Gula: The Oswald Witches

by Mathew Ortiz

  “In the sink and not broken,” she proudly boasted.

  “Getting good at that,” Duncan praised. “Do you know what Oliver wants?”

  “Nope, I was—”

  The air rent, and Mills appeared with their Aunt Mags.

  Dusting off the shoulder of her pale blue blouse, she smoothed her skirt and demanded. “I’m here. Where is Oliver?”

  “The library, Aunt Mags.” William rolled his eyes. He strode off toward the library, Rush in tow. Mags snorted and followed, as did the rest of the family. Jaime brought up the rear with Mills. As she entered the room, she spotted Oliver nervously pacing by the fireplace and Donovan lounging comfortably in a high back armchair, eyeing them all as they came in.

  Finding an empty chair near the fireplace, she sat down, and Mills perched on the arm of the chair.

  Oliver halted his pacing and turned, facing his family. He opened his mouth to speak, then paused. Aunt Mags was not having it.

  “You called us all here, Oliver. Don’t stand there with your mouth hanging open.” Mags tapped a long red nail on the side table by her chair.

  Her brother gulped audibly, and Jaime frowned. Oliver wasn’t the nervous type.

  “Guys, I--I called you here because I have an announcement to make.” He stopped talking. Jaime, like her family, waited…and waited.

  “And that would be?” Reeka asked.

  “I--I…This is very important.”

  “And that is?” William droll voice prompted his brother.

  “I-I…What I’m trying to say is…uhm…”

  “For Pete’s sake! Oliver and I are mates!” Donovan bellowed from the far side of the room, and all heads turned to him. Oliver sputtered, and Donovan bounded out of his chair and took her brother in his arms. Jaime blinked, shocked.

  “It’s about time,” William snapped, and he squeaked as Rush jabbed him in the ribs.

  “Be nice,” Rush admonished, and William blush.

  “Ex-excuse me?” Duncan’s querulous voice came from her left.

  Oliver smiled as Donovan hugged him close. “Donovan is my bondmate, and I’m his mate.”

  “Did you bond?” Jaime asked, her head swimming. Oliver and Donovan? A witch and a werewolf?

  Oliver smile deepened into a grin. “Yes. Both his way and my way.”

  “Congratulations, Oliver. I’m happy for you.” Rush got up and shook hands with both men. Reeka followed suit, as did Mills and William. Duncan came shuffling over like a sallow wraith. The pain in his eyes nearly made Jaime cry, but he didn’t break down. He hugged Oliver and shook Donovan’s hand.

  “May Hecate bless you both,” he whispered, and Oliver hugged him hard. “Excuse me, please. I’m suddenly tired.” Waving off Jaime and William’s attempts to help him, he exited the room. Jaime came back to her brother and his bondmate.

  “Wha--when did you? How did you--? I—”

  “I knew he was my bondmate the day we met here in the library. I wasn’t sure if I was ready, but…well, he’s persistent.” Oliver groused even as he snuggled deeper into Donovan’s side. Jaime saw the touches, the look of love Donovan was giving her brother, and she rushed the two, throwing her arms around them.

  “I’m so glad you found the one, Ollie!” she cried. Oliver returned her embrace, as did Donovan. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

  “Because they are both afraid of what Alpha Temple is going to say.” Like a splash of cold water, Margaret’s singular statement changed the mood of the room. Jaime let her brother and his bondmate go and stared at her aunt. “Please, don’t look at me like that, Jaime. I knew Donovan was Oliver’s bondmate the moment the two were in the same room. I sensed the pull that was drawing them together. I am happy for you, Oliver, and I welcome you to the family, Donovan. But my statement stands. You are both, more so Donovan, afraid of what his brother will say.”

  “He may not accept our mating,” Donovan muttered.

  “He may not like it, but it is a true mating and bonding. That supersedes any laws by the individual clans. No Keeper, Demoness High, Tahl, or Alpha can interfere with a true bonding. It is a sacred thing.” Reeka offered from her chair.

  “No one from our pack has mated with a member of the other clans in ages. Not since my aunt. It’s unheard of!” Distress distorted Donovan’s features.

  “Your clan, yes. However, other shifters have mated with members of the other clans. Your father is to blame for the isolationist mentality of your pack. Dathan can’t deny your mating. The question is, will he exile you from your pack? Make you a rogue?”

  Jaime watched the color drain from Donovan’s face. Oliver reached up tugged at a dread, getting his bondmates attention.

  “He’s your brother. He wouldn’t.” Oliver kissed Donovan lightly.

  “He could and may,” Mags snapped. “Do not be starry-eyed, either of you. Dathan is Alpha, and his word is law amongst his pack. To make matters worse, Donovan is his Beta! I have to admit when I saw you two were fated, I was…upset. I know the history of Cold Creek Pack, and I’m concerned that old biases will arise when Dathan learns of your joining. We were just making some headway, and then you two happened. I was and still am afraid this bonding will color the new alliance.”

  “You can’t blame them for fate’s plan,” Jaime hissed and was rewarded with a frigid look from her aunt.

  “Did I say that? I did not. Do not speak for me, Jaime. I have my own voice.” The slap down was hard, and Jaime felt her face grow hot. “Dathan arrives in less than two weeks. We must wait for him to weigh in on the subject. The only thing I can think of is that Donovan tell him of his mating now.”

  “What if he demands I come back to Cold Creek?” Donovan questioned, and she saw her brother tighten his grip on the shifter.

  “That bodes my next question. Where are you going to live? Round one of Oliver’s Ascension Trials is only four weeks away.”

  “His what?” Jaime, William, and Rush all questioned at once. Jaime frowned as Oliver’s blush deepened and stretched from his hairline to his arms.

  “Oh, by the way. I’m trying out to be the next Keeper of the Tomes and Master of the Earth Clans.” Oliver added. His face betrayed his embarrassment.

  “You?” William asked, sounding surprised.

  “Yeah, me. Why are you so surprised, William?” Oliver snapped, and now it was William’s turn to blush.

  “You never said a word about trying out.”

  “That’s ‘cause you’d make fun of me!” Oliver countered hotly.

  “No, we wouldn’t--” Jaime began lamely, but Oliver cut her off with a slash of his hand.

  “Yes, you would. I’m the dumb jock of the family. William is the leader. Duncan’s the brain, you’re the beauty, and I’m the dumb one.”

  A low growl permeated the air, and she realized it was coming from Donovan. It would appear Oliver’s siblings had a very high opinion of his mate. “Stop calling yourself dumb, mate. You are far from it.”

  Oliver gave him a half shrug. “It’s how they see me.”

  “That’s not true, Ollie.” William frowned as he spoke, coming closer to his brother.

  “You thought Restless Spirits was a stupid idea.” Oliver stabbed a finger at William. “Another one of Ollie’s follies! Well surprise, surprise, William! My little company is doing quite well. We don’t just sort out ghosts for humans. We also take care of them for supernatural clients. We make excellent money. How did you think I could afford to pay Rory and Meshach? Monopoly money?” Oliver’s anger was apparent and William only foundered.

  “I didn’t think—”

  “You thought enough to demand your money back as soon as I could give it to you.”

  William flamed bright red, and Rush scowled at him, not looking too happy about this revelation. “Listen, I already apologized for that.”

  “Yes, you did, William. What you don’t know is that I keep a separate business account for Restless Spirits, and I have not used a cent of Oswald
money to keep my business afloat.”

  “Ollie,” Donovan murmured, and Oliver stilled at his bondmate’s voice. “Let it go.”

  Oliver grimaced. “I’m sorry, William, but you all have to admit, you never expected much from me.”

  “You never gave us reason to think otherwise,” Jaime snarked, and Oliver’s eyes widened at her tone. “Well it’s true. I’m serious, Ollie. You don’t help around the house, you do nothing but skip out on chores or family business. You spend all your time playing rugby or drinking with your friends. You did all you could to absolve yourself of any responsibility to us and our family. I personally thought you created Restless Spirits just to get away from us and our life here!”

  Oliver paled under her rant. She hadn’t meant to sound so angry, but damn it, she was mad. How dare he blame them for thinking so little of him, when he went out of his way to be bone idle? “You have the nerve to say that to us and blame us? I mean seriously, Ollie. You want to be Keeper. A position of esteemed responsibility for hundreds of members of the Earth Clan, and we can’t get you to put your dishes away?”

  “Hey, guys, this is my mate you’re talking to.” Donovan growled a warning which she promptly ignored. No wolf or man was going to intimidate her!

  “And it’s my brother I’m talking to!” She rounded on him, glaring. “Be sure of what you want, Ollie. This isn’t a job you can leave when you get overwhelmed. Keepers are for life.”

  “But Aunt Mags—” he muttered lamely, but Jaime wasn’t having it.

  “Is Keeper Pro Tem until the next Ascension, and she’s the first to say how daunting the task of being Keeper is. You may have the power to be Keeper. It doesn’t mean you have the ability to lead our Clans!” she railed, and a small part of her winced at her brother’s pale countenance.

  “He has the power. The trials will tell if he has the nerve and strength to lead.” Mags fiddled with her wine. “I think you all underestimate him. I see him as Oliver Oswald Blackthorne, son of Euphemia Oswald Blackthorne. He came from two powerful individuals. Your mother may have been a doting parent, but she was forged in steel. Your father was as hard as stone and scrupulously fair. Oliver has the best of both. Kindness and steel of your mother and the hardnosed attitude of your father. I’m putting all my faith in him. Perhaps you all should take a second look at your brother. How well do you really know him?” All her brothers blushed, as did she.

  Mags glared at all of them. No one made a peep. Turning to Oliver and Donovan, she gave them a small smile. “Donovan, you are the best thing to happen to my nephew. You are his balance in the chaos. Whatever happens with your brother, whatever happens with Oliver’s Ascension trials, you have each other. Never forget that.” Her lips twitched as she added, “And the stamp of approval from the current Keeper of the Tomes and Mistress of the Earth Clans.”

  “You have my vote, Oliver.” Rush raised his wine glass and saluted Oliver.

  “Thanks, Rush.”

  “Mine, too, baby brother.” William looked so guilty. “I’m sorry. I’ve been so wrapped up in work and the house and…” He gazed at Rush. “… finding Rush, I’ve neglected all of you.”

  Oliver’s lips twisted. “I understand. Especially now. I understand what you and Rush have. It’s like a part of me was missing. You know when you do a puzzle that’s missing a piece, and how frustrated you get? That was me. Bonding with Donovan changed all that. I’m happy, really, really happy.” He turned his head, looking at all of them. Oliver fixated on Jaime as he spoke. “I’m going into the trials with eyes wide open, and Aunt Margaret has been training me. I have a good shot at it.”

  Jaime nibbled her lip. He didn’t deserve her anger, only her support. “I’m sorry, too, Oliver.”

  “It’s okay, Jaime. You’re right. I am lazy and a slob, and I do skip out on my responsibilities of the family. But I’m trying to change that.”

  “You can start by washing those rank sneakers of yours!” Donovan grumbled.

  “Hey, you’re supposed to be on my side!” Oliver poked him in the ribs, making Donovan yelp.

  “Side, schmide! They stink!” Donovan snorted. Oliver grinned unabashedly.

  “Okay, okay, I’ll wash them. Jeez, they don’t smell that bad.”

  “Yes. They. Do!” They all yelled in unison. Startled, everyone burst out laughing. Oliver crossed his arms over his chest and glowered at them.

  “I get no respect!”

  Donovan hugged him close and bussed him soundly. Oliver squirmed but joined in the laughter. Dinner was uneventful, as was the remainder of the evening.

  Chapter 11

  The next morning’s breakfast was a chatter fest. The family was eager to embrace his new bondmate, and Oliver couldn’t be happier. The big shifter was fast taking up all his thoughts. He knew he should be practicing, but he’d rather be snuggling up in the raw with Donovan, exploring the shifter’s glorious caramel skin.

  William’s spoon clattered loudly into his bowl as he finished his cereal. The general cacophony of a busy Blackthorne morning was like a herd of trumpeting elephants. Life was coming back to Oswald house, and it was sorely needed. In general the mood was festive. The rustle of papers drew his attention, and he saw Aunt Reeka was reading the latest Farmer’s Almanac, noting pages to come back to later. Jaime sat chatting idly with Rush about the recent increase in missing persons in the greater Boston area. Oliver was busy snarfing down a huge pile of eggs and bacon. He and Donovan had spent the evening basically fucking on every surface in his room, and he was famished. The wolf had worn him out. It took all he had not to wince when he sat down. To say his ass was tender was an understatement.

  Elizabeth bustled into the kitchen, fetching fresh coffee for the staff’s late breakfast. As she was about to walk about the room, Karina came bounding in, grabbed a grapefruit from the fridge, and ran out.

  In the last few months the house had gone through some changes, and all were growing accustomed, some with reluctance, to them. Bennett, their chef, had disappeared two months ago with no explanation or note. He was just gone. Oliver had heard from William that Bennett had not shown up at his family home. He was supposed to go and see them for an emergency, but no one had seen or heard from him since he left. The only message was the written letter he had sent Elizabeth. Jaime spoke up and said she would look into the issue. William had gladly let her deal with it. He was busy with his business, and Oliver knew he was stressing out.

  Tjeed van Waijenburg, their new chef, was fitting in nicely, beyond a few bumps in the beginning. Oliver frowned at the thought of Bennett. It was odd for him to disappear.

  A grunt came from behind him, and Donovan wandered into the kitchen. Donovan yawned hard, stretching, his shirt riding up to give the whole room a view of his wash board stomach. Oliver grinned, a chunk of egg hanging from his lips.

  “Morning, Wolfie.”

  Donovan only grumbled and growled. Eyes half closed he poured himself a cup of coffee, sniffed it, and took a long drink, sighing in happiness.

  William smirked and sipped his coffee. He was flipping through the stacks of mail that Singh had brought him when a golden envelope fell out of the stack and hit the table. All conversation at the table stopped. Picking it up with shaking hands, he gave it to Oliver, whose own hands were equally as unsteady. Looking around the expectant table, Oliver opened it and read the contents, his voice thick.

  “It’s official. I was sponsored by Aunt Mags, and I am in the running for the Keepership of the Earth Clans. The Ascension Trials are in two weeks.” Oliver felt vaguely ill.

  “Congrats, Ollie!” Jaime said, breaking the air with her cheerful exclamation.

  “Yeah, congratulations, Oliver.” Rush toasted him with his coffee cup.

  “I feel sick.” Oliver paled, groaned, and laid his head on the table. “Fuck! What did I get myself into?”

  “Just nerves, sweetie. You’ll do splendidly,” Reeka added without looking up from her almanac. Donovan came to Oliver’
s side and put his hands on his shoulders.

  “Don’t sweat it. You got this in the bag.” Oliver lifted his head to look at Donovan. “You’re ready.”

  “I know. I’ve been practicing but you never kno—oh, morning, bro!” Oliver’s voice hitched, and all eyes followed his.

  Oliver’s heart broke as Duncan shuffled into the kitchen. He looked like a zombie. His wounds from that night, that horrible night, had taken weeks to heal. The healing process had drained him, and he continued to lose weight. Oliver and Bea had spent days healing his injuries, exhausting themselves in the process, and it had taken even longer before the bruising faded. The emotional scars were deeper.

  Since returning to the house after those awful events at The River Styx, Duncan had been inconsolable. He barely ate or slept, and hardly came out of his room unless it was for work or his studies. They all saw he was fading away, despite his desperate attempts to stay busy. Aunt Bea had told them some witches love their bondmates so much that their death takes away the will to live. Concerned, William had called in a therapist at Oliver’s urging. Duncan refused at first to go see him. William, unwavering, found one to come to the house. For four months Dr. Benton tried to get Duncan to talk to him with only limited success. Duncan’s grief was titanic. His health declined day by day, along with his emotional state. William and his family watched helplessly as he grew thinner and thinner, his skin lying taut over bones, and his eyes were hollow and ringed with dark circles. His blond brown hair was greasy and lank on his head; his glasses looked huge on his cachectic face.

  “Morning, Duncan,” Jaime’s voice quavered. Duncan raised his eyes to her and nodded.

  Making his way over to the coffee pot, he poured a cup and sipped it slowly.