by Terra Wolf
Joy nodded knowingly. “People change Paige, happens all the time.”
“Not like this.”
She helped me stand up and offered me some water from the cooler we had over in the corner. “Here drink up. I'm going to take you home and you're going to tell Gran what happened. She needs to know about this.”
I nodded taking slow sips, I didn't exactly want to explain my encounter to Gran, but I knew I couldn't lie to her. Plus I felt she needed to know what Nick told me. Natalia wanted me desperately and she was ready to do anything to acquire me.
*****
“You went to see him? What were you thinking?”
I'd heard those two phrases over and over again since I had arrived home. Gran had been so disappointed in me that she had called Ultan over to do damage control. She asked him to try to infiltrate the Invidia, to see if they have any new information on me. He shook his head so many times I thought it might fall off. He told her that he had no more connections with them and couldn't find out any new information.
“What about that girl? Ashley? The one from here? Weren't you still in communication with her for a while?”
Ultan continued to shake his head. “For a while. She was so scared of Natalia that it wasn't fair to her anymore. We ended it months ago, Aine.”
I jumped in. “Wait, is that the girl that Joy told me about? The one they never found.”
Gran looked at me confused. “She was a local, yes. She can feel emotions. They take people who they feel have gifts. When they transform them, they become part of the Invidia. Ultan was connected to her for a while, but stopped when… hmmm about the time you found out about Paige?” She allowed her gaze to settle upon him.
He shot her death glare. “Ya know that's not what it was about. Ya told me to protect her and so far I've been the only reason she hasn't gotten herself killed.” Then he turned to look at me. I'd been appreciating the moment of not having the focus and shame on me. “But if you're not honest with me then I can't protect ya. What would make ya want to go see him again? Didn't I make it clear that Natalia and Nick are dangerous?”
I was shaking and trying my best to suck down shallow breaths in order not to cry. “Yes but...”
“But nothing Paige!” Jealousy was flowing through his veins. “Why can’t ya see he’s trouble? He’ll get ya!”
I stood up to him, annoyed by his interruption. “But I loved him once! We were together for a long time Ultan, when my life was normal. I thought that maybe Nick had come to a turning point, that he had realized what he was doing was wrong. There used to be so much good in him, I had to hope that there was just a little bit left. But, God, you two! He killed that girl!”
Gran stepped between us and separated us with her hands before turning to me. “What?”
“He killed her!” My breathing became heavy as I thought back to the body. Her missing arm. “Nick said they took her arm for studies. Something about blood magic.”
Ultan’s eyes became wide. “They want to transform Electi? But why would they do that?”
Gran shook her head. “I don’t know. This is more serious than we thought. We need to get to the coven. They need to accept her so she’s protected. We also need to keep our other young under lock and key.”
Ultan looked at me. “So how did ya get rid of him?”
“I got really upset. And my pentagram started to, I don't know, give off some light? And then I felt something in my skin, almost like when your foot falls asleep. But it was moving and fast so then I tried to focus on where he had me.” I looked back down to my wrist but there were no marks of his betrayal. “Then everything started to burn. His hands, my clothes and so I ran for it.”
Gran's eyes narrowed. “You burned him?”
“Yeah,” I laughed for only a moment. “Burned myself too.” I lifted my skirt slightly to display the burn marks underneath. I watched Ultan’s eyes take in the view. He seemed impressed.
Ultan smirked at me. “Good one.”
But Gran just shook her head from side to side. “Your gifts are too strong for someone who has not been taught. The necklace advances them of course, but I've never heard of anyone else feeling them like you do.”
“No one else experiences this?” I inquired.
“No. Well, only one other person I know of.”
“Who, Gran?”
“Me.”
6
“You? You feel them like this?” I put my hands out to the side and wiggled my fingers, thinking that perhaps I could use my powers on demand. But sadly nothing happened.
“Yes dear, I've always been able to feel it. Even as a child. It was how they knew I would be the leader of the coven.”
“Does that mean I'm going to be the leader?” I had just jumped on board with the idea that I had magical powers, I certainly wasn't ready to lead any group of people. Especially ones I had never even met. I had only recently stopped judging them for their beliefs, it wasn't my place to be in any sort of power.
Ultan crossed his arms and raised his eyebrow at my grandmother. He looked as though he didn't know the answer to the question any better than I did.
My grandmother paced for a moment before stopping and looking at me and said, “That's something that the coven will have to decide, once I pass.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Well good, at least I have some time to figure all this out.”
She nodded, “I agree you need time to hone your skills. We haven't even started talking about potions yet. We need to go to the coven with this new information. And they need to accept you. It's the only way to reach the full potential of your abilities.”
Ultan put his hands by his side and looked at me expectantly. To be honest I wasn't quite sure what to say. I took a moment to center myself and found myself reaching for my necklace to rub it between my fingers.
“Okay, let's do this.”
I changed into jeans and sandals and discarded my burned shirt. Ultan came upstairs as I was finishing up. “Knock knock.”
I quickly pulled my jeans up, but he walked in as I was zipping them. I turned around quickly to shield my underwear.
“Are ya stallin?”
“Stalling, no it’s just…”
“Ummm I mean like going? Are ya going or not?”
“I’m coming, just give me a minute.”
He looked at his shoes for a moment. “I’m sorry I yelled at ya down there. It’s just I don’t like ya seeing him, and I guess it’s not just about him being Invidia.”
I turned back to face him. “Then what it’s about?”
He couldn’t look me in the eyes. “About yer past with him. I don’t like that ya were so close.”
“Ultan, that was in another time. I was a different person then. He was a different person.” When he finally met my eyes there was a sadness reflected in them.
He walked over to me and put his soft hands on my face. “I’m sorry.”
“I know. I am too.”
Smiling he said. “Ya know, about last night…ya haven’t said anything about it. Wasn’t it any good?”
I took in his appearance. He had a dark gray tight shirt on today with dark jeans. He was stunning and as I stepped closer, I realized just how good he smelled. I moved towards him so we were only inches apart. “It was unbelievably good.” I was nervous, but for the first time in a long time I didn’t feel like I was betraying Nick. He was a cold blooded killer now, not someone I ever wanted to be involved with again.
“Well we have to go again then don’t we?”
I laughed. “Now isn’t really the time.”
“Paige with ya, it’s never going to be a good time, but it is time.” He wrapped his calloused hands around my cheeks and pulled my face up to his. For a movement I felt like I was floating. He kissed me gently at first and then harder, pushing his fingers through my hair. I let go of my insecurities and allowed my baggage to fall away. Now was my time with Ultan and I had to taste every moment of it. He slowly
began nibbling on my lower lip before allowing his kisses to trail down my neck. As I let my neck release its tension and fall to the side Ultan took my moment of relaxation to pick me up with his lean muscular arms. I wrapped my legs around him. I knew I didn’t love Ultan, not yet, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want to climb into bed with him. He carried me over to my small twin bed and laid me down on my back before climbing on top of me. He continued to kiss my neck as he removed my shirt, stopping only when he could occupy his mouth with other places on my body. I ran my hands through his dark hair as he drew circles with his lips. God, he was hot. His mouth found its way back up to my lips and then he whispered in my ear.
I used my hand to show my appreciation and dipped it inside his pants to trace along his cuts right below his hips. I rubbed my knuckles back and forth over his right hip before he whispered again, “Yer such a ride lass.”
I laughed. “A ride?”
He pulled away for a moment to catch his breath and a thoughtful look crossed his face. “Uh yeah, what do ya call it? Sexy?”
“A ride… I like it.” I grabbed the back of his head and pulled him back down to me, nibbling on his bottom lip when they touched. He pushed his hips into mine and we moved together, blending our bodies into one. He leaned in and slipped his hand around my neck pulling me in to him as his mouth claimed mine. He tasted sweet and alluring. His mouth was hot to the touch and I almost moaned with need. He kissed me softly at first and then his kisses became more fevered as if he needed my mouth on his. His tongue slipped into my mouth and I claimed it. I sucked him slowly, tasting him before I pulled away. Ultan pulled me in again as he was not finished kissing me. His tongue found mine again and our kisses grew more passionate. His hand found my breast and he kneaded it softly. He began pulling off my t-shirt and then tossed it aside. He stopped kissing me momentarily to look down at my breasts that were dying to be released from my bra.
“You are so beautiful Paige. I just love your curves.”
I smiled though all I could think about was what he looked like naked. He unclasped my bra and he pushed me back until I was pushed up against the headboard. His mouth found my nipple and he sucked, nipped and licked it. The sensation I was getting was making my panties wet. I moaned softly as he replaced his mouth with his fingers and pulled on my nipple causing an ache between my legs. Damn, he was good. He continued playing with my nipples causing me to moan as a pleasure built up in my body. My hand reached down and I massaged the front of his pants, I could feel his hard cock pushing against his pants. He smiled at me.
Quickly we tore off our clothes and I laid there naked before him. He looked down at my pussy and smiled.
“Mmm, you look good. I want to lick your pussy.”
I didn't hesitate to lean back and spread my legs. I wanted him between my legs
Ultan dropped down before me and licked my pussy slowly as if he was licking an ice cream cone on a hot summer day. It felt incredible as his tongue licked the sides of my opening, causing a tingle to run through my body. He took my clit in his mouth and sucked on it causing me to moan loudly as my pussy dripped.
“Oh God...oh God...Ultan that feels incredible.”
He looked up and smiled, “Does that feel good sweetheart?”
“Oh God yes it feels amazing.”
My pussy was dripping and he was licking it up tasting every inch of me. I felt the build up coming. I was going to cum right there in his mouth.
He was sucking on my clit when he buried a finger inside my pussy and started pumping away. It was too much, too much all at once and I cried out softly as I had an orgasm so delicious that I wanted even more. I was aching all over and I didn't want it to end, not for one minute.
“We have to go,” he whispered to me.
“But…” I protested.
He started to put his shirt back on. “Other matters to attend to, we’ll finish this later.”
Ultan walked out as soon as he was dressed and, as soon as I came down from my high, I got dressed and followed him. I was still tingling as I walked downstairs. We really were a weird pair, doing it in places I would never consider. But every time he touched me, I just wanted more.
After I was ready, Gran and I walked out to Ultan’s car. She had the magic book in her hand. I got in the front seat and Gran sat in the back, clutching the book to her chest. She looked around nervously, like she didn't like having it out of the house. We drove into the dark of night and I wondered if anything would ever really make sense again. Or if going to the coven would just lead to more questions.
Ultan drove slowly but it only took a short time to arrive at a small dark house on the edge of town. The house was lit from the inside, but it must've been candlelight. I could tell by the flickering glow. There were cars everywhere, like some type of frat party but it was eerily quiet. The grass was wet and felt slippery under my sandals. I followed Gran to the front stoop and waited for her to knock, but she simply opened the door, letting us all in.
We stepped up into a small foyer. The place was packed, dozens of people stopped moving all at once to put their attention upon us, or should I say, upon Gran. As she passed, many of them bowed or curtsied. I was in awe of the respect they had for her. As she greeted some people we made our way to a small staircase leading up to one large room. It looked as though most of the walls had been knocked out in order to make space. There was a large pentagram in white chalk on the dark hardwood floor. Gran shuffled over to it slowly and placed the book in the middle. Candles surrounded the pentagram and I swore they shown a little brighter once the book was placed.
I watched people ascend the stairs while whispering about the Electi. Some people pointed at me and Ultan with curiosity, while others regarded him with fear. I didn't like being the center of attention and I couldn't understand what was so interesting about me besides that I was new and I was Aine’s granddaughter.
People knelt down around the pentagram and watched Gran for instructions. I wasn't sure what I expected but no one moved, they just kept their heads bowed. Everyone seemed fairly serious, but the whispering continued. I noticed that many of them carried candles of their own and some had satchels of what looked like herbs and plants. Gran had always been like that too, using only organic items and making most of her own soaps and detergents. I had never thought about it until now, but that was probably part of her religion. Be kind to nature and all that.
Gran lifted her hand and everyone quieted down, she had their rapt attention. “My granddaughter has joined us this evening. She has questions about us and we must respect that she has an outsider's point of view. She has come into her powers but grew up outside our world. I would like the young ones to explain to her what it's like to be part of our coven.”
A girl with bright red hair, obviously of our Irish descent, walked slowly to the front and curtsied to my grandmother before addressing me. “We have waited for you. Magic chooses the person, not the other way around. We welcome those who wish to learn, but only some have the gift. I can sense it in you. You are strong with the power, you must believe.” She curtsied again and fell back amongst the crowd.
As she moved away a boy moved forward. He was a lot younger than me, maybe only fourteen or fifteen. His blue eyes shone beneath dark hair and he smiled brightly at me, making me feel instantly better about the situation. “We need you as much as you need us. I know this probably seems a little crazy, but it's all true. Here in Salem, we don't have to hide, we blend in with the regular people. But there's nothing regular or normal about any of us and we flock here to be joined together. It's nice going to school knowing I'm not alone. You're not alone either, you can learn from us, we will teach you.”
He turned and walked away slowly to what looked like his family. His mother and father smiled at him appreciatively and seemed proud.
The last person to approach me was a person in a dark navy hoodie. She slowly removed the hood to reveal her bright blond hair and gorgeous features.
> “Joy? What the hell?”
Joy simply nodded, never taking her eyes from my own. My heart fell into the pit of my stomach and my body shook with anger and distress. She had lied to me, our whole friendship could have possibly been just one big lie. Trying to get me here, to the coven, to be one of them. I looked to Ultan and Gran, both of them averted their eyes. No one wanted to be involved in the situation that was about to unfold.
“How could you do this? I don’t even feel like I know you!”
Joy looked hurt and put her hand up towards me but I quickly backed away.
Ultan called my name but it sounded far away. Had tonight with him really not been so long ago? I couldn’t tell what was real or fake anymore. I felt so misled that I just needed a moment to myself. I had to think.
“I’ve gotta go.”
“Paige, don’t. Just hear her out.” Ultan pleaded with me but I shook my head and turned to run. I couldn’t handle another disaster in my life, I wasn’t strong enough yet. I was weak and vulnerable, and they took advantage of that. I flew down the steps as Ultan and Gran yelled after me, but I didn't care. I just had to get away. First they tell me that I have some secret power. Now I find out that the person who had been my only true friend since I arrived has been lying to me the whole time about who she really is. This was all too much.
I gasped for air when I reached outside, the incense had been choking the life out of me. I began to run, not knowing where my feet would take me or where I might end up but anywhere was better than here. I ran and ran until my feet felt swollen in my sandals.
I stopped to take a breath, placing my hands on my knees as I tried to slow my heart rate. After a few minutes I looked up to determine my whereabouts, but everything looked foreign to me. I was lost and no one knew where I was. Maybe that was a good thing because I couldn't see myself going back to Gran’s house anytime soon. But where would I go? Who could I stay with?