of thanks. His gaze searches for me, landing on my face within seconds, anger flaring in the depths as he takes in the claw marks. Striding over to where I am, his hand covers the left side of my face and searches my eyes.
“I’ve never been so terrified when I saw him charging you.”
I cup my hands on his face. “I’m fine. Are you?”
He smiles. “What, this? This is nothing. I’ll be healed up before you know it. Come on. Let’s go home.”
9
As we walk through the door back to our house, my heart feels heavy. I can’t erase what happened from my mind. I have never seen anything like that and hope to never have to see it again.
Ezra squeezes my hand, still coated in blood. “I’m going to go take a shower. I won’t be long.”
I stand on my tiptoes and brush my lips against his. “Okay, but don’t rush too much. Take care of yourself.”
“Mmmm…” he moans. “Don’t worry. I won’t be able to stay away for long.” Then he turns and leaves the room.
It’s surreal how much my life has changed in the last few weeks. Well, really, the last few days. Now that I’m coming down from the range of emotions, the feeling of death becomes more noticeable. There is a pull toward the kitchen door and I glance out to the woods. I close my eyes and connect with the elements. Something out there yanks at me again. That’s one of the perks about being a witch. The elements communicate with you. There are times when they need you as much as you need them.
The shower turns on and the water runs through the pipes. I have at least a few minutes before he gets out. There is enough time to go out and enjoy the solitude. I exit through the kitchen side door and walk out into the yard where the woods begin. A musky smell is heavy in the air while birds are chirping.
I reach out and touch a branch. The tree’s essence syncs with mine. It’s a cool green which steadies mine. I didn’t realize how riled up I was until this very moment.
What have I done? Today, a man died because of me. I understand he had to die because he challenged Ezra, but had I not come here… not gotten another person involved, none of this would have happened. His death is my price to bear.
Why do things have to be so complicated? I disconnect from the tree and walk deeper into the forest. Most of the pack has accepted me now, but Xavier will be here soon. Can I ask them to risk their lives for me? They have known me for all of half a day. That doesn’t seem fair. How could I think my life is more valuable than theirs?
A root sticks out from the ground, but I’m alerted to its location, and I step over it without looking. At this point, I’m in tune and following their lead. It comes as second nature and I don’t even question it. The aura hues of nature blend together in a rainbow of color. My chest feels lighter with the more time I stay connected to Mother Earth.
By not marrying Xavier, I’m also putting my coven at risk. My job as priestess is to protect them at any cost, and that sure seems to be the opposite of what I’m doing. The thoughts of putting my Grams, Ivory, or Willow at risk turns my stomach. Could I put any of them at risk?
The elements wrap around me almost as if hugging me, encouraging me forward. I’m not sure how far I am from the house, but there is now an urgency to their request as if there is something they want me to see. The colors surrounding me are of greens, blues, and purples so I know they are pure elements that can be trusted. Nature isn’t this persistent unless there is something important, so I continue to let it guide me along.
A sigh escapes me. I could marry Xavier and save my coven from retribution, but my heart breaks at that thought. It would be a loveless marriage and I’m sure I’d have to leave my coven behind. Who would then lead it? The spirits chose me. Also, I’d have to leave Ezra behind. Could I do that? A life without him seems hopeless and incomplete, but he would be alive. That’s worth more than anything to me.
There has to be something I haven’t considered, some middle ground I’m missing. What can I do to prevent me from marrying someone I don’t love and prevent any additional deaths in my name? My eyes sting with tears and I close them. The only other alternative is to run away. Leave everyone behind and move from place to place. Maybe that’s what I should do. I’ll be alone, but everyone else should be safe and Xavier won’t be able to find me.
Branches crack and the pattering of footsteps can be heard. It sounds like an animal coming straight toward me, but I’m not alarmed.
The elements aren’t concerned as they still push me forward, leading me toward the same direction. But now that I’m paying attention, the trees are thinning out again almost as it’s an opening.
The footsteps get closer and louder as a howl fills the air. Ezra approaches me at a clipped pace, dressed in a t-shirt and shorts and wet hair as he closes the distance.
I wonder how long I’ve been gone.
A frown mars his gorgeous face and his brows are furrowed. “What the hell are you doing out here by yourself?”
I lick my lips. “I was led here.”
He startles and takes a step back. “What?” He glances around. “By whom?”
A smile spreads across my face. “The woods.” I glance around seeing the colors as they are still pushing me toward the opening.
He bites his bottom lip and glances at each tree. “I’m not seeing it.”
This man is the most adorable being I’ve ever seen. “You’re not a witch, but right now, they are swirling around me, wanting me to go toward the feeling of death.” I point to the opening and begin walking that direction again.
After a few steps, he catches up to me and takes my hand. “Why in the world would they be taking you there?”
I glance over to him. “What? What do you mean?”
“You’ll see.” He shrugs. “And maybe it’s something else anyways.”
We climb up a short hill to the clearing and, when we get to the top, there is a vast graveyard at the bottom. It’s several hundred yards wide and long. There are tombstones everywhere and grass growing all around.
As soon as we reach the top, the elements stop nudging and swirl around me. “What the hell?”
His blue eyes find mine. “Are they still guiding you somewhere?”
“They stopped.” I take in the graveyard again. “Do you know anything about this place?”
“It’s our pack’s graveyard.” His tone is faint, just above a whisper. “This is our final resting place.”
Shit, this isn’t good. Xavier will have more power if he finds it since he can pull from supernaturals.
“What’s wrong?” He reaches out and takes my hand.
My heart feels as if it’s on the floor. “He’s a necromancer. If he finds this place…”
“Hey.” He turns me so I’m facing him and cups my cheeks with both of his palms. “I will protect you. He will not get to you.”
Does he think that’s all I’m worried about? “I’m more worried about you and the others. I don’t want another death on my hands.”
His eyebrows shoot up and his hands drop to his sides. “What are you talking about?”
Like he doesn’t know. “Today. Earlier.” I throw my hands out to the side. “The whole challenge was my fault.”
“What are you talking about?” His head flinches back.
Is he going to make me spell this out for him? “If it weren’t for me, the wolf would still be alive.”
“Oh, baby.” He pulls me into his chest and wraps his arms around me. “That was going to happen sooner or later. He’s been wanting to challenge me for years. This was the first chance he felt justified. It isn’t your fault.”
Did he say this would have happened anyways? “Are you just saying that?”
He kisses the top of my head and runs his fingers through the ends of my hair. “Yes, he almost did it three months ago when another issue came up. Every couple of decades, something like this happens. It’s just part of our species.”
It shouldn’t, but
this makes me feel better and I melt in his arms. I’m so tired of feeling responsible for everything. “It still sucks.”
His hands move to my arms and rub them up and down. “Everything will work out and we will be okay.”
I tense. He can’t promise that. “Don’t.” I pull away.
He tightens his grip around me. “Hey, wait. What’s going on here?”
Its true shifters are stronger than us, but we can wield magic. I push some magic toward him, enough so I can break free from his grip. I push my finger to his chest. “Do not manhandle me. If I want my space, you will give it to me.” I step closer and get into his face. “Do you understand?”
His eyes glow but he casts them down and nods. “Yes, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel threatened.”
What the hell? “I didn’t feel threatened. I felt disrespected and it won’t happen again.”
“I don’t understand what’s going on.” His breathing becomes ragged and his tone loud. “I’m trying to comfort you and you pull away.”
“That’s the reason.” I cross my arms and lift my chin. “Do you not think I know what you’re doing? I’m a freaking priestess. Don’t give me false assurances.”
A loud growl emanates from his throat. “I’m not telling you anything untrue. You’re mine to protect and you will not be harmed.”
“How can you even think that?” I pace between our spot and the graveyard.
He blinks and turns both hands, palms facing upward. “Because you’re going to be nowhere close to the battlefield.”
My teeth grind together and heat courses through my body. Who the hell does he think he is, planning on leaving me behind? I have a coven I need to protect. “That will not be happening. I have my own people I’m responsible for and will not be hiding while they risk their lives for me. I can’t…”
The wind changes direction and the blues, greens, and pinks merge with a dark gray hue. When this happens, a cold sensation blows over me and makes the hairs on my arm rise. This has never happened before. “Do you feel the change?”
He scratches his neck. “I don’t. What do you sense?”
My heart gallops in my chest. “My coven is one with nature, so we are greeted by trees, flowers, and animals. They each have their own hue. Green, blue, and pink and are warm and pleasant to be around. However, only a few magic wielders can connect with death. It’s said to be a dark gray color and cool.” I take a deep breath, not wanting to admit to what I’m seeing. “Just now, for the first time ever, the dark gray color is present with the other three.”
“Hey, they led you here for a reason.” He looks around me. “I’m sure they are trying to communicate something with you.” He groans. “I wish I could see what you’re seeing.”
I laugh. “No, you don’t. But it’s strange because the gray adds something beautiful and unique to it.” I blow out a breath. “I just wish I knew what they are trying to tell me. I’ve got nothing.”
He takes my hand and nods his head toward the skyline. “Come on, the sun is setting, and tomorrow is going to be a big day. Let’s get back. We’re out a good ways.”
The sky is beginning to grow dark so he’s right. We do need to be getting back, but I still don’t know what I’m going to do. “Yeah, let’s get back.”
We begin our trek back in silence. By the time we reach the house, the sun in almost down and the sky is dark pink and purple.
Ezra opens the door for me and we walk into the kitchen.
My stomach rumbles when the refrigerator comes into view.
He bursts out in laughter behind me. “Are you hungry?”
Jerk. “Nope, not at all.”
The smile doesn’t fall from his face as he walks over and opens the refrigerator door to look for something to eat. “Sure, you’re not.” He pulls out some turkey, cheese, and condiments. Then he heads to the pantry and gets some bread. “I’m going to make me a few turkey sandwiches. Would you like some?” He smirks but then bites his lips.
I want to say no, but that’s just me being prideful. We both know I’m hungry. I flip my hair over my shoulder and take a deep breath. “Well, not really. But since you’re making some, I’ll go ahead and have one. I’d hate to dirty up the kitchen later.”
He schools his expressions and places a hand over his heart. “That is so considerate of you.”
A giggle escapes me. I do love this man. Wait… Did I say love? It’s too soon, right? But we’re mates. I lean against the counter and watch as he spreads some mayo across the bread and places the cheese on each slice.
He grabs the mustard and ketchup. “Just so we’re on the same page, you’re not going anywhere.”
I jerk my eyes up to his. “What are you talking about?”
He grabs a knife and smooths everything together and places a few pickles on each one. After he places a piece of bread on top, he hands me a plate with one on it. “You’re my mate. We may have not known each other for long, but I know you. If you leave, I’ll find you.” He sits down at the table.
Maybe he does know me better than I realized. I sit beside him and pick up my sandwich. “I don’t want anyone to die protecting me.”
“Don’t be naive.” He takes a sip of his water. “If you leave, he will kill all your coven and then hunt you down. The coven is a way for him to get what he wants. If you don’t do it, then he’ll kill them. This is about power.”
When he says it like that, it makes sense. He is using the coven as collateral. Maybe if I did run away, it would doom them all anyways. So, that means I don’t have a choice on whether I go or stay. I close my eyes and shake my head. “Why didn’t I even consider that?”
As soon as he puts down his food, he leans over and kisses my cheek. “Because you’re good and don’t think the same way he does. You’re still young and have been protected all your life, and that is one reason why I love you so much.”
My heart feels so full I think it could explode. How is it possible that I can feel this happy even when something so horrible is impending?
“Hey,” he squeezes my thigh, “you went from happy to sad in about five seconds. What happened?”
That’s a nice way of saying I’m a hot mess. I place my elbows on the table and place my head in my hands. “I was happy, but it doesn’t seem right to feel that way while all of this stuff is going on.”
He bumps his shoulder with mine. “No, that’s what mates do. They bring out the best in each other in all circumstances. It’s okay to be happy.”
I reach out and trace his cheeks with my fingertips. “And that’s why you and your pack need to stay out of this. I can’t have you hurt…”
“Oh, hell no.” He jerks back and stands. “My pack and I will be right there with you. Look, I want to hide you away, but I get you need to be there, too. I don’t like it, but I get it. But there is no way I won’t be there by your side.”
“But…” I reach for him, but he backs away.
“No.” He shakes his head. “You don’t get to make that decision for me. I will be there, and I will fight for you. That is final.”
All this time, I was worried about the decision I could live with, but he’s right. There is only one decision to make. I will stand with my coven and fight. At the end of the day, it is up to Ezra and the pack if they want to fight with us. I can’t make that decision for them, and it would be disrespectful if I tried. Now, we prepare for war.
10
My phone rings and wakes me in the morning. Wrapped in Ezra’s arms, I wiggle out to reach over to the nightstand so I can answer it. As soon as I get out, he grabs me and scoops me back into place.
I smack his arm and laugh. “Stop. It has to be Willow or my Grams.”
He loosens his grip and I wiggle free.
It rings for the fourth time, and I hurry to hit the green accept button. “Hello.”
For a moment, there is silence on the line. “Sage, I’m on my way.” Willow’s tone is tense and alert.
; Oh, shit. They’re coming here. That can’t be good. “Okay, see you soon.” I hang up the phone and turn to Ezra.
He’s lying on his side and propped up on his elbow. One eyebrow is raised. “How the hell do they know where I live?”
I chuckle. “Because they are using a locator spell.”
“What?” He hurries out of bed and pulls on a shirt. “Is that how Xavier is finding you?”
That’s a tricky question. “Well, yes and no. Yes, he is attempting to use it, and he will find me. But he doesn’t know what is personal to me, so it will take him a lot longer.”
“Doesn’t he need just a lock of your hair or something?” He comes over and runs his fingers through the ends.
That’s what other supernaturals get for not hanging out with witches. “That’s probably what he’s using, and it will lead him to me, but it takes longer. A more personal item that is near and dear to the person’s heart will find them a lot faster.”
He opens his mouth but a knock at the door interrupts him.
It feels like it’s been years since I’ve seen Willow even though it’s been a few days. I walk into the kitchen and open the door. Her red hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and she has dark circles under her blue eyes.
In my entire life, I’ve never seen her like this. She is always confident and happy, not this broken version I see right now. I pull her into my arms. “Oh my goddess. What’s wrong?”
She wraps her arms around me and takes a deep breath. “Everything, but I’m so glad to see you again. I’ve missed you so much.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” I pull her close. “How is everyone?”
“Oh, they’re coming.” She sighs.
I pull back and my pulse quickens. “What do you mean?”
Her face drops and she bites her bottom lip. “It’s bad. The whole coven is on their way here.”
Ezra has been staying back, watching us, but he now walks further into the room. “What can I do to help?”
Shadows and Sorcery: A Collection of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Novels Page 200
