Spring Magic

by T. M. Cromer

  Knox frowned and met the concerned stares of the other men. A babe? Would she have to learn to walk and talk? “What does that mean?”

  “She will not know you. Nor will she know her family, or indeed, anything from before her rebirth. Her memory will be wiped clean and will never return.”

  “She won’t know her sisters? Her father?”

  “No. I’m sorry.”

  “Why?”

  “This vessel’s brain was damaged. To heal it, I will need to start from scratch.”

  Vessel, there was that fucking word again. Spring was more than a vessel, she was his everything.

  “But other than the memory loss, she’ll be whole in every way? She’ll be happy?”

  “She will be whole again. No scars, no broken bones, and no addiction. It will be as if she was born anew,” Isis informed him. “Happiness is never promised, but she will not suffer the memories of her time here.”

  “Do it.” Knox swallowed hard. “What do you ask of me in return?”

  The Goddess smiled and caressed his cheek. “Nothing more. You’ve given it.”

  “I don’t understand.” Surely, it couldn’t be as simple as all that?

  “You sacrificed your love. There is no stronger sacrifice and no other requirement.”

  Sacrificed his love. Yes, he’d certainly done that with his stupidity. He looked at the woman who wore his beloved’s body. The exact same body that had housed Spring’s soul. And yet, he felt nothing for the woman before him. The spirit of Spring was gone and no substitute, no matter how exact in looks and voice, would be able to replace her.

  A long, lonely existence faced him without her. But what about her future? Could she love again? Would she pick him? Could she? “It’s said Thornes only love once. Is it possible she will fall in love with me again?” he asked hoarsely. “Is all hope gone?”

  “Stand, Knox Carlyle.”

  He complied.

  “It is possible for her to meet and fall in love with you again. It is also possible she could meet and fall for another. There are no guarantees. Spring’s new path is her own.”

  “What about her abilities?” Preston asked.

  The smile Isis turned on the other man made Knox blink. It was as if the Goddess held a special affection for Spring’s father.

  “She will retain her magical abilities. However, she will need to be reminded of the ways of the Goddess for any rituals she performs. Those memories will be gone with the others.”

  “Thank you, Exalted One. You are beyond generous,” Alastair said.

  She nodded her head at Alastair. “You are welcome.”

  To Knox, she said, “Your sacrifice doesn’t go unrewarded.”

  18

  Spring wandered around the sprawling manor until the walls closed in on her and she could no longer stand to be inside. With only one destination in mind, she took off toward the east side of the property. Once she saw the gardens, she calmed somewhat. The full green foliage greeted her like a long lost friend, and she pulled soothing energy from the warm dirt beneath her bare feet.

  When she’d first gained consciousness two months ago, she had basic motor skills. She could speak and go about her standard everyday needs with a type of muscle memory. A simple spell from her father gifted her with the power to read, and she did so voraciously.

  To avoid her overbearing, but well-meaning family, she’d poured herself into relearning magic with a vengeance. Every day, she had marveled as some new skill came to light. But even with all the discoveries, there was an underlying pallor over her life. It was as if the Thornes mourned the old Spring. As if she’d truly died. Yet wasn’t she still the same person? Granted she didn’t have any recollection of the past, but surely she wasn’t so different from who she’d been?

  Because she didn’t know enough about who she was before, she didn’t know if their sadness was justified. Wouldn’t it be grand if they all accepted her for who she was today? She sighed her resignation. Maybe with more time, they could all find a comfortable co-existence. One where she didn’t feel like an intruder in their perfectly ordered world.

  As she stepped around a tall wall of rose bushes in the garden, she felt the presence of another. “Come out. I know you’re there,” she called as she ran a finger along the outer rim of the closest rose petal. Not bothering to look up, she pushed a little magic into the flower to brighten the yellow color and give it a longer lifespan.

  “How did you know I was here?”

  She glanced over to see a man step from behind the wide base of an old oak. He was tall with blond hair to his shoulders and a full beard covering the lower half of his face. The scruff was neatly maintained along his cheeks and neck. From just above his right temple ran a thin, white scar that disappeared into the thick growth of hair. The scar had come so close to his eye that the skin tugged down slightly. Although it ruined the perfection of his face, she found him more interesting for it.

  He was dressed casually in a pale blue t-shirt and gray cargo shorts with a pair of beat-up flip flops on his feet. The laid-back look fit with their surroundings.

  “I’ve found the earth puts off a vibration when there is another person in my general vicinity.” For a long moment, she studied him, hoping for recognition of any kind. Disappointed, she asked, “Who are you, and what are you doing on Thorne property?”

  “You really don’t remember?” he asked softly.

  Based on his reaction to the negative motion of her head, she should’ve. “I’m sorry,” she said, unsure why.

  “I’m Knox Carlyle.”

  She nodded once. “Coop and Keaton’s cousin. I overheard one of my sisters ask them about you.”

  A bitter smile twisted his lips. “Yes. Coop and Keaton’s cousin.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said again.

  Knox strode to where she stood and gazed down at her face. While his overall intensity might intimidate some, for Spring, it had the opposite effect. Oddly, she felt protected and comforted by his presence. On the other hand, his incredible blue eyes, which seemed to search her soul with a simple glance, truly made her uneasy. They weren’t quite the color of the Caribbean Sea, maybe a few shades darker and more sapphire in color, but the shade was one she’d never forget now she had seen it. Spring didn’t fear him so much as she was disturbed by his draw.

  “You shouldn’t be out here alone.” His voice held a raw, rough edge, and her toes curled as the deep sound reverberated inside her.

  She smiled softly. “I’m not afraid.”

  The powerful energy radiating from him was disconcerting to a degree. It was as if he expected something more from her and was waiting for her to recognize his need. In a move of avoidance, she turned sideways and ran a hand along the tops of the roses beside her. “This garden called to me from my bedroom window.” She glanced back and noted his frown. “It must seem stupid to you, I guess.”

  “No. You’re an earth witch. I’d be surprised if it didn’t.”

  Inexplicably pleased by his understanding, she changed the subject. “Why are you here?”

  “To check on you.”

  “Check on me? Isn’t it a bit late? I’ve been home two months. This is the first time you’ve expressed an interest. Excuse me if it seems awkward and weird.”

  “I wanted to come sooner. It was ill advised.”

  Unable to find the proper response, she moved farther down a gravel path toward the center of the vast garden. Knox fell into step beside her. It never occurred to her that he might wish her harm. Indeed, for some odd reason, she was happy he walked with her.

  “So, how are you?” he asked.

  Hesitant to answer, she shrugged. What was she supposed to say? That she felt uncomfortable most days because she didn’t know her own family, and yet, they all exuded an air of hope that she would recognize them at any moment? Or maybe she could say the daily inactivity they’d forced on her was driving her insane? None of this was appropriate to dump on an unknown visitor.


  “Talk to me, Spring. Tell me what you’re feeling.”

  “I don’t know you. Why would I tell you anything?” she snapped, her patience strained due to other people’s constant expectations.

  Halting, Knox placed a light hand on her forearm. A warm current drifted between them and fired up her cells. Since she’d not experienced such a disconcerting sensation with anyone else, Spring jerked away and glared.

  “You don’t have to tell me a damned thing, sweetheart. But I can sense you’re upset, and I’d ease your mind if I could. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who isn’t in the thick of things.”

  Again, she was drawn in by his vibrant blue gaze. Unbidden, the words poured from her. “I don’t fit in here. They are virtual strangers, and every time one of my family speaks to me, it’s like they are expecting me to suddenly remember everything. Expecting me to throw my arms around them and shout my joy at being here in their world. It’s stifling.”

  “Have you told them that?”

  “Not in so many words.” She stared at the bare toes she burrowed into the rich, dark soil. “I don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

  “Ah. Now I see.” In a sudden move, he hooked his pinky with hers. With a little tug, he gained her complete attention. “There’s plenty of Thorne land here. Create your own home.”

  “What?”

  The warm night wind had blown strands of Spring’s hair free from its ponytail holder, and Knox let go of her to casually tuck the stray lock behind her ear. She didn’t question or object to his touching her. There was something non-threatening and right about having him here with her.

  “There is nothing written that says you have to live in Thorne Manor. Or for that matter, on this land. You can go anywhere as long as you make sure there are protection spells in place to guard your home.”

  Why hadn’t she thought of that? Slowly, she nodded. “That’s a good idea. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  They fell back into rhythm as they continued their stroll.

  “May I ask you something?”

  His brows lifted in encouragement.

  She drummed up the nerve to ask, “You and me. From something I’d overheard, I got the impression… were we ever… an item?”

  She heard his sharp inhale and wondered at the reason. After another long moment, he spoke. “Yes. But probably not in the way you think.”

  “I don’t know what I think,” she muttered.

  He chuckled. The sound resonated within her. “You were a force of nature growing up. But in a good way. Everyone loved you. You were bright, bold, and curious by nature.” He stopped and stared into the inky night. “Every afternoon at precisely three-thirty, you would show up at my family’s barn. You had on your pink cowboy boots and your long hair in a topknot. You’d insist on riding Macy, the sweet young mare we owned, and afterwards, you would prepare her stall with shavings for the night.” Knox stopped and grinned down at her. “I looked forward to your daily visits.”

  “We were childhood sweethearts?”

  “Not so much. Around your fifteenth birthday, you decided you wanted a relationship with me. I shoved you into a pile of manure.”

  “What?” She gasped and laughed. This was the first horrible thing anyone had told her to date. Mostly, her family walked on eggshells around her, fearful she might break if anything too terrible were done or spoken in her vicinity. “What a horrible thing for you to do!”

  “It didn’t dissuade you. Or if it did, no one could tell. You did, however, wait until you were a little older to start your pursuit again. By that time you’d filled out and telling you no took all my willpower.”

  “Why willpower? If I was abhorrent to you—?”

  His snort cut her off. “You were far from abhorrent. But I had to maintain the pretense that you were. Or that’s what I told myself anyway. I was an idiot. Knowing what I know now, if I could go back, I would definitely have taken you up on your offer. I’d never have let you go.”

  “You let me go? What does that mean?”

  “I thought I was being chivalrous. I thought by waiting until you were older, less innocent, that you might better know your mind. I worried you were only infatuated and when you matured, you might have a change of heart. Taking advantage of you didn’t sit well with me.”

  “Wow! You were an arrogant fucker, weren’t you?”

  Knox broke into laughter, long and loud. When he got control of his hilarity, he swiped the tips of his fingers under his lower lids. “I really was.”

  She grinned up at him. “I can see the attraction.”

  He tilted his head, and a small smile played upon his lips. “Can you?”

  There was a suggestive, playful quality to his tone; one that pulled Spring in and made her want to tease him in return.

  “Will you kiss me?” Where her request came from, she’d never know. Perhaps it was the need to connect with someone who was not her immediate family. Or maybe it was the luminous light he put off. From what she gathered, only magical humans put off such a light. His was pure. It made her want to crawl into his warmth and stay forever.

  “Is that what you truly want?” he asked huskily.

  In the short time since she’d awakened to find her life in chaos and her memory gone, Spring couldn’t remember wanting anything more. This man eased the constant restlessness that had taken hold. “Yes.”

  Knox leaned in to brush the tip of his nose to hers before he buried his face in her hair. With his lips next to Spring’s ear, Knox whispered, “You’d better be sure you want to go there, sweetheart, because once I taste you again, I’ll never stop.”

  When Knox backed away, acute disappointment ate at Spring. Without conscious thought, she grabbed the front of his shirt. Her feelings were jumbled, and she was uncertain as to what she truly wanted, but having him pull away filled her with desolation.

  Their gazes locked, and the air stilled around them. A sense of anticipation filled her. It was as if this scarred stranger held the key to her future, and she was able to recognize that fact even when she knew nothing else.

  “I want to go there,” she whispered past her dry lips.

  Without a by-your-leave, he hauled her into his arms. Arms that were like hard steel bands as they encircled her.

  She didn’t protest. Instead, she placed her palms flat upon his well-muscled chest and ran her hands up over his rounded shoulders. “You’re beautiful.”

  Knox snorted his disbelief and ran a finger down his facial scar. “Even with this?”

  “Yes.” She cocked her head to the side to study the mark more closely. “Maybe because of that.”

  The beatific smile that lit his face shocked her into silence.

  “I should’ve known you’d like it.”

  She frowned and drew back slightly. “I thought we knew each other. You said we did. Why would you not know if I liked it before? It doesn’t look new.”

  When Knox dropped his arms, Spring felt forlorn, but remained silent.

  “Because of this.” He skimmed his index finger along the scar, and as it moved down the length of his temple and cheek, the mark disappeared as if it had never existed. His face was perfection.

  Spring gaped at the stunning visage before her. “Oh.”

  He said nothing as he continued to stare at her, gauging her reaction. She had the distinct feeling he was waiting for something. What, she couldn’t say.

  “Have you always kept this hidden? Even from me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s a gruesome reminder of my early childhood.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Temper flashed briefly in his eyes, and he spun away. “I don’t want your pity,” he grumbled.

  “I don’t. Pity you, that is. I may hurt for the small child who was injured, but I don’t pity you because you have a scar.” She stepped forward and laid a hand upon his back. “I’m sorry you felt the need to hide it fro
m me before. If I’m being honest, I like you better with it.”

  He pivoted back and pinned her with an incredulous stare. “Why?”

  Spring couldn’t prevent the grin taking hold. “Because it adds character and you’re far too gorgeous without it for any woman’s peace of mind. How many times a day do you get hit on by women?” Knox’s wicked delight triggered a hitherto-unknown jealousy in Spring. “Never mind. Don’t answer that.”

  His teasing smirk widened. “I’m going to kiss you now.”

  Anticipation curled in her stomach and made her nerves jump. “Yes, please.”

  Strong arms gathered her close, and for an instant, Spring felt a shiver of fear. It was as if his touch triggered something forgotten within her. Then his lips closed over hers. She, who couldn’t remember her life before eight weeks ago, and who was aimless and lost, finally came home.

  19

  Spring was responsive in ways Knox had only dreamed about. She curled into him and opened to allow the seductive attack of his tongue. The passion she expressed, the deep, throaty moan, the little mewl of contentment, all made his body tighten with desire for her.

  Because he wanted nothing more than to throw her down and make love to her with wild abandon, he pulled away. He’d learned the hard way; timing was everything. Spring might seem ready, but she still needed to discover who she was before she committed to him.

  Her unique scent drifted to his nostrils, and he inhaled deeply when he could draw an even breath. Goddess, he wanted to eat her up.

  “Wow! I suppose that could be classified as my first kiss,” she laughed.

  “I have it on good authority—yours—that you kissed a lot of frogs before me,” he teased.

  “Is that an indication that you’re some type of prince?”

  “If the crown fits.”

  Like a balm to his ravaged soul, her light laughter took away the burning pain of their separation. He’d gone too long without talking to or touching her. Now, all he wanted to do was scoop her up and lock her away.