A Witch's Journey

by Tena Stetler

  “Yeah, you are going to fit right in with this family,” Hayley said smugly.

  “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’re still taking it one day at a time,” Pepper said.

  “The man is smitten with you. And you…well hiding your feelings is not your strong suit.” Hayley winked and gave her a hug. “Mark my words. See you soon.” Hayley climbed into the SUV. Pepper closed the door and stepped back. Lathen joined her after saying his goodbyes. The SUV’s engine roared to life, and Kolby rolled his window down and waved as he drove out of the parking lot.

  “Guess we better get back home. Mom and Dad are due here day after tomorrow,” Pepper said with a sigh. “I hope Mom’s got the situation with Green and Bonchard figured out.”

  “Strange we’ve not seen either of them since the Fourth, and I’m glad. Would have hated to explain that to my brother on top of everything else.” He opened the truck door for Pepper, lifting her up by the waist and settling her into the seat.

  “You know I am perfectly able to get into the truck by myself.”

  He fastened the seat belt around her. “I know, but then I wouldn’t have an excuse to do this.” He took her chin in his hand and tipped it up. His lips pressed against hers, then gently covered her mouth.

  His moist, firm mouth demanded a response, and she slid into the kiss with a moan, wrapping her arms around his neck, fingers sliding into his hair. Heat swirled in the pit of her stomach.

  Raising his mouth from hers, he gazed into her eyes and murmured, “This is not getting our work done.” He chuckled when her eyes went wide.

  “You’re such a tease.” She huffed out and reclaimed his lips until…someone cleared his throat behind them.

  “We do still have a few rooms available. Your brother just checked out of a nice suite,” Matt said a wide grin spreading across his face.

  Slowly, Lathen straightened and turned to meet Matt’s gaze. Pepper stifled a giggle at Lathen’s predatory stance.

  “Out here to harass us, or was there something you needed?”

  “When I saw your truck, I originally wanted to catch you before you left, to see if we could get on your schedule. But finding you in such a…well, this was just too much fun to pass up.”

  “And my schedule could be filled for the next eight months.”

  “Okay, okay. Seriously, we need another computer terminal wired as soon as you could get to it. I know we should get used to calling someone else, but when you’re finished with the job, it always works. The other guys…not so much.” Matt shrugged.

  “I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. Pepper’s par…uh…mom is arriving the end of the week, and we’ll be out of town for a couple of weeks immediately after that.” Lathen blew out a breath and braced his hand on Pepper’s knee.

  “We have all the materials. Just need you to install them,” Matt pleaded.

  “If you want to drive me home and make sure everyone is where you want them. This afternoon would be the best opportunity, given the schedule we worked out last night,” Pepper said helpfully.

  Lathen scrubbed his hand over his face. “Okay. This time, but it’s going to cost you. And Matt, you gotta give the others a chance—experience will make them more efficient. They’re good guys.”

  “Thanks. I really appreciate it. I’ll even comp you a room.”

  “Hey, watch it, or we might just take you up on that offer sometime.” Lathen smirked, as he climbed into the truck.

  The minute Lathen parked the truck, Pepper rushed to let Ember and Kayley out to enjoy the partly cloudy, misty day. Ember followed her out to the center’s office/lab as she set up files and ordered last minute supplies. The thought of meeting his pack, not to mention his father, had her stomach in knots, but she wasn’t about to let him know. What if they don’t like me or don’t want him involved with a witch? The sound of the file drawer shutting with such force caught her off guard. Anger peaked without any cause but her internalizing imagined scenarios. She blew out a breath and straightened as the door swung open.

  Whistling, he stepped inside and hesitated for a beat. “Everything is set up for today, and we’re in good shape for the rest of the week. I’m headed back to the inn. Need anything on my way back? Shouldn’t take more than three or four hours, including testing.”

  She shook her head, chewing her lip. “Nope. Any preference for dinner?”

  He crossed the room, cupped his hand under her chin, and tilted her face toward him until their eyes met. “What’s wrong? If you need me here, I’ll…”

  “No—no—nothing like that. You go ahead. I’m fine.”

  He knelt down. “You’re not fine, and I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s going on.”

  “Nothing. Might be a bit overwhelmed with everything, but as soon as it’s organized, I’ll be fine.”

  “Still waiting for the other shoe to drop, huh? We don’t have to go to Alaska.”

  “Yes, we do. That’s the least of my worries.” She lied. “It’s been way too quiet around here. Which makes me think he’s waiting for Mom to arrive.”

  “If that’s the case, he’s not very smart. Think about it. Would you rather battle one witch or take your chances with three or more? We’ll be ready for him. So don’t worry.” He brushed his lips gently over hers. “Until tonight.” He released her chin and strolled toward the door, pushed it open then turned. “Better? You know my pack will love you. Now me…that’s another story.”

  The corner of her mouth turned up in a weak smile. “Of course they will. What’s not to love,” she said with more confidence than she felt.

  His brow winged up as he stepped out the door. “I’ll pick up meat pies for dinner.” The screen door banged closed.

  “Sounds good. See ya soon.” Pepper rose from her chair and walked to the door, watching him get in the truck. Returning to her desk, she picked up her phone. “Come on, Ember. Let’s go sit by the pond.” She heard Kaylee’s whistles in the distance.

  The bench Lathen made was her favorite. After easing into the seat, she pulled out her phone, opened her favorites list, and tapped Mom and Dad. Klaren picked up on the first ring.

  “Hi, Pep, your company leave?”

  “Yep. All went well, no sign of Green or Ben. Even Ashling made herself scarce. Lathen and I will be flying to Alaska next week. I’ll give you a copy of our itinerary when you get here. Also, wanted to check on your arrival time and flight number.”

  “Eight a.m., Friday, on flight 2840. But your father and I have decided to rent a car, so no need to pick up us. We’ll holler when we arrive in Lobster Cove and get settled in the cottage. Now why did you really call?” her mom asked in a cheerful voice.

  “How’d you know? Never mind. I’d like you to take care of something for me while we are in Alaska.”

  After she had finished talking with her mom, Pepper relaxed against the bench, tucking the phone in her pocket and closed her eyes.

  “Glad my timing fit into your plans.” A voice rustled over the water lapping at the shore.

  “Hello, Ashling.” Pepper sighed and opened her eyes. “Thanks for…”

  “Wouldn’t have bothered your guests, had I been here, but as it turns out, I was off doing some research and investigations on my own. It appears that weasel Bonchard has been calling up spirits related to McKay’s by blood or marriage. Looking for a maleficent spirit to join forces with, so he could gain control over the McKay magic. Mysteriously, all those efforts ceased when you arrived.”

  “We have already deduced something like that was happening. Thanks for confirming it.”

  “Wait, I’m not finished. After that, he made contact with evil spirits and started messing with black magic curses.”

  Pepper leaned forward. “He’s planning to use that to what end? Curse me? He’s not going to scare me off this property. We’ll beat him at his own game.” Pepper stood and paced down to the pond and back.

  “That would be difficult. I think it’s time you and
your parents call in my coven. I know you’ve never joined a coven, but my sisters would be willing to help you. Ravyn is high priestess now of the coven. Might want to contact her. When are your parents due here?” Ashling asked.

  “Friday morning. Lathen and I fly out to Alaska the following Thursday. We’ll be gone ten days or so unless it’s imperative I stay here.”

  “No, you need to go with Lathen. He needs to set things right, and you are the catalyst.” Her aunt paced with her leaving a trail of mist along the ground. “Call Colleen. Tell her we are going to need a coven of thirteen, which will include her. Time frame unknown at this point.”

  “And when Mom and Dad arrive?”

  “You act normal; we don’t want to tip anyone off. It may work to our advantage your leaving for a few days. Duncan and Klaren can connect with the land’s power, making a stronger magic force to be reckoned with when the time comes.” Ashling circled the tree twice.

  Pepper stopped and watched Ashling with a bemused look on her face “I wish I knew what the hell you are talking about.”

  “I’ll spell it all out for you once your parents get here and see if they agree with my conclusions. I mean no disrespect, but in recent years, you’ve disengaged from your magic until your life or the lives you cared about were in danger. That behavior is unacceptable. You’re a powerful witch. Now, act like it.” Ashling raised her arm and pointed her finger at Pepper, then disappeared with a pop. Mist scattered through the air, finally settling to the ground.

  Kaylee whistled loudly, careened around the tree, her wings back beating in an effort to slow and land on the bench beside Pepper. “Some good you are. She’s gone.” The bird looked around, ruffled her feathers, and lifted off gracefully to perch in Ashling’s tree. As if to say, I knew that.

  “Come on, girls. Time to get back, close the office, and head for the cabin. Lathen should be back soon and we need to fill him in over dinner.”

  ****

  The rest of the week was uneventful. Contractors finished their tasks, most of the back ordered material arrived, and Lathen was happy as a clam.

  Thursday night Pepper fell into bed and was asleep before her head hit the pillow. When she rolled over, a sliver of moonlight shone through the window. His side of the bed was empty. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, pulled on a plush white terrycloth robe, and slipped her feet into otter slippers her parents had sent to her from their visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

  Padding downstairs, she found Ember stretched out across the closed door, no sign of Lathen. When she stepped outside on the porch, he was walking up the path, dressed in only his black silk boxers, breath curling around his head in the crisp night air. She breathed a sigh of relief and tilted her head to the side, her brow raised in question as he approached.

  “I couldn’t sleep. Clear nights are such a rarity around here, I went for a walk.” Hesitating at the base of the stairs, he rolled his shoulders and stretched from side to side one arm over his head then the other. “Feel better now.” He bounded up the stairs, encircled an arm around her waist, and pulled her close, planting a smacking kiss on her lips. “Miss me?”

  “It would have been nice if you’d told me. All the weird things happening around here—I was concerned.”

  “Sorry to have worried you. But you were so sound asleep, I didn’t want to wake you.” He smirked. “I told Ember where I was going.”

  Hand on hips, Pepper grumbled, “Well…she failed to relay the message.” She paused for a second, her forehead creased. “Why didn’t you take her with you?”

  Silent for a couple beats, he shrugged. “Who would have been here to protect you?”

  She huffed out a breath and slipped inside the cabin. “You’re incorrigible.”

  He followed her inside, closed the door with his bare foot, and followed her up the stairs with Ember trotting behind them.

  By the time Pepper and Lathen dragged themselves out of bed, the sun had cleared the horizon and workers were going about the daily activities.

  Pepper yawned wide and stretched her arms above her head, watching Lathen shuffle into the bathroom. “Dad and Mom should be here before noon.”

  Lathen stopped just inside the door, turned toward her, and leaned his shoulder against the frame. “Should we plan on taking them out to dinner or fixing something here?”

  “Probably something here, barbecue? Steak, potatoes, corn on the cob? I’ve time to make double fudge chocolate cupcakes with buttercream frosting.”

  “Ohh—my favorite. Sounds great.” He flipped on the shower, raised an eyebrow. “Want to join me?”

  “Sure. But no messing around. We don’t have time,” Pepper said emphatically. Swinging her feet to the floor, she stood, slipped out of her red tank top and matching silk panties. She padded into the bathroom, wound her arms around his neck, and slithered against him.

  “Geez, talk about mixed messages.” He pulled her hard against him and unceremoniously turned his body so she was under the warm shower spray.

  “What are you doing?” She sputtered, twisting out of the spray and pulling him into the water.

  “Making sure there is no messing around.” A mischievous smile turned up the corners of his lips, as he sidled up behind her. He caressed his soapy hands over her firm breasts while rivulets of water ran down his back and steam filled the air.

  She slapped at his hands playfully and spun in his arms. “My turn.”

  “Okay, but no messing around.” He chuckled, nuzzling her neck while her hands lathered his chest and slipped lower. Something primitive and raw stabbed through him as he nearly sank his teeth into her shoulder to mark her as his.

  The strange sensation rolled through her, as if they were connected, but started to fade when he gently pulled away laving the inflamed area with his tongue.

  “What just happened?”

  “Sorry, I got carried away,” he murmured apologetically.

  She didn’t know what to say, or what to do with the elated erotic feelings crashing through her body, unsure whether they belonged to her or him or both.

  ****

  The cell phone vibrated across the desk. She grabbed it, looked at the screen, and held up an index finger to the deliveryman standing in front of her. “I need to take this. I’ll only be a minute.” She rounded the desk, phone to her ear, and slit the tape on the two boxes sitting on the ground. The delivery man pointed to his watch impatiently. Pepper nodded.

  “Hi, Mom. You arrived safely at the cottage?”

  “Sure did.”

  “Great. Let me call you back. I need to check a delivery that just arrived.”

  “All right. Talk to you soon.”

  Pepper disconnected the call, ripped open the boxes, and checked them against the manifest and her order list. “Everything is here. Sorry for the delay, but last time I was shorted several items. It turned out a box had been left on the truck by mistake.”

  The man shoved his clipboard in front of her and pointed to the line marked with a red X. She signed off on the shipment and returned his clipboard. “Thank you and have a nice day.”

  He grumbled something about running late and shoved the screen door open with his boot, letting it slam shut.

  She picked up the phone, hit redial, and waited.

  “Hi, Pep. Get the delivery taken care of?”

  “Yep, the alternate drivers are so rude, but I had to check the shipment. Enough about me. How was your flight?”

  “Wonderful. Got to the rental counter and was able to upgrade the car to an SUV, to fit all our luggage. The drive here was a pleasant surprise. I don’t remember ever seeing such a clear sky, but looks like the fog will be rolling in later this afternoon.”

  “How about you and Dad come over whenever you’re ready. We’ll show you around the place before the weather moves in, and Lathen will grill up steaks.”

  “Sound yummy. We’ll be there in about thirty minutes.”

  “Perfect.” Pushing up from the d
esk, she walked outside, glancing around for Lathen. When she caught a glimpse of his light blue denim shirt as he disappeared around the corner of the aviary building, she dashed across to the newly constructed path to meet up with him. It sure was easier to negotiate the path than stumble over the rocky ground, which was the reason that Lathen had suggested a pathway system between the buildings. At first Pepper was afraid that it would look too commercial. Now the walkways were complete, they appeared natural and were much more serviceable. A nice touch.

  When she reached the side of the building, she spotted Lathen with his back to her, holding a set of plans and talking with a group of workers. She eased up to him and caressed his shoulder lightly, trying not to startle him.

  He turned his head lazily toward her. “Good afternoon—beautiful. What can I do for you?” Turning back to the group, he said, “Give me a minute, guys.” Lathen took her arm and walked a few yard away. “No use giving them more to chew over than usual.”

  Sunlight glistened off his windblown hair and the sweat at his brow. She liked the look. “Mom and Dad are coming over shortly. Can you take a break and walk the property with us?”

  “Sure thing. I need to finish reviewing the pump installation with the guys, but after that, I’m yours.”

  She watched him walk back toward the guys, enjoying the way his muscles flexed under his shirt and the way his jeans fit his great ass. The guys shot him knowing looks, then winked at her. Their actions were all in good fun, so she didn’t mind the innuendos. Besides, he was sleeping with the boss.

  Hands raised up in surrender, he said, “Hey, when you got it, you got it.” He grinned. “Let’s get back to work.”

  The rumble of an engine and crunch of tires on gravel meant her parents were early. She sprinted to the cabin in time to see them getting out of the vehicle and looking around. Ember stood at alert on the porch as Kaylee soared overhead.

  “Glad you made it,” she said wrapping an arm around each of them. “Well, what do you think?”

  “I like what you’ve done with the place.” Her father said kissing her cheek. “I don’t remember the cabin being this big.”