by Zoe Warner
His kiss was hard and commanding. I reached up and put my hand on his chest, pleading with the thin fabric that kept his skin covered to disappear. I found myself pulling at the fabric as his kiss deepened. He pulled me closer and slid my shirt over my head.
“You don’t need this,” he said with a wicked smile. His lips slid to my neck. Kissing my collar bone and stopping at my bra. He reached around me and unhooked it, sliding it off my body and discarding it to the floor. I felt the cold of the brick on my back as pinned me against the wall. “You are mine, Cat. All mine today,” he whispered as he undid my jeans and slid them from my body. My hands were already at his belt when he pulled them away. “Not yet.” His voice was gruff and low, like an animal willing himself to wait for the right moment. He pinned my hands above my head and kissed me, commanding me to obey him without saying a word. I pushed against him with my hips, but his hardness kept me at bay and I moaned under his lips.
He smiled and yanked me away from the wall into the bed. He rested on top of me and slid his knee between my legs. His kisses trailed down my neck to my breast where he toyed with my nipple. I grabbed his muscular arms and moaned at the tingle it set off between my legs. His breath doing all the work his lips didn’t need to.
I felt his hand cup my pussy and his thumb circle my clit. I tried to raise my hips in response, but his knee kept me in place.
I closed my eyes and found his hardness. Just because there was fabric between our skin didn’t mean I couldn’t drive him crazy with a touch. He moaned despite himself and trailed the kisses back to my lips. I pulled at his belt until I could throw it on the floor and undid the top of his jeans. I slid my hand down his pants and gently traced the top of his cock. He pulled back enough to pull my hand away.
“Do you want me, Cat?” He asked, his thumb still resting on my clit. He moved it slightly and my breath caught before I could say anything. “You have to ask for what you want.”
I nodded and he just smiled at me.
“You have to say it,” he purred.
“Yes, I want you Zarrick.” I pushed against him and he pulled back from me. I watched as he pulled his jeans off and his cock sprung free. The sight of it made me want him more.
He pulled me to the edge of the bed and kissed my stomach. He worked his way down to my clit and licked in slow circles. I grabbed at the sheets underneath me and moaned as he worked his tongue so rhythmically between my clit and my pussy. I curled my toes and reared my hips as my climax built. I cried out at the sudden and hard release. My legs shook and I held tight to those sheets.
I felt him pull away, but it was short-lived. "There is so much more to come." He kissed my neck and before the first climax settled, I was ready for more.
He bit at my neck as he settled between my legs. The head of his cock brushed my clit, sending another shockwave through my body. Zarrick’s lips brushed the side of my face as he pushed just the head of his hard cock into me. I moaned and dug my hands into his arms. He let his lips brush mine as he pulled it out slightly.
I arched my back and moaned. I wanted him more than I’d wanted anything else. I wanted everything he had and more, but there was more than that. I wanted the connection we had when our magick combined. Every move he made inside me amplified the tingle running through my body. It was as though the whole world was no match for the magick running through me and the pleasure I was feeling was simply a byproduct of it.
He kissed me, letting his tongue explore the whole of my mouth as the entire length of his cock slid inside me. I moaned against his lips. Responded by pushing my hands onto the bed and thrusting his hard cock into me with a force that made me shudder with excitement.
I felt the explosion that was about to happen and arched my back. He stopped thrusting with his whole cock inside me and kissed my ear. “Not yet. We have to come together,” He whispered.
I couldn’t wrap my hand around what he was saying, the mixture of power and sex building together hummed in my ears. I moaned as a response. He thrusted slower this time until I couldn’t control my body. I felt like the world wasn’t there anymore. All that was left was the fire building in my sex. I curled my fingers around his hands still holding mine down and buried my toes into the soft fabric of the sheets. I felt Zarrick’s grip on me tightening. He was on the edge with me and neither of us could hold it back any longer.
I raised my hips and screamed as more than just the ripple of my climax went through me. The energy release took my breath away and closed my eyes. Everything was quiet except for the mingle of Zarrick's and my heartbeats. I could hear them both as though we were in the same body. I could feel his power running through me. We were connected in a way I'd never been before.
Before I could put my finger on what had happened, I found myself asleep in Zarricks arms and feeling safer than I thought I could with a Demon after me.
Fourteen
I stood in the middle of Caleb’s circle, but it wasn’t me. I knew that much. It was Zarrick. I watched as he gathered the rest of his members, four more in total around the circle. They were all dressed in dark clothing and had their heads covered, concealing their faces.
They joined their hands with me as I watched the air shimmered around the circle. They had so much power. I could feel it all around me. Everything was humming from the floor to the air, everything.
“Do you agree to be in this Coven and abide by all the laws of magick?” Caleb said.
“Yes,” I said without hesitation.
“By this blood, you are united with our Coven until you join the afterlife,” He said. Caleb pulled a knife from a nearby table and cut his hand. He walked to Zarrick and put his hand on his forehead. I could feel the instant power boost and gasped. The magick was strong and filled every part of my body.
“You are now our sixth Witch.”
The words faded as I started to wake. I opened my eyes to an empty bed and dark room. The smell of the plants in the air pulled at my senses. I yanked the sheet over my naked body but knew I’d been sleeping for too long. I didn’t have much time left with these men and I wanted to make the most out of learning what could happen.
I pulled on my clothing and slowly opened the door to an empty hallway. I breathed a sigh of relief I wouldn’t have to do a long walk of shame.
When I got to my room, there was a gift on the nightstand beside my bed. A white pendant with a pink Oleander flower engraved on it. I smiled, wondering if it was from Zarrick or Zander. They both knew how much I loved flowers, but this one seemed to have a special meaning I didn’t quite understand yet. I put the necklace around my neck and made my way down the hallway towards the balcony I’d grown to adore over the last few days. The air was hot already, even before the sun started to rise and sitting at the table reading a book was Zander.
“I hope you are prepared to study today.” He didn’t even look up from his book. “Even if you choose to give up your powers, it’s useful to know where they came from.”
“I didn’t realize you cared so much if I knew anything,” I said taking a seat next to him.
He laid his book on the table and smiled at me. “Something tells me you won’t be giving up your gifts anytime soon.” He lowered his gaze and cocked his head.
“What?” I said without thinking. He seemed to know something I didn’t. That was starting to get annoying.
“Nothing.” He looked deep into my eyes and leaned towards me. “I just want you to be safe. We’ll work on some basic protections.” His eyes slid to my necklace. “Good, you found the amulet I left for you.”
“This?” My fingers slid over the soft grooves of the engraved flower.
“You can’t feel the power in it?”
“I didn’t really try.” I bit my lip. “Are these all things I should already know?”
“Most would, but you just started and so many other things have been happening.”
I closed my hand around the pendant and closed my eyes. My hand tingled and I smiled.
That was what he meant. I felt protected and safe. This amulet was more powerful than just a pretty necklace.
“That’s a start,” Zander said, pulling me out of my daze. “The Oleander is our sigil. It not only marks our Coven; it marks our territory.”
“Alda had one carved into her table at her home.”
“She does. Alda was our first member. Coven’s cycle through members through the years. We get older and pass the magick to another generation. She was a founding member in the early days and the last to leave of her generation.” He pulled my hand to his. “She is very protective of us and Caleb’s Coven.”
“What’s the deal with Caleb’s Coven?” I didn’t say anything about the dream I’d had. That was a conversation for Zarrick.
"Alda had a friend who had a different viewpoint on how the Coven should be run. He wanted each member to retain their own power. Alda thought it was better to share powers among all members. She thought it made a stronger Coven.”
"Let me guess, the friend started Caleb's Coven," I said.
“Yes, he started the Coven Caleb heads and is still a large part of it. That is why he was so interested in you. Every member that comes through this area is to work with both and choose before the next New Moon.”
"But Zarrick changed that?" I wasn't sure what he had to do with everything, but for whatever reason, his choices had challenged mine.
“He did. No one in the history of the two has defected from one to the other. He was the first and probably the last now.” Zander smiled. “I’m sorry, I made a mistake.”
“I know you called for me.” I was blunt.
“I had to. You have no idea how hard it is to lead a Coven when you can feel what’s happening in the air.” Zander ran his hand through his hair.
“How does the magick of the Coven work?” I knew they had different gifts, but it seemed they liked to keep them under wraps.
“We don’t talk about what we can do on our own with people outside the Coven. It’s one of our most important rules.”
“That’s why you haven’t told me,” I said taking a breath. “You still can’t.”
“No, Zarrick told you too much as it is.” He sighed. “It’s to protect ourselves. If other Covens knew our gifts, they could figure out our weaknesses.”
“Do Covens fight each other?” This all seemed like some weird spy movie but with magick and Witches.
"Not normally, but there are some offshoots that don't report to the council. Those are the ones to worry about."
I glanced at the table and laughed slightly. “I hope salt isn’t on your list of protections.”
“You’d be surprised how well it can protect you.” He took the container in his hand. “Salt lines can protect against the fiercest of evils. It’s better if you can add Dragon’s Blood, a resin, with it. You can also add simple things like chili powder.”
“I didn’t realize my kitchen could be so protective,” I quipped.
“There is magick in everything,” He said putting the salt down and standing. “The biggest defense is yourself. You have to learn to depend on it and the magick you have inside you.”
“Like when I was with Zarrick in the Desert.”
“Something like that. He was tempering your magick, but it’s a start,” he said taking my hand.
“I don’t want to do that again, really.” I didn’t. the feeling of all that power was a combination of scary and exhilarating.
"You have to be able to control it at least a little or you could lose control when you are inducted into any Coven."
I took his hand and felt an instant surge in power. It wasn’t like before. This was stronger and darker. I gasped at the sudden influx.
Zander flinched. “You’re getting stronger.” He grabbed my other hand and completed the circle. “All the more reason to learn it.”
The air softened and I felt as though I could breathe without so much effort, but the magick was so strong. I felt a flicker of power from my feet of all places. It dug down and I was able to glance at the balcony. There was a crack in the cement floor. I pushed it back and let Zander temper the force inside me. I wanted to tear my hands from his at the same time I wanted to lean into him and kiss his lips.
“You have access to my power and yours right now,” He said.
“Because we’re touching,” I whispered.
He nodded and closed the distance between us. He slid his hand up my arm. “We don't have to hold hands if you don't want to." His hand cupped my face before he leaned closer. "Having access to each other's power can create amazing things." His breath was hot on my skin. "It's too bad I can't defy the council because that's all I want to do right now.”
“Me too,” I said it before I realized. He laughed slightly before pulling away and breaking the circle. I felt the tingle of the power as it dissipated.
“I can’t protect you at the Council. You’ll be on your own,” he said. “You will have to use your own energy to protect yourself if you need to.”
“I don’t know if I can,” I said.
“You have to.”
“Do you know something I don’t?” I watched him as he messed with his hair.
“No, just a feeling.”
I smiled. “I’m not your problem after today.”
“You were never a problem. I wanted you here more than I’ve ever wanted someone. It takes everything I have to not run with you someplace the Council can’t find us.”
“Then why don’t you?” I took a step towards him.
“Because we work for the council. No matter what else happens.”
“So, you won’t defy them even if it’s wrong?” I knew I was pushing.
Zander smiled and grabbed the salt from the table. “That’s enough training.” He snapped. “You’ll learn more from your Coven if that’s your choice.”
Fifteen
Zander held the door for me as I got out of the car at Alda’s house. Zane was standing by the car waiting for me. Neither men had talked since I’d gotten into the car to come here, but they both seemed pretty down about the whole thing.
“Where’s Zarrick?” I asked as Zane took my hand. The familiar sense of calm came over me and I smiled.
“No one knows. We don’t usually keep track of him. He’s kind of a loner,” Zane said as we walked.
“I see. A loner in a Coven. That seems a little odd,” I said.
“Maybe, but his brand of loner fits in just fine.” Zane smiled as we walked through the door of Alda’s home.
“I’m sorry about all this,” I said. I didn’t know why I felt like I’d done this to them. I was hurting them by not defying the Council.
“It’s not you. This is bigger than all of us. We have to do what’s going to help the greater good, even if we don’t like it.” Zane stopped in the living room area and waited for Alda to come in. It was crowded and full of Witches I’d never met and some I wished would leave.
"So, today's the day we find out where you go, little Witch." Caleb was leaning on the wall closet to us. He looked annoyed but also relieved at the same time. "Let's hope you come to my Coven. We know how to respect real power."
“That’s because that’s all you care about,” Zane said without missing a beat.
“Maybe that’s what we need to stop this Demon.”
“Maybe it’s what you think you need to defeat the Demon.”
He stepped towards us. “If that’s the case, then Zander thinks the same way. Why would he call her if he didn’t?”
“That’s not your concern, Caleb,” Zander said stepping to the other side of me.
Caleb smiled but didn't back down. "I really hope she's not in my Coven, then. You might have a fight on your hands." He walked away and Zander just shook his head.
"I thought it was only offshoots I needed to worry about." I quipped.
Zander shrugged.
Everything got quite as Alda entered the room and I watched the woman who would decide my fate. She smiled
at me and then glanced at Zander.
“Our newest Witch is here tonight to decide if she will give her gifts up and live a normal life or if she will embrace the council’s choice in Coven.” Alda motioned for me and I stepped reluctantly over to her. “What is your choice, my dear?”
I glanced at Zander, who was watching me closely and then to Zane. I wished Zarrick was there. My heart ached at the thought. I was so connected to these men, but Zarrick and I had shared something that I’d never forget no matter what happened next.
“I...” My eyes met Zanders and I smiled slightly. “I will join you’re Coven.” It felt wrong and gross to denounce the men who’d saved me and helped me understand magick even a little. They had saved me from a life that would never be my own.
“Fantastic,” Alda said almost too happy. “We have chosen your Coven members and will induct you immediately.” Even as Alda spoke, my eyes never left Zanders until he walked through the kitchen and through the door of the home. My heart fell.
Alda pulled me through the living area to the courtyard and into the center. I watched as the others filtered through the door and took their places in the circle or near the door on the outside of the circle.
“With the coming evil, we decided to create a new Coven with only the strongest of our kind together to change our future history,” Alda glanced at me. “This is our first and more important member.”
“I have chosen our member,” the blond woman from the first time I’d been at Alda’s and in front of the council said. I followed her gaze as a young woman with red hair stepped forward.
Each member offered up their best until there were twelve other people standing in the center beside me. They were all different. Some had a power you could feel and others looked like they didn't belong, but that was a deceiving thought.
“This is the Coven that will save us from evil,” Alda said. “We will bind them together tonight under the dark moon.”
I suddenly felt like I was going to throw up.