The Witch's Journey

by Leigh Ann Edwards

  “I want you, too,” she replied looking deeply into his eyes. “The bleeding’s nearly stopped. Maybe by tomorrow.”

  She reached beneath the bedsheet finding him impressively hard.

  “I could at least relieve your need. Hand job? Blow job?”

  He blushed at that. “No, I’ll wait.”

  “You aren’t like any pirate I’ve ever known.”

  “Aren’t I the only pirate you’ve ever known?”

  “Well, personally.” She giggled.

  “I’m glad to know about your family, Angel. It helps me understand.”

  “There’s more. Newt doesn’t know; even Mom didn’t know.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Dad wasn’t laid off from the docks. He was fired for screwing his foreman’s wife. I saw the echo.”

  “That’s why you have animosity toward him?”

  “He has addictions. It seems so damn unfair; he gambled away Mom’s home, slept around and my beautiful mother contracted AIDS after she was raped. I know—life isn’t fair. But Dad expecting me to be friendly and act like we’re wealthy when my magic made him rich also doesn’t sit well with me.”

  “Did you see his face when you removed your gown?” Faolan asked.

  “Now that was priceless!” She laughed, snorted and he chuckled.

  “I’m so glad you’re not sendin’ me back, Angel. We’ll find a way to stay together always.”

  “I admit when I looked at your empty chair tonight I thought maybe the whole being from different worlds thing had gotten the better of you.”

  “If you want the truth, I did nearly leave, but I promised you I’d be there for you. I might be shrewd, but when I make a promise, I mean it.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Did you talk to Danhoul about the demons?” Faolan asked.

  “Tristan said they were taken care of; whatever that means. Hopefully we can talk to Wolf tomorrow, the day of the solstice. Maybe begin our quests.”

  “You should get some sleep then,” he said.

  They were quiet for a time when he gently nudged her.

  “I need to tell you somethin’ else, Angel. I admit when you’re near Danhoul, I’m jealous. When he had his hands upon you even when healin’ you, I was envious of him bein’ able to work magic when I felt helpless. Tonight when I stepped outside, if I’d had the ability to return to my own time, I might have because I feel he’s a better match.”

  Using magic to turn the lamp on, she stared into his eyes.

  “There’s maybe a kinship with Danhoul because of our magic, but you, Faolan Mahoney, are my heart. I know people talk about soulmates until it seems contrite, but I believe you’re my soulmate and my destiny. Don’t question it, my love.

  “We’ll encounter difficulties, but you’re the only man I’ll ever love, the only man I want to share my life and my bed with…and one day, after this accursed battle is fought, I want a life with you. I don’t care what time, even what universe. I just want you, Faolan.”

  He kissed her and held her tighter.

  *

  “I didn’t hear you get up,” Faolan said, joining her in the kitchen.

  “I heard the snowflakes,” Angelique replied.

  “You heard snowflakes?” He grinned.

  “I intuitively knew it was snowing but it’s so peaceful just now it’s almost like we could hear them. Look,” she said pointing out the window.

  “That’s beautiful.”

  By the streetlights they watched the large snowflakes fall, saw the heavy snow draping the rooftops and trees. The ground was white with glistening snow.

  “Solstice snow is magical.”

  “You have more color today.”

  “I feel better. The bleeding’s stopped.”

  “I’m relieved.”

  “Let’s have breakfast, then go up to the attic. We’ll find Wolf and the scrolls, learn when and where we must travel.”

  “You’re really selling the property you own?” he asked pouring their coffee as she set bacon and pancakes on the table.

  “I’d like the two blocks of brownstones sold as low-income housing for families. The sale of the beach house will benefit the care home and children’s wings. Proceeds from the cottage sale will go to the animal shelter.”

  “You don’t think you’ll be coming back?”

  She shrugged, took a mouthful of food and closed her eyes as she often did tasting maple syrup.

  “I want to be prepared. Newt and Fiona are my executors. If my assets are already sold, it’d be easier. I’ve left Newt and Fiona money and equal shares in this house. Mrs. Boyle and Mr. Nivens are to be taken care of. If only you should live through the battle, I suppose you’d prefer to return to your time. Surely someone can see to that with all the magical beings that’ll be there wherever that battle will be fought.”

  “I’d rather not think about that.”

  She looked up and appeared tense. “Dad’s here,” she said, before the knock came.

  She opened the door with her magic and Jim stepped in.

  “Angelique,” he said, considerably cooler than he’d been last night.

  “There’s pancakes and bacon, if you like.”

  “My favorite, yet you didn’t invite me.”

  “I knew you wouldn’t miss berating me about last night.”

  “Your juvenile little stunt was degrading, Angelique,” he said casting a look of reproach at Faolan as well.

  “Do you want breakfast?”

  “I ate at the hotel,” he said. “I didn’t appreciate you telling everyone our personal business.”

  “I could’ve told a lot more. No, you can’t have the beach house to give to your wife in the divorce settlement. You have loads of money and assets. I won’t deprive the needy because you can’t remain faithful.”

  “Apparently, I’m not the only one who likes variety,” Jim said looking disapprovingly at Faolan.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Angelique asked.

  “As they say, a picture’s worth a thousand words.”

  After pulling a photo from his jacket pocket, Jim threw it on the table.

  Faolan took a deep breath and saw the color drain from Angelique’s face.

  “You spoke with Clodaugh and Misty last night and didn’t think you should mention that?”

  “They more than spoke,” Jim said, adding more photos.

  One was at the strip club with Misty giving Faolan the lap dance. One was outside the hospital function. Clodaugh stood nearby while Faolan and Misty were kissing. In another, Clodaugh kissed his neck and unbuttoned his shirt while Misty knelt before him her hand on his pants’ zipper.

  “You’ve had Faolan followed?”

  “For a while now. That’s all you’re going to say about these?”

  “I’d like you to go, Dad. I’ll be leaving for Ireland to search for my birth parents. If you don’t hear from me for a while—or maybe never—don’t sweat it.”

  “That sounds like a forever good-bye,” Jim said.

  “I think that’s best.”

  He stepped closer, but Angelique angrily pulled away and he finally left. Angelique wouldn’t meet Faolan’s eyes. She took her keys, slammed the door and left without a coat and only in her shoes despite the deep snow.

  “Angelique,” Faolan called after her.

  She’d already started up the stairs to the attic. He grabbed his own key and went after her.

  *

  Angelique’s emotions soared and dropped as sharply as any amusement park ride. She opened the door to the attic.

  “Wolf, are you here?”

  When no one replied, she unlocked the small trunk, glancing at the scrolls. Three, apparently directing her to different time periods. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know where or why those times were important.

  Her heart pounded when the door opened. Knowing it was Faolan, she didn’t turn to look but knelt by the trunk and pulled out a scroll.

  �
��Angelique?” Faolan said. “I must explain.”

  “I believe the photographs are self-explanatory. You were kissing two women, one who placed a hex on me that aided or maybe caused me to miscarry our child and nearly took my life. Nothing could explain away that. I should be relieved my father was kind enough to alert me today. I’ll send you back tonight. Maybe Tristan or Danhoul can accompany me as my guardian.”

  “Angel,” he whispered.

  “Don’t call me that! What I’m thinking now is far from angelic. Since you’re no longer going to be part of this journey, just leave!”

  “Angelique…”

  “What the hell, Faolan? Did you screw them?”

  “I did not; I swear on my life. Clodaugh was like an earwig in my brain. She called me outside and Misty was there waiting. I felt like I was in a trance.”

  “So in your entrancement you might have fucked both of them? At the very least Misty gave you a blow job. Maybe that’s why you weren’t interested in me pleasuring you last night.”

  “I didn’t bed them and no, she didn’t pleasure me. I came to my senses when I heard another voice—a ghost, the one we saw in the vision, your birth mother. When she appeared, Clodaugh vanished and Misty appeared stunned, like she didn’t even know what she was doing there.”

  “Tell me about Clodaugh. How did you meet her back in your time?”

  “She sailed with another privateer. When we were docked…we shared a bed.”

  “Once?”

  He didn’t reply.

  “Well?”

  “A few times.”

  “Perfect! She’s a witch with dark magic who can move through time and wants me dead.”

  He lowered his head but nodded.

  “Faolan, if you truly want to be with me, I’ll demand faithfulness. My whole childhood Dad screwed around on Mom. She had to have known, too. She ignored it or lived with it. I wouldn’t. You’re mine and mine alone—or not at all. If you can’t promise that, I can’t be with you.”

  “I want only you, Angelique.”

  “Don’t make any rash statements. Spend today seriously thinking about this. If you tell me you commit and can’t, I’ll never forgive you—not even one indiscretion. Few people have seen my temper. Maybe I’ll let you witness it. That might be a deal breaker.”

  The wind howled from the sea again and waves crashed louder, too. Swirling snow hit the window. She put her hands on the back of her neck and took several deep breaths.

  “In shite again, Captain?” Wolf emerged from the trunk though he hadn’t been there earlier. “You definitely don’t want to witness Ginger’s temper during the solstice. Leave her for a bit; she’ll eventually calm down.”

  “No!” Faolan said. “I won’t. I’ll speak with her and assure her of my faithfulness because if I’m to promise to commit, we’ll need to learn how to face problems together.”

  “He has a point, Ginger.”

  “Are you able to perform marriages?” Faolan asked.

  “Why would you presume I could?” Wolf asked.

  “You look a bit official, I suppose.”

  “Your witch is apparently considering sending you away. Do you believe she’d wed you?”

  “I definitely wouldn’t,” Angelique added.

  “If you want me to commit then let’s both wholly commit. If we’re to embark on this journey through time to complete these tasks together and you wish for my faithfulness, I want your commitment, too. Not only that you don’t share your bed with any other or that you don’t expose your breast to another man, but that you trust me as your husband. If I give you my word, I promise I’ll never stray.”

  “You haven’t once even told me you loved me.”

  “You said you could see it in my eyes.”

  “I can—I do,” she said.

  “Then be my wife. Wolf will marry us until we can be wed officially.”

  “Faolan, this is ridiculous.” She sighed. “Could you perform a marriage?” Angelique asked Wolf.

  “I suppose, but as your obviously groveling guardian has said, it might not be legal. However, it would be binding by the laws of magic.”

  “Wed me now, Angel. Let’s truly be together for as long as we’re allowed.”

  Angelique glanced at the half-moon arched window. The wind had quieted with her temper. Huge snowflakes fell as the morning sun cast promise of the new day. She looked at the many discarded items throughout this attic. Bits and pieces of several lives probably extremely important at one time. But time passes and lives change. What was once special fades, isn’t necessary or valued any longer, or the owner moves away or passes on.

  Angelique looked into Faolan’s hopeful eyes, those amazing eyes that captured her heart. He nervously awaited her reply.

  She’d never been spontaneous—never taken chances without weighing the options endlessly. She could send Faolan back, but he’d pledged to be her guardian and to accompany her on these quests. He’d protect her; she knew that. He might hurt her, too. She wasn’t completely confident he wouldn’t. She also knew, without a doubt, he’d die for her.

  Wolf began humming annoyingly.

  “You expect me to make this decision quickly?” She stared at Wolf, but the question was directed to Faolan.

  “It wouldn’t be quickly, Angelique. We both know we lost our hearts to each other the moment our eyes met.”

  “When you were bleeding on my floor.” She smiled.

  “She’s a wee bit sadistic. Are you certain you want to wed this witch?”

  “Positive!” Faolan smiled so magnetically, she couldn’t turn away. “Besides, even as a wee lass you chose me.”

  “Fine,” Angelique said.

  “Fine? Newt tells me fine isn’t what a man wants his woman to say.”

  “Newt doesn’t really know that much about women.”

  “You’ll marry me then—now?”

  “I’ll marry you, Captain Mahoney, but you’d better not break my heart.”

  He took her in his arms and she noticed relief in his eyes.

  “How should this marriage be done?”

  “A blood vow maybe?” Faolan replied.

  “That sounds like something a pirate would suggest,” Angelique said.

  Wolf pulled out a very sharp-looking dagger, undoubtedly mystical.

  “Did you two plan this?” she asked.

  “Awfully suspicious, Ginger.”

  “It wasn’t planned, Angel, but I’ve never wanted anything so much as joining my life with my beautiful woman who makes my heart glad with a mere glance—who rules my mind, body and soul. You slice my palm,” Faolan said. “And I’ll slice yours. We’ll combine our blood—symbolic of joining our lives, our hearts and our bodies as one.”

  “Sounds acceptable,” Wolf agreed.

  Wolf passed the dagger to Angelique. Faolan helped her stand. They walked to the window where sunrise dawned. He held his palm to hers.

  “The first time your hand touched my skin was to repair a wound. I’d welcome you causing a wound if it’s in promisin’ to always be mine, Angel.”

  “I will always be yours, Faolan Mahoney: your woman, your wife, your friend, your lover,” she said lightly cutting his palm, then passing him the dagger.

  “I’ll always be your man, Angelique Kavanaugh: your husband, your protector, your guardian, friend and lover.”

  He sliced her palm and she winced. It only penetrated her skin, but it cut far deeper. It touched something inside her. She knew he felt it, too. As they pressed their palms together, their blood entwined, there was a spark of magic, the depth she’d never felt before.

  “I didn’t expect that,” Wolf said. “Clearly your captain has considerable magic of his own. Although I didn’t suspect a transcendent witch would fall in love with just anyone.”

  Angelique’s hand burned where it had been sliced, but like a glowing ember that comforted her soul.

  “I declare you wed, husband and wife in this time and every other, in t
his realm and every other, in…”

  “Would you just finish, so I can kiss my wife?”

  “Go ahead. It looks like she’s waiting.”

  He leaned over and she stood on her tiptoes. His lips touched hers so gently, she was certain he’d do everything in his power never to hurt her.

  “I do love you, Angelique…Mahoney? Will you take my name? If you’d rather not, like some women of this time, I’ll understand.”

  “I want your name, Faolan. I want to be Mrs. Faolan Mahoney. One day—if we’re blessed with children, I want us to have the same surname.”

  “I’d like that, too, Mrs. Mahoney.”

  “Now what?” she asked.

  “We should sign, making it official,” Faolan said.

  “Why not sign in blood, just to seal the union?” Wolf said.

  “That’s a little creepy, but I kinda like it.”

  Faolan shrugged.

  “Where?” she asked.

  “I have just the place—the book,” Wolf said.

  He jumped back inside the trunk, rummaged around and pulled out a book with a triquetra symbol on the cover. Her own pendant vibrated.

  “You found the magical book?” Angelique said.

  “The gods had it in their realm for safekeeping. It’ll assist you in your journeys but only read the pages selected.”

  Wolf pulled out a feather quill, passed it to Angelique, then opened the book to an empty page.

  “I’m really to write in blood?”

  “She’s going to need to toughen up to go back in time, isn’t she, Captain?”

  “I’ve no doubt, my wife will be strong enough to meet any challenge. You write with my blood and I’ll write with yours,” Faolan suggested.

  She nodded, placed the quill in the slice on his palm and began to write her name then passed him the quill. He dipped the quill in her wound. She watched him sign. It was the first time she’d seen his handwriting.

  “Oh my God, it’s perfect calligraphy. You must teach me that.”

  “If you like.” He smiled sexily, making handwriting not foremost of what she wanted to do with him.

  “I’m certain you’ll spend endless nights handwriting.” Wolf sarcastically mirrored her thoughts.

  Faolan chuckled as he finished signing and both signatures glowed.

  “This union has celestial blessing,” Wolf said.