Mark of the Witch (Boston Witches)

by Jessica Gibson

  Jilly nodded. “That I can understand. Part of me wants to erase her memories from my head by replacing them with my own. I don’t think you quite understand the magnitude of what she’s done to me. I know what your mouth feels like against my skin; I know what it would feel like when we join together. The scrape of your teeth against my thighs. William...” She stopped, feeling flushed.

  The look in William’s eyes spoke volumes to her; part lust and part anger. She was glad nothing was going to happen tonight now; she didn’t want Sabine to ruin their first time together.

  “Jilly, I don’t know what to say. I’m truly sorry for this. If I could go back in time and not go to France, I would.”

  “Stop apologizing. It’s never been you I’m angry at. I just wanted you to know, and to understand why I wanted to move forward. This is a weird situation to be in. Most ex-girlfriends don’t have the power to show you all the steamier memories they have.”

  William chuckled. “You’re right about that. Don’t worry, we’ll start making our own memories soon enough. We can start with some PG-13 ones.” He pulled Jilly down on the bed and kissed down her neck to her collar bone. “How’s this?” he asked.

  She growled and wriggled out from under him. She threw him back on the bed and jumped on top, repaying him in kind.

  The next morning, everyone was gathered in the clearing behind Jilly’s house. Caroline was excited to train with so many people; up until now it had just been with Jilly.

  “Jilly, you and William will obviously be partnered up since you’re strongest together,” Nikolai said as they were starting out. “Katya will be your opponent for now. I’m going to be working with Caroline on some defensive spells.”

  They all split off into their respective groups to train.

  “Ok, show me what you’ve got,” Katya taunted.

  Jilly grinned and rubbed her hands together, making them glow brightly in the morning light. She rushed at Katya, grabbing her arm and taking her down.

  “Wow, that’s something, isn’t it?” Katya said as she lay on the ground, rubbing her arm.

  “Sorry, but you asked for it,” Jilly said with a laugh.

  “Don’t be sorry; that was great. Let’s keep going,” Katya replied.

  Caroline was breathing heavy, a think sheen of sweat covering her skin. “You’re not concentrating,” Nikolai scolded. “Close your eyes and picture the flames growing in your palm.”

  Caroline tried again to do as he asked, but all she ended up with was a tiny spark, like when a match lights.

  “Again,” his voice boomed.

  “I’m trying. Shut up and let me concentrate,” she yelled back.

  Nikolai chuckled under his breath and watched her progress. Finally, after another twenty tries, flames erupted in her palm.

  “I did it, oh my gosh, I really did it!” she screamed, a triumphant smile on her face.

  “Very good. Now try it again,” he said. She stuck her tongue out at him and extinguished the flame. “This time imagine the fire in the shape of a ball.” After several more tries, Caroline finally did it. “Wonderful. Now try and throw it at me.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked.

  He smiled. “Caroline, I’ve been at this for hundreds of years. Trust me, I’ll be just fine.”

  She grinned and hurled two flaming balls at him. With a wave of his hands, they dissipated into nothing. “Again,” he yelled.

  Two hours later, everyone was spent, and they filed into the kitchen for lunch. Jilly made grilled cheese sandwiches for everyone, and Caroline made a salad.

  “That was fun,” Caroline said exuberantly when they were all eating. Jilly smiled, remembering how excited she was at the beginning of her training.

  “We’re switching sparring partners once lunch is finished,” Nikolai said between bites.

  “We should work on defensive spells, Jill,” William said. “You may not always be able to zap the enemy.” Jilly nodded, enjoying her food too much to reply.

  Once everyone was finished, they went back down to resume training. Nikolai came at William and Jilly right away, not giving them any time to prepare. They grabbed hands and focused on a protective bubble forming around them. Nikolai threw every spell he could think of at them, but it held firmly.

  “That’s impressive. You two are really something when your magic is joined,” Nikolai said.

  Jilly smiled, and bright green flames formed on her palm. She threw her hand forward, and the flames wound themselves around Nikolai like rope. They didn’t burn, but they prevented him from removing them.

  “Very good,” he said. Jilly grinned, her green eyes glowing as brightly as the flames. William looked on, feeling a rush of pride for her.

  Katya worked with Caroline on forming a protective bubble. “I know it’s hard, but this is the most important spell you’ll need to cast,” she said soothingly. “Try again.”

  Caroline screamed as Katya burst through her bubble.

  “I’m not going to go easy on you, Caroline. Your enemy won’t, so you need to learn. Again,” she shouted. Caroline concentrated, and was finally able to hold her bubble for a few attacks from Katya. “Better. Let’s keep going.”

  William was crouched on the ground, waiting for Nikolai to come at him. As soon as he saw his friend take off, he sprang up into the air, landing in a tree off to the left. “Very funny, Will. Come down and fight like a man.” Nikolai taunted.

  William floated down to the ground slowly and shook his arms until blue electricity flowed down them and out his fingertips.

  “Now that’s more like it,” Nikolai said with a grin. He threw his arms up and purple fire danced down them until his whole body was engulfed in flames.

  The two men launched themselves at each other, blue sparks and licks of purple flame flying above them. Finally, after a few minutes, they sprang apart, each of them scuffed up and singed.

  “That was awesome,” William said with a laugh.

  Nikolai grinned. “Good work my friend.”

  Jilly shook her head and went to join the women. She found Caroline and Katya locked in a battle of wills. Caroline had her eyes closed, concentrating on keeping her bubble intact. Katya was circling Caroline, tossing spell after spell at her. For twenty minutes the bubble remained intact.

  Finally, Caroline was exhausted and let the bubble burst.

  “That was wonderful, Caroline. You did great. I’m happy you have mastered at least one offensive and one defensive spell,” Katya said as she sat down next to Caroline.

  “Thanks. It was really hard, but I feel good to have done it,” Caroline said, panting slightly.

  Jilly sat down and gave her sister a hug. “I’m so proud of you, Car. You did amazingly well today.”

  The girls sat facing the boys, watching them hurl spells at each other. It was like watching a fireworks show; the colors were dazzling.

  “Ok, are you guys done showing off?” Katya yelled as she got to her feet. “It’s starting to get dark, and I’m hungry.”

  The guys stopped their play fighting and trudged over to the ladies. They both had dirt everywhere, and small scratches and burns covering their hands and arms. Jilly laughed when William stopped next to her. “You look like you got into a fight with a mud pit. You boys better clean up before dinner.” She shooed them up to the house to shower while the ladies fixed dinner.

  Later that night, Jilly was in bed reading when Caroline knocked on the door. “Can I come in, Jill?”

  “Sure, come on in.” Jilly set down her book when her sister came in. “What’s up?” she asked as Caroline sat down next to her.

  “I want to come with you guys when you meet Sabine. Before you say anything, just promise me you’ll think about it.”

  “I’ll think about it, but I’m leaning toward no, Car. It’s too dangerous; you’re so new to all of this. I would never forgive myself if you got hurt.”

  “I understand that, I really do, but I’m not going to sit back w
hile you risk everything.”

  They both glared at each other, clearly at an impasse.

  “I promise you I’ll consider it. Ok?”

  “Fine. Just remember that I can help.”

  Caroline kissed Jilly on the forehead and left.

  Great, one more thing I need to worry about, Jilly thought to herself.

  William came in a few minutes later. “Hey, beautiful,” he said with a smile.

  Jilly put her book down. “Hey,” she said absently.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Caroline wants to come with when we meet Sabine and the mystery person.”

  William nodded. “I was afraid that was going to happen when she started training with us. Do you think she’ll stay put if we tell her she can’t come?”

  “That’s just it, I’m not sure she would.”

  “We may have to bite the bullet and let her come then. We should have her train on more offensive spells tomorrow.”

  Jilly nodded, not really feeling better. “I guess that’s going to have to work. I don’t like it, but I can live with it for now. I’m really hoping we can talk some sense into her.”

  “You and I both know that’s not going to happen,” William said with a wry expression on his face. “You Proctor girls are a stubborn bunch.” Jilly tossed a pillow at his head laughing. William caught the pillow and tossed it back at her. “Sleeping alone tonight?” He quirked an eyebrow up.

  “You can sleep in here if you can keep your hands to yourself. I’m so tired, I don’t have the energy to fend off your advances,” Jilly said with a laugh.

  William opened his mouth in mock horror. “Oh, my advances, huh? I seem to remember it was you who was making the advances last time.”

  It was Jilly’s turn to feign offense. “Who, me?” she said in an oh so innocent voice.

  “All right, I’ll be back in a few minutes; I’m going to get changed into pajamas.”

  Jilly’s heart skipped a beat when she remembered how William looked in said pajamas. She got up as well and washed her face and brushed her teeth before changing into a cami and a pair of shorts. She hopped back into bed just as William was coming back into the room. He climbed into bed and kissed her softly on the lips, caressing her face with his fingers.

  “Ok, that was my one and only advance for the night,” he said with a smile.

  “I’ll allow it,” Jilly said as she snuggled in close to him. They both drifted off to sleep in a matter of minutes.

  Jilly opened her eyes. She was in an all white room. She looked around, fully expecting to be in another of Sabine’s fun little dreams. Instead she found Liza.

  “Jillian, it’s good to see you again. I’m glad you’ve come,” Liza said with a radiant smile. It shocked Jilly for a moment; she had ever actually seen Liza smile before.

  “Did you bring me here?” Jilly asked.

  Liza shook her head. “It was not I who sent for you, no.”

  “Then how did I get here?”

  “Jillian, you are a powerful witch; you came of your own power.”

  Jilly looked puzzled. “But how did I do it?”

  “I cannot say how. Your magic is unlike any I’ve encountered before. Let us not question our good fortune. We should just enjoy this time we have together.”

  Liza smiled and led Jilly over to a white couch against the wall.

  “How can I stop Sabine from invading my dreams?” Jilly asked once they were seated.

  “There is no way to stop one such as Sabine. The amaranthine have power beyond the realm of witch and warlock. It makes them dangerous, which is why most do not possess magic of their own. They are always seeking to acquire magic from us. They wish to enslave us. There are ways for you to fight back though. You can regain control of the dream. If you look in the grimoire, there will be a section on dreams. You should find the spell you need.”

  Jilly smiled. “Thank you. The dreams are not something I want to continue to have. I don’t like being shown memories of the man I’m involved with and another woman.” Jilly realized Liza must feel the same way after she spoke. “I’m sorry, that was insensitive of me. I know you care for him as well,” Jilly said with a frown.

  Liza smiled. “Do not fret. He was never really mine to have. He was always meant for you. I will always treasure the time I did have with him though.” Her expression a bit wistful.

  “I’m worried about this meeting with Sabine and the mystery person. William keeps telling me not to, but I can’t seem to stop myself. What if something goes wrong? And now Caroline is determined to come along with us. I don’t want her in danger, but I know if the situation were reversed, nothing would keep me away.”

  Liza pulled Jilly in close and hugged her tightly. “Everything that is meant to happen will happen, my darling. Nothing you can do or not do will change that. Your sister loves you as you love her. She only wants to protect you. Let her love you the way she knows how to, Jillian.” She took Jilly’s face in her hands and kissed both of her cheeks.

  There was a blinding white light and Jilly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she was back in bed with William. She smiled and snuggled into him and closed her eyes again.

  Chapter 9

  Jilly woke curled up against William. I could really get used to this, she thought as she rolled over.

  William’s eyes were still closed, but a grin spread across his face when he felt her shift. “Morning,” he said cheerfully.

  “Good morning to you too. How did you sleep?”

  “I honestly don’t remember. I was too tired to dream. I guess I slept well. Did you?”

  Jilly smiled. “I really did. I had a dream; Liza and I were in this beautiful white room. She told me where to look in the grimoire to take back my dreams from Sabine.”

  “That’s great. You should look that up before you do anything else today.” William’s voice sounded somewhat tense.

  “I know you haven’t enjoyed me having the dreams either. I’m happy to fight back any way I can. Liza was telling me that the amaranthine have powers beyond the realm of witches. It’s pretty cool that you have both kinds.”

  William shook his head. “It can be, but it’s more dangerous than anything. The deathless are constantly hunting witches for their power. If they knew about me, I’d never have a moment’s peace again.” Jilly was a little taken aback by the fire in his voice. He noticed the shift in her expression. “Sorry if I came across a little strong there. It’s just that my kind are a little crazy as a group. I generally want nothing to do with them. There are only a handful out there that actually still have a soul. Over time they lose their humanity. It’s similar to vampires in that respect. You know about vampires, right?”

  Jilly laughed. “I’m a witch, William. I know a lot about the supernatural community. I know that vampires and werewolves exist. I’m not naive.”

  William smiled. “Of course you do. Sorry to bring you down first thing in the morning.” He gave her a sheepish grin.

  Jilly smiled and ruffled his hair before planting a kiss on his cheek. “No apology necessary. Now scoot out so I can get dressed.”

  “You go ahead and change, I won’t peek,” he said with his eyes closed.

  “Right, like I’m going to fall for that,” she said as she pulled him up from the bed. “Out,” she said as she held the door open for him.

  “Alright, alright, I’m going. I’ll see you downstairs in a few.” He gave her a quick kiss and went across the hall to his own room.

  Caroline was already in the kitchen when Jilly came down.

  “Good morning. I hope you’re ready for it today.” Jilly said as she snagged the grimoire and a cup of coffee and planted herself at the table.

  “My, my, my, aren’t we in a good mood this morning? Could this have something to do with a certain handsome gentleman whose name rhymes with Filliam sleeping in your room last night?” Caroline said with a grin.

  “It might,” Jilly said with a wink. “A
lthough, it was just sleeping. I was way too tired for anything but that last night. Plus, Liza and I talked last night in my dream. So now I’m on a mission to take control of my dreams again. She said I may not be able to stop Sabine, but I can fight back for control of what’s happening.”

  “That’s great,” Caroline said with a smile.

  “I know, so now I have to find what I need before Kat and Nik get here.”

  “I’ll leave you to it then,” Caroline said as she grabbed an apple and headed out into the living room.

  William found Jilly with her nose buried in the grimoire when he came down ten minutes later. “Find what you need?” he asked as he sat down next to her.

  “Mmm, I think so. I guess I’ll know for sure the next time she tries,” Jilly said with a shrug. “I want to get Caroline up to snuff on offensive spells today. I’m confident in my own abilities, but I need to feel confident in hers.”

  William nodded. “We’ll work on it today. Don’t worry so much.” He stroked his fingers along Jilly’s cheeks.

  She turned her lips into his hands and kissed them. “I’m going to worry regardless; it’s what I do. I’ll just worry a little less if she’s better equipped to handle whatever is coming.”

  William kissed her, pulling her in close to him. “That’s why I adore you, my dear; you have such a compassionate heart,.” he murmured into her hair. Jilly hugged him tighter, never wanting to let him go.

  An hour later, everyone was out behind the house, sparring. Nikolai was working with Caroline. “Again!” he yelled as he threw a ball of flames at her. Caroline quickly formed her bubble and winced when the flames hit. “That was better. Let’s keep going.” he said and threw three balls of energy at her. She barely got her bubble up in time, and sighed in relief when nothing hit her.

  “Can we please move on? We’ve been at this for thirty minutes already,” she whined.

  “We’ll move on when I say, and not before.” Nikolai lifted his hands into the air and lightning shot out toward her. She jumped out of the way out of reflex and threw up her bubble as she landed on her butt. “Now hold it,” he shouted as he continued to pelt her with spells.