Elemental's Heart

by Ciara Lake

  “My darling Terra, I don’t know all that transpired. I don’t know why your mother did what she did. But I do know who your parents are.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes, you’re the issue of two powerful magical beings. Your mother is Aife Broderick, a dark and wayward witch. Your father is Crexan Clancy, an evil warlock.”

  “Oh my, that’s awful. I hate that my parents are awful people.”

  “You, my dear, are not them.”

  “I know.”

  “Your grandmother’s looking for you. She has tried to summon me for some time now. I finally answered her. I told her how to contact you. So I’m here to tell you that Genevieve Broderick will be contacting you.”

  “How will she contact me?” Terra asked.

  “I don’t know. But be open to her and go visit with her. She’s a good woman.”

  “I’m glad someone I’m related to is a good person. Where has she been all this time?”

  “She can explain better than I can. I do know she didn’t know where you were. She took a chance in asking me if I knew where you were. And of course I did.”

  “I’ve always assumed I was a wiccan. Now I know for sure.”

  “Yes, your energy is like a wiccan, but a wee bit unusual.”

  “Really?” She cocked her head to the side. “You’ve never said that before.”

  “No, there was no need.” He shrugged. “Actually, I’ve always wondered about it, because you do give off a different vibe. I figured it was your gift with plants I was feeling.”

  “Why couldn’t Genevieve search for me without your help? Witches are good at finding things and people. Why couldn’t I find her or my mother when I searched? I tried, you know?”

  “Strong protection spells have kept you hidden. The spells have also stopped you from finding them too.”

  “Why would there be protection spells? That’s seems odd and concerning.”

  “I’m not sure. You’ll have to ask Genevieve. I hope she’ll explain all you need to know.”

  “You’re a god, why don’t you know more?”

  “Terra, you know better,” he scolded. “Gods don’t know everything. I admit we can predict details and events due to our age and wisdom, but there are things we don’t know.” He pushed her hair off one of her shoulders. “You’re so lovely and naïve at times.”

  “I’m uncertain how I feel about meeting my grandmother.” She looked down and shook her head.

  He drank his glass of wine. “Drink up, my dear. It’ll cheer you.” His empty glass disappeared. Terra drank down her full glass too. “Very good.” He took her glass and it vanished.

  “My parents are evil. I must be destined to be evil.” She frowned. “It’s hard to beat genetics.”

  “That’s not true. It’s true that Aife Broderick, long ago, lost her way. And yes, your father is an evil warlock. He’s scary and full of dark magic. He’s very powerful, and he has negatively influenced your mother over the years. You should stay away from him. But your parents don’t make you automatically evil. You can be different and stronger than they are.”

  “None of this sounds good.” Terra groaned.

  He caressed her hair. “You’re a beautiful handmaiden.” He kissed her on the nose. “You’ve served me well. And you’re kind to all nature, and it adores you. I’m pleased with you.”

  “Many might want to stay away from me because of my parents. They’ll think I’m destined to be bad.”

  “You’ve been bad since you were twenty. Bad in a good way. I’d say those two mortal men enjoyed your kind of bad.” He laughed loudly. “Nature loves you. You’re a healer of plants, trees, and a healer of all living things. There’s a tremendous amount of good in you.”

  “Of other living things, you mean, other than plants and trees?”

  “Yes.” He nodded. “Your gift is much more than you know. I can feel it. In fact, you have always puzzled me. That’s what I mean about your energy feeling different than wiccan. In many ways you remind me of… Never mind. I’m just thinking aloud.”

  Terra watched Dionysus closely. “There’s so much I need to learn. I’ve had no one to teach me. The wiccan groups I belong to aren’t very helpful. I’ve been teaching them. Most of the members are mortals pretending to be witches.”

  “Yes, I know. That’s why knowing your grandmother is a good thing, you can learn from her. I know you’ve been rejected by mortals you’ve lived with as a child, and that hurt you. Their ignorance is a shame, and it’s their loss. I completely understand why you’ve had a hard time trusting anyone. However, that part of your life is about to change.”

  “That’s hard to believe.”

  He put his hand under her chin and pushed her face up to look into her eyes. “You’re many things, and they’re all good.” A surge of energy radiated through her body. “I’ve given you more powers as a reward for your dedicated service to me.”

  “Thank you. How can I repay you?”

  “You can’t.” He smiled. “And I wouldn’t want you to.”

  “Do you know who my mate is?”

  “No. I only know some of what he’s predicted to be like. The fates aren’t usually talkative about their predictions. They tell you what they’re going to tell you and nothing more.”

  “The fates told you about my mate?”

  “Yes. And don’t ask me why. Who knows why the fates predict certain things and share what they do and don’t?” He caressed her arm. “But for them to have you on their minds, means you’re important to the supernatural world.”

  “I don’t understand why that would be. I’m an orphan of insignificant and evil parents.”

  “You’re too critical of yourself. Anyway, you’ll be leaving this unpleasant place.” He made a face of displeasure as he glanced around the room. “You deserve better accommodations than this. You’re a beautiful handmaiden of Dionysus. You’re a powerful witch.”

  He kissed the side of her face.

  “Close your eyes,” he said as he took hold of her hand

  She did as he instructed, and in the next moment they were someplace warm. Opening her eyes, she saw they were in a forest. The full moon was shining down through the leafed canopy.

  “I want to take you outside in a lovely, natural place,” he said.

  “Is this part of the Enchanted Forest?” The blanket was gone from her shoulders.

  “Yes.”

  “It’s always so beautiful in the Enchanted Forest.” She turned around in a circle, looking up at the majestic trees.

  “There are some areas of the Enchanted Forest that aren’t wonderful. Did you know that?”

  “No.” She gazed up at him. “I have so much to learn.”

  “You have many years to learn what you need and experience new things.” He maneuvered her to face one of the large trees. “Put your hands on its wide trunk. Brace yourself,” he whispered in her ear.

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Terra did as he requested. She knew his intentions. She widened her legs apart. The tree’s bark felt good to her hands. The air of the forest was fresh and comforting. The tree rejoiced at her touch, and a surge of white heat pulsed between them. Thank you, kind tree. She allowed the tree’s energy to flow into her. Then she returned the energy to the tree.

  “See how your energy enlivens this tree? You’re amazing.” He kissed the side of her face. “If you didn’t have a destined mate who is going to be possessive of you, I’d give you my child.”

  “I’ll always be yours.” She glanced back at him.

  “I’m afraid not.” His expression was sad. “You’ll worship me, but in a different way.”

  “Oh, my god, I’ll miss our time together. I don’t know if I can accept these changes you predict.”

  “I’ve appreciated your dedication to your worship of me. If not for pagans like you, the gods would surely fade away.” He nipped the curve of her neck. “But it’s true, your destined mate will touch your body and your he
art like no one else. He’ll make your heart and soul on fire with love for him.” He sounded more bereft. “I’m happy for you. You deserve to be infinitely loved. You shall find it when you least expect. Now, spread your legs for me.”

  Dionysus positioned himself to enter her from behind. She braced herself. He pushed against her, entering her softness.

  “Now, this is bittersweet, my lovely handmaiden.”

  Another pulse of energy traveled through her from where they were joined. It was his god power, and she could feel him strengthening her. She ached with pleasure as he pumped into her. Her insides were flooded with magical energy as she climaxed.

  “You feel glorious, my God Dionysus.” She moaned.

  His huge cock filled her to overflowing, yet she greedily pressed her hips back into him. Dionysus continued to move in and out of her, increasing the pleasure they were experiencing.

  “My god of nature and passion, fill me with your seed.” Ripples of pleasure engulfed her petite frame as she accepted his seed.

  He hugged her and kissed the side of her neck. Then he withdrew from her. He turned her around to look at him. The blanket he’d given her was back around her shoulders.

  “I leave you, my lady.” He bowed. “I’ve enjoyed your favors all these years. We shall be friends forever.” He kissed her cheek.

  “I’m to be left alone?” She glanced down, feeling sorry for herself.

  He took her by the shoulders. “Don’t despair, this isn’t goodbye. This is only transitional for us. I shall see you soon.”

  In the next moment she had returned to her kitchen. The electricity was back on. She could hear the rain beating on the roof. Terra yawned; she was thoroughly exhausted. Without further thought, she left the kitchen and walked upstairs to her bedroom. She laid down on her bed, and within moments she was asleep.

  Chapter 2

  Genevieve loved her morning walks taking in the scenery of her beautiful Tennessee property. She’d been blessed to own so much of the green earth she adored. She leisurely strolled along a narrow, tree-lined path. It was a gorgeous, early spring day. Beltane was close, and it was her favorite time of the year. As was typical for the beginning of April, it was a cool morning, and everything was vibrant green from the frequent spring rains.

  Genevieve stopped to appraise her environment and to breathe in the aroma of the pine trees. To the left of her was a sudden movement in the woods. She turned to see what it was. A doe raised its head and looked at her as it munched on acorns.

  “Hello, young deer. I see you’re eating your breakfast. Looks like you’re enjoying it.”

  The deer was interested in Genevieve and started to approach her. All the animals liked and trusted her. But to her surprise, the doe turned and raced off.

  “Hey, don’t go. What’s frightened you?”

  Without warning, the wind picked up. It blew fiercely, whipping her hair around her head and into her eyes, blinding her for a moment. Genevieve struggled to stand. She pulled her hood up and zipped her jacket.

  Quickly, she increased her pace and headed back to the house. She didn’t want to use magic to transport herself. She avoided using high levels of magic. But the storm was getting worse and coming fast. Genevieve’s property covered the side of the mountain and into the valley. She owned three hundred acres, mostly of untouched Tennessee forest. There were walking paths all through the property, and she was at least forty minutes from the house. To fight the wind, she tilted her head down as she walked with determination.

  “Genevieve, are you in a hurry?” A deep, masculine voice rose over the wind.

  The voice was familiar. When she looked up to verify her suspicion, she found she was correct. The Enforcer’s voice was not one to be forgotten.

  He was tall and wide-shouldered, and he blocked her path. Always an imposing figure. He was not someone she wanted to run into.

  “Hello, Aetius. It’s good to see you.”

  “I doubt that.” He walked toward her, closing the gap between them. “I’m surprised you lie so easily. Oh, no I’m not.” He grinned, showing white, perfect teeth. He was very handsome, but his appearance didn’t match his temperament. “It’s your nature to deceive. It’s true of most witches and warlocks I know. That’s why I detest them.”

  “You judge so harshly.”

  “It’s who I am.”

  “You don’t have to be prejudice like you obviously are.”

  “I’m not prejudice.” He shook his head.

  “Yes, you are. You’re unfairly prejudice against witches. Your life and being an Enforcer has hardened you. Like I said, it’s good to see you. Are you the cause of this suddenly bleak and stormy day?” She looked up at the sky.

  “Yes.” He crossed his arms. “I enjoy a good entrance. And as you know, I’m the master of the wind and all the elements.” His dark eyes gleamed as he watched her.

  “Yes, I’m fully aware you’re a Master Elemental. Arrogance is the fall of many great men.” Genevieve instantly regretted her bold statement.

  “I’m not arrogant.” His eyes glowed. “I’m here to discuss our arrangement.”

  “What arrangement?” She looked away.

  “You’re amusing. You know what I’m talking about. To fight or resist me is futile.” He stepped closer to her, and she took a step back. “I’ve come to collect what’s mine.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Genevieve, you disappoint me. I’m here to collect on the promise you and your daughter made twenty-nine years ago. You’re ten years late delivering it to me.”

  “Aetius, I can’t give you what I don’t have.” She jumped when she heard a tree fall in the woods next to them. “I don’t own her. She’s a free woman.”

  “You mean witch.” The wind blew harder.

  “She’s a woman too.”

  “That’s debatable. And no, she’s not free. Not since before she was born. Her mother and grandmother bartered with her freedom. I’m here to collect now.” The wind pushed Genevieve toward him. “You weren’t so moral when you and Aife made the deal with me. You sold her to me, your own granddaughter.”

  “What do you want me to do? I don’t know where she is.”

  “But you’re looking for her.”

  “No, I’m not.” She shook her head.

  “Again with the deception. I don’t try to understand half the things you witches do. I know you’re looking for her. I heard you’ve asked Dionysus for help locating her. I guess you couldn’t resist meeting your grandchild. Curiosity can be dangerous.”

  “How do you know I asked God Dionysus to help me?” she asked.

  “I have my ways. I talk to the gods often, and they’re not ones for keeping secrets. They love to gossip, and it seems God Dionysus has a special thing for your granddaughter. Plus, the wind informs me of many things. It keeps me well informed.”

  “It’s great you have such a good relationship with the elements. I’m impressed, Master Elemental.” Genevieve rolled her eyes.

  “Don’t get huffy with me, witch.”

  “You have no personality. Yes, I did speak to God Dionysus about her. He took a long time to answer my summons. And he didn’t tell me much.”

  “Wonderful. Tell me, where is the spawn of Aife and Crexan?”

  “What about the wind? Can’t it tell you what you need to know? Why must you ask me?”

  “Don’t get an attitude. I can make your life miserable.”

  “I still don’t know where she is. I found she has a website with an email listed. I’m going to try to email her. I have no idea if she’ll answer.”

  “Fine. Let you know if and when she answers. I’ve located your daughter. I have Aife now.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. She’s going to spend a nice long time under the ground in my prison.”

  “You have her in your prison?”

  “Yes. You failed to deliver what you promised, so I put her in the ground again, as I said I would.
She deserves it anyway.” He shrugged. “She’s a very bad witch. If you want her to be free and not suffer the intolerable prison, give me what you promised—your granddaughter.”

  “Mother, help me!” Aife’s voice echoed with the wind.

  “I thought I’d let you hear her pleas. How she suffers.”

  “I can’t be responsible for Aife anymore. She’s a grown woman.” A tear rolled down Genevieve’s cheek. “Why do you want my granddaughter? What are you going to do with her? It’s awful to want to enslave her. She’s an innocent. You’re the bad one.”

  “Don’t judge me, child of Hecate.” She could see his jaw clenched with anger.

  “I’m not a follower of Hecate.”

  “You can tell me anything.”

  “I’m telling you the truth.”

  “It really doesn’t matter,” he replied. The wind calmed, but it was still gloomy. “What I do with Aife’s daughter is up to me and none of your concern. Your daughter raped the earth of energy and damaged its vitality. Zeus’s Council ordered her apprehended.”

  “If they ordered you to apprehend her, why did you make an agreement with us?”

  “Because I’m granted latitude with immortals, like witches. I could destroy her and send her to Hades too, if I determine she should be dispatched. Therefore, I decided your granddaughter is the price for Aife’s freedom. Don’t question me!”

  “It seems corrupt of you to negotiate like you did.”

  “Stop judging me.” His eyes glowed silver. “Aife has had her freedom for a long time. Now, give me your granddaughter or Aife will remain locked away. Being in my prison is a pitiful existence. Some would rather die.”

  “Again, that’s Aife’s problem.”

  “You got involved and negotiated your granddaughter’s freedom. And I know you’ve tried to lie to me, and I don’t like being tricked and lied to.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t trick or lie to you. Let it go, you have Aife now.”

  “Genevieve, you did lie to me. I allowed Aife to be free, and then she ditched her child to be raised by mortals, hiding her from me. Now you act like what we negotiated was wrong and you decline. You have your morality now? You’re trying to manipulate me.”