Hannah shook her head. “No touch.”
“That’s awesome!”
“A focus can also increase the effectiveness of your power, your natural affinity and incantations,” Hannah added.
“We can cast spells, too?” Alix set her bucket down, and stared at Hannah, flabbergasted.
“That look is priceless.” Hannah laughed. “Yes, we can cast spells too.”
Alix’s mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out. Hannah thought that she might be having a nervous breakdown, until the little sprite of a woman leapt into the air, pumping her fists. “Fucking kick ass!” After a few moments of hopping up and down, Alix came to a gasping halt. “Miranda had hinted a few times, but hasn’t come out and said it.”
“She’s not only trying to protect you, but us as well,” Hannah said. “Most people don’t react kindly to witches. We have to be careful.”
“I totally get that.” Alix sobered. “Hank...a guy I knew. He’s gone now, but he saw me use my power once. I don’t think he understood what I’d done, but it freaked him out.”
Hannah nodded. “You understand, then. No one must know about what we can do. Even those closest to us are a risk, and pose a potential threat.”
“I don’t have anyone close anymore, except Troy. And even he was freaked out when he first found out. So yeah, we’re on the same page.”
Relief washed over Hannah. “Good. It’s important you understand.”
Alix frowned. “What about Troy? I mean, is he okay? Miranda said he could stay, too. Is that alright?”
Hannah smiled knowingly. “Yes, it’s okay if he stays. Just keep some clothes on him...”
Alix snorted. “Okay.”
“You’ve bonded with him. I can sense it.”
“Miranda mentioned that a few times. She also said something about him being a guardian. Still don’t know what all that’s about, but it sounds like it doesn’t have anything to do with the tattoo I imprinted on his chest.”
“Yeah,” Hannah replied. “That’s something different.” She hadn’t been able to get a close look at Troy’s tattoo, but she knew it was magical, and it was something neither she, Rhea nor Miranda had ever seen before. “Guardianship is a spiritual connection. A powerful bond between a witch and her chosen companion.”
Alix nodded. “Miranda had said that, too.” She put her hand over her mouth and mumbled, “Sorry, continue please.”
“Well, from what I’ve read, a guardian is like a soulmate, but amplified.” Hannah picked up another bucket of water. “Once you’ve bonded one, they get stronger and tougher. A super bodyguard of sorts.”
“You’ve read about it?” Alix scratched her head. “You mean, you don’t have one?”
Hannah shook her head. “Miranda has a lot of information on our kind, but none of us have found the right match yet. There’s supposed to be a signal, a yearning pull or an electric charge, when the pair first touch—”
“I’ll say,” Alix interrupted. “I wanted to rip my clothes off the first time Troy and I touched. And the aftershock is a doozy, so be careful with that part.”
“What aftershock?” Hannah furrowed her brow. “There isn’t suppose to be an aftershock.”
“There was for us. It blew Troy across the room. I thought I’d killed him.”
Hannah frowned. “We’ll have to look into that further, if you stay, of course.”
Alix gave her a wry smile. “Always the sales pitch, huh?”
Hannah gave her a serious look. “I’ll tell you what. When I get back from my seminar, we can take a closer look at what’s going on with your bond. But, you need to seriously consider becoming part of the coven in return, okay?”
Alix nodded vigorously. “I will.”
“Good.” Hannah smiled, and looked down at one of her hybrids. She reached out to it with her mind, asking it to bloom.
The pod-shaped bud popped open instantly, unveiling a vibrant, purple lily. The bloom was easily twice the size of a dinner plate. The stem stretched toward Hannah, as it struggled to reach her.
Hannah leaned down, and took a deep breath to partake of the wonderful, sweet aroma. The lily’s long petals snaked out to caress her cheeks, chin, and nose.
“Whoa,” Alix whispered. “That’s so cool.”
Hannah nodded. “Imagine what we could all do together.”
Hannah breathed in the crisp night air from her hotel room balcony. The scents she took in weren’t the woodland flavors she had grown accustomed to on the grounds of Coven’s Grove. Concrete and steel provided the backdrop for the multitude of cooked foods and canal water that wafted up from the San Antonio Riverwalk. The variety of smells spoke of civilization—the taming of the land. The thought didn’t upset her, not anymore.
It wasn’t that Hannah disliked the mechanizations of the modern world... She couldn’t live without her cell phone. She just felt modern society was hogging all the space. It was time for nature to make a comeback, time for people to get involved with the earth again. I sound like a damn philanthropist, she thought, shaking her head. Hannah walked to the railing to look down at all of the meandering people and bright lights. The sight was beautiful in its own way, but there could definitely be more trees.
Hannah had chosen the Mokara Hotel & Spa for her stay, and, so far, she hadn’t been disappointed. The spa alone was reason enough to remain here forever. The facial she’d started with had smelled of mint, and refreshed her skin like a cool breeze. The masseuse that had worked on her might have been a sorcerer himself, if those actually existed. His strong fingers had released tension she hadn’t even known was there. And the heating stones—she was going to have to look into having something like that back at Coven’s Grove. The girls would worship her till the end of time.
The suite she had reserved was a sprawling affair filled with lavish furnishings, and beautifully arched windows that let in the outside. Hannah wouldn’t usually spring for such high end amenities, but her mood had been under the weather the past couple of months, and Miranda had insisted. Their matriarch, being a wealthy CPA, made the guilt of “sparing no expense” a bit less of a concern.
I need to get out more, Hannah thought dryly. She realized the reason she’d been feeling down lately had turned out to be something pretty obvious after talking with Miranda. It was an issue she’d been dealing with in the back of her mind way before Alix and Troy had graced them with their overcharged sex life. She wanted companionship with someone other than her plants, and the other women at Coven’s Grove. She needed to live a little.
Looking out over the Riverwalk, Hannah resolved herself to getting out and enjoying what civilization had to offer. Tomorrow night, after the seminar, she going to hit the town and have some reckless fun.
“...And that’s why it is so important that we participate in the growth of locally grown products. To step away from large, corporate distributors in favor of the smaller, local farmers.” Hannah ended her lecture on a more positive note than usual. She’d found that preaching the death of our society didn’t go over so well when you hit people over the head with it. Providing solid solutions about how we might get out of the hole we’ve dug ourselves into had a much more profound and long-lasting effect.
Her theory was proven correct as the auditorium erupted with applause. Some of the attendants actually stood. It was a great feeling to know that she had touched the hearts of some. Those few who were on their feet were the ones that would make a difference, the ones she had truly reached, and that was enough. For now.
Hannah smiled, and nodded her thanks, as she stepped from the stage. The next hour was filled with old acquaintances, introductions to new possibilities, and sore feet. She couldn’t wait to get out of there and hit the spa before checking out the nightlife on the Riverwalk.
Most of the people she knew at these seminars were older, and enjoyed a more sedated form of entertainment. Hannah was all for intellectual talk, but not tonight. She turned down invitations from the M
alorys, a delightful old couple who got their kicks setting up hives for beekeepers, and the Hornwalls, another senior pair that owned small farming acreages all over the western hemisphere. Her hope was to find a more lively companion for this evening, and she was pretty sure she wasn’t going to find one here.
A light touch to the shoulder drew Hannah’s attention. When she turned, her gaze fell on one of the hottest men she’d ever had the pleasure of meeting. Dominic Farserre, a Peace Corps volunteer for the past ten or so years, and, in some circles, considered an eco extremist not to be associated with. His tight fitting heather gray jacket, sangria silk shirt, and black slacks did wonders for showing off his athletic physique. Hannah hesitated as she took in the long, thin dreads and chiseled features that made him appeared almost feline in origin. The man’s physical attributes reflected the same cat-like qualities as his face: lean, muscular, and poised.
Dominic’s piercing emerald eyes stood out against the chocolate brown of his smooth skin. The finely trimmed beard and moustache that surrounded his mouth moved pleasantly as he spoke, “Hannah, it’s so good to see you again.”
Dominic wasn’t a regular at these kinds of events, but Hannah had met him a few times in the past. He had always been charming each time they met, and, for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why people would consider him someone to avoid. Her mouth suddenly went dry, and she managed to blurt out, “Good to see you, too.”
He chuckled. “Wonderful lecture, as usual. You should do this sort of thing more often.”
Heat came to Hannah’s cheeks as she smiled. “Thanks. That means a lot.” She paused, unable to think of anything else to say. Her extensive knowledge of the floral world, and how humanity might battle to prevent its disappearance, proved little help with her skills at small talk. The temperature in the room seemed to rise, or maybe it was just her.
“I was hoping to talk with you about something going on in your neck of the woods, so to speak,” Dominic said raising his dark brows. “When you have a moment, of course.”
His mention of “woods” snapped Hannah out of her gawking daze, and a few butterflies took flight in her belly. “I have plenty of moments now,” she answered, suspicion creeping into her voice. He couldn’t know what I’ve been doing at Coven’s Grove the past four years. No one does, she thought in a panic.
Dominic glanced around before he spoke, “There’s a protest in a few weeks. It’s in Oklahoma, and I knew that you were from there, so I wanted to see if you could help me get my bearings when I arrive.”
Relief flooded through Hannah. She’d been afraid that her activities at Coven’s Grove had been compromised in some way, and that she’d been on the verge of finding out why Dominic’s reputation was tainted. She laughed, and spoke without thinking, “Sure, I can help you.”
Dominic flashed a brilliant smile. “Thank you so much. It’s really hard to find people willing to help, especially with demonstrations.”
Oh, hell, what have I gotten myself into, Hannah thought, regretting her hasty words. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, “What kind of demonstration are you having?”
Dominic held up his hands in surrender. “Nothing dangerous, I assure you. Despite my reputation, I abhor unjust violence.”
Hannah arched a brow. “So, that’s why you’re to be avoided? You’re an eco vigilante of some kind?”
Dominic laughed outright. The sound was deep and soothing. “I’m really not that bad. The “big boys” like to demonize me, but not a word of it’s true.”
“Hmm... I wonder.” Hannah gave him a wry grin. She couldn’t help but like his attitude. When you pissed off corporate America, you’d better be prepared to handle some mud slinging at the very least. He appeared to be taking it all with a grain of salt.
“Why not find out for yourself?” Dominic asked. “Some friends of mine and I are going out this evening. Come with us.”
Hannah blinked, a bit taken aback. He’d just asked her out, and, despite the warning bells going off in her head, she found the offer quite appealing. “I don’t know. I’m not too familiar with the area, and I was planning on checking out the Riverwalk tonight.”
“That’s perfect!” Dominic persisted. “I’m staying at the Hilton just off the river. I could come and get you. We’ll stay on the walk.”
Her inner prude was yelling at her to tell him off, but that voice was getting tiresome, and he was smoking hot, so what the hell? Hannah had been wanting to have some fun—had already talked herself into going out, in fact. Now that the opportunity she’d been looking for was standing right in front of her, she wasn’t about to let it saunter off. “Okay, I’ll go. I’m at the Mokara.”
Dominic’s smile widened. “Excellent. Eight o’clock, in the lobby?”
Hannah nodded. “Eight o’clock.”
Hannah sat in the lobby, trying not to fidget. She’d forgotten how nerve wracking going on a date could be. Six years was a long time to be parked in the garage, and she was feeling every wasted minute of it. The tension hadn’t shifted into high gear until she’d gotten back to her room earlier this afternoon. The masseuse’s firm touch on her lower back was all but forgotten once she stood in front of the full-length mirror. Her dresses didn’t seem to fit anymore, or at least not the way she wanted them to. In the end, she went with the most curve conforming outfit she’d brought with her—a mid-thigh, black dress with a deep v-neck. Plain but effective.
The silver chain necklace, and emerald earrings, had been much easier to choose as they matched the one other piece of jewelry she wore: her ring. The platinum heirloom fit snugly on her right ring-finger, housing a round emerald. The ring was more than just a decorative piece of jewelry. It was Hannah’s focus.
The ring had helped her break the barrier of “touch” magic, and facilitated the use of her powers from a distance. That breakthrough alone was reason enough to cherish the finely crafted artifact, but it also served other purposes that made it invaluable. Firstly, the ring could provide Hannah with an extra burst of power in times of weakness or need. She had used this ability several times in the past, to great effect, and would feel at a serious disadvantage if she were to ever find herself without it. Secondly, her heirloom could shield her from detection; magical detection, that is. Those who hunted her kind sometimes used supernatural means to hone in on the use of magical power. Once her ring had been enacted to perform the task, Hannah had become “invisible” to such means of detection, and could use her power and cast spells with impunity.
Hannah rubbed the platinum band with her thumb. Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this. She had been talking herself into going out since she’d arrived at the hotel, but, now that she was faced with actually doing it, she was finding herself to be a bit of a chicken. She wasn’t even sure what to do on a date anymore. Abruptly, she got up from the leather lounge chair, determined to head back to her room and make a call to cancel, when her dark eyes fell on Dominic as he came in through the entrance doors. Too late now.
His graceful movements showed off legs, accustomed to running, under the snug black slacks that slid over his thighs as he walked into the lobby. He stopped near the entrance to get his bearings, most likely looking for Hannah. The gray silk shirt he wore clung to his well-formed shoulders and chest while bands of muscle along his bare forearms stood out beneath his dark skin in the soft, forum lighting.
Hannah froze, unable to think clearly, as her inner cat purred. Her self-doubt slid into the backseat in the face of her yearning desire to lick every inch of Dominic’s body. Oh, hell, I’m in trouble.
As if he had heard her thoughts, Dominic caught sight of her and sauntered over.
Hannah smiled as he walked up.
“Wow,” Dominic said, with a glance at her dress. “You look amazing.”
Hannah’s cheeks burned. “You’re either far too kind or far too smooth.”
Dominic flashed his teeth as he laughed. “I’m only appreciating what I see.”
She gave
him a wry grin. “Smooth.” Maybe this evening wasn’t going to be a disaster after all.
“I can only hope,” he said, and then gestured toward the entrance. “Are you ready?”
Hannah nodded, and started for the large glass doors. Dominic’s hand touched her lower back as he walked alongside her. She tensed for a moment, but actually liked the feeling and confidence his action displayed. It was nice to know he wanted to touch her, and was bold enough to do so.
“I thought we might take a river taxi. The club is a bit far to walk,” Dominic said, as they left the hotel and headed toward the Riverwalk.
“That sounds nice,” Hannah replied. “Where is it we’re going exactly?”
“It’s called ‘Howl at the Moon’.”
Hannah chuckled.
“I know it sounds bad, but it’s actually a pretty fun place,” Dominic said hastily. He led her down to the waterfront, where the taxis stopped for passengers. There were two other couples already waiting, both were young and chatted excitedly among themselves.
“I don’t know,” Hannah replied. “I was kind of hoping you’d take me to a dive.”
Dominic blinked, and opened his mouth as if to say something, but ended up laughing instead. “You’re having a go at me, aren’t you?”
She shrugged coyly. “Maybe.”
“Oooh.” He leaned back against the metal railing that surrounded the boarding area. “This is going to be an interesting night, I see.”
Maybe, Hannah thought. As much as she wanted to cut loose, she still had a certain level of caution keeping her in check. “Where are your friends?” she asked, without preamble. “I thought this was going to be a group outing.”
“They’re already at the club,” Dominic answered, looking over his shoulder as the river taxi pulled up to the side of the walk. “The few times I’ve been there, it’s been difficult to get a seat.”
“Ah,” she said, satisfied. “That makes sense.”
The river taxi was big enough to hold around twenty people, so there was plenty of room for everyone to get a seat, and still have a little privacy. Hannah took Dominic’s offered hand after he stepped down into the boat. The tingling jolt that followed his touch sent Hannah’s primal desires into a frenzy. Warm electricity flowed into her body to caress her most treasured places of sensitivity.
Hannah (The Coven's Grove Chronicles #2) Page 2
