by V. Vaughn
I let out a sigh of relief because ever since we had children, I’ve wanted Marcel to take a less-active role in the hand-to-hand-combat activities. If he’s in charge of training, most of his time will be spent in the gym, where he’s safe. And he’ll come home every night, where he won’t be tempted— The familiar pang of terror slices through my heart when I imagine him stumbling across his true mate, and I push it away. “That’s fantastic news! Congratulations.”
“Thanks. I can’t wait to celebrate with you. Put some good champagne in the fridge for us.”
“I will.” I bite my lip because suddenly, telling Marcel about what happened at the grocery store seems like a bad idea.
“What’s this about Adam following in my footsteps?”
I know I should tell Marcel about Adam shifting, but since I don’t want to ruin his good news with a situation that isn’t going to change much over the next twenty-four hours, I decide it can wait. “It was the cutest thing,” I say. “We were at the grocery store, and Adam got mad at me for telling him no, so he growled the way you do.”
Marcel chuckles. “Well, I suppose that’s the werebear side coming out. Sorry, hon, but it makes me a lot happier than if he’d yelled hocus pocus.”
“I never say that!”
“I don’t know,” he teases. “I think I’ve heard you whisper it before.”
“Marcel! You—”
“Love you more than I ever thought possible, Tally.”
“You’re such a brat,” I tease as I wish he were here to hit playfully. Because then he’d pull me into a bear hug to lift me off my feet. I smile, recalling the way Marcel’s embrace feels.
“I know. Hey, I shouldn’t be on the phone, but I just had to share my good news.”
“I’m really glad you called.” My heart tightens as I think about how much I hate it when he’s away and how I wish he was here to help me deal with Adam shifting. But I know it’s important my husband focuses on his dangerous job. “Marcel?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you, babe. Hurry home.”
“Love you too, Tally. See you soon.”
The phone clicks off, and I stare at it as I imagine Marcel’s strong arms around me again, and I close my eyes as I try to push away the worry that has my heart beating faster. A shifting toddler is not going to be something Jean Luc is going to find amusing no matter how cute it may be, and I wonder how this might affect Marcel’s new job. Not that he’d ever have a problem giving it up for his children, but that’s not what I want. Marcel’s already given up enough to be with me. In my mind, I hear my husband’s voice whispering in my ear that everything is going to be okay. And I hold on to the hope that it really is.
3
When I get downstairs, Ava and Adam are on the couch, next to Bella, sipping on their sparkly drinks while she reads them a story. I go to the kitchen for a drink, and I open up the fridge to discover a very large bottle of white wine. Since Bella is putting my kids to bed, I decide to open the wine and pour myself a glass.
But I don’t relax, because I notice the kid’s dinner mess and begin to clean. Fortunately, cleaning is therapeutic for me. Maybe it’s because, as a witch, I have multiple apothecaries with tiny drawers to store supplies for my potions, and it’s important I know what each drawer contains, but I get satisfaction from having everything in its proper place.
When Marcel and I got married, he moved into my house. It was handed down to me from my grandmother, and my kitchen is done in an old-fashioned style with simple cabinets and counters that line the walls. I have an old farmer’s table set in the middle of the room that we use for eating as well as making potions. My kitchen is located in the back of my home and has a door that leads outside to my gardens. There is also a stone path from the front, and anyone who knows me well will usually come to the back door when they visit. Dawn knocks on the door just as I’m wiping down the counters.
I walk over and let in the newest witch in town. She came to take over for the Veilleux clan’s medicine man, Tokala. The man was one shady character who disappeared when the magical council began to investigate him for using black magic to bring back the clan’s previous alpha. I shudder when I recall the way Victor Veilleux was sucking out my magic and life force to exist before we managed to send him back to hell.
My mood warms up instantly when I let the bubbly new witch in.
“Tally.” She steps inside my kitchen and sets the take-out food on the table before she throws her head back, turns her palms out, and inhales slowly. “Ahhhhh,” she says as she lets the breath back out. “The energy in this house is so restorative. I love coming here.”
“Auntie Dawn!” squeals Ava as she skips in from the living room. Dawn squats down to get on her level, and Ava plays with the end of her bleached-blond braid, which is always loose and gives her the appearance of a modern-day flower child. “Tell us the story about the bird.”
Dawn is a more traditional medicine woman like Kimi of the Le Roux clan, and she draws a lot of her magic from our Native American rituals. She picks up Ava, and as she walks to the living room, she says, “A long time ago, when the spirits swam in the rivers and roamed the forests, there was…”
I smile as my friend tells Ava her favorite story.
After Dawn finishes, Bella takes the kids upstairs to put them to bed. Dawn and I set out the Chinese food, and plates clatter as I set them out for us. It doesn’t take long for Bella to join us, and we dig in. Bella says, “Okay, Tally. What the heck happened today, because the creases between your eyes might be permanent with the way you’ve been scowling.”
“I’m not scowling. I’m worried.” I let out a heavy sigh and set down the egg roll I’ve been inspecting since I don’t have any interest in eating it. “I think—” I shake my head. “No. Adam started to shift at the grocery store today.”
Dawn gasps as Bella says, “Oh no.”
“Yeah,” I say. “He was mad because I wouldn’t let him steal Ava’s cheese.”
“Oh my god,” says Dawn. “What did you do?”
“I threw a fireball and knocked over a stack of cans to cause a distraction.”
Bella says, “Quick thinking. Did anyone see you?”
“I don’t think so. Ava was screaming, so I rushed out as if she was having a temper tantrum.”
“Right. Like one of those moms,” says Dawn.
I frown at her because I am one of those moms, and I think, Just you wait. “Anyway,” I say. “The point is since shifting isn’t supposed to be something kids can do until they go through puberty, what am I going to do?”
Dawn says, “Whoa, so do you think Adam’s magical powers are why it happened?”
“Yup.”
“What did Marcel say?” asks Bella.
“I didn’t tell him. He was so excited about his promotion to be the lead warrior trainer that I couldn’t ruin his good news.”
“Well,” says Dawn, “then we have time to figure out what to do so that when you do tell him, you’ll have a solution too.”
I smile at her positive yet naive thought. “I’m afraid it’s not going to be that simple.”
“We should contact Kimi,” says Bella. “I bet she’ll have ideas.”
I let out a huff of air. “She already shared those ideas. She thought the idea of Marcel and I getting married was a mistake, let alone having children.”
“She got over it quickly enough to come to your wedding, Tally,” says Bella.
“Probably to help in case something evil came out the moment we said, ‘I do.’”
“Tally,” chides Dawn as she swallows a mouthful of rice. “She’s our elder.”
“She is, and you know I have the utmost respect for Kimi, but like so many other witches and werebear, she doesn’t like change.”
Bella points her chopsticks at me. “You did take things to the extreme. Everyone was just getting used to halves joining the clans, and then you and Marcel shook them up some more.”
I
grab my glass of wine to take a sip as I recall how many clan members did not think a witch and werebear should be allowed to get married. But I have to hand it to Jean Luc and his wife, Izzy, who is also one of my best friends, because they made it clear to the clan that a witch and a werebear being together was accepted under their rule. I say, “Well, if halves could get married, it made sense that we could too.”
Bella chuckles. “Right up until Adam shifted into a cub.”
“Oh my gosh,” gushes Dawn. “I bet he was so cute.”
I recall the little growl my son made and smile. “He was, but most people aren’t going to have the same reaction. I’ve got a serious problem.”
“I know,” says Dawn as she sobers too. “You won’t be able to be around anyone but werebear if Adam just shifts at the drop of a hat.”
“It’s not quite that random. I think he did it because he was mad.”
“That makes sense,” says Bella. “But it will be next to impossible to keep a little boy from ever getting mad.”
“What about Ava?” asks Dawn. “Do you know if she can shift?”
I shake my head. “This is the first time it’s happened, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she can too.”
“Two cute little cubs,” squeals Dawn before I shoot her a stern look. “Sorry. Okay.” She reaches for more garlic beef. “So what we need to figure out is how to stop their shifting with a spell.”
“Or a potion,” says Bella. “Those are easier to maintain like medication. What if we create something that will keep the bear side dormant until they’re old enough to understand it needs to stay hidden in public?”
Dawn sighs. “I don’t think we can. The bear is a powerful spirit, and a potion isn’t going to be very effective.”
I think about how strong the bear must be to allow a half-blood the ability to shift once bitten. And how two of the halves I know have become werebear so powerful they’re alphas. “She’s right,” I say. “A potion or a simple hex isn’t going to work. We’re going to need something much stronger.”
“Then we definitely need to get Kimi involved,” says Bella.
My stomach churns with worry. Kimi isn’t exactly the type to say I told you so, but she is very by the book. That scares me because I’m afraid she’s going to insist I get Jean Luc and Izzy involved. Ideally, I’d like the problem to have a solution before Marcel and I have to inform the alpha of what’s going on. I take a swig of my wine now as my friends look at me with concern. I say, “Please keep this between us for now.” I gaze at Bella. “I do think getting Kimi involved is a good idea, but I need to talk to Marcel first.”
“I don’t know,” says Dawn as her brow knits. “Werebear can get weird about witchcraft. Are you sure you want to do this before we try a few spells?”
“Dawn!” chides Bella. “Marcel is not a werebear who’ll get weird about Tally’s magic. He’s her husband. And he needs to be part of the decisions.”
I appreciate Bella’s confidence in my husband, but Dawn is right. I didn’t find out my husband’s real feelings about magic until after we got married. While he accepts and even appreciates my magic, I was surprised to find out he’s got a bit of prejudice when it comes to his children having mystical powers. He’s not going to like this one bit. While he’s okay with magical party tricks like Bella’s sparkly drinks, convincing him to let stronger magic into our children’s lives before they’re old enough to understand what it means is going to be a hard sell. Unfortunately, I’m not sure we have a choice.
4
A match flares as I strike it, and I light the candles I have set out in the living room. Marcel is upstairs with the kids, tucking them in, and will be down in a few minutes. I have the glasses out on the counter, waiting for him to open the champagne so we can celebrate his promotion.
I wish I were more excited for him, but I can’t stop thinking about Adam shifting. I know the sooner I tell Marcel, the better I’m going to feel.
My husband’s feet thud softly on the stairs as he descends them, and he says, “They’re both out like a light. I wish I could fall asleep that quickly.”
“Me too. Ready for champagne?” I get up from the couch, and the two of us go to the kitchen. As Marcel works on the cork, I say, “I want to hear everything Jean Luc said. Start from the beginning.”
“Well——” The cork flies off the bottle and smacks the ceiling. Marcel chuckles. “That never gets old.”
I shake my head, because my husband can be a big kid sometimes.
“You know Jean Luc,” he says. “He took me aside and asked if I’d be interested. I said yes, and now we have an official ceremony to plan because he said you and Izzy need a reason to dress up.”
I chuckle as I take my glass from him. “I’m so proud of you, Marcel.”
He lifts his glass to tap mine. “Thanks. I thought you’d like the idea of me being home more too.”
“I do.” I sip my champagne and let the bubbles sit on my tongue for a moment as I try to figure out the right way to tell Marcel about Adam. I let out a sigh.
“Tally, what’s wrong? You’ve been in a mood all night.”
“I’m sorry. I’m trying really hard not to ruin this for you.”
“You won’t. C’mon. Spill it.”
“We have a little problem,” I say.
“Uh-oh.” He takes my glass from me. “C’mon. Let’s go sit, and you can tell me about it.”
Once we settle into the couch, I get to the point. “Adam started to shift in the grocery store yesterday.”
Marcel blinks as if he’s not sure what I said. “Really?”
I nod.
Now he grins. “Whoa. Claws and— Wait, this is what you meant when you said he growled like me?”
“Yes.” I frown in confusion. “But why are you happy?”
“He’s my boy.” My husband sits back on the couch with a satisfied smirk. “He’s going to be a warrior.”
I can’t believe all he is thinking about is that his son is following in his footsteps. “Marcel! What is wrong with you? Aren’t you the least bit concerned that we have a two-year-old who can shift?”
“Well, yeah, I suppose that’s a bit of a problem.”
I let out a huff of air. “You think? What if someone had seen him at the grocery store? You know, the one where people shop?”
“Tally.” Marcel takes my hand. “We’ll figure this out. Didn’t you tell me that you started using your magic when you were in kindergarten?”
“Yes, but witches are something people are comfortable with. Throwing a tiny fireball wasn’t a big deal, but you can bet Adam would get more than detention if he turned into a bear in the classroom.”
“So we teach him not to.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “Tell you what. You teach him not to shift when he gets angry or embarrassed. Okay?” I grab my drink and gulp some down.
“Look, honey. Don’t be upset. So far, he’s only done it the one time, right?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe it was just a fluke.” Marcel rubs his hands up my arms. “I’m going to be home now and just a few miles away at the gym. I can help you with this.”
“You think I’m overreacting.”
“A little.” He leans in close. “It’s going to be okay, Tally.”
“That’s what you always say.”
“And I’m usually right.” He kisses me, and the magical connection of our love pulls me in.
Maybe I am overreacting a little. It sure seems trivial right now, because my husband knows exactly how to distract me. I let out a small moan as he moves his hands over my breasts and pinches one of my nipples. I break away and pant out, “Too many clothes.”
“Mm-hm,” he says as he strips off his T-shirt. I slide my hands over his hard-as-a-rock chest and thank my lucky stars this sexy man is all mine for the taking.
I hear a low growl, but it doesn’t reverberate through me the way it usually does. And suddenly, I realize that’s because
the sound didn’t come from Marcel. I pull back as something thuds above our heads.
Marcel and I are on our feet in a flash, and the two of us race up the stairs to the twins’ bedroom. When we get there, a fully formed bear cub is toddling toward the door, and it would be comical if I weren’t so freaked out. The cub is in yellow pajamas.
“Ava,” says Marcel in a soft voice. He crouches down and scoops her up. “Sweetie, I need you to close your eyes and see yourself in your pink dress.”
The little cub blinks a few times before she closes her eyes tight, and I watch in amazement as my daughter returns to her human form.
“Wow,” I whisper. I’ve seen Marcel shift completely before, but watching my child do it is different. Pride fills me, and a small part of me wants to brag about her before I realize I’m being foolish. I now get why Marcel was happy to hear that Adam had shifted. I say, “That’s pretty incredible.”
Marcel pulls Ava to his chest, and his face is clouded over. “Did you have a bad dream, honey?” Ava nods her little head. “Do you want to tell me about it?”
“All gone,” she says and then lets out a yawn.
He puts her back in her bed. I walk over to the other side, and we both make a show of tucking her in tightly.
I say, “Go back to sleep, Ava.” I kiss her forehead. “I love you.”
Marcel kisses her. “Daddy loves you too.”
We both look over at Adam sleeping on his stomach with his legs tucked under him and his butt in the air. The covers are balled up at the end of his bed, and Marcel chuckles softly. I reach to pull the sheet up over our son, but Marcel grabs my hand.
“He’ll just kick them off again. It’s a bear thing.”
We’ve had this discussion before, but this time, I believe him. The fact my children are shifting means their bears are no longer dormant. One of the traits of werebear is higher body temperatures. I’ve been around werebear all my life, but it occurs to me that I’m about to get even more up close and personal as I take the knowledge I’ve gained over the years working with the clan and apply it to my own flesh and blood. I turn and lead us out of the room.
