Witch Tease

by Cindy Keen Reynders

  Love?

  Yes, he loved her. And he would defend her with his last breath. For some reason, he felt liberated and free. The beast in him could admit what his human mind couldn’t.

  He looked over at Lizzie’s limp form and his blood boiled. He padded over and licked her cheek. She moaned and began to stir. Thrilled to witness signs of life, he nuzzled the side of her cheek, encouraging her to move even more. To his relief, she sighed deeply, then sat up and looked around.

  When she saw him, she gasped in surprise and recoiled. Sons of Lugus, she feared him. And he couldn’t blame her. He must be a sight.

  Whimpering, he scooted away from her, aware his muzzle and fur were covered in saliva and banshee blood. She must be disgusted to realize how savagely he could behave, a wild animal born to kill. He slunk into a corner and began to pant, his chest rising and falling painfully.

  He’d had no choice but to kill the banshee. Otherwise Lizzie would have been overcome by the creature. She would have died. Nevertheless, he felt guilty. And he felt ugly.

  “Goddess above,” she croaked as her gaze roved over him and his fresh kill. A horrified expression crossed her face.

  That scared Kincaid. He shivered and whimpered even more. Lowering his head, he covered his eyes and muzzle with his bloody paws. He didn’t want to transform back into a man for fear of what she would say to him. He couldn’t abide her contempt.

  To his amazement, Lizzie made her way over to him. She knelt down and patted his head. “What are you ashamed of, Kincaid? That banshee was going to take my heart. You saved my life. For that, I can never repay you.”

  He slid his paws from his muzzle and looked up at her beautiful brown eyes. He saw acceptance and appreciation in them. She did not hate him.

  “Come back to me, Kincaid. Please.”

  Comfortable she wouldn’t mock him, he willed himself back to human form. A few seconds later, he lay next to her as a fully formed man. Though he bled from scratches and abrasions, she gathered him against her chest and held him close. It didn’t seem to matter to her that crimson splotched her beautiful white robe.

  Kincaid tenderly kissed the top of her head. By all that was sacred, she felt wonderful in his arms. A million emotions gripped him all at once. Relief. Gratitude. And still, love for Lizzie. The idea she’d nearly lost her life practically overwhelmed him. He thanked Sucellos, the wulver god of time, that he’d managed to break into her room before she’d come to any real harm.

  “I’ll never let anyone hurt you, Lizzie,” he murmured as he pulled back, his voice cracking with emotion.

  She met his gaze, and in her expression, he saw complete trust. If only he could have her in his life forever and keep her safe. He knew she was a strong woman. With her high witch powers, she could protect herself. Yet, he’d witnessed her vulnerability and he wanted to do everything he could to make certain she remained untouched by evil.

  She pulled back from him and lowered her gaze. Teardrops oozed through her dark eyelashes. “We both could have died.”

  A horrible sensation gripped his midsection, as though he’d eaten rotten fruit. She was right, of course.

  “Aye, lass.”

  She met his gaze. “Because of you, I’m lucky to be alive.”

  His body began to heal, the cuts and bruises fading. But his heart belonged to Lizzie—every ounce of it. She represented everything he’d ever wanted in a woman. He realized she didn’t have to conjure magic to wrap him around her little finger.

  That was a given.

  If only I could have her in my life. If only things were different.

  Unfortunately, he would never have the luxury of having a family—not with the wanderlust that ran in his veins. And not with his responsibility to people in the magical world, battling evil creatures to help them live safer lives.

  Besides, everyone left him in the end. It was foolish of him to even think about getting involved. He knew he could never bear such loss again.

  ’Tis no time to get sentimental.

  Somehow, he managed to rein in his emotions. He began to consider Lizzie in a new light. She was his client—that was all. Whatever emotions had passed between them, past or present, didn’t matter.

  “What’s this?”

  The voice drew both Kincaid and Lizzie’s attention. They looked up to see King Aedh and Princess Cait standing in the shattered doorway. Their faces registered shock as they looked back and forth between the bloody bird carcass and their guests.

  Lizzie brushed strands of long ebony hair away from her face. “We had a very unwelcome visitor.”

  “One of those bloody banshees, I see,” King Aedh said in a solemn tone as he glanced at the bird carcass.

  “Thank the Goddess Kincaid took care of it.”

  King Aedh assessed the feathered mess, an irritated expression on his face. “It’s disturbing the thing found its way to Gorias and inside my home. I’ll have the guards step up their watch.”

  “Now that the banshees know where we are, it’s even more imperative that Lizzie and I get underway,” Kincaid said. “I’m sure Sorcha will send more of those she-devils to try and stop us.”

  “No doubt. But you’re both battered messes, my friends.” King Aedh nodded toward Kincaid’s cut and bloody hands. He turned his shaggy head to look at Lizzie, wincing at the splotches of blood. “Do you still feel up to it?”

  “Of course,” Lizzie and Kincaid said at the same time.

  King Aedh grinned. “I’ll send someone to clean up the mess in here. After you two get cleaned up, we’ll be on our way to Rainbow Glen.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Towering mountain peaks covered with cascading white waterfalls surrounded Rainbow Glen, the spray glittering silver in the sunlight. In the impossibly blue sky intertwined with rainbows, birds circled and called to each other.

  Lizzie, Kincaid, King Aedh, and Princess Cait walked along a narrow trail, heading deeper inside the lush surroundings. Somewhere up ahead, the soothsayer awaited them.

  Lizzie prayed the ceremony wouldn’t take long.

  She thought about the banshee that had managed to slip inside her room a short while ago. If Kincaid hadn’t burst through her door, she’d be pushing up daisies right now.

  Kincaid.

  It all seemed to come down to him. Right now, he was the only person that kept her going and gave her hope. Lowering her gaze, she sent him a sideways glance, admiring his handsome visage, broad shoulders, and rugged stance. His silken white robe opened to a V, revealing curly reddish-gold chest hair.

  He exuded such prowess and virility. She shivered. As long as she’d lived, she’d never met a finer-looking man. Oh, she’d dated others. But Kincaid held a special place in her heart.

  Amazingly, all of the cuts and scrapes he’d received while defeating the banshee had healed. What a fearsome wolf he became when angered. His ability to change into a wild animal fascinated her, and it also left her in awe. Wulvers were a special breed of magical creature. She’d heard they were loyal and championed the downtrodden with their perceptive abilities. However, most of them chose to remain anonymous their entire lives and stay within their clans.

  Since Kincaid had been raised differently, and had no home pack, he’d been comfortable venturing out into the world. It must have been quite an undertaking for him to go public with his abilities. Many people in the magical community called on him for assistance, and his name was revered far and wide. In some circles, he was considered a miracle worker.

  Yet, he wasn’t arrogant about his success. He remained humble about all he’d accomplished and he seemed lonely. That made her sad. He’d comforted her on this journey, and now she wanted to comfort him.

  Holy witch’s creed.

  Once again, she’d allowed him to distract her. Brushing a hand against her fresh white robe, which she’d changed into after the fracas with the banshee, she focused on the glen. The rich colors amazed her. Trees and foliage glowed with deep blue, gre
en, and yellow. Pools of water glimmered with striking shades of turquoise as they spilled into other pools lining the forest trail.

  Up ahead, she spotted a white altar nestled amongst fir and pine trees. Columned stone arches provided support. Ancient rune symbols had been carved into the sides and colorful ribbons trailed from the dome roof. Tiny winged creatures wearing wispy white clothing flitted about the place, their flaxen-colored hair woven in braids atop their heads.

  Their giggles wound through the air and they waved tiny wooden wands, painting golden splashes of light. When they noticed Lizzie and the others, they squeaked in alarm and disappeared.

  “Who were they?” Lizzie asked, amused at the frolicking creatures.

  Cait laughed. “Our woodland nymphs. They’re terribly shy.”

  “They’re so sweet,” Lizzie observed.

  King Aedh’s voice punctuated the woodland silence as he explained how the Gorias Faeries had used this area for eons of time for their purification rituals and other sacred observances.

  “Who discovered this spot first?” Lizzie asked.

  “The first Gorias Faery king, Gwytheryn. He wanted a secluded place for our Faery tribe’s worshipping ceremonies,” King Aedh said. “Gwytheryn passed down a legacy of their significance to the rest of us. He passed on to his reward in paradise and now rests in the knowledge that his heirs live in praise of his accomplishments.”

  “We have a similar place where our beloved ancestors go,” Lizzie said. “They pass on to the Great Beyond where they still exist and come to us in time of need.”

  “It’s comforting, is it not, to know our loved ones still watch over us?” King Aedh smiled at Lizzie.

  “Yes, it is.”

  “We can begin any time you’d like,” Ninian said as he emerged from the brush. He climbed several steps and took a place on the altar, his purple robes swishing.

  “Those who seek Uaithne please come forward,” he said. He motioned to Lizzie and Kincaid. “We usually only entertain the request of one person at a time. However, in this instance, we will make an exception.”

  After exchanging quick glances, they stepped upon the dais. Lizzie studied all the strange inscriptions and swirling symbols, wishing she could read them, then she met Ninian’s gaze. The old soothsayer waved a hand and a circle of golden light surrounded them. Her skin tingled with warmth, filling her with awe. What a magical place. When she glanced at Kincaid, his expression seemed to relay that he also felt the magic.

  Head tilted back, Ninian raised his hands in supplication and began to chant in an unusual language. He went on for several minutes, his tone entreating and solemn. Then he looked at Lizzie and Kincaid.

  “I have requested the gods’ assistance for your quest to locate Uaithne. I’ve explained your pure intentions to free your coven from the banshee infestation that plagues Wysteria. But dark forces threaten to tear the two of you apart. The gods question whether you should have the privilege of their divine assistance.”

  Tears welled up in Lizzie’s eyes. “We’re not asking for Uaithne’s help for selfish purposes. We’re trying to save my family and friends. How can that be wrong?”

  Ninian placed a comforting hand on Lizzie’s head. “The quest is not wrong, my child. It is the two hearts involved that need a reckoning. They are still divided in purpose.

  “The two hearts?”

  “Yours and mine,” Kincaid replied.

  “But we both want the same thing.”

  “That’s true,” Ninian said. “Unfortunately, the two of you still harbor ill will toward one another. Because you have come together to ask for this favor from Uaithne, you must be of one purpose. Otherwise, enemy forces may tear you apart and the quest would be impossible to fulfill.”

  “What can we do, Ninian?” Kincaid squared his shoulders. “I swore on my honor I would rescue Lizzie’s coven.”

  “Kincaid is the only person I know of who can help me,” Lizzie added. “I’ll pay any amount of money for him to help me get rid of those banshees.”

  Kincaid took her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “To hell with your money, Lizzie. I never wanted it anyway.”

  Her heart flared with warmth, realizing he would face this danger on her behalf. “That’s not the deal we made.”

  “It does’na matter anymore, lass. I just want you to be happy.”

  “Oh, Kincaid.” A sob caught in Lizzie’s throat.

  Ninian closed his eyes briefly. A few seconds later, he rested his somber gaze on the two of them once more. “The gods are pleased by this exchange. They appreciate that the two of you have joined forces for a righteous purpose. Nevertheless, they have counseled me that your hearts, minds, and souls must also be joined as one. Only then will Uaithne allow you to take possession of it. Only then, will you be able to defeat the banshees.”

  “What do we need to do?” Lizzie asked.

  “You must speak undying vows to one another.” Ninian placed his gnarled hands together in a prayer-like gesture. “Only this will make your quest successful.”

  Cait inhaled sharply, as though disturbed. But King Aedh chuckled.

  A strange feeling sent an electric shock through Lizzie. Would she and Kincaid have to get married before Uaithne would wield its magic?

  Kincaid glanced over at the king, brows knitted. “You find this humorous?”

  “Remember you once told me you weren’t the marrying kind?” King Aedh’s mouth upturned with a broad smile. “Now the gods have spoken, my friend. You must wed Lizzie.”

  Kincaid furrowed his brow as he glanced at Ninian. “Can we do this now?”

  Ninian nodded. “It is the only way to heal the rift between you and Lizzie. Only then will you be triumphant in your quest.”

  “Lizzie, what do you think?” Kincaid smiled tremulously at her.

  Merciful ancestors.

  Could she marry Kincaid? Dizziness swept through her and she placed a hand against one of the smooth white columns. Despite her unease, she realized she had no choice.

  She had to save her coven.

  It wasn’t that the idea seemed unpleasant. In fact, it appealed to her in a strange way. At one point in her life, that was all she’d ever wanted. Back then though, she hadn’t understood how different they were from each other.

  She couldn’t have known about the difficulties they would face. A wulver and a witch trying to join their lives would pose nothing but problems. The Supreme Witch’s Council would no doubt censure her for going against their wishes and marrying someone outside the witch’s sacred universe. And what would her parents think about her wedding a wulver?

  Now wasn’t the time to question. Now was the time for action.

  As if he knew her thoughts, Kincaid gently squeezed her hand. “It’s all right. If this is what it takes to save your people, then I’m in.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  “This will be a marriage of purpose,” Ninian explained. “After your quest is finished, there is no need to continue honoring the vows. Do you both understand?”

  “Yes,” Lizzie said.

  “Absolutely,” Kincaid added.

  “Please kneel.”

  As Lizzie and Kincaid dropped to their knees in front of Ninian, he produced a white leather-bound book from his robe. His diaphanous wings fluttered gently as he read aloud in his strange language.

  While he droned on, Lizzie’s mind wandered. She’d never envisioned her wedding day like this, but then, she’d never envisioned getting married. Of course, the ceremony only bound her and Kincaid together for the purpose of securing the magic harp. As soon as they vanquished Sorcha’s swarm, their marriage could be dissolved.

  Her heart twisted at that idea.

  ***

  Kincaid knelt next to Lizzie, perspiration coating his brow. This joining ceremony had been necessary to secure Uaithne, but he felt nervous and excited to marry Lizzie.

  Once he and Lizzie rescued her coven, the marriage would be over. H
e could go his way and she could go hers.

  Yet, it warmed his heart to join with Lizzie in matrimony, and he wondered how he could possibly leave her again. This time, she would be his wife. This time, he’d knelt before the Faery gods to devote himself to her.

  It’s only a marriage of purpose. After your quest is finished, there is no need to honor these vows any longer.

  As the words sounded in his head, a secret smile touched his lips. A part of him had wished for a way to be with Lizzie. However, he’d never imagined a scenario in which it would be possible.

  Now, here they were, becoming husband and wife.

  There could be no more arguments and ill feelings between them, otherwise they would not be able to locate the magic harp.

  “These two hearts will now come together as one,” Ninian finally said in English, jolting Kincaid back to reality. “They promise to love one another without condition. They will support one another when times are difficult and join together with a universal direction. They will challenge one another to be better individuals. Day by day, they will grow in love and in the light of knowledge. Let nothing ever come between them in this world or any other.”

  Ninian rubbed his hands together and when he lifted up one of his palms, two gleaming golden bands appeared. Both were inscribed with the same strange runes on the arches. The sorcerer handed Kincaid the smaller one. Then he said, “Do you, Kincaid McAllister, take Elizabeth Rose as your wife before the Tuatha Dé Danann gods?”

  “I do.”

  “With this ring, bind your wife to you.”

  When Lizzie held up her left hand, he slid the circlet on her third finger. Her eyes glimmered with trust and her exquisite face radiated happiness.

  Lizzie loves me.

  Feeling invincible, Kincaid straightened his shoulders. He felt as though he could accomplish anything and he realized he would do all in his power to protect his wife. Even die for her. The emotion caught him by surprise, then he realized he’d always felt that way.

  “Do you, Elizabeth Rose, take Kincaid McAllister as your husband before the Tuatha Dé Danann gods?”