Tempest Witch

by Valia Lind

  "I'm not used to this," I mumble, staring at the liquid dancing around me. When no one speaks, I glance over my shoulder to see everyone staring at the water. "Brianna?"

  "Sorry," she snaps herself back to focus, looking up to meet my eye. "I've never seen water respond so willingly before. I mean, Maddie is still so young in her powers. But you? You're powerful."

  I look down again, drawn by the gentle rocking of the small waves. My whole life, I've never been the powerful one. I've been the outcast, the tainted. The one who had to stay in the shadows, as not to bring too much attention to the coven. Sure, there have been others who weren't as up to par as the coven leader wanted. But no one had mermaid shifter blood in them. That was what my coven leader hated, for whatever personal reasons she had. She never shared those with me.

  Now, I'm discovering that maybe it wasn't disgust that drove them to treat me as such. It was fear.

  "I've been in water before, it doesn't typically reach out like this," I say, looking back at the girls. Mason has moved even closer, standing at the very bank of the river. Even though I'm not looking at him, I can feel his eyes on me.

  "The Ancient magic is strong in this forest. It reacts differently with each of us. I didn't have any active powers until I was thrust into a situation that awakened them."

  "What's your active power?" It's not exactly polite society to ask such personal questions, but I think we're past all that. We have to know our strengths and weaknesses if this is going to work.

  "I have Witch's Fire."

  I twist around completely at her words, shock coursing through me. Witch's Fire is as rare as a mermaid witch. Mark has read me stories about them, back when we were little. He was a little research obsessed even back in the day. But now I learn that his soulmate is the mythical witch we were all so fascinated with? What has my life truly become?

  "I'll tell you all about it later," Brianna smiles, "Now, I need you to close your eyes."

  Before I do, I sneak a peek at Mason, who hasn't taken his gaze off me the whole time. For some unspeakable reason I feel better with him here and that's new. Turning around, I push all thoughts of him out of my mind and focus on Brianna's voice.

  "Find your center, Sky," she directs, and I can feel her moving a little closer. "You know your witch magic, Sky. Reach out to it, awaken it."

  I don't have to do much. It's already like a buzz right under my skin. With a little nudge, I feel it unfurl, spreading through my body with slow pathways. I don't open my eyes, but continue to follow it with my mind. It's never been particularly strong or weak, just a regular water witch magic. But right now, standing in the river in the woods of Hawthorne, I feel it stretching like it's been curled up on a ball all this time.

  "Good, now let it out."

  At that I open my eyes, years of fear striking through me. I hesitate, because unleashing it might do something it's not supposed to.

  "You're safe, Sky," Mason's voice comes from over my left shoulder, and I turn my head just slightly towards him. He sounds so sure of me, of the situation. "We're right here."

  And I believe him.

  For years, the only person beside myself that I could rely on was Mark. Now, it feels like there is a family here and I can be a part of it, if only for a little while. Taking a deep breath, I center myself and then I raise my hands and let the magic pour out.

  The river shifts in front of me, and when I open my eyes I see it pushed back to two sides. I don't feel a strain, as I stand there holding the water walls at bay. But I do feel an undercurrent of my shifter side, the calling I've ignored my whole life.

  "Can you feel your mermaid?" Brianna asks, and I nod. I can always feel the mermaid. It's why I train so hard. Having the focus and self restraint needed for boxing, it helps control my shifter side. More than anything else I've tried.

  "Let it go, Skylar," Brianna says and my breath catching in my throat. I cough, clearing the sudden tightness.

  "I can't."

  "You can."

  But I can't. She doesn't understand just how terrified I am, how much I wish I wasn't. But fear of this magic is all I know and so instead of doing what she asks, I drop my hand, pulling my magic in. The river resumes it's flow and I back out of the water.

  "I'm sorry," I say, not meeting anyone's eye. I know I've disappointed them. I've disappointed myself.

  "It's okay," Brianna replies, coming up to stand beside me so I'm forced to look at her. "This is only the beginning. It will take time to overcome the notions you’ve had to build up over the years."

  She doesn't say it unkindly, and she hits it right on the head. It's too engraved in me to just let it go.

  "Time is not something we have," I say, and to that, no one replies. Because I'm right.

  5

  Hours later, I'm in the only gym in town. It's right off of Main Street and it's small. More like a room with some equipment, but it does have a heavy bag and a speed bag. It's also currently closed, but Brianna said I can use it for the time being. Everyone went back to their appointed places after my mishap in the forest. They have shops to run and libraries to restock. Everything here runs smoothly and I have to say, it has a lot to do with Meredith. She's an amazing coven leader and Brianna will be an even better one when it's her time to take that position.

  After securing my long blonde hair with an elastic, I take out my boxing tape and begin to wrap my hands. I'm not even here for a few minutes when I feel a presence behind me. I know who it is, because I've been acutely aware of him since the moment we bumped into each other.

  "So are you my self appointed bodyguard now?" I ask, without turning around. I continue to wrap waiting for a response. He's takes his sweet time before he does, waiting me out.

  "I have a feeling you don't really need a bodyguard," and at this, I do turn. He's closer than I anticipated, standing next to the punching bag.

  "Of that, you are correct. Glad you finally got the point."

  Maybe antagonizing a shifter isn't the safest bet, but I'm too wound up to care. My magic is swirling inside of me, begging to come out and it feels like if I don't let off some steam, I'll explode.

  "Alright. Then show me what you got."

  He steps behind the bag, holding it steady, his head peaking out on the left. There's a slight curve to his lips and I have a very big urge to wipe it right off. Or to see a full blown smile. Apparently, I’m a walking contradiction now.

  "You don't have to stay," I try to appear nonchalant, because his presence is unnerving and I'm trying to cool off. Not experience the opposite.

  "But I want to."

  There's no way he's budging. I can see it in the gleam of his eye. He's enjoying himself, even if he won't admit it. I've done my warm ups already, so it's time for the bag.

  I step up to it, carefully placing my feet shoulder length apart, right slightly in front of left. My hands come up and the moment I breathe out, I'm in my element. Even though Mason is still right there, my focus is entirely on the bag.

  With practiced moves, I begin my routine. I start with jabs, both singles and doubles, as I move around the bag. The sweat starts at the back of my neck, as I speed up and slow down my movements. When I'm ready, I start on combinations, throwing in jabs and hooks and uppercuts. The resistance from Mason holding the bag is tougher than usual, since the bag typically swings on it's own. But he moves it around, giving me the space I need to dance around it. We don't speak.

  I get lost in my head, and it's like Mason can see inside it. He keeps up with my patterns, helping me stay on track. When it's time to unleash, he plants his feet and waits for me to let it go. I throw a barrage of punches, as hard as I can, before I'm back to combinations. We continue at this pace, until I've done five rounds.

  When I finally stop, I'm dripping sweat, but my mind is clearer. Remembering Mason is still here, I glance up to see newfound respect shining in his eyes. I have earned something for this, and not just for myself.

  "I've never see
n anyone workout quite like that before," he comments, as I walk over to my water bottle. I need to drink at least seven of these before my magic will go dormant in me. That's another reason why I train so hard. Parts of my magic seeps out when I do, allowing my body to balance itself out.

  "Well, I'm not like anyone."

  "Isn't that the truth?" He mumbles, but because of my supernatural hearing, I catch every word. My eyes fly up to his and we are locked in a stare down. He's not like anyone I've ever met either. It fascinates and confuses me. Maybe even scares. And I'm not the one to show those emotions.

  Not since years of living with this prejudice.

  "What are you doing here anyway?" I ask, trying to distract myself from the way he's affecting me.

  "Brianna asked for me to check on you. And to make sure you lock up."

  "So you are a babysitter instead of a bodyguard."

  He chuckles at that and I feel that sound inside of me. Maybe I should've worked out longer. The buzzing I felt at the bottom of my spine hasn't gone away.

  "I do what I'm told."

  And that's the truth of it. I should focus on that instead of let my feelings come into play. He's not here because he wants to spend time with me. He's here because he has a job to do, just like I do. I should be focusing on that.

  "Well, I'll get out of your hair then."

  I grab my gym bag, swinging it over my shoulder, as I move past him. But before I can take a few steps, his hand reaches out, snagging the strap and stopping me in my tracks. I turn, looking over my shoulder to find his intense eyes on mine.

  "A good meal is important after a good workout. Would you like to accompany me to the diner?"

  He asks it like it's a business deal, something else he was probably told to do. But there's something in his eyes, and the way his mouth turns up just a tad on the right side that I think he wants this. Typically, I would say no. Typically, I'd hide. But that's not why I'm in this town. So I do the uncharacteristic thing and say,

  "Yes."

  "So have you been assigned to watch me?" I ask, as we make our way to the diner. I brushed my hair and braided it, but I'm still in my workout clothes. Although they've completely dried. Perks of being a water witch.

  "Something of the sort."

  "Something?"

  "I volunteered." He opens the door for me, but all I can do is stare. He takes me by surprise, admitting it so readily. I have a million questions, but the biggest one is,

  "Why?"

  Mason doesn't reply right away, and a few people pass us by as he continues to hold the door open. It's as if there's more than one reason, and he's trying to figure out which one I'll be more include to believe. His eyes haven't left my face, and I haven't flinched away from his study. We're playing on even ground here, because that's how I like to play.

  "That's why," he finally says, inclining his head towards me. "You don't back down from a challenge. I find that fascinating."

  Well, I have nothing to say to that. Maybe I'm not as brave as he thinks I am, because instead of replying, I walk through the door and into the diner. His answer warms me from inside. People aren't usually fascinated by me. They're apprehensive. But here is a gorgeous man who has volunteered to spend his time with me because he wants to. I'm not exactly sure how to deal with that.

  We take a seat at a booth, and I grab a menu. I can feel Mason's eyes on me, but I'm not ready to speak up just yet.

  "Are you going to ignore me now?" Mason says, and I hear the teasing tone to his question. Lowering my menu, I notice the amusement in his eye and I roll my own.

  "I'm looking at the menu, which is what you usually do when you come to a restaurant."

  "More like hiding behind it."

  "I am not."

  "You are too."

  I put the menu down, folding my hands in front of me.

  "What are you, five?"

  "Five and a half, thank you very much."

  I can't help it, I laugh. He's so genuine about everything, even the little pout he gives me when he proclaims his age. The sound of my amusement brings a grin to his lips and it punches me straight in the gut. He's too gorgeous for words. I've never been much for dating, or romantic entanglements in general, but Mason makes me curious in a way no one else has managed. Even the few who have tried.

  "Tell me about yourself," I say now, not exactly good at small talk, but have the sudden urge to try. If he's willing, which he seems to be.

  "Not much to say about me," he begins, mirroring me by folding his hands in front of him and leaning forward. "As you must've surmised, I'm a wolf shifter. My family has known Jefferson's pack for generations. It was an easy move on my part when the time came. I wanted to help. I patrol the town at night. I like action movies and coconut pie. That basically covers it."

  The waitress comes over then, taking our order. We both go for the bacon cheeseburger and fries combo, with a side of lemon water. She gives us a knowing smile, before hurrying off.

  "Lemon water?" I ask, turning my attention back to the shifter.

  "What? You only think I drink macho drinks?"

  “Well, not too macho. Just soda."

  That earns me another grin and I make a vow to get as many of these out of him as possible. He doesn't seem like the easily smiling type and it makes me feel special that he's sharing those with me.

  "And yes, I'm planning on eating all of this," I comment when the waitress puts our food in front of us. Mason raises his hands, as if warding off evil.

  "I didn't say anything."

  "But you were thinking it." Most guys have a lot to say about my eating habits. Cheeseburgers are my favorite, especially with some bacon thrown in. But I train enough that I need the carbs. Plus, I'm not about to let anyone tell me what I should and shouldn't be eating.

  "You have no idea what I'm thinking."

  His quiet words pierce me straight through, stopping my train of thought. When I glance up, I find his searing gaze on me and I feel my own slumbering desires burst awake at the sight. There's something in the way his whole being calls to mine. It's the kind of connection I've always laughed at. You can't know a person just by meeting them. But there's something deeper here. Something I don't quite understand. So I'm the first to break eye contact, as I dive into my food.

  "Tell me about yourself," Mason says, after we both take a few bites of our burgers. Somehow I didn't think he'd ask, so it takes me by surprise at first. But it's only fair if I do my part, so I swallow and meet his eye.

  "You know the biggest secret already," I begin, and he gives me a small smile. "See, I'm not used to that. To people just accepting that fact about me. So I've lived my life staying away from everyone. And staying tough."

  "That's why you train the way you do."

  "Yes and no. I love the feel of boxing, the way my body is energized. But it also helps control the different sides of my...magic." I glance around quickly, but no one seems to be listening. I mean, Mason used the words wolf and shifter side by side, without caring.

  "How many people here are...like us?" I ask.

  "Probably more than you'd expect. This town was created as a safe haven a long time ago, and many different species have come to settle here since."

  "But it's run by the coven?"

  "They run the town, Jefferson runs the woods around it. But even that has it's limitations."

  He means the Ancients of course. Mark told me that the forest around the town is vast, much larger than anyone expects it to be. The Ancients were the first magical beings on the earth, those who first experimented with their magic and created shifters and witches. But they were greedy and warred within themselves, exhausting their magic. So they went to sleep and only recently have they started waking up. Right on the outskirts of the Hawthorne's town limits.

  "Does it...scare you? To be so close to them?" I ask, and Mason knows exactly what I mean. Even being in this town, knowing the Ancients are just on the other side of those trees, it unnerves m
e.

  "It does," he surprises me by his honesty, "But I trust the Alpha, and I trust the Hawthorne's. They haven't led us astray yet."

  It's curious to see a shifter that accepting of witches, but I guess anything is possible here. After all, Harper and Connor are soulmates and that's something else I didn't know could be a thing. But years of self doubt are difficult to quiet and it does feel like Hawthorne's might be letting the town down by bringing me here.

  "Until now."

  I don't think I speak the words out loud, until Mason reaches over and places his hand over mine. My eyes fly up to his and the heat of his touch makes my spine tingle.

  "That was one try, Sky," he says, speaking low, "It's not easy to overcome your own protective walls. You'll get there."

  "You really think so?" It's too much to hope, but I grasp at his words like a lifesaver.

  "I know so."

  6

  The next week passes much the same way.

  I get up early, take a run down to Main Street, where I get sternly talked to by Mason. It's become a routine and he waits for me by the place we first met, arms crossed over his chest, every morning. Then, the girls and I make our way into the forest towards the river, each day with a different escort. Mostly Connor. Sometimes Mason. One time, Jefferson came out to oversee our progress. I was not a fan of that.

  But it doesn't matter who comes out there with us, or how much I try. I haven't been able to get past that small awareness. I can feel my shifter magic right under my skin, but I can't push it out enough to do anything about it or use it in any way.

  "You're a strong witch, even without your mermaid side," Harper says, twining her arm through mine as we make our way back towards their house. Krista had to leave early to help her mother over at the clinic, so it's just Brianna, Harper and I, with Connor leading the way.

  "You think the ritual will work even if I'm not at my full power?"