“Thanks. I really am hungry. I didn't have time to eat anything this morning before opening the shop.”
“Go on, before someone else comes in,” Brencis said.
Brencis was glad he convinced Meadow to take a break. Her violet eyes showed her fatigue. She'd had a long day yesterday and a very short night. His mate needed some pampering. She was so good at taking care of others. Did she ever take care of herself? When Meadow joined him at the counter a few minutes later, he was glad to see some color back in her face.
“Thank you. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I started to eat.”
Brencis took his mate into his arms and held her close to his chest. He leaned down and smelled her lovely scent of apples and cinnamon. His wolf gave a satisfied rumble when Meadow melted against him.
“Something else I was missing without realizing,” she murmured.
“What were you missing mate?” he asked.
“You and your arms around me. Sometimes I wish . . .”
“What Meadow? What do you wish?”
“Nothing. It's silly. Never mind.”
“Tell me, lyubov moya. What is it you wish?”
“That I never had to leave your arms.”
“That's not silly. I feel the same way. I never want to let you go.”
“Really?”
“Yes, honest and truly.”
The bell on the door jingled, and Brencis sighed. He leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to Meadow's lips, before releasing her to wait on her customer. He was going to have to convince Meadow to sell the shop. Neither of them was happy being constantly interrupted.
Chapter Six
Finally, it was time to close the store. Brencis turned the open sign over to the closed side and locked the dead bolt. He glanced at Meadow going over receipts, her fingers flying over the keys of the adding machine. She carefully entered the data she generated into her log book and stapled the receipts to the adding-machine tape.
Brencis walked over and massaged her shoulders as she sat at the desk. His heart flipped when she looked up at him and smiled, patting his hand on her shoulder.
“Thank you for all your help today,” she said. “I still have to sweep the floors and make up some new healing potion.”
“Healing potion?”
“Yes, I'm out. Several customers regularly come in to buy it. Mr. Hatcher came in today and was very disappointed I didn't have any on the shelf. He suffers from arthritic pain.”
“Mr. Hatcher is the older man who was here before?”
“Yes. He had the tarot table the day you came in for your tea. He was a good friend of my mentor before she died.”
“Your mentor?”
“Yes, Mary Peasely. I inherited this business from her. She’s been gone for almost a year now. I still miss her. She helped me realize I could use my powers for good and didn't need to consider them a curse. She was very kind, such a gentle spirit. She took me in off the street, gave me a place to live, and let me work in her shop.”
“Show me the broom, and I'll start sweeping. That way you can work on your potion.”
“You seem in kind of a hurry,” Meadow said.
“I am in a hurry to get you all to myself, without work or interruption.”
Brencis was glad to hear Meadow laugh in delight. She handed him a broom, and he started sweeping. While he did, he watched Meadow gather her bottles of oils and start measuring each ingredient for her concoction. He had just finished sweeping, when the hairs on his arms rose up and a tingle of energy filled the room. He glanced over at Meadow and stared in fascination as her skin seemed to take on a glow of light while she held her hands over the potion and sang her chant.
“A healing wish, a hug, a kiss, will heal all strain and relieve all pain,” she said.
Brencis thought he could almost see energy dripping off Meadow's hands into the potion. He wasn't sure if Meadow used healing energy or telepathic suggestion. Either way, he would guess her potions produced real effects on people. He wondered what else she could do.
“All done?” he asked. “I've finished with the sweeping.”
“Yes, I'll wait to bottle this in the morning. We can go now.”
Brencis followed Meadow out the door and waited for her to lock up. Then, he followed her up the stairs to her apartment. When she opened the door and let him in, he looked around in amazement. Plants of all shapes and sizes sat on every table and stood in the corners. The wallpaper, upholstery, and drapes had pink floral patterns on them, and all the patterns were different.
Meadow saw Brencis looking around in confusion. She knew the place was eccentric, but then Mary Peasely had loved her pink florals.
“I haven't had the heart to change it,” Meadow said. “Mary liked a lot of pink. The plants are mine. I use them in my potions.”
“It's fine. Just surprising.”
“I've lived with pink for so long, I guess I don't even see it anymore. I’m usually pretty tired after work, so I grab a quick bite and go to bed.”
Brencis glanced over at his mate. She did look tired. He should be caring for her instead of standing with his mouth open.
“Why don't you sit down? I’ll fix you some tea. Do you like Chinese food? I know a place that makes a great vegetable dish. How about we order in tonight?”
“That sounds heavenly. You don't have to get me tea. I can do it,” Meadow said.
“No you don't. Go take a hot bath and get rid of this green hair. I want my fairy princess back. I’ll make the tea and wait for the food.”
Meadow let Brencis lead her down the hall. She pointed out the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Then, she watched while Brencis started the bathwater running and poured in some of her favorite bubble bath. He sat her on the tub and removed her combat boots, taking time to massage each foot as he took off her socks. He found the fastening for her leather dog collar and, with a look of distaste, dropped it on the floor.
“I don’t want you to wear this again. It’s insulting. At least from a lycan point of view.”
Next, he took off her leather fingerless gloves, kissing each finger. When he reached for the laces on her green shirt, Meadow batted his hands away.
“If you really want me to bathe, then let me finish this,” she said. “I don't think I can take any more stimulation.”
Meadow could see his eyes dancing with excitement. He knew his teasing seduction was getting to her.
“All right. I'll go make your tea.”
Meadow watched as he winked at her and walked down the hall. She finished undressing and sank gratefully into the hot water and bubbles. The bath really did feel wonderful. She let her head fall back and enjoyed the soak.
Brencis wandered down to the kitchen and put on the teakettle. As he pulled out a chamomile packet, he realized Meadow liked the same teas as Melisande. He flipped open his cell phone and called in an order of Chinese food. Mr. Young, the owner of the shop, recognized his voice and promised to rush the food. Each week Brencis ordered lunch for the office, and Mr. Young enjoyed his business.
Brencis looked in the cupboard and found a mug for Meadow. When the water was finally boiling, he poured it over the tea bag and wandered down the hall to find Meadow dozing in the tub. Smiling to himself, he set the tea aside to steep and reached for Meadow's organic shampoo.
Meadow's gasp of surprise turned into a moan of appreciation as he knelt behind her and massaged the soap deep into her scalp and hair. He was happy to see the color rinsing easily out of her white-blond hair. He really hated that Meadow hid behind such garish dye.
Brencis finished rinsing Meadow's hair and reached for the washcloth. He soaped up the cloth and washed Meadow's body, gently tantalizing her with each stroke. Bathing each curve and surface, he finished with the tips of her toes. When he pulled the plug on the tub and raised Meadow to her feet, he was glad to see how completely relaxed she was. He dried her gently and wrapped her in her terrycloth robe that was hanging behind the door. He han
ded her the now-perfect tea and led her back into the living room and onto the couch. When he sat down next to her, she happily snuggled closer and leaned her head on his shoulder.
“That was wonderful. I have never felt so cared for. Thank you,” Meadow said as she sipped her tea. Brencis reached over and lifted her chin up to look in her eyes.
“I want you to promise me, when we are home alone, you will remove all the color you hide behind,” he said. “I don't want you hiding from me, Meadow. You are so beautiful, like a moonbeam fallen to Earth. Promise me.”
Meadow searched his eyes a moment. They showed only sincerity. She didn't think she was beautiful. She thought she was washed out, plain. Brencis was her mate, and she wanted him to be happy, so she nodded her head slightly.
“If you would rather see me bare, then I will give you what you want.”
“Meadow, seeing you bare is a true delight and makes me so hard I want to take you over and over again,” Brencis said, caressing her cheek with his thumb. “First we need to feed you. You're going to need your strength.”
He wanted to make love to her. His wolf was screaming at him to finish the mating and cement the bond into place. But his little mate was tired and needed his care, not his lust.
The food came, and Brencis watched Meadow as they ate and talked. He was beginning to understand her better. She possessed many hidden layers waiting to be explored. He was glad she seemed to enjoy the dishes he chose.
When they finally finished, Brencis refused to let Meadow clean up. He made her sip her tea while he picked up the trash and threw it away. Afterward, he scooped Meadow into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Meadow laughed and giggled, and Brencis found his heart warming. He really enjoyed making his mate happy. He settled her on the bed and removed his clothing. Meadow reached out to him, and he willingly joined her on the bed, feeling as if he was finally home. They held each other and talked, about their likes and dislikes, about why she became a vegetarian and what being a lycanthrope was like. About family, and children, and finally about love.
When Brencis heard her breathing deepen, he reached down and pulled the covers over the two of them. He held her gently in his arms and felt a profound peace settle over him. Like Meadow, he hadn’t known what he was missing until now. He had been missing the other half of his heart and soul. Now that he had found her, he would never let her go.
When Brencis woke up, the first thing he smelled was coffee. Then he heard Meadow humming to herself in the bathroom. He walked in to find her brushing her hair, and swooped in for a quick hug and kiss.
“Good Morning, Printsessa Volshebnaya,” Brencis said.
“Good Morning. You seem in a good mood,” Meadow said.
“I am in a good mood, and I have you to thank for it. Being with you fulfills a part of me I didn't realize I needed.”
“Thank you. I like being with you, too,” Meadow said.
“Do you eat eggs? I'll fix us an omelet.”
“Yes. That would be lovely,” Meadow said.
“Great. I'll get started, while you finish dressing.”
Brencis kissed Meadow again and wished he could linger longer, tasting her lips. But he was beginning to know his mate, and she wouldn't eat unless he made sure of it.
“Don't be too long,” Brencis said.
Meadow watched as he walked down the hall. What would it be like to live out at the big estate in Somerset? Brencis had implied he was expecting her to move in with him permanently, and part of her wanted to. Another part worried she wouldn't fit in with a bunch of wolves and their mates.
It was bad enough being a vegetarian among carnivores, though last night Brencis ordered only one dish with meat in it. He was being very careful of her, and she felt loved and cherished. Never before in her life had anyone cared about what she ate and how she felt. Mary was the only one who had ever treated her kindly. Mary, who was a vegetarian, was the one who had convinced her not to eat meat.
Meadow reached into her wardrobe and pulled out an orange wig. She didn't always dye her hair. Sometimes she wore a wig. Knowing Brencis didn't like her hair colored made her consider wearing more wigs that she would take off in the evening. She had always used colored rinses that washed right out, but if it would make Brencis happy to see her without her hair colored, she would do it for him.
She pulled out a turquoise shirt and a turquoise-and-orange skirt. Instead of combat boots, she put on zebra-striped half-boots. She wrapped the purple scarf Mr. Hatcher had given her for her birthday around the wig. The outfit was bright, and she hoped maybe Brencis would like it. Meadow glanced at the clock and frowned. She'd have to hurry and eat, or she wouldn't have time to bottle the healing potion she made up last night. Meadow rushed down the hall and found Brencis putting two plates on the table.
“This smells delicious,” she said.
“Good. Eat it while it's hot.”
Meadow enjoyed every bite of her vegi-omelet and the intimacy she shared with Brencis. Time seemed to fly, and she needed to get the potion bottled. Even though she hated leaving him with dish duty, she needed to get downstairs.
“It's all right. I'll clean up,” Brencis said. “Then I need to collect my bag from the car and shower. I should be down in an hour. Okay?”
“Yes. Thank you for being so understanding.”
“Running a business is hard work, especially if you are doing it alone. Go on, but I need a kiss before you go.”
Meadow willingly went to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He leaned down and buried his nose in her neck.
“God, I love how you smell,” he said.
Brencis nibbled on her ear and neck, and then captured her lips, kissing and teasing until Meadow sighed with desire and opened her mouth. Brencis pushed in his tongue, wanting to taste her mouth, feel her softness, and know how much she wanted him. Fighting himself, he released her and turned her toward the door. His body hard and wanting, he watched her as she left to go downstairs.
Brencis didn't like it. His wolf didn't like it. He wanted Meadow in his arms and in his bed, their bodies joined as one. How was he going to let her continue this way without going mad? Wanting to rip something in frustration, he instead cleared the table and washed up the dishes.
When Brencis opened the front door of the apartment to fetch his bag from the car, he was surprised when a small piece of paper floated to the floor. Had Meadow left him a note? Why hadn’t she come in? He leaned down and picked up the paper, then glanced around the vestibule. No one was around. Teeth grinding, Brencis read the words scrawled in the same hand as last time.
“Flee, Flee. Evil is here at Magic Herbs. Death follows!”
Meadow. Was she all right? Brencis ran down the stairs and stood outside the door of Magic Herbs and looked in. Several people were already in the store. He saw Meadow helping one of the women. What was going on here?
Flipping open his cell phone, Brencis hit the speed dial to Solovyov Security.
“Get me Grigori. This is Brencis,” he said.
“Bren, what's wrong?”
“I found another warning note. This one says: ‘Flee, flee. Evil is here at Magic Herbs. Death follows!’ I really don't like this, Grigori. I have a very bad feeling.”
“Maybe you should move Meadow to the estate.”
“This business is her life,” Brencis said, running his hands through his hair in frustration. “Not that she is happy with it. It takes all of her time. We didn't even make love last night because she was too tired and fell asleep. I can't ask her to give it all up, as much as I want to. I don't think she would, even if she knew about the warning notes.”
“If you're not taking her out of there, you need to warn her. In most cases, women are stalked by someone they know. She shouldn't trust anyone.”
“I'll talk to her,” Brencis said. “Have Gwen add a signal to my cell phone when a door is opened. Next time someone leaves a note on her doorstep, I want to know it. Then, have Gwen see if we c
aught who it was on the camera out front and send the image to my cell. I’m going to figure out who is doing this and why.”
“All right. Be careful, Bren.”
Brencis retrieved his bag and showered and shaved. When his cell phone chimed, he was glad to see the message was from his office. The image showed a figure in a long black cloak with the face hidden under the hood. All he could tell was the person didn't appear very tall. It could be anyone. He wanted to howl in frustration. He would find out who was doing this.
After talking to Grigori, Brencis ran back upstairs to try to pick up the intruder’s scent. Everything was obscured by odors of Chinese food. This meant he still had nothing to go on— no scent and no description.
He walked downstairs and into the shop. Several people were browsing, and Meadow was putting her new potion on the shelf. He looked closely at the customers. No one was wearing a black cloak or looking suspicious. So, keeping Meadow in sight, he sat at the desk and waited.
Meadow noticed Brencis seemed to be upset over something, but didn't have time to ask him what it was. A lady came in looking for an herbal remedy for a cold and sinus affliction, and she was busy explaining the differences in the remedies on the shelf. Then, a woman came in seeking a special stone for her home altar, and Meadow helped her find the perfect one. Finally, after selling a statue of an angel, she found a few minutes to talk with Brencis. She went up and wrapped her arms around him. It felt so good to know she could touch him whenever she wanted. As much as she was his, he was hers, and knowing that gave Meadow a sense of security she'd never had before.
“What’s bothering you? You seem upset,” Meadow said.
“Someone left a note tucked into the front door of the apartment, a warning of danger here at Magic Herbs. It’s not the first one I've received. I don't like this, Meadow. I think someone is stalking you.”
“That's silly. Who would be stalking me?”
“I don't know. A customer, perhaps. Have you ever dated anyone?”
“No, I've never even been asked out. I don't have time anyway, working the shop.”
My Magic Mate Page 7
