by C. C. Wood
Savannah sat rigidly in the seat, her fingers laced together.
“You look like I’m about to whip you,” I stated, leaning back against the door and crossing my arms over my chest.
She huffed and relaxed a bit, unwinding her fingers.
I studied her for a moment before asking, “What’s going on, Savannah? Why do you dislike Harrison so much?” When she tensed again, I waved a hand. “Please don’t get defensive. I’m just trying to understand what’s going on. Has he said or done something to make you uncomfortable? Because if he has, you know I’ll fire him and hex his ass.”
Savannah relaxed again, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “No, it’s not that. He hasn’t said anything or done anything to me. He’s perfectly polite. It’s just…” She trailed off, staring down at her hands.
“Just what?” I prompted softly.
“I don’t want you to be angry with me,” she whispered.
I moved over to her and sat on the small stool next to her chair. “I can’t promise I won’t be upset, but I can promise I won’t yell or throw a fit.”
“I might have,” she paused and swallowed hard. “I might have probed his emotions a little. Without asking him if it was okay.”
I understood why she was worried I would be upset because I always told her never to use her abilities on others without their permission. However, after what happened with Rhiannon and Macgrath, I couldn’t blame her for being wary. I also couldn’t be angry because I might have done something similar myself. Okay, so I did do something similar, and without the same sense of guilt she seemed to carry.
“It’s okay, Savannah. I don’t blame you for wanting to be sure he was being honest, but you also can’t hold his private emotions against him. Especially when you were basically eavesdropping.”
She shook her head, her jaw tight. “That’s not why,” she argued. “I couldn’t feel anything at all. He’s a complete null, but I don’t think it’s because of his mental shields. People with good mental shields still slip up from time to time. However he’s hiding his emotions, it’s magical and I think intentional.”
I frowned at her. I thought I understood what she was saying, but I wasn’t certain. “What do you mean, intentional?”
Savannah took a deep breath before answering. “I think he’s hiding something. I think he knew I was an empath before he even applied for the job and he took steps to protect himself. Magical steps.”
“I know he’s hiding something,” I replied.
My response seemed to take Savannah by surprise. “You know he’s hiding something?” she repeated. “You’ve known all along?”
I nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t warn you,” I apologized. “I didn’t want to bring it to your attention if you didn’t notice it yourself.” I paused, looking for the best way to share the information without violating Harrison’s privacy. I’d violated it enough when I used magic to vet him before hiring him. What I’d learned, well, it wasn’t a danger to Savannah or me. It was a sad story, but it also wasn’t my story to tell. “Harrison hasn’t had it easy and he’s experienced a lot of pain in his life. The magic he’s using, it’s not malicious. It’s his attempt at keeping a modicum of privacy.”
The suspicion on Savannah’s face faded. “You know why he’s using magical protection?”
I nodded. “I do, but it wouldn’t be right for me to share that information with you. I know you hate invading another person’s private feelings, so I know how badly this bothers you. But I can promise you that Harrison means neither of us any harm.”
“All right,” she relented. “If you say there’s no reason for me to worry, then I won’t.”
I reached out and squeezed her hand. “Just try to give him a chance, okay? If anyone needs a second chance in life, it’s Harrison Morris.”
Savannah studied me for a long moment, her dark eyes probing. Then she nodded. “I’ll keep an open mind.”
“Thank you. Now, go home. I do believe your handsome fiancé is waiting for you.”
She smiled at me and got to her feet. “See you tomorrow.”
I returned her smile and waited until she left my office before I allowed it to fade. I knew what it was like to gather up the tattered remains of a life and begin anew with nothing but hope to guide you.
Chapter Two
Macgrath
I had no fucking clue what I was doing.
In fact, it had been months since I felt in control. From the moment I laid eyes on Ava Amaris, my ability to remain aloof and objective had flown out the window. Instead, I operated on instinct and possessiveness.
I wanted. I coveted. I needed.
But she wanted not one fucking thing to do with me.
So I had resorted to watching her like some crazed stalker. Even if I had desired to stay away, I couldn’t. I understood the way Rhiannon’s mind worked. Even though she had gone to ground months ago, that didn’t mean she wasn’t waiting and biding her time for the perfect moment to strike.
And whether she wanted it or not, Ava would have my protection.
I owed her that much and I owed Savannah as well. For the first time in centuries, I actually gave a damn about someone other than myself. I wanted to keep them both safe.
Movement at the door of The Magic Bean caught my attention. My gaze focused on the doorway and I watched as Savannah stepped out, wrapping her sweater more firmly around her body as the chilly air hit her. I’d parked across the street, half a block away from the coffee shop.
I straightened and scanned the area for threats as she crossed the street. Before I could get out of the truck to make sure she made the walk home safely, I saw her approach a man. As she rose up on her toes to kiss his cheek, I got a clear look at his face. It was Rhys, her fiancé. They spoke for a few moments before she faced my way and strode toward where I was parked.
Seeing the ire on Rhys’ face, I briefly considered starting my truck and driving away, but decided against it when I saw the determined expression Savannah wore. Instead of leaving, I climbed out of the vehicle.
“Hello, Savannah,” I greeted her.
She stopped a few feet from me, putting her hands on her hips as she studied me. “Macgrath.”
I stood still as she looked me over and her eyes narrowed.
“What are you doing here?” she asked quietly, taking another step toward me.
“Keeping you safe.”
She seemed to consider my statement for a moment. “How do you plan to do that from across the street? Why aren’t you inside the shop?”
Her question took me by surprise, but I recovered quickly. “You know why.”
Instead of responding aloud, she crossed her arms over her chest and cocked her head.
I bit back a laugh. Now that she understood I would never hurt her, Savannah didn’t hesitate to give me attitude. I liked that about her. “I don’t think your boss would appreciate me parking my ass in her coffee shop and scaring away all her customers.”
Savannah’s stance relaxed, losing a bit of sass. “And I think you’re wrong.” When I started to argue, she waved a hand at me. “Before you argue, remember that I understand Ava a lot better than you do. She’ll give you a load of crap at first, but beneath all that, she’ll appreciate it.”
I seriously doubted that entire statement, except for the part about Ava giving me shit for showing up at her place of business. “Are you trying to get me killed by a pissed off witch?” I asked incredulously.
Savannah flashed me a small grin. “She might give you a rash or make all your hair fall out, but she wouldn’t kill you.” When I scoffed, she laughed. “Just give it a shot,” she stated as her laughter faded. “I think you’ll be surprised.”
She moved closer and kissed my cheek. As she stepped back, I glanced up and saw the murderous expression on Rhys’ face. “And I think your fiancé is going to kill me before Ava has a chance,” I murmured.
Savannah looked over her shoulder and shook her
head. “No, he won’t. He’s a little overprotective after what happened this summer, but he’ll come around.”
Judging by the waves of rage pouring off Rhys and the fact that his eyes had just turned black, I doubted that, but I didn’t argue with Savannah. She wouldn’t listen to me anyway.
“Be careful,” I admonished her. Savannah was a lovely person and Rhiannon enjoyed nothing more than breaking down beautiful souls and crushing them. She relished in it and I didn’t want Savannah to be on the receiving end.
“Only if you are,” she shot back before she turned and walked away.
I watched her go, worry eating at me. Savannah didn’t understand Rhiannon as I did. She didn’t know that Rhiannon had ruined me a long time ago. But I would be damned if she would get the opportunity to do the same to Savannah.
Rhys ushered Savannah into his SUV and shot me one more heated look before he climbed in and drove away. I chuckled quietly as I recalled Savannah’s words about her fiancé coming around. That male would never forgive me and I couldn’t blame him. As far as he was concerned, I’d put his woman in danger. If I were in his shoes, I would have killed the man who kidnapped my woman and handed her to my enemies.
The fact that he had yet to try said a lot about the strength of his will. Or his love for Savannah.
I slid back into my truck and cast my eyes back to the coffee shop. I could see through the wide front windows. Ava was now behind the counter, talking to the male shifter she hired. My skin prickled when I saw the way he was looking at her. He wanted her and it took every ounce of my willpower not to go inside and rip out his throat with my fangs.
The only thing that stopped me was Ava’s body language. She clearly wasn’t interested in him and it showed. If I could see it, then the werewolf could see it as well. Her obvious disinterest would deter any pursuit he might consider. At least for now.
Fighting my instincts, I relaxed back into the seat and prepared myself for a long evening.
I followed Ava home from a safe distance. She had to know that I was there. She was an intelligent woman and powerful witch. She would have spells, wards, charms, and any other magical tool she could conjure up as protection.
She also had eyes and was observant of her surroundings. As long as she was alert, she would see my truck easily.
Though I understood that, I didn’t care. The instinct to protect her overrode any logic I possessed.
I slid to a stop a few blocks from her house and watched as she unlocked the front door and slipped inside. I waited to see if her lights would come on. When they didn’t, I tensed and reached for the door handle.
Before I could touch it, the door flew open to reveal a blonde witch with flashing purple eyes.
“Stalking is illegal in this state. You know that, right?” she hissed.
I moved to step out of the truck, but she lifted a hand and an unseen force pushed me back into the seat.
“I’m not stalking you,” I answered.
Her eyebrows lifted. “Oh, really?” she asked, her voice dripping with skepticism. “Then what would you call it when a vampire follows a woman everywhere she goes?”
“Protection,” I replied curtly. “You don’t know Rhiannon. Not like I do. You don’t understand the way her mind works or what she’s capable of.”
Ava scowled and the magic holding me lifted. “And you have that knowledge because you were her errand boy for over a century.”
I grit my teeth at the reminder of how stupid and single-minded I’d been. There was no way to defend myself. I’d allowed myself to remain in willful ignorance for far too long. I hadn’t acknowledged the monster I’d aligned myself with because I wanted what she offered me more than I cared about the people she might hurt. I was selfish and weak.
“Yes, I was,” I admitted, climbing out of the truck and standing in front of Ava. “But not any longer. I’ve made many mistakes over the centuries and I have blood on my hands.” I leaned closer, some perverse part of me enjoying the way her eyes flared as she held her ground. Her magic sparked along my skin, a pleasurable sting that lifted the hair on my arms. “But I’ll be damned if your blood will stain my skin as well.”
Ava refused to back down, staring up at me defiantly. “I can take care of myself,” she replied.
I nodded. “I know. I’m doing this because I don’t want blood on your hands as well.”
Her beautiful, gem-like eyes narrowed, the irises glowing from the magic she’d spooled around her. “Short of using dark magic on you, will I be able to stop you?”
I shook my head, my gaze never leaving hers.
Suddenly, she sighed and the power swirling around us faded away. My skin tingled from the abrupt departure and I watched as the light behind her eyes dimmed.
“Fine. Then stop following me around like a weirdo. If you’re going to watch me, come into the shop and pay for a damn cup of coffee and a pastry. The least you could do is support my business.”
Against my will, the corner of my mouth jerked as I fought a smile. “Understood.”
“And don’t stay out here all night. I can feel your hulking presence and it makes me twitchy. Once I’m inside it would take the magical equivalent of a nuclear bomb to break through my protection spell. I’ll be perfectly safe if you leave.”
Fighting to keep my expression solemn, I nodded.
“See you tomorrow.”
With that, she stepped back and marched down the sidewalk to her house. Once she was inside, I did as she asked and drove away, my heart lighter than it had been in hundreds of years.
Chapter Three
Ava
I both loved and hated the way he smiled at me. His hazel eyes twinkled, more green than brown, and the features of his face softened.
Sunshine surrounded us, the golden glow encapsulating our bodies like a glimmering shroud. We wore nothing but the light on our skin. His large body stretched over me, pinning me down in a way I enjoyed, but we weren’t making love.
Yet somehow I knew that once he entered me, that’s exactly what we would be doing. Making love. Not fucking, not having sex. There was a depth of emotion that shimmered between us, a connection that I cherished.
He leaned down to kiss me, then stopped, his smile fading. “Aveta? What is wrong?”
I reached up and cupped his cheek tentatively, fearing that the simple touch might be enough to break the delicate spell. “Nothing, Macgrath.”
He frowned. The gold that haloed the green of his irises grew and pulsed with anger. “Who is Macgrath?”
I awoke with a gasp and pressed a hand to my chest. The dream was unsettling for a variety of reasons. It felt too real, more like a memory than a dream, but that couldn’t be. It couldn’t. I had no memories of my life before the day I awoke in that field nearly two thousand years ago, pregnant and alone. I hadn’t even known my name. Nor had I known how I came to be pregnant. No amount of power or casting spells had returned my memories. I was a woman without a past… and for a long time, a woman without a heart.
And I hadn’t met Macgrath for the first time until a few months ago when he arrived with Rhiannon. He shouldn’t exist in my memories.
Then there was the fact that the Macgrath of my dreams looked at me as though he cared for me. More than that. As though he cherished me.
It changed the way I viewed him and I couldn’t allow that. I didn’t want to consider the possibility that it already had. These dreams had been plaguing me for the last few nights and today, when he followed me home, I practically invited him to stalk me up close rather than from afar.
It had to be sleep deprivation. Maybe Rhiannon had cast a spell on me.
Or maybe I was just in denial. Obviously he affected me more than I wanted to admit. Even to myself.
Groaning, I sat up in the bed and threw my legs over the side. The room was dim, but the light was changing. Dawn was only a few moments away.
I didn’t have to get up. Harrison and Savannah were opening The Magic Be
an today, which gave me a rare morning to sleep in. Something I had been looking forward to for weeks.
Damn my dream Macgrath. And damn the Macgrath in the real world. They were both messing with my equilibrium and I didn’t appreciate it. For decades, I’d been content. I had my businesses and a few friends. When I met Savannah, I took her under my wing and we became our own little family. Though she would scoff if I ever told her, I considered her almost like a daughter.
Savannah and I appeared to be about the same age, but after two millennia on this earth, she seemed so much younger.
I liked to imagine that my own daughter would have been a great deal like her, though I’d never had a chance to find out for myself.
I cut off my errant thoughts, refusing to dwell on my earliest memories. My emotions were unpredictable, swinging wildly from one extreme to the next. I couldn’t allow that to interfere with my ability to think logically. I could do nothing about my daughter or my past, but I could protect Savannah and Rhys now. But only if I kept a clear mind.
I stood up, stretching my arms over my head. If I couldn’t go back to sleep, I might as well have a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise. Then I would focus on the problem that needed my attention most: finding Rhiannon Temple.
Macgrath didn’t belong in my dreams or in my thoughts. Not right now and maybe not ever.
Within eight hours, I was already regretting my decision not to give Macgrath any further thought.
Savannah was in the little niche off to one side of the shop, reading tarot cards for a client. Harrison was restocking paper products behind the counter while I tinkered with the arrangement of crystals and other magic paraphernalia on the small table near the front of the store.