by Mona Hanna
High Witch Next Generation
(Generations Book 2)
Mona Hanna
High Witch Next Generation (Generations Book 2)
Copyright © 2016 by Mona Hanna
All rights reserved. No part of this literary work may be reproduced in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—without the prior written consent of the author, except for brief quotations used in reviews.
Cover Image: © Unholyvault | Dreamstime.com
Cover Design: Mona Hanna
Editing: Tricia Kristufek
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Tricia Kristufek, my editor. I appreciate all your hard work.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
About the Author
Chapter 1
One warm spring evening, Erica knocked on the door to Gareth’s home.
He opened it a short while later, beaming at her, and she smiled back. “I was waiting for you,” he said, ushering her inside, then shutting the door after her. “What kept you?”
“Oh, Mother was just making more plans for our trip. She’s so excited about seeing Hallie and Sean and the twins again that she wouldn’t stop talking about it. I suppose it makes sense—I mean, we’ll be leaving in a week. And, of course, she’s looking forward to it.”
Erica looked up at Gareth, and he drew her into his arms, then leaned down to kiss her. She welcomed the embrace, having not seen him for a while. They had both been busy lately—Gareth with work, and Erica with her family and preparing for the trip. What delighted her the most was that Gareth was coming with them.
“My employer finally found my replacement for while I’m gone,” Gareth said, walking towards the settee while holding Erica’s hand. “He kept grumbling about me being away for over two months, but he’s finally accepted it. Lucky I’m good at candle-making or he’d just fire me.” He chuckled.
Erica looked at him with concern as they settled beside each other. “You don’t really think you’d lose your job, do you? That’s the last thing I want.”
Gareth only smiled, brushing aside a strand of her hair from her face. “No, it’ll be fine. He knows your family and how much you mean to me. I’d find it hard to cope with you being gone for so long that I’d probably be useless at work anyway. Besides, I hardly ever take time off, so he can’t really complain. The only bad thing about this whole situation is three weeks stuck on a ship. Yuck.”
Erica giggled. “It’ll be alright. I’ll keep you company. Mother will bring potions to help with seasickness, and we’ll all just have to cope as best we can. I’m used to the trip since we’ve been going to visit Hallie since I was a child, so it’ll be easy for me, but I’ll do my best to make it go well for you too. I promise.”
Gareth smiled at her.
She blushed. “What?”
“You’re so sweet, worrying about me. But enough about the trip. We won’t be alone for three weeks while we’re traveling, so I propose we spend as much time together as possible now.”
Before Erica could respond, Gareth pressed his mouth to hers and wrapped his arms around her waist. She melted into him, touching his face as they kissed. She knew where this was leading and was glad. She loved him so much.
***
Erica sat at a large dining table in the inn her family and Gareth had stayed at the night before. They’d traveled for two days by carriage and had finally arrived at the port where their ship would be leaving shortly after breakfast. But no one was really eating, too excited and nervous about the trip to do so.
“Elliot, eat something. You’ve hardly eaten since we left,” Mother said. “Ethan, get your nose out of that book and have some breakfast. Erica, you too.”
Erica grinned, pleased her mother stopped short of ordering Gareth around too. She’d been with him for a little over a year now, and though it took her parents a while to completely warm to him, they’d all grown close in the end. Her and Gareth’s meeting had been fraught with darkness and lies, but he’d proven his love for her in the end, in a way that saved her.
It was last spring when she’d first laid eyes on him. She’d felt instantly attracted and was ecstatic that he was interested in her too. But after spending time with him, Erica learned Gareth had been deceiving her. A man named Sebastian had ordered Gareth to get close to Erica, with the goal of putting her through the Test. Sebastian had promised to heal Gareth’s father, who was dying. Gareth didn’t understand Sebastian’s motives but had gone along with his plan.
In the end Gareth told Sebastian he couldn’t go through with it—he loved Erica too much—but it was too late. Sebastian captured Erica and put her through the Test—and to Erica’s horror, she couldn’t withstand the pain and killed a man to save herself. She was then enslaved to Sebastian as a result her failure.
That was supposed to be the end, but Father figured out a plan. He believed if Gareth killed Sebastian, Erica’s devotion would be transferred to him—and he was right. But then Gareth released her, freeing her from the Test’s binding, and Erica became herself again.
Months later, she and Gareth were deeply in love, and while Gareth’s father’s death had been sad, they had gotten through it and were moving on with their new life.
Erica could never keep anything from her mother, so she knew Erica and Gareth were intimate, but Erica suspected Father didn’t, as Gareth had stayed in a separate room at the inn. Erica paled a little at the thought of Father finding out how close she and Gareth really were. He probably knows, she thought, but she chose to remain oblivious about his knowledge—or lack thereof—herself. It was easier that way.
Erica was so happy her parents had invited Gareth to come along with them on their trip to visit Hallie’s family. She hadn’t wanted to be separated from him for the more than two months they’d be away, what with being on the ship for six weeks total and the two weeks they’d be staying at Hallie’s home. Gareth wasn’t really close with Hallie, Sean, or the twins, but they’d spent some time together when he’d first started seeing Erica, and again when Hallie’s family visited six months ago. Though it had been Erica’s family’s turn to go to Hallie’s home, Erica still had been recovering from going through the Test, so Hallie’s family came to them instead. It had been fun, with Julia and her family joining them also. Now it was her family’s turn to make the trip.
“Alright, everyone, finish up eating. We have to go soon,” Mother said. “Brayden, can you get our things?”
“Of course,” Father said, rising. “Gareth, could you help me?”
Gareth nodded, quickly standing to help Father carry their bags.
Erica wiped her mouth and hands on a napkin and also stood, wanting to get moving. Her brothers followed suit, and then Mother bustled them all towards the door. They walked to the port, and only a short while later, were aboard the ship. Erica knew it would be a rough few weeks, but her High Witch magic would stop her from feeling seasick, and she had her family and Gareth to keep her company. She had everything she needed.
***
“Boys. Boys! Help me tidy up for our guests. We only have two days, and this house is a mess,” Mother said.
James and Caeden grumbled to themselves, then made halfhearted attempts to clean the front room of their house. Their father was at work, which left them to help Mother. J
ames hated it, and he knew Caeden was likely planning how to get away. James would probably be stuck cleaning, though, not being as cunning as his twin.
Soon enough, Caeden cornered James when Mother went to the kitchen. “James,” he hissed. “I’ve got to go see Jennifer. If Mother asks, tell her I’m cleaning our room.”
“She won’t believe that. Just stay put.”
“No problem. If she goes to check, just take off your glasses and transport into our room before her, then pretend to be me. Works every time.”
James rolled his eyes. “We’re not wearing the same clothes, idiot. I haven’t pretended to be you for months, and I’m not going back to it now. Jennifer can live without you for the morning.”
Caeden grimaced at him. “Why so grumpy? It isn’t because of Gwen, is it?”
James felt himself go a bright shade of red. “It has nothing to do with Gwen. I’m just sick of being stuck here doing all the work while you go off chasing every girl in the street.”
Caeden lurched forward and grabbed James by the shirtfront. “What was that? You know I’m loyal to Jennifer now. Just because you can’t say two words to Gwen without turning the color of a beetroot….”
“Caeden!” Mother hurried from the kitchen to stand beside them. “Release your brother at once! What’s going on?”
“Nothing, Mother,” they said simultaneously.
Mother took a deep breath, wiping her hands on her apron. “Oh, get out, then. I’ll get more work done with the both of you gone. Just be back by dinner, alright?”
“Yes, Mother,” the twins said in unison once more.
Caeden rushed out of the front door, while James lagged behind, not wanting to follow his brother. He wanted to be out of the house alright, but he didn’t want to go where James was going. Not when he would just be humiliated. Gwen was Jennifer’s best friend and would likely be at Jennifer’s house when Caeden arrived, and Caeden would probably try to pair Gwen and James off together just to be alone with Jennifer. And though James desperately wanted to be with Gwen, Caeden was right. He couldn’t even speak to her without blushing furiously and acting like a fool. He’d rather stay away than embarrass himself. He only wished how he felt wasn’t so obvious. He was sure Gwen knew.
Deciding to go for a walk to clear his head, James went outside and strolled down the street. He was looking forward to seeing Ariel and her family when they arrived in two days, and Mother said Gareth was coming too. He and Caeden would hassle Elliot, as per usual—it was their way—and no doubt Ethan would hardly say a word; he’d just be reading in a new location.
James wondered if Erica would spend as much time with the families as usual if Gareth was with them. He’d heard Mother saying to Father that everyone expected the couple to be married sometime soon. That seemed so grown up. Erica was only eighteen. Although, Mother had married Father at about that age. James frowned. He was sixteen and couldn’t imagine being married in two years.
Not that there’s any danger of that, he thought.
James was just circling the block, heading home, when he saw a girl standing across the street. She seemed about his age or maybe a little older. She had long, straight, dark red hair, was a bit shorter than him, and wore all black. He was nearsighted so couldn’t quite tell, but it seemed she was staring straight at him. He frowned. What in the world…?
Then she was in front of him, having magically transported to where he stood. James didn’t know what to make of this stranger staring at him with a piercing gaze. He finally came to his senses and told himself to transport away, but the girl reached out and grasped his arm before he could.
“James Cornwall?”
James swallowed. “Yes.” Why did I just say that?
The girl tightened her grip on his arm. “We’ve been looking for you.”
Then, before he could even think, she transported them away.
Chapter 2
Erica heard a knock at the door of her room at the tavern and went to answer it. They’d arrived the day before, left the ship, and went to a tavern near the port to rest and freshen up. They had two more days of travel to reach Hallie’s home.
She opened her door to see Gareth standing there, and she threw herself into his arms. “Good morning!” she said, happy to see him. “How are you feeling today?” She stepped back and looked into his eyes.
He managed a small smile. “Better than yesterday. I feel mostly like my normal self now. I still feel tired, though. I never want to see a ship ever again.”
“Oh, sweetie,” Erica said, leading Gareth into the room. She shut the door after them, and they both sat on the bed. “I wish you hadn’t suffered such seasickness. I really am surprised Mother’s potions didn’t work on you. It was such a horrible time for you.”
“Indeed,” Gareth replied, rubbing her back. “I hope the special potion your mother said she’d brew for me for the trip home works. I’ve never felt so horrible in all my life.”
Erica kissed him on the cheek. “Well, just take it easy while we’re staying with Hallie and her family. Just a couple more days’ travel by carriage and then we can relax. This trip is meant to be fun, so I hope you enjoy yourself.”
Gareth nodded, then sighed. “I’d enjoy things a little more if I was able to stay with you. Your father’s insistence that we have separate rooms everywhere we go is a little tiring. I know he means well, but as much as I like your brothers, I’d certainly rather stay with you. Does he really think we never spend the night together?”
Erica began to fiddle with the folds of her skirt. “Well, whenever I stay over at your house, I magically transport home early in the morning to my bedroom, so I guess he’s choosing to think I’ve spent the night at home.” She sighed. “I don’t know, Gareth. This is just the way it has to be right now.” She looked at him and found he was gazing closely at her.
“Makes me wonder,” he finally said.
“Wonder what?”
He looked at his hands, stayed silent for a long while, and then began to fidget. Erica wondered what was wrong.
“We’ve been together a little over a year and have been making love for the last few months,” Gareth said eventually. “At this rate you’ll likely fall pregnant, and….” He paused, then looked at her. “I want us to live together, Erica. I want to spend every day with you, fall asleep by your side, and wake up next to you. I’ll always want you—I wouldn’t even dream of being with anyone else. Which really leaves only one thing. Your father would hardly allow you to just come and live with me without us being married, and I wouldn’t want that anyway. I want—I want to marry you.”
Erica’s breath caught in her throat. She was astounded at his words and rendered speechless by her shock. It was what she’d hoped for, dreamed of for so long.
Gareth took her hand in his, then knelt before her. “I’d been wanting to ask you for a while but didn’t know how or when. But I have been preparing, and….” He reached into the pocket of his trousers and withdrew a small black felt pouch. He pulled apart the string fastenings, reached inside, and withdrew a shiny gold ring with a ruby at its center. Gareth looked into her eyes. “I love you, Erica, and you’d make me the happiest man in the world if you accept my proposal. I love you with all of my heart. Will… will you marry me?”
Erica sat gazing at Gareth and then she knelt before him and hugged him fiercely. “Yes!” she cried out. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you so much.”
Gareth held her closely for a long while, then moved back and grasped her left hand. He put the ring on her finger and helped her up to sit on the bed. He put his hands on either side of her face, then leaned his head down and kissed her. It was gentle at first, then more demanding, as if he wanted more.
Erica wanted to be with him, but they had to meet the others soon. If only they didn’t. She broke the kiss, smiling at Gareth. “I had no idea you were going to ask me this.”
He looked down, grinning. “I’d love it if we could get married quickly.
We don’t have to, but the sooner we can be together always, the better.” Gareth met her gaze, and Erica beamed at him.
“I’d like to get married soon too, but I’m sure Mother will want to be heavily involved with planning the wedding. Oh, Gareth, I can’t wait to tell everyone! And Julia—when we get home, she’ll be the first to know. You’ve made me so happy.” Erica hugged him again, not wanting to ever let go.
***
James had no idea what was going on. The girl who’d grabbed him had magically transported with him several times in a row. They would stop somewhere for a brief moment before moving on to somewhere else. Finally they arrived in a small, plain room containing a desk and a few chairs. A dark-haired woman of about thirty sat in one of them.
“You did it,” the older woman said, rising.
“Yes,” the girl simply replied.
James tried pulling away, but it was no use. Her grip on his arm was fierce. She dragged him forward, and then the other woman took hold of him. He shook slightly, wondering if these women were going to hurt him. It occurred to him to shape-shift into an animal who could get away from them, but he found he was too full of nerves to concentrate. He just stood there, watching.
The red-haired girl moved to the desk and grabbed a silver goblet atop it. She took a long drink of the contents within, then returned the cup and looked back at James. She walked forward, and to his surprise, she reached out and put her hands on either side of his face. For what seemed like an age, she stared into his eyes, then finally let go and stepped back.
“It’s done,” she said. Before James even had a chance to think, she took hold of his arm again and they were magically transporting once more. Then he was back on the street where he’d been taken, and the girl disappeared.
He stood there, wondering what the strange redheaded girl had done when she’d touched him and why they would just let him go. He didn’t understand any of it.
