by Multiple
Raven was banking on a long relationship, but honestly it was a gamble this early into the game. Choosing a mortal forced her hand. She either had to walk away or risk them both hurting later. She hated the weight sitting on her shoulders. The burden of truth didn’t make it easy. She’d walked away from mortal relationships in the past, but this time Raven wasn’t so sure she’d be able to. Derek was special.
Of course, if she’d picked someone like Miko, Jory’s brother, she’d simply have a love caster give her a potion and it would be a done deal. She’d be in love, happy, but there was none of the buildup, no passion, none of the tingling feelings like when she fell in love with a mortal. They’d basically drink a potion and snap their fingers, and they’d be a couple already in love. It felt void of real feelings. It was a simple solution in the witch world, but she’d risk it all for a taste of falling in love… a slow, delicate dance between two souls.
The couple moved to the bedroom and locked in an embrace again, melting into one another. Hungry, deep kisses left their hands open to explore. Mouths followed hands, and as Derek moved across her shoulder and down her arm, he stopped to suck her fingers into his mouth. Tasting, touching, licking every inch of her, she felt his warm breath on her skin. It sent shivers through her, his tongue light and teasing. She ached for more.
Turning the tables, Raven pulled herself up and aggressively straddled over his face. He held her fast and pulled her hips down closer. His lips connected to her wetness. She was a bundle of nerves, flinching and bucking with each stroke of his tongue. Reaching down, she rubbed herself in unison and felt the orgasm rip through her, ricocheting out of control. Cumming fast and hard, she fell off of him and sprawled across the bed.
“I love a woman that knows what she likes.” His face glistened from her wetness.
She grinned. “I may have a bit of a wild child in me.”
“Mmm, roll over. It’s my turn to take what I want.”
“You’re naughty.”
“If you want naughty, I’m the man for the job.”
Raven loved how natural it felt to be playful in bed as well as passionate. Something just felt right about Derek.
She would have stayed all night, but she didn’t have an overnight bag with her. Besides, it felt presumptuous, and they might not have been at that point yet. They were obviously a couple, but planting a toothbrush and clothes here felt like another big step. She wasn’t ready to push his comfort level.
By the time she got home, Benji was asleep in the living room. She tried not to hit the creaky spots on the hardwood floors, but it didn’t matter.
“It’s late,” he said.
“Yeah, sorry I woke you.”
“I was worried about you.”
“I’m okay, Benji. I spent some extra time with Derek.”
“The more time you spend with him, the harder it will be to break free. You know that, Raven.”
“I don’t think I want to break free.” She flushed. “Can we talk tomorrow? I’m tired.”
“Yeah, sure thing.”
She didn’t want to talk at all. She wanted to sort out her feelings before sharing them with somebody else. Besides, her family would just knock down her feelings or play devil’s advocate every step of the way. It’s not that she blamed Benji; she’d be in his business if it was him. She knew he was looking out for her best interests. He’d always been a good brother to her, even if he wasn’t always a good husband to Charlene.
Morning snuck in way too quickly. Sitting with a cup of tea, still half asleep, Benji approached the subject with his sister.
“Morning, sunshine. Late night, huh?”
“Yeah.” She didn’t want to talk.
“Raven, I know you’re avoiding it, but he’s fool’s gold.”
“Not now.” Her hand shot up.
“You can’t avoid it forever. It’s time to talk. He’s all shiny and handsome on the outside, but he’s a mortal. He’s not a witch. You know what that means. He’s never going to change. You can love him and keep him around, and then what? Marry him? Is that even an option? What about kids? You truly don’t want to pass your gift down to them? I’m just asking you to take some time and honestly think this through. Look through clear vision, not vision clouded by love and lust.”
“I can’t stop thinking about it. I already love him. I don’t think I can walk way, not yet, and maybe not at all.”
“At least go talk to Mom and Dad, it’s only fair. There’s a lot at stake.”
Raven nodded. Ziara and Benji had both stressed that she needed to go home. It was time to talk to her parents. She’d purposely avoided them the last couple of months as her relationship progressed. After more discussion, she agreed to go home and talk to them.
When Derek called, he asked about going away over the weekend. Raven hesitated, and finally told him she couldn’t get anyone to watch Benji.
He offered to spend the weekend at Raven’s house, so they could stay in and snuggle all weekend. Then she wouldn’t have to worry about her dog.
Raven agreed, and then went into a panic. An entire weekend? What did she need to hide? What about Benji and his talking? How would she keep Ziara away? Her head started to spin, realizing how many little things she’d have to explain away or tuck aside.
Raven sat and cried into her hands. Was it going to be a chore every time he came over, rather than exciting? She wanted to see him, to spend time with him, but her home wasn’t like his. Would he notice the fine details, like the titles on some of her books? Would he notice the bottles of potions, herbs, leaves, well-labeled beakers and tubes that she kept out time to time? For a quick visit when he’d come by, it was easy to tuck things aside as she’d done in the past…but a full weekend? There was too much to hide, including a talking dog’s voice.
Was it fair to ask Benji not to use his human voice for an entire weekend? What about her cauldron? And what of the detailed ornaments or decorations that dotted the corners of her home? Spending days here, those little details may stand out a little too much.
Maybe Benji and Ziara were right. Was it worth it if she couldn’t be herself? How would she decide if he’s worth the chance? She wanted to be with him, but at what cost?
Chapter 4
Raven planned to see her parents the following day. She’d stop by for lunch and just get it over with. Dread was too nice of a word for the afternoon, but she’d have to face her parents eventually. Derek wouldn’t be over until Friday. He said he’d come by after work. That left a gap of time, and without another client until Tuesday, she was clear to get the visit out of the way. It’s not that she didn’t love her parents, and well, visits were fine. Only this time it was about her choice in men. They rarely approved, and weren’t shy about their feelings. This wouldn’t go smoothly.
She fingered the amulet, rubbing against the smooth glass. Who truly needed the protection, her or Derek? Maybe they both needed a little protecting. Truth be told, she needed luck more than protection. Her father would be free with his opinions, layering them on strongly.
With summer coming to a close (their Warm Season) and “Season of the Witch” coming up, Raven knew the pressure would be on. Always the pressure. It grew tiresome. She wasn’t ready! Her family noted that she’d gone longer than most female witches and still didn’t have children. They were all waiting for her to settle down. But why were they in such a hurry? She wasn’t ready! It was frustrating. Previous generations settled down younger, but she couldn’t see jumping into marriage and babies so quickly. She wanted to be sure she was ready. Drawing her fingers to her temples, she rubbed them, wishing the situation away. She hated the rush. She hated that she was expected to follow tradition.
Why couldn’t they just let her live her life the way she wanted? Why did everyone demand she be like everyone else? At least she’d only get pregnant when she was good and ready. That was one thing she had control over.
Witches didn’t get pregnant like mortals did. Once they’
re ready to be a parent, they invoke the ability to become pregnant. It took potions and herbs, along with a spell. Special verses were cited. Only then can a witch become impregnated. Simply having sex wasn’t enough.
Raven’s family thought she’d be ready for children by now. She just wasn’t. She needed to be sure. Free will was an important aspect of her life. She got to make the divine decision, not her family. And all the pressure in the world wasn’t going to change that. She was determined to find her own happiness. Maybe she was stubborn, so what? Why shouldn’t she choose her future? Dropping her head to her hands, she sighed deeply. She’d have to get this conversation over eventually. There was no putting it off.
Raven busied herself turning books around and tucking away trinkets that might capture Derek’s interest. She moved vials and beakers to more discreet locations, and decorated her cauldron with flowers, making it look like a decorative piece. When he stopped by to pick her up, it was easy to tuck things away for a few moments, but he’d be spending an entire weekend there. Things that he barely paid attention to in a quick visit would offer more curiosity if he was around longer. She didn’t need him asking too many questions.
Thursday came way too quickly. Her stomach knotted, already knowing what her father would say. Raven dreaded the visit with her parents. It wasn’t going to be an easy day, that’s for sure. She clenched her teeth. Her jaw was tight, tense over the impending conversations.
Benji was going home, too. She opened the car door for him. It was fun to watch a slobbering bulldog with his head out the window. It was weird knowing her brother was stuck in this form, but moments like these, watching his cheeks blow around as he enjoyed the wind against his face, it was kind of neat.
“Man, I totally get this.” His face was planted against the wind as they drove. “It’s awesome. The wind feels so cool.”
It took them two hours to get there. The closer they got to the witch village, the more Raven’s stomach played with her, butterflies in full force. She loved her parents, but she wasn’t looking forward to the conversation they were going to have today. She pulled her car up to the familiar house she grew up in. They were good memories, but as an ambitious teen and seeing her sister living out in the mortal world, she was itching to start her own life. Some things never change. She still wanted to do things her way.
“Mom, Dad, it’s nice to see you.” She hugged her parents. She tried to hide the dread that had planted in her veins.
“Isn’t it, though? It seems like our baby girl has been avoiding us,” Dad started, hardly hiding his feelings.
Mom nudged his side with her elbow. “At least let her breathe a moment.”
“Thanks, Mom.” At least her mother gave her a moment to breathe.
“I see you’re wearing the amulet. It looks lovely on you.” Her mother smiled.
“Oh, is that why you sent it? It was pretty?” Raven teased, tongue-in-cheek. It was going to be a long visit. Please, please, please, let it go quickly.
“I’m just saying, it’s pretty – the colors against your hair and skin tone. Besides, a little extra protection never hurt anyone.” Raven’s mother tried to make light of it, but she knew the truth.
“Could I get a bowl of water?” Benji jumped in, trying to cut the stress. “Great ride, but man, I could use a drink.”
“Sure, honey. Let’s go into the kitchen and leave your father and Raven to talk for a few moments. You can catch me up on the latest gossip in town.” With that, they were pushing through the swinging door that led to the kitchen.
They’d all gotten used to Benji as a toad, and then a bulldog. The shock had worn off, and everybody just accepted it was still their Benji they knew and loved. In a witches world, odd was sometimes the normal.
“Pumpkin,” Raven’s father waved his hand towards the furniture. “Why don’t you have a seat?”
“Daddy, before you start…I love him. I need to put that on the table.” She rushed to get the words out. Words she was nervous to say out loud, but nothing less than her truth. She did love Derek.
Raven’s father shook his head. “So soon? Raven, I want you to be happy, girl, truly I do. I just worry that you’re going to fall into a very complicated puzzle with a mortal. You saw what Sally and Tom’s daughter went through when she married a mortal. It was difficult for all of them, and what of their children – cross-bred, unable to carry on the witches’ tradition, unable to practice magic.” Mortals and witches weren’t meant to come together this way. She knew that, but Raven always had her own ideas.
“Daddy, would you love grandchildren that were cross-bred?” Raven quizzed her father.
“What kind of question is that? Of course I would! I’d love any children that came of your flesh and blood. It’s not about that. It’s about regret down the line. You may not wish it now, but what of later when they grow? Will you then wish you’d been able to pass your gift down? It’s such a rare thing. How fair will it be to them that their cousins and friends will possess special powers, but they won’t?”
“In the mortal world, they won’t notice it the same way. I intend to stay there, not move back to the village if I marry – just like Ziara did. She manages.” She already felt defensive.
“You’ve always been a little stubborn, we both know that. I’m not telling you not to love this man, but just realize how much is involved, and not just for you, but for him as well. Your secrets need to remain in him. He won’t be able to tell his own family, and the choices he’ll have to make will be difficult. Is that fair to him? How will he react when he hears he’s been dating a witch all this time, and he wasn’t even allowed to know, even though you trusted him in other ways?”
Raven looked down. That’s the hardest part; Derek didn’t know she was a witch. It felt deceptive, and yet it’s in the witch by-laws, he can’t know – not until a commitment to matrimony is in place. There was no easy way to deal with that tiny detail. It pained her to think about how he might react. What would he say when he learned she was a witch? Would he understand what it meant? Or would he think she being a witch was like some make-believe fairytale he heard about as a child?
The day moved slowly, her parents harking on the fact that Derek was a mortal. Good points were made by all, but she was more than ready to be finished with the conversation. Leaving, they said their goodbyes and headed out to the car. The drive home was quiet. Benji curled up and napped a good part of the drive. His belly was full from their mother’s good cooking. That was one great reason about going home, their mother was a damn fine cook.
Raven couldn’t stop thinking about her father’s words. What would Derek say when he found out she was a witch? Would it only end with hurt feelings? What about kids? She hated the idea of her children not getting her special gifts passed down. And yet, there was something special about Derek. She needed more time with him. Her stomach clenched. She’d have to tell him eventually. This wouldn’t be easy. No matter how she looked at it, the truth had to come out. How he reacted, she had no control over. What if he rejected her? What if he walked away?
When Friday evening rolled around and Derek showed up at her doorstep, Raven knew it was pointless. Every worry she had melted away. The only thing that mattered was being in his arms. It’s where she belonged. She’d never been surer of that. The stress drained off of her shoulders. Everything inside of her told her exactly what she needed to know. Derek was the one, the one she wanted to spend her life with.
His kisses were tender and his embrace strong. She always felt secure in his arms. Was she fooling herself? Was this all some façade that would melt away once he knew her truth?
Raven’s hands roved across his taut body, his muscles rippling under her touch. She couldn’t get enough of him. He’d stolen her heart. She loved making love to him. His body moved like a stallion, mesmerizing her. His hands and mouth knew how to push her to its peak, and then just as she’d start to let go, he’d pleasure her all over again.
Toget
her in bed, come Sunday morning, she thought she was hearing things. When he spoke, she had to hold in the gasp.
“Let’s move in together,” he said, starting his case. “I don’t want to be apart from you. We’ve been dating a while now, we should live together.”
She backpedaled. It’s too complicated. “I can’t live with you, I have Benji. Your condo doesn’t allow dogs,” she protested softly.
“I can move here, and I’ll sublet my place for the time being. What do you think?”
“Derek, I love the idea, but….” How would she get around this? The idea excited her and scared her at the same time. This was big. Only, bigger than she was ready to tackle.
“But?” He couldn’t see the issue. He adored Raven and knew he wanted to be with her.
“I can’t live with you. I believe in traditions. I don’t want to live with someone before I’m married.”
“Then marry me,” he said, barely missing a beat.
“What? What did you just say? Isn’t it a little soon?” The shock on Raven’s face said it all. Did he just say what I think he said?
“Raven, I love you. I want you in my life. If living together doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t work for you. If you’re my wife, we can be together. That’s my ultimate goal, being with you. So what do you say? Will you marry me?”
“I don’t know. It feels so rushed. I love you too, but…” Her insides twitched with excitement. Did he really mean it? Adrenaline kicked in as her heart raced. Was this for real?
“And? So it’s rushed. It doesn’t change the question. Will you marry me?”
Raven burst into a grin. “Really? You really mean it? Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but yes, Derek, I’ll marry you!” Her entire body tingled. It was so unexpected. Marriage? Really? Were they really going to do this?
“Really? You’ll really marry me?” He was in shock. “We need to go ring shopping!” He was happy, genuinely tickled, and not scared or hesitant. There was no regret that the words had slipped out of his mouth. Would there be when he found out the truth?