Now I came to think about it, I had been getting this unnerving feeling of being followed for days now. I’d dismissed it, but now I knew it was real.
I heard him sigh. “I’m not suggesting dragging you off into the woods. Can I take you for a cup of coffee or something?” He nodded his head back up the street I had just come down; there was a coffee house at the far end.
I looked back up the street. It was much lighter at the other end; some shops were still open and I could see the odd person milling about.
“I’ve got a boyfriend.” I don’t know why I said that, but I blurted it out without thinking.
I could feel him smiling at me. “It’s just a coffee, but extras are optional.”
Chapter Three
Was I being teased by a dark handsome stranger? Or was I being teased by a psycho nutcase?
“Bob?” I looked at the bird for his opinion.
Bob shrugged his wings. “He smells wrong, but not exactly evil. I’ll stay with you.”
“You can’t come into a coffee shop, they’d freak out,” I told him.
“What did the bird say?” the boy asked.
I looked at him with suspicion again. “I thought you said you could hear animals?”
He scuffed his foot impatiently. “Not all the time. It’s complicated. Can’t we just go somewhere and talk properly? Do you want to sit in the park maybe?”
“No way! The coffee shop is fine,” I told him; then turning my head to Bob I said, “Will you stay nearby though?”
“Yes, Mistress; be cautious,” he warned, then he flew up on to the nearest rooftop.
“Come on then, stalker. Do you have a name?”
He came nearer and reached out to shake my hand. “It’s Fletcher; my friends call me Fletch.”
“Hello, Fletcher.” I stressed his longer name to show we weren’t friends yet, and shook his hand.
Our hands connected and I got an electric shock. I pulled my hand back with a yelp. “What the frack was that?”
He gave a low chuckle. “It’s an early warning system. It only happens the first time we touch. It’s how one paranormal knows another straight off.”
“Huh?” I’d never heard this. “I’ve touched other witches and that never happened,” I accused him.
“It won’t with your own kind.” He said it like I was being dumb and that it should have been obvious.
“Ah-ha, what about with a ghost though? I touched a ghost and I didn’t feel it!” I thought maybe I had caught him out.
“Ghosts can’t be touched. Not really.” He sounded tired of the topic and so I didn’t pursue it. But I was getting a bit fed up with feeling like everyone else knew all the rules except me. I really had to learn more, and soon.
We walked to the coffee shop in silence. I thought about all the things Fletcher had said so far. I had a lot of questions, but I figured they could wait until we were comfortable. At least I had plenty of time. I’d told my father I might stay at Iris’ for dinner, so no one would miss me for a while.
We got into the coffee shop and he asked what I wanted. Since he was buying, I asked for a hot chocolate with marshmallows, and then took a seat by the window where Bob would be able to see me. Fletcher went up to the counter, and in the light I was finally able to get a good look at him. He was taller than me, and had wide shoulders and a narrow waist. He looked like he worked out, and he moved gracefully. His hair was a thick rich dark brown; it was a bit longer than the usual fashion and kind of messy in style. I wondered if he used a product to achieve that “bed head” look. He was dressed all in black and his trousers were tight around his bum, hugging his legs, falling over heavyweight army-style boots.
He turned to look at me and caught me looking at his behind. I quickly turned my head before I could meet his amused gaze, but that didn’t stop me from sensing his silent laugh.
Why was I ogling him? I already had a sort-of boyfriend! I didn’t need another one, especially one I didn’t as yet trust at all.
He put the hot chocolate down in front of me and took a seat opposite me.
I looked up, still slightly embarrassed, and was stopped dead by his eyes. I hadn’t seen them clearly in the dark outside, but they were green. Not just a bit green, but brilliant green.
“So what are you?” I asked again.
He looked around to check no one could overhear us. “Werewolf,” he finally answered.
“No way! Werewolves are real?” Why doesn’t Iris tell me these things? That’s a big one as far as I’m concerned. “How about vampires, goblins, pixies and elves?” That only touched the surface of all the mythical creatures I could think of.
He frowned at me. “You are a witch, aren’t you? The one they were talking about? Or are you something else?”
“Yes, it’s me – at least, I don’t know if I’m the one you heard about. But I am a witch. I’m just a bit new to all this stuff…” I trailed off lamely.
“I was in wolf form on Halloween, it was a full moon.” He stirred his coffee. “I can hear the other animals when I’m that way, but not as a human. They were all talking about a new witch who was especially powerful and could do some things other witches can’t.”
I was flattered, but still unsure that they were talking about me. “I don’t know if I’m all that powerful,” I confessed. “I’ve not really been able to tap into my powers very easily.”
Fletcher was silent for a moment, considering. “Did you raise the dead?” he asked at last.
“Well, yes, but it was an accident.” I was a bit embarrassed by that.
“I was there. I followed the rumours; I saw the witches gathering and the dead dudes following your command. But I was in wolf form; my vision is different, and though I tried to memorise your smell, everything was overcome by the stink of grave.”
I wrinkled my nose. I could remember only too well how rank my zombies had been. Another thought occurred to me.
“Oh my god, you didn’t see me naked, did you?” How mortifying!
He gave me a “wouldn’t you like to know” eyebrow twitch, which clearly indicated that he had.
“You said your vision was different?” I fished, hoping to glean some indication that this very handsome boy had not seen everything.
“Yes, that’s true. I see colours and shapes rather than specifics. But I can confirm I wasn’t just looking at your face.” He laughed silently again as he drank from his cup.
I decided he hadn’t really seen anything; after all, he hadn’t been sure it was me at all. But he was flirting with me. Some flirting was definitely acceptable, however.
I blushed a bit, but I liked the way he talked to me; not many boys had given me that kind of attention before.
Then I wondered if he had an ulterior motive.
“So why have you been watching me?” I asked, dropping my smile.
He stirred his almost empty cup again. Like he was trying to work out what to say. In a low voice he began, “I was attacked by a werewolf two years ago. Apparently most don’t survive the turn, but I did. It was extremely frightening and every single full moon is still terrifying for me. I’m afraid the wolf inside me is taking over. I’m worried about the safety of my family, and I don’t want to be this way.”
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t ask to be a witch either, but I’m adjusting.”
“It isn’t the same. I lose myself when I turn. Not completely, but the wolf is stronger than me. Sometimes I feel him during the rest of the month, it’s… unsettling.” He still focused on his cup. “I found others of my kind. They aren’t like me, they embrace the wolf. They said I should do the same, that I would be more comfortable in time. But it’s been two years and I’m still terrified every month. I tried to stay away from my family. I tried to get far away at the full moon, but there isn’t anywhere to go in this stupidly small country where you can keep totally away from people. I’ve had to leave home. I just can’t risk being near them. I’ve got a younger sister and I don’t know
how to keep her safe anymore, safe from me!”
“So werewolves really do kill people? I’ve never heard of anything in the news.” I didn’t realise there were werewolves running around England; it was a scary thought.
“Actually they don’t, on the whole. Apparently if you embrace the wolf, you become one with it and you can control its instincts. The one that attacked me had gone mad. He had fought the wolf and lost himself. I think that’s happening to me.”
My eyes widened with horror. I was having hot chocolate with a potential killer, after all.
“So why come to me? What is it you expect me to do?”
“I’ve been reading all these old books about werewolves, and there was a documented account in one about how a witch separated the man from the wolf. I want you to do it for me before the next full moon.”
“You want me to cast a spell to separate you from the wolf inside you?” I clarified.
He nodded. “It takes a natural witch, which is what you are, right? I can’t find any indication of another one anywhere, and I only have a week left until the wolf takes over again.”
Oh brother! My spells so far weren’t exactly known for going according to plan.
Chapter Four
“I’m sorry, but I think you’ve got the wrong witch.” I shook my head.
“Please, Emily. I’ve been searching for someone with your power for months, I can’t take it anymore, I really think this might be the month I don’t come out the other side.”
He reached out and took my hand. I felt electric tingles all up my arm. Was I still supposed to be getting a reading off him? I had a feeling this wasn’t an expected reaction, because he looked startled too and dropped my hand.
“I don’t know what I’m doing, Fletcher. I don’t know the spell to do it – and I can’t just wave a wand and stuff happens. I’m useless!”
He slumped back looking miserable.
I suddenly really wanted to help him. Not just because I was enchanted by his green eyes, though that might have been a part of it. How could I resist the plea for help? I wanted to use my powers for good. But I just didn’t have a clue what to do. I also didn’t like the idea that he might turn totally wolf and go around killing people.
“I could ask my aunt about it, I suppose.” I said slowly.
His response was instant, “No!” He sat upright. “You know how adults can be, she’ll try to stop us in case it’s dangerous or something.”
“Will it be dangerous?” I hadn’t even considered that.
He shook his head, “I don’t see how it can be, and if it was, surely it is only me that would be affected anyway. But I don’t have anything to lose; I have to try.”
He looked directly into my eyes and I could see his pain and desperation. I tore my own away.
“Fine,” I sighed, “let me have a look through my Grimoire and see if there is anything I can use, okay?”
“Thank you, I knew you were special.” He took my hand again and this time I rather enjoyed the sizzle where he made contact.
It was just as well I already had a sort-of boyfriend; it would have been so easy yet total madness to fall for this werewolf boy.
“Shall I give you a ring if I find anything?” I asked.
He shook his head, “I had to ditch my phone; my parents would have tried to trace it.”
“You mean you’re like a runaway?” I was startled.
“Well, not really. I’m seventeen, I can leave home if I want to. But I guess I’ve been acting weird lately, and I know they’ve been worried. I just thought it best to get well away from them until I sort this out.”
“So where are you staying?” I couldn’t imagine how I would do what he was doing, especially as it sounded like he loved his family.
“In the Youth Hostel on Fairfax Street. They take cash and it’s cheap. I have a tiny room with its own bathroom, and no one cares when I come or go.”
“Okay, do you want to meet sometime tomorrow?”
“Can’t we do it tonight? It’s still quite early. I don’t mind waiting while you look for a spell. Also, if it doesn’t work then we would still have some time to try other things.”
I thought for a moment. It was Saturday evening and the rest of the week I would be limited in my evening activities. My dad didn’t approve of me going out on a school night.
I wasn’t allowed boys in my room at home, and I certainly wasn’t going to go to Fletcher’s room, so the spell would probably have to be done outside when it was too dark for anyone to see us.
“Yeah, tonight works for me. Shall we go now?” If I was lucky I might get in and out of the house unnoticed and escape any questions.
Fletcher nodded, and we went back out into the night. Bob was on my shoulder in an instant. I quickly filled him in.
“Mistress, no! This is not sensible. It’s my job to advise you and I don’t like this. I suggest I go and speak with your aunt.”
“Bob,” I spoke sternly, “isn't it also your job to do as I say?”
There was a pause whilst Bob considered this, then he reluctantly bobbed his head.
“Then I forbid you to tell my aunt. I can handle this.” I wished I felt half as sure as I sounded.
Fletcher walked me home. We didn’t talk much but I enjoyed the journey. I felt safe knowing that Bob was flying somewhere overhead, and actually, even though I’d only known him half an hour, I felt safe with Fletcher too. What didn’t feel safe was my attraction to him. But it did feel exciting. We walked side by side, and I felt an odd urge to hold his hand. I wanted to get that warm tingle up my arm by touching him. But I managed to restrain the impulse. Instead we talked about how I got my powers; it was so nice to have someone to confide in. Keeping it all from my friends had made me feel a little alienated.
He laughed when he heard everything that had happened to me on Halloween. I liked his laugh.
Fletcher waited in the darkness of the garden whilst I slipped inside the house. I looked back at him; he was leaning against a tree, and in his dark clothes he blended right into it.
The house seemed empty. I cautiously flicked on the kitchen light and found a message from my father on the chalkboard we use for shopping lists.
We’ve all gone to the cinema, back about 9.30, Dad
I went back to the front door and leaned out. “Everyone’s out, so you can come in.”
He followed me into the house and we went straight up to my room. I felt a bit edgy about having him in there. Thankfully it wasn’t too messy today, but I grabbed a bundle of clothes off my bedroom chair and tipped them into the wardrobe just in case there were some bras or something among them.
Fletcher stopped in the doorway. “Nice,” he said smiling at me, “reminds me of my sister’s room.”
I looked round the room. Unfortunately I had never gotten around to updating it from my younger years and it was predominately pink and white. I suddenly wished it was all grown up and sophisticated; I didn’t want Fletcher to associate me with his younger sister.
A tapping on the window reminded me that I had forgotten Bob. “Sorry, Bob.” I opened the window and he flew in looking a bit irritated. But he settled on his cushion without further comment. I think he might have been sulking.
I went over to my bed and pulled out the trunk I kept beneath it.
Inside were all my witch supplies: my Grimoire, wand, Athame, candles and incense.
I pulled out the Grimoire and sat on my bed to look through it.
“There are several potions in here I could maybe concoct. This one is for ridding yourself of illness, and this one is for finding inner strength; do you think either of those would help?”
Fletcher frowned, “They don’t sound quite right.”
Bob made a clicking with his tongue to show he thought I was being stupid.
“No, plus I’ve never managed to brew anything but sludge so far. I wouldn’t actually want to drink them! Oh, here’s one. To rid someone of a spirit possession. Do
you think that might do?”
“Brilliant! I read that I was carrying the Spirit of the Wolf, so if we could exorcise it then that should work, shouldn’t it?”
“Bob?” I turned to the bird for his thoughts.
He hunched his little shoulders at me to express his dissatisfaction but only said, “Wha’ever you think best, Mistress.”
“Don’t be like that.” I went over and stroked his head. “I need you, Bob, I wouldn’t do this without you.”
“Humph.” He wavered for a moment and then clearly forgave me. “Exorcising spirits is dangerous,” he said at last.
“Yes, but there isn’t actually an evil spirit in Fletcher, is there? It isn’t like the wolf came from somewhere and now has to be captured and contained. It must be some magic in the bite that transferred to him, and if we can get the Spirit of the Wolf out then he should just go back to normal, right?” I wasn’t at all sure of my logic, but it was the best I could come up with.
“Sounds about right to me.” Fletcher was keen to try it, but I suppose he was keen to try anything at this point.
“Okay, then,” I reopened my Grimoire. “We need to cast a circle and all that jazz. Uh oh, it requires a lot of power to do it. I will definitely need you there, Bob, to increase my powers.”
“You could also do it unclothed outside and use the power of the moon as well.” Bob suggested.
“What? Are you crazy? I am not getting undressed again to do this.”
My gaze flicked to Fletcher, but he looked out of the window with a wicked smile.
“It is a beautiful moon tonight.” He laughed at me.
“No chance!” I reiterated.
Bob shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t understand this human issue with clothes. We birds don’t feel the need to hide beneath them.”
“You are permanently dressed in feathers.” I reminded him.
Fletcher looked innocent, “I have to get undressed all the time when I change into the wolf; I wake up naked outside every month. You do get used to it.”
I held up my hand. “You can stop right there. I’m not stripping in front of you, end of story.”
Werewolf Magic & Mayhem (Book Two, Magic & Mayhem Series) Page 2
