by Vella Day
She shrugged. “He didn’t say, but I don’t imagine more than a few days.”
“Do you think he’d be willing to do some protection duty?”
Teagan twisted toward him. “Are you planning on going somewhere?” While she kept her tone light, her stomach flipped. She’d grown used to having Kip nearby.
He reached out and ran a hand down her arm. “No, but if James can provide us with the location of Randy’s magic, I might have to be gone one night, and I want to know you’re in good hands.”
“That makes sense. I’m sure Sam will be willing to play bodyguard for a day or two.”
He smiled. “How about we talk about us and leave those bad Changelings back in Silver Lake for one day.”
“That’s the best idea yet.” Between the waterfall cascading down the rocks and the sweet smells of the forest, Teagan was completely relaxed. “Being in nature is better than any massage.”
“I agree, not that I’ve had one.”
“Really? Well, you are with a masseuse. Perhaps if you treat her well, she might give you one.”
He laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
When they finished their meal, they packed up and went in search of a campsite. “How about we put up the tent then do a little more hiking?” he asked. “I have a spot in mind.”
Kip was the easiest person to be with. “I love it.”
Because Teagan had plans that involved making a lot of noise during their passionate lovemaking tonight, she wanted a secluded spot. It wasn’t the weekend, so finding a cozy site should be easy.
Less than half a mile later, they located a wonderfully sheltered area next to a stream that would fit one tent. It even had a fire ring and some room for a small kitchen. It was perfect.
Kip unpacked his gear. “Help me with the poles,” he said.
Once they stretched them out, they threaded them through the loops on the outside of the tent. In no time, all four poles were set and the tent was up. While they didn’t expect rain, they tossed the rainfly on top just in case.
“It’s so cute,” she said.
“Go inside and spread out your air mattress and sleeping bag while I set up the kitchen tarp.”
“What do you think about zipping our two sleeping bags together?” When they made love, they could snuggle inside one large combined one instead of being naked on top.
“Excellent suggestion. Why don’t you work out how you want everything arranged and I’ll gather some wood for the fire after I put up the tarp?”
Clearly, Kip knew what he was doing. He set his bag by the entrance. “You got it,” she said.
The inside of the tent was about five feet by eight, and no more than four feet tall. It would barely fit their sleeping bags, but that was really all the space they needed. While it took some effort, she managed to inflate both air mattresses and then zip the bags together. She then located everything she’d need for the night—her flashlight and toiletry items—and placed them near the entrance.
Once done, she crawled out of the tent. Kip had a stack of wood next to the fire pit that he was covering with a tarp. Maybe he did think it would rain. To the side, he’d set up a nylon triangular tarp about six feet off the ground. Underneath, he’d placed the stove and cooking utensils.
“Nice job,” she said as she stood under the nylon covering. She could picture them sitting in their chairs, chilling out next to the gurgling river, listening to the cicadas.
“Ready to explore?” he asked.
It was around two, and she hoped the hike wouldn’t be a long one since it tended to get dark quickly in the forest. “You know where we’re going?”
“Not exactly.” He waved a map then slipped on a small backpack that had their water bottles dangling from the side.
She hiked up to him. Without her pack, she felt super light. Kip held out his hand, and she gladly clasped it. Being around someone who was so competent gave her a sense of wellbeing.
The path started off flat, and while they had to cross a few streams by balancing on logs, the joy of being outside was unsurpassed. Just as she was used to being on level ground, the path began its incline. A signpost, marked by an orange blaze, pointed the way that would take them to the top of Black Mountain. While she wasn’t looking forward to the hard hike, she suspected the view from there would be fantastic. Because the trail was rather narrow, Kip suggested that she lead.
“It’s about a forty minute climb so make sure to pace yourself,” he warned.
As long as she didn’t have to use her hands to pull herself up some rock face, she’d be good. Inhaling, she forged up the path. Squirrels darted up and down trees, birds squawked at the intrusion, and a wild turkey even made his presence known as she hiked toward the crest.
After stopping several times to catch her breath, Kip finally pointed to an unmarked trail. “Turn in there.”
The wind had picked up, making the air crisp and clean. She wended her way along the short path that eventually emerged onto a huge rock face overlooking the forest below. “Wow.”
From behind, Kip wrapped his arms around her waist. “Looks like we can see about two hundred miles.”
The silence and the vastness of the park made a profound impact on her. A large hawk sailed silently overhead, magnificent in its flight. “It’s incredible.”
“It is. Let’s sit a while,” he said.
Sitting was good. So was the cool breeze that helped evaporate the sweat on her forehead. He’d even brought their camp seats. “You think of everything, don’t you?”
“I try.” He grinned then helped her into her seat.
For the next few minutes they remained silent, enjoying the fresh air and peace and quiet.
Kip reached over and squeezed her hand. “What was it like growing up being Teagan Pompley?”
She chuckled. “What do you mean?”
Chapter Eleven
‡
Kip sipped his water as if trying to compose his thoughts. “Were you a happy child, an inquisitive one, withdrawn, or what?”
Teagan supposed sitting on top of the world like this merited a deep conversation. Because he was eleven years older, they hadn’t interacted growing up. “It was a mixed bag. I had my brother Sam who I adored.”
“What about your folks? Do you have a good relationship?”
Kip hadn’t met her parents since they started dating after her parents had moved, and there hadn’t been enough time to drive down to Florida and visit them. “My parents are good people. They doted on Sam when he was young, but by the time I showed up, they were deep into their spiritual ministry. They had a calling by then and wanted to pursue it. I can’t blame them. Your magic is part of who you are, and my magic is part of who I am. My parents felt the same way about their abilities.”
“And they left you to fend for yourself?” Bitterness tainted his tone.
“No. When they did tour, they weren’t gone for long. They only decided to take off for Florida right before we started dating.” They were ten times better than Elana’s folks. “And you? What was it like being Kip Landon?”
Kip clasped her hand. “I was lucky. Having a twin was the best experience ever. Randy and I were inseparable. Still are in some ways.”
That would change once she and Kip mated—assuming he was willing. Kip seemed ready to make it permanent and Teagan wanted that too. While she enjoyed Randy, three was a crowd. “What about Deanna?”
He looked out across the mountains. “Deanna was born an old soul. While she loves both of us, she always seemed to connect with something more heavenly, shall we say.”
Teagan could relate. She munched on a power bar Kip had packed. “Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you didn’t have your magic?”
“I wouldn’t like it, I know that. Not that I use it often, but when I need it, it sure comes in handy. Growing up, Randy and I had a lot of fun practicing, though we got into trouble often. Just ask my folks. We were hellions. In tr
uth, I don’t know how my parents put up with us. Being able to control lights and fry electronic devices with a flick of a hand cost them lots of money.”
She chuckled. “I can’t imagine trying to raise kids like that.” She could picture them cutting power to cars and maybe even to the oven when his mom was cooking dinner in order to have more time to play outside. At some point, she and Kip would have to discuss children, but now wasn’t the time.
“Were you lonely?” he asked, his tone soft and full of sympathy.
That was something she found hard to admit. “At times, but I really didn’t understand my premonitions at first. When I told my mom about them, she kind of blew them off, saying that’s what happened when you were born a witch. Fortunately, she was supportive with just about everything else.”
“Did your visions frighten you even back then?”
“Yes.” She faced him. “So I kind of kept to myself. Thank goodness I had my cousins and their family. Sam more or less understood what I was going through, but he wasn’t like me, so he couldn’t fully relate. Just like I can’t really understand what it would be like to flick on a light.”
He grinned. “It isn’t as exciting as being able to move things with your mind.” He looked around. “Speaking of which, how about a demonstration? Try moving that stone.” He pointed to one about three inches across and one-inch thick. It was at least six feet from them.
She hissed in a breath. “As you can attest to, when I’m angry or scared, I don’t have a problem doing something like that, but just to pick up the rock and place it in another spot? I’m not there yet.”
He nodded toward it. “Give it a try.”
After that trashcan incident, Teagan had decided not to practice anymore. Only because Kip seemed so interested was she willing to attempt to move it.
Focusing on the rock, she blanked her mind and imagined sliding it to the side. As if someone had pushed it, the rock moved four inches. Proud, she blew out a breath and faced him. “Not bad, huh?”
He smiled. “Not bad at all. If you were mad right now, could you hurl it at someone?”
“Maybe, but developing accuracy would take a lot of work.” She waved her arms to indicate this majestic view. “Besides, I could never be angry enough up here in heaven, so there’s no risk of me hitting you with a rock.”
“Good to know.”
She believed she could move objects when she was sexually excited, but why waste any time doing that when she was in the throes of passion? “Just so you know, telekinesis tires me out.”
Kip wrapped an arm around her shoulders and dragged her closer. “Then don’t try anymore. We’re here to have a relaxing night.”
She looked up at him and smiled. “Thank you.” As much as she enjoyed sitting on this rock, she wanted to get on with their romantic interlude. “It’s a bit chilly up here. Mind if we head back?”
“Not at all.” Kip stood and then helped her up. Once he stuffed the seats and bottles into his pack, he led the way down the mountain.
Several times, they stopped to admire the fading light stream through the trees, check out the wildly colorful mushrooms, and watch as some animals dashed through the forest. What should have taken them half an hour to reach their camp, took closer to an hour.
Once they arrived at their site, Teagan grabbed their water bottles. “I’ll pump more water. We’ll need some for dinner too.”
Kip had said all they had to do was pour boiling water into the meal pouches and voila.
“I’ll start the fire to keep us warm.”
Teagan loved how well they worked together. She just hoped that when she enveloped Kip in her blue aura tonight, he would return the desire to be together. If he didn’t though, she would not give up. All that had happened in the last few days had finally convinced her that he was the man for her.
At the river, she pumped the water then washed up the best she could with a kerchief she’d brought. When she returned with the filled bottles, Kip had the fire going. He even had placed their camp chairs next to each other.
“Nice job,” she said.
“Thanks. It’s a little early for dinner, but I don’t think it’s too early for S’mores. What do you think?”
She laughed. “You are such a guy.”
Kip puffed out his chest. “Well, I ain’t no girl.”
He had a point. “What can I do to help?”
“How about finding us some marshmallow sticks?”
Happy to be put to work, she scoured the campsite for some branches that were thin and flexible. She located two perfect ones and returned. “May I borrow your knife?”
He fished it out of his pocket. “Be careful.”
“Really? I thought I’d cut off a finger or two first.”
Wisely, he didn’t respond. By the time she’d whittled the tips to points, he had the marshmallow bag open, along with the graham crackers and chocolate bars.
He handed her a super-sized marshmallow. “I haven’t done this in years,” she said. “It feels so decadent eating them before dinner.”
“I can think of a few other things that would be equally as decadent.”
She hoped he was talking about sex. “What’s that?”
“How about after we eat one of these, I show you?”
“You’re on.”
They both dangled their marshmallows over the fire. Kip was the brave one. He stuck his in the fire and let it burst into flames, though she never understood why anyone would want to eat charcoal.
He removed it from the heated coals, blew on it to put out the fire, and then smashed the marshmallow between the chocolate and the crackers. As if he wanted to warm her up with what was to come, he licked the edges while keeping his gaze on her.
“You going to eat that?” She almost giggled.
“I like licking something that’s hot.”
Her mind rushed everywhere but to the marshmallow before her. “Oh, yeah?”
Two could play at this game. Her marshmallow was golden brown on the edges. Once she blew on it a few times to cool it, she stuffed it in her mouth, dragged her teeth along the outside and removed it slowly before repeating the process several more times. For added effect, she moaned, all the while glancing at his crotch.
“Stop it right now,” Kip commanded. “Unless you want me to toss our S’mores in the fire and ravish you right here.”
“I dare you.”
His S’more landed in the fire. Whoops. He stood, bent over, and scooped her right out of her chair. “You asked for it.”
Teagan was laughing so hard, her sides hurt. When he reached the tent, he set her on her feet, unzipped the opening, and then tossed her inside.
She flipped down the top layer of the sleeping bag, shucked off her boots then dropped onto her back. Because the tent blocked all the wind, the inside was warm—perfect for making love. Once she’d decided to mate with Kip, her anticipation had grown.
Kip took off his boots and set them by the entrance then sat cross-legged in front of her.
“You’re stopping at the boots?”
“Just wait.” He held up a finger and swirled it around in a circle. Sparks flew from the tip and lingered for a second before extinguishing.
“That is really cool.” Kip had so many talents. “I’ve never seen you do that before.”
He smiled. “I have a lot of hidden talents.”
She’d love to learn more. “Do tell.”
“Be patient.”
It was hard to be when she wanted to rip off his clothes. “I’ll try.”
He dragged his finger downward. “What letter does that spell?”
“I?”
“Yes.” He lifted his finger and made an L followed by an O. Her heart pounded as her mind soared ahead, filling in the next possible letters. She doubted he was writing that he’d LOst something. When the next letter was a V, she became lightheaded, and her pulse pounded. The last letter was an E, but it seemed as if he wanted to wait a few seconds
before completing the word. He then made a big U, and joy consumed her.
“You love me?”
Kip moved closer. “You should know I do. Teagan, we belong together. I’ve known it from the moment we met.”
“I love you too!”
He dragged a knuckle down her cheek. “You don’t have to say it if you don’t mean it.”
“I would never say it unless I meant it.” Sure, she’d run away and said she didn’t want to see him again, but that was because she wanted to protect him. “You don’t believe me?”
He slid next to her. “You could try to convince me.”
“Trust me, I will.”
Kip fingered the hem of her shirt as if he intended to lift it off. “You’re still dressed,” he said, his eyebrows raised.
“Isn’t it your job to get me naked?”
“Is that how it’s going to be? The man has to do all the work?”
She shrugged. “You undress me and then I’ll undress you. That seems fair to me.”
Kip laughed and her love for him bloomed even more. “I can do that.” Straddling her legs, he undid the button on her hiking pants then tugged them off. “Hot pink panties. I like it. Were you planning on seducing me?”
“As I’ve said before, I don’t kiss and tell.” He mumbled something. “What was that?”
“Not sure where the kisses are you keep promising me.”
Teagan grinned. “Be patient.”
“Patient my ass.” He slid his hands under her T-shirt and spikes of pleasure shot through her. It was almost as if he’d discharged some electricity. Two seconds later, he tossed her top to the side. He then disposed of her bra and panties without fanfare. “Much better.”
She was a bit chilled, but she wasn’t going to complain. The sooner Kip was naked, the sooner they could share their body heat.
“It’s my turn,” she said reaching out to his pants.
He swatted her hands away. “Oh, no you don’t. Knowing you, you’ll take your time.” His voice came out low and demanding, thrilling her to her core.
That wasn’t true, but she wasn’t about to tell him she was as desperate as he was. Kip discarded his pants and briefs then lifted off his shirt.