A Witch's Journey

by Tena Stetler

  “Glad you and Amy will be able to spend Thanksgiving with us.” There was a short pause. “Yeah, Kolby and Hayley will be here too, along with Pepper’s parents. She will be thrilled at the news. What’s that?” Another pause.

  “I’m going to be what? Well, that makes you Grandpa, doesn’t it?”

  As she got closer, she couldn’t make out what he was saying but heard Eli’s gravelly voice as Lathen held the phone away from his ear.

  “Yeah, Kolby told me about it when he and Hayley visited the Cove. He wanted to wait until after the wedding to tell you, so it wouldn’t take away from your day.” Lathen paused and smiled at Pepper. “Hey, he’s your son, just my brother. How’s Amy feel about all this?”

  He held his index finger up.

  “That’s a good thing. Dad, I’d love to talk longer, but today is the grand opening—uh—really a celebration of our first successful rescue. But I’ll tell you all about it, later. Okay? I really need to finish getting things ready. Pepper is standing here prepared to crack the whip.” A hearty laugh rumbled up from Lathen’s chest. “That could be fun, but inconvenient at the moment. Yeah, me too. Talk to you soon.” He ended the call and glanced at Pepper.

  “Hello, beautiful.” He reached out, and his hands circled around her waist, lifting her off her feet.

  She squealed, feet dangling a foot above the floor. “Put me down.”

  He gazed up at her. “It’ll cost you,” he said seductively, then lowered her until his lips pressed against hers, then gently covered her mouth.

  She quivered at the sweet tenderness of his kiss.

  His mouth moved to her ear whispering, “Dad and Amy will be here for Thanksgiving.”

  “That’s wonderful,” she said dreamily turning her head so her lips touched his and deepened the kiss.

  “Ummm…Am I interrupting something?” Gwen asked.

  Lathen let Pepper slide down his body until her feet touched the floor. “Why, as a matter of fact, you are. But since you’ve driven all this way for our celebration, you’re forgiven, this time.” He chuckled and released Pepper.

  “Oh, I didn’t know if you were going to make it after the message you left last night. Things worked out?” Pepper asked.

  “Yeah, we took possession of the poached birds. Their condition wasn’t as dire as first thought. Jodi stayed the night. The vet is supposed to be there this morning. So I left at three a.m. to get here in time, but I can only stay a couple of days rather than the week I’d planned.”

  Pepper hugged Gwen. “I’m just glad you made it.”

  “Can I get a quick tour before everyone starts arriving?” Gwen asked.

  “Of course. Lathen, you got this handled?”

  “Yep. Go ahead and show Gwen around,” he said.

  Reaching into a red bag, Gwen pulled out several DVDs and said, “I almost forgot. Made one of these and got a couple more from other rescues. They’re interactive DVDs for kids, teaches about the environment and why rescue and rehab are important to the survival of our wildlife. Thought maybe you would have a place we could set up for kids to view the videos. I could handle that for you.” She shook the bag. “Got lots of handouts, badges, and small plush creatures too.”

  “What a great idea. There’ll be lots of kids here, and I was wondering how to entertain them. There’s plenty of room in the mammal habitat. We can set up there. In fact, we’ll go there next on your tour.” Pepper pointed to one of two buildings across the way.

  After she had given Gwen the grand tour, they were headed up the path to the cabin when several vehicles pulled up behind the caterer’s van.

  “Looks like the party is on. I need to run down to the barn, make sure Lathen is ready, and see what Kaylee wants to do.”

  “I’ll just go back and set up the children’s entertainment. Does the computer we brought from your office need a password?”

  “Yes. The same one I used in Salem to access your computer. I’m not very creative and only have so much memory to keep all the passwords straight.” Pepper pointed to her temple and laughed.

  “Know what you mean.” Gwen followed the path to the mammal habitat, disappearing inside the door before Pepper cut back and sprinted to the seabird aviary.

  “Hey, handsome, need any help?” she called yanking open the wooden door. “Kaylee.”

  The bird came swooping down from the rafters. Pepper sheathed her arm in leather and held it out waiting for the bird to land. “Are you going to stay here and watch over things, or would you rather return to your aviary? Remember no fishing at the beach.”

  The bird cocked her head to the side and blinked.

  “Okay, but I’d prefer you to stay in the rafters at the far end while we’ve visitors.”

  “Talking to that bird again?” Lathen grinned and jogged to the end of the tables. “I’m going to stay here and see that everyone gets fed. Lock the cabin and set the alarm. Don’t want anyone wandering inside.”

  “I’ll do that now. Gwen is in the mammal building. She brought things for the kids to do. I’ll relieve her later, so she can grab a bite. Mom and Dad are on their way down here. If you have a group that wants a tour, maybe they can stick around while you’re gone. Your hoodie looks great. Black suits you,” Pepper said, pulling at the hoodie’s drawstring.

  He struck a pose, then turned, raised his arms half way up, curling them at the elbow showing off his biceps. “This is all yours.” Turning in a circle, he struck another pose, then roared with laughter.

  Over the next several hours, the drizzle stopped and the sun peeked out making things warmer but muggy. By Pepper’s estimation, most of the town showed up, enjoyed the food and chewing over the events of the past couple of weeks. Dylan Foster stopped in for food and had a few updates on the rescue birds and animals. All doing very well. The baby seal had adjusted to his new family group and become a bit of a ham. Colleen, her brother, and his family stopped by later in the afternoon to see the changes. She spent time down by the lake while the rest of her family checked out the interactive programs set up in the mammal habitat.

  Gwen had her hands full. Not only did the children find the interactive programs interesting, but they were popular with the adults too. Duncan and Klaren came up to relieve Gwen for a bite to eat. Brandon Fairbanks and his family stopped by along with a couple other lawyers from the firm and their families. Pepper waved at them in passing. There were so many people. She was only able to get a quick chat with Colleen before hurrying off to check on other guests.

  It was early evening by the time Lathen and Pepper waved good-bye to the last visitors.

  “We’re going to head to the cottage. Call you tomorrow and work out a time to get together and work on the family project,” Duncan said as Klaren nodded behind him.

  Pepper unlocked the cabin and deactivated the alarm for Gwen, so she could get a warm bath and climb into bed. She was asleep on her feet. Lathen helped Pepper clean up the mammal habitat, gather all the DVDs, and return the computer to its rightful place in her office. As they trudged up to the cabin, Ember trotted out of the woods.

  “Been guarding the property, huh, girl?” He reached down and scratched behind her ear.

  Kaylee whistled from the tree branch above her aviary.

  “I know you’re hungry. I’ll be there to feed you shortly,” Pepper said plodding up the path to the cabin.

  “You go on in and feed her. I’ve got a surprise for you. Meet me at the hot tub when you’re done.” Lathen winked at her as he held the door open. She scooted inside and hurried toward the aviary.

  ****

  Lathen picked up a bag he’d stowed beside the couch and walked toward the other end of the cabin. The hot tub bubbled and the moist air billowed out when Pepper yanked open the door. Several candles lined the room. Their flames cast shadows that danced on the walls.

  A soft sigh escaped her lips as she stepped inside, the door closing behind her. “This is so romantic.” She sniffed. “Smells like lavend
er in here.”

  Lathen lounged in the corner of the hot tub. His heavy-lidded gaze traveled over her. A seductive smile curved the corner of his lips. “Welcome, my lady,” he said in a deep rich baritone. “Your wish is my command. Clothes are optional, but I took the liberty of bringing your bikini.” He pointed to the bench on the far wall, where a turquoise string bikini hung from the corner.

  “Lathen, Gwen is staying with us. I don’t think…”

  “Gwen is dead to the world in the guest room. The sun will be high in the sky before she stirs. But if it will make you feel better, we can lock the door. I’ve already lowered all the blinds over the windows except the ones looking out to the sea and where the full moon rises.” He made a deep purring sound in his throat.

  She giggled. “I don’t see what use putting on the bikini would serve, since you want me naked anyway.”

  When he didn’t make a move, she stood still her green eyes sparkling with mischief. When she started to unbutton her blouse slowly, one button at a time, he settled back against the tub, steepled his wet fingers together, and pressed them to his lips watching her every move.

  “Strip for me,” he said in a husky voice.

  Her eyes flew open at his commanding tone. She paused for a second, then pushed the blouse off her shoulders, slowly letting it fall to the floor. Next, she unclasped her red lace bra and leaned over, breasts spilling out as her bra joined the blouse on the floor. She straightened, her gaze hot and proprietary.

  Ignoring the wolf prowling inside him demanding that he take her, Lathen watched and licked his lips, his erection straining to get out of the swimsuit. “Bring those beautiful breasts over here,” he rasped.

  Her hips swayed seductively as she stalked toward the tub, sliding her hand down her belly to her waist, unbuttoning her pants and slowly lowering the zipper.

  He rested his head back on the ledge of the tub. She leaned over him, brushing her lips, then her breasts over his mouth. Reaching around her back with his hands, he held her in place, sucking on each nipple until they turned raspberry. When he released her, she undulated away, the jeans slipped to her hips. Facing away from him, she stopped, wiggled out of the jeans and red lace panties, spread her legs, and bent over peering at him from between her long limbs.

  He sucked in a breath. After watching her wriggle into those panties and matching bra this morning, he’d imagined all day exactly how he was going to remove them. Watching her take them off was better. He felt like he was going to explode and wanted nothing more at that moment than to bury himself to the hilt inside her, yet he continued to just watch.

  Snatching the bikini from the bench, she raised her leg and stepped up on the seat. Balanced on one foot, she slipped the bottoms on first one leg and then the other. She leaned over, wiggled her breasts into the top, tied the string behind her back, and slid into the bubbling fragrant water.

  Anticipation made his heart pound as she slithered around him and nibbled at his neck. She breathed a kiss at the hollow of his throat, trailed her lips along his jawline, and touched her tongue to the corner of his mouth.

  Turning his head, he took her tongue into his mouth, tongue twined with hers in a sinuous dance as her flavor spun into him.

  When he reached for her leg, running his hand up her thigh, she moved to straddle him.

  Slowly pulling away, he whispered, “Now, I get to take it off you.” When he tugged at the string behind her back, her firm breasts spilled into his awaiting hands. The nipples hardened against the rough pad of his thumb. He teased the peak with the tip of his tongue, laving circles around the hard little berry, sucking one, then the other into his mouth. A little moan escaped her throat as she arched against him. He cupped her ass, holding her center tight against him.

  Leaning back, she caressed her fingertips over the sinewy muscles of his chest, twining her fingers in the hair at his taut lower stomach. Her eyes held his as she traced her lips with the tip of her tongue and slipped her fingers under the waistband of his low-slung swimsuit. He groaned. “Are you trying to kill me?”

  “Not exactly.” She shifted and wrapped her long slender fingers around him. Unable to speak, he moaned at the contact and jerked his hips toward her. The touch drove all thoughts out of his mind except his unquenchable desire to be inside her. This quick reaction and insatiable appetite were something he thought would diminish, but it only grew stronger. Everything within him screamed with the need to claim her. Clinging to control by the thinnest thread, he pulled her hand away from him. “Not yet,” he murmured. Trailing kisses down her neck, he reached down and tugged at the string on one side of the bikini bottom.

  The scent of her arousal reached his nostrils. He pulled her bikini bottom aside and teased a finger inside her, then two, curled them toward the sweet spot, and pumped a couple of times. Her eyes closed, and she whimpered, spreading her legs wider, arching against his hand. With a mischievous grin, he asked, “Ever done it in a hot tub?”

  “Noooo,” she said, opening her eyes to stare at him. “We don’t have…”

  “The bubbles make it fun. Let me show you.” He untied the other strings on her bikini bottom and let it float away. Then he reached for her waist, never taking his eyes off her, loving the red patches that bloomed on her cheeks. Lifting her up, he watched the water lap between her spread legs and lowered her over a stream of bubbles. She squirmed as they caressed her, then he thrust two fingers back inside. Her frantic moans told him exactly how close she was to orgasm. He worked his fingers faster until she crashed over the edge to a shuddering climax, her fingers digging into his shoulders. When she finally slumped against him, he swept her up in his arms, stepped out of the hot tub, and carried her to the door, unlocked it.

  Her eyes flew open in horror. “You’re not going to carry me out of here, us both buck naked, with Gwen in the guest room?”

  “Honey, the danger of getting caught is half the fun,” he whispered sprinting across the room and up the stairs, shoving the bedroom door closed with his foot. “See? Safe and sound,” he panted against her ear, his breaths coming in gasps and not just from sprinting.

  “But what about all of our clothes?” she asked breathlessly.

  He shrugged pulling her against him. “She’ll know rather than guess what we did tonight.” He quieted Pepper with his lips slanting over hers. She thrust her tongue into his mouth eagerly, demanding a response his body was more than ready to give.

  Settling her on the bed, he ripped open the foil package and sheathed his erection.

  “Hurry,” she said anxious to have him inside her.

  He eased between her legs and spread them wide with his knees. Lathen teased her slick entrance as she bowed up under him. Her scent intoxicated him. The feel of her was amazing, and he thrust inside. She moaned and pulled her knees up on either side of him, spreading wider allowing him deeper, stretching her.

  Together they found the rhythm that bound their bodies in exquisite harmony, soaring higher to the peak of ecstasy. At that moment, his desire to mark her as his own was undeniable. When her gaze met his, she tilted her head to the side, giving him the access needed. He sank his canine fangs into her shoulder, marking her as his for eternity. He licked at the wound until it began to heal. A multi-colored rainbow of streamers burst out of thin air above the bed and winked out quickly, leaving no trace.

  “What the hell was that?” Lathen asked, pushing up on one elbow, leaning to shield her with his body.

  “I’m not sure. Never happened before, but I suspect it has something to do with our…umm…you know—pleasure.” She grinned shyly at him, touching the new bite mark with her fingertips.

  “Oh, is that all.” His body relaxed. “There’s something I need to explain…” he said, his gaze drifting over the mark, his forehead creased.

  She put her finger to his lips. “Tomorrow,” she murmured and closed her eyes.

  He tucked her head under his chin as her body molded to his, and they slipped into
a blissful sleep of sated lovers.

  Next morning the whirr of the coffee grinder woke them. Lathen buried his head under his pillow. “Are your parents here already?”

  “No, I don’t think so. Gwen’s a coffee addict, and she loves fresh ground coffee, even though she doesn’t have a grinder and rarely has time to enjoy it. Bet she saw the grinder yesterday and found the coffee this morning.” Pepper grinned. “Well, guess we better get down there before she—”

  “Getting up,” Lathen said, his voice rough and just a bit irritated. He yanked on a clean pair of jeans and a blue sweatshirt.

  “You can’t still—want to—?” She rummaged around in her dresser drawers and pulled out a lilac pair of silk panties and matching bra.

  He paused to watch her slip into the underwear. She’s going to kill me. “Shit, woman. I’m male, that’s all I think about, and a werewolf is a carnal creature. I wanted to explain about last night—the bite…” Lathen ran his fingers through his hair and rubbed the back of his neck.

  “Plenty of time for that. Besides, Amy, Hayley, and the women of the pack kind of filled me in, so I understand and allowed it. Besides from what they said, protection comes with the bite. At present, I can use all the protection I can get.” She pulled on a green sweater over a mint-colored blouse and slid into a pair of black jeans. Picked up her hoodie with the logo and tossed it up on her shoulder.

  “But there’s more to it. A lot more. Serious commitment, for eternity.” He grabbed her arm.

  She stared at him. “Do you regret the action?”

  He shook his head vehemently. “No. Absolutely not…But you may, some day.”

  Quiet for a couple beats, Pepper chewed on her bottom lip and shrugged. “Doubt it.” She picked up a sack and pulled out a pink hoodie with the rehab’s logo. “I forgot to give this to Gwen yesterday. She’ll love it.”