A Witch's Journey

by Tena Stetler

  “Is there something wrong, dear?” her mom asked.

  “No, not at all. Just thinking what all I need to get in town. Seems like I’ve been away a lot longer than ten days.” She tucked a wayward piece of hair behind her ear and sat down on the couch.

  Duncan burst through the door. “Klaren, you ready to go?”

  “Yes. I guess so.” Klaren raised her mug. “I’ll bring this back tomorrow. Duncan, you need to carry the suitcases out to the car.”

  He grabbed two suitcases, and Lathen picked up an overnight case and garment bag. “See you tomorrow bright and early,” Duncan said, taking the bags from Lathen, putting them in the trunk of the car. “I’ll stop by the hardware store and pick up the items we discussed.”

  “See ya tomorrow,” Pepper called as the car started down the driveway. She watched until their vehicle was out of sight and turned to Lathen standing behind her, his arm wrapped around her waist, and sighed. “Alone at last.”

  “My sentiments exactly. Family is nice, but I’m ready for a little you and me time this evening.”

  “I’ll just whip up spaghetti and garlic bread. There’s a nice wine in the fridge. We can eat dinner in front of the fireplace and enjoy the quiet.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Gotta get back to work.” He leaned down and gave Pepper a smacking kiss, then grinned as several workers passing by the back porch gave a low wolf whistle.

  Pepper stepped off the porch and ambled down the path to the office and lab, Ember at her heels, Kaylee circling overhead. “Now don’t you go too far. Looks like we have a storm brewing,” she hollered at the bird. Eying the dark skies and mist moving in, Pepper watched the osprey land in a nearby tree and begin preening. “Good girl.”

  Once inside the office, she looked through the mail her mom had opened, date stamped and arranged in descending order of date received. Pepper clicked on the email icon and groaned at the one hundred and two unread messages. Wading through them, she smiled at the one from Hayley indicating Kolby had arranged time off at Thanksgiving, so they’d be in Lobster Cove for the holiday.

  An email from Brandon verified that all the funds had been transferred, and he was ready to close the estate. Her head drooped a couple times, so she closed the email and shoved up from the desk. Urgent emails handled, she needed to get moving, take in fresh air.

  When she opened the door, the wind-driven rain slapped at her face, and she took a step backward. About that time Kaylee swooped in, the tip of her wing slicing close to Pepper’s cheek as she rounded the room, settling on the back of Pepper’s chair. She quickly closed the door, got paper towels, and knelt down to wipe up the rain spattered floor. How had I missed that the storm had blown in?

  She’d almost gotten to her feet when Lathen shoved the door open. Her hands went up to deflect the door, and she avoided the main blow to her head. But shoving her hands up rocked her off balance, and her butt hit the floor.

  “Lathen,” she squealed.

  “What the hell are you doing behind the door?” Lathen asked as he helped Pepper to her feet. “Are you all right?”

  “Wiping up the wet floor. I’m fine. But you’re dripping water all over the floor—again.”

  He locked the door, took the roll of paper towels from her, and mopped up the floor. His lips twitched as amusement sparked in his eyes.

  “You think this is funny?” Pepper demanded.

  “Afraid so. It’s like in the movies, but I’ve never seen it happen in real life. And we both look like drowned rats.” Unable to hold back any longer, he roared with laughter. Ember eyed him suspiciously from the opposite corner of the room.

  “Yeah, I guess.” Pepper tried unsuccessfully to keep the laughter from her voice.

  Lathen peered out the window. “Looks like the storm is letting up. But I think we are in for an all-nighter. Let’s make a run for the house while we have a chance.”

  Kaylee was still soaked, not to mention a bit peeved, so Pepper pulled on the leather sheath from her desk, wrapped a towel around the bird, and asked her to step up. Holding the osprey close to her body, Pepper moved toward the door. Lathen called Ember to his side and opened the door. He slammed the office door behind him, then ran to the cabin.

  Inside the house, Kaylee indignantly flew to her perch and fluffed her feathers out. Ember shook water all over, and Pepper grabbed towels from the bathroom. When she returned, Lathen had logs stacked in the fireplace.

  “Do you want to do the honors, or do I have to hunt up newspaper and kindling?”

  Pepper grinned and shook out her hands. “I’d be happy to.” With a flick of her fingers, flames raced up the logs. Her grin faded for a moment. “I really didn’t mean to start the fire at your dad’s house. I just thought about it and poof.” She shook her head. “Never happened before.” She took the homemade spaghetti sauce out of the freezer and put six cubes in each bowl and popped them into the microwave.

  “You’d better keep a lid on that poof when mortals are around. Were you stressed, like when you had the sparking fingers or frizzed hair?”

  “No, I don’t think so. You were more stressed over the visit than I was. Speaking of the visit—” Pepper walked into the kitchen and put water on to boil for spaghetti and noticed a loaf of fresh French bread her mom had baked. “It didn’t go anything like you expected. Did it?”

  “No. I left under pretty bad circumstances.”

  “Hayley told me. You were hurting in so many ways.”

  The muscle in his jaw tightened as he sliced the bread and handed the pieces to Pepper. “Hayley should mind her own business.”

  Spreading the garlic and butter mixture over the bread, Pepper put it on a pan and slipped the garlic bread into the oven. She wiped her hands on the towel and hung it over the oven handle. “You were her and Kolby’s business, and the pack’s too, so I am told.”

  “I don’t want to rehash all of this. I’ve straightened my life out and thanks to you found peace and meaning. Now drop it. Please.”

  “Okay, one more thing. Are you still happy taking it one day at a time?”

  “Yes, for now. I—well—am half in love with you or—maybe all the…But no pressure. Your family situation is weighing on you. I understand that. At least mine is settled. I think everyone likes you better than me.”

  Huffing out a laugh, she wanted so badly to ask him if he could phase, but decided against asking. He’d tell her in his own time. Something had changed inside him, she could feel it. If Ashling badgered him about it again, Pepper was going to…well, guess she couldn’t kill a ghost. She giggled at herself and shook her head. But she sure could…do something.

  “Pepper, where’d you go?” He touched her arm gently. “What’s so funny?”

  “Oh, nothing.”

  He raised one brow and started at her. “You’re a terrible liar, you know that?”

  “I know. It was just something Ashling said, and I thought I’d throttle her if she brought it up again.”

  His brow winged up higher, and his lips twitched. “But she’s already dead.”

  “That’s what was so funny,” she explained, dumping the spaghetti into the boiling water and stirring it.

  “I think you need sleep,” he said with a smirk. Taking her chin in his hand, he tipped it up and kissed her affectionately. Holding her tight against him, his cheek rested on top of her head. How did I get so lucky? Sizzling came from the stove as the pot of spaghetti boiled over, burning on the smooth cooktop.

  “Arrg. Now look what you’ve done.” She swatted him away from the stove and took the pan off the burner. Snapped her fingers, the stove top was clean, and she put the pot back on the burner. “Not a word, not one word.”

  “Didn’t see a thing.” He took a large wooden fork and stirred the spaghetti, pressed it against the side of the pan, and pronounced it ready.

  The timer went off for the garlic bread. She grabbed the pot holders and took the pan out of the oven, set it on the counter. “I’ll let yo
u get the wine while I put the bread in a basket. Want to eat in the living room, in front of the fireplace?” She took out two plates and forks, sat them next to the stove.

  “Yep. I do.” He took two wine glasses from the rack under the cupboard and plucked the wine from the fridge.

  Kaylee whistled and circled the room, landing back on her perch. She shifted from foot to foot, then shook out her feathers watching every move Pepper made.

  “I better go feed the spoiled bird.” Pepper pulled the curtain back and watched the torrents of rain flood across the driveway and down the path. At least it wasn’t coming down sideways anymore. “Not going back outside with the storm still raging.” Pepper sauntered into the aviary and tossed a fish from the holding tank up in the air for Kaylee, who flew in right behind Pepper. The bird dove after it, caught it in one talon with ease, landed on her feeding perch, and begin to rip into the fish. “Night, Kayl.” Pepper closed the door and left the light on automatic timer.

  When Pepper returned to the family room, Lathen had the spaghetti served in the bowls, forks and napkins by each. The grated Parmesan cheese was in a smaller bowl with spoon and the basket of garlic bread on the coffee table in front of the recliner sofa facing the crackling fire. Ember lay crosswise in front of the door.

  “Looks great and smells delectable,” Pepper said, plopping down on the sofa beside Lathen. “It feels like we have been caught up in a whirlwind.” Her shoulders slumped, and she leaned her head against his powerful chest. “Now my whole body is turning to jelly and my eyes won’t stay open.”

  “Know the feeling. But for me it’s good. The tension I’ve carried for so long is gone.” He stretched his arms above his head, then lowered them caressing her cheek with his fingers, then her neck, and finally wound one arm around her shoulder pulling her close. He breathed in and sighed. “I love your scent, all citrusy and fresh.”

  She wrinkled her nose and turned to face him. “You’re sniffing me.”

  “Only a little. It’s a wolf thing.” His tummy rumbled. “And the wolf is starved. Better eat before it gets cold, or we fall asleep and Ember will have it all.”

  “And we’ll be cleaning up after her,” Pepper said with a laugh. Untangling herself from Lathen’s arm, she reached for her bowl and plucked a piece of garlic bread from the basket taking a big bite. “Yummy.”

  Lathen grabbed his bowl of spaghetti and twirled his fork in it, slipping a bite into his mouth. “Mmmm. This sauce is delicious.” After that, they ate in silence with only the crackle-pop of the fire and patter of rain on the windows.

  “Labor Day weekend is in a couple days. Think we could kick back and relax all three days? Maybe join Mom and Dad at The Cliffside for dinner one evening,” Pepper said, gathering up the dishes.

  “Sounds great. I’m going to give the workers Friday off too.” He rinsed the dishes, she put them in the dishwasher, and turned it on.

  “I’m beat, let’s head to bed,” she said, flipping off the light.

  “I’ll be right up, want to bank the fire,” he said.

  ****

  A bright beam of sunlight greeted Pepper as she blinked her eyes open and looked at the clock. She jerked upright kicking at the covers. “Shit, it’s nearly seven. Mom and Dad will be here soon.”

  Lathen opened one eye and tugged her back down on the bed. “So…they know their way around the kitchen and still have a key.”

  “That’s not the point. We should be working by now,” she insisted, trying to escape his hold.

  “The crew won’t be here until eight o’clock. Just a few odds and ends left to finish up. Fill the salt water storage and holding tanks on the mobile unit, test a few systems, and we’re ready for the grand opening.”

  “Great, but I want to be up and dressed when my parents arrive.”

  “Okay, okay,” Lathen said lazily. “I’ll go down and get the coffee started. Going to try that bean grinder. Loved the coffee yesterday.” He slipped out of bed, yanked on work jeans, a black t-shirt, and blue checked flannel shirt.

  Pepper watched him out of the corner of her eye. His muscles were more defined these days, and he carried himself differently…or maybe it was just the tight t-shirt. She shook her head and grabbed her favorite pair of light blue jeans and pink and white striped sweater.

  Sitting across the table from Lathen, she said, “What do you think of getting a few zip-up hoodies with our logo on them for us to wear at the grand opening?”

  “Might be a good idea, especially for those attending the soiree who are not from Lobster Cove.”

  “‘I’ll check it out while Mom and I are shopping this morning. We’re going to have lunch at Maggie’s.”

  “Bring me back a lobster burger. Probably one for your dad too.”

  “I hope Kate doesn’t…”

  “The women in my pack were putty in your hands. Kate is a mere mortal. You’ll be fine.” He pushed up from the table and winked at her.

  Gravel crunching on the driveway caught Pepper’s attention at the same time Lathen paused at the window. “Your mom and dad are here,” Lathen said cheerfully.

  A short time later, Pepper and her mom were on their way to the Moose Stop in Bar Harbor. She’d called the shop inquiring about purchasing hoodies and have them embroidered with Lobster Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehab’s logo on them. Turned out Pepper’s mom and dad wanted one, and she decided to order one each for Elijah, Amy, Kolby, and Hayley as gifts. After discussing a cost break with the owner of the shop, Pepper ordered fifty. If they sold well, she’d order more. If not, she still got the ones originally decided on for less.

  Pepper pulled into the parking lot outside Lobster Cove Grocery Mart. After stocking up with all the essentials and a few not so necessary, they stopped by Cliff Notes Bookstore. Kaylee had destroyed a book her mom had been reading when Klaren refused to let her out during the storm. Pepper replaced the book.

  Passing by the window of Jewels of the Sea, Klaren saw a pair of black pearl earrings she couldn’t live without. They strolled by several other local businesses on their way to the Lobster Cove Anchor to verify the dates the grand opening ad would run in the newspaper.

  “Well, shall we go get the truck and drive to Maggie’s, or just walk down the block, eat lunch, and walk off the calories?” Pepper asked.

  “Weather’s good, so let’s plan on walking back to the truck after lunch,” her mom suggested.

  Walking by Maggie’s, Pepper peered in the window, straightened her shoulders, and shoved the door open. Kate zipped past as Pepper and her mom looked for a place to sit. The place was hopping, but they finally slipped into one of the blue vinyl booths vacated by a young couple. Sandy stopped by the table with menus, turned over and filled the coffee cups. Kate stared daggers at Pepper every chance she got.

  “What in the world is that waitress’s problem?” Klaren asked.

  Pepper sighed. “It’s a long story.”

  “Uh oh, an old girlfriend of Lathen’s? Why didn’t you say something? We could have gone somewhere else?”

  “No, more like an acquaintance that wanted to be more. She blames me for that not happening. And I’m not about to let her control where I go.” Pepper shrugged.

  Sandy sidled up to the table. “What’ll you have?”

  Pepper ordered four lobster burgers, two to go, and four pieces of blueberry pie. She paused. “I think we’ll take all of it to go.” Sandy nodded. Suddenly, the hair on the back of Pepper’s neck stood on end, and she glanced around the room for the source. “Speaking of old flames, look who just walked in the door.”

  Klaren swiveled her head in time to catch Ben’s attention. “Aw shit, this could be interesting.”

  Ben smiled, made a beeline for their table, and slid in next to Klaren. “Remember me? You haven’t changed a bit.” He touched her hair and stared into her eyes, then leaned back against the booth.

  She blanched. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that. How are you, Ben?” Klaren asked cordially with
a cool edge to her voice.

  “So you do recognize me. You and Duncan passed me in front of the hardware store last week, never said a word.”

  “Didn’t see you. We were running an errand for the construction foreman at Pepper’s place.” She scooted against him. “We are on our way out. Nice to see you again.”

  Ben didn’t move. “We need to get together and catch up.”

  “I’ll let Duncan know and see if we can work something out.”

  “Oh, I meant you and me. Duncan and I were never friends. He bewitched you and…”

  “No, Ben, I broke up with you because you were smothering me. Had nothing to do with Duncan.”

  “He had all that power, the McKay land, and you couldn’t see beyond that,” Ben said sweetly. “I understand. But you’re back.”

  “Only to attend Pepper’s grand opening,” she said carefully.

  “Mom, we really need to go. Nice to see you again, Ben.” Pepper slid out of the booth and stood, waving to get Sandy’s attention.

  Ben narrowed his eyes and sneered at Pepper. Suddenly she felt like all the walls were closing in. She shook her head and discreetly pointed her fingers under the table at Ben’s feet. She used her backpack as cover, sparks flew from her fingertips. Ben yelped. Patrons in the diner stared at him when he jumped up and took a menacing step toward Pepper, his dark eyes glittering with fury. The closed-in feeling dissipated. Pepper sucked in a breath and sidestepped Ben to grab her mother’s arm, pulling her out of the booth. “Time to go. See ya around.”

  Ben shook himself, face contorted, tight lips curled back baring white crooked teeth. “Be certain of it.” He snarled in a low voice. Glancing around, he straightened and strode out the door.

  She blew out the breath she was holding and directed her gaze at Sandy.

  “Order will be up in a minute,” she called out, pushing a smiling Kate out of the way and reaching for a bag the cook had just put on the pass through.

  Pepper paid for the order including a good tip for Sandy and wished the truck was parked closer.