Romani Magic (Shifter Blood: Romani Curse Book 3)

by Frances Trilone

  My head jerked back. “You mean that wasn’t you the whole time? Carter really was training me?”

  “Yes. He got bored after two weeks and quit, so I stepped in.”

  “That was the day you asked me how I liked the coven,” I said, thinking back to when Carter had suddenly seemed to care about my life. All those questions about living here, how the witches were treating me, and if I was happy. That had been Kaleb. “So that’s why you didn’t shift into a wolf during training.”

  “Calandra’s spell on me made me look like Carter when I was in human form. Acting like him was easy enough, but I couldn’t shift or take off my shirt. I was afraid you’d see my birthmark, and I knew you’d seen him shift.” He stood abruptly, letting out a harsh breath. “If that’s all your questions, I have wolves to meet who need—”

  “We’re not done.” I jumped to my feet, not wanting to walk out that door. Was that it for us? Did he have nothing more to say? After all that we’d been through, surely this couldn’t be our ending. “Why did Calandra protect you and agree to let you train me? I know she’s never liked the wolves.”

  “We came to a mutually beneficial agreement. She helped me stay at the coven as Carter, and I spoke to the wolves to see if they knew anything about the missing witches. I think she realized the wolves weren’t responsible.” He glanced at the clock on the wall, appearing anxious and slightly uncomfortable. “You should go, Sienna. Being here isn’t a good idea.”

  “I’ll leave as soon as you answer one more question.” My voice sounded desperate and sad because all I could think about was kissing him. “Once I’d mastered blocking my mind, why didn’t you tell me the truth?”

  “I was going to.” He cleared his throat, avoiding my gaze. “But then I saw you and Garrett together. You looked happy. I didn’t want to ruin that for you.”

  “I…” The words choked in my throat as a tear rolled down my cheek. Kaleb thought I was in love with Garrett. If we hadn’t pretended to date, none of this would have happened. Kaleb would have told me the truth, and we could have run away together. Cindy and Ava would still be alive, and Orla and Grace wouldn’t be missing.

  “It’s okay.” Kaleb wiped away the tear as he gave me a gentle smile. “You thought I was dead. I don’t blame you for moving on, and Garrett’s not too bad, even for a warlock. Although, to be honest, I thought you’d take longer than a month to get over me.”

  “It’s not what you think. Garrett and I—”

  “You don’t owe me an explanation. I’m not mad.” He let his hand drop from my face and turned away. “The way you look at Garrett… I know you care about him. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have had sex with him.”

  My eyes widened as I remembered the day Orla had followed me to training, asking me about sex with Garrett. No wonder Kaleb thought we were in love. I’d told him my sex life wasn’t anyone’s business.

  “Garrett and I didn’t have sex. I swear.” I pulled Kaleb’s arm, making him turn back to face me. He needed to hear this. He needed to listen. “We were pretending to date. It’s a long story, but trust me, we’re not in love. I mean, yes…we care about each other, and Garrett’s confessed he loves me, but he knew I wasn’t over you. It’s always been you, Kaleb.”

  His gaze lowered to my hand on his arm, a look of surprise on his face. “That’s my grandmother’s ring. The one I was going to give you.”

  “I found it in my boot a few days ago.” I released his arm, wondering if I’d been wrong. Kaleb didn’t look happy to hear I’d faked a relationship with Garrett. Had he stopped loving me? “Did you hear me? We were pretending. I’ve kissed him a few times, but we didn’t have sex.”

  “Are you sure you’re not in love with him?”

  “Yes.” My heart fluttered as my chest tightened, and my breathing sounded ragged. Why wasn’t he reacting or saying anything? He was calm, too calm. Was this because I was a witch? He’d said it didn’t matter before. Had he changed his mind? “I’m in love with you, but if you don’t—”

  Kaleb pressed his lips to mine and slowly pushed me until my back was against the wall. He slipped his tongue into my mouth, groaning as he touched me—my shoulders, my breasts, my waist, until eventually, his hands came to rest on my hips.

  Breathless, I pulled my lips off his. “I guess this means you don’t want me to leave. Don’t you have some wolves to see?”

  “No. Being alone with you was killing me.” He traced a finger along my jawline, kissed my cheek, and then, he stopped. “You’re wearing your engagement ring, but you never gave me an answer. Will you marry me, Sienna?”

  “Yes.” I smiled as I ran my hands over his biceps and touched his chest. I’d never expected to have this moment—to feel safe in Kaleb’s arms again and finally get our happily ever after. “I love you, Kaleb.”

  “I love you too.” He kissed my neck and slowly unbuttoned my blouse.

  I tugged his T-shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Hungrily, I traced his birthmark, running my fingers across his chest and down his rock-hard abs, heat spreading through every inch of my body.

  With a growl, he slid my blouse down my arms and kissed my collarbone. As my fingers touched the button on his jeans, he paused, and then he resumed kissing me.

  “Kaleb,” I gasped, wrapping my arms around his neck. “We should move to the bed.”

  He looked at me; his gaze, eager and hungry. “Are you sure? We don’t have to do this right now. I don’t mind waiting.”

  “I’ve waited long enough.” Aching with need, I kissed him, and when he grabbed the back of my thighs to lift me, I moaned. I wrapped my legs around his waist and held on tight.

  Kaleb carried me into the bedroom, and for the first time in a very long time, everything felt perfect.

  Chapter 40

  The next morning, I rolled over in bed and remembered I wasn’t alone. Kaleb lay next to me, asleep with the comforter covering the lower half of his naked body. I couldn’t believe he’d been in the coven this whole time, watching over me and teaching me how to fight.

  I touched the right side of my stomach, where Kaleb had claimed me months ago. Last night, the bite mark had reappeared, heating after we’d completed our bond. For better or worse, we were now fully committed to each other.

  My gaze lowering to the ring on my finger, I smiled. We were finally engaged, and after making love, we were also bonded for life. I had no regrets about giving myself to Kaleb now instead of waiting until we were married. After we defeated Julius and Vadoma, we’d plan a small wedding with family and close friends.

  “Good morning,” Kaleb said, his forest green eyes lighting up as he smiled at me. “Did you sleep okay?”

  “Yes.” I smiled back, feeling hot all over as images of the night before flashed through my mind. I couldn’t help but blush when I thought about how gentle Kaleb had been. Taking things slowly, he’d let my body determine our pace, and he’d held me close afterward. It had been far better than I’d imagined my first time would be. If only every night could be like last night…

  “If that’s what you want.” He chuckled, wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close. “Every night might be a challenge, but I’m up for it.”

  “Well, I was thinking… Wait!” My eyes widened as I realized he’d read my thoughts. “You know what I’m thinking?”

  “Yes.” He grinned. “I’ll teach you how to block your thoughts so I can’t hear everything. It’s probably identical to how you block the witches from reading your mind.”

  I stared at him, concentrating as hard as I could. “Something must be wrong with me. I can’t hear what you’re thinking.”

  “Nothing’s wrong.” He kissed my shoulder. “I’m blocking my thoughts.”

  I sat up, not sure how I felt about that. “Is there something you don’t want me to know?”

  “Of course not. I’m just not used to sharing them with others.” He pulled me down onto the bed and held me in his arms. I like your idea of ev
ery night being like last night. We should definitely talk about that.

  A smile crossed my face and I felt my fears fade. Despite me being a witch, transference with Kaleb worked. I kissed his cheek, the stubble on his chin, and then his neck. Why wait until tonight?

  I like how you’re thinking. We should— Kaleb groaned, and then someone knocked on the door. “Go away.”

  I glanced over at the clock and was surprised to see it was almost ten. I couldn’t believe we’d slept late. Kaleb, we should get up and shower. I have things to do.

  Shower? Kaleb’s eyebrow shot up. That’s a great idea.

  I laughed. That’s not what I meant.

  I know. Kaleb grinned, then grunted as he got out of bed.

  “What are you doing?” I sat up, pulling the comforter around my body.

  Get dressed. There’s a wolf at the door. I think something’s wrong. Kaleb slipped on his jeans and pulled a white T-shirt over his head. Then he left the bedroom and went to open the door.

  I quickly got dressed, put on my boots, and slipped my knife inside. What’s happened?

  They’re looking for you at Hale House. You have a visitor, and it’s important.

  After splashing water on my face, I walked out of the bedroom. I stopped in the living room, unsure whether I was ready to announce to the world what had happened between Kaleb and me last night. I still needed to talk to Garrett and—

  No one needs to know right now. Kaleb stood in the open doorway. “I’ll walk you to Hale House.”

  “That’s not a good idea.” I frowned. “I don’t think being seen alone with you would be wise. Everyone knows I’m dating Garrett.”

  “We won’t be alone.” It’ll be fine. No one’s going to ask you questions. But if they do, say you were checking on the barrier spell and ran into us.

  I nodded and left the room, relieved to see no one else in the lobby or outside. As we walked around the building, following the sidewalk, we were joined by two wolf shapeshifters in human form. Both wore jeans and black T-shirts and walked about ten feet behind us.

  We haven’t talked about how you left here and convinced your father to send Norwood wolves to help the witches. What did you say to him?

  Kaleb glanced over his shoulder. I was only gone for half a day, and I didn’t see my father. When I went to Woodlake, I told Markus what was happening, and he gathered the wolves who are loyal to me. They might be Norwood wolves, but they’ve sworn allegiance to me and will leave Norwood Isle if my father won’t accept you as my mate.

  You can’t leave your family. What about your mom and sister?

  There’s no point in worrying about that until I talk to my father. Kaleb grinned. That fire wall was amazing.

  Markus said the same thing last night. I laughed, and then realized the wolf shapeshifters behind us might figure out we were using transference. “Will all the wolves be leaving today?”

  “Yes.” Kaleb glanced at me. I’m not leaving you behind, Sienna. You need to come with us.

  I was hoping you’d say that. “I figured out what Devlin meant by history repeating itself,” I said, wanting the two wolf shapeshifters behind us to hear. “Can you get the other pack alphas to come to Woodlake? We need to convince them to work with the witches to stop Vadoma from rising.”

  “Yes, but convincing them won’t be easy.” I don’t like this, and I don’t want you anywhere near the Rocklin wolves.

  You know we have no choice. I’ll be fine. “I’ll speak to the High Council about convincing the other coven leaders. After last night, I know some of them are willing to help.”

  We continued walking and eventually reached the grass between two houses. The coven appeared deserted, and I could only imagine that with the wolves still around, most of the witches had opted to remain inside under the protection spell.

  As we approached Hale House, I looked at Kaleb. I’m not sure if you coming in with me is such a good idea, and there’s a protection spell on the house.

  “Wait for us out here,” Kaleb ordered the two wolf shapeshifters before following me to the front door. I had Calandra lift the protection spell for Markus and me, so if something happened to you, we’d be able to get inside. He’s been in the woods at the back of the house for days, watching you.

  “The other witches won’t be too pleased to see you.” I stopped at the door, tilting my head to the side toward Kaleb. Can you tell who my visitor is?

  He stared at one of the windows. It’s Victor. He’s alone, talking to a warlock in the living room. It doesn’t sound like anything’s wrong. His heartbeat sounds normal.

  “Are you sure?” I said, my voice cracking as I opened the front door. When we stepped inside, I was surprised to see three witches standing in the hallway, giggling as they peered into the living room. Their eyes widened as soon as they saw Kaleb, and they turned to hurry upstairs.

  Despite Kaleb’s reassurance, I couldn’t shake this feeling that something was wrong. Victor shouldn’t be here, not when they’d banished me from the Romani community. Coming to see me was a huge risk.

  As I hurried into the living room, Boris jumped up from the armchair, looking shocked. Dressed in blue jeans and a T-shirt, Victor stood by the window, his dark brown hair slicked back on both sides. When he saw me, his brown eyes lit up.

  “Victor, what are you doing here?” I hugged him. “Is everything okay with Drina and the baby? Is it my mom? Has something happened?”

  “Whoa…slow down.” Victor pulled away and placed his hands on my shoulders. He gave me a gentle smile. “Drina and your mom are fine. Aunt Nells had some follow-up appointments in Dover, and I volunteered to drive her. We’re in town for three days, so I promised your mom I’d check on you. She wants to meet you for dinner tonight if that’s okay.”

  “Yes.” I nodded. “What about the Romani Elders? If they find out you came to see me…”

  “Don’t worry about that. When the Elders learn you’re a powerful witch, descended from Marie Dinescu, they won’t care. And Boris tells me you’ll be a High Council witch one day. Drina will be so excited when I tell her.” He let go of my shoulders and studied me. “Something about you looks different. You look stronger, happier than I’ve ever seen you before. I was afraid you’d be miserable here. I’m glad I was wrong. Markus even said he—”

  “Did you see Markus outside?” I asked. “I bet he was pleased to see you.”

  “Markus? Why would he be at the coven?” Victor’s eyes widened when he glanced over at the archway. “Kaleb? I don’t understand. Everyone in Woodlake thinks you’re dead.”

  “It’s a long story.” Kaleb took a seat on the couch while Boris sat back down in the nearby armchair.

  Victor’s gaze lowered to me, then drifted to Boris.

  He’s trying to figure out what’s going on. We’ll need to tell him and your mom everything after dinner tonight.

  I did my best to act normal. The last thing I needed was for Victor and Boris to realize we’d had sex and could communicate telepathically. I can’t wait to tell Mom we’re engaged. She’ll be thrilled.

  “I didn’t realize you were acquainted with the wolves, Victor. Otherwise, I would’ve told you.” Boris cleared his throat, looking at me. “I didn’t want the wolves to bother Victor, so I accompanied him here, but you were already gone. I hope everything’s okay?”

  “Yes,” I replied. “I got up early to check the barrier spell, and while I was out, I ran into the wolves. They insisted on escorting me back.”

  “You said Markus is here?” Victor tucked his hands into his pockets as he looked at Kaleb. “Then you must know about the attack.”

  My throat went dry. “What attack?”

  “A bunch of vampires attacked Norwood Isle last night,” Victor said.

  “No.” I gasped.

  “Do you know how bad it was?” Kaleb asked, his voice filled with worry.

  “Sorry, I don’t.” Victor shook his head. “I only learned about the attack because I cal
led Henry to let him know we’d made it to Dover. He didn’t have much information.”

  “I thought I heard your voice.” Markus walked into the living room and gave Victor a quick man hug. “Is everything okay with Drina and the baby?”

  “Yeah, they’re fine.” Victor smiled, looking pleased to see Markus. “She’ll be happy to hear you’re safe and sound in Dover.”

  Boris’ eyes widened as he watched Victor and Markus talk.

  They stood by the window and continued chatting about Drina, the attack on Norwood Isle, Kaleb being alive, and a television show they both watched.

  I sat on the couch, close to Boris’ armchair and away from Kaleb.

  They’re awfully chummy with one another. Kaleb sighed.

  I think it’s cute they’re such good friends. Don’t tell me you’re jealous.

  Of course not. Seeing them like this makes me realize how different things will be when we get back. We’ve been gone for two and a half months. You’re a witch now, and we’ve bonded. Kaleb scratched his chin. I’ll tell Markus and the other wolves to go to Norwood Isle. They can check on things and help until we get back into town.

  I folded my arms. You should go and check on your family. We also need to keep our bond a secret for now.

  No. Kaleb’s eyebrow shot up. That’s not what I want. I’m not—

  How am we supposed to convince the other packs to join us in fighting Julius if they’re upset about our bond? I don’t want this either, but it makes sense. No one must know. I looked over at Markus and Victor, pretending to listen to their conversation.

  You’re right. We need all of the Norwood wolves on our side, and I won’t be able to convince them if my father kicks me out of the pack. But I still don’t like it.

  I don’t either. I glanced at Boris and was startled to see him watching Kaleb and me. Did he suspect we were having a private conversation? Then we agree. No one must know we’ve bonded until after we defeat Julius.