by Donna Kunkel
“After breakfast.”
“You’re going to make me wait?”
“Patience.”
“But—”
“Eat first.”
She sat there looking at his determined face. He wasn’t going to talk until they’d finished the meal. She started shoveling in mouthfuls of egg. Within minutes she’d cleaned her plate, but Steve was only two-thirds done. She jumped up, took her plate to the sink, and watched him take one slow bite after another. She grabbed his almost clean plate and put it in the sink. “Breakfast is over. Let’s talk.”
He sat there for a moment, still holding his empty fork. “Okay, okay. I knew you couldn’t resist.” He dropped his fork off at the sink and sauntered over to his chair in front of the fire.
She sat down in the other chair but fidgeted the whole time.
“You need to practice patience.” He took his time settling into his chair.
She waved her hand. “Who needs patience. I want to know what you’ve decided.” After all, her future was at stake.
“I haven’t decided anything, but I’m interested in learning more.”
At least that was a step in the right direction. Alex shifted to the edge of the chair. “The most important thing to remember is that magic has to remain secret.”
“Why? Is someone going to come get me if I tell?”
She nodded.
“No way.”
“Way.” She shifted even closer to the edge of the seat. “Magical security will come.”
“So what can they do?”
“They could erase your memory and whoever’s memory you tell.”
“Is that the worst?”
She shook her head. “You need to understand…some spells aren’t exactly precise. They would remove any discussions about magic and maybe more.”
“How much more?”
“Maybe a little bit or a lot. The least would be removing any memories about me.”
“Why you?”
“They don’t know how much I might have told you or when I told you. So, they’d erase all your memories of me. It would be as if we’d never met.”
“They wouldn’t do that.” He leaned forward.
She nodded. “You wouldn’t remember me or anything that has happened since before I showed up on your doorstep.”
He reached over and took her hand. “I’d never let them do that.”
“You’d never know it happened. They’d show up and do what they had to.” She looked down at the floor.
“I couldn’t stop it from happening?”
She shook her head and kept staring at the floor.
“They’re that good?”
“They’re the best there is, that’s why they hold such an important job. Even so, they could still make a mistake and wipe too much.”
He reached over and squeezed her hand. “So, what do I need to do to keep them at bay?”
She looked directly at him. “Follow the rules.”
“And the number one rule is to not tell anyone else about magic.”
“Yes.”
He released her hand and leaned back in the chair. He placed his elbows on the arms of the chair, forming a triangle with his fingers in front of his face. “What else?”
“There’s a few irritations, like having to pay magical taxes as well as federal taxes. But we have our own health care since our treatments incorporate magic. We have magic schools that children can go to so they can learn how to use their magic.”
“This was the school you were talking about?”
She looked at him, but he was still contemplating his fingers. “Yes. We do have some great advantages though. We can travel between places in minutes.”
He looked over at her. “So why didn’t you?”
She looked away to the fire. “I’d been trying to see if I could get by for a month without using any magic.”
“How did that turn out?”
“I’d been doing well until a few days ago.”
He thought for a moment. “When you started going out for walks?”
She nodded.
“Why?”
“You won’t believe me.”
“Like I’d never believe in magic? What else wouldn’t I believe?”
She looked over at him and hesitated. “I’ve been looking for the wild unicorn.”
He snorted, dropped his hands, and studied her face. “Did you find one?”
“That’s why I was so late last night.”
He jumped up. “You were out there searching for a mythological creature?”
She looked back at the fire. “Yes.” She turned to look at him. “And I found him.”
“Where in the world did you find him?”
“In a cave on the other side of the meadow.”
He quickly sat back down and remained silent for a moment. “Did you see anything else in this cave?”
“Just a pile of crystals.”
He looked down to the floor. “You were in my cave. That’s where I go in the summer when I’m a bear.”
That explained the fur on the wall and the lantern. The fur reminded her of Steve because it was his. “So you know how to get there?”
“All too well. Why?”
“I promised the unicorn I’d bring him some hay and oats. He helped me get back to the meadow or I would have gotten lost.”
“Why can’t he move on to an area where there’s more food?”
“He’s guarding something.”
Steve leaned over toward her. “And pray tell me…What would a unicorn guard?”
“Dragon eggs.” She continued to watch him. “I’ll take you there tomorrow so you can see for yourself.”
“I’ve been in that cave so many times I know it by heart. Where are these supposed eggs?”
“At the end of the shelf.”
“There’s only rocks there.”
“Those aren’t rocks. They’re probably the reason you picked that cave to go to.”
He started to shake his head.
“Magic calls out to magic. That’s how I found the cave.”
“So you’re telling me that you can sense another wizard? Why didn’t you sense my magic?”
“I can tell when another wizard is close, but your form of magic is different. I think we felt it when I cut your hair. And when we touch now.” Of course, she wouldn’t admit that she was attracted to him from the start. Maybe his magic was why. Maybe that even explained why sex with him was so intense. No. Making love to him was intense because she really cared about him. Probably even loved him. But first she needed to help him deal with the magical world so they could be together.
A snowmobile’s engine interrupted their conversation. “Peter is probably checking up on you again.” Steve got up and went to the front door. Peter entered the cabin stomping the last bits of snow off his boots. Steve took his coat. “Any news or calls?”
“Yeah. I checked the pass, and it looks like we can get through.” Peter looked at Alex. “I guess that means you’ll be leaving.”
“I have to take care of some things at home.” Alex looked at Steve.
“It’s been a lot more fun with you here. Anything I can do to convince you to stay?” Peter asked.
“I’ve got an apartment to get back to, and a job to find so I can make the rent,” Alex said.
Peter scuffed his foot. “I’ll pay your rent if you stay.”
“I can’t let you do that.”
“I can afford it.”
“That’s not the point. It wouldn’t be right.”
Steve put his arm around Alex’s shoulder. “When can we make arrangements for her?”
“I’ll set things up for next Friday,” Peter answered.
Alex asked, “So how do we do this?”
“I’ll contact your parents and have them meet us at the hotel by the highway,” Peter said.
“What about my car?”
“After the road crews get through, we’ll dig it out and me
et you at the hotel,” Steve said.
Peter shuffled his feet. “Wish you could stay. Well, I’d better go and let the others know.”
Steve helped Peter back into his coat. As Peter headed out, Steve said to Alex, “I’ll be back in a minute. I need to ask him for a few supplies.”
She had to figure out what she’d do. A big part of her wanted to stay here with Steve in the cabin, but she knew she must go home. Her parents were worried, and she needed to contact Principal Vale. She couldn’t impose on Steve any longer. He hadn’t asked her to stay, and she wouldn’t be comfortable living with him unless they were married. Hopefully, they’d stay in touch over the rest of the winter. She didn’t want to lose him. Good men were hard to come by, and she believed he was one of the best.
Steve came back in and shivered. “I still want to learn more about this school.”
Alex rubbed his arms, “Principal Vale could tell you more than I can.”
Steve wrapped his arms around her. “How did you like going there?”
“I was only a kid when I went. As an adult, you should enjoy it more. All the history, English, and math bored me.”
Steve kissed her. “What about the magic classes?”
“I enjoyed those.”
“Fall in love with anyone?” he asked as he kissed her neck with his cold lips.
“No one special or I wouldn’t be here today.”
“Good for me,” he whispered in her ear as he nibbled on her earlobe. “We’d better take advantage of the few days left.”
They only made it over to the rug in front of the fire before getting all their clothes off. The rest of the afternoon they spent in front of the crackling fire like a pair of newlyweds.
Chapter 23
Up until now, time seemed to stretch on. Her days had fallen into a relaxed routine with morning chores, mid-day reading, before dinner chores, evenings in front of the fire, and the occasional night making love. With a set date for leaving, it seemed like there wasn’t enough time.
She had less than a week left. While here, all she had thought about was when she’d get to leave and go home. Now, the thought of leaving made her panic. When had she grown so used to the cabin and chores? The stupid hens? And Steve? She’d miss seeing his face every day. They’d become comfortable around each other. She’d never been this comfortable around a man before. What had changed? She had. She had the time to really get to know him instead of ending the relationship before she ever really became close. But then there had never been anyone she’d wanted to get close to before.
She’d be leaving until late spring, when she wouldn’t get trapped again by snow. Although, thinking about being stranded again brought a smile. But with her luck, she might get stuck with a toothless old codger, not in this valley with Steve. No. She’d have to wait for spring, a time when she’d have weekends available to come visit. Until then, she needed a job to pay her bills. If she didn’t find work soon she could lose everything.
Peter stopped by the next day. He handed a paper lunch bag to Steve and hung up his coat. “Everything’s arranged. Your parents will meet us at the hotel around noon.”
“That’s it then. I’m really leaving,” Alex said.
Steve moved over to her and wrapped his arms around her, placing her back against his chest.
“Unless I can convince you to stay,” Peter added.
Alex waited, but Steve remained quiet. He wasn’t going to invite her to stay after all. He was still too hung up on his shifting to give them a chance. “No,” she whispered, “I have to get back.” At least this would give Steve an easy out.
Peter stared at Steve and shook his head. He pointed to the bag Steve had placed on the table. “Such a waste. Damn it. You’re passing on something great, and you’re too dense to see it.”
“It’s out of my control,” Steve answered.
Peter grabbed his coat and marched out the door. Alex and Steve followed him out onto the porch.
Alex could hear Peter mutter all the way to his snowmobile. “Stupid man. I wouldn’t let her get away. He’ll never find someone if he keeps this up.” Peter fired up the motor and roared off.
Alex headed back inside and peeked in the paper bag. She pulled out the box of condoms and waved them at Steve. “More? You needed more than what you’d gotten before?”
Steve nodded and snatched the box out of her hand. “I’m almost out. I didn’t get very many the last time. I wanted to make these last few days memorable.” He set the box back down on the table and pulled Alex into an embrace. “Want to take one for a test drive?” He waggled his eyebrows.
She broke away from him and strode over to a back window.
He followed her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “I can’t make any decisions until I learn more about my shifting. I can’t put you in any danger.”
Alex turned to face him. “I know. I want you to believe that you’d never harm me.”
“That’s just it. I don’t know if I would. Until then, I have to let you leave. I can feel the bear awakening early. Being with you is having an effect on him.”
Alex ran a hand down Steve’s arm. “Talk to Principal Vale and go to school. It’ll change everything.” She gently squeezed his forearm, “Until then, let’s see if we can use the whole box.”
Steve raised his eyebrows. “Really?”
Alex clutched the front of his shirt and pulled him in for a kiss.
The next day Alex showed Steve where to head with the snowmobile. They parked it inside the line of trees and Steve led her through the trees to the cave opening. Alex had him stop several yards away from the cave opening and softly whistled. No sooner had she made a sound and the unicorn’s nose was barely visible. She bowed and waited.
He snorted, shook his head, and pawed at the ground.
Alex looked at Steve. “Back up some more, bow, and stay still.” She looked back at the unicorn while she maintained her bow. “This man is going to help. He can bring you the hay and oats when I’m gone.” She stayed still and waited.
The unicorn eased out of the cave and bobbed his head at Alex. He pawed the ground in Steve’s direction.
“Holy shit! It really is a unicorn.”
“I told you so.”
“Now what?” Steve asked.
“Unicorns don’t like men as well. He should be familiar with your scent since he’s been living in your bear cave, so that should help. Stay still and keep bowing until he gets a chance to sniff you.” Alex slowly straightened.
The unicorn edged over to Steve, extending his head to get a noseful without having to get too close. After taking a deep breath, he bobbed his head.
“Now you can straighten up,” Alex edged closer to the unicorn. “He can understand what wizards say.”
“Now what?”
“Let him get a chance to get used to you.” She spoke to the unicorn and nodded her head toward Steve. “This is Steve. He is the bear that you’ve been smelling in the cave. He wants to see the eggs.”
The unicorn snorted and turned back toward the cave.
“We need to follow him or else we won’t be able to see the way in.” Alex followed the unicorn.
“I know the way by heart. After all, I spend my summer nights here,” he said as he followed her in. After going in a couple of feet, he whispered, “Is the unicorn actually glowing?”
Alex nudged him.
Once in, Steve walked over to the ledge and lit the lantern.
Alex brushed some of the dirt away to expose the surface of the eggs.
Steve walked over, knelt down next to the eggs, and ran his hand over the surface. “What is this? I feel something strange, like a humming. It reminds me of you.”
“You’re sensing the magic.”
“I never knew.” He kept rubbing his hands over the eggs. “They’re stunning. I’ve never seen anything like them.”
“You probably never will. They’re really rare.”
The unicorn approached
them and snorted on the back of Steve’s neck, causing him to jump.
Alex brushed a hand down the unicorn’s back. “It’s okay. He’s going to help us until I get a chance to contact a wizard that’s trustworthy. I’ll have to leave for a while, but Steve will make sure you get some hay and oats.”
“Thanks for volunteering me.” He stood up and looked at Alex. “I never would have believed this existed if it hadn’t been for you.”
Alex started covering the eggs back up with dirt. “It’s a lot to take in. It even surprised me, and I know about magic.”
The unicorn shoved Steve’s arm.
Steve unconsciously reached out to run his hand down along the unicorn’s neck. He looked into the unicorn’s eyes. “I never would have believed you could even be possible.”
The unicorn bobbed his head.
“I’ll make sure you have plenty to eat, but I’ll have to bring it in on my snowmobile. Hope you don’t mind.”
“We’d better show him the snowmobile so he doesn’t freak out,” Alex added. She walked over to the pile of crystals and picked one up. “What are these?”
“Those are the aquamarines I collect all summer. I keep them in here for protection until I’m going to a show.”
Alex placed the stone back down on the pile. “We’d better go so you have enough time to bring some hay back.”
Steve blew out the lantern and they all headed back out of the cave.
Alex looked at the unicorn, “We want to show you the snowmobile. It’s really noisy, but it’s the only way Steve can bring you a bale of hay. I could do it with magic, but I won’t be here.”
The unicorn bobbed his head and started along their trail with Alex and Steve bringing up the rear.
At first the unicorn didn’t want to approach the machine, but curiosity won out. After sniffing it thoroughly, he headed back into the trees. After dropping Alex back at the cabin, Steve took a bale of hay and some oats back.
That evening as they finished dinner Steve asked, “Is magic the reason I feel so on fire when we touch?”
Alex thought a moment before answering. “Not necessarily. I’ve had wizard boyfriends before, but this feels different.”
“I didn’t completely believe you until today.”
