Mind Over Magical Matters: Paranormal women's Fiction (Midlife Witchery Book 2)

by Brenda Trim

  Bas dropped the roast and some veggies into the pot. “Vodor is an idiot. He has never considered the consequences of his actions. He discovered how draining someone else would elevate him centuries ago and can’t stop now or he risks losing his position. For a being like him the thought is untenable.”

  “To drain another is despicable,” Argiess bit out. His disgust was warranted but made my stomach cramp.

  I couldn’t help the memory of being flooded with power when I killed the Fae after being pulled to the Fae realm. I didn’t mean to take his power and never intended to kill him. I was as bad as Vodor. I could never let my friends or Grams know what I’d done. And I prayed that it never happened again.

  Argiess continued talking unaware of my internal crisis. “More and more of our kind have retreated below ground or sought refuge on Earth. Eidothea is crumbling around us and we can’t stop it without help.”

  Finarr turned his gaze to Bas. “The King is coming unhinged. We don’t have much time and you know Fiona is the one that will turn the tide in our favor.”

  I held up my hands. “Okay, stop right there. Why is everyone so convinced I am supposed to help save Eidothea? I might theoretically have this superpower, but I am not the person an entire species should rely on.” My chest was heaving as I struggled to catch my breath.

  Grams reached out but her hand passed through my shoulder, leaving a chill in its wake. “I tried to save you from all of this. Your parents, too. None of us wanted you to be the target of so many plots or carry this burden. I would share this with you if I could.”

  Violet gasped and shifted her gaze from Aislinn to me. “But we can. We’re connected now and by more than a coven name. Aislinn and I will share this burden with you. You aren’t alone anymore.”

  Emotion choked me, bringing tears to the backs of my eyes. I had been blessed in my life. I never realized how much until recently. Grams and my parents sacrificed everything to ensure my safety. I suspected Grams even lost her life because she was protecting me. And I had the best of friends. Violet had always been there for me as a sounding board and now she and Aislinn were willing to share a massive burden with me.

  “Fiona, you’re surrounded by many people there to help you in your journey. I see now that I was wrong to protect you from the inevitable,” Grams admitted. “We need to discover who has been killing Fae lately. Like I said, I think someone else is after you, Fiona. What are the chances that Thelvienne has come here? And, do you think Vodor would leave Eidothea to seek Fiona?”

  Sebastian ran a hand through his hair. “Thelvienne is a vindictive bitch. She never lets anything go and holds the grudges of all grudges.”

  “He’s right,” Argiess agreed as he leaned against the arch leading into the living room. “I’d say Thelvienne is making her way here as we speak.”

  “Where is the nearest portal? Do we have time to set up a trap of our own?” If I could get ahead of her this time, I might be able to beat her.

  “Vodor closed all of the portals in Eidothea when he discovered Thelvienne had left the castle. Rumor has it she refused to give him an heir and they’ve been fighting over her threat to gain enough power to overthrow him…and win you back.” Finarr locked gazes with Bas as he spoke. The reminder that the Queen was in love with Sebastian made something twist in my chest. I wanted to teach the vile woman a lesson or two.

  Bas waved a hand through the air. “That’s never happening. I think we need to call a meeting with the council. They can set up alerts throughout the city and outlying areas. It’ll give us time to prepare.”

  “If we know when and where she arrives, we can direct her to a trap,” Aislinn suggested.

  Violet bobbed her head. “We can set it out of the way where no one will get hurt.”

  “I doubt the council will help. They’re a bunch of assholes.” I’d never heard Grams sound more bitter.

  Sebastian chuckled, but it was a menacing sound. “They’ll have no choice in the matter. Camille is on our side, so she can help sway the others to see things our way. And we can enlist them to help search for anyone else hunting in our town.”

  I wasn’t so sure they were right to involve the council, but it was worth a shot. I didn’t have any better idea. I was ready to cross one enemy off my growing list of things to do.

  A soft knock sounded at my door. “Come in.” My voice was barely above a whisper. I had no desire to rouse anyone up or let my Grams know I was awake. She’d had enough to say the night before.

  It was Sebastian that twisted the knob and poked his head inside the room. The sight of him was nothing less than striking. He was a God made flesh. Far beyond my reach. Unfortunately, that knowledge didn’t stop my yearning for a second.

  “I wasn’t sure if you were up or not.” He was adorably uncertain as he glanced around and bit his lower lip.

  I sat up then realized I was in bed in my pajamas. My hand flew to my head and tried to smooth the tangles in my hair. He pushed the door further and crossed to my side in a rush. My jaw dropped when I caught sight of his bare torso and the cotton pants on his lower half.

  My stare got caught on the muscles in his chest, He was a perfect male specimen and the sight of so much skin had my lady bits tingling and warming with need. “Are you okay?”

  I finally snapped my mouth closed and ran my hand across my mouth to make sure there was no drool there. “Ummm, couldn’t sleep. You?”

  A soft chuckle broke my concentration and I looked up at him. He was smiling at me as he walked to the door and pushed it closed. The heat in the room went up twenty notches. Great time for a hot flash. It was too much to hope it was just my desire taking over. I knew better at my age.

  “I was up patrolling and swear I could hear you thinking.”

  “You think you know me so well,” I teased. How the heck did he know I was up perseverating on the meeting I was having with the council the next night?

  A shiver shook his frame, drawing my attention back down. His nipples pebbled, making me want to run my mouth over his flesh. My lady place, as Grams used to call it, grew moist and my core ached to be filled by Bas. I nearly forgot all the reasons wanted to take things slow with him.

  I forced my eyes up and we locked gazes, staring at one another for several seconds. Sebastian's nostrils flared, and his eyes reflected his desire. “I know you better than you think. And right now, you want me.”

  “Wh…what?”

  His body moved like liquid sex as he made his way back to the bed. “You want me to kiss and lick and…”

  “Okay,” I blurted jumping to my knees and lunging for him. He was close enough that I didn’t end up on my face on the floor. It wasn’t a graceful move. I fell into him and my hand pressed over his mouth.

  His lips curved up in a smile and he ran his tongue over my fingers. It was my turn to shiver. I sank back on the heels of my feet and tried to take a deep, calming breath. All that accomplished was bringing his woodsy, masculine scent to me making me melt into a puddle of arousal.

  “Before we get to the kissing,” he paused, and I was up and pressing against his chest in a flash. My mind went blank as his arm wrapped around my middle and pulled me tight against his body. “Are you alright? Tonight, was a lot. I think you always suspected someone else was after you, but hearing your Grams confirm those fears made it real.”

  I sighed and lowered my forehead to his shoulder. His strength and heat surrounded me, making me feel safe. All it took to banish my fears was his presence. “I’m not alright, but it doesn’t much matter. I’ll meet with the council tomorrow night and get their help discovering who else is killing Fae in town while I set a trap for Thelvienne. By the way you have awful taste in women.”

  Lifting me up, he sat down and pulled me onto his lap. “I don’t know. I’ve picked at least one incredible woman.”

  Heat infused my cheeks with his insinuation. I couldn’t bring myself to ask if he was talking about me. It seemed impossible. “You make it
really hard to think straight.”

  “Then don’t. Just forget about everything for the moment and let yourself go.”

  I stared into his eyes and wanted nothing more than to say yes. But under the cotton t-shirt and shorts was a sight that was sure to cure him of his erection in an instant. I tried to roll off him, but he held me tighter.

  “No. Push everything outside the two of us out,” the command in his voice was undeniable and irresistible.

  It intoxicated me and before I knew what I was doing I was yanking my shirt over my head with a smile on my face.

  “Gods you’re gorgeous,” he growled.

  My arm came up and covered my boobs. My face turned down and I tried to get up again. I had tossed my top and I had no idea where it was, or I’d already have it back on. “Don’t hide from me.” His tone was rough, and his desire was evident.

  “It’s been a long time since anyone other than my late husband saw me without clothes and I’m a couple decades past my twenties.”

  “You are perfect, Fiona. I am not asking for you to give me something you aren’t ready for. But know this. I want you and no one else.”

  I wanted him, but I knew better than to get naked around him. Flimsy as they were, I needed the barrier of my shorts and underwear. I shifted my weight and gasped. It wasn’t just his muscles that were big on his body. His cock was long, thick and very hard at the moment.

  “I don’t think I’m ready for this. I rely on our friendship for too much right now to risk everything for sex. I can’t do any of this without you.”

  Bas ran a hand over my jawline and cupped my cheek. “You don’t have to worry about that. I will always be by your side regardless of anything else.”

  His hand moved down my neck and across my shoulder. There was no fabric to impede his progress. I didn’t give any physical resistance when he pushed my arm away from my chest. He didn’t go for my breast like I expected. The teasing touches he peppered me with had me practically writhing in his arms.

  When his hands settled on my hips, the contact sent little licks of arousal straight to my core which was pressed over the bulge in his pants. I took a deep breath and my nipples brushed against his skin, titillating me, but it was his moan that made me still.

  I looked up and realized he hadn’t meant for the noise to escape. It was primal and full of need and desire. I couldn’t quite comprehend that I was affecting him as much, if not more, than he was affecting me. It was exhilarating to have a sexy guy like Bas be so turned on by me.

  Testing my theory, I wrapped my arms around his neck and lowered my head to his. Electricity zapped me when our lips touched. The kiss started out slow and quickly heated up. Before I knew it, I licked my way into his mouth and kissed him soundly.

  I was panting by the time I broke away from his mouth after. My chest was heaving as I tried to catch my breath. A groan left me, and he barked out a curse when my nipples brushed over his hard pecs.

  “Holy hell.” His breath hit my cheek with each rough word.

  I felt his erection jerk against my swollen clitoris. My arousal was so high all it would take was a few seconds of rubbing against him before I exploded. I would be embarrassed, but I was too busy trying to dampen my desire.

  Wanting to tease him in return, I lowered my hand to grab him through the cotton pants. Before I made contact, he had flipped me around and pressed my back against his chest. One arm a solid band around my flabby stomach. I scrabbled against his arm to push his touch away before he felt how out of shape I really was.

  “This is too much.” The more my thoughts raced, the further I was pulled from the mind-numbing arousal coursing through me.

  His head lowered to my shoulder. “It’s okay. Neither of us is ready to go that far. All I want to do right now is alleviate some of your stress,” he whispered against my ear. His tongue traced around the shell, making me shudder.

  This time when I twisted out of his embrace, he allowed it. I stood there refusing to cover my breasts. It was clear he wanted me, and I refused to hide for the rest of my life. As difficult as it was to have his gaze scan me from head to toe, I stood still while he got a good look. When I had sex again it was going to be with someone that appreciated the blemishes and imperfections. They were a part of me and not going anywhere.

  Bas growled low in his throat. I couldn’t help but check him out, as well. My eyes flew wide when I got a glimpse of the tent in his pajama bottoms. My wrists were grabbed. I glanced up when he pushed my arms above my head. His eyes were glued to my chest since the move pushed my breasts out. Amazingly enough they barely sagged in this position.

  He ran his tongue over his bottom lip then looked into my eyes while he gathered both hands in one of his and palmed one of my hips. My apprehension was erased when his touch traveled from my hip and dipped below the waistband of my shorts. All that stood between his skin and my slick entrance was my cotton panties. One of his long fingers plunged beneath the elastic of my underwear and grazed me. My hips punched forward wanting more. With one touch he had me in the palm of his hand.

  “That’s it. Forget about everything but my touch.” He punctuated his statement by slowly tracing a circle around my quivering flesh, driving me crazy. I nearly grabbed his hand and forced it to where I needed it most. The fact that this was the most erotic moment of my life because of his teasing touches and focus on me kept me rooted in place.

  “What about you?” I wanted harder pressure. I wanted more than his fingers, but at the same time wasn’t sure I was ready to take things that far. It wasn’t a simple matter of being afraid anymore. It was the changing dynamics. This was far more than sexual pleasure between two consenting adults. If we went there one or both of us would fall hard for the other. That is what frightened me more than anything. There was no doubt I would fall for this guy in a heartbeat. The last thing I needed in the middle of my magical midlife crisis was to get my heart broken.

  With my wrists trapped in one of his hands, Sebastian leaned over and ran his tongue over my nipple. At the same time, his finger finally delved deeper. “Oh, God, yesss,” I hissed.

  His deep brown eyes scalded me when he looked up from my breast and gave me a sexy half smile that almost made me climax. The grin alone was something else, but the sight of him hovering above my hard nipple smiling was erotic as hell.

  He kept his eyes on me as he bit down on my pebbled flesh. Each nip zinged straight from my breast to my core which he hadn’t stopped teasing. It took every ounce of strength I had to keep from grabbing his thick arousal. It was a hot, heavy presence against my abdomen. I did lift one leg and wrap it around his hips. It brought his erection close to the finger teasing my slit.

  “Please don’t stop. I’m so close.” I wasn’t above begging. My body had never been wound this tight. My magic buzzed beneath the surface like I was a bottle of champagne he’d shaken up. I briefly wondered what would happen when I finally climaxed. It was entirely possible I could blow the roof off my house and I didn’t care. I wasn’t about to ask him to stop now.

  Bas straightened and brought his mouth close to mine then released my wrists. My fingers twined in his thick brown hair while his played over my body. He grabbed one of my breasts squeezing it at the same time he inserted a finger into my core.

  My hips moved on their own. Each movement brushing against his cock. I didn’t stop to think about what I was doing. Pleasure had taken over my brain. His shaft pulsed through his soft pants and I pressed myself against him while my pleasure built.

  His fingers became rougher on my sensitive female flesh, and his moans were just as loud. He was as lost in the moment as I was. My body was coiled tight. I was close to climaxing and began to ride his hand, taking what I needed. Never in my life had I acted so brazenly. Not even with Tim. There was something about Bas that made me lose my mind entirely.

  The muscles in my abdomen tightened and my sheath squeezed his finger before the world exploded behind my closed eyes in a
wash of bright lights. I pressed my leg harder into him and let my body ride the wave of pleasure. I collapsed to my mattress in a boneless heap and he sat down beside me.

  “Fiona!” My Grams’ voice shattered the moment and stopped me from reciprocating and giving him the release that he so clearly needed.

  Sebastian groaned and ran a hand down his face. “I need a cold shower.” He went into the bathroom connected to my bedroom while I tugged my shirt over my head.

  Doors all along the hallway opened by the time I made it to the hallway. So much for trying to keep her from waking the entire house. “It’s about time you got up. We need to practice some spells before you meet with the council. No witch is going to force her way into your head if I can do anything about it.”

  “What? You never said they’d try to force their way into my head, Grams.” I knew I was shouting, but I couldn’t help it. I was having a hard time focusing on what she was saying while still coming down from an incredible orgasm.

  “It’s six in the morning, Isidora. What the hell?” Aislinn griped. I noticed Argiess standing in the room behind her but kept my mouth shut.

  “I’ll make some coffee.” I ushered everyone to the stairs, so they didn’t see Bas leave my room. I wasn’t ready for the questions. Hell, I didn’t want to think too much about it. As predicted, I was falling for the guy and had no idea what to do with the emotions. Dealing with homicidal maniacs was far easier.

  Chapter 20

  I gaped at the scene before me. “I can’t believe you live with this view and we’ve never hung out here and practiced spells.” Aislinn’s house was right on the cliffs and had a perfect view of the ocean below. The sound of the waves was soothing as my nerves jumped beneath the surface.

  “That’s what you’re worried about right now?” Aislinn stared at me with her hands on her hips.

  I lifted my shoulders and let them fall. “Better than the alternative.”

  Sebastian came up behind me and rubbed my shoulders. I wished our time together this morning hadn’t been cut so short. My body tingled when I remembered the release, he’d given me.