The Enchanted Crossroads

by Dora Blume

  “Do you want to work on your training? You haven’t gotten much of a chance to use your powers. You need to work on them before we have another run in with the Morrigans.” He continued to scratch his chin as he studied me.

  “I don’t know. I want to go meet my aunt. See if she has any information about my mother. I feel like she’s a key piece to everything. My mom would have shared things with her.” I looked around the room. I wouldn’t mind spending time in here training to be the warrior my birth mother seemed to be. I knew I had a battle ahead of me. Yet, I needed to find out more.

  “You ready for more?” His voice rose in surprise.

  I rocked back and forth on my heels and put my hands in my pocket. “Not exactly, I’m also not ready to tap into the feelings I need to work on my power.” I looked down to the floor.

  “How about lunch then?” He asked.

  I thought about it a moment then tilted my head. “I could eat.” I met his eyes and he smirked back at me. I watched as he slid his tongue over his bottom lip. He was so damn sexy.

  “Then by all means, let’s go eat.” He took my hand in his and he pulled me from the room and into the kitchen. When he stopped and grabbed his coat, I paused.

  “Where are we going?” I asked. I thought we’d eat here. He had a well-stocked kitchen.

  “I want to take you to my favorite diner.” He said.

  “Oh, I kinda thought we’d just grab something here.” I shrugged.

  “We could, but I figure you’ll want to go talk to your aunt after we eat. Come on.” He held his hand out for me. I don’t know when we reached the hand-holding stage, but apparently we were there. I took his hand. It felt warm in mine and I got butterflies in my stomach. There was something about his gaze. Under it, I felt a heated desire. It made me both shy and courageous at the same time. We walked back out to the car and he let go to get into his side of the car.

  “So, where are you whisking me off to?” I asked as soon as my seatbelt was securely in place. I loved the smooth leather seats in his car. It surprised me how immaculate the car was.

  “Curan’s on 42nd, I’ve been going there since I was a kid.” He responded. “There’s something about the place that reminds me of Sunday morning breakfasts with my parents. We used to go there every Sunday. It was a family ritual. When I get a chance, I like to stop in there. I remember once, it was my aunt’s birthday. She was at home sick. We went there as usual. My mom asked the owner if she could buy a whole cheesecake. It was my aunt’s favorite dessert and Curan’s had the best. He agreed, telling my mom it was only because it was her asking. We brought it to my aunt and she was ecstatic. We spent the afternoon with her, eating cheesecake. My mom always did stuff like that for others.” He shrugged as he continued driving down the city streets. I wondered for a moment if I’d ever seen him at Curan’s. I had been going there, too.

  “It must be hard, losing your mom. I know I’d be devastated if anything happened to my mom. She’s been so amazing. Even more so now that I know what she did for me. I can’t believe she took me and raised me without a second thought. I never knew I was adopted. My mom wasn’t lying when she said she’d love me as if I were her own. She loved me fiercely.” I blinked and a tear ran down my cheek as I thought about it. She was so amazing.

  “It’s the little things I remember that brings it all back. My parents were the people I always went to for advice. They were wise and I valued their wisdom. Now, I would have to ask Haskell or Lilah if I actually needed advice.” He gave me a comical look. “I’d rather go to a complete stranger before taking advice from Haskell.”

  I tried to hold back my laugh as I thought about the kind of advice Haskell would give. “Yeah, I’m not sure I’d go to him for any life advice. If I was looking for information about the dark side of the Internet or the latest fetish club, yeah maybe.”

  Leif let out a laugh. “Looking for a fetish club?” His eyebrows rose as he looked to me.

  “Not really.” I admitted and smirked.

  “Not really? So you might be looking for a new fetish club? What’s your fetish?” I could hear the curiosity in his voice. Blood rushed to my face and I tried to squelch the blush I knew was giving away my embarrassment. I squared my shoulders before I spoke.

  “Mr. Anderson, I hardly know you. Why would I share something so intimate with a complete stranger?” I fluttered my lashes at him and he laughed.

  “I’d hardly call us strangers.” He focused his attention back on the road. He pulled into the lot of Curan’s and quickly got out. I glanced in the glass case as we walked in. There was a selection of muffins and pies. The light was dim, which added to the ambiance of the diner. We were escorted to a booth in the back of the restaurant.

  The brown vinyl was cold against my hands as I slid into the booth. I looked around at the different pictures on the wall. There was one of opening day. The picture was in black and white and looked the same. I picked up the menu and began scanning. I’d been here plenty of times before, but somehow it felt different with Leif. It felt like a first date together.

  “So, what’s good here?” I asked. I was curious as to what he liked.

  “All the classic stuff is good.” He shrugged. “I usually get the bacon cheeseburger or one of the sandwiches and a chocolate shake.” He closed the menu and set it in front of him.

  The waitress walked up. “What can I get you two to drink?” she asked. When she looked up from her pad, recognition flashed in her eyes. “Hey baby, how you been?” My eyes widened at her familiarity with Leif. She called him “baby” and jealousy flared within me. I knew it was stupid because she was much older than him.

  “I’m good, Betty. How about that son of yours?”

  “Oh, you know, college boys. He’s always busy with something. He still makes time to come see me every Sunday. He’s a good boy.” Her eyes sparkled as she talked about her son.

  “That’s good to hear.” Leif replied.

  “So, would you like your usual?” she asked.

  “Yeah, you know me.” He smiled warmly.

  “How about you dear?” Her gaze flicked to me.

  “I’ll take a Sprite.”

  “Sure, I’ll be right back with your drinks.” She fluttered away from the table.

  “So, I take it you come here often.” I said.

  “Yeah, like I said, I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. Betty’s an institution here. She knew my parents.” He swept his hair back from his face. Betty came back over with our drinks. She flipped her pad from her apron and grabbed the pen from behind her ear.

  “You two ready to order?” she asked, pen poised to write on her pad.

  “What do you suggest?” I asked. When in doubt, always ask a waitress. They’ll never steer you wrong.

  She tapped the pen against her chin, “Hmm, I’d suggest the Monte Cristo. The strawberry dipping sauce is to die for, and I bet you like things a little sweet, since you’re with our boy here.” She smiled and I could see her dimples clear as day. Leif’s cheeks turned pink and he looked down to the table.

  “I’ll take it.” I said smiling at her.

  “You won’t be disappointed.” She turned her eyes to Leif, who still held his blush. “So, are we having the bacon cheeseburger or French dip today?” she asked.

  “The Bacon cheeseburger, please.”

  “No problem, sugar.” She took the menus and left.

  “She really likes you.” I met his eyes.

  “She watched me grow up. I’m not kidding, we came here every Sunday. She’s worked here for at least thirty years.” He looked up and scratched his chin.

  “Wow, that’s a long time to work at one place. I thought it was good I’ve been at the same firm for five years. Speaking of which, am I going to be able to go to the deposition tomorrow?” I asked. I needed to go to that meeting. I’d never missed work, especially when I had a day in court. I couldn’t miss tomorrow. I needed to find a way to make my two lives mesh together. />
  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. The Morrigans probably know where you work. They could try and attack you when you’re there.” Leif’s eyes turned dark.

  “I have to go. I can’t miss a deposition this important. I know it might not seem like much to you, but my job is important. There’s no one to cover for me if I’m not there. I have to be there.” I realized my voice was pleading when I should have been strong. I was going to my deposition, whether anyone else agreed or not.

  “I guess we’ll figure it out. Let’s take one thing at a time. We’re going to your aunt’s house after we eat. Are you sure you’re ready to find out more? Haven’t you already learned enough life-altering information for one day? We could save some for tomorrow you know.” His voice was playful when he spoke. I shook my head at his attempt at humor.

  “I’m sure I want to meet her. As for what I’ll learn from her, we’ll see. Maybe my mother didn’t share anything with her and it’s a dead end.” I held his pensive stare.

  “Maybe, it is.” He shrugged. I was surprised when he didn’t elaborate.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

  “What? You’re the one who suggested it. If it’s a dead end, we’ll keep searching for information. That pendant Hecate gave you should be of some help. She gave it to you for a reason. I can’t imagine Hecate leaving this entirely to chance. I have a feeling we won’t be looking for clues to where we need to go for too long.” He sat back when Betty emerged with two plates. She slid them in front of us.

  “Can I get you anything else?” she asked.

  “No, we’re good.” Leif met her eyes and smiled wide.

  “Okay dear, just let me know if you need anything else.” She whisked away back to the kitchen. I watched as she walked. I looked down to my sandwich and almost drooled. The sandwich was made with thick Texas toast, which I loved. I picked up the sandwich and dipped the end in the strawberry sauce. When I took a bite, I moaned. Betty wasn’t kidding, the sauce was amazing. I couldn’t wait to finish chewing so I could take another bite.

  I looked up and Leif had his hand over his mouth. I could tell he was trying to suppress a laugh. He hadn’t even touched his burger yet.

  “What?” I asked after swallowing my bite.

  “Do you always moan when you eat?” He asked, amusement in his eyes.

  “It’s really good.” I blinked before taking another bite. I had to suppress another moan. I knew Leif would full on lose it if I did it again. He was watching me and it made me self-conscious. “Aren’t you going to eat your burger?” I asked.

  “Yeah, I was enthralled watching you eat. I wanted to hear another moan.” He cocked his head and smiled. The smoldering look he gave me made me blush and filled my stomach with butterflies. His eyes hadn’t left me and I was almost finished with half my sandwich.

  “Would you?” My voice rose in curiosity and I winked at him.

  He stroked his chin and I could tell he was assessing my comment. I didn’t care. I took another bite of my sandwich while he figured it out. He finally dropped his eyes to his sandwich. He took a bite of his burger and looked back to me. I finished my sandwich far too quickly. I made a mental note to order it again. As if on cue, Betty appeared to take our plates. Leif sat back and stretched his arm across the back of the seat.

  “So, do you want pie or should we head to your aunts?” he asked.

  “We should probably go. Although, I do love a good slice of pie.” I patted my already full stomach.

  “And I love a girl who can eat. It’s rare to find a woman who will actually eat at a restaurant. I’m ordering us a slice when Betty comes back.”

  “I have no problem eating. It’s not like we’re on a date or anything.” I rolled my eyes at him. If I we were on a date, I still would’ve eaten the same thing. I’ve never been one to eat a salad or something ridiculous like that when out with a guy. I wanted to let him know who I was from the very beginning. If he wasn’t into me, might as well find out right away.

  “True, would you have chosen something different if we were?” he looked to the sky and didn’t meet my eyes.

  “No way, I would’ve missed out on that amazing sandwich.” I licked my lips and could still taste the remnants of the strawberry sauce on my lips.

  “I didn’t think so.” He met my eyes and I could see a fire in them. I’m not sure what made him look at me that way, but when he did I felt butterflies in my stomach.

  “We should go. I really want to get to my aunt’s at a decent time. I’m not sure how long we’ll end up being there.” I flicked my eyes to the exit.

  “Fine, I guess I can skip the pie one time.” There was a bit of dramatic annoyance in his voice. I smiled at it. I couldn’t help but enjoy his perturbed tone. He sounded like a pouting child.

  “Come on handsome, maybe we’ll come back for pie later.” I wiggled my eyebrows and stood. Leif stood and met me at the counter. A man was leaning against the wall when we walked up. I took out my wallet and Leif put his hand over mine.

  “Oh no, you don’t. I got this.” He took out his wallet and handed the man his credit card.

  “Can’t let a woman pay for lunch?” I chided.

  “A gentleman would never let a lady pay the bill.” His voice was smooth as he spoke.

  “Oh, so you’re a gentleman?” I smirked.

  Betty sauntered up to the counter. “Yes, he is. Can I get you some pie to go? It’s not like you to leave without dessert.” She held a to-go box ready.

  “Nah, we’ve got some important meetings today. I’ll be back again soon.” Leif explained.

  “Okay baby, take care of yourself.” she smiled.

  “You too, Betty.” He smiled and turned toward the exit.

  I moved next to him. “Have you ever not gotten dessert?” I asked.

  “Only when I was in trouble with my parents.” He hung his head as he walked to the driver’s side of the door.

  “Oh,” I squeaked. “Why didn’t you say something? We could have gotten dessert.” I got in the car quickly. I pulled the seatbelt over my body and noticed Leif watching me momentarily.

  “It’s okay, We have to go find your aunt.” He started the car and backed out. He turned onto 42nd without another word. We made it to Cedar before I couldn’t take it any longer.

  “Is something wrong?” I asked. I didn’t want to be that girl, but I needed to ask.

  “No, why?” he asked narrowing his eyes as he glanced over at me.

  “You’re not talking.” I shrugged and turned back to look at the road.

  “Oh, just thinking.” One hand dropped to his lap as the other lazily held the wheel.

  “About anything in particular?” I shifted to look at him.

  “Hecate, the Morrigans, and your situation.” His monotone was eerie.

  “Care to fill me in on specifics. You’re entire demeanor changed since you left the restaurant. If I’d known staying a few more minutes for pie would have kept you from this sour mood I would’ve insisted.” I crossed my arms over my chest and sat staring out my window.

  “Sorry, I have a lot on my mind. I’m the head of the Minneapolis coven. Attacks have decreased over the weekend. I’m wondering if the decrease has something to do with you. Are the Morrigans gearing up for a major attack on you? Should I be calling in reinforcements to protect you if they are? Hecate assigned a Verity to protect you for a reason, but even she has disappeared. I’m not sure why you weren’t assigned a Sage. They have healing abilities if you’re injured. Instead Hecate choose a breed with offensive powers. I guess, I’m mulling over everything. I tend to think better when driving.” He shrugged. “It has nothing to do with not having pie.” He smirked and rested his hand on my shoulder. He squeezed and went back to driving.

  “Okay, I have no idea why Hecate chose Shar to protect me. Speaking of which,” I took out my phone and dialed her number. I waited as the phone rang. When Shar’s voice filled the speaker, I blew out a breath
of relief, which lasted five seconds. It was her voice mail. “Damn!”

  “Still not answering?” Leif asked.

  “No, it was her voicemail. I hate that she says ‘hey darling’ at the beginning. It gets me every time.” I blew out a frustrated breath.

  “I’m sure she’s fine. She can take care of herself. Verities are bad asses and I bet Shar is one of the best for Hecate to assign her to you.” He rubbed my arm trying to reassure me.

  “I’m sure you’re right. I’ll be worried until I hear her voice again. I Can’t help it.” I rubbed my arms with my hands. I chewed on the inside of my lip as I looked out the window. Where the hell was Shar? She never left he phone behind and there was no way in hell she’d let it die. Something was wrong, I could feel it.

  We turned in front of a house on 46th street. I looked up at the quaint house. “Is this it?” I asked, looking to Leif.

  “According to Haskell, this is her address.” He shrugged.

  “You ready for this?” He asked, “I could circle the block or we could take a walk around Nokomis.” His brows drew together as he watched me.

  “I’m ready.” I said firmly as I looked up to the white house with blue shutters.

  CHAPTER 10

  I stopped in front of the door unable to bring myself to knock. Leif looked to me and nodded before he reached up to knock on the door. I swallowed hard as I thought about the woman on the other side of the door. She was the key to knowing about my birth mother. I heard footsteps on the other side of the door and I held my breath.

  “Who is it?” A soft melodic voice called from the other side of the door.

  “Um, we’re friends of Catherine. We’d like to ask a few questions.” I could tell Leif was trying to keep his voice light and friendly.