Guardian Witch

by Valia Lind

  Guardian Witch

  Hawthorne Chronicles - Book One

  Valia Lind

  Contents

  Guardian Witch

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Next in the Hawthorne Chronicles

  Note from the Author

  About the Author

  Also by Valia Lind

  Guardian Witch © Copyright 2019 Valia Lind

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Cover by Anika at Ravenborn Covers

  Guardian Witch

  Hawthorne Chronicles - Book One

  Valia Lind

  We are asleep until we fall in love!

  Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace

  1

  When I was six years old, my mama told me monsters were real.

  Before then, I still believed in the fairy tale. The day she brought me to my first coven meeting, I realized our community was about more than just crystals and herbs.

  "What is your fascination with the woods?" My sister's exasperated voice breaks through my thoughts, bringing me back into the here and now. It's been almost fourteen years since I've leaved the truth, and have been told that the woods around our medium sized town of Hawthorne are off limits.

  "It's not fascination," I reply, turning to Brianna. "It's that I'm not afraid. If this plant is needed, I'm more than happy to go and get it myself."

  This has been our argument all morning. Earlier today, Mama has mentioned the special order for an old and faithful customer. But we don't carry these in the shop, as they require us to venture into the woods, which have been off limits for as long as I've been alive. Mama is the one to do the harvesting and she does so on specific days, at a specific time, as agreed upon from years past.

  Bri thinks I just want to frolic between the trees, trying to get a glimpse of the creatures who reside there. I can't say I haven't thought about it, half a million times. But I also know that this needs to be done, and since Mama is off with Dad, helping the mayor with some problem I'm not privy to know about, it's up to me. Bri would never go.

  "You're too eager and you know it," she says, her fingers fast at work on the herbs currently spread out on the counter in front of her. She's been restocking our inventory, putting together the medicinal bottles we sell to the tourists.

  There are always tourists in these types of towns, isn't there? While the supernatural is not that much of a guarded secret around these parts, most who come and visit don't take it seriously. It's one thing to believe that some green plant will help heal your cold. It's another to know that monsters lurk behind the shadows. People are fascinated with the supernatural, but they don't want to believe in it. If they believe, they have to come to terms with the fact that their existence is not all that safe and they are not top predator on the pyramid of life.

  "Harper," Bri puts the herbs down, turning her full attention to me. "You and I both know that while our family's name is on the agreement that allows us to venture into the woods, the only person who is truly safe to do so is Mama. Even I wouldn't be foolish enough to try my luck on that one."

  "That's because you're the older, safer—responsible—sister," I grin at her glare, as she flicks her fingers in my direction. Some of the residue from the herbs are still on her skin and they fly off in my direction. I wave my hand, slowing down their progress, suspending them in the air. Bri tries to hide her smile, but I already see it. I send the small flecks in her direction and she blows to keep them out of her face. She's never been bitter about the fact that I have more of the active magic than she does. She can move objects to a point, but her greatest skill is with the potions and the spells. She's a master with words, like I'm a master with the physical magics. Well, in my case, master is pushing it a little. Since I haven't come of age of twenty one yet, my powers can be unpredictable.

  I can tell she wants to say something else. She's good at playing the mother hen when Mama is away. But a bell sounds over the door, announcing the visitors before their voices reach us.

  "Don't do anything stupid, Harper." She warns over her shoulder, as she heads to greet the customers.

  "I would never!" I call out, smiling. I don't miss the slight shake of her head as she walks away. This is how it's always been with us. She's the responsible one, and I'm the one who pushes the boundaries. Our youngest sister, takes more after me, and has been away for schooling. That has put Bri and I into a balance that works for us. She tells me what to do, and I ignore her. Isn't that how sisters work anyway?

  Grabbing the notebook in which we write all the orders, I study the entry from last night. Mama's writing is cursive and beautiful, but the plant that is requested is anything but.

  Atropa Belladonna.

  Just the words send a shiver down my spine. We don't deal in poisons, but I've heard plenty of stories when it comes to this particular plant. Even the natural world has their own stories about it. I can't say that I'm not fascinated by the plant considering it can aid in astral projection. Something the witches are very careful about.

  I glance over to the front of the store, as Bri shows off some of the recently added jewelry and I can tell the customers are eating it up. She's always been best with people. I think it's that motherly aspect to her personality. I've always been better with books. It's easier to understand what's clearly written on a page, versus the discernment that must come into play when reading people.

  Tucking my own journal into my messenger bag, I sling it over my shoulder and slip out the back. Bri won't be happy. Mama will probably be livid. But my curiosity is heightened. Also, I overheard my parents talking a few months ago and know that we cannot lose even one customer at this point. Not with the way things have been going around here. I'll be in and out before anyone even notices I'm gone. It’s a risk, but I can’t imagine anyone else in my family taking it right now. If I can do this one thing for my family, then I will. With that, I head towards the back of the Main Street and where the gate stands perpetually closed, leading into the darkest parts of the woods.

  The moment I step through the gate, the temperature drops. The air around me feels heavier, harsher than that of the other side of the boundary. I've been in parts of the forest before. Some are open to the residents as part of the pact made long ago. Witches need the connection with the earth, as much as other creatures do, if not more. There are also the areas open for travelers, the outsiders who come through and visit the town. Regular people.

  But these parts, parts that are deeper and darker than the rest, which circumvent most of our town, are not permitted for trespass. Creatures that live in these woods are not friendly. They like to be left alone, which is how the pact came to existence in the first place. We need this forest and
the forest needs us. Without one or the other, it would fall apart. A balance is the most precious commodity.

  My feet are light on the slightly damp ground. The sounds of the forest are alive around me, the rustles of the leaves against my skin a comforting reminder that the earth is good to those who are good to her. Mama has taught me that even before I knew who I really was, before my powers began to manifest themselves. A lesson I had to learn from the very beginning is that it doesn't matter if you have magic or not, you can do good in this world regardless. The opposite of that is true as well, and that is the reasons why these woods are off limits.

  I notice an undercurrent of something around me, and look around quickly, almost sure someone is watching me. There is a touch of a dark magic in the air, I can almost see it between the shadows. A part of me wants to explore, while the other fights to stay cautious.

  A noise breaks through my musings, my head snapping in the direction of the barely audible whine. Turning in the direction of the sound, I tread carefully, unsure of what it could be. But before I make it ten feet, I snatch my foot back. I am knowledgeable enough to know that I almost stepped into a trap. The makeshift contraption is barely visible to the naked eye, but I've read enough books to recognize it. A smaller animal, or creature, would have a difficult time noticing it, as I am looking at the trap from above, instead of eye level. The analytical part of me wants to stay and study it, but the soft crying has become louder and I wonder if whoever, or whatever, it is got caught in one of these traps.

  Breaking through the trees, my eyes zero in on the direction the sound is coming from and what I see makes me stop in my tracks. The most beautiful wolf pup I’ve every seen is laying on his side, his back paw caught in what seems to be one of the traps I just stumbled upon. He lifts his grey white head, his dark eyes full of pain as they meet mine. I don't hesitate.

  Carefully, to make sure I don't step in any traps, I make my way to the pup, kneeling down beside him.

  "There you are, sweetheart," I coo, keeping my voice low and soothing. I've been warned about the wolves who live in these woods. For centuries, witches and wolves live side by side, but we’re not friends. Most of the packs are in agreement with the witches, but there are some who like to be left out of the rules. They can be vicious and extremely territorial. Unsure which category this one falls into, I take my time reaching for him.

  "I'm going to remove this, okay? Try to lie as still as possible."

  My hands wrap around the branch that's keeping the paw in place, and I go to lift it, when an agonizing yell shatters the quiet around us.

  "I'm so sorry," I say, running one of my hands over the wolf's head on instinct. When I realize what I’m doing, I almost pull away. But his fur is soft to the touch and he turns his noise into my palm just a tad, clearly enjoying the contact. I do it once more, before I speak up again. "I know it hurts when I move it, but I need you to try and work through the pain. You should be able to pull it out when I lift the branch, okay?"

  The wolf pup makes a small noise in the back of his throat, as if he's agreeing and I reach for the tree branch once again. Yanking it off is probably my best bet, but I know a pup in pain may attack before he realizes what he's doing. I could use my magic, but opening up to a stranger this way is not how Mama taught us to go about things. If I can use my hands, I should go with that option. Glancing over at his sweet face full of pain, I don't hesitate. Wrapping my hand around the wood once more, I yank it with all of my strength.

  The pup's paw springs free with another yell from him, but he pushes away from the tree, falling on the other side of it, as I drop the wood back into place. The trap is obstructed by leaves and other branches, and I can see how the wolf pup wouldn't have seen it.

  "There you go," I say, turning to the pup, "All better, right? Let me take a look at that leg. I'd like to make sure nothing is broken."

  The pup watches me warily for a second, growling just barely, but enough that I don't approach. I wait him out and after a few moments, he visibly relaxes. He seems even smaller than I first anticipated, maybe early preteen, and I smile as I take a step toward him. But as I reach for him, my heart drops from my chest as the most vicious growl I've ever heard sounds from behind me.

  2

  Slowly, keeping my hands open in front of me, I turn toward the sound. My chest constricts at the sight of the most gorgeous white wolf I have ever seen. He's larger than average, coming up well to my chest, his fur full of shine, as if he's made of pearl. His dark eyes are trained on me, teeth bared and he looks ready to pounce. I'm sure from where he's standing it would look as if I was the one hurting the wolf pup, and I should tell him so. But I am mesmerized in a way I've read about in books. It's not fear that keeps me in place, it's pure wonder.

  Before either one of us can move, a bump to my leg jars my attention down. The wolf pup is standing on his three legs, leaning against me in a way that seems almost protective. As I watch, he makes a sound at the back of his throat at the same moment he rubs his nose against my pants. The rumble of the other wolf's growl shakes the ground beneath my feet and I glance up to find him watching me even more intently. The wolf pup makes another noise and this time the other answers in a quieter tone. I'm not sure what's going on, but I'm pretty sure the wolf pup just stood up for me. The white wolf doesn't seem to be happy, but at least he doesn't look like he's going to tear me to shreds anymore.

  The wolf pup moves and I reach down to catch him as he wobbles. The growl comes again, but I'm not paying attention anymore. All of my thoughts are on the pup.

  "You shouldn't be walking on that leg, sweetheart," I murmur, reaching for the injury. The wolf pup holds still, but I can tell one wrong move from me and the older wolf will pounce. Extra slowly and extra carefully, I crouch down and study the paw. Running my fingers tentatively over the fur, I feel for bumps or tears. The wolf pup whimpers, but there doesn't seem to be a break. I can't check any farther with the older wolf watching me. Using my magic on a wolf is a big no, and I would’ve broken the rules if I didn’t feel the white wolf’s intense gaze on me. My magic will stay firmly inside of me, at least for now.

  "You should be okay, there’s nothing broken. But you have to take it slowly. Watch out for the areas where the leaves are piled by longer branches. Whoever put the traps in place is using the nature to hide them." The wolf pup watches me, in what seems like fascination, eating up every word I say. I smile at him, running my hand over his forehead. The older wolf makes a noise and the younger leaves me, as if on command.

  Standing up, I watch the wolf pup wobble over to the older wolf, before heading deeper into the trees. The white wolf watches me a moment longer, a tirade of emotions I can’t read radiating off him, before finally turning around and following the younger into the forest. A buzz bursts over my skin, as if I've been holding on to a live wire and the electricity has finally reached me. Placing a hand to my head, I wonder if I've conjured up the whole situation. Could I have really come across a shifter and was let go? They are so territorial, only the approved areas would leave me unscathed. Yet, here I am.

  The need to leave overwhelms whatever else I was feeling. Mama will just have to deal with an upset customer. I have to get out of these woods. Racing through the trees, I keep a lookout for both the traps and the wolf. A part of me wants to run into him again. There's something in his eyes that I found almost...comforting. Sure, I’ve met shifters before. But not like that. Not in their natural habitat, not with the danger looming over my head. My skin feels alive just thinking of the encounter.

  He's the only one I can think of as I make my way back to the house.

  That night, the family dinner is more tense than I remember it ever being. At first, I think it's my fault. Mama found out about my little adventure somehow and I'm about to get an earful. But the moment the plates are finished being passed around, Mama folds her hands in front of her, bringing our attention to her.

  "I know you have heard the rumo
rs," she begins, looking each of us in the eye. Tonight, besides Bri and me, my closest friend Krista and her family are here. We try to have dinner together at least once a week and I forgot tonight was the night. Granted, I would've forgotten my own name if Bri hadn’t called me out when I tried sneaking in earlier. That beautiful wolf has really messed with my insides.

  "I am sad to say they are true," Mama continues, snapping my attention back to her. My heart drops in my chest, this time from fear. If what she says it accurate, we are all in danger. “Your father has left to take care of some business few towns over. The random vandalisms that have been going on around our town are becoming more frequent. We are unsure of what is causing the disturbances at the moment, but we are working on it. I ask you all," she looks each of us in the eye again, "please don't venture out alone. If you need to, use your magic to protect yourself. However necessary."

  She grows quiet then, picking up her utensils, but I can't seem to take my eyes off her. She told us to use our magic to protect us. That means if it comes down to it, we can use magic to battle, something that hasn't been done in over two hundred years. After the treaty, all battle magic has been banished for fear of breaking the peace. We are still taught when we are younger, but the use of it can cause a breakdown in our society. My mind can't even wrap around the reason to have it back.

  The chatter grows louder around me, but I can't seem to think of anything else. A small kick to my leg jerks my attention up and I meet Krista's concerned gaze. I shrug, managing a smile, but I doubt I've fooled her. We've been friends long enough that she can read me better than anyone. It also doesn't help that she can read emotions like I read books. Strong emotions, which I'm sure I'm projecting now, are hard to ignore even if one chooses to. Krista doesn't use her magic on me on purpose, but I know she'll be asking questions when we're alone.