by Betty Legend
“That’s good. I was hoping you wouldn’t be tired after your flight. I’m so eager to spend time with you, and Rachel will be arriving soon. She has exciting news to share with you.”
“What’s the news?”
“I can’t say. It’s her news to share.”
Taking a drink, I give her the side-eye.
“Patience, my sweet girl.”
Emeric laughs. “Only when she’s painting.”
My mom chuckles. “So true. Would you like to join me on the back patio? We can sit and catch up.”
Emeric grabs the tray of tarts. Mom and I glance back at him, our mouths upturned. On the patio, Emeric sits next to me on the couch with my mother across from us. When Emeric leans forward to set the tray on the metal coffee table, my mother’s gaze lingers on Emeric’s back. It hits me then. She would’ve felt his wings under his shirt when she hugged him. No wonder he went rigid.
“Emeric, what is it that you do for a living?”
“Security,” he’s smooth to reply.
“What kind of security?”
“Contracted security. I’m good at keeping trespassers out of places they shouldn’t be.”
“He’s very good at his job.”
Emeric rubs his fingers over my arm, and the feathers brighten. My mother’s eyes snap right to my arm.
“That’s an interesting tattoo.”
“Ah, yeah, I love it.” Placing my hand over it, I rub it.
“I’d love to see it more closely.”
“Of course.” Rising from my seat, I outstretch my arm as I near. She takes hold of my wrist and examines the tattoo, her eyes switching to Emeric once she’s finished.
“So unique.”
Her gaze comes back to me, and her lids narrow, studying me.
“I feel like we have so much to catch up on.”
“We do.” Returning to my seat, I don’t bother keeping up a charade. “I know I’m a witch.”
Taking a drink, my mother looks at us over her cocktail glass. She quietly studies Emeric, then me, then Emeric again.
“Are those wings on your back?”
“Yes.”
“Guardian?”
“I am.”
“Are you the reason for her newly discovered lineage?”
“Not entirely.”
“Have you used magic?” she asks me, concern filling her brown eyes.
“I have.”
“What kind?”
“Three out of five of the elements.”
“Four,” Emeric corrects me. “You used earth regeneration magic when I was injured.”
Surprise sweeps over me. “I didn’t realize that.”
My mom sets her glass down and moves forward on her seat, her long, paisley skirt billowing out around her shoes.
“You can wield four elements of magic?”
“She can wield five but hasn’t practiced earth or blood magic.”
My mother stands from the chair, her hands steepled in front of her mouth, her cheeks turning red.
“This can’t be happening.”
“Mom, what’s wrong?”
She turns to me with tears in her eyes. “They’ll come for you, my sweet girl. They’ll want to kill you.”
Standing, I take her hands in mine. “Mom, it’s all right. I already know about demons and the Holy Accolades. Emeric and the others have been teaching me in a safe place.”
“The others?”
“The other guys in the email. I’m… in a relationship with all of them, except Phoenix. He hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate her,” Emeric interjects. “He’s still adjusting to the changes he’s had lately.”
“Where is this safe place?” Suddenly, my mom looks older, her concern etching deeper wrinkles around her eyes and mouth.
“Somewhere Dad used to go, a Fae Island.”
“Mordeeves Island?”
“You know about it?”
“Yes, your dad took me there once.”
“How did he get there?”
“He could travel to distant places quickly and easily. He was what’s called a warlock.”
“I’m familiar with the term. Cyrus is a warlock. He can portal too.”
Placing her small hand on my hair, she follows the strands down over my shoulder.
“I’m sorry I never told you. I wanted to protect you from that world, but now it’s found you.” Tears and sadness fill her eyes.
“It’s okay, Mom. I understand why you did it.”
Pulling her to me, I hug her tight. She holds me close to her for some time before releasing me. Looking at Emeric, her expression transitions to a concerned mother.
“Do you care for my daughter?”
“Yes, deeply. There aren’t good enough words to describe what she means to me.”
“Then you’ll protect her?”
Emeric stands from the chair and joins us, putting his arms around me, his warmth as fervent as his words.
“With my life.”
My mother wipes at her tears and smiles.
“I’m glad she has you. It gives me some comfort.”
Emeric lifts my mother’s drink and hands it to her. She takes it with an appreciative nod.
“Thank you.”
“I have to ask, does Rachel know she’s a witch?”
“No, my sister never told her. Rachel is a half-witch since her mother had her with a human. You, on the other hand, are a full-blooded witch from a line of druid witches. Druid witches are the most powerful witches.”
“So, I’ve learned.”
“What else have you learned?”
“My lineage, the curse on supernaturals, a prophecy about the curse, how to use water, fire, and air magic, how to portal, and the ugly parts about demons and the Holy Accolades.”
“You must be careful, Selene. Demons can shapeshift into humans.”
I glance over my shoulder at Emeric and narrow my eyes. “Oh, I know.”
Emeric winks back with a mischievous grin.
“The Holy Accolades are just as dangerous. They believe all supernaturals are evil and need to be eliminated.”
“I’ve seen what they can do.”
“What do you mean?”
The doorbell rings, pulling our attention to it.
“That’s a story for another time. I’m guessing that’s Rachel.”
My mom sets her glass down, wipes at her face, and smooths her blouse and skirt.
“Wait here, I’ll get it.”
Touching her arm, I rub my thumb on it. “No, it’s okay. Take a moment. I’ll get it.”
Leaving my mom with Emeric, I head to the door. Through the peephole, I see Rachel in a pretty blue dress with her dark hair hung loose, carrying a gift bag. I open the door, and she beams a smile.
“I’ve missed you.” My arms outstretch to hug her, but slow as I notice the baby bump. “Is that the news? You’re pregnant?”
“Guess I couldn’t hide that news well,” she quips.
“How exciting!”
We hug, rocking back and forth with glee. When I pull back, she looks me over.
“You look smoking hot. Those guys must be keeping you satisfied. You’re practically glowing.”
“One of them is here with me.”
“Ooh, which one?”
“Emeric.”
“The one that looks like a sinful Rockstar?”
“Yeah, him.”
“I can’t wait to meet him, but first…” She hands me the gift bag. “This is for you.”
Taking the bag, I close the door behind her. Entering the kitchen, I set the bag on the counter. Under the red tissue paper is a silver, sparkling frame with a photo of Rachel and me when we were children.
“I found this while cleaning out the guest room to make it a baby room. I made a copy for you.”
“I love it.” Holding it to my chest, I pull her in for another hug. “It’s thoughtful and brings back great memories.”
Under her si
milar blue eyes is an affectionate smile. She’s going to be a great mother.
My mom and Emeric enter the kitchen, and Emeric glances between Rachel and me.
“You look like sisters.”
“Rachel, this is my boyfriend, Emeric.”
Rachel rests a hand over her baby bump and gives a wave with her other hand.
“It’s nice to meet the man Selene believes is worthy to bring home. It’s rare for her to bring someone home.”
Emeric glances down at her baby bump, a smile tilting his mouth as he returns his gaze back to her face.
“Women like Selene are rare. She means a hell of a lot to me.”
“I like hearing that.”
Emeric comes around the counter and kisses my cheek as he rubs my back.
“What’s that?”
“Me and Rachel when we were kids.” Angling the frame, I show him the photo.
“Even then, you looked like sisters.”
“They heard that often growing up,” my mother tells him. “If I had them both with me, people asked if they were twins. I had to explain they were cousins.”
“Do you have siblings?” Rachel asks Emeric.
“No, only child. My parents didn’t see eye-to-eye. I was born more out of convenience.”
“That’s so sad,” Rachel’s tone fills with sympathy.
“Don’t be sad for me. My mother was a saint.”
My mother and Emeric share a look before Rachel continues.
“That’s great. Hopefully, she’ll love Selene.”
Emeric’s hand stops rubbing my back. “My mother passed away.”
“Oh.” Rachel raises her hand to her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s all right. You didn’t know.”
Emeric looks at me, and we share an emotional exchange. I didn’t know his mother had passed away but suspected. Leaning toward him, I kiss him and run my fingers through his hair and over his back, rubbing my hand over the feathers under his shirt.
Rachel stares at Emeric’s face, her head tilting as her brows pinch together. I look at Emeric and see the red glimmering in his dark eyes.
“Your eyes are quite unusual,” Rachel says aloud, seemingly hypnotized by them.
Emeric blinks and lowers his head. When he raises his chin, the red is gone.
“They’re such a dark brown, they look black. Sometimes you can see a reddish-brown in them, depending on the light.”
Rachel’s brows are still pinched together, but she nods, accepting my explanation.
“They’re definitely unique. Gives you a badass look.”
“It’s not just the look. He is a badass.”
Emeric grins, and my mom chuckles as she pulls a casserole out of the oven.
“Did I miss something?” Rachel asks.
“Emeric does contracted security,” my mom tells her. “I think he knows how to handle himself in a fight.”
“He does,” I add.
“Very cool. My husband is an insurance agent. Not very exciting,” Rachel shares.
“He’s protecting people, right?” Emeric asks.
“Sort of. Really, he’s protecting their property.”
“Still, he’s in the business of protection. I can respect that.”
Rachel smiles at Emeric, then glances at me. I can tell she likes him.
“Need help with anything?” I ask my mom as she closes the oven and takes off her oven mitt.
“No, sweetie, just need to let it cool a bit.”
“Can I get some water?” Rachel asks.
“Of course.” My mom opens the cabinet and collects a glass. “There are raspberry tarts on the patio if you’d like a snack.”
“Yes, definitely.” Rachel scurries out of the kitchen to the patio.
“Mom, I want to tell Rachel we’re witches. I don’t like keeping this secret from her.”
Staring at us, she wrings her hands together.
“I’m with Selene on this,” Emeric tells her. “As close as they are, it’ll eat at Selene to hide what we all are.”
Emeric knows me so well. I caress his back and feathers, and he shivers with pleasure.
“All right, but we need to ease her into it. I don’t want her getting too stressed, not with her being pregnant.”
“So, don’t take off my shirt and spread my wings when she comes back in?”
My mother laughs. “No, darling. Keep them hidden, for now.”
Rachel comes back in, and we set the table together while Emeric and my mother drink and chat in the kitchen.
“He is sinfully hot. Where did you meet him?”
“It’s an interesting story. When I have more time, I’ll share it.”
Coming up next to me, she whispers. “Is he good in bed?”
“Oh, Rach, he’s crazy good in bed. He’s kinky and always horny.”
“Lucky bitch.” Laughing, she sets the last of the silverware down. “What about the other guys? Are you still dating them too?”
“Yes.”
“Does Emeric know about them?”
“Yes.”
Confusion tightens her features. “He’s okay with you dating the other guys?”
“He is. We’ve had threesomes.”
“Damn you, I’m so jealous. How the hell did you get so lucky to be dating several guys, and they’re all okay with it?”
“That’s another long story I want to share at a better time.”
“I want all the dirty details. You know I live my life vicariously through you.”
“We have so much to catch up on. I hope you’re staying the night.”
Breaking apart, we walk to the chairs across from each other.
“I am. I packed a bag for the weekend.”
Emeric carries the casserole to the table for my mom. He sits next to me while she cuts into it and places the mixture of ham, potatoes, and cheese on our plates.
“This looks delicious,” Emeric praises.
“Get ready to be fat and happy,” I tell him.
“I’m already happy,” he winks, and his sexy smile tugs the corners of my mouth up.
Rachel gently kicks my foot under the table, and we grin at each other. She knows me well enough to see I’m in love with him. Mom sits next to Rachel, and we all enjoy our meal.
“Where have you traveled to lately? It seems like you’ve gone to a lot of places.” Rachel asks between bites.
“I’ve been to a beach house on a private island and a log cabin in the forest of Maine.”
“Wow, what were they like?”
“The private island is remote, quiet, and stunning. The scenery, food, and culture are magnificent. The forest in Maine is vast, the air fresh and clean, and the hiking is beautiful. Killian took me to a cliff that overlooks the sky and valley. It was enchanting.”
Rachel glances at Emeric, then me, her expression revealing her uncertainty.
“Killian is her other boyfriend,” Emeric blurts out. “He has the log cabin in Maine. Griffin owns the beach house. He’s also her boyfriend. Actually, Selene has moved in with me, Cyrus, and Griffin.”
My mom coughs, nearly choking on her food. “You moved and didn’t tell me?”
Rachel, wide-eyed, looks at her. “That’s what you took away from that? She has four boyfriends and lives with three of them.”
Mom lowers her fork as she looks at Emeric. “You’re okay with that?”
“I understand how important we all are to her, and I’m pretty sure she loves me the most.” Emeric’s scar rises with his impish grin. Leaning over, smiling, I bump his shoulder.
“Thankfully, Cyrus isn’t here to hear you say that.”
“He’d just be jealous because it’s true. I know you better than the others do.”
“You do know me well, but they’d say it’s because you get to spend more time with me than they do.”
“Bullshit excuse, I know you the best because our bond is deep and full of passion.” Leaning into my ear, he whispers. “And you
crave my mouth on your pussy.”
The feathers on my arm heat up as goosebumps rise on my skin and my cheeks flush. I bite my lip, and Emeric puts his hand into my hair and kisses my cheek.
“See what I mean?” He winks.
“Selene, what’s going on with your arm?”
Glancing at it, the red feathers have brightened, our magic coming through. Emeric caresses his hand over it, and the feathers glow where his fingers have touched.
“It’s our magic,” he says casually. “Selene and I are bonded by fire magic.”
“What?” Rachel looks at him like he’s nuts.
Emeric puts his palm face up, his magic swirling above it. Rachel slides back from the table, the chair crashing to the floor behind her. Taking my hand, Emeric transfers the magic to my palm, and my mother watches in fascination.
“What’s going on?” Rachel’s tone is laced with fear.
“It’s okay, Rachel.” Mom puts her hand out. “Please, sit down. Selene has something she needs to explain to you.”
Glancing between my mom and me, Rachel slowly lifts the chair and sits in it but keeps her distance from the table, covering her belly with her hand.
“This is going to be difficult to process, but please bear with me, Rachel. What I’m about to tell you is completely true.”
“Okay.”
“Emeric and I can do magic. Not magic like you see at an illusion magic show, real magic. I’m a witch, and Emeric is a supernatural being. He can do fire magic, and so can I.”
“Aunt Claire, is this true or some sort of prank? Please be honest.” Rachel rubs her temple, her face reddening. “I’m freaking out a bit.”
“It’s true, darling. All three of us are born from a lineage of witches and supernaturals, but your mother and I didn’t practice the craft.”
Rachel fidgets in her seat. “You’re telling me I’m a witch too?”
“You’re a half-witch. Your mother married a human.”
“What was Uncle Dane?”
“A warlock.”
Rachel holds her stomach and leans forward. “I think I’m going to throw up.”
“Come on, darling.” My mom stands and helps her to the bathroom. “Take all the time you need.”
They leave the dining room, and I take a breath, tears welling in my eyes.
“That didn’t go well. We scared her.”
“I imagine it’s a hell of a shock. I wouldn’t know since I grew up knowing what I was and what I could do at an early age.”
