Blessedly Bound

by Lucretia Stanhope

  “But you took it back? All that, it was horrible,” she said once she felt more gathered.

  “It is mine; I can carry it. We need to start smaller I believe.”

  “I've never felt so sad,” she said, and reached for his face again.

  He reached up, stopping her. “Nor do I want you to again.”

  “When I get stronger, better at it, can I take it from you?” she asked, as she wiped her tears, and then brushed her hands through her hair.

  “No. I earned that. Why don't we practice a few things you might find more useful?”

  Sebastian showed her how to unlock the door like she asked. He taught her to manipulate things with intentions, and much to her joy, how to share happiness.

  It was late when they finished and he lingered a bit, hoping to see Lewis, but eventually gave up.

  Before leaving, he checked the doors and peeked in to see her soundly sleeping. She accomplished more in one night than he imagined she could. Teaching her made him feel magical again. That Lewis did not want that felt wrong.

  As he made his way home, the good feelings from the night with her switched to dread. The dangers still lingered and she needed a lot more instruction.

  Chapter Nine

  G wen woke to an empty house. By midday, it took a great deal of restraint not to summon Lewis. She never worried before when he stayed away but since he left on such a bad note, she felt uneasy about him being gone so long.

  She pulled out of her drive and headed for town, deciding a day out would be better than staying in and worrying. As she drove, she saw an opening and assumed it was for Sebastian's house. She rang his number but got no answer, as usual, and hung up, not leaving a message. She decided she would grab him a thank you gift in town, that would give her a reason to stop in on the way back.

  She really didn't even know what she wanted to do in town. What she did know was she didn't want to be home alone. She parked at the end of main street and walked along the sidewalk, looking in the various shop windows. The sound of her feet crunching in the occasional frozen-over snow pile was strangely soothing.

  She passed the yarn shop, a barber shop, a hardware store and a nursery on the right side, and then she turned off and strolled a few side streets before having dinner at Mel's. Only a few tables didn't have people happily eating. She like the idea of disappearing in the large group to avoid Curtis. She didn't want to face him, his odd questions, and his hard eyes. Something about him made her edgy. A lot of things. The way he looked at her with his suspicious cop eyes. The matter of fact way he talked about her grandmother's death. The fact she couldn't get a read on his emotions.

  Before she left, Mel told her where she could get craft supplies and she made a fast stop to put together a gift of painting supplies for Sebastian. It wasn't the most creative gift, but it gave her an excuse to see him again. While she shopped, she realized she did want to see him again for no other reason than to see him.

  She called again as she pulled in his drive and still got no answer. Her nerves keyed up as she walked toward the huge house. She rang the bell and waited a minute before deciding she should just leave a message. He always returned her calls and came by when she asked.

  She only took a few steps toward her truck when a hard, cracked voice said, “Can I help you?”

  She turned to see a tall, thin man. His thick gray hair seemed bright compared to his pale skin. His sunken eyes were a sharp, dark brown, and looking at her with a stern glare.

  “I was here to, to see Sebastian,” she said, stammering.

  “He is unavailable; might I tell him who called?”

  She figured him for a butler or some sort of help. “I'm Gwen. I will just call later,” she said, and took a step back.

  “Miss Hensley. I am sorry I didn't recognize you. Please come in. I have some papers to ask you about,” he said, and stepped back, opening the door fully.

  She hesitated. “Is Sebastian here?”

  “He will be available in an hour or so. We can sort out the bank papers while you wait.”

  She nodded and stepped in, looking around. The spiced scent in the air reminded her of an Indian market. The hall had rich tapestries and beautiful, colorful oriental carpets covered marble floors.

  “Your coat,” the man said, and reached out a hand to take her coat, which he hung by the door.

  She followed him to a library, lined with shelves of neatly arranged books.

  He walked to the desk in the center of the room and shuffled some papers.

  “This one needs signed, and I need a blank check so that I can set up the transfer,” he said, and pushed a paper toward her.

  She looked it over and signed her name at the bottom. “I'll give Sebastian a check when I leave. I left my purse in the truck.” She smiled.

  “Of course.” He walked out, with her following behind. “There is a fire in his study if you would like to wait in there. Did you want me to take your things?” he added, nodding at the bags she carried.

  “That would be lovely, and I can manage the bags.”

  She followed him down a long hall, to a large open room with deep burgundy walls. An oversized high-back chair faced a huge window. A small table sat beside it. A few longer tables with books and lamps on them occupied the walls between the shelves.

  “Would you like anything while you wait?” he asked, and then tossed a few logs on the already burning fire.

  “No, thank you.” The smell of sandalwood escaped from the fabric when she sat down. She could almost feel Sebastian next to her as she breathed it in.

  When she heard the door close, a feeling of being trapped washed over her. She walked over to the window and opened the curtains to remedy the little bit of claustrophobia she felt. She paced, more and more nervous about being in his house with each passing minute. How would he view her visiting there? He might have old fashioned ideas that didn't include a woman making an uninvited visit to a man's house.

  The nervousness passed when the door opened and she saw his smile. She saw no judgment, just his usual friendly features. His beautiful eyes examined her, making her wish she dressed better for his scrutiny.

  “To what do I owe this lovely surprise?” His voice was as smooth as ever and he looked even more perfect than before.

  “I was in town and, I brought you something. I wanted…” she paused and her honesty kicked in. “I wanted to see you.” She watched as his eyes seemed to glimmer an even deeper blue.

  “I find every little thing about you breathtaking.” He repaid her honesty with some of his own.

  She blushed and couldn't concentrate on making words. Instead, she reached out, handing him the bag.

  He looked inside and smiled, thanking her. “Are you feeling better tonight?”

  “Yes and no. Lewis is gone again. Still. He never came home last night.”

  He frowned deeply and rubbed his fingers together. “Can you summon him?”

  “I didn't want to since it wasn't an emergency. We fought and I guess I just feel responsible if something happens.”

  “I have an idea.” He took the bag in one hand and her hand in the other.

  She enjoyed the warmth of his grip as his fingers laced in hers. The grasp of his smooth hand felt strong, yet tender.

  When they walked out of the room, the man that let her in stood waiting at the end of the hall. They walked over to him and Sebastian reached out, handing him the bag.

  “Yardley, please take this to my studio. We will be in the east room. We are not to be disturbed.”

  The man took the bag and nodded “Yes Sir,” he said, and walked off.

  She walked with Sebastian down another hall and at the end, they came to an even larger room with a huge fireplace on the far wall. A lounger sat in front of the fireplace. The brown colors used to decorate the room gave it a soothing feeling. He walked over and tossed a few logs on the fire.

  He nodded to the lounger and she sat down, watching as he walked over an
d sat beside her. The smooth elegance of his movements captivated her.

  “We've had a very serious start to what should be a much more relaxing friendship. Please sit back. I would like to hear more about you.”

  She looked at him, puzzled.

  “Tell me about Louisiana, jobs you've worked, your neighbors' dog, your favorite color, what topping you need on your pizza? We can return to more serious things after Thursday.”

  She smiled at him and allowed herself to sink back into the cushions as she started with what she liked on her pizza. Sometime between her first job and him learning to paint, she ended up relaxing against him.

  They continued to chat and as she listened to him talking about when he first met Lizzy, they both became more comfortable. By the end of the night, her head rested in his lap and his fingers twirled her hair. She fought to keep her eyes opened as his words became a soothing song that lulled her to sleep.

  Sebastian noticed she drifted in and out while he talked and that made him happy. She needed to relax and he liked that she found his company calming. He couldn't remember ever entertaining at his house and enjoyed the way her sweet scents mingled with the familiar aromas of home. He could tell she had used a different shampoo as the roses smelled subtler, he hoped it wasn't a permanent change. That thought made him realize again what he felt around Gwen exceeded the usual magical pull. He pushed the thought away. After Thursday for more serious things.

  He kept talking and twirling, thinking and watching her face. As he noticed the other night at her house, even sleeping she took his breath away.

  When he felt her drift to a deep sleep, he concentrated more on the magical vibration she put out. It struggled against something.

  Bound.

  He knew Lewis didn't want her taught, but it stunned him to think of a familiar binding his own witch. He found the carelessness of the bindings even more shocking. Her power pressed dangerously at the amateur spell.

  After Thursday, if Lewis did not give him a good reason, he planned to tease the binding off himself. She did not need a surge of power to add to her problems.

  Sebastian sensed Lewis before he knocked and gently scooted out from under Gwen. He made sure she stayed asleep before he walked out, and shut the door behind him.

  In the hall, Yardley greeted him. “Sir, there is a guest in your study. He insisted. I'm sorry.”

  “That's quite all right.” He walked past him toward the study.

  As soon as he stepped in the room, he could smell Fannie on Lewis. He fisted his hands at his sides and pursed his lips together. “Evening.”

  Lewis turned, taking in Sebastian's aggressive posture and tone. “Why is Gwen here?”

  “She didn't want to be alone. The better question is, why was she alone?”

  “I had to attend to things.”

  “I smell what you attended to. I don't want to know what you have been doing. That is your business. However, I won't have you connecting that woman to this area.”

  “I will do whatever is needed to protect Gwen.”

  “You don't honestly think Fannie would hesitate to take her, no matter what you have done for her, do you?”

  “I have to believe that. I have made sacrifices you will never understand to protect her.”

  Sebastian closed his eyes and took in a breath. “I would understand. You don't need to work with or for her. I don't care what she has threatened you with, we can put an end to this whole thing.”

  Lewis shook his head. “No, she will take her. Do you know what happens when she does that? Eternity. An eternity of suffering. Gwen can't face her. Gwen is a new soul, a sweet new soul. Fannie is evil, centuries old, and stronger than even you. It's a debt, it must be paid. I have paid it; I will continue to pay it. I love Gwen, you wouldn't understand.”

  “You keep saying I wouldn't understand; you know what I have done. You know I understand hard choices. I also understand bad choices and their eternal implications. Don't end up like me.” Sebastian softened his posture.

  Lewis stayed rigid. “We are not going to be friends. Please don't teach her. I have agreed to only teach her spells. She can't learn anything else, especially not how to call the elements.”

  “It won't be so simple. She can call the elements with her emotions. You can't keep that bound. Your bindings are breaking already.”

  “If you want to help me then make them more effective, make them stronger. You can do that.”

  He shook his head and narrowed his eyes. “You want me to bind her? She is the most magnificent creature I have ever felt and you want me to wrap that up and throw it away? I wouldn't do it when Lizzy asked, Lizzy who I adored, and now you think I will because you made an empty promise to that vile hag Fannie?”

  Lewis felt himself getting shifty.

  “Relax, please. I am not your enemy here, Fannie is, always has been. I won't let her hurt you either,” Sebastian said.

  Lewis laughed. “You don't understand. It's too late for me. I'm hers.”

  Sebastian stepped back and looked at him, sniffing the air and watching Lewis as he shifted a little before getting solid again. “You made a bond with that?” The words spat out of his mouth. “Let me cleanse it, now, before she settles in deep around your soul.”

  “No, that would mean a confrontation now. Gwen is not ready. Let her bury the pain with Lizzy. Let me think. This bond has allayed her concerns and bought time.”

  Horror washed over Sebastian. “No, no, this bond has put us all at risk. You are fighting her now? Is that why you can't hold a form?”

  Lewis nodded. “She wants to see you, see us.”

  Sebastian wanted to curse, wanted to hit him, but knew it wouldn't help. “Come.” He walked out, heading for his altar room.

  “What are we doing?” Lewis asked, following behind, while still fighting off the push he felt coming from Fannie.

  “You need a gris gris from me, something of equal power to block this vision she is trying to use.”

  “You want me to let you curse me?” Lewis asked, and stepped back.

  Sebastian kept walking. “No, I am going to make a charm just to protect you from her seeing through your eyes. She will sense it as she senses it now, you fighting her.”

  Lewis paused. “Why are you helping me?”

  “Gwen. Like you, I am doing it for Gwen.”

  “This doesn't change us.”

  “This changes everything.”

  They walked into the room and Lewis asked no questions as Sebastian prepared the talisman. He didn't want to know what fluids and powders Sebastian used or why. When Sebastian finished, he gave Lewis a small charm attached to a string.

  “Who taught you voodoo?”

  “Fannie,” Sebastian said flatly, looking at Lewis with hard eyes.

  Lewis looked at him, believing him and not wanting to ask more.

  “Now that you are connected to her there are other things we need to consider. I don't have time tonight. I must go as you know, but tomorrow, while Gwen is at the yarn group we need to talk more. Please don't contact Fannie again.”

  Lewis agreed and thanked Sebastian, even though he still felt a deep dislike for him. They walked out to where Gwen slept and said goodnight.

  She drove home with Lewis. On the way, neither said anything. A silent understanding hung between them as they let their love wrap around each other’s thoughts.

  Chapter Ten

  “I 'm sorry,” Lewis said, after listening to Gwen rant, rage, and finally cry about what happen between them. “I promise it will be better. I will be better.”

  Gwen wanted to believe him. She needed to believe him. She avoided him all day, but didn't want to leave out with things still so bad. Not after how awful she felt, thinking that something bad happened to him. “Please Lewis. I don't need words. Help me. Teach me. Be here for me like you used to be.”

  “I will, my witch.” He kissed the top of her head.

  She felt a little better about her an
d Lewis. They would still have to reconcile what happened. The lies and years lost. Her glance lingered on him a bit longer before she left for town.

  T he bell chimed when she walked in to the yarn shop. The smell of fresh coffee greeted her, wrapping her in warmth, and chasing away the cold of the night air.

  She barely made it in the door before Kathy walked over.

  “Gwen, I am so glad you came! The ladies are already here, you can join them and I will be back when the shop closes in just a few.” Kathy walked back toward the coffee pot. “Cream and sugar, right?”

  “Thank you.” Gwen took the cup before she walked back to the small room.

  Four sets of eyes greeted her when she stepped in. All of them studied her with equal interest.

  “Ladies, this is, Gwen. I have to close up, but you can get her started,” Kathy said, before she left to tend the shop.

  Two ladies, twins Gwen assumed, who looked to be older than seventy, clicked their knitting needles without even looking at them. Both cocked their heads with white, perfectly curled hair and small reading glasses before they both said, “Gwen,” in a shrill tone.

  “I'm Pat, and this is Pam,” one of them said. The different colored shirts helped Gwen distinguish between them. Pat wore blue and Pam wore green. “Sit down honey,” Pat added.

  Gwen sat next to a thin blonde who wore her hair in a tight bun. Harsh lines outlined her features. She looked over Gwen with hazel eyes. “I'm Linda. I run the hotel, just past Mel's.”

  “Linda, so nice to meet you. Sebastian told me about you.”

  Linda smiled. “He is such a charmer. I have all of your guests settled, RSVP'd, and I turned over the list to Mel.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  “No need honey. I'd do anything for that man, with his voice, and we all loved Lizzy.” She smiled and winked at Gwen.

  “Huh.” The woman across from Gwen let out a strange sound.

  “Don't you mind Trisha,” Pam said. “She's feeling a little grumpy.”

  Gwen smiled at the short plump woman. She wore all black and had pitch black hair. Gwen guessed her the youngest of the ladies at around fifty. To accent her black, she wore a lot of bright yarn accessories and very bright makeup. Gwen imagined it might be gaudy on someone else, but she wore it well.