Not if I can figure out a way to get rid of this horrible spell…
With a thrust of her feet and flap of her wings, she launched into the air. Flying was the one thing she liked about being a bird; she might even miss it when it was all over.
Her gaze skimmed the street, and she spotted a dreamy guy sitting in a blue Mustang in front of Illusions. She executed a deep dive and perched on a wire not far from him. She dipped her head and then straightened abruptly. It was the same guy she’d been eyeing last night at Mummy’s!
Damn, he was gorgeous. He had a deep tan and his short hair was spiked fashionably. He drummed his fingers on the side mirror as if waiting for someone to exit the store.
She flew closer, landing on the THIRTY-MINUTE PARKING sign, right in front of his car.
He stared at her, narrowing his eyes. His brow furrowed.
Sasha filled her birdy lungs with air. “What a hunk.”
He leaned forward, a dreamy smile curling his lips.
Dear Gods, had she said that out loud? Her heart fluttered. And hell’s bells, he gave her an odd feeling—calm and excited at the same time. She ruffled her feathers.
Gradually, he extended his palm, motioning for her to come to him.
What? Did he expect her to land on his hand?
It was an unexpected invitation…
Moving entirely on intuition, she glided and rested on his open palm, staring at him, studying him, trying to figure out why she felt this heady connection to him. For some reason, she trusted him to keep her safe, to—
The jewelry store door opened, and the angel the man had been with at Mummy’s strolled toward the car. Sasha took to the air once more.
She couldn’t explain it, but she saw both men as warriors in their own way—rugged, dominant protectors, embodied with strength, courage, and determination.
She headed into a tall pine and waited for her heart to stop pounding.
* * *
As the gray bird flew away, a hawk crossed her path. At least he thought she was a female. He sensed it somehow.
The hawk intruded on his thoughts. You must own your power, be the visionary and seer and healer you were meant to be.
Kianso clenched his jaw, aware he was being thrust in a direction he didn’t want to go.
“What in the hell were you doing holding a bird?” Seth asked, climbing into the car and closing the door.
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” Kianso muttered.
Seth rolled his eyes. “Ugh, I’ve never liked that idiom. Way too safe. It discourages taking chances.”
“Whatever.” Kianso wasn’t sure why he’d even spouted it. Perhaps because both the hawk and Seth had caught him off guard. He tried to shake his sullen mood as he drove.
“Hungry?” he asked the archangel.
“Oh yeah. Let’s hit Howler’s on the way home.”
* * *
Sasha paced atop the picnic table in Caroline’s backyard. She hopped effortlessly over the spaces between the wooden planks. Since this afternoon, she’d had a whole lot of free time. And no matter what she did, she kept thinking of the man in the Mustang. He had nice hands, she recalled. And she couldn’t believe she trusted him, enough that she’d perched on his hand without fear or concern.
She stretched and refolded her wings. Her friend hadn’t returned from work yet.
Caroline owned a small three-bedroom house on Crossbones Drive. It was a nice place with lots of trees, a fenced-in backyard, and plenty of room for pets, which she had, of course. Three dogs and three cats lounged somewhere around the house. Caroline had wanted to keep the number even, so as not to play favorites, she’d explained.
Sasha snorted. That was Caroline—always the diplomat.
The purr of the VW pulling into the driveway drifted into the backyard. Sasha flew to the roof and peered out front.
Good. Caroline was home.
Anxiety didn’t begin to describe the tension simmering in Sasha’s stomach. She desperately needed to connect with the witches of Nocturne Falls, and tonight was her chance.
She flew down and into the house, passing Caroline as she held open the front door.
“Hey, wait until I put my stuff down before you fly into me,” Caroline said with a laugh.
Sasha landed on the back of a chair at the kitchen table. In the dining room, a tiny bird popped out of Caroline’s grandfather clock and chirped five maddening times.
Nothing like being a bird listening to a fake bird to annoy the heck out you.
The wonderful thing was, on the clock’s final chirp, Sasha changed into her human form. She stretched, extending her arms over her head and then bending over to touch her toes. She finished by elongating the muscles of her hips and back.
“How was your day?” Sasha asked, trying not to be as pushy as she felt. What she really wanted to do was get to Nick’s place for the engagement party and talk to the witches. But she was well aware that she needed to chill and move slowly in that respect. She was essentially crashing the event, which wasn’t something she was very comfortable with. It was a special occasion, and she didn’t want to do anything to detract from the couple.
She inhaled a deep, calming breath. “Mind if I take a shower?” she asked.
“I told you,” Caroline said, “make yourself at home.”
Sasha smiled. “Thanks.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
“What time do you want to leave?” Sasha sauntered to the fridge, opened it, and peered inside, looking for a snack to eat before she got ready. She grabbed a cheese stick. As she peeled the wrapper back, Fritz, a male dachshund, trotted over and sat up on his hind legs.
“Fritz, stop begging,” Caroline admonished.
The wiener dog held his position, eyes intently fixed on Sasha. She didn’t mind; she always saved the last bite of her food for the animals, anyway.
Caroline grinned. “Since Nick’s place is right next door, we’ll head out at six. ’Kay?”
Sasha nodded, and then tossed the wrapper in the trash. “Sounds good.”
She tried to sound positive and happy, even though her anxiety was skyrocketing. The time constraints on her human form sucked. It was better than nothing, of course, but she would have only about an hour to plead her case to Pandora and the others.
With a sigh, she spun toward the spare bedroom and bath. She took a shower, blow-dried her hair, dabbed on a bit of makeup, and dressed in the black pants and coral top she’d purchased yesterday. Her favorite band of arm beads completed the outfit. She slipped on the stretchy string, settling the pale pink and ivory crystals an inch or so above her elbow. Rotating, she checked the look in the mirror, satisfied. Since the top was a bare shoulders style, she had bought a coordinating wrap for her shoulders to ward off the chill.
Caroline was in the kitchen when Sasha entered the living area. “Wow. You look great!”
“Thanks. It feels good to dress up a little.” She paused as her throat caught. “It’s been so long since things have been…normal.”
Caroline closed the distance between them and wrapped her in a hug. “We’ll figure this out and undo the spell. Don’t you worry.”
All Sasha could do was nod.
Chapter Six
Kianso and Seth arrived slightly late to the engagement party. Evidently Seth had issues with being on time. Most of the guests had already arrived, including the guests of honor. The couple hung by the hors d’oeuvres chatting with people.
Seth presented them with his gift. “Congratulations,” he said, shaking Van’s hand and kissing MonalLisa, first on one cheek and then the other. The archangel could really pull out the charm when he wanted to.
“I’m honored you are in town and could attend,” Van said, his Russian accent evident. “It is good to see you.”
Seth dipped his head. “I feel the same.”
He introduced Kianso to Van, and the two men shook hands.
“You should visit more often. Both of
you,” Van said. “Nocturne Falls is a nice place.”
“I know. That’s why I purchased a condo in town,” Seth said.
Kianso’s gaze shot past the two men in front of him, tuning out their banter as he eyed a woman out on the veranda. Last night, she’d fled into the streets in front of the restaurant and he’d lost her. Now, here she was.
She wore a coral halter top and black skinny jeans that hugged her slim, yet shapely bottom. There was a delicacy about her frame…as if she might break easily. A band of shimmering beads wrapped her upper arm. Slowly, she turned her head and peered at him over a bare shoulder. A jolt hit him in the chest. He was inexplicably drawn to her.
“Excuse me,” he said to Seth and Van, and then began walking in her direction without taking his eyes off her. He wasn’t going to lose her this time.
He watched her as she wrapped her arms about her waist, hugging herself. His first thought was something was wrong. From deep inside him, a vision sprang forth. He inhaled sharply. He’d seen her before in a dream years ago…before he’d even fled Hawaii. Suddenly he recalled that he’d felt a link with her then, and he sensed a stronger bond with her now.
A group of women formed a semicircle around her. As he approached, he picked up bits of conversation. Someone mentioned that she was under a spell that only allowed her to be in human form for a few hours each day, and she was desperate to get back to normal. Though he wasn’t sure what normal was.
One thing he did know without question was that this woman was meant for him. It was more than love at first sight. It was two souls being connected. He understood how it was possible. At least from a shamanic point of view. But he also realized the feelings were not necessarily mutual or even that a union was a sure thing. There was many a man who missed his soul mate due to misconceptions.
Kianso tensed, unsure what her reaction to him would be. Even so, he strolled right up to her and extended his hand in greeting. “Hello. I’m Kianso Oka Kane. I couldn’t help overhearing that you have a bit of a problem.”
She froze, gazing into his eyes. Her long, dark lashes dipped slowly down and then back up as she took his hand. Electricity shot through him at her touch.
“I-I’m Sasha,” she said.
“Is there something I can do to help?” he asked.
The striking young blonde stepped forward, separating herself from the group slightly. “That’s very kind of you to come to my aid. Honestly, I can use all the help I can get with this stupid spell, but I’m not sure there’s anything you can do.”
Her words somehow warmed him from the inside out. He examined the assembly of women again. He opened up his senses in a way he hadn’t since he’d left Hawaii.
“I doubt there’s anything you can do,” the woman closest to him said with a slight laugh. She had a brunette bobbed hairdo, whiskey-brown eyes, and a petite build. “Not unless you’re a warlock or sorcerer.” She held out her hand for him to shake. “I’m Charisma, the middle sister.”
“Witches? You’re all witches?” he asked in an even tone.
“Bingo. Give the man a prize,” Marigold said.
“I’m not.” Caroline raised her hand, singling herself out. He got the feeling that she wanted him to know there was at least one approachable person among them.
“Ladies, meet the witch doctor,” Pandora said, raising a manicured brow.
“Shaman,” he corrected with a smile.
She smiled congenially back. “Sorry. When we all get together we get a little out of hand. May I introduce the witches of Nocturne Falls?” She quickly pointed out each female witch in the group as she went around the circle. “My sisters, Charisma and Marigold; my mother, Corette; Dominique; Martha; and our high priestess, Alice.”
“Ladies.” He nodded. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Absently, he realized he’d never been in the company of so much power in all his life.
Caroline lightly touched Sasha’s arm. “We need to hurry and get things set up.”
Sasha eased forward again, her eyes pleading to him. “Please allow us some privacy. I don’t have much time.”
He held out his hand, hoping she’d place hers in his. “I might be able to help.”
Accepting his offered hand, she eased into his personal space. He wrapped her hand in both of his.
“Unfortunately, I don’t know if anyone can help.” She scanned the area nervously. “And I don’t want to detract from the festivities. I only came here to introduce myself to the coven and learn if there is anything they could do. I’ll be leaving in”—she glanced at her watch and shifted closer to the women—“a few minutes.”
Pandora placed a hand on her hip, standing tall and regal. “Don’t worry. The coven will take your case under advisement.”
He wondered if she was the oldest sister. She seemed to take charge.
Sasha smiled weakly. “Good. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I just don’t know what else to do.”
Her distress tugged at his heart. He wanted to draw her into an embrace and hold her.
“Explain to us what happened,” Pandora added.
Her throat worked before Sasha spoke. “I had a misunderstanding with my friend, Lilly Reese. She got the wrong impression from her boyfriend that we had gotten together or something. In her anger, she cast a hex on me. And now—” she spread her arms wide, palms up “—I’m only human for three hours out of the day.”
“Geez. You do need our help,” Charisma said.
“The alternative is to live out the duration of the spell,” another witch commented.
“I don’t even know how long that will be,” Sasha said sadly. Then suddenly, with no fanfare at all, she shifted into a bird.
Kianso sucked air into his lungs. If he wasn’t mistaken, she was the same bird he’d encountered downtown that afternoon.
The group of witches gasped in unison.
“Poor girl,” one of them whispered.
Kianso held out the back of his hand. The bird perched on it. “Don’t worry,” he said. “We’ll figure this out together.”
He was standing in the middle of the veranda among the group of witches when Seth marched up, seeming distressed.
Seth leaned in, saying under his breath, “I’m sorry, Five-O, but I have to bug out. I received a summons from the Divine Tree in Japan.” He dropped keys into Kianso’s free hand. “I feel bad deserting you, but make yourself at home for as long as you like.” Seth knuckled-bumped his shoulder.
Kianso was taken aback. He was still reeling over what was happening with Sasha. Surprised by the turn of events, he nodded, regaining his composure. “Okay, man. No problem.”
With that, Seth saluted the ladies. He hustled into the backyard and flew upward until he vanished into a speck of bright light.
Behind him, he heard one of the witches whisper to another. “I like that archangel. I really do.”
The bird climbed up his arm onto his shoulder. He glanced around, his eyes at last settling on Pandora, drawing on his lawyer persona. “I’ll be staying at Seth’s condo at the Excelsior for the next few days. If you should come up with a strategy for Sasha, please contact me. I’d really be grateful.”
“I have a place there, also,” Charisma said, “So we can easily stay in touch.”
For a few seconds, he stood there meeting the gazes of the witches. They were all beautiful women, and by the nods of their heads and sympathetic expressions, they seemed willing to come to Sasha’s aide.
“Pandora, you may consult my library and see if there is remedy to the spell,” Corette said, nodding. “If necessary, we will contact the ACW for suggestions.”
He had no clue what she was talking about. He squinted at her and his brow furrowed.
“The American Council of Witches,” she said by way of explanation. “There are rules about casting a spell in anger,” Corette added. “Rest assured. We’re here to help.”
Kianso glanced around, past the small gathering on the porch. He wan
ted to start figuring this out now, this minute. “So, when do we leave? If there’s any way I can help, just say the word.”
Pandora strolled by him and paused to pat his cheek. “Patience. I don’t want to interfere with the festivities. We’ll begin tomorrow.”
Everyone seemed to agree. This wasn’t the time nor the place to pursue the problem at hand. The group dispersed, returning to the celebration. Kianso hung around for an hour or so, and while everyone was very friendly and inviting, he still felt like an outsider. Seth had been the one truly invited to this shindig, and he was gone.
Caroline kindly filled in the gap, introducing him around. But even though she made the extra effort, he could tell she didn’t move among the inner circles of the town. Not like Seth did. Finally, shortly after nine o’clock, he said goodnight and headed out.
Sasha had stayed perched on his shoulder the entire time he remained at the party, but outside on the front porch, she flew from him to Caroline. “I live next door if you need anything,” she explained. “You can find me there or at the pet shop.”
“Okay,” he said, smiling his thanks. “I’ll check in tomorrow.”
Chapter Seven
The room’s ambient lighting radiated a peaceful glow, yet the silence made him well aware he was alone in Seth’s condo.
Kianso flipped the switch on the wall that controlled the automatic window shades and rolled them up. He had learned this evening that Julian Ellingham owned the penthouse suite. The builders had considered everyone’s comfort in the design of the condos, hence the tinted windows. It was a nice touch. He could get used to this place.
He stood at the window gazing out into the night. The moon hung low in the cloudless western sky, a fat crescent of the last quarter bright and clear. Jupiter shone near it. Spiritual energy swirled around him, filling every crevice and pressing against him, suffocating him. The shaman connection was automatic and something he had to struggle to ignore. He tensed and fisted his hands.
He’d opened the door tonight to that mystical pathway. Darn it, for eight years he’d managed to keep it locked shut. Now, because of his feeling for Sasha, he’d ventured onto the path of healer again. He worried if the love he felt was true, or a false reading…like he’d had with his family.
The Shaman Charms the Shifter Page 4
