A Warlock's Secrets

by Tena Stetler

  “Home,” Birch said firmly. He sniffed. “Rena’s enchiladas?”

  “Yessss. There’s plenty. Have a seat. Shall I call Freesia?”

  “No. Not yet.” Birch took a sudden interest in his shoes. “I flew off the handle this afternoon, though I was provoked; my wife saw it differently.”

  Tristian waited until Birch’s gaze met his. “Old man… Remember the heart wants what the heart wants—shit, you told me about Angie and Bruce? And the advice you dished out?” He paused for a couple beats. “Well—right back at you.”

  “I know. But you didn’t listen, just…”

  “Yep. And we all know how that ended. It looks a bit different from the other side, huh?” Tristian clasped a hand on Birch’s shoulder. “Caleb is a good guy. He loves your daughter. I could see that when I first met him.”

  “Yeah, that’s what Freesia said.” Birch peered at Tristian for a couple minutes. “You’ve changed.”

  “Doubtful. Call your wife, enjoy Rena’s enchiladas, then take your family home and work it out, so we can get some sleep.”

  “Now there’s the Tristian I know.” Birch smirked.

  “It’s going to be a spectacular double wedding, you know,” Tristian added.

  “So we’ve been told,” Birch said.

  “Oh, so Bruce has been in contact with you too?” Tristian took a drink of his coffee.

  “No, Angie called for Willow, I—said a few things—then, yes, Bruce got on the phone. We had a discussion. Here I am.”

  Tristian threw his head back and roared with laughter. As he sobered, there was a light tap on the door. “Freesia, come on in.” She peeked her head through the door. Tristian motioned her in. “Join the party.” He pulled another chair from his office, rolled it up to the table.

  “I’m so sorry Birch barged in,” Freesia said in a quiet voice, she sniffed.

  “Yes, it’s Rena’s enchiladas. Fix yourself a plate.”

  Her eyes wandered over to Hannah. “Who…”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. This is Hannah. Hannah, Birch, and his wife Freesia. Now no more questions. When I have something to announce… I’ll do so.”

  Hannah shook her head and glared at Tristian then switched her attention to the couple. “You were out in the yard last time I was here. Nice to meet you.”

  Birch raised an eyebrow. “Same here.” He shook her extended hand.

  Freesia gave her a quick hug and whispered in her ear.

  “Hey, no secrets. Remember,” Tristian said glaring at Hannah.

  “No secrets. Girl talk,” Hannah retorted.

  Freesia laughed. “She’s got your number, Tristian.”

  Hannah was the last to finish the food on her plate. She pushed up from the table. “Nice to meet you all. But tomorrow is a busy day for me, so I’ll say my goodnights and head to bed.”

  Tristian got to his feet as a mischievous grin spread across his face, lit up his eyes. “Would you like to know where you are sleeping tonight?”

  The group still seated at the table chuckled, and Willow said, “We can take a hint. Differences will be settled at Mom and Dad’s house.” She glanced at Tristian. “Thanks for everything. Goodnight. We can show ourselves out.”

  Tristian nodded, wrapped an arm around Hannah, tugged her against him. “So, my bed or the guest bed?”

  “Does it matter?” She giggled, breathing in his spicy, masculine scent.

  “Nope, I can join you in either. But my bed is bigger,” he said seductively.

  ****

  The sun was high overhead when Tristian opened his eyes; his gaze wandered over a naked Hannah cuddled against him. His fingers feathered along her breast as he wrapped her in his arms.

  Her eyes blinked slowly open, then rounded. “Oh my god, what time is it?” She bolted upright in the bed.

  “Relax, it’s only a little past twelve. Plenty of time.” He brushed his lips over hers.

  She pulled away, shoved at his arms encircled around her and jumped out of bed. “You promised to quiz me. Now I barely have time to get dressed, grab breakfast, and an extremely quick review.”

  “You know that stuff backward and forward. Breakfast is ready, just have to warm it up and put coffee or tea on, whichever you desire. That gives us time for a nice shower.” He waggled his eyebrows.

  “No way. No time for that. Don’t you ever think of anything else?”

  “Murder and mayhem, but you changed all that.” He rolled over and sat up. “So basically, it’s your own fault.”

  “Ohhhh…I don’t have time for this.” She rushed into the bathroom and locked the door.

  He smirked. I’ll have her tonight. No way she’s going back to her cottage if I have anything to say about it.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Changes are a Fact of Life—But We Don’t Have to Like It

  Tristian dropped Hannah off at the cottage to pick up her car. When he returned to the house, he reviewed the paperwork filed in his absence and called Bruce on a secure line. The phone rang only once.

  “It’s about time you checked in,” Bruce said.

  “Wanted to review the reports before I called you. I’ll get the paperwork straightened up today. Hannah has to catch up with her work before we head in your direction. A few days at the most. Unless there is an immediate problem.”

  “No problems. I want to go over a few things with you. The wedding is going to be held at my parents’ place in Tahiti.”

  “Oh… Not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “The guest list is small, and they will meet at the Salon, go through the portal. But we need a team to remain there around the clock until everyone returns. Angie along with my parents would like you, Hannah, Willow, and Caleb to spend a few extra days there before or after the wedding.”

  “What no honeymoon? It figures…” Tristian muttered.

  “Don’t start. We are going away later in the week. Want to make sure everyone gets back okay, and no rumblings before I leave you in charge for a month.”

  “Me…? I don’t want that responsibility,” Tristian argued.

  “You have Hannah now to think about. We’re going to make a few modifications to your job responsibility to fit your change in life status and mine. I have Angie to think about too.”

  “Things are just fine.”

  “You may still get the final call, but only under dire circumstances. You’ve trained your team leaders well. It’s time they take on some of your responsibilities as you take on part of mine. We’ll talk about it when you get here. Wanted to give you a heads-up, so you can blow off steam there rather than here.”

  “Not going to happen.”

  “Make no mistake, it is. I’m still your boss and make the ultimate decisions. Is that clear?” Bruce said in a commanding voice.

  “Crystal.” Tristian disconnected the call. “Shit.” He’d considered delegating some responsibilities, even decided to broach the subject with Bruce. But…being told he would do it, didn’t set right. In addition, he was expected to take on some of Bruce’s responsibilities. When hell freezes over.

  For several hours, Tristian poured over the reports making corrections where needed. He sent notices to those who completed them as well as the final reports to Bruce. Disgruntled, he wandered the house, slipped into sweats and running shoes, then sprinted down the jagged trail to the beach.

  After an hour or more, physically exhausted, he thought the door open and trudged up the stairs to shower. Maybe Hannah wasn’t coming back tonight. Did she decide to stay at her cottage? His mood darkened as the full moon rose in the sky.

  No sooner than he pulled on jeans and stretched out on the bed, gravel crunched as a car made its way up the driveway, stopped in front of his house. He peered out the window but knew it was Hannah. Trying to slough off his thunderous mood, he jogged down the stairs, opened the door as she was poised to knock. He swept her up in his arms and kissed her as if she’d been gone for months, rather than hours.

  “Wow
, love that greeting.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Been knee deep in paperwork since I returned to the house. Not fun.” He whirled around with her before putting her feet on the ground. “How’d the test go? You passed with flying colors. Right?”

  She paused to grin at him. “Yes. I did. A perfect score. Swearing in ceremony will be in a few weeks. I’m late because I had to talk with Brandy, kinda fill her in about us. Otherwise, she was headed here on the next plane.” Hannah grimaced. “She might yet.”

  “That would be a big problem. Especially since we’ll be leaving town shortly.” He paused and blew out a breath. “I knew you’d pass.” He kissed her again. “Good, so we’ll be back in plenty of time. And work?”

  “Well, we reached a compromise. Boss wasn’t happy about my taking more time off, but we worked it out. Have to pay to have a secure line installed at the cottage, so I can work from there.”

  Tristian cocked his head to one side. “Cheaper to just move in here. You can use my secure line for free. I guarantee it will meet any standards your company requires.”

  She stroked her hand down his arm and around his waist. “I’m not ready to make that move yet. Besides, until we leave for D.C., I’m going to work at the office as usual.”

  “According to your… How about a walk?” His temper vibrated at the end of its tether. Not ready… Is she playing with me, waiting for a commitment? I can’t, not yet. Soon? Anger and frustration closed in around him. “Gotta go. Join me if you want.” He bolted out the door and down the driveway. Not much energy left to expend, he ran a circuit around the area, slowed to a walk before heading toward home.

  A dark shadow fell across cliffs as a winged creature soared through the starry sky backlit by the full moon following his trek. A burst of wind cooled his sweat drenched skin as he eased onto the bench behind the house. He sucked in a breath as Hannah, in gryphon form, glided into the glade and shimmered into human form a few yards from him. She bent down and shimmied into a silky halter dress from Hawaii she’d left out and ambled to his side, her fingers tracing the sinewy muscles on his bare back.

  “May I sit down?”

  He motioned her to sit, unable to find the words to express his feeling of awe at that moment.

  “Care to tell me what’s bothering you?”

  “Nothing,” he snapped.

  She slid next to him, reached up with her hand, caressing his cheek then running a finger along his chin, she turned his face toward hers. “That’s a pretty serious expression for nothing. Problems at work? Or with me?”

  “Both,” he growled. “Bruce wants to…change my job responsibilities.”

  “But weren’t you considering some changes of your own, when you returned?”

  “Yes, but he wants to leave me in charge while they take a honeymoon. I’m not suited for that.”

  “You could be,” she whispered against his ear.

  “No. I’m not.”

  “Okay. What’s bothering you about me?”

  “I thought—I want you to—” He ran his fingers through his hair, rubbed at his neck. “I’d rather you stay here with me, not at the cottage.”

  She chewed on her bottom lip. “We don’t have to make a decision right this minute. I’ll stay tonight. Tristian, you have to understand our relationship goes against everything I believe in.” She held her hand up as he started to object. “Don’t misunderstand, I don’t regret my decision, being with you feels right. Nonetheless, my family, my sister… How am I going to explain a male voice in the house, should she call, not to mention if she pops in unannounced? I won’t lie to her.”

  “I’m not asking you to. I’m fine with things the way they are, and before you disagree. I’m working on…”

  She held her hands up. “I had a wonderful time, don’t spoil it. I’m sorry your day sucked. How about we put off any decisions until we get back from the wedding. Until then, my nights are yours, but if I want to spend one alone at my cottage, you’ll understand. I’m going into work as long as we are here.”

  He blew out a breath and stood, then paced around the bench. “The art of compromise is not my strong suit.”

  A sly smile played around her lips. “You underestimate yourself. It’s easier to be given an assignment and complete it. You have the tools or your teams would not have held their own while you were gone.”

  “That’s just it. The paperwork was a mess.”

  “So…teach them the way you want it done. You have the skills. I saw them when you tried to teach me to surf in Hawaii.”

  He grinned. “You never did stand and ride a wave.”

  “Only because my balance is lacking. Not due to your teaching.” She laughed. “Besides, I don’t like sharks.”

  Waving a hand dismissively, he noticed the orange glow in the east. “Let’s go to the diner, have breakfast, then I’ll drop you off at your cottage.” For now.

  “Great plan.”

  ****

  Over the next few days, Hannah put in a lot of hours at her job, leaving Tristian time to work up an outline for his team demonstrating how to complete reports properly. He had plenty of time to mull over what she’d said, and the changes Bruce wanted to make.

  Tired of paperwork, Tristian stood, raked his fingers through is hair. Hannah had chosen to spend the last few nights in the cottage, exhausted from long hours at work. Tonight, he wanted to see her. Willow and Caleb were leaving early tomorrow for Washington D.C. to prep for the wedding. He snapped his fingers and strode out the door.

  Freesia was on her knees, hands buried in the dirt of their garden. Birch had just joined her when Tristian strode over to their yard. “Good afternoon.”

  “Good afternoon to you too. What brings you over here?” Birch looked up holding three nice ripe tomatoes, eying Tristian in jeans, no shirt or shoes.

  He ignored Birch’s stare. In Hawaii, he’d gotten used to going shirtless, barefoot, or wearing sandals. It was a far cry from his usual attire. “Since Willow and Caleb are leaving in the morning, I thought we could have a cookout tonight. I’ll throw steaks on the barbecue, add baked potatoes and…”

  “Oh, that’s a wonderful idea,” Freesia said peering up at him. “I’ll make the salad, got lots of fresh veggies and whip up a dessert. What time do you want us over?” She got to her feet, wiping her hands together to get the dirt off.

  “Hold that thought. I want to call Hannah and see what her schedule looks like. She’s been spending a lot of time at work recently.”

  Birch raised a brow and exchanged a knowing look with his wife.

  Tristian pulled out his cell phone. “That’s enough. It’s not what you think. Hannah wouldn’t want Willow and Caleb to leave without a chance to say goodbye.” He tapped the #2 button on his screen and held the phone to his ear. After the fourth ring, he started to disconnect the call when Hannah answered, her voice frazzled.

  “Hi, Trist. What’s up?”

  “Hi, I’m standing here with Birch and Freesia. We’re going to throw steaks on the grill since it’s Willow and Caleb’s last night. Wondered if you could get away this evening to join us?”

  She blew out a breath, “Man, I am swamped. Boss threw a bunch more files on my desk after I told him how long I would be gone for the wedding.”

  “Shouldn’t have told him, yet.” Tristian tried to keep his voice light. “Well if you can’t come, I understand. I’m sure everyone else will too.” Disappointment dripped from his voice.

  “I was in at four this morning trying to get a good start on the files.” She paused for a couple beats. “I’ll be there. What time?”

  “About five-thirty-ish. Will that work for you?” He glanced over at the Coppervales. Their heads nodding in unison.

  “I’ll do my best. Want to go home and change, then I’ll be over. Gotta go.” She paused for a moment. “Miss you lots.”

  “Me too.” Hannah ended the call before he could offer to pick her up. Which was in his plan as well, but
at least he would see her tonight. Shrugging, he stuffed the phone in his pocket and grinned.

  “Very well done.” Birch clapped his hands together. “You know she saw right through you?” He laughed.

  “Or at least we did,” Freesia said gleefully. “I never would have believed there was a woman alive that would tame you. Nice I was wrong.”

  Tristian shot her a dark look. “Tamed? I don’t believe anyone has tamed anyone. I am not a wild animal to be tamed.”

  “Oh, son, you are sadly mistaken. But…” Birch paused at the footsteps headed in their direction, turned to see his daughter and Caleb striding across the lawn hand in hand.

  Raising her hand in a wave, Willow called out. “Tristian, you haven’t scared Hannah off already?” Grinning wide, Willow hugged her mom and dad, started to swing an arm around Tristian, thought better of it.

  Caleb extended his hand. Tristian shook it. “Looks like things are better than the last time I saw you two,” he chided.

  “Yeah well, strong will seems to run in the family.” Freesia gave a sideways glance at her husband. “But the heart wants what the heart wants.”

  Willow raised her arms, palms up, and shrugged.

  “So I’ve been told.” Tristian grimaced and shoved his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. “I need to get cleaned up, take the steaks out of the freezer, and straighten up the house a bit. Come on over when you’re ready.”

  By the time Hannah arrived, Tristian had steaks on the grill, the table set with salad and iced tea, thanks to Freesia and Willow.

  “Wow, nice spread,” Hannah said walking through the living area into the kitchen. “Hi, ladies and Caleb. She grinned seeing Tristian glance over his shoulder at her through the open sliding glass door.

  Leaving the grill in Birch’s capable hands, Tristian sauntered inside. “Glad you made it.” He caught her up in an embrace and kissed her soundly. “I’ve missed you.” Grabbing her hand, he led her outside to the covered patio and grill area, off to the left of the veranda and garden.