Bespelled

by Dani Kristoff

  A sob caught in her throat. Her mother didn’t want to see her. She guessed that made sense; the woman had abandoned her. Her father wiped the tears from her cheek. ‘You really don’t want to meet this woman. She is a dark witch, in every sense of the term. There is no going back for her. If she wanted to see you, I’d be afraid for you.’

  Elena blinked. ‘I don’t understand. I can taste your excitement. I thought you had good news.’

  Rory tilted his head and smiled. ‘It’s a great weight off my mind to know that she’s alive. That I wasn’t responsible for her death. That my actions didn’t destroy so many lives.’

  ‘That’s not all of it.’

  ‘Like I said, not my story to tell.’

  ‘So did you bring Jake back?’

  ‘No. He’s still there but he’ll be back soon, I’m sure.’

  He hugged her to him as he polished off his coffee. ‘I’d better go. Elvira is expecting me.’

  Elena stood up. ‘Good, good. I’m glad you two are getting along, finally.’

  Pleasure exuded from her father. ‘Love never dies, Elena. True love lasts. Elvira still loves me after all this time.’

  Elena froze while she digested the news. Elvira was her mother in all the ways that counted. That she now loved her father, a man she hardly knew, was a bit daunting. Yet she trusted that her aunt had the right of it, particularly if her love had lasted that long.

  She beamed. ‘That’s great. I’m so happy for you both.’

  ‘Thank you. Elvira insists on you coming around. No more moping about Jake. If you don’t come around, she’ll come and fetch you.’

  Elena laughed again. ‘Yes, yes. I’ll turn up before then.’

  ‘Good.’ Her father turned to leave.

  ‘Hang on, what about Drew?’

  ‘He’s gone up north and joined the other coven.’

  Elena grew concerned. ‘Why do I think that’s not a good idea? He’s not joining her, is he?’

  Rory pursed his lips and his eyes took on a haunted expression. ‘I don’t know. He told me what happened, what he tried to do to you. I’m so sorry about that.’ He brushed the hair from her face.

  ‘It’s not your fault. Please don’t blame yourself.’

  ‘I will always feel responsibility for him. He’s my blood.’

  ‘I know. Perhaps he’ll come back one day.’

  Rory shrugged. ‘Maybe. He’s a strange young man. He’s not sorry at all for any of it. If you hadn’t been his kin, he would have raped you, kept you against your will.’ He lifted his shoulder and shook his head. ‘I don’t understand his mind.’

  Neither did Elena, but she wasn’t going to comment. He might be her father, but there was a lot they didn’t know about each other.

  ‘Gregor Royston said he’d try to keep Drew in hand and keep him away from your mother. She’s not part of his coven, but she lives close by. I have to accept that.’

  ‘Yes. Let’s hope for the best.’

  Rory nodded and tugged on his ear. ‘Drew’s an adult now — a fair warlock. I can’t live his life for him.’

  Elena nodded. ‘Yes, I guess so. No, I know so. You have to live your own life now.’

  They said their farewells. Elena reset the ward and then spent an hour on the sofa, staring at her carpet. She thought the news that her mother didn’t want to see her would hurt more, but she didn’t feel much of anything, after the initial shock. She was more appalled that the woman dabbled in dark arts.

  Her mind returned to Jake, and she thought to ring Pen in the morning.

  * * * *

  After a restless sleep, she waited until nine a.m. and then called Jake’s office. The woman was pleased to get some news. ‘Thank heavens he’s all right. I’m surprised, though. He’s not much into family. He and his dad have a rather distant relationship, so I find it hard to believe he dropped everything for a grandfather he didn’t know.’

  ‘You know him so well.’

  ‘We were mates at university actually — not lovers, you understand, friends. After a particularly difficult period in my life, he gave me a job. I’ve been here ever since. I thought I knew all there was to know about him.’

  ‘Sometimes you think you know someone, and then they do something shocking and act out of character.’

  Pen laughed. Elena could sense the relief in her. ‘Yes, keeps us on our toes I suppose,’ Pen said finally. Elena managed a light chuckle.

  Pen assured her that she had rearranged Jake’s schedule to adjust to his absence, and that he wasn’t in any danger of ruining his law practice. However, next week things would get critical, as there was only so much she could do on her own.

  Chapter 20

  Two nights later, there was another interference with Elena’s ward. Dressed in a short nightie she crept to the door, not bothering to turn on the light. She didn’t want to let on that she was home if the visitor was someone she wanted to avoid.

  Hesitating before opening it, she tried to work out who it was. The vibrations were familiar, yet not. It wasn’t Drew. The thought of him turning up made her heart beat faster. How many people had visited her before she’d put up her ward? Huddling by the door, she waited, all her senses on alert.

  There was a rhythmic tapping on her ward perimeter, like someone was knocking. She didn’t know any warlocks cheeky enough to do that. It was too strange. She opened the door a sliver, and her heart leaped. Swinging the door fully open, she took a step outside.

  Under the street lamp Jake leaned against his car, his face stubbled, hands in his leather jacket. He looked relaxed and happy. Another thing she wasn’t expecting. Standing there, gaping at him, she didn’t even have the sense to speak.

  ‘Hi,’ he said with a rather shy grin.

  Elena blinked. ‘Hi.’ Why did she have to be tongue-tied right then? It was a perfect opportunity to speak her mind — to tell him.

  Stunned by his appearance, she didn’t think to invite him in. A fact she didn’t realise until he kept talking.

  ‘I’ve come on a mission.’ He reached into his car and pulled out her sandals. ‘I need to find the owner of these shoes. May I come in?’

  ‘Er…yes.’ Why wasn’t her brain working? She had so much prepared to tell to him, and now she couldn’t think of what to say. Why didn’t she have her notebook handy?

  Easing the ward open, she allowed him to enter. He came forward at a swift pace and she backed up. So much man heading straight at her, she did what came naturally — she let him, and got out of his way by backing herself against the wall. He came through the door and shut it behind him with a quick flick of his spare hand. The light came on.

  Elena shook her head. How did that happen? Did he hit the switch on his way through?

  He gestured toward the sofa with both hands, his knee bent as if bowing to her. ‘If you’ll take a seat, I’ll see if these shoes are yours.’

  With her eyes glued to him, she tried to work out what was going on. He was awfully cheerful. Finger combing her hair, she realised she looked a fright. She was in a revealing nightie. Oh dear, she had to get rid of him. ‘Of course they’re mine.’ She held out her hand for them. ‘I’ll take them.’

  A loud meow heralded the arrival of Fel. Making herself comfortable on one of the easy chairs, the cat tucked its front paws under its chest and wound its tail around its body. I am not missing this.

  Elena fronted the cat, hands on hips. ‘Fel go away. This is none of your business.’

  ‘Are you talking to your cat?’

  Elena swung around. ‘Yes, of course I am. Now, my shoes, if you don’t mind.’

  He pulled them out of her reach. ‘We must do this properly. Take a seat.’

  Elena repressed a laugh. ‘Properly?’

  He kept his face composed, lifting only an eyebrow. Shaking her head, she sat down on the sofa, the shortness of her nightie leaving her knees exposed. A glance at the cat and she could see its smug expression. Her mental dart didn’t make a dent in
the cat’s hide.

  Jake knelt down with a flourish, brandishing her sandals like a bunch of flowers. He put his hand on her knee, noticing her quiver at his touch. His slid his hand down her lower leg, cupped her heel, and drew her foot out so he could slip the sandal on.

  He studied her foot from both sides. ‘It fits. You must be the mystery woman I’m looking for.’

  ‘Jake?’ What was he up to? She was uncertain, but her instinct told her to go along with it. Without words, was he telling her she was forgiven? Her heart leapt at the thought.

  ‘Yet, there is another test.’ He reached into his jacket and pulled out a bra, bright orange with a lace overlay. Her bra. The one she’d left on the roof top. Her face heated up. She couldn’t keep eye contact.

  He dangled the bra in front of her face so she had no choice but to look at it. Unable to stand the teasing, she made a grab for it, but he moved it out of her reach.

  ‘Hey, that’s my favourite bra.’

  ‘How do I know that until I see if this garment fits?’ He quirked an eyebrow at her, forming a comic expression.

  Elena didn’t know what to do. How was he able to charm his way into her home, into her heart? She was not taking off her nightie to prove it was her bra. She crossed her arms over her chest and brought her chin down stubbornly.

  He wiggled that eyebrow again, and she couldn’t repress the giggle. Still, she didn’t move her arms or relax. It wouldn’t do to go along with his scheme.

  ‘I see you are having trouble understanding me. I’m quite the expert in fitting bras. Let me help you.’

  He eased his jacket off and flung it on a chair then lunged for her as she leaped sideways off the sofa, ready to head for her bedroom. Fel screeched and ran out of the room.

  Not far behind, Jake caught her near the wall and turned her to face him.

  His body rested against hers, all hot and lean. Elena couldn’t believe she was in this situation. The hard muscles of his arms tensed as he embraced her. The thin material of her nightie wasn’t much of a barrier. The way he looked at her, she could see the attraction there — unadulterated attraction. He wanted her. Her eyes widened as she understood. He held her with his pelvis, and his hard erection rested against her hip.

  There was no spell this time. Without words, he was saying he wanted to be there with her. A pulse beat in the heat of her sex. Obviously, she wanted him too. Her skin flushed as the arousal sped around her body, putting her cells on high alert.

  ‘May I?’ he asked softly, next to her ear. His moist, warm breath gave her goosebumps on her neck, and did all kinds of weird things to her stomach.

  Elena kept her gaze on his face and nodded once. His hands dropped to her thighs, his fingers softly caressing her. She closed her eyes at the touch of skin on skin, her nerves sizzling. Bunching her nightie up, he gathered the hem in his hands and lifted. Drawing it over her body, he sighed as she lifted her arms so it came off over her head.

  Dressed only in her panties, she stood pressed up against the wall, not even daring to breathe. With great concentration, he took the bra, slid the straps over her shoulders and then asked her to turn around. Deftly, he did up the catch, and then urged her to turn again.

  ‘Perfect,’ he said in a low, husky voice that sent pleasure spiralling within her brain. Seriously, she could melt if he continued to talk to her in that way. Marvelling at how his voice could exert so much control over her, she allowed herself to relax, and her arousal took over.

  His eyelids were hooded, his expression still as he leaned down to slide his tongue along her lower lip, stopping to grab it gently between his teeth. The contact sent a flood of sensations through her. His passion for her rushed into her and made her gasp. This was a man of intense feeling, of deep, heartfelt love. He cared for her.

  Tears threatened to ruin the moment. She held them back as she kissed him. Holding her chin, he ran his mouth across hers, slipped his tongue in and then deepened the kiss.

  Elena was floating in the moment, riding it like a gentle wave. Responding to him, she sent her tongue to meet his, ran it along his teeth and then held onto the back of his neck as she thoroughly explored his mouth. She loved him. There was no doubt in her mind. The days they had been separated were like being in the desert. Drinking him in with a thirst she never thought she’d experience, she clung and let herself feel.

  ‘Elena,’ he whispered in her ear. He dropped light kisses down her neck. ‘I find this so hard to believe. You want me too.’

  All she could do was nod as he continued to caress her, cupping her bra and rubbing his mouth across her creamy mounds of flesh. Her nipples hardened and she ached to have him suckle them. Like he knew what she was thinking, he undid her bra and started sucking, hard. Her back arched as she was suspended between pleasure and pain. He switched breasts, sending his other hand into her panties.

  She was so excited and so wet he sighed when he slid inside. He found her clitoris. Elena writhed, so overcome by his presence and the stimulating encounter. She wanted him so badly.

  It was an honest want. There was no guilt, no spell, and yet it was intense. It was like she was needy, and only he could fulfil that need. She hoped that he returned the emotion. A thread of him wound into her, a subtle essence of his mind. He did feel it like she did.

  ‘Oh Jake,’ she breathed. ‘I want you so bad.’

  ‘You’ve got me, Elena. You’ve got me.’ He manoeuvred her so that she was lying over the arm of the sofa, her panties gone. Placing himself between her legs, his mouth came down, hot and wet as he licked her, controlling her arousal, knowing the intricacies of her body and the very pulses that made up who she was.

  Elena’s body was already so primed. A touch and she would fly apart. He suckled gently on her tender nub of flesh and her body jerked as her climax hit. With one hand holding her in place, Jake shucked his jeans and entered her, hard, fast, and no nonsense. Elena climaxed again. He slowed his beat, still dominating her body. He speared her with his hard erection, withdrawing the tip and then sinking in to the hilt.

  Elena loved his control, loved how he mastered her. He reached down, bringing her body up. She offered him a breast and he took it, riding her at the same time. He was close to release. She grabbed his buttocks and squeezed, urging him to speed up. He understood her signal, and again she was holding on as his powerful body drove into hers. ‘Come for me, baby. Come for me,’ he said in her ear.

  The straps of her control gave way. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘Yes, just like that.’ He came too, a shout of joy bursting out of him.

  They clung together with her butt resting on the arm of the sofa, panting as their bodies restored the balance after such a burst of emotional and physical exertion.

  He nuzzled her neck and sought her lips. ‘No spell this time.’ He held her face in his hands and stared into her eyes. ‘So much better without it.’

  She lowered her lashes. ‘No spell,’ she agreed. He had bespelled her, with his smile, those intense eyes and his fantastic lovemaking.

  ‘And what do you feel, little witch?’

  ‘Feel?’

  He shut his eyes and shook his head slightly. ‘About me? Do I have a chance with you? Can you forgive me for the other day?’

  Tears did come then, sliding silently down her cheek. ‘I feel so much. I feel so much I think I’m going to explode with it. Of course I forgive you. Can you forgive me? I never meant to…’

  He put his finger against her lips. ‘I know. You have proven it to me now. There is a connection between us. I’ve never felt this way about another person in my life. I’d give you my life, if you let me.’

  He wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. ‘Can this be true? I never thought we’d have this moment.’

  ‘We can have many more moments. Marry me?’

  Her eyes widened. The thought frightened her. Could she commit? Witches and warlocks didn’t marry, like humans. He was wanting that human bond. Yet how different was it from the fir
st proposal, not much more than a week ago? This time it was so right, but could she really love on so short an acquaintance?

  The skin between his eyebrows furrowed. ‘Elena?’

  Her hesitation was hurting him. She licked her lips. Rory had said that Elvira still loved him after all those years, and all that hurt. Could it be that way with Jake? Yes.

  ‘Yes, Jake. I want to be with you.’

  His face relaxed as she reached up to stroke his cheek and slide her finger along his chin. ‘I love you. I want to share my life with you. If you can accept what I am.’

  He lips crushed hers in a searing kiss, not wanting to let go, and then he broke for breath. ‘I know what you are, Elena Denholm. I want all of you.’

  Her smile was radiant. ‘You can only have the parts of me I’m willing to share.’

  He nipped her on the chin. ‘You think?’

  Elena laughed and wiped away the tears. She didn’t need them anymore.

  * * * *

  Jake carried Elena into the bedroom and lay her down carefully. The cat squealed indignantly and bounded off the bed, and ran into the spare room. Jake thought he heard the cat say something, but was too shocked by it to comment. He thought the cat said, It’s about time, tom.

  Shaking his head, he forgot about the cat, and rolled into bed beside Elena. Contentment wrapped around him like her arms as she held him. The last few days had been hell and then some, but amazing learning experiences.

  Nasty leftover feelings from the spell had clung to him like cobwebs. It took a while, but Gregor fixed him so that he could see the time he’d spent with Elena without the mask of the spell.

  As he held her, there was no comparison. There was none of that docile puppy love feeling or the tainted black of rejection. Despite the spell leaving him, he still wanted her, still cared for her, more than he had anyone else. It had scared him to the very core of his being. It had challenged all the beliefs he had about himself.

  * * * *

  Light spilled in through a gap in the curtain, bringing Jake to wakefulness. His hand was resting on Elena’s thigh. He was hard. He moved his hand, caressed her, and she woke a little, became receptive to making love with him. They moved together gently and sweetly, and then lay together afterwards.