Witch, Please (Not Your Basic Witch Book 1)

by A. J. Macey

  “Somehow, the table in our room just caught on fire. We weren’t even doing magic, just discussing family history. Something weird is going on here!” I yelled over to the gathered faculty before pulling her outside with the crowd of escaping students. As soon as we were out of earshot, Aris’ eyes met mine, and we lost it, knowing damn well it was our fault, but they couldn’t prove it. As silly as it sounded, I felt a bit like a rebel at that moment and loved every second of it.

  September 20th

  Friday Afternoon

  Aris

  “So,” I heard a familiar murmur behind me, “what is this I heard about a fire in one of the mentoring rooms? One specifically involving a councilor’s son and a tiny pink witch.”

  Turning, I came face-to-face with Torryn looking down at me with a raised eyebrow. I plastered a smile on my face but didn’t respond. If he’s asking about this, I’m thinking he already knows enough to have figured it out. “Is this that situation we have... discussed previously?”

  “Uh, yes,” I mumbled, “but it was the last one I know of.” He shook his head but didn’t say anything more as more students filtered into the area.

  “Try to behave yourself for now, at least,” he ordered, his hand starting to reach forward before dropping down to his side and clenching into a fist.

  “No promises, Sir,” I said, putting a bit of heat in the name. His eyes darkened, and he let out a small groan as he walked away. I wasn’t even a little sorry for riling him up.

  “Hurry up, someone said new animals were incoming!” a girl yelled, almost knocking me over.

  “Whoa there, Sweets,” Kye said, his strong arms wrapping around my waist as he placed a soft kiss on my neck. “We really need to get some alone time soon. I miss you.”

  “That can be arranged,” I said, turning in his arms and using the other students’ distractions as a chance to kiss him without judgment, pulling his head down, so I could claim his lips with mine.

  “Holy Hellsticks!” a guy nearby yelled, “Do you guys see this?” His friends erupted into chatter, ruining our moment.

  “To be continued,” he rumbled, nipping my lip before pulling me along with the crowd. The ring of students was so thick, we couldn’t see at all. Using my size to my advantage, I squeezed between the students and made my way to the front, spotting a grouping of animals standing in the middle of a huge ring of students. Kye and I spotted Caspian on the edge, and I left them behind as I snuck forward to try to catch a peek.

  “What is it?” Caspian’s called out as he grasped my hand and pulled me back toward him and Kye.

  “New familiars, it seems,” I explained excitedly, wanting to go back and look. News must spread quickly at Aether because it looked like the entirety of the faculty and student body were coming to check it out like it was some kind of animal lottery. “Does this happen often?” I asked, waving at Drayce who had no hope of getting near us with the mass of witches between us.

  “Not that I know of,” Kye shrugged, grabbing my hand and pulling me forward, having enough of standing back. I latched onto Cas’ hand and pulled him behind me until we were standing at the front of the crowd. A few students mumbled angrily, but nobody bothered to speak up to Kye’s glowering.

  “What are they doing?” I whispered, stepping up beside Kye, confused why the group of familiars were standing in a group, not moving. When Caspian stepped out from behind me and joined us in the front, it was like the catalyst for the moment. The animals immediately started moving, and before I could stop myself, a different sort of magical pull was moving me forward. Looking to my sides, Caspian and Kye were doing the same, along with Torryn, Xan, and Drayce from different parts of the crowd. What the hell is happening?!

  I could hear someone’s feeble attempt at moving us back to the crowd, but we couldn’t have obeyed if we tried. Before I could even process it, I was standing with the others around this random group of animals. What the hex made them think this group would go well together? A chicken, otter, lemur, hedgehog, piglet, and red panda.

  Before I could ask any of the others, the animals all moved in unison, claiming each one of us as their own. The cute little lemur jumped, wrapping his little hands and feet around my arm. The moment we touched, a quick shock zapped at the point of contact, and I could feel the first sparks of a bond as his little beady eyes stared up at me. My heart swelled as I felt him take his place as my companion, something in me knowing he was happy at that moment. Me too, little guy!

  “A... chicken…” Kye grumbled, eyeing the little golden feathered farm animal that was looking up at him from the ground. “I... bonded with a chicken…”

  “Aww! Look how much she likes you,” I laughed, loving the way the chicken seemed to be sassing him back, turning her tail to Kye and ruffling her feathers.

  “But she’s a chicken! Chickens aren’t vicious,” he complained, gesturing wildly at the cute little familiar at his feet.

  “Don’t listen to him! You’re a fierce, vicious warrior, just like a little raptor!” The chicken puffed out her chest at my praise, screeching what seemed to be a chicken battle cry and running at Kye’s ankles. He huffed and tried to stand his ground, but she was quick and kept pecking at him until he ran.

  “Okay, okay! You’re fierce! Stop it!” he complained while I laughed so hard, I was crying. I turned my attention to the others, smiling at Caspian who was snuggling his otter and showing him off to anyone who would look. Torryn was in shock while he crouched down in front of his red panda, the cute little guy cocking his head to the side as Torryn spoke to him as he stood on his back two feet. Drayce was petting his piglet and feeding it treats Thane brought over as he excitedly talked about how lucky we were. Xan walked over, his little hedgehog curled into his palm as he tickled its belly, the look of pure joy on his face making butterflies dance in my stomach. It was nice to see him so happy and relaxed for a change.

  Thane called us all back to attention, dismissing everyone back to their classes. I absently petted my new friend as the professor went on to talk about basic familiar care, his excitement palpable for the rest of class. He eventually cut his explanations short to take questions.

  “What kind of area does he need in my room?” I asked as I raised my hand, not bothering to wait to be called on.

  “He’ll need something to climb on, but he’ll just want to be near you at first. Hopefully, he’s not a bed hog,” Thane joked. “Ring-tailed lemurs also spend a lot of time on the ground, unlike their counterparts.” He stood with a small smile, waiting for my next question.

  “What does he eat?” I asked next, knowing I wouldn’t be able to just share my pizza and Hex Mix with him. That’s what Kye is for.

  “Fruits, leaves, flowers, tree bark, and sap, but mainly fruit,” he listed off easily and without judgment.

  “This may be a dumb question, but Lulu tends to take up a lot of my attention, so I apologize in advance. What do familiars do, exactly? Like, do they have magic of their own?” I gave him a pained smiled which just made him shake his head and laugh, but much to my surprise, he didn’t lecture or belittle me for not previously paying attention during his long, boring speeches.

  “The connection a familiar has with a witch is unique and can manifest in many ways, which is why it’s seen as an honor within Akasha to have one choose you. Downside to that is, it may take a while for the connection to form and may be difficult to identify right away, so for the next month or so, I would focus on getting to know one another and adjust to your new furry partner.”

  “Is there anything else I need to know? I mean, like right at this minute before I can go cram read a ‘How to Care for your Familiar’ textbook?” My awkward smile only got wider, making me look crazy I was sure, but I felt bad I hadn’t paid attention before.

  Note to self—pay more attention in class.

  “Two small things. First, try to remember they were actual wild animals before this, and while the magic has adjusted their mindset, they
still need to adjust, meaning they’ll possibly be standoffish for the next few days or a week. Second, as cool as it would be to have your furry animal with you all the time, you both—especially your familiar—need time alone. Same with the first point, give it a week before you expect them to come with you more consistently.”

  “Okay, I think that’s all I have. Thanks, Professor!” I squeaked, hugging my familiar who was hanging on my torso.

  I can’t wait to get to know Mr. Stripes.

  Ever since the animals bonded with us, my magic felt like it was trying to burst from my skin. I tried to keep it contained, but even walking down the hall, I had to use all my focus not to be noticed, the sensation growing until it was severely uncomfortable. What the heck is happening? The hallway was thankfully empty, most students either in the town at the pub or hanging out in their rooms, so I had taken the opportunity to shower when the bathroom was empty, and Mr. Stripes was happily napping.

  “Aris,” Xan’s powerful voice filled the stone hall, slightly echoing off the barren walls. “Wait up.”

  “Hey, Xan,” I greeted, smiling at him. His eyes darted up to the wet mass I had balled up and secured atop my head before meeting my gaze.

  “We were supposed to have a mentoring session,” he explained.

  My eyes narrowed in suspicion because, while I had been very out of sorts the last few days, I knew we weren’t actually supposed to be meeting. So, something was obviously going on.

  “Torryn asked me to have you take me to your off-grounds meeting spot.”

  My eyes narrowed for a second, trying to figure out where this was all going. Everything about this is so odd.

  “Okay…” I trailed off, “let me drop my stuff in my room first.” He followed me quietly, something about his demeanor more closed off and restrained than he had been lately. I thought we’d made some progress with his social skills. Maybe he’s overwhelmed.

  Once I dropped my bag off in my room, I led Xan outside, hating the tension between us. Mr. Stripes climbed up my arm and rested on my shoulder, giving my neck a small squeeze. I need to learn more about this familiar bond. Poor guy must be picking up on all the tension. I could feel his worry through our bond, and finally, I couldn’t take it any longer.

  “What’s up with you? You’re quiet and acting weird, and it’s worrying me,” I rambled, all of my thoughts tumbling out.

  “Sorry,” he answered quietly, his voice still sounding off to me. “It’s just been a bit overwhelming. The familiars, the bond, then this magic that seemed to come out of nowhere is all a bit much. I’m just used to being analyzed all the time, so I tend to clam up when I’m stressed.”

  “I know the feeling,” I said, bumping my shoulder against his. He smiled over at me, a look of understanding on his face. I reached for his hand, locking my fingers with his as I led him, offering what comfort I could.

  I froze as we entered the forest, the sound of cracking sticks coming from a few feet in front of us. My tension ramped up as we both froze, looking around. I didn’t fight my magic this time, holding it close in case I needed to protect us. A laugh cut through the quiet of the forest, everything in me relaxing when I recognized it as Caspian’s, followed by Kye’s low chuckle. Why are they here?

  “He said it was near here,” Kye said in frustration. “We’ve circled this spot four times. It’s not funny, you ass.” I could hear Raptor clucking his agreement.

  “It’s a little funny. My brother’s a dick, so he probably did this on purpose,” Caspian shot back, though he picked right back up, laughing at Kye’s continued grumbling.

  “He’s a dick to you, not to me, and I’m not surprised why. It’s around here somewhere,” Kye countered, their little quarrel letting us catch up to them on the path. “Sweets?”

  “Hey, guys, it’s just up here,” I said, giving a wave as I got closer. Kye and Caspian both smiled, their familiars standing close by as I let fire dance in my palms, illuminating our way. “Look for a patch of hanging vines. Once you know what it looks like, you can’t miss it.”

  “Oh, is that all?” Caspian joked, nudging Kye who glared over at him. “Torryn told us to go straight north until the path curved, then we’d find it.”

  “He probably figured I’d be by. Oh! There it is,” I exclaimed as quietly as I could, pointing them toward the hidden entrance.

  “So obvious,” Kye joked, following me into the tunnel. Nobody else said anything as we walked further in, but the moment they saw the illuminated crystal room, they gasped, jaws dropping as they took in the beauty of the space.

  “Glad you guys could make it,” Drayce teased, his piglet off to the side, rooting in the dirt. He stood next to Torryn, who had his red panda snuggled in his arms. Torryn glared at the others, more than likely for taking forever, but his seafoam-green eyes lit up when he saw me.

  “So, Tor, want to explain why we had to sneak out in the middle of the night?” I questioned, glancing around the cave. “I mean, you’re a teacher, shouldn’t you be the one keeping us in line?” I teased, but my question had his eyes flaring and his lip curling in a sexy smirk.

  “Please don’t fucking flirt,” Caspian fake gagged. “I don’t know if I can handle it.”

  His dramatics made me laugh, and just because, I skipped over to Torryn, grabbed the collar of his shirt, and pulled his lips to mine.

  “Ew,” Caspian whined.

  “Aww, Sprinkles, feeling left out? Come over here, and I’ll give you a kiss.” Drayce winked, licking and biting his lower lip seductively. Oh, my broomsticks, hot as a cauldron on a fire. I melted in Torryn’s arms as I watched Drayce. Kye coughed, cutting through the moment. Moving to stand beside Torryn, I clutched his hand, treasuring one of the brief times I was actually able to show he was mine.

  “Alright, for real though, why are we here?” Kye questioned.

  “I think it’s safe to assume we’re all bonded to Aris?” Torryn asked, easily slipping into his role of mentor.

  “Yes,” I blurted before anyone could come up with a smartass response. Of course, I had to get bonded to the sassiest witches possible.

  “Yeah, and this magic is insane,” Kye said, holding up his hands, showing us the black smoke that seemed to languidly weave in and out of his fingers.

  “Same,” Xan said quickly, showing the fire sparking in his palm.

  “I think, now that the bonds are in place and we have familiars, it’s hit its peak,” I said, hating they were all dealing with side-effects from our bond. I didn’t do it intentionally, but it was hard not to feel guilty. Mr. Stripes made a little chirping noise, ambling away from the group of familiars that had formed when we were entering the cave and jumping up to my side, clinging to the collar of my jacket in a small hug as his little furry face nuzzled into the crook of my neck. Hooking my arms under his bottom legs, I clutched him to my chest and snuggled him.

  “With these new magics so close to the surface, we’ll have to be careful about them being seen, so we’re not drawing too much attention,” Torryn took over again, addressing the group. “Since I’m still a teacher, I’ll have to keep my distance for the most part, so any issues with our powers will have to be played off as a mentoring session or a teacher-student meeting.”

  “That was the entire reason you made me crawl out of bed? To say we need to be careful?” Caspian huffed, glaring at his brother.

  “I called you here to tell you to not be stupid and flirt up a storm with Aris in front of everyone. With the way our magics are connected to our emotions and her, that could cause a flare up, so yes, that’s exactly why! Last time I told you to keep under the radar, you ended up practically blowing up the house with some crazy potion you were trying to brew!”

  “Dude, it was one time!” Caspian countered in exasperation. “And I was seven! Can I claim I was a child?”

  “Alright, you two,” I cut in, shaking my head, unable to stop the laugh that bubbled out of me at their antics. “It’s late. Let’s go get so
me sleep before one of you ends up blowing up the pretty crystal cave.”

  Caspian grumbled but didn’t argue as we started out of the cave, leaving in pairs to keep any eyes off us. Before leaving with Caspian, I turned and gave each of the guys a quick kiss, lingering a bit longer when I reached Torryn. If I only get small moments with him like this, where we don’t have to worry, I might as well make the best of them.

  “Come on, Cupcake, let’s head back. I heard there’s a new episode of Boos and Brews we haven’t watched yet,” Caspian smiled, tucking me under his arm as we left.

  Boos and Brews? Count me in.

  September 21st

  Saturday Midday

  Aris

  My eyebrows furrowed as I grew a cluster of vines down one section of my wall. Tiny blades of grass sprouted from the floor, creating a soft, light-green carpet while a small tree spiraled up to the ceiling, giving Mr. Stripes plenty of room to adventure. Heading for my wardrobe, I grabbed an old scarf and tied it into the lowest branches, forming the perfect hammock for my excited familiar. He let out a loud chirp before scurrying across the floor and scaling the tree, depositing himself in the hammock, leaving only his beady eyes and a tuft of fur poking out.

  “I take it you like your new home?” I asked, laughing at his happy coos and the feeling of contentment that filled my mind. It felt weird being away from my guys, but life had been a whirlwind since arriving here, and I needed some alone time to process all the craziness. First, I had made real friends, then accidentally bonded, made some enemies, found my place in the world, and now, I had all this crazy extra magic to figure out. My life is definitely not boring anymore.