A Warlock's Secrets

by Tena Stetler

  “Delectable.”

  She swatted at him and grinned. “You are different here. I like the fun, carefree Tristian.”

  “A combination of circumstances causes that effect. Don’t get used to it.” He slipped his arm around her waist and guided her to the door, stopped to set the alarm, and closed the door behind them.

  ****

  Walking through the door at Daewon and Kachina’s house was like being thrown into a blender without warning. Tristian scanned the area, seeing several familiar faces, his arm tightened around Hannah. When a short, stocky man with black hair, who appeared just a bit tipsy, clasped him on the shoulder, Tristian paused, hand fisted, then glared at him. The man removed his hand immediately and shuffled away.

  Beaming, Daewon waved from across the room and pushed his way through the crowd. “So glad you actually made it.” He shook Tristian’s hand and kissed Hannah on the cheek. “Drinks are over there.” He pointed in the direction of the tiny kitchen. “Snacks are out on the patio. That’s where everyone is.” Motioning for them to follow him through the crowd, he wound his way to the kitchen.

  Hannah laughed and smiled. Tristian’s arm remained tight around her waist as they maneuvered through the throng of people dressed mostly in traditional Hawaiian garb.

  Once in the kitchen, Daewon turned grinning like a Cheshire cat. “What’ll it be? Wine, beer, soda, mixed drinks, we got it all.”

  “I’ll take one of those micro beers.” It had been a long time since he’d drank socially. He always preferred to be in control and prepared for anything. But tonight felt different.

  “Red wine, please,” Hannah said. Her body bounced to the rock and roll music blaring from a set of speakers out on the patio. “Dance?”

  “Used to…” He surveyed the dance area outside as a petite hand with blood red nails snaked around his waist.

  “Oh, he can dance, and that’s not all.” She peered out from under long dark lashes. “Don’t let him tell you different.” A tiny woman with jet black hair to her waist, a white orchid arranged above her left ear snuggled up to him. “How long you here for?”

  “A while,” Tristian said in a clipped voice.

  “I see you’re busy tonight. How about tomorrow?” She reached up, ran her fingers up his neck, and through his hair, then ran the tip of her tongue around her red lips.

  He circled his fingers around her wrist, removed her hand from his hair, then untangled himself from the grip of her other arm around his waist. “Coral, things have changed. Hannah is my permanent companion.” He tightened his arm around Hannah, nuzzled below her ear, and brushed a lingering kiss across her cheek.

  The woman’s eyes went wide. Her full lips formed an “O.” When her gaze shifted from him to Hannah and back, in an awed voice Coral purred, “You’re off the market? She took you…” Her eyes narrowed, and she waved her hand with polished nails in a dismissive gesture. “She meets—all your needs?”

  He raised an eyebrow and gave Hannah a smoldering look, then cut his gaze back to Coral. “More than. So yes, I’m off the market.”

  “We’ll see how long that lasts,” she snarked, turned, and flounced toward the door, stopping only a beat to glance over her shoulder at him. “You know where to find me when you change your mind.” She latched on to a tall good-looking man, his Hawaiian shirt unbuttoned, well-muscled chest bared, and she slithered against him. As they made their way outside, she paused several times to peer at Tristian while whispering to several other women in passing.

  “Well, that was interesting,” Hannah said. “Popular, with the ladies, huh?”

  “Never led you to believe I was celibate.” A sensuous smile curved his lips as he twined their fingers and sauntered toward the dance area. Let’s see just how turned on I can get you. He twirled her into his arms and undulated to the beat of a Latin Salsa. To his surprise, she shimmied and shook her assets stirring his blood as he had hoped to hers.

  She batted her eyes at him as if to say, two can play at that game. He nodded, up for the challenge.

  Hannah’s sexy salsa moves kept the men’s attentions. Tristian snickered, that display should keep Coral at bay. Rather than being jealous, he rather liked the looks she got from the males, especially since he was the one taking her home.

  Before the dance ended, the other women took back their men’s attention with a good-natured sensual dance competition. When the music turned to a more traditional Hawaiian beat encouraging a hula contest, he drew her into his arms moving to a secluded area where he took her mouth with a fiery possession. She returned his kiss of passion even as he raised his mouth from hers. “Better get back to the party, don’t want to draw attention.”

  She snorted. “Too late, you already had everyone’s attention, especially the women with your dirty dancing display.”

  Waggling a finger in front of her face, he gave her a wicked grin. “Oh, babe, it takes two to tango or rather salsa.” Chuckling, he grasped her hand and ambled back to where the food was being served.

  Hannah filled her plate with Kalua Pua’a, a bit of Teriyaki Chicken, and baked sweet potato. Tristian piled his plate high with baked Mahi-Mahi, chicken long rice, and taro rolls. Both avoided the Poi but sampled the Lomilomi Salmon.

  The crescent moon hung overhead, a few thin clouds floated across the sky as the torch flames wavered in the breeze. As the night wore on, the party-goers became rowdy. Tristian found Daewon and Kachina in the kitchen watching a weather warning on the television. “Great party, the food is fantastic. Afraid we need to call it a night, going hiking early morning.”

  “See what you’ve been missing all these years?” Daewon chided then returned his attention to the weather warning. “They said that tropical storm was going to miss us, but now, it’s headed straight for us, landfall after midnight. Guess we’ll have to wrap the party up early.”

  Tristian looked out in the back at the shoving match between a couple men and raised a brow. “Thanks again for the invitation.” He jerked his chin toward the altercation. “You might want to monitor your guests a bit more closely.”

  “Shit.” Daewon dropped the tongs in the sink and raced out the door. “That’s enough. You’re going to pay for the damage, and you two are outa here.” With the help of a couple of large men, Daewon escorted the unruly guests out of sight.

  Kachina rolled her eyes. “Time to cut off the alcohol.” She threw an arm around Hannah and grabbed Tristian’s shoulder. “Thanks so much for coming.”

  “Our pleasure,” Hannah said.

  Tristian gave the woman a quick hug then touched his hand to the small of Hannah’s back guiding her toward the door.

  “Might want to keep an eye on the weather,” Kachina called after them.

  “Will do,” Tristian said, just as the wind gust caught the door and slammed it behind him.

  Glancing at the sky, he shook his head. “Hard to believe there’s that kind of storm brewing.” He opened Hannah’s door and waited for her to settle in the seat before closing the door and moving to the driver’s side.

  After arriving at the house, Hannah toed off her shoes. “How about a moonlight stroll on the beach?” She wiggled her toes. “I like the warm sand on my bare feet.”

  Slipping out of his sandals, he followed her to the back door, noting the breeze had died down. Seeing how antsy she was, he said, “You go on ahead, I’ll be right there.” Grabbing a beach blanket from the closet, he sprinted out the door to catch up with her.

  She paused, stood on tiptoe, and kissed his lips, then ran behind a rock, tossed her clothes to him. With a whoosh of air, she was airborne. Powerful wings stroked as her gryphon form soared into the star-strewn sky. Tristian spread the blanket out over the sand, stretched out with his hands behind his head, and watched her effortless flight.

  When the wind whipped up again, Hannah gracefully landed on the sand beside him, tucking her wings and batting her huge blue eyes. With a blur of copper, she shimmered morphing into human for
m. She snatched at her neatly folded dress, but he was faster and held them out of reach.

  “I like what you have on.” He got to his feet and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her, he dropped her sarong. She ducked and grabbed her dress quickly shimmying into it.

  “I am not walking back to the house naked for your benefit.” Hannah huffed.

  He captured her breath as he covered her mouth with his then murmured against her lips, “Your teasing me is done.” In one smooth movement, he swept her into his arms. She slid her arms around his neck as he carried her back to the house. Large raindrops plopped on the ground around them. With a thought the door opened, and he closed it with his foot. Gently he lowered her to her feet, caressing his lips across her damp cheek, down her neck, and trailing kisses lower.

  His hand moved to the back of her neck untying her one shoulder strap allowing the top of her dress to slide slowly to her waist baring her beautiful firm rounded breasts. He leaned down caressing her breast, sucking gently first one nipple then the other. A deep groan rumbled from his throat.

  She leaned her head back and moaned softly. The wind driven rain pounded against the window.

  Cupping her face in his rough hands, he tilted it up, their gaze met. “Hannah, you are so beautiful. You take my breath away.”

  Without hesitation, she reached for his shirt, already unbuttoned, sliding it off his shoulders and tossed it on the floor. Thunder rumbled outside, a few beats later a loud crash. “I thought Hawaii didn’t have thunderstorms. Do you have anything to do with this?”

  “With the storm, no. Hawaii does have thunderstorms with a tropical depression. Not to worry, I’ve magical protection surrounding this house.” He snickered nuzzling her neck while reaching around her back and untied her sarong. It slid down her curves and pooled at her feet. I’ve never had a conversation like this while making love. Another first.

  “Amused?” She reached for his zipper, he tried to playfully bat her hand away, but she was having none of it. Pulling the zipper down slowly, the pants slipped over his hips, her foot pushed them to the floor, where he kicked them out of the way.

  Caressing the skin of her thigh, his hand trailed slowly to the crotch of her moist panties. Fingers curled around the edges feeling her heat, and he tugged the panties to her ankles. She stepped out of them.

  As his lips traced a sensuous path to her ecstasy, she moaned and slipped her fingers inside his waistband, stroking then slowly slid his underwear to the floor. Completely naked, he gathered her into his arms and carried her to the whirlpool tub. In one fluid movement, he slid into the tub with her. They continued to explore, to arouse, and pleasure each other as the warm fragrant water pulsed around them.

  Lightning streaked across the night sky as thunder continued to rock the beach house. Stepping out of the tub, Hannah toweled off and slipped into a black lace teddy that left nothing to the imagination. Just the way he liked it. Tristian slowly slipped into the black silk bikini briefs she enjoyed him wearing. Usually, he was all about getting her naked, but tonight it was about enjoying each other, not just satisfaction.

  Hannah smiled seductively as she curved her body against him, her lips pressed firmly to his. They moved to the bedroom and lay on the bed mesmerized by the storm through the wall of windows facing the ocean. Waves crashed onto the white sand beach sending sprays of mist high into the air.

  Lovemaking began slow, tongues teasing and tasting, hands touching, caressing, exploring, and arousing intimate sensations. The sheer, raw, primitive power of the storm surrounded them fervently fueling needs and desires.

  Kisses were hot, deep imitations of their bodies intent and desires. His lips moved from her luscious mouth to her breast, tongue teasing and gently stroking while his other hand massaged her most intimate parts then he slid down.

  She arched against him. “Oh…Tristian…Please.”

  His fingers slipped under the teddy into her heat and caressed until she softened, melted, ready to make love for the first time. The commitment wasn’t as scary as life without her. Tonight, I’ll take her completely and make her beg for more. Tomorrow can take care of itself. With a wave of his hand, the teddy and briefs disappeared.

  Hannah moaned wrapping her long beautiful legs around his, “Tristian, please I want to feel you inside me.”

  “Patience…my love…soon. If you are sure. Let’s just enjoy each other for a little while longer,” he murmured against her ear.

  “I’ve never been surer of anything in my life,” she whispered against his lips.

  A flash of silvery lightning filled the room making her moist skin shimmer as he hovered over her. Thunder rocked their room once more as he grasped her hips and thrust into her slow and easy at first then hard, fast and deep. The strobe effect of the lightning flashes caused a sensation of slow motion.

  The storm directly overhead now, as the rain beat against the roof. The wind shook and bent the trees outside the windows. Lightning pierced the night sky, again and again, followed immediately by rumbles of thunder that shook the walls around them.

  Feeling her shiver beneath his hands, “It’s okay sweetheart; we’re safe.” He gathered her into his arms tighter, her hips arched against him.

  “Oh Tristian,” she moaned, “take me, NOW.” She screamed, ripples begin from her center caressing, and stroking. One final thrust into her quivering depth and their shouts of ecstasy were lost in the thunder rolling around them.

  Panting, chests heaving, he savored the immense satisfaction as contentment and peace flowed between them. Wrapping his arms around Hannah, he spooned against her, legs tangled together he fervently hoped this had not been a mistake as sleep overtook them.

  When Tristian opened his eyes, the bright sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains warming the room. Insects buzzed outside the screened windows opened halfway. Hannah leaned up on one elbow, her soft cornflower blue eyes watching him intently. “Good morning,” she purred. “What a fantastic night.”

  “My exact thoughts.” He leaned up and brushed his lips over hers.

  She eagerly returned the kiss as her stomach gurgled loudly. Embarrassed, a giggle escaped her lips. “I guess—I’m hungry?”

  He grabbed her up and draped her across his body moving sensually imparting exactly what he was hungry for. “Me too, but not…”

  Hannah nuzzled his neck, teased the hollow of his throat with the tip of her tongue and breathed a kiss there. Her stomach gave an extended growl.

  “Okay, okay, guess we better feed you.” Tristian snickered and kissed her lips once more before sitting up, still unable to take his gaze from his beautiful woman. What to do about the commitment? It would have to be addressed soon.

  They spent the next several days playing tourist. Tristian drove the Na Pal Coast Highway to show Hannah the dramatic cliffs and pinnacles. Then they spent a couple days on the beach under trees in lounge chairs catching up on email and business.

  Hannah packed a lunch for a hike up to Sleeping Giant Ridge. On Kauai’s East side between Wailua and Kappa, the Nounou Mountain range stretched toward the sky, also known as Sleeping Giant.

  As they got closer to the range, Tristian stopped the vehicle and got out pointing to a ridge. When Hannah stepped out and joined him, he said, “If you use a little imagination, it looks like a human figure lying on his back. Hawaiian legends claim a giant was tricked by villagers into eating a lot of rocks hidden in fish and poi. Sleepy from the meal, the giant took a nap and hasn’t woken since.”

  Squinting, Hannah shaded her eyes with her hand and stared at the ridge for several minutes. “I don’t.”

  He eased behind her and curled his hand around her waist, then rested his other arm on her shoulder, pointing forward. “No imagination?”

  “I do so have a lot of imagination.” She followed the direction his finger pointed and tilted her head, “Oh…oh…I see now.”

  Taking the opportunity while her head tilted, he brushed his li
ps over her cheek and kissed her nose. “Let’s get going, the Nounou Trail will take us to the top of Sleeping Giant. It’s a scenic two-mile hike, and we can eat lunch there.”

  “Provided the giant doesn’t wake up. I didn’t pack enough to feed him.” She broke into gales of laughter.

  Back behind the wheel, he followed Halelilo Road in Wailua to the trailhead, where they climbed out of the vehicle. He strapped on the backpack with lunch and headed up the trail.

  After the fun filled day, they returned home and showered. Tristian slipped into light green swim shorts, and Hannah wiggled into a red bikini. He grabbed a bottle of wine. She arranged cheese and crackers in a dish. They strolled down the beach pausing at the lounge chairs arranged beneath a group of trees. Easing down onto one of the chairs, Tristian wrapped his arm around her, and they enjoyed the spectacular sunset.

  When the moon rose, Hannah walked toward the water. “Up for a moonlight swim?”

  “Of course.” Taking her hand, he waded into the water beside her. He enjoyed moonlight swims and relaxing on the beach with her more than he ever thought possible. With Hannah in his life, it was easier to understand why his father took the chance to marry and have a family. Somehow, he had to find a way to make this work.

  The day before leaving the islands, he drove the Waimea Canyon Drive on the west side of Kauai. “This is Hawaii’s answer to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.”

  “I’ve been to the Grand Canyon once with friends,” Hannah said. “On a smaller scale, this has the same panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags, and deep valley gorges, but the colors and the ambiance are different. The Grand Canyon feels ancient—it’s hard to describe almost sacred in areas.”

  Tristian continued down the main road and pulled off at Waimea Canyon Overlook. Hannah stepped out of the vehicle and sucked in a breath at the views of Kauai’s dramatic interior. He stood behind her, leaned over taking a strand of her hair coiling it around his finger and whispered against her ear. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” After they returned to the SUV, he followed the road into the mountains, ending at KoKee State Park. Out of the vehicle’s console, he tugged a wrinkled map and handed it to her. “We have several trails to choose from. Where would you like to start?”