Capturing the Last Welsh Witch

by J. M. Davies

  The one remaining cuff dangled from Ella’s wrist and he unlocked it. “Run if you must but you won’t get far. The FBI expects you in by noon and I’m guessing the Elusti are still on the prowl, waiting for you. It’s your decision. You either trust me and accept my help or see how far you get. You may even make it, but eventually they’ll catch you.”

  She examined his face and sighed. If he was being honest—and she suspected he was—she should run and keep running, but she couldn’t. “Okay. I’ll come with you but no more handcuffs. Why do you want to help me anyway?”

  His arm swept across her shoulders and he guided her away.

  “I couldn’t help the last victim of the Elusti but I can help you. Now, let’s move. I’m taking you to meet my mom.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  They had been driving up the highway for about forty-five minutes with no conversation. As she sat across from Marcus in his truck, Ella tried to imagine what he was ruminating about inside his head. She’d expected anger, maybe even violence when he’d caught up with her. Of course, she knew from his parting words he would, but she hadn’t expected him to be so quick. He must have known at some point she would make a run for it and had laid his own plan, letting her believe she had escaped. She stifled a chuckle as she realized that Jake must have been in on it from the start. All that brotherhood stuff and special code was not simply for show. Looking across at this now gentle giant who had moments before stood in the rain, fighting for her to trust him, the last thing she expected was a trip to visit his mother. Was it code for the enemy?

  “Ella, I can tell by the inch-long line between your eyebrows that you’re puzzled as to what’s going on. Stop fretting. We need to get off the grid, and I need to speak with Jake, who will be pleased to get his bike back. We’ll be safe where we’re going for a while.”

  Safe. That word sent an alarm fizzing through her. Ella had felt safe until the other night and it was her downfall. Feeling safe had made her soft and now she was relying on a virtual stranger whose job it was to bring her in for questioning and yet, staring at him, somehow she desperately wanted to believe he would help her, which was crazy.

  Marcus glanced over at her briefly and then stared back out at the road ahead.

  “So am I forgiven for leaving you all high and dry?” she teased, unable to stop herself as heat coiled around her insides and sparks tingled. She squeezed her thighs tight together to stop the mounting excitement. She remembered sitting astride him on the bed, and how much she enjoyed being in control. The friction as their bodies touched. The heat. Ripples of delicious waves roared loudly. God, just the reminder of earlier turned her on and she wanted to scream out loud. What was wrong with her? She usually had more control.

  “I’m a man, Ella, but don’t take me for an idiot. If you go down that particular path again, I will not hold back and you’ll be the one left breathless and wanting more. I know you like feeling in control, Ella, but in the bedroom, I’m in charge and I’ve never had any complaints.” He flashed his gaze directly onto her, underlining his point, and her mouth went dry. Turning away, his hand turned the radio up.

  Ella couldn’t breathe as images of them tangled together with her lying flat on her back as he licked his way down assaulted her and she squirmed in her seat.

  “No advances in the case of murdered college Professor Aidan O’Connor. His girlfriend Ella Masters is still a person of interest…”

  As the news blared from the radio, Ella shot forward as if doused with a bucket of ice water, bringing her dreamy reverie to an end. Staring out the window at the now baby-blue sky, she whispered, “Money and a passport.”

  Marcus shot a glance in her direction and watched as she sucked on her lower lip, a habit that she couldn’t break. “What…” The car slowed; he maneuvered it, turning right, and continued down a hidden and bumpy dead end lane. She’d been watching the signs and knew they headed north and toward Rockport, along the North Shore. He drove to the end of the dirt track and parked the truck.

  She stared at her hands, which she twisted in her lap.

  “That’s what’s in the bag—enough money to start over and a new identity. All I have to do is get a plane ticket and I’m going home to Wales. It’s where I’m from. It’s where my people originated from, so the legend goes, and I need to find out if there is anyone else besides me left.” Her wavy hair brushed across her shoulders as she turned. Tears bubbled in her huge eyes but she refused to let them fall. She blinked and wiped them away. “I need to go home...”

  Marcus undid his seat belt and shifted. He tilted her face toward him, her chin cupped in his hand as his callused thumb smoothed across her trembling lip and stroked back and forth in a gentle rhythm. They eyeballed each other and Ella’s heart thudded.

  “I know you didn’t kill the professor, even though I wouldn’t have blamed you if you had. I’ve never liked how the man treated you, you know that. He may have been training you but there were far too many unnecessary bruises.” He continued his lazy stroking on Ella’s sensitive skin and she lifted her chin, wanting him to touch her elsewhere. “That night, I saw him hit you. In my books, that’s a death sentence right there. Ella, I know you’re not capable of killing someone. Even though you’ve thrashed me, it’s not with the intention to hurt or kill, merely to escape, to be free. You’ve been surviving for too long on your own. Look, let’s go inside. You’re soaking. And I need to contact my boss.” With that, he turned and opened the door, ending the magical moment. His tenderness shocked her more than his cold indifference and it left Ella wishing they were in a different time or place altogether.

  Inside, her body shuddered, muscles relaxed, and nerve endings lit up, crying for him to continue his caressing, to soothe her. Lifting her hand, she traced her lips with her fingers where his had just been. Her heart pounded in her chest; he was dulling her resistance and drawing her in until she was putty in his hands. He seemed to know exactly what to do to get what he wanted, which terrified Ella. She had never felt so exposed and raw. While he oozed confidence in all things, taking control, he would swallow her whole, which should make her run and hide but made her desire for him soar. Ella blew out a hot breath of air. Getting involved with him in any sexual way would be a huge mistake, one she couldn’t afford even if it did relieve some of the undeniable tension. Hearing the door slam jolted her back to reality and she shivered, feeling the drop in temperature at the coast. Suddenly, his parting words vibrated inside her head.

  “I need to contact my boss.”

  What? One minute he was reeling her in with his tantalizing caresses and reassuring words, making her believe she could trust him and the next, the noose around her neck tightened. The door of the truck on her side squeaked open sharply and Marcus stood there in his fitted faded jeans and black Henley shirt that stretched across his chiseled and firm chest. His dark sunglasses hung casually from the front buttons of his shirt. “Come on, you need a change of clothes. You’re freezing. Can you walk or do I need to carry you?”

  Ella wanted to refuse, to argue, feeling trapped and uneasy once again, but what would she gain? She simply needed to stay alert and look for another opportunity to leave because no matter what he said, Marcus was a man who dominated and controlled each situation. He was used to getting exactly what he wanted and she couldn’t afford any more mishaps.

  “I’m fine. I can manage, but thank you.” She pushed herself out of the truck and studied her surroundings as she breathed in the fresh, salty air. The narrow lane was nothing more than a gravel dirt track and a dead end. The truck was parked in front of a row of neatly cut eight-foot-high green hedges, giving no view of what lay beyond. Isolated and secluded. No one would realize this place even existed from the main road. It stood alone, with no neighbors, cloistered away and completely private. Seagulls squawked overhead, and the roar of the ocean announced its closeness. Ella loved the sea; being close to it automatically calmed her body and soul. A feeling of freedom washed over he
r, as if just being close to the water would save her.

  Marcus clasped her hand in his larger one and pulled her toward a small black iron gate and the green-hedged archway, giving the only view of the stone cottage beyond adorned with wisteria. Marcus hesitated before he pushed the gate to gain entry.

  “I warn you, my mother is not what you might expect, but please be polite. She’s different and you of all people should respect that.” He pushed the squeaky gate wide so they could walk down the natural stone pathway that led to the quaint two-story cottage. As they walked through the black metal gate, Ella thought she was walking into an enchanted woodland as she was accosted with an array of blooming flowers of all different heights planted alongside the path on either side, which split on both sides and followed around to the back of the property. The entire dwelling was surrounded in a riot of colors and scents even though it was end-October. There were lilies, orchids, crocuses, and mums aside from the beautiful wisteria that covered the house, leaving an exotic fragrance in the air. Over to the left was an acre of well-manicured lawn that overlooked the clear view of the endless Atlantic Ocean and the blue sky.

  “Wow, it’s beautiful.”

  Marcus regarded the view and nodded. “The garden is her joy. Down the right side, there is an herb garden, and there are steps that lead down to a private rocky beach. This is her sanctuary.”

  Observing Marcus as he spoke, nervous knots of tension and apprehension twisted in her gut. He had truly brought her to meet his mother, of all people. Was she an invalid? What made her different and why should she understand? The way he’d said that word made it seem as if it was laced with another meaning other than she was his mother. Words wouldn’t form as he placed his hand on her hip and guided her toward the solid oak door of the white-washed cottage.

  “For all intents and purposes, we’re in a relationship, Ella. I never bring women here, never, and it will be too confusing to explain it all, so you’ll just have to go along with it….”

  Ella wanted to speak, to ask questions, but his phone buzzed and he instantly moved away and distanced himself from her. When he looked at the number on the phone, he cursed and signaled with his hand for her to wait. So his mother was sick; now she felt totally out of her depth. Why did he bring her here? Biting her lower lip, she watched as he paced back and forth across the garden, making an indent on the grass. Shouting and swearing into the phone, he briefly lifted his eyes toward Ella. He gave a halfhearted smile and turned away to stride off to the farthest edge of the garden, where he disappeared from view.

  Damn him. Left adrift, Ella didn’t know what to do. A sudden creaking behind her drew attention away from him and she swiveled around. On the doorstep of the cottage was a tall, if frail, lady with prominent cheekbones and hair swept elegantly back from her small face. Her wafer-slim body moved forward to greet her steadily, and she smiled. Her eyes were sharp and the color of roasted chestnuts, and her hair, mostly silver-gray, accentuated her beauty and warmth. Ella lifted her lips in a smile and extended a hand.

  “You must be Ella. I’ve been waiting for you. Come along inside. My son shouldn’t have left you standing here in the cold. You look frozen. Are you wet, dear?” The older woman arched her eyebrows and ran her gaze over Ella’s damp clothes with a puzzled expression on her face.

  She was dumbstruck and flicked her gaze back over her shoulder to look for Marcus. Had he phoned his mother? She was certain he hadn’t and yet she knew her name. A million thoughts tumbled inside her brain, none of which she could easily translate. Ella knew when people weren’t human by their unique odor. However, she could also detect humans who were gifted. There was a colorful glow about them, like a blinking neon sign. Most of the time this enabled her to sense whether they were good or evil. Upon seeing Marcus’s mother, her cloud shone like a bright star or halo. Her whole being projected a light she hadn’t seen since she was a child. Before she could think or speak, she found herself engulfed in the old lady’s thin arms. The woman smoothed and patted her hair gently. Ella couldn’t quite catch or understand the foreign words she said, but for a moment, she let the lady embrace her, feeling comforted beyond words as she rested her head on her shoulder. However, the heavy stomping of boots on the stone path signaled that Marcus was close, and she moved to break free.

  “I’m sorry. I had to take that phone call—” Marcus stopped and stared at Ella, and then faced his mother, a serious, closed expression on his face, one that was hard to interpret.

  Surely, the fact that he had brought her to his mother’s meant that he had a good relationship with her? Ella shook her head. Something was odd about this reunion and she couldn’t quite understand what was going on.

  “It’s good to see you, Mother.” He stepped closer and leaned forward to brace his mother’s shoulders with his hands, and kissed her formally on both cheeks before he secured his arm around Ella’s waist and drew her against him.

  “I see you’ve met Ella. This is my mother, Josephine Laurent. Shall we go inside? We’re both soaking wet from an unexpected shower…”

  He extended his hand to motion for his mother to enter first, but she remained where she was and stared at him from head to toe.

  “I almost didn’t recognize you, Marcus; it’s been that long. You look tired and you need a shave but I’m glad you’re here. I knew you both would come. I’ve been waiting for you. Come in and make yourselves at home.” Josephine turned away and stepped into the cottage, pushing the door open. The smell of burning wood seeped out toward them in welcome. Marcus held Ella back as his mother walked inside.

  “What did she say to you? And why were you hugging her?” he whispered.

  Ella felt trapped, like a deer caught in the headlights; her eyes stared deep into his. Why on earth did he bring her here unless he wanted to reveal something of what he was keeping hidden? If his mother was the powerful seer that she suspected she was, then surely that would mean he would also have her gift. Or was there something else he hadn’t told her? Maybe that would explain why his surname was different than hers? She frowned. She may have secrets but she wasn’t the only one. Curiosity demanded she find out.

  “Your mother said she knew I was coming. How is that possible? I know you didn’t phone her while I was in the truck. Did you phone her beforehand? Marcus, come on, you’re the one playing games now. Your mother’s a seer, isn’t she?”

  As her words left her mouth, his olive complexion paled, and he raked his hand through his hair as a muscle in his cheek twitched. Ella knew it was a trigger and that he was angry with her words. For a moment, he simply narrowed his gaze and studied her in stony silence.

  “For years, my mother would black out. No one knew what was happening, especially me. I’d rather not talk about that now.” Moving in closer against Ella, he pulled her arms and gripped them, almost hoisting her off the ground.

  “Ella, she said she knew you were coming. How? Do you know my mother? You need to tell me the truth or so help me…” he ground out, tormented by his mother’s reception.

  All her life, she’d been scared, fighting for her own survival, but studying Marcus, she couldn’t help but wish that wasn’t the case. That she had someone, someone she could trust, someone who would be there for her no matter what and she in turn would help. Placing her hands on her hips, she took a deep breath.

  “Marcus, listen to me. I’m telling you, your mother is a seer. I can read people, people who are gifted. Your mother knew I was coming, that we were both coming. She must have seen it. Please, don’t tell me you don’t believe her. That you’ve closed your mind off to that possibility?” Ella knew she had raised her voice and now searched around in case anyone may have heard but the gentle rhythmic thrashing of the waves was the only background noise. “Why else did you bring me here if not because your mother can help?”

  He eased his grip and bowed his head as if in submission. “I honestly don’t know. I thought Josephine might be able to help. She has an underst
anding for all things that defy explanation and you remind me of her in a way. That look you have sometimes. Fear. I’ve seen that look in her eyes and I want to know if that was what my mother felt and why. For most of my childhood, she was locked up in a psychiatric unit. They told me she was schizophrenic. I didn’t understand what that was, but it meant she wasn’t around much. I went from one foster home to another. I’ve never felt close to her. But, lately, I wondered if I was wrong.” His dark eyes bore into hers and they betrayed his utter turmoil and conflict as lines formed like waves across his forehead. Having revealed a secret part of himself, he shifted uncomfortably and raised himself up to his full height, breathing out and removing his gaze from her.

  Ella realized he had exposed a piece of himself that he’d kept hidden, letting his control slip. She caught hold of one of his rough hands. “Let’s go and find out.”

  As they both walked into the house, Josephine smiled.

  “Come on in, you two. There’s a lot to discuss, but first you both need a hot shower and some dry clothes.”

  They both stared at Josephine, who herded them into the warmth of the house as if they were sheep and gave out orders.

  “Ella, the bathroom is at the top of the landing in front of you and across from there to your right is your bedroom; it overlooks the seas. I’ve put some clothes ready. Gracie, my helper, purchased them for me. I told you, I knew you were coming and I knew you would need my help. Now go.”

  Ella glanced over at Marcus, who nodded at her, and she did as she was told, leaving him alone with his mother.

  As soon as Ella disappeared from view, Josephine turned to scrutinize her son. It had been well over a year since they had last seen each other. She stretched both her wrinkled and sun-kissed hands out toward him and he reached to hold her cold hands.