The Bewitched Box Set

by W. J. May

  Coron laid on the floor laughing. “Well done, Princess.”

  Brady rushed over to Karis. “That was incredible. Are you okay?”

  She stood there trembling. “Yes, I think so. It all happened so fast.” She walked over to Coron and offered her hand to help him up. “I'm so sorry.”

  “Do not be sorry. We did not know what powers would awaken, but you impressed even me.”

  She smiled at him. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure. Now I believe you both are ready to train with Jarion more thoroughly.”

  Karis fell back onto her bed. “That was exhausting. I never knew using my powers would be so hard.”

  Brady landed next to her, his arms stretched out. “You're telling me. I've trained a lot but nothing to this extent.”

  “Ya, and Jarion wasn’t exactly taking it easy on us either.”

  Brady chortled. “I know. You totally projected your thoughts today in training.”

  She sat up quickly. “I did not.”

  “Oh but you did. It was actually pretty freaking cool. At first I was a little confused as to why I could hear your voice inside my head when you weren’t talking, but then I caught on.”

  “You’re serious, aren’t you?”

  He laced his fingers together and cradled his head on his entwined hands. “Very. As I recall you were about to send him flying through the room with your shield when Coron came in and ended the training for day.”

  “I can’t believe I did that! That is incredible. I never knew I could do that.” Another thought raced through her mind and her hand went to her mouth as she gasped. “You don’t think Jarion heard my thoughts do you? I wonder if I projected them to everyone.” She buried her face in her hands. “I hope I didn’t. That would be so humiliating.”

  “I don’t think you did. Jarion never gave a clue that he heard anyway.”

  “I'm thinking a hot shower then bed. This was just too much for one day.”

  He rolled over onto his side, propping his head up with his hand. “Together?”

  “Brady,” she chastised.

  “See, I told you that you were a tease.” He rolled back over and let out a deep breath. “Fine, but you better go now before I change my mind and join you. I'm a man and can only stay abstinent for so long.”

  She giggled and jumped off the bed, quickly grabbing her things and heading to the bathing room. The hot water felt heavenly as it pounded against her tender skin. Every muscle in her body ached from days of training with Jarion. She could imagine how sore Brady must be. He hadn't picked up on the full shield yet, which made his training even harder. The news about Brady hearing her thoughts excited and made her nervous at the same time.

  She closed her eyes and thought of him. It seemed so erotic to picture his well-muscled body as she stood naked. They were both adults, so why did she hesitate when it came to being with him? She’d never been with a man before. Maybe that was her distress? She imagined him next to her, how he would look as the water ran down his skin. A deep burning ached in her core.

  “Ugh, this is insane.” Karis shut the water off and grabbed a towel. Hastily, she pulled her nightgown over her head. “Of course,” she muttered under her breath. The gown was just as short, if not shorter, than the ones she’d wore over the last week. It was made of a light pink material that was soft to the touch and sparkled. “Do Perditian women not wear modest clothing to bed?”

  “It wouldn’t be as fun and very restrictive.”

  Karis spun around and gasped. Quickly, she tried to cover herself with her arms. “Get out!”

  Brady chuckled but didn’t budge. Instead, he sauntered toward her. “I don’t know what happened, but one minute I was in bed, and the next I had this amazing but extremely sexy image of you in the shower.” His voice was low and husky.

  She quivered under his stare. Heat filled her body as she gazed down his bare chest and to the waist of his jeans. Her mouth went dry, and she fought to say something—anything.

  He reached out and slid his hand through her damp hair to the back of her neck. “You projected your thoughts.”

  She couldn’t have. Could she? Her mouth hung open, daring her to speak. “I... uh...”

  “I like seeing you flustered.”

  She’d have to be more careful with her thoughts—especially around other people. At least, until she could get it under control.

  He pressed his body closer. She could feel him along every inch of her skin. Heat radiated off him and soaked into her soul, making her flushed.

  Brady leaned in. “I’ve wanted to kiss you again since that night outside.” He brushed his lips across hers before she could protest.

  His tongue met hers in a tantalizing dance that left her craving more. He tasted like raisins and coffee. Her knees shook as he wrapped his other arm around her middle and pressed her closer. There was little between them, and her nightgown was so thin that she felt her flesh heat up against his.

  An unfamiliar but urgent need filled her. Her mind sifted through the uncharted feelings that churned within her. She didn’t know what she wanted, but she wanted it right now.

  He deepened the kiss, and she heard a groan. The sensual sound mixed with a second one; though she wasn’t sure who made the noise, it left her needing more—to give more. All she could think of was Brady. She ran her hands up his chest and over his shoulders.

  He left her mouth and feathered kisses down her neck, lightly kissing the hollow of her throat. She let out a whimper. Everything he did felt amazing. She let him lead, showing her the way.

  She kissed the crook of his neck, but it wasn’t enough. She wanted to touch him everywhere. He sucked in a breath, and for a moment she was afraid that she’d done something wrong. Karis backed away, embarrassed.

  “Don’t stop,” he whispered deeply. She was grateful because she didn’t want to stop. She wanted more.

  Karis looked into his eyes. They were hazy, filled with an essence that consumed her. He ran his hand down her side then up under her gown. Nothing ever felt as heavenly as when his skin touched hers.

  Brady lifted her nightgown over her head. She stood there naked before him and let him look. There was something sensual about letting him see her nude, just like her vision in the shower.

  He grinned. “Yes, just like when you were in the shower. I agree. Very sexy.”

  She swallowed hard. Yes, she would have to be more careful around him with her thoughts, but right now, she couldn’t think hard enough, or long enough, to concentrate on anything other than him.

  “Karis,” he whispered against her cheek. “I need you.”

  She didn’t know what to expect, but she knew that she needed him too and didn’t hesitate when he lifted her into his arms and carried her to her room.

  Chapter Nine

  Karis lay on her side, curled up with her head on Brady’s shoulder. Her skin tingled as she gently traced the tattoo on his arm with her fingertip. She blushed as she replayed their lovemaking in her mind. She was sore, but he was patient with her since it was her first time.

  She snuggled closer to him and his fingertips rubbed lazy circles on her bare shoulder. His touch excited her and left a trail of heat that warmed her whole body. It was hard not to notice how her body reacted to his, and she could feel her core respond to the thought of being intimate with him again.

  It amazed her that she responded to his skilled movements so easily. The way her body naturally arched to meet his, and the height of oblivion that she reached was truly nothing short of spectacular.

  “Hey, you best control those thoughts, woman. You’ll make me weak before the sun has a chance to rise.”

  She raised her head and stared into his eyes. Desire glazed his brandy-colored irises. “I doubt anything could weaken you.”

  “You did.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m gonna go take my shower. You can join me.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

  “No, that’s okay, I’ll get one
after you.”

  She watched as he climbed out of bed. His backside caved with a slight dimple as he walked. She loved how he moved.

  “Hey, I said stop thinking about it,” he teased. “You really are a tease.”

  He climbed back on the bed and kissed her. “One more?”

  Already her body beckoned him. Would she ever have enough? She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. “Just one?”

  “Again!” Jarion yelled from across the room.

  Karis bit her lip to keep from crying. She was on her hands and knees, unable to get back up. Not only did the day’s training hurt more than usual, but her arm burned fiercely. She didn’t tell anyone about her pain, but it certainly caused a hindrance in her routine.

  Brady ran over to Karis, touching her arm. She winced but didn’t say anything. Jarion didn’t give up or give an inch as he sent out another shock wave. Brady held his other hand up and created a force field around them both.

  She smiled up at him. “You did it.” She didn’t realize how weak she was until she spoke. Her voice came out quiet, and she wasn’t sure she could convince Brady that she was okay.

  “I’m impressed as well.” Jarion walked over to them.

  Brady clenched his jaw. “You could’ve hurt her. She was down, her guard dropped.”

  “When the Shamike soldiers break through, do you think they will stop just because she falls down?”

  Brady’s jaw clenched and his vision blurred behind streaks of red. In his mind all he could think of was how to hurt Jarion, not keeping his anger in check. In one fast motion, Brady was on his feet and did an uppercut to Jarion’s jaw. Jarion fell to the floor. Brady was on him and continued to hit him in the face.

  A soft overwhelming feeling settled over him like a blanket to his insides. Clearly, he could hear Karis’s voice in his mind. Her melodious whisper and calming words helped him get a handle on his rage, and he pulled back. He stood up and spit on Jarion. “Should I have stopped because you were down?”

  Jarion smiled as he watched Brady help Karis up. She held her arm close to her chest. “So that’s how you did it.” Jarion wiped the back of his hand across his lips, smearing the trickle of blood to his cheek.

  Brady snapped his head and glared at him. “That’s how I did what?”

  “Aridam beings are bonding-type people. The only ones that we know of in existence.”

  Karis looked at Brady then back at Jarion. “What are you talking about?” That was something she knew nothing about.

  Jarion’s brow rose, revealing a small cut by the corner of his eye. “How long has your arm burned?”

  Brady took her arm and held it carefully. He bent down to get a better look. “Holy shit.”

  She jerked her arm back, regretting the harsh movement. “I’m fine.”

  “Karis, did you see that? My freaking tattoo is on your arm, only it’s more of a burn.”

  Jarion stepped forward and took her arm to inspect it. “Like I said, a bonding people.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Brady’s nostrils flared.

  “After you and Karis joined together, it formed a bond. When you touched her, you were able to channel into her powers and use them. You channeled her shielding power without any effort to throw me across the room. Usually it only happens when there is a deep connection; otherwise you’d be bonded with the first person you ever, uh, you get what I’m saying.”

  Karis winced, then spoke through clenched teeth, “Like what kind of connection?”

  Brady turned and placed his hand at the small of her back. “We can talk later. Let’s go get you into bed to rest for a bit.”

  She stared at him for a moment but was too tired to argue. He was hiding something, she could feel it.

  “I’m fine, I promise.” Karis tried to convince the entourage of people in her room that came to check on her. Brady was the hardest to convince. He stayed with her, only leaving to talk with Jarion once.

  Coron nodded his head at Karis with his arms folded across his bare chest. “I should have guessed you weren’t a couple when you first arrived. But, I’m glad you finally came to your senses. A man needs a good woman by his side.” He glanced away.

  Karis blushed. She wasn’t comfortable talking about her “behind closed doors” relationship with Brady with anyone, especially Coron. “Alright. I think we have established that Brady and I are together. We need to focus on what King Tharious is doing to break through the portals.”

  Brady leaned against the wall closest to the window and stared out toward the gateway. “So we’ve been training, learning defense and powers, but I haven’t asked why he hasn’t been able to get through yet. I mean it’s a portal, what do you mean he has to break through?”

  “A portal can only be used if you know the energy code. Think of it as a security system.” Coron rested his hand on the hilt of his sword.

  Karis stared off in thought. “When I was younger, when my dad was still alive, he’d take me to desolate places to train.”

  Brady cocked his head. “And you’re telling us this, why?”

  She stood up. Her dress touched the ground, flowing out from the wide belt that buckled around her tiny waist.

  “I never achieved what he pushed for. I guess I thought I’d have forever with him to learn.” She strolled over to the window next to Brady. “He wanted me to build a portal.”

  “No,” Coron gasped. “It isn’t possible. Portal shifters are extremely rare. There hasn’t been any heard of in years.”

  “Apparently they have been kept a secret in my bloodline.”

  Brady tensed up. “Isn’t the King of Shamike in your bloodline?”

  She shivered despite the warm, salty air. “He is my cousin by birth.”

  Coron briskly strode to Karis and took her by the wrists, making her wince. “But you never accomplished such a feat?”

  She shook her head. “I came close once, but then...” She looked away. The horrible memory filled her with sadness and her eyes filled with tears that she didn’t want anyone notice.

  “He was killed,” Coron finished for her and dropped her hands.

  “Who killed him, Karis?” Brady asked, his full attention on her.

  She gazed intently into his eyes. “I believe it was Tharious.”

  Brady folded his arms and frowned. “Well that can’t be good.”

  “This news will change things.” Coron paced the room and let out a deep breath.

  “So they might show up where we don’t expect.” Brady cursed under his breath.

  “I might be able to know where.” Karis placed a hand on Brady’s arm. She hated seeing him so worked up.

  Coron stopped pacing and snapped his head in her direction. “What do you mean?”

  “When I trained with my father, he could make portals. I had an even more unusual ability where I could sense, or feel, where the portal would show up.”

  “Can you do it now?”

  She swallowed and looked outside the window. “I can try, but I’ll need to travel around Perditus, I don’t know the land well enough to understand what I feel.”

  “I’ll have Jarion ready a guard and we will leave immediately.” Coron turned and left the room.

  Brady leaned into Karis and rested his head against hers. “Everything will be okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  “Why do you care so much? Your life has been flipped upside down, and everything that you knew is no longer the truth.”

  He pulled back. “How can you ask that? After everything we’ve been through, my life on Earth seems like a dream that I dreamt a million years ago. All the things I’ve learned here, these powers that have awakened in me, they all seem natural. It’s like this is how I’ve been since birth. These people are like family, you are like family. I’ve never backed down from a fight. I won’t start now. This war is my destiny too. I fight with you. I fight for you.”

  The entire universe disappeared at th
at moment for Karis. The only thing that mattered was Brady. Her heart thumped wildly inside her chest. She knew that life wouldn’t be the same anymore without him.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  He took her arm and traced the intricate design on her skin. It no longer looked burned. Dark coloring was close to the surface of the skin, showing the brilliance of the bluish black that was becoming her fated tattoo.

  “I can’t believe it looks like mine.” He looked into her eyes. “I’m tough enough for this, for you. I won’t give up. We’re meant to be together; whether it’s here, Earth, or Shamike, we will be together. We’ll get through this.”

  She stared back at him. He was so sure of what he said, but she was still so uncertain about the future. “How can you be sure?”

  He held in a deep breath. “You remember that night right after we arrived? I was upset, but I came to dinner and you asked why I was so happy.”

  She nodded.

  “I told you that it was because of you. That’s not entirely true. I saw something. While I was in the shower, I saw what I now know was a vision of the future.”

  She tipped her head. “What do you mean that now you know?”

  He cleared his throat and shifted his weight. “Remember the other night when you were in the shower? I saw part of that.”

  She raised a brow. “What part?”

  “Does it seriously matter? I saw that, it happened, it must mean I can see into certain parts of the future. I think it’s one of my powers.”

  “Okay, but how does that make you certain?”

  “I’ve had a couple dreams that didn’t feel like dreams. I think they’re the same thing. If they are, then I’ve seen a few things that tell me the end of all this trouble ends in our favor.”

  “But you see nothing between now and the end?” She folded her arms across her chest and moved her weight to one leg.

  “No, just a piece of the end, but it’s enough to give me faith.”

  She licked her lips and thought for a minute. “I guess I don’t have any reason not to believe you.” Something pulled at her stomach and twisted it in a knot. He didn’t say how the end was, only that it was good—but for who? She prayed that she wouldn’t lose him in this war. She didn’t want to reign as Queen if he wasn’t there beside her.