by Crystal Dawn
“Yeah, I often am. When do I get a raise?” He wondered.
“You’ve been getting one every year since you started.” Pru pointed out.
“Isn’t that cost of living?” He asked.
“Those raises are large for just a cost of living adjustment.”
“Okay, you might be right. Am I getting a promotion soon?” Clive asked.
“I’ll let you know when we get back.” Pru promised.
“Come on, Sweetheart. We don’t want to be late.” Herk insisted.
She followed him out the door. Excitement and nerves warred for dominance but it wouldn’t be long before she knew which would win. The ride was short and they were headed in to her parent’s house. Her mother greeted them just as they stepped in the door.
“Come follow me to the table. Your father is waiting.” Maybelle greeted.
They walked behind her and entered the room. Food was on the table with drinks. “We’ll eat while we talk if you don’t mind.” Her father asked.
“Of course we don’t mind.” Herk insisted.
They sat down at the places set with drinks and food. Everything smelled good and made them both hungry. It made her wonder if this talk was important after all. Would they have a life altering meeting while they were distracted with food? The answer turned out to be yes.
“I have a position I want to offer the two of you. This is no easy thing and it is very important which is why I’d like the two of you to handle it. Due to its location, Herk will have to be number one and you his number two. I know you’re an independent and capable person, but until these people see it to, you’ll have to help rather then head things.”
“I haven’t a clue what you’re offering us.” Pru said. “I’m as high in Wicked Witch as I can go unless you’re retiring?”
“No, this isn’t about Wicked Witch. You’ll still hold your position regardless of what you decide. You’re PA will take on more and get a higher rank and pay. This is about running the witches in South America. It is part of my domain, but I can’t run it successfully without a long arm doing it. You two are my choice for a long arm.” Royal said. “Your mother is in agreement.”
“We’ll have to talk about it. It’s a big decision and a big change.” Pru admitted. She looked at Herk and couldn’t tell what his thoughts were with the neutral expression on his face. Her feelings were mixed. Yes, it was an honor. But she’d never planned to move away from home permanently.
“I’ll give you some time to decide, but let me know as soon as you do.” Royal asked.
“That’s fair enough. If we take it, will it be after the wedding?” Pru asked.
“Of course, but that’s only a couple weeks off.” Maybelle pointed out.
That mix of excitement and dread still hadn’t decided which would rule. Herk was much older, but she was relatively young for the position of number two to a leader of a continent even if he was representing another leader which was her dad. Why had he decided to do this now? Was the war going strong down south already? Pru wished she knew more but suspected they’d be told no more until the decision was made.
Once they were home and the door was closed, it was time to talk. “What do you think?” She asked.
“I wouldn’t mind going. My first thought was it would appeal to your need for challenges.” Herk admitted.
“That’s one big challenge.” Pru observed.
“Not too big for you and me.”
“Think there’s any way we can find out more about the job?”
“I have some contacts. Let me put out some feelers and I’ll let you know what they say.”
“I didn’t think people really talked like that. It’s the way it is in spy movies.” Pru said.
“Yes, people talk like this. Aren’t you a spy? You should know this.” Herk teased.
“We use more modern speech. Never mind. Just get us some facts so we can decide.”
She considered going back to work, but this offer was weighing on her mind. Her job wasn’t challenging, Herk was right about that. It wasn’t an issue yet, but would be in time. She wasn’t working at her full capacity and eventually it would bother her. Maybe even more now that she knew she was needed somewhere she could make a difference.
Eventually she’d be equal to Herk in that job. It was partly because she was female, but also because she was young. Most supernatural types in her age group still played around and hadn’t settled down. Once they saw she was able to do the job, they would accept her. She had no doubts about it. The biggest issue was going so far from home. While she wanted to travel, a trip wasn’t the same as moving away. What if she didn’t like it there? They’d be stuck for years if not for ever.
“Come to any conclusions?” Herk asked. “You’re thinking so hard you’ll end up with lines on your face.”
“That’s not funny. This is a big decision. We’d be there a long time.”
“You think we’d be stuck there?” he asked.
“Exactly.”
“You truly believe your father wouldn’t find a way to get you back home if you hated it?”
“You think I’m spoiled?”
“No, I believe your parents love you too much to allow you to be that unhappy.” Herk admitted.
Pru tried to look at things the way her mate was, but even if she didn’t like it there would she ever admit that to her parents? That would be letting them down. She’d like to think that was something she’d never done.
Herk pulled her into his arms and she leaned on his big chest. She breathed in his clean scent and tried to relax. Until she had as much information as she could get there was no point in worrying about the decision. Easier said than done. Pru was not a worrier normally. Her mate was trying to ease and calm her. That’s where her attention needed to be.
“Let’s go to bed, Sexy.” Herk invited.
“That sounds beautiful. Lead on.” Pru accepted. Janel had her own suite now so they were alone. “It’s nice to be by ourselves sometimes.”
After a night of beautiful love making, the decision was made. South America it was. When Pru woke in the morning, she began to do what she loved best, bake. The delightful aromas of her pie, cake, and cupcakes lured Herk from his bed. Impatient to taste them, he burned his mouth.
“You’ve burned your mouth, haven’t you?” Pru asked.
“Only a little. I thought you couldn’t cook?”
“I bake. Some people think those two things are different. I never said I couldn’t cook, I can a little. My passion is baking. It helps calm my mind. Now that we’ll be living somewhere else, I have to admit to something. I own a bakery. I have a cousin managing it.”
“You own a bakery and didn’t tell me?”
“It was self-defense. I was told you and Julio would eat everything in there.”
“That’s not a lie. Who told? Was it Knossos?”
“Sophie warned me. I’d already hired Glenda, a cousin, right after I met you. It was easy to let her take over when I received the warning. Don’t be mad. I couldn’t take it if I lost my business.”
“I’m not that bad, but Julio can’t turn away from a sweet once he scents one. You’ll take me there before we leave, but Julio will just get a pie when we come back. That’s fair isn’t it?” Herk asked.
“Yes, if you promise not to eat everything.”
“Of course, Sweetling. I promise to be good.” His smile didn’t make her feel any better. Her bakery was in obvious jeopardy.
“When did you want to visit it?” She asked.
“Before the move I think you will agree to make.” He replied.
Ah, yes. The move to South America. It seemed so far from home, but she wouldn’t be alone. Her mate would be with her and maybe some others would agree to come. A girl could hope. Janel and Julio weren’t getting along, that was obvious when she looked at her texts. She had half a dozen from Janel complaining about how selfish Julio was being.
That meant neither of them might come with them on the mo
ve ahead. Why did life just keep getting more complicated? In two weeks, the wedding was taking place and then it looked like their lives would be busier than ever. In those two weeks, she had a girl’s day and evening while Herk would hang with the boys. There would be a wedding shower which would take all day between the meal and the party.
They would also have to plan for the move. That might be the easiest thing since neither planned to move much. Everything would be bought down there for the new house. Buying was fun, right? She would have plenty of help with that part too. At least she would if Gertie shook off her depression of late and Janel worked things out with Julio. Males could bring a female low. Right now, the fun of gathering with the females she loved was coming up. She intended to enjoy it no matter what happened.
“Have you heard back from any of your contacts about what’s happening in South America?” Pru handed him another piece of pie and waited for his answer.
“I have and it’s worse than I expected. We are needed and I can only hope we’ll be up to the task. At least I know you love a challenge.”
“I suppose we have no choice. Our future and that of our families, friends, and future children depend on someone bringing order to that continent.”
“You said that perfectly. I’ll call your mother and let her know.”
Several days passed until their girl’s day and night came. Annie was about to pop and Sophie was right behind her. Maybe all the attention on Annie’s huge stomach did it, but they’d just settled at the beauty shop when the only thing that would eclipse her preparation for mated life occurred.
Water hit the floor directly under Annie and everyone’s gaze was drawn to her. “When did you go into labor?” Maybelle asked.
“I-I didn’t realize I was in labor.” Annie declared.
“Don’t get upset. You’ve wanted to get the baby out. Now it’s happening. The rest of you go on with what you’re doing. I’ll take Annie home where Ram is. I’ll call and keep you informed.” Maybelle said.
They all knew there was no point in going to Ram’s place. Maybelle would let them know as things progressed.
Chapter 13
The Wedding March
Annie had a sweet little girl. Opinions had been mixed with even experts divided on what she would have so a few who had been wrong were disappointed. The girl’s day had gone limp after Annie had left and none had stayed for long at that point. It was alright because everyone was pleased to see the baby safe and sound.
A baby shower had been thrown together the next day since everyone had wanted to see little May anyway. She took after Annie with red hair and whiskey colored eyes. The child was adorable and the shower went well with the presents filling the nursery.
Now the wedding loomed and at least Annie would be able to attend. Everyone questioned if Sophie would make it that long or give birth sooner. Herk didn’t know and he only cared because Pru wanted Annie there. Not that he didn’t like Annie or her mate Ram, no it was just that the wedding didn’t mean that much to him. He’d never been to one and never thought he’d actually be in one much less a groom.
It was the morning of the wedding and he and Pru were in separate places. Some kind of superstition about seeing his bride before the ceremony started. Such a human thing for witches to take notice. Nevertheless they had so he was being punished because Pru was having a fabulous breakfast with her family while he was digging around looking for lousy leftovers to heat up.
Even Julio who was his best man was eating breakfast with Pru and her family. Where was the fairness in that? Herk dug out a two day old sandwich and sniffed it. It smelled alright, but the bread was stale. It was better than anything else he’d found. A brief zap in the microwave softened the bread, but now the tomato had made it mushy.
A knock on the door interrupted him so he tossed the sandwich on the counter to answer the door. “Good morning my friend.” Julio greeted. “Here is something from your sweet bride. She thought you might be hungry.”
Herk grabbed the tray filled to almost overflowing with the best food one might imagine. “Yes!” He declared as he sat down with a spoon and fork to dig in.
“You eat more like a pig than a horse.” Julio observed with a chuckle.
“I bet you did too.” Herk replied.
“Maybe a little. The food there is so good.”
“Pru says she will find a good cook for us in South America.”
“Have you narrowed down where we are going any?”
“Yes, the house is being built near Rio de Janiero, Brazil. It’s because it’s a large area where we can find employees for the branch of Wicked Witch we’ll be opening.”
“That’s a great cover.” Julio praised.
“It is and opening a company will get our foot in many doors.”
“I never thought of the politics or rubbing elbows with those in the know. Good luck with that.”
“You’ll be helping with that.”
Julio moaned. “Come on, be a friend. I hate that type of stuff.”
“You think I like it?” Herk asked.
“It’s the burden leaders must shoulder.”
“Where the hell did you hear that bull shit at?”
“Can’t remember, but it sounds good.”
“You’re a leader too.”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot that.” Herk slapped Julio on the back of his head. “Hey, you know I hate that.”
“Yup.” Herk almost chuckled but he held it in. He’d done it because Julio hated it and he felt he deserved it for being dense.
In a few hours he would be not only mated, but married. Pru had bought him an ownership band that humans wore. It didn’t seem that effective because over the years he’d seen many people slip theirs off. He’d even seen a few leave it on as they overlooked its meaning. It was just one more thing he didn’t understand about humans.
It made him wonder why witches wanted to copy them in anything. His only reasoning was because the witches dealt with humans so much more than any of the other kinds did. That would help them fit in better. He looked at the slow moving clock again for the hundredth time. Herk was ready to do this thing and be with his mate for good.
As he dressed in the tuxedo, his hands shook. That was something he wasn’t used to happening. His heart beat fast and his stomach churned. Maybe he was coming down with something from being around all the humans and others. Taking a last look in the mirror, he thought he looked good enough to please his mate. Even his shoes were well polished.
“Ready yet?” Julio hollered.
“I’m ready to go now. You look presentable.” Herk admitted in surprise.
“Annie said if I upset Pru’s wedding by looking out of place, I’d be a toad for the rest of my life.” Herk chuckled. “You can laugh now, but these witches are vicious. Wait until you piss one off.”
“If we don’t hurry, we’ll both piss one off.”
Julio glanced at the clock then began to rush around. “Let’s get on with this.”
They both managed to get into the back seat of the limo without anything bad happening. The driver pulled into the road immediately. Minutes later, the large event center came into view. People were everywhere, hundreds if not a few thousand. Herk wiped his sweaty palms on his pants. He’d never felt like this before.
Stepping out of the limo, he made his way to the room they would be in with Julio trailing behind him. Herk remembered where it was frim the practice they had all taken a part in. That practice had a profound effect on him and if he wasn’t mistaken, Pru. Once they’d made it home, they’d fallen in bed together practically tearing off each other’s clothes.
A smile came to his lips. That was a memory he would always cherish, but now he was ready to make more memories like it. The room suddenly grew quiet as he and Julio took their places. An older male took a seat at the piano and began to play different songs Pru had selected. Another older male moved to the front of the room. Possibly the minister, but Herk couldn’t place hi
m.
The seats began to fill at a rapid pace before the place was packed. A shiver ran over him as the music changed to something he recognized. Pru was on her way. Turning to face the far door, he saw her arm in arm with Royal, her father. She was the loveliest thing he’d ever laid eyes on.
She wore a lacy white dress which he found odd. White in a wedding was meant to reflect a virginal purity few witches had by the time they made their way down the aisle. Few supernatural females had it since sex before marriage wasn’t frowned upon. The front of the dress showed a sexy hint of what he would be sampling later on.
Even now, he barely noticed the little flower girl walking beside the boy carrying the rings. Even Ram escorting Annie, an unknown male escorting Gertie, and Knossos escorting Sophie barely got any of his attention as they came to stand in their spots as the wedding party. Only his mate held his eye as she drew ever nearer until she stood next to him as her father slipped into the seat next to Maybelle.
Staring into her eyes, he saw the future and it looked good. He almost failed to hear the minister begin to speak. Herk made the correct answers when it was his turn much to his relief. Evidently Pru did as well because they made it to the end.
The minister turned looking at him. “You may kiss the bride.”
“Finally!” Herk embraced her as his lips claimed hers and the kiss went deeper. The clearing of throats and the hollers from the guests made him reluctantly back off.
Julio nudged him. “I thought you planned to take her here.”
Herk said nothing because he wouldn’t have minded, but knew Pru would have died of embarrassment. He was held hostage as well wishers approached to shake hands and give unwanted opinions. Finally it was announced that lunch was ready so he and his wife hurried to change their clothes. If he never saw the suit again, he wouldn’t mind.
Wearing less formal clothes, they rejoined the party well in progress. They sat at the head of the table and chatted as they ate their food. He watched how much Pru drank remembering Janel’s condition after drinking too much. How long had they been told they had to stay? Oh, yes. It was time to cut the cake then lead a dance.
