Guardian Witch

by Valia Lind

  "Maybe. Maybe not. But what I saw in there," he nods toward my house, "was someone fighting for what they knew to be true. If that's not courage, I don't know what is."

  I smile at that, and his own lips curl up in response. He reaches for my hand, picking it up gently and touching it to his lips. The simple gesture is so pure and romantic, I have to keep the tears from spilling over. No one has ever treated me with so much care, with so much reverence. Sure, I've dated from the little pool of available bachelors in town, but I have never felt so connected to another individual. Not like with Connor.

  "Thank you for standing up for my family."

  "Of course."

  My answer is but a whisper, as I try to keep my heart from floating away. Connor is changing all the rules and I'm not sure what to do about any of this. With a quick smile, I extract my hand and turn toward the back of the backyard where we came through earlier. I didn't feel Mama's spell, because I'm so used to being surrounded by her magic, but I will be more careful now. Spreading my hands, as if I'm opening the curtains, I make a doorway for Connor to walk through.

  "Until tomorrow," he says, stepping through the boundary.

  "Until tomorrow," I reply.

  I stand there for a moment longer, watching him disappear into the forest. As it grows quieter around me, I realize that even here, in the safety of my own backyard, I can feel that undercurrent of something lurking. It's the darkness I felt in the woods the first time I ventured out. It’s like a sweet smell, enticing me for a closer look. When Connor is around, all I’m focused on is him. But now, standing here alone, I feel the darkness calling me and it terrifies me.

  Quickly, I make my way back to our house, almost running by the time I'm by the doors. Mama and Bri look up from the kitchen table, instantly on alert. Bri is the first to reach me.

  “What is it, Harper?"

  "I can feel it...whatever is out there, I can feel it...calling to me," I gasp, realizing that all I wanted to do was to break the boundary and walk right into the darkness. Bri's hand on my arm grows hotter as her emotions intensify, but she doesn't let go.

  "Mama?" Bri turns to her, concern in her voice as much as the fear is in mine.

  "I don't know, girls," Mama says, scaring me more than the woods have. My Mama knows everything, she has an answer to any question. "But we are going to figure it out."

  She runs a hand over my and Bri's hair, placing a soft kiss on both of our foreheads in turn.

  "Get some rest. We have a lot of work to do."

  Somehow I sleep, but I don't dream. It's probably better that way, considering my dreams wouldn't have been pleasant. I can feel that in my bones. Something is happening in my town, and it's as if I'm right in the middle of it.

  When I come downstairs, Bri is the only one there. She greets me with a careful smile, as if unsure of her welcome. We don't fight often, but she knows her taking our mother's side last night hurt me. But I can't blame her, because I don't know that I wouldn't have done the same were our roles reversed.

  I take her by surprise when I walk over and throw my arms around her. She hugs me back after the initial shock, holding me tighter for a second before letting go.

  "I'm sorry I didn't tell you what I was doing. Or what happened for that matter," I say, because I need my sister, and I need her on my side. Everything is happening so fast, I won't be able to navigate without her help.

  "I wish you would've, but I understand. I'm the responsible one."

  "You mean the boring one," I tease and she chuckles. This is a standard argument for us and I'm happy to know that our rifts are barely there, before they're built over again.

  "Do you want to talk about it?" Bri asks, turning back to making her breakfast. I walk over and pour myself a cup of coffee, taking a sip, before I reply.

  "I don't know what to say, Bri. You know everything I do."

  "Well, not everything." And I know she means Connor. When I glance over at her, she's already watching me, a glint of something in her eye. I smile at her look and walk over to lean on the counter beside her.

  "Okay, not everything," I begin, hiding my smile by taking another sip. "Connor was there when I found Evan. Well, kind of there.”

  "Wait, you mean as a wolf?” The awe in her voice matches my own fascination and this time I let her see my smile.

  "Yes."

  If Bri was capable of squealing, I think she would've at this moment. Instead, she puts down the bread and turns her full attention to me, all seriousness. She gets very intense, all focused on me. I chuckle, turning to lean my hip against the counter and face her more fully.

  "He's the most beautiful creature I have ever seen," I whisper, the wonder evident in my voice, because I don't bother hiding it. "He's large, and white with a touch of grey, and with this dark outline about him. But his eyes, they're everything he is. Strong, protective, and even kind."

  "And his human form isn't bad either," she comments and I burst out laughing at her eyebrow waggle.

  "He's beautiful in any form," I agree and she grins. "But, it's so weird, Bri. The moment I met him, it's like I've always known him. I mean, I knew him as a child."

  "He's the wolf pup you snuck out with?" I glance at her in surprise, but she just rolls her eyes. "Just because I'm the older responsible sister, doesn't mean I don't keep a few secrets as well. I was worried about you and I followed you one time. I felt nothing but kindness from him that day, so I was never worried again."

  I’m so shocked by her admission that I don’t speak at first. But of course she did a reading. She would've never kept my secret if she wasn't sure about him. Just the fact that she didn’t say anything to me, or Mama, surprises me. But maybe it shouldn’t. If she was sure about him, then that means his intentions were pure. And it makes me happy to know that even all those years ago, he was still the kind soul I've met today.

  "He was my friend and I didn't even know his name," I say, looking down at my coffee as if it holds the secrets of the universe. "He found me at the library the next day, to thank me. But I couldn't even come up with a coherent thought when I saw him. It's like time stopped. It sounds so cliché, but I swear, Bri. That's how it felt."

  "It's not that cliché. I mean, it is. But you know the stories.” I don’t miss how her voice drops, so I know exactly what she’s talking about.

  "What? You mean the soulmates?"

  It's a story that has been passed down through generations and every little girl wants to hear it every night before she goes to sleep. It speaks of souls being split in two, and how there is a half out there searching for the other. A witch may fall in love more than once, but her true love is said to be a soul mate and that is a one time deal. Most witches love their husbands or wives, but they don’t experience the magical bound that the stories talk about. It doesn’t diminish their commitment or feelings, for when a witch chooses to marry, it’s a decision that is not taken lightly. However, as little girls, we’ve always dreamed soulmates were real, because we liked the idea of finding someone who fits perfectly.

  "You're joking," I laugh now, but it sounds fake even to my ears. "Witches and wolves are not allowed any kind of relationship, besides the professional one."

  "Maybe not now, but there have been stories. Of witches who took a risk at love and went against the coven's rules."

  "And where has that landed them?" I say, but I don't want an answer, because I already know. Those are not the stories that are liked to be repeated. "Bri, all I want to do is to help Evan.” I’m trying to convince her as much as myself. I know I already told Connor I wanted to explore whatever is between us, but the worry doesn’t dissipate just because I want it to, “And to stop the danger growing in the forest. If I can do that, if I can make sure Connor is safe, then I will be a happy girl."

  "Sure, whatever you say, Princess Harper."

  She only calls me that when she's making fun of me. When I was little, I demanded to be called that for a whole month. She has never let
me live it down. I roll my eyes and go to refill my cup. Mama said last night that she's going to the council first thing in the morning, so I turn back to Bri, switching the subject.

  "Is Mama at the meeting?"

  "Yes, she went early. While you broke the rules and came out fine on the other side, she won't fare as well if she doesn't do this officially. She'll call you when they're ready."

  "That makes me so frustrated, Bri," I say, sighing before I take a sip. "Evan is getting worse by the second, while they have to discuss diplomacy."

  "It's the way of our people. All of our people." And I know she means the wolves as well. But it doesn't mean I'm going to feel any less frustrated.

  "I'm going to the shop. Or the library. I can't just sit here and wait to see what they decide."

  After rinsing my cup, I wave in Bri's direction and head out the door. She'll be going to the shop later as well, but she knows I need the time alone. And I need to keep busy, before I do something stupid and rush into the woods again.

  6

  The shop is quiet as I sort through the latest shipment of jewelry pieces. Mostly, we are supplied by local artists, and Bri and I make our own jewelry as well, but sometimes, Mama likes to import from other cities. These particular pieces are made with clear quartz, the same crystal I used to infuse into the healing pouch I left with Evan.

  My mind keeps wandering between the little boy and his older brother. Connor texted earlier to let me know he's staying with Evan. The boy didn't have a good night. I stared at my phone for good five minutes, before I finally sent a quick text back. A big part of me wants to go to them, but if I'm to have the council's help, I need to at least pretend to play by the rules. For now.

  When a chime sounds at the door, I startle.

  "We're closed," I call out, keeping my voice light instead of annoyed. Clearly, whoever just walked in didn't read the sign on the door. I could’ve swore I locked the door as well, but maybe I’m more absentminded than I thought. When I don't hear a reply, I put the necklace down and walk around the counter to the front. There, between the two scarf displays stands a man.

  "Sir?"

  He turns around at the sound of my voice and I take my first assessment of him back. Here stands a gorgeous man. His eyes are as dark as midnight, his hair raven black. He towers over me, definitely over six feet tall, with broad shoulders and strong jaw. He's dressed in a pullover and jeans, but he makes them look...regal somehow. I don't know how long we stand there staring at each other, before he breaks the silence.

  "I'm sorry for the intrusion, but I couldn't walk past your darling little shop and not stop by." He smiles then and that's what finally breaks the spell he seems to have cast on me. There's no warmth in his smile, no merriment, nothing. Instinctually, alarms resound in my head and I push a little of my protection magic to my fingertips.

  "That's kind of you," I manage to sound a lot less rattled than I am, but I still take a tiny step back. "But unfortunately, I would need to ask you to leave."

  I'm not usually this abrupt with customers. We've had people wander in before when we were closed and we've helped them anyway. But this man, he's not right. For the first time in forever, I wish I had Krista's psychic powers. Mine are so minuscule I'm not sure if I'm reading him or just feeling my own emotions.

  "I'm afraid I can't do that."

  This time I don't hesitate to take a step away from him. The air around me seems to have grown darker, heavier, in the span of minutes that we have been standing here. My heart beats faster, my body full of adrenaline. I'm scared, but I wasn't raised to be helpless. My battle magic rises up inside of me like an old friend, and I stand a little taller with the knowledge that I can protect myself if it comes to it.

  "I don't know what you're trying to do," I say, my voice strong, "But we are closed and you are to leave." I motion my hand in the direction of the door, but the man just smiles.

  "I had a feeling you would be feisty. Your magic told me as much."

  Instantly, I drop my hand, staring at him in surprise. Sure, people around here know of my family and my magic. But not strangers. And they don't talk to me like they know me either.

  "Who are you?"

  "Ah, where are my manners? I've been a sleep for a bit too long, I suppose. I am Drake. And you, I know, are the lovely Harper."

  I am even more shocked that he knows my name, but my mind is trying to wrap around his strange words. He has an accent, I notice for the first time, and one I have not heard before.

  "I don't care how you know my name, or who I am. You need to leave."

  "You're not curious, even a little bit?" he asks instead, stepping closer into my personal space. I have no more room to retreat to, unless I make a dash for the door. As if he can read my mind, he angles his body just enough to block my path and I realize I am up against something very dangerous. He's like a predator, who anticipates his victim's moves. And for some reason, he's set his sights on me.

  Instead of panicking, I focus on keeping my heart rate down and my mind clear. I have options on how to deal with this situation. I have to be smart. If I am to come out of this unscathed, I'm going to need to get some information. Keeping my eyes trained on him, I ask,

  "How do you know me?"

  "I know your magic," he replies, smiling that empty smile again. "The forest reeks of it."

  "Reeks?"

  "The good little witch. It's stinking up the place and it's not letting me follow my plans in the way that I want to."

  "Excuse me?" Okay, now I'm offended. My magic doesn't stink. I don't even know what he's talking about.

  "You are a fascinating creature," he continues as if I haven't spoken. "I don't understand my own pull to you, but you can feel it, can't you? There's a magical string between us and it led me here."

  The moment he says it, my mind focuses on my magic and I gasp when I feel it. He's right. Something is connecting us on a level I've never experienced before. It’s what I felt standing in my backyard. And this? This terrifies me enough to act out.

  Thrusting my hands in front of me, I send a blast of magic his way. He stumbles, just barely, and before I can be surprised at him withstanding such a powerful push of magic, I raise my hands from near my waist, all the way to above my head. His body follows suit, lifted straight up and I slam it down to the floor. I don't hesitate. I'm out the door before I can see if I knocked him out or not. My feet slap against the sidewalk, as I rush toward the council building.

  But before I can get too far, two strong hands catch me, holding me steady. I try to fight, but in my panic, I'm sloppy. I hear a grunt and that's when I realize it's Connor. He holds his stomach where I kicked him and it's my turn to reach down to him.

  "I'm so sorry!" I gasp, my breathing heavy from the exertion, my head spinning from using my battle magic. "I didn't mean to."

  "It's okay," he waves me off, standing up straighter. He rubs the spot I hit him, and I can feel my signature there. I must have used my magic on him without realizing, and I take a deep breath, before letting it out slowly to calm my racing heart.

  "Are you okay?" he asks, when I pulled my defenses in and he can stand up regularly.

  "I don't know," I reply honestly, because now that the fight or flight has gone out of my body, I just feel drained and scared. Connor steps up to me, hesitating slightly as he reaches out, but I don't even think about it as I launch my body into his. His arms come around me, holding me closer than I've ever been held before, as he strokes my back in a soothing motion.

  I grip him as if my life depends on it, letting go of all the fear. He feels solid and safe, a calm in this storm of emotions as I breathe him in. Suddenly, he’s my center and I focus myself the best I can, anchoring myself in the here and the now.

  I don't know how long we stand like this, but I realize that I need to stop clinging to him eventually. So I'm the first to pull away.

  "I'm okay now," I say, looking up into his eyes. He nods, still holding me wit
hin the circle of his arms and if the matter at hand wasn't so urgent, I think I would've like to stay here forever.

  "What are you doing here?" I ask, as I step away, running a hand over my shirt to smooth it out.

  “I..." He hesitates, as if unsure of how to tell me and my concern rises up again.

  "What?"

  "I felt your panic. You were in danger."

  I stare at him opened mouthed, before I realize how stupid I must look. Shaking my head to clear it, I try to come up with what to say to that, but I've got nothing.

  "Has that ever happened before?" I finally manage, my mouth dry.

  "No. Not with anyone."

  I nod, because it's the only thing I'm capable of doing at the moment. There's a bench a few feet away, so I head there and plop down as if my legs can't hold me anymore. Connor follows, sitting down a lot more gracefully, beside me.

  "Can you tell me what happened?"

  And so I do.

  When I'm finished, he storms off toward the shop, with me rushing after him. But when we get there, Drake is gone, but so is the evidence of any struggle. I know I knocked some shelves over when I slammed his body on the floor, but it all looks perfectly fine.

  "I don't understand," I say, looking around.

  "I don't either."

  Connor stands in the middle of the room, looking a little lost. Not that I can blame him. All of this, the last week, it's been a whirlwind of unexplainable and unusual. It doesn't take a psychic to know what's going through his mind, the worry is written all over him, in every move he makes.

  "Hey," I say softly, stepping up to him and placing my hand on his arm. His body tenses at the contact, but I don't pull away. It's the kind of tension that's running through my body as well. When he looks at me, the concern is now mixed with desire and I can't stop my own heart beating in awareness. I grow bold, running my fingers down the length of his arm, before wrapping my hand around his.

  "We'll figure this out. Whatever this is. Mama should be done any minute now and then we can go to Evan."