by Sophia Danu
“Of course, my dear, of course. My condolences,” he replied falsely, smiling as he turned and walked out of the funeral home.
“Excuse me,” Alex whispered in my ear, striding out the door after him. I sighed. I didn't want him to come to my rescue. I stared after him another second and then decided he was a big boy and I didn't have the energy to worry about it.
I valiantly greeted the rest of the visitors. After loading the boxes of food in the trunk of Nana's Volvo, I left the funeral home and headed up my mountain. I didn't see Alex again and I wondered if he exchanged words with Solen.
I smirked as I noted that yet again, my mind drifted to him. He looked so sexy and an air of danger clung to him as he moved about the funeral home in his dark suit and long, dark hair. His striking golden eyes with their heated glances made me cream just thinking about them and his tall, muscular body was enough to make a woman melt.
Sighing, I blanked my mind, easy to do since I was so tired, and pulled up in front of the cabin. I got out and stood with the light of the moon streaming down upon me. I lifted my face and closed my eyes as I raised my arms to the moon. The healing love of the Goddess washed over me, leaving me with a warm tingle. I inhaled the pungent mountain aroma, grateful to be home, even in the midst of heartbreak.
“Nana, I feel you here, but I still miss you,” I whispered and felt a breeze ruffle my hair and dress. I smiled, knowing her spirit was with me. The darkness tried to take her from me, but she's still got my back. Nana would guide me in the days to come.
It took two trips to the car before I finally got the food put away in the refrigerator and freezer. I placed a cold pork chop and potato salad on a paper plate— then poured a glass of Nana's potent homemade wine. Stripping out of my shoes and dress, I dropped them on the kitchen table and then sat down on the sofa in my silk panties to eat a late dinner and unwind. With the lights turned off in the cabin and the moon pouring in, I relaxed for the first time in two days.
I ate my fill, licking my fingers free of grease and felt almost normal again. I sauntered to my room and pulled my silk robe from my unpacked bag. I put it on, enjoying the feel of it against my skin. I admitted Alex's nearness made me restless and edgy— all right I was horny.
Eager to begin my quest and get my mind off Alex, I went to Nana's bedroom. I set my glass on the nightstand and sat on the soft bed. I ran my fingers over the homemade quilt. I remembered Nana sitting in the chair with this quilt draped over her lap while she knitted it. I looked around the room where so much of her personality was reflected.
I smiled to see the shimmering photos that I took in California of the infamous bridge above her bed. The dusk scene of the bridge and the water sparkling below was striking. I simply mailed her the ten by thirteen prints, but she framed them— honoring my gift to her.
I stretched out on the bed. Nana's love surrounded me. I felt Nana's spirit again as I did outside. As I gazed around the room, Where did you keep the books Nana?
You already know, my girl, she instructed with a soft reply.
And suddenly, I did. I went to the round table, covered with a lace tablecloth. I lifted candles and crystals from the surface and removed the tablecloth. Bending down, I ran my hands around the bottom of the table and then I felt it— a small drawer. I opened the tiny, hidden drawer and pulled out the single key and smooth wooden stick— Nana's wand. A smile crossed my lips. “I'll do you proud, Nana,” I whispered the promise to us both.
Armed with the wand and key, I looked at the pictures— The Gate, at dusk— I titled it in stenciled letters. I eyed them closely and moved the top one aside. It looked like an uninterrupted wall.
On a whim, I pointed the stick at the wall and invoked a spell for clarity. Admittedly, a smug smile appeared when the safe constructed in the wall became visible. It was solid silver and large enough for two books. I slid the key into the lock. It turned and clicked and I smiled again. A thrill ran through my blood. Nana pushed me on.
I swung open the safe door and found a leather hide bundle. Reverently, I lifted the package out. I sat down on the bed and opened the leather covering, the silk robe draped off one shoulder as I tucked my long legs under me. The light and dark books were together with a letter addressed to me on top. Nana.
My hands trembled as I pulled the letter out of the envelope. The red fingernail polish reminded me of blood as I opened the letter. A sense of foreboding washed away the feeling of light and I turned to Nana's words hoping to find comfort.
Keeley,
The daughter of my heart, you have been aware of your legacy from birth. You know you are special, as are all the daughters of my family. We come from a long line of gifted females. Witches, many call us, goddesses, some called us in ancient times, but we are always the same— powerful and talented with the ways of nature, healing and love.
We have lost many of our gifts over the ages, but it is there for each daughter if she finds the right man to share the power. He opens the heart to love, allowing nature to release all of our gifts. You will be able to control the elements and Mother Nature, herself, if you can be whole and pure of heart. You must do that, darling. You must open your heart and allow someone to love you. You know who that is...
While I've tried to be real with you about who you are, what I haven't told you about is the darker legacy that haunts our family. I didn't want you to face that burden so young like I did— like we all have in my family. Now it is time for you to know and time to believe— so I'll tell you the tale the same way that my mother told me.
It is said that one of first females in our clan was very beautiful, enchantingly so. Men who saw her desired her and wanted her for their own. The same could be said for the demon that fell in love with her as she danced one morning in a field of flowers. He came to her in human form and courted her each day as they met in the forest glen. She exchanged kisses with him and talked as they lay among the flowers and walked in the woods.
The demon watched her when she wasn't with him. He saw her in the village, harmlessly flirting with suitors. He knew many vied for her hand and he grew jealous and possessive. To assure her love for him alone, he thought to give her his greatest gift. He granted the maiden and all her descendants the skill of magic. It was a wondrous gift and she laughed and hugged him and expressed her delight at her new talents.
But though she was fond of the lad from the forest, her father betrothed her to the heir of the largest landholder in the village. He was young and fine and would provide a life of comfort for her. She obeyed her father's wishes and married the young man— never returning to the forest glen.
On their wedding night, the demon visited the blissful couple. In the frightening guise of full demon glory, he cursed their daughter and every daughter of every generation to face his wrath. He comes in different forms with different ploys to entrap us, but the important thing to remember is that he comes. He has either killed or enslaved or been defeated by each keeper of the book for thousands of years.
I have gone on to a place he cannot use my age against us. I am so sorry to leave you to face this, but it was my time— I have foreseen this death for years. If I didn't take this path, we would have battled and he would have defeated me. Then he would have taken you. At least in this manner, I can pass on my power to you and not the demon for he is close. I feel him nearby. The evil is gathering.
Unfortunately, my death means he will turn his sights to you, but I have faith in you, Keeley. You see there is a bit of hope linked to the curse. Over three hundred years ago, one of our ancestors was a seer, a prophet. In a deep trance, she spoke of an end to the demon's curse. In her words, the demon will be forever destroyed by the sorceress mated to the wolf. I'll leave you with that thought.
I love you.
Nana
Isabella Delania Isoncortue
A tear dropped onto the stationary and left a round spot on the paper. It dropped out of my hands, unheeded to the floor. A lifetime of whispered con
versations and haunted looks suddenly made sense. I remembered the heated family phone calls about Nana and I moving back to the family stronghold. They wanted us to move to Greystones, the town where they lived, where we would be safe in the family castle. They never understood my grandmother's and my parents’ need for the independence and freedom of the United States. They scorned her for a lack of concern about the danger we faced. My great-aunts and cousins didn't understand her refusal to live in the safety and comfort, not to mention the wealth and privilege, of the centuries-old castle, family estate and powerful name.
I sniffed and rubbed my face free of moisture. What should I do? Should I contact the family in Ireland? Can't they feel Nana's death or were we written off entirely? I took the books into the living room and turned off all the lights along the way. With Nana's wand, I gestured to the fireplace and the numerous candles murmuring flamma. Soon a soft glow lit the room.
Taking a sip of the wine, I opened the white book and flipped through the pages. I admired the illustrations and beautiful, calligraphy-style font. I marveled as I looked through the book knowing I was looking at the spells of my ancestors. Antidotes and spells added by each one, with their own personality and talents portrayed in their additions. I felt a personal kinship with these women for the first time in my life. Nana taught me about my legacy. She told me stories about her sisters, brothers, parents, cousins and grandparents, but it wasn't until now I felt connected on a personal level to my ancestors and family.
I flipped some more and browsed the healing spells. The ancient words and deeds were familiar since I saw Nana conjure them frequently. Memories of her twisting these spells warmed me and that realization prompted the thought percolating in my mind since talking to Mrs. Olinger at the funeral home. Should I practice the arts for the people of Blue Springs as Nana did? I would quickly become enmeshed in all their troubles, but I would also celebrate their triumphs. Nana devoted her time and heart to this town. Shouldn't I do the same? I already felt the need to protect them from the insidious evil gathering here. Why not surrender to the true call within me?
I set the glittering book of light aside and opened the dark one. The power surged when my hands touched it. It opened to the most remarkable page. Vivid hand-drawn images of fire and a life-like dragon's head rising out of the flames were emblazoned on the pages. My eyes widened. Dragon Fire was the title of the page in its fine detail.
You might be wondering why my family possessed a dark book. Well I guess all I can say is the line between light and dark isn't always clear. This line is like everything else in life, there's a lot of gray area and sometime we just have to pick a side because it's hard to tell what's right and wrong. And sometimes you have to do bad things for the greater good.
I turned back to the white book and flipped to one of the first pages, calling fire. It was a simple spell that I've been able to conjure since I was three. I read the spell and recalled when Nana first taught me how to call the flame. Basically, you focus your wand or your object of power. It can be a talisman or anthame. Anyway, you point it and then invoke the spell— flamma, or incendia for a more explosive flame.
Memories of Nana teaching me spells and healing filtered through my mind. They were happy times. Oh, Nana, I wish you were here. I closed my eyes and felt a light breeze surround me, lifting tendrils of my hair.
I am here with you. Trust your instinct. You'll know what to do. I will be here when you most need me.
The feeling of warmth eased away. “Nana, don't go.”
Knock. Knock.
I choked back a scream and nearly laughed at my foolishness. I was spooked for sure. Unfortunately, my nervousness didn't get any better when I realized who waited at the door. Damn.
Chapter Three
I looked at him through the large windows. The light wasn't on, but the clusters of candles illuminated the room enough to see. I imagined what I looked like— naked with only the short silk robe for cover— bathed in candlelight. For a brief rebellious moment, I wanted him to see me, to desire me after he so callously rejected me years ago. Not that I wanted to go there again, but it wouldn't hurt for him to want something he couldn't have, for once.
I realized such thinking was petty and I was a better person than that. “Yeah, right,” I snorted. I wasn't going to forget how he hurt me, but I didn't need to hurt him back. Right? No, it was better to keep things casual. Besides, he wasn't going away I acknowledged ruefully.
Gritting my teeth at his persistence, I defiantly glared at him, but still walked to the door. My bare feet were warm on the hardwood and the thought crossed my mind that answering the door naked and barefoot was far too intimate and underdressed for a man like Alex. What was I doing?
His gaze trapped me even as he stood outside, practically willing me to open the door. Then I noticed his eyes glowed and my heart skipped a beat. He looked like a predator. I told myself it was a trick of the light but apprehension filled me and I paused. He saw my hesitation and pressed a long hand to the glass.
“Let me in, Keeley.”
His gravelly voice raked across my spine, demanding. My knees shook. The man would tempt an angel... or the devil. I took a deep breath and unlocked the door, knowing that even if I didn't, it wouldn't keep him out. I turned my back on him as he entered, not ready to face him and honestly, I was a bit intimidated. He looked dangerous and like he wanted to throw me up against a wall and fuck me. The thought made my breath shallow.
I subtly kicked the books underneath the couch since I wasn't ready to talk to Alex about any of this. I faced him with the sofa dividing us and my arms folded defensively across my chest. His eyes glittered in the firelight. The message in his gaze made me swallow, both anxious and eager at the same time.
He was much harder than the young man he was four years ago. He reminded me of a lethal tiger... or perhaps a wolf would be a more accurate description. The changes in Alex were devastating to my senses.
Four years ago, he was a hot, young, rebellious teenage boy, now he was a predator, a killer. It was in his eyes— the knowledge of death, delivering it. Despite my innate need to escape the predator before me, my body didn't listen— it swayed in his direction.
His tantalizing body and comforting presence was almost impossible to resist. I turned back to the fire, fighting my weakness. I felt him close behind me and I closed my eyes, then stopped breathing— praying that he wouldn't touch me. His hands fell on my shoulders. The silk robe softened the masculine, callused hands that held me so confidently.
Fire spread through my body at his touch and a door was thrown wide. The connection between us strengthened and locked in. I became soaked and squeezed my legs together, then felt the astonishing depth of his need. My body instantly radiated pure, unadulterated want and desire. Suddenly, captivatingly, my mind became his and I heard his every thought, felt his every sensation and listened to his every need. Never was a connection as strong as this one. He was the other half of me. Involuntarily and without his knowledge, I eavesdropped on his thoughts.
* * * *
He'd waited too long for her to come back. He nearly went to California so many times to bring her back home, but Nana encouraged him rather convincingly to let her come back on her own. He steered his mind away from the past and focused on the fact that she was finally where he wanted her. Well, he acknowledged, not quite. When she was tied to a bed, he would be happy.
He inhaled her scent into his body— a soul-stirring aroma that he never forgot. He rubbed his cheek against her locks and marked her with his own scent. The urge to taste her essence and cover her in his was uncontrollable. He ached to pin her down and fuck her until she screamed.
Fierce triumph filled him that she was his again. Her unfortunate loss would not stop him from using the situation to his advantage. Nana wanted them together. She wasn't going back to California. She was his mate. He knew it the first moment he saw her when she was ten and the voice inside him screamed mine, but he tried
to save her from it.
Nana knew what he was and knew of their feelings for each other, and she never discouraged it— that used to surprise him. He didn't feel worthy of Keeley back then. He fought the attraction, unsure of himself and the carnivorous power at his fingertips, especially since his father, who was just like him, died before he was born— under suspicious circumstances. His mother was the one who found his mutilated body on the far edge of their property.
After his father was gone, his mother changed. The death of her mate left a void in her soul that she never recovered from. Alex watched her sink into depression and a joyless existence, though she never stopped loving him. He understood, even as a young boy, that she didn't want to live— that she waited, existed until he was old enough to be independent.
His mother raised him with the knowledge of what his father was— what he himself would become one day. He grew up knowing that when he reached adulthood he would experience his first painful conversion along with a new life and frightening challenges— wielding horrific power. His mother encouraged him not to fear the future, to embrace his gift, but how could he? With no one to guide him and no clear idea of what to expect, he saw himself as a monster. He couldn't conceive a normal life and then he met Keeley.
Understanding his conflict, his mother sent him to Nana. While not a wolf, she was otherworldly. The whole town whispered she was not human. His mother figured Nana could help him come to terms with his situation better than she. The days working on the mountaintop with the magical women did help, but after he watched his mother fade away after the death of her mate— he couldn't do the same to Keeley— the beautiful, magical, innocent, full-of-life, young woman, who unfortunately for her, was his mate.
Leaving her nearly killed him. Hurting her nearly made him insane. He told himself it was the best way so she would forget him and move on. At first, his health declined just like his mother. Then he experienced his first change. His body instantly grew harder, taller and broader. He bounced back physically from the separation, but mentally he began to lose control.
