***
After a tiring afternoon of failed attempts to strengthen Kian's magic, he stood beside Summer on the porch of her cottage, disheartened. Much as he suspected, his magic lesson had ended amidst a squall of frustration and a string of profanities.
Summer assured him he'd improve.
He doubted the possibility.
The burst of bright pink and purple painting the dusk sky cast shadows across the forest. A cool breeze drifted through the trees. Since he met Summer, he noticed things he hadn't before. For one, the coming of night carried a different scent, wilder, more primal than the light of day.
Before meeting Summer, the woods were nothing but an isolated slab of land where his friends and he threw back a few beers without fear of the cops catching them. Now, he noticed even the slightest shift in the wind. Subtle changes in energy gave him pause. Whenever he stood on this property owned by Summer's family, his senses came alive. His lungs filled with fragrant flowers, damp moss, and the sweetness of the trees surrounding him. Sounds assaulted him from each corner of the property, distinct in their tone.
He glanced at Summer, amazed at how important she'd become to him in such a short time. She changed him, made him strive to be a better man. Without her, he wouldn't know the truth. Instead, he would have coasted through life unaware of the magical world hidden all around him. He wouldn't know the power he possessed or experience the beautiful fire she ignited within him.
He'd exist.
Nothing more.
A carefree giggle across the yard stole his attention. Winter darted around, catching fireflies. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Summer smiling. Her entire face lit up. Come to think of it, so did the forest. Blossoms grew vivid. The grass and leaves swayed like a sea of cresting emeralds. She claimed how much she needed this place, but she was wrong. These woods, everything around her would cease to thrive without her. She brought life here, not the other way around.
“Let me take you out. This Saturday night?”
She froze. “What? I… It's not a good idea, Kian.”
“Why not? You helped me out with my powers. Now, I want to do something nice for you. Show you a little bit of my world. It will be fun.”
“Where will we go?”
“There's a fair. It's not much, but I know you'll love it.”
“I've never spent time among humans. I'm afraid I won't fit in.”
“I didn't think you were afraid of anything.” Nothing worked better than a dose of reverse psychology to get the ball rolling. She narrowed her eyes on him. “We'll go on a few rides, have some popcorn, cotton candy, and I'll win you a cute stuffed bear.”
“I don't care for bears. They're far too aggressive.”
He frowned. “So, I'll get you a stuffed puppy.”
Her eyes softened. “What about Winter? I can't leave her here alone, especially after what happened with your friends.”
“I'll give Tristan a call. Something tells me he wouldn't mind looking after Winter.” He hadn't missed the change in the shifter's eyes whenever he mentioned her name.
“What are you and he best friends now?” She brushed past him.
“The guy’s cool. He asked me to work on one of his cars.” He grabbed her hand. She didn't pull away. Good sign. “Come on, Summer. Let me treat you. I swear I'll be on my best behavior.” He stroked his thumb over her knuckles.
She sighed. “Fine, I’ll go to this fair. I warn you. Once I'm around humans, I can become… difficult.”
“And how is that different from any other day?” He nudged her shoulder to assure her of his jest. “I promise you won't regret it.”
Chapter 17
“Will you stop fussing?” Winter grumbled. “You're beautiful no matter what you wear.”
Winter curled the final lock of Summer's hair around her glowing finger. When she released the strand, it bounced against Summer's shoulder, forming a perfect spiral.
“What in the world was I thinking? Agreeing to go out with him is foolish. I need to tell him no. This is wrong.”
She stood. Winter pushed her back in her chair. “You were thinking you deserved a night out. You're getting married, not dying.” Winter smirked. “Now sit still.”
Summer had no business spending time with a handsome, charming, sexy human like Kian. Nothing good would come of this night.
Miles to the west, another male waited for her to honor her promise of a union. Spending time with Kian, alone, added fuel to an already raging inferno burning inside her blood. She wanted him, desired the brush of his lips against hers. She longed to experience his power rocketing through her veins.
Yes, leaving the safety of her home to be with him defined the term “playing with fire,” but she had never felt more alive, more complete. With Kian, she understood happiness.
“You need to stop hanging out with Tristan and his roguish ways.” Summer gave her sister a sideways glance. “I see the way you look at him, you know.”
Winter propped her hands on her hips. “And how do I look at him?”
“Like he's your favorite treat.”
Winter rolled her eyes before fluffing one of Summer's perfect curls. “I love your black hair. Mine is so boring.”
“Stop changing the subject.”
“We're talking about Kian, not Tristan.” Summer lifted her brow. Winter bit her bottom lip, no doubt fighting a smile. “Come on, even if I did like Tristan, I'm the wrong supernatural. You see him with all those she-wolves. He's not interested in me at all.”
“Hmm,” Summer huffed.
Winter was fooling herself. The man guarded her like a starving wolf protecting his dinner. Sure, the age difference separated them by almost ten years. He'd never touch Winter for that fact alone, but those years didn't stop Winter from calling to his wolf. Only time would tell how strong the call and if Tristan's witch half drew her magic. If so, he'd be a powerful beau to deny.
Summer twisted in her seat, prepared to give Winter her opinion on Tristan's interest, when a rumble in the distance made her spine tense.
“He's coming.” Summer snapped her head around. “Where is my necklace?”
The harsh rumble of pipes shattered the peaceful air of the woodlands.
She checked herself in the mirror one last time. She knew she'd stand out with her long skirt and modest top. Human women tended to dress more provocatively. They painted their faces with various shades and applied creams. Even witches succumbed to convention, wearing dark makeup and artificial products to enhance their features. Summer's mother raised her to embrace her natural beauty for the most part. She dabbed some homemade, berry-flavored balm on her lips. Nothing more.
The roar of Kian's steel machine grew louder. She checked herself again in the mirror. “Are you sure what I'm wearing is okay? Human women don't dress—yes, I should change.”
Winter laughed. “I've never seen you so crazed over a man.” She waved off Summer's concern. “He will love whatever you wear, because he loves you.”
“What?” Summer spun so fast she almost tripped over her own feet.
“He loves you, Summer. Any witch can sense the connection. Even a human can't miss the way you look at each other.”
“Don't be ridiculous.” Love didn't exist for a witch. They lived for duty and survived through tradition. Winter would discover those truths in time.
“I know the power I feel.” Winter crossed her arms over her chest.
Summer ignored her sister's ramblings. She refused to entertain Winter's idealistic view of her relationship with Kian.
She opened the front door to find Tristan hoping off a shiny new motorcycle, not Kian. Disappointment weighed heavy on her, but she threw back her shoulders, lifted her head high, and smiled. Dirt crunched beneath her feet when she stepped off the porch and closed the distance between them.
Tristan tilted his sunglasses with his fingers, letting them fall to the tip of his nose. “Hey, girl, damn you clean up real nice.”
Were he and Kian spending more time together?
Am I jealous… of Tristan?
“Your forbidden fling met me in town yesterday and helped me pick it out. She's a beauty, isn't she?”
Soon, another set of loud, growling pipes drew closer. Her heart jumped in her chest.
“You got it bad, Summer.” Tristan flashed a smug grin.
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
Tristan brushed past her and sniffed. He grinned wide. “Oh, babe, you got it real bad.” Curse shifters and their strong sense of smell.
“Tristan,” Winter shouted from the porch. “Leave Summer alone.”
Tristan's gaze flashed with the yellow of his animal. “Who are you yelling at, little girl?”
“I'm yelling at you, you big bad wolf. Stop teasing my sister.” Winter glided down the steps. Tristan focused in on her every move. In Tristan's presence, Winter seemed to age ten years in her manner and appearance. She flipped her honey-brown hair over her shoulder and lifted her chin high. “And for your information, I'm not a little girl. I'm a woman. Aric Finley doesn't think I'm little.”
A growl overpowered the sound of thundering exhaust pipes drawing closer. “And how would you know, honey? I know you haven't left this house in a while.”
She moved around the pebbles with her foot. “I met him at the last meeting I attended. We hit it off and have been writing each other ever since. He has a way with words. In fact, I expect another letter when my parents get back.”
Summer lifted a brow. “You did? You are? Wait, how do I not know about this? Aric is part of the ruling house, well, I mean, his parents are.”
“I don't tell you everything, you know.” Winter glared at her sister.
Tristan's eyes had gone amber. “I'll have to pay a visit to this Aric character, make sure he has your best interest at heart.”
Winter pursed her lips. “You’d better leave him alone. I won't have you scaring him off. I don't have many friends.”
Tristan flashed a cocky smile. “Honey, if he scares so easy, he isn't good enough for you.”
“You're no fun at all, Tristan MacGlenn.” She crossed her arms over her chest.
“Remember that next time you want to amuse yourself at my expense. I'm not the kind of wolf you can play around with.”
Winter spun on her heels and strutted back toward the house. “I guess I'll have to find myself a new wolf to play with.”
Tristan snarled in frustration. “You drive me crazy.” Tristan marched up behind Winter and swept her off her feet. Winter giggled. “You love to test me, woman,” Tristan growled as he carried her in the house.
The moment they disappeared in the house, Kian came around the bend like a dark knight dressed in leather. Summer leaned onto the porch railing, her knees ready to buckle. She watched Kian pull up next to Tristan's motorcycle with a gentle stop. He lowered the kickstand and swung his leg over the side. He was the sexiest man she had ever seen.
Tonight, black leather pants stretched tight around his thighs and hips. His jacket matched his pants and fit as if made with him in mind. Heavy black boots covered his feet. How he wore thick leather in this heat eluded her.
His spiky blond hair stood up straight, tipped in deep brown this time. He had replaced the usual eyebrow hoop with a shiny, silver, curved barbell. Each side was topped with spikes. A row of five steel hoops ran up his ear. One thick stud centered his earlobe. He stared at her, his gaze darker, hungrier than she remembered. He stood out among the deep green shadows of the forest, different from all she had known. He was the kind of human her grandmother warned her about, and yet she desired him more than her next breath.
He sauntered up to her, his full lips lifting higher with each step.
“You ready for an adventure?”
“I didn't know you were bringing…” She gestured toward the bike. “I'm afraid I'm not dressed for a ride.”
“Nah, you'll be fine. Don't change. You look beautiful. Besides, it's not far, just on the edge of town.”
His eyes moved away from her to the doorway. She turned and found Tristan.
“You treat her right, amigo. This girl is family to me. Besides, she still hasn't baked me my nightshade cookies yet.” Tristan winked, and Summer frowned.
Winter peeked out from behind the doorway. “Have fun, Summer. I can't wait to hear all about the fair and everything else.” She winked.
Tristan frowned. “You don't need to know about everything else, hear me?”
Winter rolled her eyes. She gave Tristan a gentle shove. “How come you never took me to a fair?”
“You never asked.”
“Can you take me to the fair?” She looked up with hopeful eyes.
“Get in the house.” He ushered her back.
Summer smiled. “Okay, little sister, stop driving Tristan crazy.”
“Off to bed with you,” said Tristan as he ushered her back inside.
“But it's still light out,” Winter whined. “I'm not a child, you know.”
“Oh, I know. Don't remind me.”
Summer laughed.
“Are they always like that?” Kian asked.
“Always.”
Kian's hand slip into hers. “Let's go, baby. Time's a wasting.” With a gentle tug, he led her toward the bike.
He mounted the metal beast, turned to her, and handed her a helmet. She put it on without complaint. “You should tuck your hair under the helmet. The wind tends to make a knot out of anything hanging loose.” She did as he said. Her hands shook the whole time. “There's nothing to be afraid of, Summer. Have you ever ridden a horse?”
She nodded. “Once, when I was young, I rode a stallion at my Uncle Colin's. The stubborn animal threw me off. I never rode again.”
“Well, it's similar, but smells a hell of a lot better. Swing your leg over the seat.”
She lifted her skirt, revealing most of her thigh, and she straddled the thin pad he called a seat. “But my skirt…”
She scooted close to him. She had wanted to look beautiful, but with her hair pushed up under the enormous plastic headdress and her clothes all scrunched up, she would end up looking ridiculous by the time they got there.
“Don't worry about it. Tuck it between your legs.”
“Excuse me?”
He chuckled. “Here let me show you.” He hopped off, stumbled a second before catching his balance, and smiled. “Real smooth, right?” He slid his hand up her thigh as he gathered her skirt.
A shiver rolled over her. “What are you doing?”
His smile turned wicked. “I'm showing you.” His fingers worked the loose fabric beneath her inner thighs. She bit her bottom lip when his fingertips brushed close to where she burned for him. His gaze found hers when he tucked the last bit of her dress under her other leg.
“See, nothing to it.” A throaty hitch hid in his voice now. He cleared his throat before backing off and straddling the bike. “Hold on, baby.” With a push of a button and a twist of his wrist, he revved the throttle and took off up the winding road.
She doubted they were going fast, but the wind whipping her face, chilling her cheeks, and drying her lips challenged her assumption. Her legs shook. Not from the cold, but from the thrill of having this male wedged between her thighs.
In the distance, the sun dipped beneath the horizon, leaving in its wake streaks of fading gold and deepening purple. Above them, the bright white moon rose, three-quarters full, shone with a sense of foreboding she tried to ignore. Needing a sense of security, she tightened her arms around his waist. His body tensed at first, but soon relaxed as he leaned back into her. His true scent, absent of cologne, filled her lungs with the sensual aroma of all-natural male.
Now she knew what Kian found so magical about this machine. The open road merged with the wind to give a soul a sense of freedom like nothing she had ever experie
nced.
By the time the motorcycle's tires hit the smooth asphalt of the parkway, her heart raced, matching the speed of the machine vibrating between her thighs. Although there was nowhere to go, trapped to the seat of Kian's metal beast, she knew freedom.
Chapter 18
Kian pulled his bike onto the grass field set aside for parking. Cars filled most of the lot. Families and couples hurried past, eager for the fun. Teens hung out in cliques, laughing and flirting, some drinking beers they stole from their parents or some unsuspecting shop owner—he knew, because a few years ago, he used to be one of them.
Carnival music carried over the land, melodic and carefree, setting the mood for adventure. Tonight, he had a quest of his own: to win Summer's heart once and for all.
Almost black, the sky still clung to a thin edge of light purple highlighting the horizon. Stars scattered, some light, some bright, and some glistening against the black backdrop. The moon sat higher in the sky, reflecting off Summer's skin.
After dismounting, he hung his helmet from his handlebars. Summer hopped off the bike and pulled off her helmet, letting her hair tumble over her shoulders. The sight set in slow motion in his mind. It was a sexy display he would need to rewind in his memories for later viewing.
She shook the locks before scrunching and fluffing the curls, making sure her hair wasn't messed up. She had no idea how stunning he found her. He wanted to tell her to stop. She looked beautiful, but he kept quiet, content to watch her move.
While she straightened her skirt, brushing out the wrinkles, he shifted to ease the uncomfortable ache building in his crotch. He'd be imaging the strength of those damn perfect thighs in his dreams tonight. Having her legs envelop his hips on the bike gave him an incessant hard-on, threatening to split his favorite leather pants. He figured his cock would settle once they arrived at the fair, but no such luck. Watching her bend over and play with her skirt reminded him of the strength of her thighs as they wrapped his hips.
Friendship… how can we be mere friends when sexuality oozes from every one of her pores?
Passion of a Witch: A Wicked Series - Book 1 Page 14