Ratty gym shorts, a heavily torn t-shirt, and a stupid Braves hat shouldn’t garner such a reaction. Except, on Reid, it does.
His bronze hair peeks around the edges of the hat, his perfect abs visible in the gaping holes of the shirt, and more importantly, he’s smiling.
That smile is deadly. No wonder he doesn’t use it often.
I look at Abby, and she smirks. She knows.
“Thank you,” she whispers. “Question answered.”
She trots off, patting Reid on the shoulder as she goes by. “I expect to see you at the courthouse later,” she says. “But it’ll be okay if you’re late.”
Then she winks at him.
Telling her was a bad idea.
“I’ll be there,” he assures her, confused by her sudden mega-watt smile.
When she leaves, he turns to me. “What’s up with her?”
I shrug, whipping around so he can’t see the guilt on my face. I stare at the bricks, trying to remember what I was doing, but then I feel him behind me. His chest brushes my shoulder. His voice is soft but amused. “Were you talking about me?”
I don’t respond.
He scoots closer. “Willa.”
I shudder.
“You have a good sister,” I say, refusing to turn around.
“You were talking about me.”
He says it as a fact, his voice suddenly rough. I don’t dare move, or he’ll see it written on my face too.
He wraps his arms around my shoulders, and I lean back against him. It’s comforting, and without an ounce of effort, I relax. “This doesn’t have to be complicated,” he says, but then I feel him smile into my hair. “But I know better than to hope for that.”
I try to turn, but he holds me in place. “We can wait, because I have all the time in the world. Just remember that. I have time.”
He steps back, and when I look around, I catch something on his face. Something that scares me. No. It thrills me.
He has time. I bring myself back to reality. Julien does not.
“So what are you practicing today?”
I blink a couple times, trying to regain my sense of awareness. “What?”
He grins, pointing at the bricks. “What are you trying to do to the bricks, exactly?”
I look at the bricks and then back to him. “Oh. Um. Well,” I take a second to breathe out the idiot rambling inside of me and try again, “I’m trying to break them.”
“Ah.” He nods, walking over to sit down on the picnic table. “Let’s see.”
He sits there, his elbows resting on his knees, expectant, like I didn’t just realize I have feelings for him too. Deep to my core kind of feelings.
“Wilhelmina?”
I shake myself mentally, like a dog after a bath, forcing the emotions out of my head. I turn back to the bricks. They look less appealing. I don’t speak and definitely don’t look at him again.
I spend the next ten minutes punching my fist into the air, only to watch the bricks flip and tumble across the yard, still completely intact. My concentration is off.
“You’re trying too hard.”
“I thought that was the point,” I say, annoyed with myself.
He gets up from his perch and walks closer, as if that is going to help my ability to think clearly.
“I meant physically.” He imitates how I punch the air with my hands. “Your power is a mental thing. You should exert your energy through your mind, not your fist.”
I make a disgusted face, because it sounds completely rational. “How would you know?”
He shrugs. “My grandmother never lifted a finger to do anything, but then again, she was eighty-five.”
I huff, glancing back and forth between him and the bricks.
“But what do I know? Keep trying it your way.” Again, he mocks my karate moves.
My eyes narrow. “I guess it’s worth a shot.”
I focus my annoyance at my prey, but as I am about to muster up the energy, Reid grabs my wrists and holds them firmly at my sides. “No hands this time,” he says, pressing his chest against my back. “Heaven forbid you’re ever captured, but the skill could come in handy in an emergency.”
I really, really hate when he is rational. Especially when his rationality is melded all up against me.
“Okay.” I squint menacingly at the bricks.
Focus on the bricks.
His breath hits my neck, and suddenly my power bubbles inside me, practically begging to be released, but I don’t know how without the help of physical movement.
“Concentrate.”
“Okay, Dr. Phil,” I hiss, and that’s when it happens, the electricity hits us again. It’s different from that day in the parking lot. It’s much more powerful this time. The shock originates from somewhere inside me, traveling down through my arms, coming to an exploding climax at the point where his bare skin touches mine. He lets go of me, stumbling backward. I fall to the ground, clutching my hands beneath me in an attempt to stop the stinging.
“Sparky!”
“That was all you,” he says, still wincing and shaking his hands in the air like they are on fire. “You keep bottling it up, and it’s eventually going to force its way out.”
“I can’t stop when I don’t know what I’m doing wrong,” I yell. “I’m just not strong enough to do this on my own.” I grab for the moon pendent around my neck and yank at it.
Reid catches the gesture and rolls his eyes. “You can do this,” he says, pulling my hand away from the necklace. “You’re just being stubborn, as usual.”
I frown at him, but he is already laughing at me. “You don’t need anyone else to help you break a couple bricks, Willa. You hoisted two grown men in the air and placed a grip so tight on me that I could barely breathe. You have all the power you need. You only lack the concentration and willpower to apply it without your emotions flaring up.”
“You don’t know how hard it is to hold it in and then let it go while it’s fighting you every step of the way,” I mutter. “You just don’t understand.”
My face contorts in a grimace as I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth.
He snorts, looking away from me. “You’re right. I don’t know.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
“Being normal doesn’t hurt my feelings,” he says with a snarky edge. “But don’t worry, there will be another ceremony after the summer solstice, and I’m sure you’ll find your sun. I just don’t want you to be disappointed when you realize that even with your other half, you’re still weak.”
I grit my teeth at him, fuming.
“What? Are you going to object to that? Are you going to admit you aren’t the weakling you let yourself believe?”
My anger burns through me, setting every inch of my skin on fire.
“Come on,” he pushes. “You love to contradict me.”
“Stop it, Reid,” I growl. “I know what you’re trying to do.”
“Then do it,” he challenges. “Use your power without me having to piss you off to accomplish anything. Because, honestly, I really hate pissing you off.”
I practically scream my frustration at him. The wind whistles around me, and Reid steps up into my face. “No. You’re letting it run freely out of you. Focus it.”
I’m shaking now, not because of my anger, but due to the power retracting itself around me. The wind stops, and slowly it builds up inside me. “Channel it,” he says. “Break the bricks.”
I whimper, glancing over my shoulder at the bricks. I raise my hand, and the power surges into my fingertips. Reid catches my hand between us. “No hands,” he reminds, causing me to squint my eyes shut as the power sinks back inside me.
Internal combustion feels like a totally viable option right now. My muscles clench, my hands balling into fists, and I let the vision of the bricks behind me fill my mind. A loud cracking sound fills the air, followed by a resounding pop, and the energy inside me slowly disperses. Reid loose
ns his grip on my hands, and I turn around to see all three bricks scattered into pieces across the back yard.
I’m panting, completely out of breath as if I’ve just run five miles. I stare at the broken pieces of brick in awe. “I did it.”
Reid grins smugly. “I told you that you didn’t need anyone else.”
My bones ache with the release of tension and anger, and I playfully punch my hand in the air, which results in an invisible fist straight into his shoulder. He staggers back, laughing. “I guess that means I only need you, right?”
He smiles, rubbing his arm. “I wasn’t going to point that out, but since you brought it up…”
I roll my eyes. “If my ego ever gets as big as yours, please allow someone to pop it.”
He bites his lip, trying not to laugh, and pulls me to him. “If my ego makes you stronger, somehow making you able to keep yourself alive, then I’m happy to let my overblown head float me to China and back.”
I chuckle, stretching my arms above my head. “Well, I still have forty minutes before Julien picks me up. Want to grab me a couple more bricks?”
He stiffens, and I realize my mistake instantly.
“Julien is picking you up? Why?”
“Zeke and Sadie have a date. You’re helping Abby set up for the cotillion. He’s the only other option.”
“Why can’t you go move tables with me?”
“Reid,” I warn, because I don’t want to fight.
“I’m just saying,” he gives a shrug, “there will be three of us at the ballroom and only one Julien. It’s simple math.”
I open my mouth to oppose, but a voice behind me beats me to the punch. “I think I can handle it,” Julien says from the porch with a hint of teasing in his voice. He is standing in the doorway next to Sera, who grins at the havoc I’ve created in the back yard.
“You’re early.” Reid digs his heels in the ground and tenses. “It’s barely four.”
“I like to be prompt.”
Reid straightens his shoulders and tries again. “Willa is still practicing,” he says as kindly as he can manage. “I was just going to get her some more bricks.”
“Great. I’d love to watch her in action. Wouldn’t you, Mrs. Thomas?”
Sera’s eyes widen as she turns to glance back and forth between the two boys. The tension isn’t lost on her. Reid scowls in her direction, but she ignores him.
“In fact, I would, Julien. Wilhelmina looks like she’s made some real progress today.”
I sigh right along with Reid. “Great,” I grumble. “An audience.”
“A support team,” Julien insists, coming over to give me a quick hug.
It’s the first hug he’s given me all week.
Reid stomps around the side of the house, returning with three fresh bricks. My nerves tense, because I know I will never be able to repeat the process without Reid evoking the response from me again.
I look desperately at him, but he’s too busy glaring at Julien. “I would really rather wait,” I say, sticking my hands in the pockets of my jeans. “I’m afraid I’ve run out of energy.”
Reid’s attention darts back to me, and he realizes my trouble. “Doubting yourself again?” He steps closer to me, giving me a smile I’ve never seen before. Seductive. Coy. Possessive. “Or do you just need me?”
My lips part, shocked by his audacity.
Julien’s face goes tight, and he stares at the ground. I look back to Reid with warning in my voice. “Don’t,” I mouth.
“Why not?” he says. “You could stay here, practice, and go with me to help Abby.”
I open my mouth to say something—what, I have no idea—but Julien saves me. “We have plans,” he says stiffly, walking down the steps.
“I don’t recall asking you,” Reid replies coolly.
“Okay, that’s enough,” Sera announces, clapping her hands together. “I never thought I would have to do this, but I’m kicking you all out.”
“What?” we ask in unison.
“Leave,” she says. “Right now. Reid, go help your sister like you promised, and Wilhelmina, go with Julien. Have her home by nine.”
Reid’s face falls flat, but Sera merely glares at him. “Go, I said. Now.”
Thankful for her intervention, Julien holds his hand out to me. “I’m ready if you are,” he says, smiling, though it’s obvious he is still annoyed with Reid.
I look back at Reid, and his gaze drops to the ground. “Go,” he insists. “Before I lose my manners.”
“Reid—”
“Just go, Wilhelmina.”
And just like that, I lose him. He’s back to the boy I met the night he invaded my house. Emotionless. Void. All I can do is stand there and watch him walk away.
Chapter 16
A LOSING BATTLE
Julien doesn’t hold my hand while we walk down the shaded path toward his house. That hug was a fluke, and it’s my fault. All of this is my fault. Reid warned me life here would be complicated, but I’d expected the danger. I didn’t expect this ridiculous feud between Julien and Reid to somehow magnify to include myself. It’s not fair to any of us. I’d blame it on my inexperience, but I don’t want to choose between them, because I can’t imagine life without them in it.
It’s selfish and definitely immature. It’s me, apparently.
I turn my attention to Julien and eye him curiously as he gazes through the trees at the setting sun. His blue eyes are worried, and his usual, perfect, raven hair is noticeably disheveled. The fragile light of the evening reflects off his face, and it makes me feel even worse.
“I don’t like to lie,” he says casually, “especially to the people I care about. I usually make a point to avoid it entirely. I plan on finally making things right tonight.”
My heart sputters in my chest, while a nervous chill creeps down my spine, dispensing with every ounce of heat in my body. A Reid-esque lecture almost bursts out of me at his confession, but I very calmly keep my features straight. “What have you lied to me about?”
He looks over at me and smirks. It’s the closest thing I’ve seen to a smile in days. “Nothing.”
“Then who are you referring to?”
He gently takes my hand, placing an unmovable grip around it. “My grandmother,” he says quietly. “Don’t you remember? You made me promise to tell her about us.”
Us. The unusual, strained emphasis he places on it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Is there an us? Do I want there to be?
“Oh,” I say lamely, because now that he mentions it, I do remember.
“My grandmother doesn’t approve of me hanging out with anyone, especially one of the Innocent,” he explains. “It’s kind of an unwritten rule around here. She won’t be happy about it.”
“What does she think you’ve been doing with all your time lately?”
“That’s the thing.” He grins, shoving his hands nervously in his pockets. “I’m running out of believable excuses. I told her I was going to help my grandfather at the orchard today, and she requested a bushel of apples.”
I smile over at him. “And instead apples, you’re bringing her me?”
“She has to meet you,” he says softly. “She won’t understand unless she meets you.”
It’s the way he says it, the tenderness in his voice, that makes my heart ache. He notices my reaction and moves away, only to turn around, returning his features to normal.
“Welcome back to Raven Ridge.” He stretches his hand out before us to showcase the bed of red tulips that dance in the breeze at our feet.
My gaze widens as I take in the expanding picture of Julien’s house. It rises, tall and powerful, into the trees that loom over it, the sun spilling down as if to highlight its beauty. It’s old, Victorian, with dark orange, chipped bricks that clash with the surrounding flowers that seem to be everywhere. It’s just as I remember it, except much more intimidating up close. “I’m assuming your grandmother really likes red tulips,” I say absently, just
to say something.
Julien bends down in front of the flowers sprouting up next to the pathway leading up to the porch, his finger outlining the petals gently. “It’s a reminder,” he says softly, looking up at me. “She wants me to remember red doesn’t always have to mean death, but it can symbolize life as well.”
My heart sinks, the smile fading quickly from my lips as I imagine what life must be like for his family who loves him so dearly. The fear of losing him is constantly on their minds. I don’t know his grandmother, but I pity her.
“Don’t.” Julien catches my change of expression, quickly coming to his feet, and pulls me into his arms. “Don’t you dare look at me like that.”
“Like what?” My voices goes damp with the surprising surge of emotion.
I don’t know why, or even how it happens, but her pain suddenly becomes my own. The thought of Julien, this Julien who smiles so charmingly and holds me so gently, turning into a monster without even an ounce of compassion breaks me in two.
It’s not fair.
“Don’t mourn me yet,” he says. “I’m still here. I’m still me, and that is not changing.”
I swallow back the tears that brim my eyes and let my head fall against his chest. His fingers find my hair, his lips my cheek, and I can’t hold it any longer. The whimper escapes me, and one lonely tear streaks down to my chin.
“Damn it, Willa.”
“I’m sorry.” I suck in my breath to calm myself. “It’s just…” I trail off, unable to finish, because I don’t know how to explain the way it makes me feel. I can’t think of the right words to express the void I feel in my heart as I imagine the absence of him in my life.
“Just what?”
My lashes feel wet, evidence of the turmoil inside me. He waits, patiently allowing me to gather my thoughts, and more importantly, my mixed feelings. I can’t allow my weakness to ruin the little happiness he’s found in this short amount of life he gets to live freely.
I steel myself, barricading my emotions, the same way I do when I want to stop my powers from possessing me. When I look up at him again, my eyes are focused, determined to somehow convince him I can be his rock instead of the sand that will only drag him under. I can be his friend no matter how this turns out.
Frog Hollow (Witches of Sanctuary Book 1) Page 17
