Enchanter

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “The bond.” He threaded our fingers together. “You’re my mated one, and damn it. This shouldn’t be happening.”

  Oh my goodness. The truth blazed in his eyes. That’s what this was. I’d never in my life felt an attraction to any man. Sure, I’d had plenty of male friends, but none had ever stirred me the way Guy had from the moment I’d seen him. We were mated, the soul-bond pulsing to life between us.

  Crap.

  I was mated to a warrior. Only half our people were soul-bound. “What do we do?”

  He fisted his hands at his sides. “At times I’ve felt the male’s drive within the bond toward Earth, and at other times Magio. I expected my mated one was a Peacian since it’s only your people who have the freedom to travel. It’s why I stayed away.”

  “So you decided to let our bond pass?”

  “There’s a war, and we’d never suit. Wouldn’t you do the same?”

  “I would have wanted to know, so at least—” I fluttered my fingers between us. “—I could move on.”

  “You’re a friend of the girls. It isn’t going to be easy to move on.”

  “Our meeting doesn’t have to change anything. I go to school in New Zealand and that’s a long way from here. Same with Peacio.”

  “Then I doubt our paths will cross.” He rubbed his thumb along his chin. The cleft in the center added to his intense look. “Why would you go to an Earth school if you’re a Peacian?”

  “I was charged with keeping an eye on Faith a very long time ago. I’m also attending culinary school there next year.”

  “You favor the art of cooking?” He frowned. “My mother did too, before she passed. She made everything, from the bread each morning to the Sunday roast dripping in gravy. I was only small, but I’d pull up a stool to stand on and help her peel the vegetables.” He slowly reached out and caught a length of my hair. Gently, he wrapped one of the long spiral curls around his finger.

  “I’m so sorry about your mother, Guy.” I scraped one foot forward, touching my toe to his, needing some form of connection too.

  “She had the biggest heart, the gentlest smile, and hair as black as midnight, so long it touched her waist, right about—” He smoothed down my sides and cupped my hips. “—here.”

  Heat raced through my veins and I shuffled my other foot forward. Closer was better, and no doubt due to the bond at play. “You miss her?”

  “Always.” He slid his thumbs into the small gap between the waistband of my cutoffs and t-shirt. “She was life itself, which is why I appreciate the here and now. You never know when someone will be gone.”

  My chest tightened, his loss cutting into me far more than it should. “She sounds wonderful.”

  “She was.” He pulled back a little and fingered his necklace. From the center of the thin strap of leather, a small gold ring dangled. “It’s been so long. I almost forgot. My mother bequeathed her ring to my mated one. She gave it to me to hold onto until the time we met.”

  “What? No. We might be mated, but we’re not doing anything about it, right?”

  “Right.” He lifted the necklace free of his head. “But I still made a promise.”

  “No, really.” I shoved against his chest. “Stop. Put that back on. Promises like that can be broken.”

  “Not this one. My mother wanted the woman I was mated with to know her in some way. This ring was her gift to you. I’m only the keeper, passing it along.”

  I backed up until my shoulders knocked the hay bales. “I said stop.”

  “Her wishes were precise.” He crowded me from the front, making it impossible to get away, and then slipped the necklace over my head. “This was what my mother wanted. It feels good to see to her last request. Don’t deny me that.”

  Nothing could have shocked me more. Off balance, I rocked onto my heels, gripping the band of gold, his mother’s precious gift from the past. “This is crazy.”

  “I’ll know you have it. That’s all that matters.” Guy’s brow pulled down as he clasped my hand. “We really should end things now, before our soul-bond deepens further.”

  “You mean release each other?”

  “Exactly. I’m the last enchanter in my line, and even though I’m only nineteen, Donaldo has already requested I find a warrior woman and continue it. I have to ensure the ability to enchant doesn’t die away with me.”

  Damn, this was all happening so fast. “Shouldn’t we take some time before we decide on such a step?”

  “My destiny is not with you, Silvie. It’s elsewhere.”

  “For eighteen years I’ve dreamed of being mated.”

  “We can’t move on until we release each other.”

  The heaviness in my chest expanded. Geez, what a predicament. This was the right thing to do, even though it felt totally wrong.

  “Don’t think too much about it.” He caught my face between his hands. “Just start. Speak the words I need to hear.”

  “You’re this certain?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry.” His voice scraped on the last word, as if he fought his emotions.

  I could do this. I was strong, and surely didn’t need a warrior for a mate. I’d already seen how hard it was for Faith and Hope, and now, the future difficulties they faced. That wasn’t for me.

  “Give me a second.” I wet my suddenly dry lips then forced them open. “Guy, I wish for you to find the right woman, to have a long and wonderful life with her.” Uh-huh, a good start. “That you’ll have the family you desire, and of course, that she be anyone other than me.”

  “Thank you.” He kissed my cheek. “Silvie, I wish to release you, so you might find the right man. I wish for him to keep you safe and to cherish you, to give you all you desire, and…be anyone other than me.”

  Tears welled in my eyes and I shoved them back. I would not cry over him.

  “Do you want a breather?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll go wait outside until Faith returns. We did the right thing.”

  “I know.” I slipped his mother’s ring under the neckline of my t-shirt as he strode away. I’d keep it safe, just as I would the other half of his soul, even though he was no longer mine.

  A tear leaked past my guard and I swiped it away. Stupid bond, and I couldn’t stop myself from following him. I gripped the splintered edge of the doorway to halt my step. “Don’t go too far. This is Wincrest Station.”

  “There’re no other warriors about. You’re safe.” He climbed the railing, and then cautiously approached the prancing stallion within. Gently, he cooed its name.

  “Hey, Silvie.” Hope strolled in from the corridor in jeans and a red-checked outback shirt, Faith one step behind her. She wiped her hands on a raggedy towel hanging from her pocket.

  “Hey back at ya. How’s the mare?”

  “One very contented new mama. The foal is a little wobbly, but already up on her legs.”

  Faith grinned at me. “It was incredible to watch the birth. A-maz-ing.” She glanced about the room and frowned. “Ah, where’s Guy?”

  “Outside.” The sun bathed him in its brightness, and I couldn’t keep my gaze from him.

  She strode to the doorway and called out, “Hey, everything okay?”

  “It will be.” His scorching gaze narrowed on me as he fed the stallion a treat.

  Faith jerked a look between the two of us. “Is there something going on here? I didn’t leave you guys alone for long enough to cause too big a fight, did I?”

  “We didn’t fight, in fact we chatted, and then—” Oh, how to tell her? I shuffled from foot to foot, rucking up the dust.

  “Then what?”

  “Um, we released each other.”

  “Released each other?” Her eyebrows launched into her hairline. Yeah, for once I’d surprised her. Which with her forethought, was close to impossible. “No way. You two are mated?”

  Hope darted a look at Guy. “This is unbelievable. You always sensed your mated one was a Peacian, but Silvie?”

&
nbsp; “That’s right.” He scaled the railing and returned. “Now we’ve met though, we’ve ended things. It’s as it should be.”

  “No, Guy.” Faith shook her head, clearly not happy. “There’s a reason our souls are bound. Perhaps you two just need some more time to talk.” She glanced at Hope. “What do you think?”

  “It can’t hurt them.”

  “Great. Let’s give them some space.” She grabbed Hope’s hand and flashed them away.

  “What? Faith, no. You can’t leave me here like that.” Drat. How could she bail on me? Sure, she would hate I hadn’t given this soul-bond a chance, particularly when she worked so hard on hers and Davio’s relationship.

  “They’ve gone, and don’t worry about it. I’ll take you home. Just tell me where that is.”

  “I should have guessed she’d do that. I’m so sorry.”

  “They care, although that doesn’t change our decision.” He seized my arm. “Where to?”

  “Loveria Castle. That’s where I live when I’m not on Earth. Except, make it the outer fields where there won’t be any protectors.” He couldn’t be seen by the guards.

  “Gotcha. I know exactly where.”

  The dark encompassed us, and then we were there.

  He squinted at Loveria Castle looming high on the hill in the distance. “Is this far enough away?”

  “It should be. How’d you know about this spot?” The protectors stationed in the twin-towered gatehouse lookout towers could see for miles, but a copse of pines shielded us. “How’d you have an image to ’port us here?”

  “Know the land of your enemy and all.” Hands in his pockets, he watched wispy clouds float over the castle’s massive gray stone walls. “I’ve been here a few times, Silvie.”

  “Enemy? I’m not personally yours. I never will be because of the bond.”

  “Broken bond.” He touched his chest. “And I know.”

  “If you want to leave, then don’t mind me. There’s no need for us to talk like Faith said.”

  “You’ve nothing else you want to say?” The silver rimming his blue eyes dulled. Okay, not fair. He’d been the one to insist we release each other. I couldn’t have him jerking on my heartstrings now. I had to toughen up if I was to get through this.

  “Nope.” I dusted my hands off on my legs. “Get going, pretty boy.”

  “Pretty boy?”

  “Yep, we’ve already spoken our release, so you can go and find that nice warrior woman you’re after.” I turned on my heel. Walk. One step in front of the other. Don’t stop. Still, my heart heaved with each step I took. Stupid heartstrings.

  “That’s it?” he called out.

  “Sayonara.”

  “What the hell?”

  “It means goodbye.” I stomped through the thick grass, wishing it was his heart I tramped on and not mine. Uphill. Keep moving.

  “You’re angry?”

  “Apparently it’s the day for it.”

  A burst of air from behind whisked my hair into my face, and then his arm whipped around my waist. He tumbled me into him. “I can’t leave if you’re upset.”

  “I’m not upset, and I’m not yours to worry about. Go.”

  “Just like that?”

  “Yes.” I closed my eyes.

  “This isn’t right. Look at me.” His fingertips skimmed my cheek.

  “It’ll be easier if you just go. Please.” I needed to remain strong.

  “Then take care, my mate.” His thumb swept over my lower lip. “I wish you well.”

  His mate? No, he would be with someone else in the future.

  I waited, struggling not to reach for him. Birds high in the forest of pines ceased chirping. His clothing rustled as he stepped away. A shift in the air caused the hairs on my arms to bristle. I opened my eyes. He was gone. His absence left a void, constricting my lungs and making me gasp for breath.

  Unwanted tears rose and I gave in, letting them spill. Each drop would cleanse me.

  My mate had never cared to truly know me.

  Now he’d never return.

  His loss, and mine.

  2

  My chest still throbbed, made worse since I stood in my favorite place and couldn’t lift a finger. I’d barely been able to sleep last night, but I had to soldier on. School loomed. At least yesterday was over. I never had to go through the pain of— Nope. I wouldn’t even say his name.

  I tapped the bright red countertop, which matched the red kitchen cabinets trimmed with white. Princess Genevy, Davio’s mother, had built this kitchen for me five years ago. I loved cooking, and my passion would see me through the days ahead. This space in this lower northern wing for us younger ones usually wrapped me in its warmth, but I didn’t even want to peek through my cookbooks for inspiration today. I shuffled across the white slate floor and slumped overtop the cold metal sink. Out the white wooden edged window, the sun’s rays beamed in over a thick green garden. My favorite herbs thrived there, but they didn’t call to me to come and pillage. So much for my place of solace.

  “Hey, Silvie.”

  The door swung open and Zayn ambled in. The protector with his tousled blond hair and sun-kissed skin appeared as if he belonged at the beach and surfing the waves instead of with a sword in hand and defending our borders. It was made even more obvious since he wore Earth clothing, a pair of tan cargo shorts and a striped t-shirt over his usual battle leathers.

  From his top pocket, he pulled out a pair of sunglasses then slid them on. “Whatcha think? I’ve got the day off and I need to blend in with the New Zealand locals. I hardly ever take a look around. It’s always a quick visit in and out.”

  “You look perfect. If you want, I’ll even show you around.” Having someone else to distract me today would help.

  “Nah, you’ve got school. Silas sent me to take you this morning.”

  “I don’t feel up to it.” That was an understatement. Come on. Cheer up. Zayn was never in a dull mood, and he’d surely lift mine. “One day off isn’t gonna hurt.” I snagged his sunnies. “Where’d you get these? On one of those quick visits?” We lived in a society more like Earth’s from a couple hundred centuries ago, and I’d never seen him wear such a thing.

  “Travel’s free. I shopped.” He snatched them back. “And yeah, I’ll take you up on your offer. I almost got run over by an SUV when I went to buy these. Boy, are those big brutes.”

  I laughed, and that lump in my chest lightened a little more. “You have to look both ways before you cross the blacktop.”

  “I will. Next time. It’s a shame Earthlings can’t ’port.”

  “You’re just lucky you can.” I prodded his chest. “So where’s my brother? I haven’t had a chance to tell him about yesterday.” I always told him the big stuff, and he’d want to know I’d found my— Yep, the nameless one. He’d want to know.

  “He and Davio have already ’ported to Sunider. They’re in the middle of running border checks between us and the desert area of No-Man’s Land.”

  “Ah, that’s right. I remember him mentioning that now.” Faith and Hope had recently discovered their mother’s lost heritage had come from the Sol desert tribe. Kate had been abandoned on Earth by her Magioling mother thirty-six years ago. She’d not known of this world until Alexo had come for her and Faith a few short months ago.

  Davio and Silas were insistent the Sol’s No-Man’s Land location was safeguarded. They cared for their mates in all ways.

  Hmm, mates. I patted Guy’s mother’s ring where it rested under the top edge of my red tank top. It was all I had of him, of the man who should have been mine. Argh, I had to stop these mushy thoughts. Get it together. He’d moved on. I’d moved on. I shoved my hands into the pockets of my shorts so I wouldn’t touch the ring again. “I can’t wait to have some fun. I so need it.”

  “Right, but after breakfast. Fun requires food.” From inside the pantry, he grabbed a box of cereal then headed to the fridge. He stroked the metallic surface before opening it. “
My mum has a cold-box, but nothing lasts in there for more than a day or two. She’d love this.”

  I snuck the jug of milk out. “She can’t have it. This fridge is all mine.”

  “You’re safe. I wouldn’t pinch it, not when she likes making the younger ones run out to the cold-box so often.” He pulled plates and glasses from the cupboard and spoons from the drawer.

  “How many children are in your family?” He hardly ever spoke of them.

  “Ten. I’m the eldest. I’m glad I don’t live at home anymore.”

  “Ten?” Whoa, that many kids would keep her way busy. Poor woman. “Your mum must be run off her feet. I have a new recipe for lasagna I’d intended to cook this afternoon. I’ll make it for her if she’d like it.” It’d keep me busy too, and I so needed that.

  “She’d love it. Let me ’path her.” He took all of ten seconds as he did. “It’s a resounding yes, but you’ll have to come if you’re making dinner. I’ll go too. She won’t accept anything else.” With his hands full, he knocked his backside into the swing door leading to the dining room and opened it. “Coming?” He kept it open with one foot.

  “Yes, to both offers.”

  A wide grin slashed his face. “No, thank you. The least I can do is open the door if you’re cooking dinner tonight.” He let the door swing shut after I walked through.

  I straightened the silver threaded tablecloth covering the long oak dining table. Through the wide bay window adorned with silver-edged emerald curtains, the iron gates of the gatehouse rolled open. Protectors rode out on horseback toward the river where Guy had dropped me off. To think he knew of that spot, had watched the castle from that close. How many times had that happened? And when? The male felt the drive to seek out his bonded mate when she received her skills on her eighteenth. Even though unskilled, my eighteenth had passed a few months ago.

  “Silvie?” Zayn held out my chair. “You look a little lost, like you were when I first saw you in the kitchen. Is something up?”

  I sat and poured cereal into my bowl. Zayn was a trusted member of our inner circle. Anything I told him would remain between us, and it appeared I couldn’t lighten this dark mood. “I met someone yesterday, well more than someone.”