by Dana Davis
When she finished, she nudged her plate back and wiped her mouth on the cloth napkin, leaving a blue imprint of her lips from the blueberry cobbler. Maybe I should get a few new recipes while I’m here.
Suddenly, Zoey stood. “Excuse me? Duty calls.”
Tessa got to her feet almost immediately. “Oh, you need your box, don’t you? I’ll show you up.”
Daisy wanted to follow the two, see the box in action. From the look Bridgette gave her, the woman wanted the same thing. But this wasn’t the time. Daisy gave Bridgette the “not now but later” look they’d often shared as kids and flogged back her desire to get at the box.
* * * *
Zoey followed Tessa along the hallway and up the stairs. When they entered the huge bedroom, several cots lined up in three rows greeted her. Her bag lay on one. Connie’s sat on another. She also recognized Daisy and Bridgette’s bags.
Great. A fucking hostel. Not a real bed in sight. A cheap motel would be better than this. Well, not counting the delicious food she had just eaten. But with these unpleasant accommodations, this was going to be a very long visit.
She hid her disappointment, thanked Tessa, and waited until the woman left before retrieving the box from her bag. Surprisingly, she’d gotten a bit overprotective of the thing. A nearby wooden trunk was about the only place to put it so she sat on the floor. The turquoise gems glowed at her touch and she lifted the latch. The vortex met her eyes and faint laughter filled her ears. Human laughter, not anything menacing this time. But the black spot was still there, perhaps even larger than before, and she sighed. Becka Lipner’s image appeared.
Great. Just who I wanted to see. My fucking high school nemesis. Down girl. She did call for help when you were lying on the ground knocked out. The self-chiding worked and she calmed a bit.
Becka stood at a window, staring out into the darkness. Alone. Again. She turned on the flat screen TV that hung on her bedroom wall then sauntered to her bed, where she sat, hugged a pillow to her chest and cried. The woman’s thoughts and feelings began to coalesce in Zoey.
Becka’s latest boyfriend had taken off after she’d had sex with him and she felt used. Again. She wanted her parents home and debated calling them at their vacation resort in Hawaii, not wanting to sound like a lonely child but also fearing their excuses and rejections. Expensive furniture dominated Becka’s bedroom and designer clothes hung in her closet, and she would gladly give them up for one day of her parent’s undivided attention.
Even after all that had happened, Zoey found it difficult to stay angry with the woman. Instead, she gave energy to the box and flung up that gauzy divider to help push away sadness. Normal sadness this time, nothing from the Anguisher. She didn’t sense him now. Odd. What’s he up to? She got no answer.
Afterward, the vision faded and the box shut on its own. She tucked it back in her travel bag for safekeeping. Surely, it couldn’t get damaged all that easily, since it had survived countless generations. But why take chances?
“Everything all right?” Jason said from the doorway.
“For now.” She moved to her cot and sat. It squeaked and the metal frame pressed uncomfortably into the backs of her thighs. “The Anguisher must be busy with something else. I didn’t sense him this time.”
Jason nodded as he sat on the cot with her, causing it to squeak louder with the added weight. “Nice digs. Fancy as the men’s dorm.”
She frowned. “I feel like I’m at summer camp. Does this mean we have to sneak out for clandestine visits in the woods?” She chuckled when he gave her a sultry look.
In a flash, he had her pinned to the cot, and kissed her until she wanted more. Much more. They both looked up when someone cleared his throat. George, Connie, Tessa and Sebastian stood just inside the doorway.
“Nice to see you two kids getting along so well,” George said. A huge grin practically split his face in two.
Zoey wished she could hide the blush from her cheeks, and she put her lips to Jason’s ear so only he would hear her. “I don’t remember asking for an audience.”
He stood and pulled her to her feet. The others glanced back and forth between Jason and Zoey, making them both look self-consciously at one another.
“How much do they know?” Sebastian said. He had food particles on his mustache, and Zoey pinched her lips together to keep from chuckling.
Connie took in a noisy breath and let it out. “They’re learning. And they’re talented.”
“Then we can use them in the summoning.”
“For their presence if nothing else.”
Zoey raised a brow at this discussion. Before she could question anyone, a wolf howled outside and she stiffened. Coyotes were cowards, not much for attacking anything larger than a house cat or small dog, but wolves—well, wolves scared the crap out of her.
Sebastian raised a finger and cocked his head like in an old comedy movie. “Oops. That’s my call.” He disappeared.
Tessa motioned the rest to follow her downstairs and into the main room, where Sebastian was now sitting on one of the large sofas with his eyes closed. Quietly, the others took various seats around the fireplace. Zoey and Jason squeezed into a tattered, yet oversized, chair together.
Tessa turned to Sebastian once he opened his eyes. “Anything wrong, love?”
“She’ll be all right. Campers wandered off the trails and close to her den. I’m afraid we’ve been experiencing more problems lately. Some mortals just don’t obey the rules.”
Zoey’s brows climbed at Sebastian’s telepathic abilities with wolves. I didn’t know anybody could do such a thing. Daisy and Bridgette didn’t seem to know, either, from the looks they gave one another. At least I’m not the only one in the damn dark around here.
Connie focused on Sebastian again. “About the summoning.” The bearded man turned his gray eyes on her. “Do we know how much power that’ll take from us?”
He shook his head. “Not exactly.” His thick brows went up. “But none of us will die, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
Connie pushed her short hair behind her ears. “That’s good to know.”
Zoey’s heart jumped and she stared at Sebastian then Connie. Oh, yeah, that’s really damn good to know. Fuck.
Chapter 20
Ain’t They Got Fun
By late afternoon the next day, Zoey was bored and irritable, and the triple-digit heat didn’t help, as she jogged along the winding path toward the lake. This whole conjoining thing had her on edge and exercise calmed her. Usually. She’d never read anything good about Titans, and the upcoming summoning left a hollow feeling in her gut, so she tried very hard not to think about it.
She had wanted to snag some alone time with Jason, but he’d spent every minute today with his dad, George, and when she’d confronted him about it, they’d quarreled.
“I have responsibilities,” Jason had said.
“I know. So do I. But we could sneak off for a few minutes.”
“You’re not even sure you want to marry me, Zoey. I might want more from a relationship than just sex.” That stung and Zoey had stormed off toward the lake.
A water bottle filled one hand and a towel the other, so she used a sticky wrist to push her sunglasses up as she kept a steady pace toward the water. Other than giving power to the Catcher box, which she’d done already today, she didn’t have much else to do out here. Until the summoning. Which I’m not thinking about, damnit. Checking cell and text messages and updating her social sites didn’t take that long, since just about everyone on her friends lists was here. There wasn’t even a stupid convenience store out this far.
Those thoughts dissipated as she loped the last several feet to the tiny beach. Saguaro Lake sparkled and she stripped to her bikini, leaving her clothes, towel, phone and water on a large rock beneath a blue palo verde tree, which wasn’t blooming this late in the summer. The unruly thing had more thorns than leaves protruding from its signature green bark.
Zoey smiled.
“Feeling a bit prickly today too, are you?” With sudden self-consciousness, she glanced around, but there was no one to hear her talking to a tree. Thankfully.
Tessa had said this area of the lake was off-limits to park visitors, and that Zoey would be safe here, undisturbed. She guessed the place had paranormal protection of some kind, but she didn’t ask about that. She really didn’t care. Right now, she wanted some alone time and was grateful no one had followed her.
She plodded into the water and splashed some on her arms and face as she waded in up to her breasts. Trees and greenery surrounded the lake, spattered among the crags in the various hills and peaks. Desert greenery to be sure, but it welcomed life, and numerous birds tweeted and squawked from shaded hiding places. Two animals moved on a peak in the distance, probably big horn sheep, as a hawk circled overhead. The cool rippling water seemed to invigorate her and she took in a deep breath of desert wetness. Man-made, as were most of Arizona’s lakes, but welcome, nonetheless. Other than the occasional motorboat rumble in the distance, Zoey felt as though she were the only person in the world. Surprisingly, that didn’t leave her feeling lonely.
She splashed in the water like a child enjoying a carefree summer. Mena and Alex had brought her out to the lake a couple of times. She’d even tried water skiing once, but ended up swimming more than standing. Nevertheless, she’d had a great time. There was no pier on this part of the lake, like where she’d been as a child, but the area looked similar, and she envisioned her guardians sitting on the tiny beach with a picnic basket, watching her flounce around in the water. A tune from her early childhood filled her mind and she hummed as she backstroked.
After splashing about for a while, she sat on a rock and let the calm sink into her bones. She checked her cell clock for the time. She’d been in the water nearly two hours and would need to reapply sunblock if she stayed out much longer. Her stomach rumbled as she took a long drink from her water bottle. A noise caught her ears. Startled, Zoey swiveled on her butt to look behind at the trail.
“It’s just us!” She smiled at Bridgette’s voice and watched as her two witch cousins walked into view, both in shorts.
Daisy made a beeline for the water, slipped off her sandals and waded in. She turned toward Zoey, her eyes hidden beneath sunglasses. “You and Jason have a fight?”
“Yeah.” She felt a bit foolish now as she pulled on her socks and running shoes. I’ve been acting like a total brat.
“Love’s a bitch sometimes,” Bridgette said as she stopped near Zoey.
Daisy smirked and made her way to them. “That’s profound, Bridge.” She snagged up her sandals and slipped back into them.
The redhead smirked back. “Hey, I’m nothing if not deep.”
Zoey smiled. These two could always lift her spirits. And I need to apologize to Jason. His last statement about wanting more than just sex still stung, but she let it graze off her now like a bougainvillea thorn brushing against her skin. “So, you two come to fetch me?”
Daisy smiled back. “So to speak. Tessa wants a meeting before tomorrow’s summoning. Some things we need to go over about the ritual.”
Zoey tried not to let her disappointment show. She’d actually forgotten about that for the better part of two hours. She took in a long breath and stared out at the lake. It took her back to a more innocent time. She’d also stopped thinking about the box. Until now. The primitive-looking lake trenched up disturbing thoughts, things she doubted she would ever learn. Who had been the first Dream Catcher? And when? Was hers the only Catcher box ever created or had there been others? Did hair still cover humans when that first Catcher took her first breath? Even pre-historic humans would’ve had hopes and dreams and wishes. Wouldn’t they?
A hand landed on her shoulder and she looked up at Bridgette.
The witch cocked her head to one side. “Think too much about it and your head’ll fucking explode.”
Zoey stared at her eavesdropping cousin several seconds before letting out a laugh that startled several nearby birds. She started to get up, when something slammed into her gut like a punch and she doubled over. An overwhelming feeling of despair surged through her like a hot desert wind and something contracted around her chest, sucking her breath out.
“Oh my God! Zoey?” Daisy looked terrified. “What’s wrong? Zoey, answer me.”
But she couldn’t answer. Couldn’t get her breath long enough to form a word. Her stomach and lungs burned, her heart hurt, she wanted to scream but her mouth had gone dry. Am I dying?
“Get her to the box,” Bridgette ordered in a distant voice.
Two sets of arms half-carried her down the trail. She closed her eyes and concentrated on simply walking and breathing. Both of which seemed near impossible and hurt like hell. Sweat trickled down her back and the mile-long walk seemed interminable. Finally, cool air of the cabin caressed her hot skin and she closed her eyes. Someone helped her upstairs to the women’s dorm. There were murmurs and rustling around her. Hands pressed her down onto a cot and when she opened her eyes, she was staring at the box.
The lid opened and she focused on the rainbow vortex until the pains in her stomach and chest faded and she could breath normally again. An image of Becka Lipner appeared. The woman sat in the bathtub with a razor blade in her hand, tears streaming down her face. Desperation flowed from her, but there was an outside force at work here, a disturbing force that chilled Zoey and made her tremble. It’s so damn strong.
Gripped in both hands, Zoey leaned toward the box and stared into the vortex as the cobweb cocooned around her body. She still has dreams, you bastard. Leave her alone! Her aura flared as she sent energy to Becka. The woman raised the blade to her wrist and held it there, a mass of conflicting emotions. Suddenly, the vortex grew dimmer, like a flashlight trying to go out, and Becka brought the blade down toward her skin.
“No!” Zoey forced more energy into the vortex and her golden aura pulsated with her frantic heartbeat.
Becka’s hand hesitated, emotions waving back and forth between despair and hope, and Zoey’s body strained with exertion. Her muscles ached with effort of holding off the Anguisher. Just when she thought she might pass out, the colors in the box grew more vibrant. A horrified Becka gazed at her hand as though coming out of a trance then dropped the blade to the bathroom floor.
The box broke the connection and everything went black.
* * * *
When Zoey awoke, she was lying on her cot and Connie sat dozing in a nearby chair. She swallowed and winced at the gritty feeling that several glasses of water might eliminate. As the fuzziness of sleep faded, she grew hungry. Quietly as she could, and with some effort, she sat, causing the metal frame to creak. Damnit.
Connie opened her eyes and placed a hand on Zoey’s shoulder. “Where’re you going?” She sounded relieved.
“I’m all right. But I’m thirsty. And hungry.”
“Stay here. I’ll bring you something.” The woman left the room.
She didn’t argue. In fact, she was happy to just sit. She gazed briefly at the other cots, many now stacked with bags and various belongings. Others had arrived last night and she’d missed the introductions. Hey, at least I’m not in a damn coma again.
The cot creaked as she readjusted herself. What she wouldn’t give to be home in her own bed right now, away from the prospect of facing the Council. Why did the Anguisher have to cause problems for her? Why couldn’t he be content? Don’t be naïve, Zoey. The world doesn’t work that way.
“Hi,” Tessa said from the doorway. The woman entered, carrying a cup of steaming liquid. Daisy followed, offering a relieved gaze, as Tessa pushed the cup into Zoey’s hands. “My special tea. It’ll help restore your strength.”
Daisy pulled up a folding chair and sat nearby. She didn’t have dark smudges under her eyes, like she had at the hospital when she and Bridgette performed numerous healing spells, and Zoey relaxed a bit. The witch smirked and waved a hand at the tea. “What’re you wa
iting for, Cousin? Drink up.”
She lifted it to her lips but it smelled awful and she immediately put it at a respectable distance.
Tessa raised a dark brow at her. “You need to drink that, Zoey. It’s a special tea. The recipe has been handed down for generations.”
Daisy smiled and crossed her arms. “Thanks for sharing those recipes with me, Tessa. I’ll be sure and email mine over to you. I think you’ll enjoy my holiday tea mix. Better than alcohol.”
Tessa chuckled.
So, while I was out cold, my cousin was exchanging tea recipes? How quaint. Must not have been too serious this time. She glanced at the Catcher box but really didn’t want to dwell on the Anguisher, so she turned her attention back to the disgusting liquid in her hands. “What’s in this?” Part of her was curious and part of her wanted to stall as long as she could. She certainly didn’t want to be rude by not drinking it. But shit, it smells nasty!
“Lake-weed tea.” Tessa shrugged. “Well, that’s what my family has called it for generations. We tweak it depending on where we live and what sort of flora is available.”
Lake-weed? The smell reminded her of the time Mena and Alex took her to a California beach and she tried to bring seaweed home in a plastic baggy as a souvenir. The stuff stunk up her whole luggage bag. Luckily, they’d driven, or she might’ve been held up at the airport for transporting a toxic substance. She grinned at that memory then glanced at the cup in her hands again and frowned
“If you hold your nose, it doesn’t taste so bad.”
“Lookout tummy.” She toasted the air then pinched her nose. The warm liquid felt soothing as she swallowed. And the woman was right. It didn’t taste so bad. Until she let go of her nose. “Tessa, this is disgusting!”
“More,” Tessa ordered with a grin. She wasn’t satisfied until Zoey had downed half of the foul stuff. “Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?” She took the cup and placed it on a worn trunk.