by Amy Manemann
An unsettling feeling washed over me, and I hesitated. Was I making the right choice by staying? Sadie was obviously afraid. Braeden was definitely not happy. What if by choosing to stay I endangered everyone I cared about?
“Aunt Sadie? What do you think?” My abrupt question caught her off guard, and she jerked in surprise.
“I’m uncertain if staying is the right choice.”
“But do you think I can do it?” I urged, needing to know.
A smile tipped the corners of her lips at the question, flaring a small spark of hope inside me.
“You’re the most stubborn, determined, courageous person I’ve ever known, Willa. I know once Braeden teaches you to harness your power, no one on this earth will stand in your path.”
Fear still lurked in the shadows of her eyes, but honesty and pride were there too, giving me a much-needed breath of relief. With a firm nod, I turned to Braeden.
“That settles it, then. I’m staying.”
Chapter 3
Sunlight streamed through my bedroom window as I awoke, making me aware of the late morning hour. Rolling onto my back, I stared up at the ceiling. Braeden and I had stayed awake until the early hours of the morning discussing what my training would detail, until I was nearly falling asleep next to him on the couch. I’d learned a great deal about my oh-so hot Guardian, yet there were still things a girl needed to know. Like, did he prefer coffee or tea? Did he like to watch the sunrise? Did he have a girlfriend? You know, the basics.
He was far more chivalrous than any of the boys around here, I decided, a smile tugging my lower lip at how he’d insisted he walk me to my room before calling it a night. He’d ushered me inside and waited outside my bedroom door long after I shut the door. It wasn’t until I’d settled into the downy softness of my bed that I heard his receding footsteps in the hallway. It was nice having someone watching over me, though this would definitely take some getting used to.
A soft knock sounded on my bedroom door, jerking me from my thoughts.
“Willa, are you up?” The uncertainty in Sadie's voice was palpable through the solid wood, tugging at my heart. I hate it when we fought. Last night’s revelations had thrown our relationship into a whole different ball game, and I didn’t much care for the new discord between us. I was used to our comfortable relationship and the easy banter we’d always shared, but now all I could think of was what other secrets had she been keeping from me? Tossing my comforter aside, I dropped my feet over the side of the bed and shuffled to the door to tug it open.
Sadie’s eyes were red rimmed and puffy, which I studiously tried to ignore.
“I’m awake.” Leaving the door wide open, I turned towards my closet. From behind me, I heard her small intake of breath.
“I’ve made breakfast, chocolate chip pancakes. Your favorite.” She hovered in the doorway, watching quietly while I tugged my terry-cloth robe from its hanger in the closet and shrugged it on.
That brought a smile to my face, despite my grumpiness. Chocolate chip pancakes were Sadie’s peace offering. She knew no matter how upset I got with her, they were a sure-fire way to get me to soften up. Well, if she was offering an olive branch, maybe I could too. Pausing next to her in the doorway, I stood on tip-toe to press a kiss to her cheek.
Tears sparkled in her eyes at the small gesture and a hopeful smile bloomed.
“Thanks, Aunt Sadie. I’ll be down in a minute.” It was a far cry from being back to where we were, but at least it was a start. A quick shower later, I was scrubbed and dressed, with my thrown back in its usual braid. Foregoing make up over my rumbling stomach, I thundered down the wooden staircase, following the delicious smells of food into the kitchen. My footsteps faltered at the site of Braeden sitting at our kitchen table, my mouth forming a small "O" of surprise.
Upon seeing me, Braeden immediately pushed to his feet. “Good morning, Willa. I trust you slept well?”
My cheeks warmed when he pulled out a chair, waiting for me to take my seat before resuming his own.
“Uh, yeah. Thanks,” I mumbled, flushing under his searching gaze.
Sadie hid a smirk behind her coffee cup, though I thought I saw the twinkle in her eye. Hilarious. A little warning that Braeden was here would have been nice.
“Today we will begin your training,” Braeden announced, lifting his cup of coffee to his lips.
“Should I be worried?” Tossing a few chocolate chip pancakes on my plate, I dumped a healthy serving of syrup over the top before setting to work cutting them up.
Braeden smirked, quirking an eyebrow.
My stomach did a funny flip-flop.
“That depends. How adept are you at focusing?” His voice was serious, though his eyes danced with amusement.
Sadie snorted back a laugh, averting her gaze when I shot her a glare.
“I think I can handle it.”
“Perfect. I’d like you to learn how to center your focus and become one with your inner self.”
Now it was my turn to smirk.
“Gee, Obi Wan, did you learn that in Jedi training school?” I remarked dryly, shoving a bite of pancake in my mouth and chewing.
Braeden chuckled. “Why yes, young Padawan, that I did.”
My jaw slackened in surprise that he’d picked up on my Star Wars reference.
Sadie groaned, setting her coffee cup down, pushing away from the table to stand. “And that’s my cue to leave. You two have fun, I’ll catch up with you later.”
I paused in shoving another bite of pancake into my mouth, fork dangling in midair.
“What do you have planned for today?” I tried to be nonchalant, shoving a forkful of pancake in my mouth when she glanced at me in surprise. My eyes followed her movements as she removed her dishes from the table, setting them in the kitchen sink.
In observance of the Sabbath, Twitches was closed on Sunday’s. The First Presbyterian Church of Salem would have a hissy fit if we were open on the holy day of rest. Of course, that didn't prevent Sadie from tending to the many requests for her supernatural services.
Sadie cast a glance in Braeden’s direction, who gave a slight nod of his head.
“While you work with Braeden, I’ll be casting protection spells around the house and community,” she answered, eyes traveling between me and Braeden.
Anger simmered. They’d already begun making plans without me? Huffily, I folded my arms across my chest.
“It sounds like you two have been busy with all your plan making talk this morning. It would have been nice to be
included in your little conversation.”
“It was discussed as you slept, Willa, not with intentions to keep things from you. Sadie thought it would be best to produce the protection spells to buy us more time for you to train.”
My anger slowly dissipated, and I inwardly cringed at having snapped at them. They were looking out for my best interest, and here I was, acting like a brat. Again.
“I’m sorry.” My appetite gone, I stared glumly at my half-eaten plate of food.
Braeden sighed, reaching over to cover my hand with his. My skin tingled where we touched, the warmth of his touch setting butterflies loose in my stomach.
“Don’t be sorry, Willa. You’ve had a lot thrown at you in the last day. Your anger is to be expected,” he assured me.
I raised my gaze to his, mesmerized by the shimmering gold of his eyes, and inwardly sighed. A girl could get used to being looked at like that.
I managed a half smile. “And you’re being way too nice, but I’ll take it.”
“He’s right, Willa. Listen, I’m sorry you’ve had all this thrown at you like this, so if you want to act like a bratty little kid, I’ll let it slide. Today,” Sadie calmly interjected, a reminder to us she was still in the room. “Tomorrow, you better suck it up and get over it.”
Yikes, I’d completely forgotten she still there. Withdrawing my hand from Braeden’s, I tucked it onto my lap. I met Sadie’s gaze, not missing the h
opeful glimmer in her eyes. Yes, she had kept things from me. Yes, she probably should have filled me in on them before Braeden arrived to throw my life out of whack. And yes, I knew she’d done it because she loved me. As much as I wanted to still be angry with her, I knew I couldn’t. Everything she’d ever done for me had been out of love. I couldn’t very well fault a person for that.
“Yes, Aunt Sadie.” I flashed a smile, one that I hoped conveyed that I understood her actions, even if I didn't like them. Her eyes were suspiciously glossy when she turned back to the sink, and I caught the hint of a smile from her side profile.
“Okay, then I’m out of here. Do you two need anything before I leave you?” Rinsing the last dish, she dried her hands and made her way to the doorway.
I glanced at Braeden, who shook his head.
“Thank you, but no. I have everything we need,” he informed her.
With a nod, Sadie made to leave, then stopped beneath the arch of the kitchen doorway to look back at us.
“Her life is in your hands, Braeden. Keep her safe,” she warned darkly. The room suddenly crackled with unspent energy, and I knew by the soft glow in Sadie’s eyes that she meant business.
Braeden stood from his chair, acknowledging her warning with a short bow that reminded me of something old-worldly. When he straightened, his jaw was tight. “I promise with my life, Witch. No harm shall come to her.”
I shoved my chair back, mortified by Sadie’s actions, but before I could say a word she was gone, taking her spiraling energy with her.
The room grew quiet and calm once more, and I sucked in a shaky breath.
“I’m sorry I don’t know what’s gotten in to her,” I offered lamely.
He smiled. “She cares for you, Willa. It’s as simple as that. I would do the same if it were me.”
Of course he would. After all, he was my Guardian. It's kind of in his job description. I liked Braeden, far more than I probably should for having just met him, but I needed to remember that he was here out of duty, and nothing more.
“And what would you do?” I wondered aloud, for once unafraid to speak my mind. “To keep me safe, that is.”
Braeden inched closer, the gold flecks in his eyes shimmering with unspoken emotion.
“There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, Willa, and you will never be without now that I’m here.” His hand lifted, and for the briefest of moments, I wondered if he would touch me. Seconds ticked by, then to my disappointment, he let his hand fall back to his side.
“Is it because you’re my Guardian?” I asked, stealing myself for his answer.
A soft chuckle filled the silence in the room, and my gaze snapped back to his. He slowly smiled, the gesture unfolding across his upturned lips and lighting the depths of his eyes until the breath caught in my lungs at the beauty of it.
“Willa, for so long I’ve only been able to imagine what it would be like to meet you, to talk with you, and now…now that I’m here with you, breathing your intoxicating scent, seeing your breathtaking beauty, my heart aches with the need to be closer to you.” Voice husky, the golden fire in his eyes took my breath away.
My heart thudded against my chest, blown away by his honesty. I was tempted to move closer, to close the gap yawning between us, but I didn’t. His words were like poetry to my soul, unleashing a sense of longing that I never knew existed until now. But while the attention flattered me, it was also unsettling. This was all happening too fast, too soon.
“Braeden…,” I breathed his name, unsure what else to say.
As if sensing my unease, he sighed, taking a step back and putting further distance between us.
“And I feel I owe you an apology,” he continued.
Eyes wide, I asked, “An apology? For what?”
“I’m causing undue stress with my attention, and confusing my mission here. That was never my intention,” he admitted, dragging a hand through his hair in agitation.
I smiled, glad I wasn’t the only one feeling flustered.
“It’s okay, Braeden. We’re both adults,” I interjected, wanting to ease his mind.
His golden gaze lifted to collide with mine, and I swallowed hard at the need I saw swimming in the depths. I was in so much trouble with this man it wasn’t even funny.
“That’s the problem. I like you, Willa, far more than what I should probably admit.”
That made two of us.
“I…like you too, Braeden,” I slowly admitted, figuring if he was putting himself on the line I may as well throw it out there too.
Air escaped his lips in a hiss, worry clouding his gaze.
“I really wish you hadn’t told me that,” he groaned, scrubbing a hand down his face.
I laughed, finding the situation amusing. I just told a really hot guy I liked him and he was the one uncomfortable?
“If it makes you feel any better, I think this is just a reaction to a stressful situation. I’m sure once we get my training started, our focus will shift elsewhere.” It was a feeble attempt at any sanity in all of this, but the words sounded hollow even to my ears.
Braeden was silent, his stare so intent that I shifted my feet nervously, anxious under his thoughtful expression.
“A stress reaction,” he finally stated, a hint of a smile in his voice.
“I mean, don’t you think that makes sense?” I hoped he understood what I was trying to say, because I certainly didn’t.
He slowly nodded, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully.
“I suppose that makes sense, given the circumstances. Then again, we could just be two people who are attracted to one another,” he drawled, a slow smile spreading his lips.
“True,” I countered, biting my lower lip to hide the smile threatening to bloom.
“We shouldn’t allow it to impede your training, though, and that is my fault. Do you think you can keep yourself under control to focus on your training today?” He reached out to tug the end of my fishtail braid.
I smirked, swatting his hand away. “I think I can handle it. What’s the game plan?”
“If you’re ready, we’ll load up and head out of town.”
I frowned. “Out of town? Is that a good idea?”
“It’s daylight, Willa. We’ll be perfectly safe,” he was quick to reassure me.
Safe, for now. The unspoken words felt like a noose hanging over our heads, a constant reminder that we were on a very precarious time line. Braeden was right, it was time to reign in our feelings and focus on my training.
“You’re the boss. I just want to grab a sweatshirt. Meet you out front in ten minutes?” I tried to keep my voice even, but when he grinned, I knew I had failed miserably.
“As you wish.”
I watched him go, a myriad of emotions rolling through me as he retreated into the living room. I was being prepared to face a dark force that made my skin crawl at the thought, learn how to wield a power I knew nothing about, and the person I needed to give my complete focus to had a ‘look but don’t touch’ sign hanging around his adorable neck.
Fan-freakingtastic.
Chapter 4
The gentle sway of the wind tossed loose strands of hair around my face as I tried to concentrate like Braeden had told me. We were sitting in the middle of a field on a blanket facing each other, eyes closed, as we got in touch with our ‘inner selves’. I cracked an eyelid to steal a peek at Braeden, who looked completely at ease sitting Indian style on one of Aunt Sadie’s flannel blankets. I quietly studied his handsome face, enjoying being able to stare at him without him knowing.
“You’re supposed to be channeling your thoughts.” His voice startled me out of my reverie, sending a rush of heat to my cheeks.
“H-How did you know…?” I stammered, further embarrassed when his eyes popped open and he shot me a knowing grin.
“I could feel your energy.”
I furrowed my brow, confused. “How?”
Braeden stretched his arms wide, throwing his head back as anoth
er breeze playfully tugged at his sun-drenched strands,
sending them in wild disarray.
“Earth magic,” he reminded me, lowering his arms back to his sides.
“Oh, right,” I mumbled, feeling dumb. He’d been able to read my energy pattern when I was meditating and when I was staring at him, which I’m sure gave off a notable difference. Talk about having the home field advantage.
“Close your eyes, Willa. Breathe in the freshness of what the Earth Goddess offers and accept her comforting embrace.”
“How can I do something when I don’t even know what that means?” Grumpy, I folded my arms across my chest.
“Willa, just close your eyes,” Braeden insisted, flashing a grin when I stuck my tongue out at him.
Settling myself on the blanket again, I closed my eyes as he asked.
“What do you hear?” Braeden asked.
I tilted my head, listening to the sounds surrounding me. “The wind rustling the grass around us and a bird chirping.”
Braeden sighed. I think I was testing his patience.
“There is more to hear. You must open your senses, Willa. Relax.” He spoke soothingly, his voice void of the irritation I’m sure he felt.
I sighed, wiggling in my seat to a more comfortable position to do as he asked. How did one open up his or her senses, anyway? And how was channeling my inner self going to stop a dark army from stripping me of my powers?
“You’re thinking too much,” Braeden’s amused voice interrupted my thoughts.
I scowled. Opening one eye, I met his stare. “And how am I supposed to turn my brain off, oh Great One?”
Braeden chuckled, pushing himself up onto his knees and scooting around to sit behind me. Unfolding his long legs to
encase either side of my body, he lowered his hands to my shoulders, drawing me back against his chest. Um, hello