A Magical Shift: A Hot Paranormal Fantasy Saga with Witches, Werewolves, and Werebears (Weres and Witches of Silver Lake Book 1)

by Vella Day

  Even with trying to keep from worrying about him, it took several minutes to find all the pots and pans in his kitchen. Izzy had already itemized what he had in the refrigerator and pantry, so her choices of what to make had been limited. If he planned to ask her to stay with him for any length of time, there’d have to be a shopping trip in their near future.

  “Find everything?” he asked, humor lacing his voice.

  “Don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll ask if I need help.” It was difficult enough not to walk across the dining room and have her way with him. Ever since he’d bitten her, her sexual urges had grown exponentially. If she wasn’t careful, those desires might inhibit her ability to do her magic.

  She dumped the chicken in the dish then read the directions on the back of the box.

  “Mind if I watch TV?” he asked.

  Bring two cups of water to a boil and then add the rice. “Go right ahead.”

  “Whoa. Add head? Sure. You can give me head anytime. Come and get it.”

  She laughed. “Whoops. I see I might need a bit of practice with this telepathy thing. I meant to say to go right ahead.”

  Rye smiled and turned on the tube. Most likely he’d twisted her words on purpose. She cleaned the kitchen then organized his dishes while the chicken cooked. Once it finished, she served the meal and was delighted Rye’s appetite seemed to be as good as new. Perhaps his body had already healed from the smoke inhalation.

  He patted his stomach. “I could get used to this,” he said. “Where did you learn to cook so well?”

  “My mom taught me growing up, but I also took advantage of some cooking classes in Italy and France.”

  “Well, you can cook for me anytime.”

  She smiled, but Izzy wasn’t quite sure what he meant. If she was his mate, she assumed she’d be staying with him. Right? So many of the rules confused her.

  After dinner, Rye stood and when he gathered some of the plates, she held up her hand. “I’ll clean up. You sit.”

  He ignored her and placed the dishes in the sink. “Believe me, I’d be the first to take it easy if I wasn’t back to normal. How about we go outside and I’ll demonstrate my strength for you.”

  She wasn’t sure that was a good idea, but even if she insisted he take it easy, he wouldn’t agree. “I like the outside part, but you don’t have to prove anything to me.” She wanted to step closer but knowing her, one kiss would lead to more heated things.

  Rye held out a hand. “Let’s go then.”

  She was game. The fresh air always invigorated her. “Where to?”

  “To Silver Lake.”

  She sighed, remembering the days when she used to play there. Sunshine and swimming filled her with sweet memories. “I haven’t been there since I was a little kid.”

  “I’m curious to know if you think it has changed.” Rye wrapped an arm around her waist and led her down the path that followed the roadway. “I love it here. I can’t imagine ever leaving.”

  “There’s no place like home, and I speak from experience.” She’d been hesitant at first to leave her idyllic life style in Europe, but once she was home again, she could see what she’d been missing.

  He smiled. “I’m glad. You mentioned you might apply for a teaching job for the fall. How’s that coming?”

  “I haven’t applied yet, but I probably will soon. As much as I love working at the Crystal Winds Spa, it might be nice to branch out. Don’t get me wrong. I love my mom, but always being around my whole family can sometimes be a bit—”

  “Overwhelming and claustrophobic?”

  She chuckled, “Yes to both of those.”

  “I get it. Try being the next in line to be Alpha. Talk about responsibility. Dad is always lecturing me about how to do this and how to do that. When my parents return from their vacation and he passes the honor onto me, I’m going to work hard to do things my own way.”

  She liked that he wanted to take charge. “Do you sometimes wish you hadn’t been born first?”

  “When I was young, I used to think that, but as I got older, I realized that I relish being the leader. I enjoy being a fireman too, but I want the best for our Clan.” His grip on her waist tightened. “Let’s cut through at the next turn off.”

  Right before the road split, someone came toward them from the opposite direction. “That’s Chelsea!” she said.

  “With Badger.”

  They met up and Chelsea hugged her brother. “I ran into Kalan in town, and he said you were in the hospital. Why didn’t you call me?” She ran her gaze up and down his body.

  “I didn’t want to worry anyone. I was fine. The smoke didn’t affect me.” He explained how the building had collapsed as he was putting out the fire. “Do me a favor. When the folks return, please don’t mention it? I don’t want to upset Mom.”

  Izzy bent down to play with the puppy. He was so cute.

  “Actually, I was on my way to see you. Mom and Dad just returned from their cruise.”

  Rye looked off to the side, acting as if he was trying to remember when they were supposed to be home. “Did they have a good time?”

  “An amazing one, but be careful about asking or you’ll have to sit through the slide show of all of Dad’s badly exposed pictures. I think there are more photos of Mom than there are of the scenery.”

  He chuckled. “We’ll be sure to stop by.”

  Chelsea smiled. “They’re having a party tomorrow night, and both of you are invited.”

  “Not that I mind, but did you tell them about us?” he asked.

  “Not me. I didn’t think it was my place to break the news, but Finn told me he saw you two at the bar and that Molly waited on you. If they invited Izzy, they must know you two are together.”

  “Can’t keep anything secret around here, can I?” he said.

  Izzy laughed and stood. “I keep forgetting what a small town we live in. I’d love to see your folks again. What can I bring?” she asked Chelsea.

  “Perhaps a dessert?”

  Izzy was happy she wouldn’t have to come empty-handed. “You got it.”

  They discussed time and logistics. “I have tomorrow off, so that won’t be an issue,” Rye said. “We’ll be there.”

  The two of them hugged, and Chelsea went on her way. As nice as it was to see his sister, Izzy wanted to spend some alone time with Rye. When they weren’t clawing at each other to take off their clothes, they found interesting things to talk about.

  As they emerged from the tree-lined path, the shimmering lake spread out before them. Rays from the early evening sun bounced off the surface, making the entire area magical. “It’s beautiful,” she said.

  “The lake inspires me. There’s a spot where I like to sit and reflect. Wanna see?” Rye had suddenly grown quiet, and his more serious side intrigued her as well.

  “Absolutely.” She’d loved to learn more about him.

  They were partway around the lake when a tall figure emerged from the trees. It was James.

  “Hello there,” James said.

  Izzy still couldn’t believe he would live forever. As much as she loved life, she wasn’t sure she wanted to if everyone she cared for was long gone, though James at least had Naliana, though it was only once a month.

  “James.” Rye shook hands with the man.

  James studied her. “Have any luck with the return of your powers?”

  It wasn’t so much that she wanted to show off, as it was to confirm she was at full strength. Izzy turned around and swept up the air in front of her, focusing on the water itself. With a twist of her hand, the water rose, twirled, and then skipped across the surface.

  James clapped. “That’s amazing.”

  Izzy let the water drop. “Thanks. I guess I’m back to normal.”

  Rye drew her close as if to present a unified front. “Any news about Izzy’s stalker yet?”

  James nodded. “Some. If my source is correct, the man’s name is Owen Chancellor and he’s from Scotland.
Supposedly, he wants to take Izzy back to his home. For what purpose, my source didn’t know.”

  Dread collided with relief at being able to put a name to the face.

  “Do you know where he is now?” Rye asked, the grip on her waist tightening.

  “No,” James said, “but I’ve asked my source to dig deeper.”

  With that, James turned and disappeared into the woods. Izzy squinted to catch a glimpse of the fleeting figure, but the man was truly gone. “Is he capable of disappearing? One minute he was heading down the trail and the next he wasn’t there.”

  “I have no idea. I wouldn’t put anything past the gods though. Naliana has asked for favors before—like saving James from certain death. For all we know, she asked for the cloak of invisibility too.”

  “Now that’s a trait I’d like,” she said.

  Rye leaned over and kissed her forehead. “You have enough powers, my witchy woman. Anymore and I’ll get an inferiority complex.”

  From the glint in his eyes, he was only kidding, but it did remind her that he might have some of her traits. “If you could perform some of my magic, what would you like it to be?”

  His brows rose. “I think everything you do is way cool, though as a kid I used to pretend I was a dragon.”

  She laughed. “Did you want to fly?”

  “Not really. Mostly I just wanted to shoot fire at things.”

  Izzy scrunched up her nose at the image of this adorable little boy setting things ablaze. “Like what?”

  His cheeks dimpled. “Anything that would burn.”

  “That’s such a guy thing.” And she loved him for it. There would come a time when she’d explain to him how to test for his possibly acquired new talents.

  They continued to walk around the lake until he stopped and motioned toward a large rock. “I used to sit here for hours, daydreaming. Come on.”

  Rye helped her up then sat next to her. “What did you dream about?” she asked.

  “A little bit of everything, but mostly what it would be like to stay in my wolf form forever.”

  It seemed likely that she would never experience that. “What did you imagine it would it be like?”

  “For starters, I’d be surrounded by friends while I roamed wherever I wanted. Basically, I could just enjoy the outdoors. I wouldn’t have to work or have many responsibilities.” He lowered his gaze. “Just so you know, I was ten at the time. You?”

  Her life had been so different and not nearly as fun. “I wasn’t much of a dreamer. From the time I was little, it was drilled into me how different I was. Having the ability to control the elements was and still is a big responsibility. I wasn’t given a lot of chances to just be myself.”

  “I’m sorry. I can’t imagine not running free. It’s part of who I am.”

  What she wouldn’t give to run free like that. “My life wasn’t all bad. I did have my magic.”

  “True, but not being able to share it with others must have been hard.”

  She looked deep into his eyes. He understood, and that meant the world to her. “It was, but that’s the fate of most Wendayans.”

  “Most?”

  “Society seems to accept those like my sister who have the power to heal, and those who are psychics, as they’ve been around for years, but my talents are a lot less mainstream.”

  Rye leaned back on his elbows, a gleam in his eye. “Want to have some fun now?”

  She laughed. “What kind of fun? I can’t shift, remember?”

  “Not yet. You’ll have to wait until the white moon.”

  Is that what he wanted? From the excitement in his tone, it sounded like he did. “And if it messes with my powers?”

  He grabbed her hand and sobered. “Then we won’t even try.”

  He was so accommodating. “Thank you.” Rye slipped off his shirt and toed off his shoes. “What are you doing? I am not having sex in the open.”

  “Sex? Is that all you think about?” He winked.

  He was such a liar. It was all he thought about. “Why are you getting naked then?”

  Rye finished taking off his jeans. “Hurry.” He jumped off the rock, crossed the path, and then dove into the water.

  Was he kidding? With strong strokes, Rye swam toward the middle of the lake and dove down under. When he failed to surface within thirty seconds, Izzy rushed to the edge of the water. “Rye?”

  Even though her hands were shaking, she lifted them then widened her arms in an attempt to part the lake. As the water fell away, Rye surfaced about ten feet from where she’d performed her magic.

  “What are you doing?” he asked with a hint of fear in his tone.

  She immediately motioned for the lake to fill back in. “I thought you might be drowning.”

  Rye returned close to shore then grinned. “You were worried about me, weren’t you?”

  It wouldn’t hurt to tell him that much. “Yes.”

  “Come on in and show me how concerned you really were. The water’s great.”

  Did he really think she’d take off her clothes out there? “I’m good.”

  “No you aren’t. You need to cut lose. What are you afraid of?” Rye stepped out of the water and droplets cascaded down his glorious body, and her every need surfaced. As if someone else was guiding her hand, Izzy stepped out of her shoes and pants.

  Rye neared. “Keep going.”

  “Or what?”

  “You’re going in that water with or without clothes.”

  Izzy was never this spontaneous. No time like the present. With Rye inches in front of her, she discarded her top. Wearing only her bra and panties she looked around but spotted no one. “Are any wolves around that you can sense?”

  His gaze never left her face. “No.”

  Here goes. She took off her bra and Rye’s eyes turned that gorgeous golden-green when he was aroused, and his cock stood firm at attention. “No sex in the lake, okay?” she said.

  He laughed. “Where’s the fun in that?”

  “Rye!”

  “The longer you take, the weaker I become. It’s so damn hard to resist you. You have no idea how much I want you.”

  She hadn’t meant to be a tease. Inhaling deeply, Izzy stepped out of her panties and his grin widened. In a flash, she was in his arms and then in the lake.

  “It’s cold,” she said, though pressing against Rye’s warm body helped somewhat.

  “I’ll show you cold.”

  Holding her in his arms, he dove down but surfaced quickly. As soon as she was able to breathe again, she twisted around and straddled him while Rye treaded water. “What if I couldn’t swim?” she asked.

  “Not to worry. I wasn’t going to let go of you.”

  She smiled. “Race you to that tree over there.” It was about fifty feet from them.

  “You like losing, don’t you?” he asked with way too much sass.

  It was one sport she actually enjoyed. She could swim by herself and not be taunted by others. “You chicken?”

  “What do I get when I win?” he asked.

  “A kiss.”

  “A kiss could lead to other things.”

  “Only if you win.” Before they had the chance to seal the deal, Izzy took off.

  When Rye grabbed her leg from behind then shot past her, she had no choice but to use a little magic. With a big exhale, she created several large waves on Rye’s side that caused him slow down.

  She was laughing so hard at his attempt to win that she nearly lost. Rye caught up with her one second later. “You will pay for cheating.”

  “I didn’t cheat.”

  “Did too.” Rye drew her close then tickled her.

  Barely able to reach the bottom, Izzy grabbed his hands to stop him, but she couldn’t catch her breath. “I give.”

  Rye stopped, gathered her in his arms, and walked out of the lake with her. “I’ll have to teach you a lesson about playing fair.”

  Given the way his incisors had elongated and his scruff had
sprouted, she was going to love that lesson.

  Chapter Fifteen

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  Rye carried Izzy back to where they’d stripped and set her down. “We’ll need our clothes.”

  About time he came to his senses. She picked them up. Putting jeans on while she was wet wouldn’t be pleasant, but she certainly wasn’t planning on walking back to his house naked. Before she could put anything on, Rye took her hand and led her to his rock. Instead of climbing on top, he half dragged her behind it.

  “Drop your clothes,” he commanded.

  The intensity of his gaze heated her from the inside out, so she did. “Now what?”

  “Take your punishment.” With one arm, he pulled her close. “I plan to torment you with kisses and touches.”

  She laughed. “Oh, let the torture begin.”

  “I don’t want you to move,” he commanded. “I don’t know how long I’m going to last, but I’m going to try.”

  This time she didn’t ask what would happen if she did. Instead of the deep, soul-penetrating kiss she expected, he dropped to his knees and spread her legs wide. Goose bumps raced up her arms and legs in anticipation, though it was possible the air was cooling her wet body.

  Rye didn’t move as he stared at her naked form. “Stop stalling,” she said.

  Rye raised his head, his eyes almost glowing. Uh-oh, pushing him might cause an unwanted shift. While she doubted her eyes had changed color, Izzy was convinced something in her was different. His mere touch sent her desires to new heights, and his scent had already invaded her body. It had a magical element all its own.

  “Prepare to be ravished,” he said.

  True to his word, the first swipe of his tongue had her clamping down hard on his head, and waves of euphoria spread across her like ripples of water on the surface of the lake.

  “That feels so good.”

  Rye slipped a finger into her, and she rose up on her toes, trying to catch her breath. When he hit her G-spot, she almost came. Begging him to take her right then might push him over the edge, and she wanted them both to last.

  To her delight and dismay, he sucked on her clit just as she was attempting to gain some control. It was too much, too intense, too exciting. Her whole body shimmered blue as her climax swooped down and claimed her. Her near scream had a few birds taking flight, which was exactly what her heart was doing—flying away with joy.