Enchanter

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “It was like last week.” I pulled her lunch box out and nabbed the donut, one of the round ones with yellow icing. “So, what should I do about Guy?”

  “You need to stop kissing him, and double the marshmallows next time in the rocky road.”

  “You are so insightful, but he’s the one kissing me. You got anything else, oh-so-wise-one?”

  “I really like it when you double the nuts too.” She smiled as she sat up. “I know. What if you ’path me whenever he turns up? I’ll be your go-between.”

  “I can’t keep interrupting you every time I need supervision. I’m not a five-year-old.”

  “Of course you can. Hold still.” She launched to her feet and grabbed a rugby ball before it hit us. She tossed it back to the guys who’d come out to play a game. “Oh, there’s Belle. Davio must have thought I needed our empath today.”

  Belle skipped past the tech building in her skinny white jeans and a pale pink t-shirt. She adjusted her school bag over her shoulder and waved.

  “Faith, why don’t we bring Belle into the fold? Like me, she’ll understand your problem. I could certainly use the help.”

  “Hmm.” She scrunched up her face as she did when in deep thought. “You might be right. I’ll run that scenario.” Her violet eyes glazed as she focused. “Belle’s for peace, not war. I don’t see her spilling to Davio or Silas.”

  “You don’t see me spilling what?” Belle plopped onto the ground beside us. “What are you two conspiring to do this time?”

  Faith wriggled around on her bottom. “Get ready, because this news is a little nasty, Belle.”

  During the telling of Faith’s forewarning, Belle’s face went white. “That’s horrendous. Wincrest can’t be allowed to do that, and slayers? They’re the worst of their warriors.” Her gaze jolted to mine. “Who else knows about this?”

  “Hope and Guy. That’s why Guy’s still sticking around. Faith’s seen I need his aid on this, and he agreed to help me.”

  “No, he’s helping because of more than that. I’m an empath, remember?”

  “If he feels more, it’s only because of the bond.”

  “Yeah, but the bond is also too important to simply toss aside. Deep down, he must recognize it. I certainly wish my mate had the guts to come for me.” She shoved her long dark locks over her shoulder.

  “I’m sorry, Belle.” For her, the loss of her mate had to be incredibly painful.

  “I’ve waited almost two years.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to toss it aside, but I’ve no longer got a choice. Sorrell asked me out. I said yes.”

  “Sorrell?” Faith gripped her hand. “The protector who leads the mountain team? But he’s a bear of a man and so aggressive. You two would hardly suit.”

  “His emotions actually run at an even level, and that’s easier for me to process than the huge fluctuations I get around others.”

  “But Sorrell? He cares for no one. Are you sure?”

  “He needs to be shown love to feel it.”

  “You sound as if you pity him.”

  She fidgeted with the hem of her pink t-shirt. “Sorrell needs a tender touch, and I can offer him that. My decision is made.”

  No, the man would stifle Belle’s emotions. He was the last person she needed.

  “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Faith muttered in my head.

  I didn’t doubt I was. I projected my thoughts for her to read, then said, “We’ll work on her next, but one problem at a time.” Sheesh, this day was just getting worse. Problems abounding everywhere.

  “Hey, watch your emotions, Silvie.” Belle jerked back. “I’m feeling a touch hot. Maybe I shouldn’t have told you about Sorrell, not when you’re dealing with enough issues of your own.”

  “I’m good, Belle. What I can’t deal with is the fact Guy aligned our hearts.” My blood heated and pulsed at the mere thought of what he’d done this morning. “He’s too controlling, and he doesn’t listen to a word I say.”

  “Okay.” Belle shuffled back farther. “We really need to change the subject, now. Think cold stuff.”

  “What I’ve gotta do is deal with how I’m feeling, and not keep bottling it up.”

  “No, you need to cool down. We’re at school, and there’re other students about.” Belle pointed to the half-eaten donut in my hand. The icing melted and dribbled. It splattered with a hiss and a spit onto my fingers. “That’s more than just a little bottling.”

  “I had good control over my flare-up last night. I’ve got this.” Only my fingertips blazed red, not yet alight, but looking ready to go. “Oooh, that is so pretty. Maybe I should just go with the flow and consume and burn. That would be so hot.”

  “No, it wouldn’t,” Faith growled. “Don’t make me ’path Guy to come and get you out of here. You’re dangerously close to losing it.”

  “Am not.” I held up my hands. The red glowed brighter. Oh yeah, perfect. Consume and burn. “It’s amazing, isn’t it? Look how—”

  “Right, ’pathing him now.”

  “I’m just teasing.”

  “I’m not.”

  Belle’s cheeks bloomed bright red. “Cold thoughts are your first tactical response to lowering your heat. I know you’re enjoying this, but remember what the book said.”

  “Then let me enjoy it a little—”

  “I’m here.” Guy stepped out from behind the trunk and jogged toward us. Water sloshed from a pail in his hands. “Faith called.”

  “Don’t you dare even think it!” He was not throwing that at me. I scrambled to my feet, but too late. He dumped the contents over me and steam shot from my hands. “No. They weren’t even alight. I had it under control.”

  He dropped the pail and cupped my cheeks. “What control? Faith said you needed me. Emergency 101.”

  “101 means it’s a non-emergency.” I shook my head and icy water flew. “You need to learn your numbers.”

  Faith chuckled and crossed to me. “Oops, I may have sounded more urgent than I meant. You want me to take you home to change?” She tucked my soggy hair behind my ears.

  “No, I have a change of clothes in my locker. You. Come.” I seized Faith’s hand and dragged her after me.

  Belle’s giggles traveled on the breeze, and Guy’s laughter joined hers.

  Oh boy, I was so gonna get him back.

  Big time.

  * * * *

  “There’s Zayn.” Faith pointed to where he stood leaning against a tree after the final school bell had rung.

  “We’re going to train together. Do you wanna come?”

  “Nah, homework beckons. Just remember what I said about not spending too much time with him.”

  “Hey, girls. How was your day?” Zayn pushed off the tree.

  “Sunny, except for an odd burst of rain.” Faith winked at me, stepped behind the tree and ’ported.

  “You want to explain?” he asked.

  “Nope.” I grabbed his hand. “You need to zap us to that secluded beach spot before my annoying mate turns up. I’m surprised he’s not here already.”

  “I’m onto it. You don’t need to tell me twice.” He grinned as he ’ported us.

  Through the dark we traveled, and then we arrived in the most glorious place on Earth. I twirled with my arms up high. Ahh, the sun blazed down, its heat soaking into my skin and replenishing me. “Fab-u-lous.”

  “This is the perfect spot for training.”

  “Is it ever.” A forest of pines rose beyond the sand dunes, and dry, wilted grass edged the towering trees. My mouth watered as I ogled all that tinder-dry land. Mmm, a forest full of kindling, just waiting to be set aflame. What a sight that would be; a fire unparalleled to any other would rage. Oh yeah. Within the fire was such beauty, the stunning colors of burnt orange and sizzling red. I loved those colors, but more, I loved the heat. So warm. I wanted to feel—

  “Silvie? Where are you going?”

  I was off, jogging over the sandy rise.

  “Hey, wai
t. Shoot, there’s a blast of heat coming off you.”

  My fingers itched to light up, and everything within me yearned to burn.

  6

  At my feet the dry grass curled at the tips and blistered.

  “Silvie, listen to me.” Zayn raced past and came around in front. He shoved up his hands as he hiked it backward. “You’ve seriously gotta stop.”

  “No, I’ve gotta make a fire.”

  “I know you do, but not like this. We’re here for training, not to ignite a forest.”

  “That’s training, just on a larger scale. Why does everyone wants to stop me from having fun today?”

  “There’s fun, and then there’s wiping out the home of countless animals and birds.”

  “Animals?” I staggered to a stop. Birds soared above then dipped to land on the highest branches where they nested. “No, I can’t hurt them.”

  “There’s also a camping ground only five miles from here. What happens if people are tramping or exploring these woods?”

  I shivered and rubbed my arms, my need to blaze dying a fast death. “Zayn? Take me away from here.”

  He pulled me into his arms. “You’re cool again. That’s amazing.”

  “I mean it. Take me away from here. I don’t want to bring about the kind of harm you just said.”

  “No, we’re staying. This is what your training is all about. Look how quickly you controlled your impulses. Come on. I have an idea.” He guided me to the beach, collecting driftwood along the way. Where the dunes provided shelter in a protected area on the sand, he hunkered down and scooped out a hole.

  “A fire pit?”

  “Yeah, I want to see you make a fire. A small, controlled one.” He patted the spot beside him.

  “You think I can do it?” I knelt and helped him pile the wood up.

  “I know you can. I’m ready whenever you are.”

  Okay, I could do this. I shook out my hands. Fire. My fingertips warmed and sparked. I touched the dry stringy bark. A tendril of smoke snaked up. Ahh, now this was what I wanted.

  “Great.” Zayn touched my arm. “Your skin feels warm but not hot. There’s no heat wave at all.”

  “Are you sure? I’m making fire without getting hot?”

  “Yes, but that could be because your flame is small, and the source of what you want to burn, minor. Extinguish your fire, and we’ll work on something bigger.”

  I studied the curious seagulls hopping closer. They were beautiful, and this was their home. I wouldn’t allow my fire to harm them. The flames at my fingertips spluttered out.

  “Perfect.” Zayn beamed.

  “I did it.” I jumped up. “I did it.”

  He joined me, swung me off my feet. “Congrats.”

  “You. Did. What?”

  Guy’s deep voice rumbled from along the beach. He strode toward us. He did not look happy, only, I was way too excited to worry about it.

  “Hey.” I ran and danced around him. “You should have seen what I just did. I controlled my fire and not by cold thoughts, but by not wanting to bring harm. It was so much better.”

  His frown deepened. “You should have waited for me when you finished school.”

  “But I controlled my fire.” I grabbed his hands. “Be happy for me.”

  “You’re lucky Faith told me where you were.”

  “Look.” I lugged him to the fire pit and jabbed at the burning wood. “I controlled the fire within me.” Couldn’t he see what I’d achieved?

  “She’s got this nailed. There wasn’t even any heat coming off her.” Zayn scooped sand and tossed it over the fire. It spat and died. “Silvie, we need to extend your training.”

  “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

  “She’s not doing that with you. Excuse us.” Guy held me tight as he ’ported us. We arrived in the stables, and he checked behind him. “Good. He got the point and didn’t follow.”

  “That wasn’t very polite.”

  “Do I look like I care? No.” He lifted my arms and wrapped them around his neck, bringing me against him. “I missed you today, and when I find you, it’s with him.”

  “Did you just say you missed me?” Surely not.

  “Hell, yes, I missed you.” He kissed me, a hot melding that made my temperature rise. Then he tipped me back, kissing me even deeper, until every inch of me warmed for more.

  He groaned. “We’ve gotta stop doing this.”

  “You started it,” I mumbled against his lips. “Although, I’m in complete agreement. We’ve gotta stop.”

  “You make me forget. You make me wish for more.”

  “And you’re a terrible influence on me.” I ran my finger in a saucy swirl down his chest and over his abs, his wickedly toned abs. He needed to stop working out with a sword, kick back and eat a ton of junk food. Whatever it took, he had to lose this physique that tempted me beyond reason. “Why don’t you back up before we both do something we’ll regret?”

  He caught my finger and brought it to his lips.

  “That’s not backing up.” Which meant it was up to me. I ducked around him and out into the blinding sunshine.

  “Silvie, you can’t just walk off.” He chased after me.

  “Yes, I can.” I continued on, firing up my link to Faith. “Hey, I need a pickup. The outback.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Home, and without your help.”

  “I’m already there, Silvie. I wanted to chat to Hope. We’re in her room. Do you see the homestead?”

  On the hill, a sprawling earth-toned homestead of clay bricks and mortar proudly stood. It was magnificent in design, three-stories high with a wide wraparound porch. A castle for a king, even though Donaldo Wincrest didn’t reside here. “I see it.”

  I cut a path across the baked earth and under a towering stand of eucalyptus trees. A touch of shade cooled my skin from the delicious heat. I picked up my pace to pass out from underneath it. There. Faith and Hope waved from the top corner balcony.

  “You can’t leave.” Guy strode beside me. “We have a problem we need to work on.”

  “I’ll work on it with the girls.”

  “No, we’ll work on it with the girls.” He pulled me to a stop, and before I could say no, the dark ensued. We arrived on Hope’s balcony.

  “You have a terrible habit of taking over.” And I couldn’t let him. I shoved my hair over my shoulder and faced Faith. “From now on I’ve got to do this on my own. I’m firing my mate. He’s off the job. You’re with me on that, right?” I couldn’t say it any plainer.

  Faith struck a wide-eyed look at Guy. “What did you do now?”

  “I can’t stop kissing her.” He opened the glass slider, looking not one bit contrite. “Ladies first.”

  White lace curtains fluttered against my legs as I stormed in. How did I get through to him he had to leave? I gripped the smooth, round end post of Hope’s New Zealand rimu bed, trying not to tangle my fingers in the white netting trickling from the canopy. “He also said he missed me. This really isn’t working out the way it should.”

  “Then we’ll sort this problem fast.” Faith plopped onto the bed. “Between the four of us, we’ll come up with an answer.”

  Hope squeezed my shoulder. “I’ll do what I can to help.”

  Guy settled on the corner settee padded in blue velvet. “I’ve got an idea. Since I’m here to aid Silvie, what better way than with my skill? I have a spell which can loosen subconscious thoughts so they come to the forefront of the mind.” He leaned forward, elbows to his knees as he eyed me. “You want to give it a go?”

  “Is it safe?”

  “I’d never place your life in danger. Only you will see the thoughts you release.” He held out a hand. “Let’s try it.”

  I plodded across the room and joined him on the settee. I was game. We needed a resolution, and fast. “How does this work?”

  “Simply look into my eyes.” He took my hands. “And relax.”

  “Then don’t look at me
too intensely and I might.” I faced him, touching my knees to his.

  “I’m sorry I’ve made things more difficult for you. It was never my intention.” The silver rimming the blue of his eyes swirled to life. “Are you ready?”

  “Like yesterday.”

  “Then let’s begin.” He stroked my palms with his thumbs. “My mate, within your mind and hidden deep, is an answer only you must seek. Dislodge and release, send it spinning free, allow it to ride and think only of thee.”

  My stomach rolled and pitched. Or was that my head? I toppled forward.

  “I’ve got you.” He caught me. “Close your eyes. It’ll help.”

  As I did the dark embraced me. Memories spun, a mirage of pictures rolling one after the other, all flinging backward through time. Finally they slowed then dripped past until only one remained.

  The rain had finally cleared. Faith’s mother Kate had bundled us girls up in our winter coats and walked us to the park. At six, our energy was boundless. Faith had raced ahead and clambered up the steps of the rocket slide. She made the top rung then shuffled onto her bottom.

  I ran toward her with a giggle, almost sliding over in the soggy grass. “There’s a puddle. You’re gonna get so dirty.”

  “No, I won’t. Come up.” She rocked back and forth. “If we go down together, we’ll go so fast, we’ll miss the puddle and zing right off the end.”

  “Nah-ah.” Cold muddy water with insects flying over top. Ick. Not for me. “I don’t like getting wet.”

  “Scaredy-cat.” Tongue poked out, she shoved her thumbs in her ears and twiddled her fingers.

  “I’m not scared, and you better hurry before your mum comes.”

  “I’m already here.” Kate rushed in. “What do you think you’re doing, Faith? We came for the swings.”

  “Okay, I’m coming down.” Faith laughed as she pushed off. Her coat snagged on something and she squealed. She toppled forward and rolled down. “Mum-mie.”

  Kate dashed forward, but Faith plowed off the end and landed in the middle of the puddle. Mucky water sprayed everywhere.