Ember's Kiss

by Deborah Cooke

  Firedaughter.

  Liz’s eyes widened when she heard the whisper. It was a mere breath of sound, like a wisp of smoke on the wind, gone as soon as she perceived it. She couldn’t tell if it had been whispered in her ear or had resonated in her thoughts.

  Either way, she hadn’t been called that in years.

  Fourteen years.

  She glanced at Maureen, who was apparently oblivious. “Did you hear that?” she asked, already guessing the answer.

  “What? Oh! The engine has a little tick. It’s funny how it seems louder in the tunnels. It’s nothing to worry about.” Maureen smiled. “This car will be running long after both of us are gone.” She patted the steering wheel with affection.

  But it wasn’t the engine Liz had heard.

  It had been in her head. This was not good.

  “Just another minute,” Maureen said cheerfully. “This old volcano is high but not that broad. I’m sorry. I didn’t know that you didn’t like tunnels. Next time we’ll go around.”

  Then Liz understood what was happening. No matter how extinct it was, this volcano had a connection to the lava of the Earth’s core. She was closer to the molten heart of the planet than she’d been in a while. Had something recognized her?

  She looked around the car carefully, but she and Liz were alone.

  Firedaughter. Liz really didn’t want to think about the last time she’d heard that word. Those were memories best forgotten.

  To her relief, they shot into the sunlight a moment later and she could forget the whispered salutation. In fact, Liz gasped at her first view of the windward side of O‘ahu. It was gorgeous, all azure bays and lush greenery.

  A Garden of Eden.

  This, not a whisper in the dark, was real.

  “So, you have a scheme to tempt me here for good?” Liz asked, encouraging Maureen to elaborate. Liz had hoped that she might find more opportunity in Hawai‘i than just a guest spot at a symposium. She was interested, though, in hearing why Maureen thought she should move. “What makes you think I’d leave New England?”

  “Why not leave? You’ve no family, no husband, no boyfriend. You don’t even have a cat.”

  Liz took the role of the devil’s advocate. “But it’s where I live. I have tenure.”

  “It’s where you have lived,” Maureen countered with her usual pragmatism. “You could have tenure here, too. Might not take as long as you think.”

  Tenure, and soon. It was almost too good to be true.

  “Besides, New England’s not a place that continues to be good for you.”

  Liz glanced at Maureen in surprise and was shocked to see a brilliant pink aura dancing around her friend. She hadn’t seen auras in years, and this one was as glorious as a tropical sunset. Liz blinked and the aura was gone.

  No. It must have been an illusion. A trick of the light.

  Shaken, she looked out the window, trying to hide her reaction from her observant friend. First the whisper, now a glimpse of an aura. How could her lost powers be reappearing? It made no sense. They’d been sacrificed forever.

  And good riddance.

  Liz forced herself to continue the conversation. “Why not?” she asked, sensing that Maureen was waiting for her reply.

  “Rob, of course!”

  Rob dumping her was the least of Liz’s concerns, but she didn’t correct Maureen.

  Instead, she stole another sidelong glance. No aura. That was a relief. She must have imagined it.

  Maureen, characteristically, wasn’t so easily put off when she had something to say, and for once Liz was glad of it. “What does it serve you, seeing him every day in the lab, knowing he’s having sex every night with that woman?” Her disgust was clear. “How can you possibly move on and find your own future if you stay in the same place?”

  Liz knew that her failed relationship with Rob wasn’t an issue.

  “I don’t think it’s a problem….”

  “Nonsense!” Maureen shook a finger at Liz. “You’re just in denial.” She clicked her teeth in disapproval. “Only a man could imagine that you two could still work together as a research team after he did something like that.”

  “But then, you told me not to date him in the first place,” Liz observed with a smile.

  Maureen chuckled. “Well, I had been there and done that. Something about him reminded me of my ex in those early days.”

  It was startling to have something else in common with Maureen. Liz realized she wouldn’t mind driving around Hawai‘i in a vintage Mercedes in twenty years. That thought made her smile.

  Maureen turned off the road, then got out of the car to punch a code into a locked gate that secured a parking lot. Once back in the driver’s seat, she continued as if there’d been no interruption. “After the divorce, coming out here was the smartest thing I’ve ever done—never mind that it’s the only thing I’ve ever done for myself.” Maureen parked the car. She fixed Liz with a stern look and her eyes were the vivid blue that indicated she meant business. “It’s about time you did something for yourself, Liz. Do it sooner than I did.”

  “Is that an order?”

  Maureen grinned. “Maybe it should be.”

  Liz smiled. “Maybe you won’t be surprised to find out that I accepted the invitation to the symposium, hoping that it might lead to a more permanent connection.”

  Maureen smiled triumphantly. “Excellent! I’d been afraid I’d have to waste the week arguing this with you.” She winked. “Let the bastard miss you, in the lab at least.”

  Liz felt like a fraud for letting Maureen believe that Rob was the reason behind her choice. On the other hand, Maureen could facilitate her move. There would be lots of time to sort out the truth—if she ever did confess it.

  Liz glanced around with interest. “So, where are we?”

  “Lilipuna Pier on Kane‘ohe Bay, where we get the shuttle boat to Coconut Island. You’re going to love it.” Maureen exuded enthusiasm. “The Institute is the only thing on the island—no cars are allowed—and you’re surrounded on all sides by a magnificent coral reef. Best location possible for research, even if it is a bit inconvenient. Look—here comes the shuttle boat, right on time. We’d better move it. They keep to schedule.”

  Maureen got out of the car and Liz did the same, taking a deep breath of the ocean breeze. She loved the idea of a research lab that was remote from other people. Solitude was best for good work.

  Liz stood by the car and surveyed the island, an outcropping of coral reef with research facilities perched on it. She heard the rumble of the sea, then felt the way her body tingled in response. She felt a familiar quickening, one that she’d managed to avoid for a long time, and was glad that the Institute was surrounded by water.

  Water kept fire at bay.

  She refused to think any more about that whisper.

  Maureen continued to lecture as she hauled Liz’s bags out of the trunk. “It’s such a fabulous facility for marine research, and particularly good for the study of coral reefs. You, of all people, know that Hawai‘i’s reefs are younger than other Pacific reefs and—”

  “Biologically distinct,” Liz concluded, taking refuge in the discussion of her work. “I’m looking forward to seeing more. There must be some great data collected here.”

  Maureen shook her head as she slammed the trunk of the car. “There is data, but you’ll want to get out into the field for a change. Gather your own samples. See the reef with your own eyes. Here’s the chance to get away from the computer!”

  Liz pretended to shudder in horror. “It’s safe in the lab. No need for sunscreen. No sharks.”

  “Pshaw! With that innate sense of yours, you’d make ten times the progress if you got out into the reef. You’ll make your name here, Liz. Trust me.” Maureen glanced at Liz, expectant, but Liz just smiled.

  She was not going to get out into the field. She was not going to immerse herself in the sensory influence of the earth and the elements. That would be a losing battle
. She’d be casting circles again before she knew it.

  Science was her refuge. Nice, logical, neat science. No magic or curses came with the occupation of marine biologist, and that worked for Liz. She’d get out to the preserve, then send a grad student diving to get her samples.

  “I like the lab. It’s predictable and controllable.” Liz claimed her own bag from the older woman, knowing it was heavy, as they walked briskly toward the pier. “So, over to the island, then early to bed?”

  Maureen grinned. “Better than that.” She checked her watch. “You’ll just have time to unpack a few things before all of us go out for dinner. The regulars want to get to know the new arrivals before the symposium starts, so I chose a local favorite for our first night out. The seafood there is terrific.”

  Liz immediately tried to decline. “But I could use some sleep….”

  “Nonsense! It’ll be fun.” Maureen cocked a finger at Liz. “That is an order.”

  Liz stood on the dock and watched the shuttle boat draw steadily closer. She didn’t want to mingle with strangers, not tonight.

  That whisper had spooked her.

  The aura, too.

  Maureen put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “You’ll do fine,” she said with encouragement. “I know you’re not much of a party girl, but it will be fun. Order a drink when we get there and drink half of it before the food arrives.”

  Liz laughed despite herself. “You want me to get drunk?”

  “I want you to relax and enjoy yourself. If you need a little sip of something to make that happen, it won’t hurt anybody. I promise not to let you drive.”

  The shuttle pulled into the dock and a young man leapt to the dock to tie it up. The engine kept running as he reached to give Maureen a hand. He flashed a warm smile at Liz, his gaze assessing in a way that Liz had almost forgotten. He offered his hand to help her, and Liz caught a glimpse of a deep purple aura around his fingers.

  She blinked and it was gone.

  Liz ignored his outstretched hand, then stepped into the boat herself. She stumbled a bit in her haste, and he caught her elbow to steady her.

  “Wait till a rough day,” he said with a smile.

  “Maybe I’ll stay ashore then,” Liz joked, sitting down quickly.

  What if her gift was back?

  How could that be? It had been absent for fourteen years. As much as Liz savored the renewed sensitivity to the elements surrounding her, she didn’t want the burden of that responsibility again—much less the conviction that she would be tested.

  Science. That’s what she wanted. Not juju in the dark. No spells. No voices or auras or mystical doings in the night.

  Maureen sat down beside her. “You just need to realize how attractive you are,” she whispered, misinterpreting Liz’s reaction. Liz chose to let her mentor think what she wanted. The engine roared and the shuttle pulled into the bay.

  Liz kept her gaze fixed on the scenery. But she was afraid that something unusual was going on here. She wasn’t born of a family of witches for nothing. Maureen was right—Liz’s intuition was infallible.

  And she was spooked.

  The sun was setting over the ocean, painting the sky in rich shades of orange and indigo. Brandon had the vial from Chen in his pocket and his fingers couldn’t leave it alone. It was some kind of powerful aphrodisiac that his friend shared with him, although Brandon had no idea what was in it.

  Just blowing some of it into the air made him ready to go all night long, and it seemed to have a power over women, too. It made them notice him, look at him, smile at him in a way that was completely addictive. He was astounded that Chen had shared the last of his stash with him, and determined not to waste it.

  It was more than that, though. Recently things had started to come together for Brandon on the surfing front. He was meeting the right people at the right time, catching the right waves, being seen doing what he did well. He’d earned a wild-card slot in the Triple Crown this fall and had made a good showing in both of the first two competitions. He’d earned money and attention. If he nailed his performance at the last competition, he hoped for a place on the sponsor’s team.

  This could be the beginning of everything. Despite all his hard work, Brandon intuitively attributed his recent successes to Chen.

  Or maybe because of this weird powder. He didn’t want to question it much, just ride the wave to success.

  This week would be his big chance: the third and final competition was the Pipeline Masters at ‘Ehukai Beach. The break there, the Banzai Pipeline, was the break Brandon knew the best. Tonight they were celebrating his recent success and burning off some adrenaline—but this was it. After tonight, he’d be training.

  Hard.

  The funny thing was that even a taste of success was changing Brandon’s plans. He wanted more—on every front. His ambition was stirring to life and, with it, a desire for more from relationships than casual sex. The notion that someday, one day, he’d commit to one woman was feeling a lot more like anytime now. He was ready to have it all.

  As a result, Brandon was thinking he should give this vial of powder back to Chen. His old friend used it as some kind of general restorative, and Chen wasn’t looking that good. On the other hand, it had been a gift and he didn’t want to insult Chen by returning it.

  Also, he didn’t want his luck to change just yet.

  He wasn’t sure what to do, so he toyed with the silver vial, rolling it between his fingers in his pocket. He wasn’t going to use it, but he liked the weight of it in his pocket.

  He and the guys had driven to Kane‘ohe on impulse, wanting to go somewhere other than the usual haunts. This restaurant, although it was part of a small chain, was very different from the casual bar of the same name they knew in Hale‘iwa.

  This place was fancy. Serious. Romantic. There were families eating here and couples on dates, and the gardens surrounding the balconies seemed exotic. It was a little bit outside of town, away from the hustle and bustle. Brandon could hear fountains tinkling in the darkness and smell the damp greenery all around them. He could see the stars overhead, too.

  So they were debating their choice in the parking lot.

  “Let’s go to that sushi place,” Dylan said.

  “Or the Chinese one we went to last time,” Matt said. “Huge servings there.”

  “Awesome spring rolls, too,” Dylan agreed, turning back to the Jeep.

  “You and your spring rolls,” Brandon teased. Dylan could eat more of them—and more hot sauce with them—than any four people he knew. He glanced at the restaurant, unable to shake a feeling that they should stay. It was like knowing that the next wave would be the one even before it rolled in, and he trusted his sense. “It looks good, though. We could call it research. You never know when you might have someone to impress.”

  Dylan nodded, considering the entry. “The food does smell good.”

  “Looks like a place women would like,” Matt ceded.

  Brandon realized he was still toying with Chen’s silver vial and pulled it out of his pocket to look at it. He leaned back into the car and put the vial in the pocket of his hoodie, then straightened to find Dylan watching him.

  “What’s that?”

  Brandon shrugged. “Nothing important,” he lied.

  Dylan’s eyes lit with curiosity. “It’s that stuff you get from that old Chinese guy, isn’t it? What’s in it?”

  “It’s some medicine he takes. He asked me to keep it for him tonight, and I’ve got to take it to him in the morning.”

  “Bullshit,” Dylan said, his gaze sliding to Brandon’s hoodie. “That’s some kind of fancy pillbox. Is that shit legal?”

  “Well, it’s not mine so it doesn’t matter. I’m just doing him a favor.”

  “Why?”

  “He’s my friend. He’s been good to me.” Brandon jabbed Dylan in the shoulder and changed the subject. “Unlike you two.”

  Matt growled, as if taking offense, and they mock
boxed.

  “Stay or go?” Dylan asked.

  “Stay,” Brandon said with resolve.

  Just then, four cars pulled into the parking lot. The guys turned as one, curious about any new arrivals, and watched the group spill out of their cars.

  About half the people of this group were in their thirties, but as conservatively dressed as Brandon and his friends were not. They were also a lot more reserved. Many of them didn’t know each other, judging by their body language, and they exchanged a lot of polite smiles. More than half of them had glasses.

  The rest of the group was older and had a scholarly look about them. There was one older woman with gray hair who seemed the most gregarious of them all; she was wearing a bright pink Hawai‘ian shirt and urging the others to hurry. She put her arm around a dark-haired woman who could have been the youngest of the group and shepherded her toward the restaurant.

  Brandon noticed immediately how pretty that woman was. She was wearing a lei of yellow plumeria, black capris, and a white top. He guessed from the lei that she had just arrived on the island. The woman in pink must be trying to make her feel welcome. He smiled at that and noted that she needed a pair of flip-flops to even begin to blend in.

  And a tan.

  The younger woman was slim with curves in all the right places, taller than most, and had delicate hands. Her hair was long and thick, with just a hint of wave to it. He thought it might curl more in the island breezes. She walked with confidence but looked like she’d rather be elsewhere. She would be stunning when she got a bit more color, and he wondered whether she’d brought her bikini.

  He wished she’d really smile.

  “Fresh bait,” Matt teased, as crude as usual.

  “Maybe we should stay,” Dylan said, watching them pass.

  Brandon gave Matt a poke. Matt was a good surfer but a jerk with women. “Don’t be a pig. It’s not just about sex.”

  Matt and Dylan laughed. “What is it about, then?” Dylan demanded.

  Brandon shrugged, watching the woman. “I don’t know. Romance. There’s got to be more going on to make it special.”

  “From thirty feet away, it’s about sex,” Matt concluded, then finished the beer he’d been drinking on the drive down. He was cocky, the way he usually was when he’d had a couple of beers and wanted to show off. Matt was competitive and he hadn’t scored a wild-card slot this year; Brandon had known that a few beers would prompt his friend to challenge him. It was predictable but not serious. “Tell you what—let’s square it off between sex and romance. Let’s see who gets results first.”