Mystic Tides

by Kate Allenton

  Danny tapped the hood of the truck before he got in and revved the engine. “Let’s get this show on the road.” He turned in his seat and winked at Grey. “Buckle up, baby girl. You’re in for a bumpy ride.”

  Had he really just called her baby girl? “Danny…is it?”

  “Oh, this should be good.” Grey heard Beck mumble beneath his breath.

  “Sure thing, sugar.”

  “Do you use baby girl and sugar interchangeably around these parts when you can’t remember a woman’s name?”

  Danny glanced questionably at his brother. Beck shrugged, a smile playing on his lips.

  “The girls around here like when we refer to them with pet names.”

  “I’m not from around here.” Grey pressed her lips together while debating on how much Danny needed to know about her. “You know what men like from around my town?”

  Danny’s brows dipped. “What’s that su…Grey?”

  “They like their belt buckles pink and sparkling with rhinestones.”

  “Is that so?”

  Grey grinned. “I guess Beck didn’t warn you that with a snap of my fingers I could instantly make you look like someone from my hometown.”

  Danny’s mouth parted. “That’s not necessary, doll.”

  Grey tisked and snapped her fingers, turning Danny’s shirt into something that looked as if it belonged in a mariachi band. The truck swerved off the road before Danny made a quick recovery. He cussed, and Beck laughed.

  “What the hell was that for!” Danny’s brows dipped as he pulled over, slamming on the brakes.

  “I’m not your doll, either.”

  He turned around in his seat, his eyes narrowed in a glare. “You’ve made your point.”

  She gave a slow nod and snapped her fingers again, replacing his shirt with the same boring plain T-shirt he’d been wearing.

  Danny glanced to Beck, and his happy-go-lucky demeanor changed instantly as he turned more somber. “I’m surprised you brought this one home.”

  “You and me both,” she mumbled beneath her breath.

  Danny pulled back out onto the road and continued driving, giving her an occasional glance as if to see if she’d sprouted horns.

  “It’s not what you think.” Beck shrugged, turning his gaze to the window, and she followed suit.

  What did young Danny think? That Beck was bringing home his girl to meet his mother? She didn’t need to witness Beck’s trip down memory lane into the arms of his family. And she most certainly didn’t need to be mistaken for anyone other than who she was.

  The country music filled the cab in a low rumble as Danny hit probably every pothole and bump in existence. Behind the fences that lined the road, fields were open as far as her eyes could see. Dust from the truck continued in a trail behind them. Every mile or so they would pass a man sitting astride a horse with a rope attached, wearing a big hat. A few waved in a friendly gesture as they passed, but most were watching the cattle.

  Animals! Oh god. She hadn’t given a second thought about the sheep back home that had attacked her or her cousins’ pets that made her sneeze fire. Beck’s family lived on a damn ranch.

  Grey leaned forward. “Beck, we need to go back. You have to take me back. I can’t go to the ranch and be around the animals.”

  He turned in his seat. “You’ll be fine, Grey. I won’t let any little sheep attack you.”

  She laid her hand on the seatback. “You don’t understand. I’m allergic to fur. It makes me sneeze.”

  Her voice rose in panic as he twisted in his seat, his brows dipped. “Okay. I’m sure my mom has allergy medicine.”

  “No.” Her eyes widened. “Why do you think we had all of those fire extinguishers in our shop?” She produced a small ball of fire in her hand to explain what she meant.

  “Oh!” Realization dawned on him. “I didn’t know.”

  She collapsed back into her seat. That had been a close call.

  Danny glanced behind him and saw the fire in her hand before she waved it away.

  “You’re kidding me. She’s a fire starter too?” He glanced at his brother in disbelief. “It’s hard to believe that she’s like me.” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “No offense, but I always thought a woman with the same abilities would be mine.” He slid a sideways glance to his brother. “Are you sure Grey isn’t meant for me?”

  “Oh no. This isn’t a game of let’s pass Grey around and see who sticks.” She leaned forward again. “And what did you mean that you’re one too?”

  Danny grinned and lifted one hand from the wheel. He snapped his fingers, and a ball of fire shot to life.

  Beck shook his head as if agitated with a small child. Placing his hand over his brothers, he held it for a second, and when he removed his hand, the fire was gone, replaced with a single ball of ice.

  Beck Marshall was just full of surprises with his ability to turn fire into ice with a single touch.

  He took the ball of ice from his brother’s hand and lowered the window, tossing the ice outside. Heat from the sweltering air clung to her face, heating the cab instantly the minute that the window was down. The Texas heat and dust were going to do more than ruin her hair. Her allergies were probably going to get her banned for life because of starting a fire in the one place on earth that was drier than anywhere she’d seen before.

  “Take us to the hotel, Danny.”

  “But Mom…”

  “Wouldn’t appreciate a stranger burning down her house. Just explain that she needs to gather the others and we’ll meet them in the sacred spot tonight.”

  “Uh…” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “When you told us you were bringing a guest, we only reserved one room at the hotel, just in case the doll— Grey didn’t feel comfortable staying with us. We didn’t book two rooms. We figured you’d both be staying at the house.”

  Beck shrugged. “No problem. I’ll get another one when we get there.”

  Danny passed a field with several large tents set up. Long trailers were parked along the perimeter. Horses were being led around the field. She watched a sea of cowboy hats of every shape and size. Women in short shorts paraded around with the shirts tied up in a knot in front. Daisy Duke was probably among the crowd.

  “Rodeo’s in town,” Danny announced. “You’ll be hard-pressed to find another room within a hundred miles of here, unless you bunk at the house.”

  “I’m not leaving her at the hotel by herself in a strange town and stranded. It’s not happening.”

  Danny turned around in a parking lot and pulled back out. “Then you can take the guest house. I’ll sleep at Mom’s, but you owe me.”

  “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea,” Grey mentioned from the back seat. “Anywhere near those animals and your mother might run me out of town for having an impromptu barbeque of her precious animals.”

  Danny glanced back in the rearview mirror and winked. “You’ll be nowhere near them. My house is still on the property but nowhere near the cattle.”

  Chapter 7

  The guesthouse was more than Danny had described. Grey wasn’t one to rough it. She’d been thinking he lived in a small shack near the main house. She’d been wrong. The two-story log cabin was nestled back in the woods with a spectacular view of a large lake from the front porch. If Grey ever had to rough it, this would be her idea of doing so. No ten-man tent for her…. No, she was coming here.

  In the distance, birds chirped as they sat on large cypress trees that were as green as anything Grey would have seen in a rainforest. Fish broke the smooth surface of the waters as butterflies flew by. Her heart was calm and at peace as she breathed in the crisp, clean air that lacked the ever-present salt in Blansett.

  Danny had dropped them off and left without much fuss. Grey was mesmerized by the serenity. There was no hustle and bustle of tourists. Hell, there were no other people in sight. The serenity soothed her soul like nothing she’d ever experienced before.

  Beck circled his arm
s around her waist from behind. His warm, strong body pressed against her back. He dipped his head to whisper into her ear. “Do you like it?”

  Grey didn’t move to push him away. Him holding her in this place felt right, felt like home. It made no sense, but sometimes feelings never did. “It’s beautiful, so quiet, so natural.”

  Pointing at the vast green around them, she couldn’t help but say, “Texas is so dry. How is it that this place is so green?”

  “The same way you can start fires. My family can make rain.”

  “Amazing.” Her voice came out a whisper.

  “You’re amazing,” he whispered beneath his breath as he turned her in his arms. “Can I ask you something?”

  She looked up into his warm brown eyes. “Will your question ruin the moment?”

  The corner of his mouth tilted, and Grey forgot to breathe. She knew she wasn’t girlfriend material. She’d even been upfront about it, but Beck… He made her want things. Feelings that had once been foreign to her overwhelmed her, holding her captive. Things she’d never wanted for herself, things she never knew she lacked.

  “No, my question won’t ruin the moment,” he answered. “But this might.”

  He pressed his lips to hers, nibbling her bottom lip for entrance. She opened and let him in. His tongue stroked against hers in a slow exploration. He took his time devouring her as she fell under his spell. His strong hand splayed against her back, drawing her body flush against his. The move was tender and right; it was everything she’d never known she wanted and would now use to compare against all others.

  Beck broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. Her heart raced in her chest. She didn’t want to speak and ruin what they shared.

  “Forget the question.” He slid his fingers through hers. “Come on, let me give you the grand tour.”

  The moment, the kiss, the need she thought would be lost was only made stronger with his touch. He pulled her into the house and shut the door behind them.

  The inside of the house was just as magnificent as the outside, the colors and layout warm and inviting. A fireplace nestled into the wall with a mantel overhead. Candles perched on top. A soft rug lay over hardwood floors. The kitchen just beyond the living room was surprisingly clean, considering a bachelor twin brother occupied the space.

  Stairs lay against the wall and went up to a second landing that branched off in both directions. Beck gestured to the landing. “Both rooms upstairs are master suites with full baths, so you can take your pick.”

  “I was expecting something different.” She turned in place, letting the ambiance of the room wrap around her. “He’s a bachelor. Where’s the dirty laundry, the empty pizza boxes and pyramid of beer cans, and where’s the hung-over bimbo that likes to be called sugar?”

  “He knows better than to live like that. I’d kick his ass out.” Beck’s eyes glinted in delight. He left her to walk into the kitchen and grab two water bottles from the fridge. He handed her one.

  “This is yours?”

  He twisted the top off his water and took a sip. “Built it with my bare hands.”

  “Why’d you ever leave?”

  Beck’s smile fell, and she knew she’d asked the wrong question. He pressed his lips together and held her gaze. “To find you.”

  * * * *

  Seeing her in his house messed with his head. She belonged there with him. She knew it, and so did he. He could see the potential between them. Why was she being so stubborn?

  The light from the cabin swept out onto the porch where Beck stood. His gaze ran over the water as crickets chirped nearby. It was quiet, almost too quiet now that he’d gotten used to his new hometown. The cabin was a great place to escape for pleasure, but not hide out from the world. He liked his new town, the new people, co-workers, and friends. His once favorite lullaby of crickets chirping under the moonlight had been replaced by the sounds of rolling waves as he fell asleep.

  The door creaked open behind him. Her perfume drifted to his nose.

  “Are you ready to go?”

  “I’m showered and changed, but you never told me where we’re going.”

  “Bring the pendants. We’re going to see the elders of the coven.” He pivoted to watch her expression. “They’re going to break your spell.”

  He stepped off the porch toward his brother’s approaching truck.

  “How?” she asked as she followed behind him. “It’s not possible. Only the caster can remove the spell.”

  “Exactly.”

  Danny pulled up in the truck with the engine running. He lifted his arm and tapped his watch to indicate they were late.

  Beck held the door open, hoping she’d climb in the backseat. She didn’t. His heart was breaking without the magic as she looked at him with her sad eyes. Had she finally realized what he was about to have done, to him and to her?

  He stepped up to her and lifted the pendants that lay on her chest. He ran his hand over the glass, trying to memorize the feel, the vibrant color and the energy they possessed. “The coven forged these to bring true love together.” He looked up into her beautiful green eyes. “They’re the only ones who can destroy them.”

  “But you wanted this. Why would you change your mind?”

  Cupping her cheek, he lowered his head until their lips were inches apart. “Because sometimes no matter how badly you want something, in order to prove your love, you have to set it free.”

  He gave her a tender kiss and pulled back. “I’m setting you free. The only way I know how.”

  Grey’s brows dipped, yet she remained silent as she stepped around him and heaved herself up into the truck, pulling the door shut behind her.

  “Did you miss me, doll— I mean Grey?”

  Grey gave him a sad smile, but she didn’t answer, only turning her head to stare out the window as Beck climbed in and tapped the dashboard. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

  “What’s the matter with her?” Danny asked.

  “She’s fine.”

  “She is sitting right here.”

  And his Grey was back. The momentary emotion had been replaced with the attitude that he loved.

  “What’s the matter with you?” Danny asked, looking into the rearview mirror.

  “I’m fine, just looking forward to getting back to Blansett and having my life back.”

  Beck avoided his brother’s gaze, knowing he’d see pity in his twin’s eyes. He didn’t want pity. He didn’t want anything but to give Grey what she wanted most, even if it shattered his heart into pieces.

  Danny pulled up outside the bingo hall and killed the ignition.

  “This is the secret meeting place?” Grey unbuckled and rested her arms on the seatback.

  “Not usually,” Danny answered as he opened the door. “But it’s bingo night, so they’re in the back room waiting on us before the hall opens to play their nightly session.” He winked at her. “That’s why we’re on a timetable.”

  She opened her door and slid out. Worry seeped from her voice. “But don’t they need supplies? Isn’t this a big deal? They’re breaking true love.” Her voice rose an octave.

  “Don’t worry, Grey. They know what they’re doing.” Beck got out and closed the door. He laid his palm on the small of her back and guided her to the locked double doors through the throng of people waiting to get in. When the employee saw them, he unlocked one door and ushered them in while keeping everyone else out.

  “They’re in the back.”

  Beck nodded in acknowledgement. Having been to the bingo hall with his mother and grandmother numerous times before, it was a familiar memory. He breathed in the smoky aroma and coughed from the familiar smell.

  Workers scurried around, setting out boxes full of bingo cards while an announcer on the podium verified he had all the balls. Grey chuckled beneath her breath.

  Danny ushered them into a small break room with a conference table where six women were lounging while drinking coffee spiked with
God only knows what.

  “There he is. There’s my baby.” His mother screeched as she hopped off her chair and threw herself into his arms, laying tiny kisses all over his face.

  “Quit hogging him.” His grandmother limped over and shoved her daughter out of the way. “He’s my grandbaby.”

  Danny tossed his hands up. “What am I, chopped liver?”

  Granny waved her arm in dismissal. “We see you every day. You move away and not come back to visit for a year and we’ll treat you the same way.”

  “Is this her?” Grams asked while sizing Grey up. “What’s her problem? Does she think she’s too good for you?”

  Beck’s eyes widened as his mother reached for Grams and wrapped an arm over her shoulder.

  “It’s not like that, Mother.” She tried to soothe the old woman. “It’s more complicated.”

  Grey just stood there, taking in the whole scene. There were no telltale signs on her face of what she might be thinking.

  She stepped forward and held out her hand to Beck’s mom. “Mrs. Marshall, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Call me Jan.” Beck’s mom shook her hand. “And the pleasure is all mine.” Jan squeezed Gram’s shoulders. “This is Edna, Beck and Danny’s grandmother. You can just ignore her.”

  “Oh no.” Grey gave a genuine smile and stepped closer. She took Gram’s hands in hers and squeezed. “I understand. Beck is an amazing man, and any woman would be lucky to have him.” Grey tilted her head. “The problem isn’t whether Beck is good enough for me, but the other way around. He deserves better. I’m the type of girl who tells it how it is, I’m not weak, I’m not timid, and I’m not afraid to speak my mind. I’d do nothing more than embarrass him at every turn. I’m not true-love material, and I know that.” Beck watched her swallow, as if biting back tears. “I want him to be happy, and I know that can’t happen with me.”

  She lifted the pendants from around her neck and laid them in Grams’ hand, closing her fingers around both pieces. “I only put the pendant on to keep him from buying it. Not because I was meant to find it and him me. I did it because he wanted it, and I was being difficult.” Grey shrugged. “It’s what I do. I’m sorry if this threw his master plan off kilter, but I’d like to see it righted if it’s possible.”