by V. Vaughn
I glance over at Lance, who appears to be just fine since he’s made both men lie down on their bellies with their hands behind their heads. Metal steps clang as I jog up them to the plane. I find the pilot asleep, and I gather Bella must have put him under for a short nap.
I find a can of mixed nuts can and quickly dump the contents into the trash before I bring it to Bella.
“Perfect,” she says, and she grimaces as she puts the horrid-looking talisman into the can. “Why don’t I keep this and we can get Kimi to come help us defuse it tomorrow.”
My mother groans and blinks before she opens her eyes and sits up in confusion. She glances around, and then her mouth gapes open in horror. “Oh my god, Dawn. I’m so sorry.”
“You know what happened?” I ask.
She nods. “My brother. He’s even more horrible than I remembered. And to think—” She shudders. “I’m okay with you and Lance, honey. I meant it when I said that what you have is beautiful. I wish I could have had that with your father, and it makes me happy that you’ve found a soul mate.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I smile at her as she puts her hand on my cheek. And then I help her stand up.
She walks over to the two old werebear on the ground. “Gentlemen, I’m going to have Lance let you up now.”
“Mom, I’ve got this.”
I walk over and gaze down at Walter and Alfred. Their previously sophisticated appearance in their suits and cashmere coats is tarnished by dirt and melted snow. And I realize I should never have been afraid of them. I say, “Get up.” When they stand, I recognize that their size is nothing compared to the power I have, and I say, “This isn’t over. Tori will be informed of what happened here today, and I suggest you leave peacefully so this doesn’t end badly for either of you.”
They both lower their heads to me. Werebear like Walter and Alfred have a healthy fear of magic, and since they know what Tokala was capable of, they’re very aware of how strong my powers must be. Now that my uncle has been disabled, they’re both anxious. I say, “You may go.”
They regain their composure and walk off as if they won. It tempts me to make them slip on ice too, but just the vision of the two of them windmilling their arms and flailing is enough, and I refrain.
Once they’re gone, Bella lets out a sigh. “Well. That was an interesting way to spend my Saturday night, but as much as I love you guys, I have my own hot soul mate to return to.”
As we walk to the car, she bumps against me. “We so have to talk. Snippets on the phone are just not enough to catch up on your love life. Girls’ night soon. Okay?”
“Of course.”
Lance grabs my arm and stops moving. He says, “Ladies, I’m going to steal our medicine woman for a moment. Will you wait for us in the car?”
“Sure,” says Mom. She smiles. “Take your time.”
“What is it?” I ask as Bella and Mom walk away.
Lance leads me over to the edge of the pavement, away from the lights, where feet of snow lay untouched. Inches of the light, powdered stuff that has been falling are on the top. “Perfect for snow angels,” he says as he gazes tenderly into my eyes.
I smile at him as we both set ourselves up. I let out a little cry as I fall back and land in the soft snow to swish my arms and legs while I laugh.
And then I hold still as Lance says, “Look at the stars. Aren’t they beautiful?”
He reaches for my hand and squeezes my fingers tight, and I close my eyes when I hear the call of my deer. I see her as she approaches Lance’s bear, and when she gets to him, they walk through the snow side by side. I smile through the tears of happiness that roll down my cheeks.
“Dawn?” Lance asks in my mind. “Do you see this?”
“I do,” I say. “And you know what else?”
“What, darling?”
“Winter has become our season of love.”
“Snow angels for everyone,” says Lance. He grabs me, rolls me onto his chest, and kisses me. I should be cold, being covered in snow, but I’m not. Because I’m filled with a love that will always keep me warm.
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About the Author
V. Vaughn lives on an island in Maine and spends as much time outdoors with her three Portuguese Water dogs as she can. She may have seen a bear or two….
www.violetvaughn.com
