Worthy of Magic (The Ancient Magic Series Book 4)

by Stephany Wallace

  "Oh, don't be like that. Just tell me! You showed me your diplomas, and I already know you are an Architect. Please, just tell me where you go every morning, Chewie. Are you studying something else?"

  “I don’t like telling. I’m a ‘show’ kind of guy.”

  "Ugh! Fine." He laughed. My sleepy gaze fell on the clock on his night table, and I gasped. "7:30 in the morning, Chewie?? Why are you waking me up at this ungodly hour?"

  He answered amused. "You are having breakfast with me before I go. I need to leave now, and I'm not sure how long it's going to be until I can come back."

  I made a face, but before I could protest, his hands were on my waist, and he was carrying me out of bed and sitting me on top of the table.

  “Can you stop manhandling me, please?!”

  “But you are so tiny, and adorable.” He smiled, dimples flashing.

  “I beg your pardon??” I asked outraged. His smile widened. “I am not ‘tiny’” I answered making air quotations. “You people are giants.” He laughed. “And I’ll have you know that I’m the height of the average woman. Furthermore, I am not ‘adorable.’ I am a strong, independent woman, who also happens to be incredibly sexy, thank you very much.”

  "If you are so independent why do you let me do everything for you?"

  "We'll I'm not stupid! When a man wants to do something for you, you let him."

  He narrowed his eyes fighting a smile, then looked at me as though assessing me. His gaze went to the tiny left pocket on his jeans, and he slipped his fingers in it, opening it up.

  "I bet you fit in my pocket. Come on. Jump in. You can do it."

  "Stop it."

  "If you fit in my pocket, I'll carry you everywhere. I promise." He chuckled as my fist connected with his stomach. He lifted his shirt revealing his abs and moved closer, inviting me to hit him again. I did.

  "Feel better?" He asked, dropping his shirt.

  I huffed. “Not really.”

  “Too bad.” He gave me a peck on the lips and lifted me off the table, setting me on the chair.

  “Chewie! What did we just talk about?” I complained.

  He shrugged. “I like carrying you. Deal with it.”

  He placed two plates in front of me, and the argument died on my lips.

  ART

  * * *

  I rested against the desk and crossed my arms as I gave the students a chance to finish their projects. My gaze wandered over the lab yet my mind wasn’t really here.

  “We truly appreciate all the contributions you have made to this institution, but I’m afraid that without a more detailed report about your project, we can’t approve the grant to be awarded to you, Professor Allen.”

  The words from the President of the Board of Directors played over and over in my head. Without that money, I couldn't think about starting construction, and there was no way I would be able to collect enough contributions from the University benefactors to fund the full project. I needed the adequate materials, a large construction team, machinery… I sighed pushing off the desk. Another dream shut down. I should have expected as much. No. I couldn't give up on this. It was too important. I had to find a way.

  I was standing next to Peter's workstation before I noticed that I had walked his way. I sighed and began to inspect his work.

  * * *

  After class, I looked at my watch noticing it was already noon. I briefly wondered what Lia was up to, while I watched the students make their way out of the materials lab. The moment Lia and I had shared yesterday when I showed her my secret, kept coming back to me. She had become important to me in a way I never expected. Yet, the truth of the matter was, my only desire was to help her. I loved Eisha. She was all I had ever wanted, ever since I was a young man. I had willingly given her a piece of me, and I didn't think I would get it back unless I also had her heart.

  The memory of Eisha made my chest tighten. I hadn't seen her since the days following the battle at the lake. I had tried to talk to her so many times, but she was avoiding me, which hurt more than I cared to accept. I forced the thought of her out of my mind, deciding to visit her hut today and try to talk to her once more. Before I could leave though, I had to speak with the president of the University again. I had to find a way to get my project going. Seeing the lab empty, I grabbed my coat and began to walk towards the exit.

  “Professor, Wait!”

  I turned at the sound of the voice and saw Peter with another student walking towards me. I hadn’t realized they were still here. They ran the last few steps catching up with me.

  "Is it true you have a secret project you need land for?"

  His friend asked fixing his shirt.

  "And a crew?" Peter added.

  I frowned. “I’m sorry what is your name again?”

  “Maximilian Clifford. Max for short.”

  My frown deepened. “Clifford as in…”

  "The nephew of Andre Clifford, second chair of the board of directors."

  I sighed. I guessed that took care of my first question.

  "He told you about the Grant?"

  Max nodded. "My uncle wants to help you, but since your grant was denied he can't exactly do it through the university, so he called me." He said with a smirk. "I make things happen."

  I chuckled. “Ok. I’m intrigued. What can you do for me, Max?”

  "Well, that depends. Can you tell me anything about your secret project? My uncle said you didn't exactly give them much information to go on."

  Taking a deep breath, I rested my hips on one of the workstations behind me and crossed my arms. I shook my head. "Unfortunately, there is not much I can tell you. It's pro bono work. A housing project, unlike anything ever built before. I have no money, no materials, no crew and no land for it. Only blue prints and the desire to make it happen. In all honesty, now that I hear myself out loud I have to admit anyone would have to be crazy to take me seriously." I slumped against the desk. "It's no wonder they denied me," I mumbled chiding myself.

  “We are in.” They said in unison taking me by surprise.

  “What do you mean?”

  "Who wouldn't want to work with Clark Allen in a history changing construction, and learn hands on from him?" Peter asked. "My brother has a construction company, and he is always contributing to pro bono work. I bet he'd be happy to give you a crew once he learns he'll have a chance to work on a project from Clark Allen. Your buildings are freaking famous, and the structures are unreal. Who wouldn't want to put that on their resume? You are a genius."

  My eyes widened and I began to panic. I had never put my name on a design before, and I always made sure someone else got the credit. The last thing I needed was to call attention to myself in this world. “My buildings?”

  “Yes, dude. The Opera house in Shanghai, the Art museum in Philadelphia, the ice hotel in Alaska, the Coca-Cola building in Atlanta. It's like you are not even human. How have you done all that? You are like three years older than I am."

  I swallowed. “I never put my name on those designs.”

  Max huffed. "You don't have to. You have such a distinct style anyone that knows about architecture can tell. It's like a visual fingerprint in every building."

  “Even if you were only involved in the project as a regular worker, the people in the Architecture world know they are yours. You are the common denominator in all of them. The designs may not have your name, but they carry your signature.” Peter added.

  “How much land do you need?” I blinked taken aback by Max’s question. “Is there a particular state you want to build on?” He asked, ignoring my stunned expression.

  I tried to focus on his words. “As far as land, I need at least a hundred acres and no. I have no preference where it’s located. I just need to make it happen.”

  Max grinned. "Then I guess we are in business." He began to explain when I didn't speak. "My grandfather was a rancher. A cowboy if you will, like his Dad and his grandfather and all the men before them. All he ev
er did was take care of the land that was passed down generation after generation until it got to him. When he inherited it, the rest of the family wanted him to sell, and split the money among all, but the first-born in his family was always the one to inherit the land, so it was ultimately up to him to decide what was done with it. Grandpa always said it wasn't about the money. That he would only let go of the land when something of true value was done with it. Dad never sold the land because he wanted to find a purpose for it, to honor Grandpa. I inherited the land when my Dad passed away last year."

  "I'm genuinely sorry for your loss," I said, placing my hand over his heart. "His soul shall rest in peace and light among our ancient stars, waiting to be awakened once more so it can have a new chance at life. Our Mother Goddess, has blessed his essence, and through her light he shall be reborn."

  Max looked at me confused by my words, and it was only then that I realized what I had done. The words were so natural for me I didn't even think about who I was sharing them with at the moment. I removed my hand from his heart, but he held it, stopping me.

  "Thank you,” he whispered. His eyes filled with emotion. He seemed relieved to hear that.

  "Dude, that was deep and beautiful. What religion is that?" Peter's voice broke the connection between Max and I. He let go of my hand confused.

  "I'm not religious. I live a spiritual life." My gaze returned to Max. "What were you saying?" I asked, trying to bring their attention back to the conversation.

  Max smiled again. "I have six hundred acres in Montana without a purpose, and your project sounds like something of ‘true value.' I think my Grandfather would want the land to go towards your pro bono housing project. Knowing that it will be used for families, and kids will enjoy it and grow up calling his land their home would please him. If you want any of it, it's yours."

  I stared at him in shock for about a minute processing his words. When it finally clicked on, I pulled him in for a bear hug. He laughed as I tried to contain my emotion.

  "Thank you."

  He shook his head "Nope. You can't just say thank you. We have to be part of the project, or there is no deal."

  I smiled. “Good negotiator.”

  "I try." Max grinned, and I extended my hand to him.

  “Deal.”

  And just like that my fate changed. I guess I was going to get my dream after all. Although I still need the money.

  * * *

  I walked into my hut and found it empty. It was 6:00 pm and I was starving, but I wasn't sure where Lia had gone. I looked around the hut wondering if she was with Eghan and Ronan. She'd been spending a lot of time with them lately. Maybe she was visiting Seima, they had become good friends. If that was the case, then Lia had surely already eaten. I sighed, disappointed, and placed the food on the table. I hated that I was gone all day and wanted to eat with her. I had been spending so much time with Lia since she got here, that I was used to having her by my side. I’d missed her today. Maybe I could take her with me sometime. Show her the university, and take her somewhere nice in the city. I bet she'd really like that. I smiled, as the idea took form in my mind, and began to eat.

  * * *

  An hour later I walked to the bed and realized there was a note on my pillow.

  “Hey, Chewie. I’m going to spend the day with my new boyfriends Ronan and Eghan. I’ll see you tonight.

  XoXo, Lia.”

  * * *

  I chuckled and walked towards the partition, getting undressed. If Lia was with the guys, I could use the time to see Seima. It had been at least two weeks since we had spent time together.

  I sat in the tub, letting the hot water wash away the filth from the construction site, and began to soap up my body. Rinsing myself, I kneeled on the tub and lathered my skin all over again. My hand dropped passed my navel, and I held myself preparing for Seima. My grip tightened as I began to move my hand. Shit. It felt so good that I might not make it to her. I had always been a very sexual man, and it had been a while since I felt this kind of pleasure. I wasn't sure how I had made it this long. I briefly considered whether I should give myself relief before I went to Seima, so I could focus on her once we were together. Or if I should just stop my endeavor now, and cool myself then enjoy my time with her. I let go of myself, and my body jerked in protest. Fuck. I took a deep breath and poured another bucket of water over me. Standing, I reached for the towel and dried my skin trying not to touch my crotch so that I could cool down. Since I was alone, I figured there was no reason to get dressed just yet, so I made my way to the mirror and stood in front of it as I began to apply lotion on my skin. My gaze followed the path my hands created, and the feeling of the cream on me only enticed me more. There was no way I would cool down. I was way too aroused for that.

  My eyes closed the instant I held myself again. I wrapped my hand around it tightly, and a moan escaped me as I began to stroke. I was as good as gone. I turned around and rested my body against the dresser looking for support. The more I stroked myself, the closer to the edge I got, and the weaker I felt. I gripped the dresser with my right hand, to hold myself up as I tried to picture Seima's naked body. Instead, another woman came to me, and I couldn't make myself let go of her. Her beautiful body instantly took over my mind. I jerked against my hand as my need became greater, and greater until it dominated me.

  “Fuck.”

  I moaned at the same time a small gasp came from the door, and my heated gaze flew to it. The woman was no longer in my mind. Lia stood just inside the hut, watching me. I knew I should let go and cover myself, but I was too gone to stop. My body was no longer my own. It was driven by desire, pleasure, and I was so close. She walked towards me as our eyes locked on one another. My breaths came in ragged pants, and I was unable to think, or do anything other than look at her, and wish more than anything that I could see her naked body the way it had appeared in my mind.

  “I’m sorry.”

  The last conscious part of me whispered to her, as she stopped only a couple of feet from me. Lia's eyes roamed my body, not being able to look away. I could tell she enjoyed the sight of me, and my twisted mind liked knowing she was seeing me this way. Her chest rose and fell deeply with her breathing. I knew I shouldn't be doing this, but my body begged me for just one more stroke. She bit her lower lip, and I lost it. I shut my eyes, moaning as the surge of pleasure rushed down my spine.

  "Fuck!" I groaned as my body began to jerk and I became undone, in front of her.

  I kept my eyes closed trying to regain my bearings as sanity slowly returned to me. Damn it. What the fuck had I just done? I knew there was no point in being modest now, but I still reached for the towel. My hands trembled as I tried to wrap it around me. The power of my release had caught me off guard. I was still shaking.

  "I'm truly sorry, Lia. It wasn't my intention for you to see me like this." I answered honestly, not knowing how I would look at her again. I was mortified for what I had just done. "I saw your note, and I thought you wouldn't come home until at least a couple of hours. Not that I planned this. It just happened." Shut up, you idiot! My brain was screaming at me, and all I seemed to do was make it worse. I sounded like a pervert. She didn't speak and my heart sunk. What had I just done? My eyes opened, and I tentatively looked at her. She was cupping her mouth and trying her best not to laugh. What the fuck? This was funny to her?

  She cleared her throat. "No. I'm sorry. I'm so truly sorry." She said not sounding sorry at all. "I should have looked away when I realized what you were doing. Actually, I should have walked out as soon as I came in. And I definitely shouldn't have come closer to get a better look, but I mean, be serious for a moment. How does one not look at that?" She gestured to my crotch and pressed her lips together widening her eyes. She was having a blast with what had just happened while I was admonishing myself.

  I narrowed my eyes at her, but I couldn't help the amusement that filtered through me. My body had begun to relax the second I realized how casually she was ta
king all of this. She sighed unapologetically, while she looked at me and I realized to my embarrassment that I had draped the towel over my body very poorly. It was falling, and it had opened at the front showing my crotch to her again. I immediately tried to fix it, securing it around my waist.

  "In my defense," Lia added, the laughter clear in her voice. "I did tell you before that my philosophy was always to watch."

  Apparently, the statement took the last ounce of control Lia had, because she burst out laughing. Body bending, thigh slapping, tears streaming down her face laughter took hold of her and didn't let go. I couldn't help but join her. Lia fell, and my shoulders shook while I laughed looking at her on the floor. A part of me was glad she was taking this in stride, considering how bad it could have gone. The last thing I wanted was to damage my relationship with her. I cared deeply about her, and I didn't want anything to stop me from being there for her.

  “Up you go,” I said, going to her aid. Holding her waist, I pulled her up and sat her on the bed.

  "Oh, uh," Lia said in a singsong voice.

  I frowned looking at her. She batted her eyelashes at me and pressed her lips together again.

  When I looked down at myself, I groaned. The towel had fallen off my body when I carried her off the floor.

  "Oh, fuck it," I said, giving up and walked to where the towel had fallen. Her laughter reached me as I picked it up and tossed it into the dirty bin.

  "If it is any consolation, Chewie." She began as I walked butt naked around the bed to the dresser. "This is nothing I haven't seen before."

  I turned around to look at her and saw the spark of amusement in her eyes. She grinned. She was truly enjoying this. I shook my head and opened the drawer.

  "I mean if you are trying to protect my innocence or something, you might be a little bit too late. I've had sex before, so I'm not a virgin anymore. Also, you should probably know that I had two guys as roommates in college, and I walked into this sort of thing in our apartment nearly every day. They practically lived naked around me, and I didn't really care to be honest."