She couldn't handle much more. She was going to come again, and he wasn't losing pace at all.
“I'm going to come,” he said, surprising her.
“Yes, yes, please come for me, Carter,” she said, kissing him and trying to tighten herself around him. Carter slid his hand between them again, rubbing her clit with the beat of his thrusts. “Oh!” she gasped, spasming around him as her body crashed through her second orgasm in just a few minutes.
This did it.
Soon, he was coming, too, filling her as his pace became ragged and fervent.
Willow kissed his forehead as they came down from it, their deep breaths matching in rhythm.
“You're amazing,” she whispered.
“Speak for yourself,” he smiled, wincing as he pulled out of her. His swim trunks had fallen off at some point and sank down to the bottom of the pool. “Let me get those,” he said, kissing her lips again. She could feel just a little of his stubble coming back, even though he'd just shaved that morning.
“Okay,” she sighed, holding onto the wall behind her. She watched as he dove down to get his trunks. He was the perfect man for her.
He was driving her crazy with how much she loved him.
Chapter 28
“So, with a heavy heart, I need to ask to resign,” Willow typed, the words sounding hollow and redundant as she typed them. “I won't be able to travel as much, so I won't be able to keep up reviewing resorts. If you'd like to keep me on as a telecommuting editor I can do that. Otherwise, please consider this my notice,” she finished off.
She hated that she had to quit like this, but there was no way that she was going any distance from the pack. Not after she just found them, finally found a place where she was wanted and belonged.
“How's it going?” Carter asked, bringing her a coffee from his kitchen.
That weekend, she'd moved into his place.
It wasn't for a permanent stay. She wanted them to have separate places for at least the first six months they were together, but it was exciting all the same. She loved getting to wake up and know he was beside her, getting to reach out and feel him on the other side of the bed.
“It's all right,” she answered, closing out of the email after she sent it. The other tab popped up on her screen, the national missing person's page.
“Are there any more?” he asked, leaning over her shoulder. A running document on her computer kept track of anybody that looked similar to her going missing. She'd found hundreds, several other entire families wiped out or vanished. It was an epidemic of crimes against her bloodline.
She wondered how many who were missing had just gone into hiding.
“It sucks that I found out I have thousands of relatives, and yet they're scattered in the wind,” she sighed, closing her computer. “I wish I could just hunt them down by last name, but that's not going to work.” She leaned forward and rested her head against Carter's stomach.
“Are you ready? They'll be arriving during the next half hour,” he said softly, handing her the coffee he'd brought.
“Yeah,” she nodded, sipping the drink slowly.
“Have you figured out what you'll say?” he asked.
“No, but I'll get there,” she shrugged. “Are you sure you don't wanna just take over being Alpha and solve all of this for me?” she asked, pouting slightly.
“It wouldn't be right,” he shook his head. “Now people would think I just got the role because you're in a relationship with me,” he joked.
***
The backyard was full of the pack.
Willow felt like a terrible hostess, like she should have made drinks or food for everyone. She pushed that thought aside.
“Hi, everyone. How are you?” she addressed them, not needing an introduction this time.
There was a pleasant murmuring response that reminded her of a class being asked by a teacher how their summer vacation was.
“I just have a couple things on the table to clear off, and then you can go ahead and get on with your week,” she explained. “Firstly, I'd like to thank every single one of you who helped with the investigation and the police,” she said, starting a round of applause for them. Everyone else filled in, nodding. “Second, I've heard that James Keech has been moved to a prison about an hour north of the casino,” she continued on. “I understand that it can be hard for him to be gone, even if he turned out to be a liar. I know a lot of you were close to him. I've spoken with Sacred Wing Hospital and they've agreed to offer free counseling on this subject for anyone who needs it,” she added.
“For the biggest problem on the plate,” she went on. It sounded thought out and planned, but she was just saying what she knew would be important for them to know. “I am not going to stay on as this pack's Alpha,” she explained. The murmuring in the crowd rose loudly. A couple voices sounded angry.
She wasn't going to let this get out of town.
Stepping forward on the stage, just one look caused the crowd to draw silent.
“We should vote for this. Honestly, I'll hold the role for the next month or two while we figure out a more permanent replacement,” she explained. “I am extremely thankful for all of the generosity all of you have extended to me. I look forward to getting to know each of you better, since I'm now a permanent resident of Grand Valley,” she smiled. There was a cheer and a round of applause. That went easier than she expected.
“What's the pack name for now, then?” one voice at the back of the crowd asked. This caught her off guard. Willow glanced over at Carter who smiled encouragingly to her.
She hadn't considered this.
“We're the Dark Sky Pack until further notice,” she said, the idea surprising her. They'd be named after a starless night. A pack that wasn't led by people just because of the mark on their necks. There was a murmuring of agreement, and a bit of clapping here or there from those who really approved.
“That will be the end of the official announcements. If you have any questions you can stay, and I'll be answering those in just a few minutes,” she offered, nodding to the crowd. The crowd burst into chatter, dismissed for a few minutes. A couple dozen people went off to the front of the house for their cars.
Carter pulled her aside and tugged her into an embrace.
“That was excellent,” he said, backing away to look her in the eyes. “Are you sure you don't want to be the Alpha? You seem to be filling the role really well,” he said.
“Well, I have a great teacher,” she smiled up at him, in love with every centimeter of his face.
“Hmm, and who is this?” he teased. “Should I be jealous?” he asked, pulling her closer to him.
“Well, don't go fighting any mirrors,” she teased, kissing him and giggling.
“What if they put you up as a candidate?” he asked.
“I don't doubt they will, but then I'll have to run against you,” she smiled, happy to hold him.
“That will be interesting,” he sighed, glancing out as more people shuffled from the backyard to the front.
“I'm looking forward to it,” she sighed, leaning her head against his chest.
Whatever could come, she felt completely ready to take it on.
THE END
Witch Academy Box Set (1-4)
Book 1: The Missing Queen
Chapter 1
Desmond awoke with a start, his body tensing up. It took him a moment to figure out exactly what the problem was, his magic finding its way up to his brain.
He realized after a moment that it was a crash from his kitchen that had woken him. However, the presence that he sensed was not anything that would cause him harm. His dishes and food supply might be in danger, but he was not.
Running a hand over his face, he tried to pull the sleep from his eyes, glancing at the time piece. He was planning to get up now anyway; the alarm would beep after a moment or two. It was later than he normally got up, but he didn't have anywhere to
be for another hour.
“Nathaniel,” he said as the door to his chambers whooshed open at his touch. “What are you doing?”
His former Tiro looked up at him, a piece of toast in his mouth.
“You're awake.”
Desmond raised an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe.
“You think I can't still sense when you are causing chaos? Eleven years of training you, Nathaniel. I promise that the bond is not broken yet.”
Nathaniel smirked as he searched for more bread, and Desmond decided it was a losing battle. Besides, he was meeting Mariah for breakfast anyway, so he didn't need food here.
He had trained Nathaniel for eleven years as his third Tiro, readying him as a full-fledged witch; the guardians of the galaxy. Magic was dangerous and destructive if not controlled and well trained, and those born with it often didn't survive it unless they were taken from their families and devoted their life to its control. Witches, who were taken to the academies around the galaxy and trained by Maestros, became warriors, guardians, peacemakers, and healers. They were well respected, strong, and completely devoted to keeping the galaxy safe.
It came at a price, of course. They rarely, if ever, saw their families again. They were not supposed to form attachments or have families of their own. They were completely devoted to their craft and their quests. When they were young, they were usually devoted to their Maestros. When they came of age, they were put through a series of rigorous tests that determined whether they could go off on their own and become a new generation of Maestros.
There were exceptions to every rule, of course. Tiros were supposed to be in the academy from the time they started walking, and they needed to be with a Maestro by the time they were thirteen if they wanted to be able to take the tests. Otherwise, they remained at school until eighteen and could work in a minor role. Any time after eighteen, they could take the tests and become a full-fledged witch.
Desmond knew that he and Nathaniel had broken almost every single one of those rules in their years together. It wasn't necessarily on purpose, because he didn't always believe in everything the Jurors dictated. But Nathaniel had been almost fourteen when Desmond finally took him on after a disastrous last Tiro. Nathaniel was stubborn, mouthy, and more interested in fun half the time. Desmond knew Nathaniel would never be the serious, quiet, thoughtful Witch that was expected. Nathaniel was twenty-four when he finally took the tests, passing with flying colors in everything except his attitude.
Now, nearly two years later, they remained at the academy. Nathaniel was teaching some of the classes, and Desmond sat on the Jurors part time, dealing with the intergalactic issues that came their way. Both of them were expected at some point soon to take on a Tiro. But after a bumpy eleven years, Nathaniel didn't seem quite ready to be self-sufficient
Desmond, despite being technically free of a Tiro, found it hard to find time for himself and Mariah – not that he publicly wished for it.
The first day Desmond saw Mariah was nearly thirty years ago. They had both been young witches on their first Tiros. They had locked eyes across the room, and Desmond knew that he was in trouble.
Neither of them had broken any rules, at least in public. But as they started to age toward retirement with a quiet life of advising only in their near future, he found it harder to make sure they were in line and not just existing in a grey area that the Jurors raised their eyebrows at.
He knew Nathaniel was aware of the fine line he walked and took it as challenge. No matter how much Desmond tried and scolded, Nathaniel had always had eyes for women. He wasn't discreet either, and more than once, he had been called in front of the Jurors for disobedience.
Desmond's only solace was that, as Nathaniel got older, he seemed to be settling down and focusing his attention on the one woman he came back to again, and again. A quest on Jeffro – a border planet – had introduced the fifteen-year-old Nathaniel to the seventeen-year-old orphaned ruler, Queen Eliza. She was just as head strong, stubborn, and in control of her emotions as he was. Desmond pretended to not hear the late-night hologram fights they had over the years, and pretended not to hear Nathaniel's thoughts when they were doing well. As long as he was focused on his duties, Desmond could turn a blind eye. And, he noticed, no matter how hard they fought, they always returned to each other. They fought in a way that acknowledged that ending their relationship was never an option.
It was admirable, in a way, except neither of them were supposed to be even thinking of romantic love.
This life was not an easy one, but it was worth it for the greater good. Despite being two of the most powerful warrior witches in the galaxy, they were still only human.
“Are you going to the showcase today?” Nathaniel asked. “I saw them setting up this morning.”
“I might,” Desmond answered, watching Nathaniel eat his way through half a loaf of bread. The showcases were bi-annual and meant to show off the skills of young witches who were hoping to find Maestros. They came from the various academies to go the headquarters, and it was usually impressive. Desmond wasn't quite sure he was interested in taking another one, though. If he was truthful, Nathaniel had been difficult at best. Desmond would technically age out before another Tiro came of age. He and Mariah had loose plans to not take another one, retiring together. Not that he could tell anyone of that, he knew.
Right now, his biggest concern was getting Nathaniel out of his kitchen. “Is there something wrong with the cafeteria? Or your own kitchen, perhaps? Your room is down the hall, Nathaniel. Surely your own kitchen is closer.”
“I have to teach in ten minutes,” Nathaniel protested. “There's no time to wait in the cafeteria or make my own food. You always have something ready.”
“In case I need to grab something swiftly,” Desmond replied. “I don't usually keep you in mind.”
“I love how prepared you are, Maestro,” Nathaniel grinned. “I didn't have time last night.”
“Why? You finished class at seven p.m.” Desmond raised an eyebrow. “What did you do with your evening?”
“Eliza called,” Nathaniel admitted. “It was a long call.”
“I'm sure it was,” Desmond said. “Go to class. If the professor is late, it says something.”
“See you.” Nathaniel finally finished chewing and took off, leaving Desmond to shake his head. Nathaniel's appetite had not changed since he was fifteen, nor had his energy or his attitude. It was amazing how different they were. Nathaniel's dream was to be on the Jurors, where Desmond couldn't think of a more boring way to live life. Although Nathaniel was successful and well respected, Desmond sometimes wondered where he went wrong as a Maestro.
He tied up the bread bag, putting the dishes in the sink before going to get dressed. He always got Mariah from her room if they were having a meal together, as the hallways were crowded. Mariah had been blinded nearly ten years ago, and although she was very proficient with her magic, using it to see rather than her eyes, he still worried about her. Her last Tiro, Nathaniel's childhood best friend, had graduated early, and Mariah had been working within the safety of the academy ever since. Desmond worried every day she took a minor quest, even though he knew she was just as strong as the first day.
His com-link buzzed as he was finishing getting dressed, and he saw it was Thomas, one of the permanent members.
“I'm not expected for another two hours,” he answered, finishing the buttons on his old shirt.
“I know,” Thomas replied. “I'm not calling because I don't know how to tell time.”
“Good to know,” Desmond answered. “What can I do for you?”
“There was a ship coming from a border planet that had some terrible turbulence. It was full of showcases attendees, and some were injured. Can you stop by the med bay to sign off on their participation? The professor is insistent that they participate, and I'm not sure he's taking their physical state into account.”
“These off-worl
d professors,” Desmond said, shaking his head. “They count their success on the amount of Tiros that get trained, regardless of consequence.”
“I'm aware,” Thomas said. “Will you do it?”
“In an hour,” Desmond replied. “I have plans currently.”
“Doing what?”
“I have plans,” Desmond repeated. “But I will be there.”
Thomas sighed. “Fine,” he answered, not willing to fight. “I'll see you later.”
“You will,” Desmond said, and hung up. He knew that walking the grey areas of magic often landed him with tasks like this, but it was a small price to pay to mostly do as he pleased.
Mariah was ready when he came to the door, looking beautiful despite a plain outfit. Her hair was pulled back, and he was used to the scarring around her eyes that had caused the blindness. Once bright red, the scars were now pure white, crisscrossing her eyes and causing his heart to ache whenever he saw her. She was still beautiful, but he hated that he had not been there to help her.
“Good morning,” Mariah said, knowing exactly where to look. “You're troubled today.”
He smiled, always impressed by how sensitive her magic was.
“It could have been Thomas calling to ask me something ridiculous,” he replied. “Or it could be that Nathaniel showed up and ate half of my fridge before dawn.”
“So, a normal day, then?” She smiled at him, closing the door behind them. He took her arm, the shivers going down her spine. The only good thing about her blindness was that they could now touch in public under the guise that he was guiding her.
“A normal day, lately,” he said, shaking his head. “Nathaniel has such pent-up energy since we've returned. When we were working, he could exhaust himself by the end of the day. We worked from dawn to dusk, and I usually didn't hear a peep from him after ten p.m. But here, just teaching during the day and having nothing to do in the evenings doesn't suit him. And yet he does nothing about it.”
White Star (Wolves of West Valley Book 1) Page 12
