Josh said, “We aren’t going to be here in two weeks. I’ve already missed so much school, it’ll be a miracle if I graduate on time.”
Channie had done everything in her power to avoid this particular conversation. So far, she’d been able to distract Josh every time he mentioned going home. But now that they couldn’t have sex, she no longer had the means to refocus his attention.
Aunt Wisdom put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. “School is the least of your concerns. It takes the average mage ten years to learn what you’ll need to know by next winter’s solstice.”
“I’m not taking a year off from school just so I can learn how to zap people. And I’m not waiting two weeks to have sex with my wife.”
By now Channie’s cheeks felt as if they were on fire.
Aunt Wisdom closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them and took a slow, deep breath before she spoke. “While you’ve been rolling around in bed, good men and women have died fighting your war.”
The blood drained from Josh’s face. “What do you mean, my war?”
“Someone tried to assassinate the Queen the night of your wedding. And while that would have been convenient, you aren’t ready to assume the throne.”
Josh let go of Channie’s hand and struggled into a sitting position. He held the hair off his forehead with both hands. “I never asked for any of this. I don’t want people fighting and dying for me. I don’t want anyone’s stupid throne!”
“The minute you and Channie opened the Book of the Dead, you set all of this in motion. So, yes, you did ask for it even if you didn’t realize it at the time. And what you want is irrelevant.”
“Not to me, it’s not! In fact I don’t think I’m going to show up for your little party on solstice night.”
Guilt contaminated the relief Channie felt at Josh’s declaration. She knew the consequences would be dire for all mages if Josh didn’t fulfill his destiny. But if she had to choose between Josh and all other mages, she’d choose him.
Josh narrowed his eyes. “As soon as I learn how to protect Channie, we’re outta here.”
“You can’t leave the protection of my misdirection spells. Not while the trackers are still in the area. And you have to fight on solstice night. The Book of the Dead declared it. You can’t run from destiny.” Aunt Wisdom closed her eyes as if in a trance and quoted the book…
Son of Vengeance seeking light,
Grasp the hilt and join the fight.
Claim your place among your kin
And lay to rest your father’s sin.
For you were born to rule and reign,
To save us all from ruin and pain.
You have one year to learn and grow,
To gain the skills you need to know.
For the total eclipse on solstice night
Ordains the heir that wins the fight.
Nothing is promised, nothing is given,
When you do your best, all is forgiven.
Follow your heart and save her life,
Take the enemy’s daughter and make her your wife.
“I’m sure my mom isn’t the only woman Vengeance Veyjivik seduced. I’ll bet I’m not the only ‘Son of Vengeance’ on the planet.”
“Are you saying you shouldn’t have married Channie? Are you the wrong man for her? Should I try to find one of your half-brothers and bind him to her?”
“You already told me there’s no divorce in the mage world so you can’t manipulate me with that empty threat.”
“Josh, you have to accept responsibility for your actions. You opened the book. You are a royal mage and the rightful heir to the throne. Deal with it.”
Channie’s throat tightened. She sat back on her heels and bowed her head. “I’m the one that stole the book.”
Aunt Wisdom leaned over and put a finger under Channie’s chin, tilting her face up until she was forced to meet her gaze. “It’s his name on the cover. And it’s his grandmother that’s threatening to destroy our world. She has to be stopped. At any cost.”
“Not if it costs Josh his life. That’s asking too much.”
“Tell that to the families of the men and women that have already died.”
Hunter said, “Who died?”
Aunt Wisdom sighed. Channie knew her well enough to know she wasn’t going to let this go. She’d allow the change of subject, but she wasn’t done harassing Josh. Not by a long shot. “No one you know. The Ozark Mages aren’t the only ones worried about the way Dominance Veyjivik is grasping for even more power. I suspect it was someone from one of the Appalachia clans.”
Josh said, “How many clans are there?”
“Too many to name. The Ozark community is the smallest with fourteen allied clans. The Cumberland Mages have thirty-two. The majority are unallied and scattered all over Appalachia.” Aunt Wisdom pulled on her coat and slid her hands into fur-lined gloves. “Hunter, go start a fire in the pit and heat up about a dozen rocks to warm the bed.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Keep an eye on the place. I don’t expect any trouble, but on the off chance that someone defeats my misdirection spells, Josh is too weak to fight. You’ll need to protect him and Channie.”
Hunter fidgeted and looked at the floor, peering at Aunt Wisdom from beneath lowered lashes. “It’s mighty cold outside, even with a fire.”
“Once you’ve heated up the rocks, come on inside. You can sleep on the floor.”
Josh groaned as if he were in pain. “For how long? This shack isn’t big enough for three people.”
Hunter edged closer to the door. “Beggin’ your pardon, Mr. Veyjivik. I shouldn’t have complained. I’ll just go chop some extra wood, the exercise’ll keep me warm.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m not going to make you stay outside in a blizzard, no matter how much you annoy me. And don’t call me ‘Mr. Veyjivik.’ I don’t care what that stupid book says. I’m still an Abrim.
“Yessir, Mr. Abrim.”
“It’s Josh, okay?”
“Sure thing, Mr. Josh. Whatever you say.”
“I’m not Mr. anybody! Just call me Josh.”
Hunter chewed on the corner of his mouth and shook his head slowly. “You’re gonna be king someday.”
Josh clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth.
Channie brushed the hair out of his eyes then leaned over and kissed his cheek. She dropped her voice so only Josh could hear. “Let it go.”
Aunt Wisdom said, “I’m going to go buy a gasoline generator and electric heater. I don’t want anyone wasting any more energy on warmth spells. You two stay put and let Hunter take care of things. And you,” She narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger at Josh. “Stay away from Channie.”
~***~
No matter what Channie did, Josh seemed grumpier and more depressed every day. She was sorry he was so unhappy about the situation, but she couldn’t help it if she enjoyed spending more time talking and just snuggling. They’d gone from not even being able to hold hands to being able to do everything in such a short span of time that Channie felt cheated. She’d never admit that to Josh, but it seemed like sex was all he cared about.
He didn’t even thank Aunt Wisdom when she brought them the gasoline generator, electric heater and hotplate. But Channie had enough gratitude for both of them.
The little hut was beginning to feel like a home. Especially after Aunt Wisdom replaced the plywood over the window with glass and unloaded a truckload of potted plants. The plants were for Josh — so he could learn to tap into their energy and speed his recovery — but Channie enjoyed them too. What was left of them anyway. There was a dead ficus tree, two dried up ferns and a dying philodendron testifying to Josh’s lack of control.
The final transformation from hut to home, occurred on December 20, the day before Josh’s birthday, when Channie hung curtains over the windows.
As soon as she learned they were going to have real windows, Channie asked Hunter to bring Momma’s rag box and sew
ing kit from the cabin. There was a scrap of fabric from every item of clothing Momma had ever sewn, from her great grandmother’s burial gown to the trips’ baby clothes. Each square stirred a memory that pricked Channie’s heart more often than the needle pricked her fingers.
Channie loved living with Josh and seeing Aunt Wisdom again had lifted a weight from her shoulders she hadn’t known she was carrying. But she missed her family. She even missed Colorado. As unhappy as she’d been at Monarch High School, she’d loved living in the modern house Momma and Daddy rented next to Heritage Park.
Channie had grown up in a log cabin without running water, indoor plumbing or electricity so she was better prepared for living in the shack than Josh, but it was still hard. A twinge of jealousy crept under her skin at the thought of Hunter living in the cabin her daddy had built with his own hands, while she and Josh had to make do in an abandoned shack.
It wasn’t Hunter’s fault the Veyjivik spies had insisted he live there so he’d know the instant Channie’s family returned. And it was too dangerous for Channie and Josh to stay in any of the abandoned cabins, left by the other clans fleeing from Dominance’s wrath. Still, she couldn’t help wishing things were different as she nailed the curtains to the walls over the windows.
The next morning, Channie woke up with Josh’s face two inches from hers. He smiled and said, “Good morning, Mrs. Abrim.”
Channie smiled back. She’d never get tired of waking up next to Josh, or hearing him call her “Mrs. Abrim.” Technically, she was “Mrs. Veyjivik” since she and Josh were bound with the magic of his power-name, but neither of them liked the reminder that Josh had been born into the enemies’ clan. She yawned then kept her hand over her mouth to hide her morning breath. “Happy birthday, Josh.”
His pupils dilated, darkening his eyes. “Guess what I want for my birthday.”
Ah-oh. Channie shook her head. “Josh, we can’t. Aunt Wisdom said—”
“What difference will two more days make?” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Aunt Wisdom wants to examine you first.”
“Why don’t you examine me instead.” He grabbed her wrist and guided her hand under his pajama shirt to the rock hard muscles of his belly.
Channie knew Josh was just trying to seduce her, but his suggestive comment reminded her that she’d lost the ability to ever examine anyone with magic. She pulled her hand away and sighed.
“Come on, Channie.” He lifted the inside corners of his eyebrows and gave her his sad-puppy look. “It’s my birthday.”
Channie cupped his cheek in her hand and traced his lower lip with her thumb.“Do you remember a couple of months ago, when we were talking about your birthday and I asked you what you wanted?”
“I said all I wanted was a kiss. But that was before we were married. I need you.”
“Do you want that kiss or not?”
Josh leaned in, but Channie pressed her fingers over his lips. “I need to brush my teeth. It wouldn’t be much of a gift if my breath makes you gag.”
He caught her fingers between his teeth and gave them a playful nip then pulled her hand away from his mouth and kissed her. He tasted like spearmint.
Channie pulled back and said, “No fair. You’ve already brushed your teeth.” He must have gotten up while she was still sleeping then snuck back into bed.
“All’s fair in love and war, babe.” He kissed her again then rolled her onto her back.
She closed her eyes and gave in to the pleasure of his kiss and the thrill of his body pressed against hers.
A soft tapping at the door jerked Channie out of her lust-filled daze. Josh threw his shield over her so fast, there was no way it could have been anything but instinctive. He crouched over her, sheltering her with his body as well as his magic.
“Who’s there!”
“It’s just me, Hunter Feenie.”
Josh’s energy flashed from high-alert to irate then settled somewhere between disappointed and devastated. He collapsed on top of Channie and buried his face in her hair. “Go. Away.”
“Sorry to bother you, Mr. Josh but Miss Wisdom told me I was supposed to start your training today.”
Channie wove her fingers through Josh’s hair and lifted his head, forcing him to meet her gaze. “Be nice.”
He groaned and said, “I’m always nice,” as if it were a bad thing, then raised his chin and glared at the door. “Hang on. I’ll be out in a second.”
“Take your time, Mr. Josh.”
Yes, take your time. Channie chewed her lip as she watched Josh peel off his flannel pajamas. She admired his bare back as he sat on the edge of the bed and tied his shoes.
Josh pulled a sapphire-blue sweater on over his head then lifted his chin and stared at the ceiling. “That butt-kissing attitude of his is driving me crazy.”
“He’s just scared. Give him some time. He’ll relax once he realizes you don’t want to kill him.”
“What makes you think I don’t?”
“Because I know you. And you know you have no reason to be jealous of Hunter.”
Josh twisted around and leaned over Channie, putting his hands on either side of her hips then pressed his forehead against hers. “He has nothing to worry about — as long as he stays the hell away from you.”
Channie wove her fingers through his hair and kissed the tip of his nose. “Hunter and I’ve known each other all our lives. He’s my friend. So please, stop intimidating him. Besides, you two are blood related.”
“Crap. I forgot he’s a royal mage.” Josh sat back and wrinkled his nose. “Just how closely related are we?”
“Hunter’s grandfather, on his momma’s side, was Dominance’s brother, which means Hunter is your second cousin.”
Josh’s eyes flicked back and forth as he processed that bit of information. It was clear he didn’t like the idea of being related to Hunter.
“You can’t afford to alienate him. He’s the only mage still in the area that’s willing and able to train you.” Everyone else had either run away, like Channie’s family — or they’d joined Aunt Wisdom’s secret band of rebels and were hidden away at her secret training camp.
Another knock on the door startled them both. But this time it was Aunt Wisdom. “Hurry it up in there, I don’t have all day.”
Channie said, “Yes ma’am,” and climbed out of bed. She shouldn’t have been surprised. It was only natural that Aunt Wisdom would want to witness Josh’s first real training session.
Josh handed Channie her clothes and watched her get dressed with hungry eyes. The shiver that ran down her spine was part self-conscious nerves and part lust. Cuddling was nice, but she was ready to start acting like a married couple again.
Ever the gentleman, Josh stepped in front of her to open and hold the door. He brushed her cheek with his lips as she passed then smacked her butt. So much for gentlemanly behavior.
Aunt Wisdom started scanning Josh as soon as he stepped outside. “You’ve made quite a bit of progress. I think you can handle casting a few curses, as long as you take it easy.”
“So … that means I’m strong enough to start bonding with Channie again, right?”
Hunter balled his hands into fists and looked Josh in the eye for the first time since they’d learned he was a mage. He trembled like a cornered rabbit, but kept his gaze locked on Josh. “Your wife has a price on her head. You need to learn how to protect her.”
“And you need to shut your mouth before I do it for you.”
Channie put one hand on his shoulder and the other on the inside of his elbow, tugging him closer so she could whisper in his ear. “Josh, don’t. If you lose your temper and accidentally curse Hunter, you could kill him.”
“I don’t like his snotty attitude.”
“It took a lot of courage for him to speak out like that.”
“I don’t care, I still don’t like him.”
“Josh, please.”
He sighed then kissed the top of
her head.
Aunt Wisdom cleared her throat and said, “Follow me,” then led everyone around to the back of the shack where a live-trap held a snarling possum.
Hunter grinned and said, “That’s the little thief that’s been stealing my eggs!”
Channie decided to remind Hunter that his eggs came from her momma’s hens. “Those ain’t your eggs. Just cause the Veyjivik clan ordered you to set up spy quarters in my family’s cabin, don’t mean you git to claim it as your own.”
Aunt Wisdom shot her an irritated look. Channie was pretty sure it was because she’d slipped into the local dialect and not because she’d been rude to Hunter. The kids that attended Wisdom’s Academy of Magic and Modern Living were teased for using correct grammar and enunciation. But at Monarch, Channie had been ridiculed for her hillbilly accent.
Aunt Wisdom returned her gaze to the possum and said, “I caught him this morning and thought he might prove useful.”
Josh bent down and peered into the cage. The possum hissed then froze and tipped onto its side.
Josh jumped back and said, “What the hell?”
Channie, Hunter and Aunt Wisdom all laughed. Josh frowned and jiggled the cage. The possum didn’t even twitch.
Channie tried to stop laughing but it was impossible. “Haven’t you ever heard of playing possum?”
“It looks like a huge rat. A very dead, huge rat.”
“They play dead to discourage predators.”
“It doesn’t look like he’s playing to me.”
Hunter said, “It ain’t an act. When a possum gets scared, it freezes up and sort of faints. She cain’t help it.”
Josh said, “She? How can you tell it’s a female?”
Hunter pointed at the possum’s belly. “See that?”
Josh nodded.
“She’s got a litter of babies in her pouch.”
“Pouch? Like a kangaroo?”
“Yup.”
“Well, turn her loose.”
“What?”
“I said, ‘turn her loose.’ I’m not hungry enough to eat possum stew, especially not pregnant possum stew.”
TAKEN: Book Two Page 2
