A Warlock's Secrets

by Tena Stetler

  Settling in the seat, he put his hand over hers and held tight, as if she would try to flee. “Commitment is not something I ever considered after seeing what can happen. No one ever mattered enough for me to think about it. Then you come waltzing into my life and nothing…will ever be the same. The idea is growing on me. It’s not that I’m saying never… With everything that had happened recently, I am trying to get my head around all of it and deal with it. As you so eloquently put it, I should have told Angie.”

  “I didn’t mean to put blame on you. It’s possible if you believe in fate, she was meant for him, and nothing was going to change that.”

  He sighed. “I’ve never opened up to anyone like I have to you. So, if you believe in fate…” His gaze held hers.

  “We belong together. It’s just going to take you a while to get there.” She leaned back against her chair. “I’m ready to order.”

  “Exactly.” He blew out a relieved breath and picked up the menu.

  She raised an eyebrow as she felt his emotions settle into a calm but decided to say nothing. Soon she would have to explain her many talents to him. But for now, knowing his emotions and having the ability to soothe them would remain her secret.

  The waiter arrived at their table. She ordered Maine lobster ravioli. He requested beef rib eye and handed the menus to the waiter. Over the three-course meal, the conversation was light.

  “Bruce has offered the company jet to take us home tomorrow whenever we’re ready.” He took the final bite of steak, chewed for a beat or two, and sipped on his glass of wine. “I’d like to introduce you to my sister, Bruce, Willow, and the group at The Wycked Hair Salon before we leave. I figured leaving around early afternoon would give us a chance to sleep in and get everything together for the trip.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll notify my boss when we arrive. I imagine work is piling up.” She leaned back to allow the waiter to remove her plate along with Tristian’s. Another server brought two pieces of tiramisu. Hannah forked up a small bite, slid it into her mouth, and closed her eyes. “Mmmm. This is fantastic.”

  “Best in D.C., they advertise. I’ve never eaten at other Italian restaurants in the area, so we’ll have to take their word for it.” He forked up a bite, popped it in his mouth savoring the flavor. “Yep. Delicious.”

  After scraping the last crumbs of tiramisu from her plate, she peered up at Tristian, who was staring off into to space. “Penny for your thoughts.”

  He blinked a couple of times and met her gaze. “Thinking about how much things have changed. You ready to go?”

  She pushed up from her chair. “Yes. It’s been a long day—or series of days.”

  Tristian turned his head trying to hide a yawn. “I agree. Have you ever been to Niagara Falls?”

  Her eyes flew open at the change of subject and she paused for a beat. “No. When I started my job, I had a list of places I wanted to see in the U.S. But then work took over and I only got to a couple, close to home.”

  His eyes sparkled with mischief as he tucked her hand through his bent elbow then walked into the brisk night air. He led her around the corner of the building and pulled her in tight, his lips slowly descended to meet hers. His lips were warm and sweet on hers and suddenly the crashing sound of waterfalls surrounded them and a cold mist settled on her skin.

  A warm poncho wrapped around her as her eyes rounded, she sucked in a breath. “What the hell?”

  Gales of laughter floated on the air as she looked at Tristian.

  “I believe this is one of the most romantic places on earth. At least in my mind.” He shrugged. “Don’t you? We have the star-strewn night sky, waning moon, and the spectacular lighting effects on the falls.” He kissed her cold cheeks, nibbled down her neck, and breathed a kiss at the base of her throat. Turning her to face the falls, he wrapped his arms around her again and held her close to his chest as they stared at one of nature’s exhibitions of raw power and beauty. “During the day, its view and mist off the water is breath-taking, but at night…that’s where the real magic is.”

  She cuddled against him, her womanly curves pressed against his strong chest. Desire surged through her. He wrapped a blanket around both of them. Never a dull moment with this warlock, a man I’m quickly falling in love with. Giddy with excitement, she giggled taking in the unbelievable expansion of beauty before her.

  ****

  He’d taken a big chance using magic to bring her to Niagara Falls. Some women didn’t like porting from one place to another on a whim without warning. But Hannah was different in so many ways, he’d risked it because using words to express his feelings had failed miserably. He hoped she’d understood what he was trying to convey. I’m in love with her. The thought hit him like a punch to the gut. Where in the hell did that come from? “How about we book a room and port back in the wee hours of the morning?” He peered up at the building across the way. “Bet one of those dark rooms facing the falls is available. We could watch the falls from the warmth of a suite.” And see where it leads. A seductive rumble rose from his chest.

  She tipped her head back to look at him. “Oh, I’d love that, but won’t people worry if we don’t return to the apartment?”

  “That’s what cell phones are for.” He pulled the phone out of his pocket and wiggled it between thumb and index finger.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Overdue Introductions, Surprise Announcements & an Unexpected Trip Keep Things Interesting

  All the magic expended last night caught up with Tristian this morning, he was dragging ass helping load the luggage in the limo. The rules of magic use for personal gain were tough. But given his recent triumphs over evil, he figured the balance was tipped toward him at the moment and well worth the cost. Hannah bounced out of the sliding glass doors of the hotel, gave him a smacking kiss on the lips, before sliding into the limo seat to check her phone. Closing the trunk, he slipped in beside her.

  “Ma and Da have called several times during your absence when Tobi wouldn’t let me use my phone. My sister, Brandy, has called twice as many times. If I don’t answer their calls soon, they will be at my cottage looking for me. When I’m not there, Brandy will scour the town until she finds out what happened. She’s a park ranger in Glacier National Park and has resources.”

  “It should be safe to call them when we head to the airport.” Tristian conceded gathering her against him. “Good enough?”

  “Okay.”

  He smothered her mouth with demanding mastery, his tongue teased between her sweet, plump lips, their tongues initiating a sensuous dance.

  He paused long enough to raise his head and said to the driver, “We’d like to stop by the Salon before heading to the airport.” Tristian touched the switch to bring up the privacy panel between them and the driver.

  The limo slowed in front of The Wycked Hair Salon. Tristian stepped out of the vehicle and offered his hand to Hannah. She reached for his hand and bounded out of the limo. Her face, flushed with excitement, made Tristian smile. He skipped the entrance to the Salon and held the door open to The Krystal Unicorn as chimes announced their arrival. Rainbows bounced over the walls and glass display cases when the cut crystals swayed in the windows from the fresh breeze provided by the open door.

  “Oh Tristian, you did come to our grand re-opening.” Angie squealed rushing forward to throw an arm around his neck.

  “You look a hell of a lot better than the last time I saw you.” Tristian returned the hug, never letting go of Hannah’s slightly moist hand. He smiled wide as Hannah glanced from Angie to Bruce then swept over the rest of the group. He released Hannah’s hand and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her forward. “This is Hannah Shaughnessy.” Tristian nodded toward Angie. “And this is my sister, Angie, who chose to tie herself for eternity to the cause of all our trouble—” Lowering his voice, he jerked his head toward Bruce. “The Western Hemisphere’s Territory Overlord, my boss, and the source of all of our trouble.”

  A
ngie immediately enveloped Hannah in a hug. “So, this is the woman who tamed my big brother.”

  Hannah blanched, and red patches bloomed on her cheeks. “I wouldn’t say that.” She peered down at the floor then shifted her gaze shyly over at Tristian.

  “Oh, I would, and he’s a better man for it,” Angie said batting her eyes at her brother daring him to retort.

  Not pushing my buttons today sis, in fact, I think those days are over. Tristian’s voice wafted through his sister’s mind, a smirk on his lips.

  A slow wicked grin spread across Angie’s face. Oh, boyo you have no idea. She replied in kind.

  Hannah’s gaze scanned from Angie to Tristian a puzzled expression on her face.

  Bruce stepped forward, hand extended. “I’m Bruce, the trouble to which Tristian referred, and the boss that has made him a very rich man. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Shaughnessy.”

  She gave him a nervous smile. “Please, just Hannah.”

  “Hannah, are you enjoying your visit to our historic city?”

  “Oh yes. At least I was, until… I’m not used to this type of intrigue. But now that it’s safe…”

  “It’s never safe…”

  Tristian frowned and motioned toward a petite woman with jet-black hair, tipped in bright blue arranged in spikes over her head. “This is Willow, my sister’s life-long best friend. They’re business partners.” He made a sweeping motion around the store. “And own The Krysal Unicorn. Willow’s parents live next door to the family house in Maine.”

  Hannah nodded and grinned. I’m so glad to meet you. Tristian has told me so much about you and your family. Do you get home often?”

  “Not much. Work keeps me pretty busy. But I’ve got some news that will rock my parents’ world. The kind you have to tell in person. So, guess I’ll be seeing them soon.” Willow looked at Angie and grimaced a little. “And my fiancé lives here. He’s an artist,” she said proudly.

  “Fiancé?” Tristian nearly choked on his own spit. “But you’re just…”

  “Really glad you’re not my brother.” Willow dissolved into a fit of giggles joined by Angie.

  Glancing from Willow to Angie, he saw a broad smile spread across her face. He was sure it was due to his being blindsided by this announcement.

  “We were going to discuss a double wedding when you arrived,” Angie said gleefully.

  “A double wedding?” He involuntarily looked in Hannah’s direction, then caught himself. “Who’s getting married?” It must be catching; he’d considered, even wondered about asking Hannah to marry him. But there was no way his sister would know.

  Oh, big brother, you need to keep your thoughts shielded better. Angie giggled, as her thoughts whisking through her brother’s mind had the desired effect. Your secret is safe with me, for the time being.

  Shock registered in Tristian’s eyes as they flew open wide, then narrowed to slits in a threatening look.

  Fear not brother. “Bruce asked me to marry him, and Willow’s Caleb proposed to her, so naturally it will be a double wedding. You’ll get an invitation as soon as we iron out all the details.”

  Bruce extended his hand to his long-time employee and soon to be brother-in-law. “Settling down, huh?”

  Still, shell-shocked, Tristian nodded and clasped Bruce’s hand.

  Taking advantage of the situation, Bruce said, “Maybe it would be a good idea to stick around and let Angie and Hannah get acquainted. Willow too. I can make the apartment available a while longer.”

  Tristian shook his head. “We gotta get back and check on things at home.” When he switched his gaze to Hannah and found her frowning, he cleared his throat. “But we’d like to return in a couple of weeks. Will that work?”

  Nice save big brother. She has changed you. Angie’s amused voice floated through Tristian’s mind.

  He shot her another warning glance. Still my pesky little sister. Somethings never change. Tristian shook his head.

  Hannah’s frown faded, and the corners of her lips curved into a bright smile.

  “Sure. Sounds like the wedding will be sooner rather than later.” Bruce slid his arm around Angie’s waist and pulled her into him, brushing a kiss across her forehead in a rare show of public affection. “Let us know when you’re ready to return. We’ll send the jet for you.”

  Tristian gritted his teeth and tamped down a simmering flame of anger. I’ve got to get used to this, Angie made her choice and is happy. He gave a wan smile. Seeing them together, he hated to admit Hannah was right. “We gotta get going.” He strode to the door, tugging Hannah behind him.

  Holding the door open Hannah and Tristian said their goodbyes. Hannah promising to return soon. About to step into the limo, Tristian pulled up short. “Go ahead and get settled, I’ve got to talk with Angie before we leave. It wouldn’t be right…”

  Hannah nodded and slid into the seat. “I understand. I’m going to give my sister a call while I wait. Brandy will stave off my parents for a while.” She pulled out her cell phone and dialed her sister’s number.

  “Good idea.” Tristian sprinted back to the shop, yanked open the door and chimes sounded. “Angie, could I have a couple minutes of your time?”

  “Sure, big brother.” She remained next to Bruce, his arm around her.

  “In private? It won’t take long.”

  “Okay.” She wriggled out of Bruce’s grasp, led the way to the shop’s office, and closed the door. “What’s so important? I’ve got guests and customers out there for our—” The look on Tristian’s face curtailed her rant.

  “I should have told you years ago, and I’m so sorry.” Tristian, hands behind his back, paced the floor, stopped, and gazed out the little window for a beat and took a deep breath. What a mess. When he returned to face her, he held her by the shoulders for a second then tugged her to him. “Please don’t hate me.”

  She twisted her head to look at him, wrinkled up her nose and forehead. “I could never hate you. You gave up your dreams to raise me. Don’t be ridiculous. But you are scaring me, so out with it.”

  He sucked in a breath, let it out slowly. “Our parents didn’t die in a car accident. The coven was attacked the day we arrived for my induction celebration. It was an only brother left of a demon clan that Dad had terminated. The demon went looking for revenge and exacted it on Mom and Dad and most of their coven. The only reason I escaped is that I was in the basement helping Corra gather dishes, getting bowls, and making out with her when they arrived. And the demon clan didn’t know Dad had a family until Mom came to his defense. I saw it all through my mind’s eye. I froze, couldn’t move. Couldn’t get there in time.” He hung his head, then dared to look in Angie’s shocked face as she drew away from him.

  She chewed on her bottom lip, anger flashed in her eyes, and she was silent for several beats. Tears gathered in her eyes and slid down her face, dripping from her jaw spilling on her new blouse. Yet she didn’t move to wipe them away.

  Finally, unable to stand it any longer, Tristian cradled her chin in his big hands and wiped the tears away with his thumbs. She was so small. All I wanted to do was protect her. “I’m so sorry, Ang.” He took it as a good sign that she didn’t pull away from him. “Say something.”

  In a halting voice, she began. “You were wrong not to tell me. I understand why you did what you did. When you attacked Bruce with such venom, I figured something more was going on. I was prepared for you to be angry, but to try to kill him. Endanger me? You were out of your fucking mind with rage. Strange for a man who’d never shown much emotion. I questioned Willow, Bruce, and others, but no one said anything. Then Tobi repeated the things you mumbled while unconscious.”

  “Yeah, I apparently spilled a lot of secrets during that time.”

  One corner of her mouth turned up in a half-smile. “I pieced the puzzle together and concluded it had something to do with our parents’ death. Bruce told me what he was and what you did for a living before we ever got serious.”
>
  Tristian narrowed his eyes at Angie. “I should have been the one to tell you.”

  “Yes. You should have, but you didn’t. I was afraid to go to you and ask with such strong feelings for Bruce racing through my body. He actually told me to go ask you. Bruce didn’t want to tell me. But I can be persuasive.” She quirked an eyebrow. “I was shocked beyond belief, at first. We talked at length about you keeping me a secret from him, just as Dad kept his family a secret from Bruce. That went a long way to explain why you were so willing to take up Dad’s profession. The money was good and you had to support me. Of course, he didn’t realize that. Figured you were out for revenge. Bruce wanted to circumvent your efforts through Paul’s training. He owed it to Dad. Paul did a good job.”

  “Died doing a good job,” Tristian said vehemently.

  Angie shook her head. “Tristian, you’ve spent your entire adult life carrying burdens on your shoulders that were not your fault. Things happen. You made some bad choices, but for good reasons.”

  “So, what you are telling me is that you knew what happened.”

  “Not exactly until today, but close enough. I was planning to pay you a visit after you got home and clear the air. I’m glad you decided to handle it this way.” She raised up on tiptoe, pulled his head down, and kissed his cheek. “Hannah’s quite a woman. She’s not going to put up with your shit.” Angie laughed. “Don’t let her get away.”

  “I don’t plan to. Glad I came back. I didn’t want to ruin your wedding with the truth. And I’m not going back to Maine yet. I have a surprise for Hannah. If your mate will agree.”

  “Oh, he’ll agree.” Angie breathed on her fingernails and rubbed them on her blouse. “What do you have in mind?”

  Tristian laid out his plans, and she squealed with glee. “Hannah will love it.” Angie grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the door, then skidded to a sudden stop, turned to face her brother. “I love you. But promise me no more secrets. They’re deadly.”