“I need to crash, Becky. I’ve had a long day.”
“So tell me again why this sudden and total change in your life, Jolene! You’d almost think that it was your heart that was broken!”
Thankfully, Becky dissolved into wine-fueled tears at the thought of her own heartbreak, and Jolene was spared the necessity of having to answer. She led her friend to her bedroom where she fell on the bed to drop off almost instantly, and Jolene trudged back to the couch. Georgia worked night shifts and wouldn’t be home until morning. Jolene looked at the door speculatively. She threw the deadbolt and pushed and shoved a very heavy bookcase in front of it. She had to sit on the floor to do so, setting her feet flat against it and then using her strong legs to make it move, even after removing most of the books which she replaced after positioning it. Better safe than sorry. She hadn’t forgotten Arion’s theory. Shit. She shoved that thought away, much as she had her wine. She stripped to her panties and shirt, curling up on the couch, pulling a throw down to cover her. She thought she might lie awake and fret, but she felt herself drift off.
* * * *
She came awake at her usual early hour the following morning, grateful she hadn’t dreamed anything she remembered, although her face was finely coated with the dried salt of tears. She scrambled off the couch to hurry and put the bookcase back before Georgia came home. It seemed even heavier in the morning, and she knew she hadn’t put all the books away in their previous placement. Georgia was a bit compulsive, but Becky owned most of the books, so Jolene hoped no one would notice. She didn’t know how to explain away her sudden need for additional security. She used the bathroom next, after peeking in on Becky, who was still oblivious. Becky hated mornings. She was making coffee when the tumblers turned in the lock and Georgia came in. The other woman was surprised to see her, but obviously wasn’t interested enough or was perhaps too tired to ask any questions. She shut herself in her room, and Jolene figured she wouldn’t see Georgia again before she left. She and Becky were polar opposites, and that was likely why they were such good roommates.
Jolene tiptoed around for the next hour, drinking coffee, cleaning up, making sure things were tidy and repacking the few things she’d taken from her case. She resisted the urge to check her e-mails in case that client felt pushed into making a decision because Jolene had withdrawn her offer. It was funny how some people needed that little nudge, and Jolene didn’t want even a smidgen of guilt about moving on. Speaking of which, it was time she got back to the bus depot. She woke Becky and told her she was leaving, this time for real. Becky asked to be remembered to her parents, and Jolene didn’t tell her she actually wasn’t going to her mom and dad’s. She refused a ride and didn’t tell Becky she was going out the back door of the building and would catch a roving cab. They were probably unnecessary precautions, but easy enough ones to take. Becky cried a little and hugged her a lot, and then Jolene was slipping out into the alley, feeling a bit like a cautious fool. She was able to flag down a taxi almost immediately and knew she made it to the bus depot unobserved.
It was simple enough to purchase a ticket for Yreka. She could have gone to Medford and her parents wouldn’t have batted an eye, but they would know something was wrong, and Jolene simply had no way of telling them what happened. She needed time to construct a believable story, and Uncle Marshall wouldn’t require one. If Terry was actually looking for her, Jolene figured she hadn’t left a clear trail for him to follow. The bus left on time, and Jolene pulled out her laptop to read a mystery novel. Romances were forever on the backburner, even the ones she bought to help support Becky’s career. The same applied to sci-fi and fantasy. Jolene decided she would stick to reading mystery and comedy for the rest of her miserable life. The four hours on the road literally flew by, so deep was her deliberate focus. She barely had time to repack her computer and step from the bus in downtown Yreka to collect her case from the driver before he was on the road again. The bus wasn’t crowded, and she’d been spared inane conversation with a seatmate. If she didn’t run into anyone she knew here, then it would be a perfect journey. She was tired of pretending everything was just peachy and wanted to soak up the ambiance of Uncle Marshall’s little acreage without either censure or advice. She wanted to do what she really needed to do, let her gut-wrenching, agonizing pain, rage and despair out in a place that would absorb it.
Jolene headed for the shuttle service building. She could take another taxi, but Uncle Marshall’s cabin was just off the main highway leading to the national park and forest, and the shuttle was a convenient way to get there, and cheaper, too. The driver sometimes took her right in, but it wasn’t far to walk otherwise. She was tired again, having used up all her reserves to get this far, and she couldn’t wait to crash.
Chapter Fifteen
“It’s been over three months, Sulie. We are no closer to addressing what lies between us.”
Xander had bitten his tongue for days until he couldn’t keep his angst inside any longer. He and his twin had walked and run through every square meter of their ancestral forest, swimming in the pristine lakes and ponds, wading in the streams. They dined with all of their cousins and other fey creatures choosing to live here in the tranquility and subdued amber light. They sat under the moon and talked about everything under the sun. Everything except a little witch. Many females were available to them, but neither gave any of them a second glance. It should have been a healing time for them both after so much time away from their realm, under so much stress. Yet neither of them really felt better, and they remained so separate despite the fact they were never apart.
“I have tried, Brother. I find myself unable to connect with you, just as you are unable to connect with me. And as to what lies between us, it is more a question of who does not lie between us.”
Sulie’s tone was mild, and there was no hint of censure or accusation, only resignation, but Xander pounded his fist against the nearest tree and as quickly begged its pardon. These old specimens had seen millennia of angst and joy and withstood more than anyone would ever know. He looked at Sulieman and surrendered, amazed at how easy it was to do. His time back in this realm had at last clarified his thoughts. Xander wasn’t a coward. He’d never backed down from a challenge before, yet his ignorance and false pride had cost him and his twin something irreplaceable.
“I have thought of no one else this entire time, although I hoped she would fade from my memory once I was back home. Then I tried to convince myself it was she who was keeping us apart, to further foster my denial. Yet she didn’t come between us, did she? She did not do so. Although I must confess I dream of having her between us in a purely carnal human way. But, Sulie, Jolene has used her magyk to lock us out, and you know there is no recourse when a witch does such a thing. I have doomed us both, my brother, and there is nothing I can do to make it up to you.”
Sulieman sank down on the spongy forest floor and groaned at the comfort of it. Xander moved to position himself across from him. He recognized the signs. Sulie had something of great portent on his mind, and Xander rejoiced he actually felt his brother once again. He waited, he who always took the lead, he who was never in doubt. Xander Ahearn waited on his younger brother by ten minutes and hoped for a miracle.
“I think we should talk to Arion. He will perhaps be over his anger with you by now, and amenable to exploring the reversal of magyk spells or rekindling them. He alluded to such a thing prior to us leaving on our healing journey, but you were not in any frame of mind to hear it.”
Xander stared at his brother. “Arion was angry with me?”
“How dense are you really, Xander? Of course he was angry with you. He liked our witch. He fully recognized her potential, what a resource she was, but mostly he liked her.”
Xander huffed, deep in his chest. He hadn’t allowed himself to think about their witch in terms of other males. It was enough to bear she was far away and he and Sulie had no access to her, let alone her having sexual con
tact with someone other than them. He had no right to consider she would be celibate, but he hadn’t let his mind even flirt with the idea of Jolene lying beneath anyone else, or riding them as she rode him. Xander’s cock surged to life, and he looked down at himself in surprise. It wasn’t dead after all. It, too, had been waiting for him to come to his senses. Sulieman was smirking at him and sporting an erection to rival his own. Xander surged to his feet, and Sulie lunged to face him.
“Arion had better not be thinking about our witch, our intended, in carnal terms, Brother. I won’t allow it, magyk or no. If you think Arion can help us, then let’s get back to his meeting place and talk with him.”
Sulie stretched and threw his head back. His hair, like Xander’s, had grown longer, the ends now brushing their shoulders, and Xander appreciated the handsome picture of virility his twin made. If that made him conceited, it was at least from an objective viewpoint. They wheeled as a team and cantered back toward their temporary dwelling to gather their things and head to the city. They had been out of contact for a considerable length of time, and the thought of action had Xander’s blood moving again. He cursed himself for being a stupid, stubborn dolt, and the sound of Sulie’s burst of laughter had him smiling, too. Words were no longer as necessary. The twins of Ahearn were again in complete accord and on a new mission, this one to claim their witch.
* * * *
“I find it bothersome the Caprine who seduced Jolene’s friend has not yet returned to this realm.” Arion was ensconced on one of the heavy wooden chairs fabricated for all the Council members. The seating allowed them to sit and rest while taking less room than their usual stance. He looked older than Xander remembered, and weary. The task of governing with the pending changes clearly sat heavily upon his shoulders.
“Perhaps he stayed with her friend,” Sulieman suggested.
Arion shrugged. “There is no sign of him at her home, and she doesn’t possess any attributes to signify a reason for Terach to remain. He can satisfy his sexual appetites anywhere. No, the other Caprines confirmed they were looking for gifted humans and were actually quite methodical in their quest. The greater the number of females they could attract and pleasure, the greater the chance they would find one. And they went to that realm where strange and wonderful things often take place with just that in mind.”
Xander heard the little dig in Arion’s words, but let it go. The older Ipotane wasn’t telling him anything he didn’t already regret. He waited for Arion to continue.
“We indeed had become complacent at how this world was functioning. Since our return, the Council has met with representatives from all of the species, and to a herd they have asked for a seat. It will be an interesting process, and one fraught with challenges. Many of the older Ipotanes are not in favor of change, but what the Caprines planned could have destabilized all of our lives. We could have fallen to fighting amongst our herds as we did so long ago. It appears we must accept change and move with it.”
“When does the new Council meet?” Sulieman was clearly appeasing Arion while also bringing them both up to date, but Xander couldn’t see past his desire to come to the point. He could wait no longer.
“What of Jolene? Have you news of her, Arion?”
There was a brief flare of annoyance in the other’s eyes, but Arion responded civilly enough. “I have not felt her for these months, Xander. I did cross over with another team to cast for Terach, albeit with no success, something else that troubles me because he must somehow know how to hide from magyk. While I was there, I went to seek her because I could no longer feel her.”
Xander felt himself stiffen, and Sulieman also became rigid. Xander desperately wanted to know what Arion had learned, but also recalled Sulie’s assertion that Arion really liked Jolene. The burn of jealousy crept through his veins, and he ground his teeth. Then he wondered, with a sickening wrench, if something had happened to her. He was distracted from his dark thoughts when Arion’s face suddenly filled with amusement and he guffawed loudly.
“So, the xenophobe has come to his senses!” And then, in quick contrast, Arion’s face darkened, and his eyes hardened as he stared back at Xander.
“I can manage my carnal interest in your witch, Xander, although she would make a most welcome addition to my household and I’m sure I could look past my restraint.” Arion held up his hand to forestall both Xander and Sulieman’s protest, and very obviously could not hide his new amusement.
“I went to her home only to find it empty and another human living there. No one seemed to know where she had gone, but someone else had been asking for her as well. A big male with unusual golden eyes. The woman next door was quite entranced with him by her affect, and wondered if I knew him. She wanted to pass her contact information along again. There is no doubt it is Terach.”
Sulieman shoved across Arion’s desk, his tail a plume, muscles flexing violently under his hide, and deadly intent on his face. Xander knew it mirrored his own, and he pulled back to let his twin ask the question, while his heart thundered in what amounted to abject fear.
“It was Terach? He is looking for Jolene? And you knew this and let us stay in the ancestral forest while that goathead is searching for her, even might have found her?”
Arion shook his head. “I can’t find her, Sulieman, and I cast every day. Calm yourself. She has abandoned or refuted her magyk, or I would sense her. I have no intention of letting Jolene Phillips fall into the hands of Terach or any other Caprine. She and her kind are destined for Ipotanes.”
“But you said yourself things have changed. The other herds want different things, and the legends infer witches were mated with all species at one time!”
“Those are legends, Sulie. Nothing more.”
Xander snorted. “You don’t sound totally convinced, Arion. And you look exhausted. This isn’t just from Council work. It’s from casting for Jolene. You’re concerned and don’t want to make a big deal out of it because you fear the rest of the Council will know.”
“You were always a bright boy, Xander. Not bright enough to recognize your destiny and claim your mate, perhaps, and have saved us all this bother, but you’ve seen the crux of the issue. Terach is stubborn and determined to share in the governing of our realm, or worse, rule. He sees magyk as making this possible. His comrades have all corroborated this fact and were willing to follow him in his quest. They would still do so except for not wanting to jeopardize our recent truce. Terach remains a risk.
“And don’t snort at me, boy! Neither of you were fit to do anything to help when you came back from that world. You needed the healing time, and seeing as you are here now, it was both necessary and successful. What do you want from me?”
Xander began to pace the length of the room. He hoped Sulie would ask, but knew it was part of his penance to do so. “I understand there is a chance the magyk Jolene used to repel us can be reversed, that I might have the opportunity to make amends for my behavior. I humbly beg your assistance, Arion.”
“As do I.” Sulieman walked to stand beside him and they both waited as one for Arion’s response.
“From my readings, it can be done, but there could be a risk. There is much we don’t understand about witch magyk and how it can become Ipotane as well when a mating takes place. I inherited my magyk from my witch grandmother, but was the only child in our family to do so. Yet it all seems to have centered in me. I have powerful magyk, something I must remember every day and treat with care, and with reverence and gratitude.”
Arion scrubbed his face with his hands and shifted his bulk. The chair creaked, and Xander was reminded of the scene back in Jolene’s kitchen. He longed to turn back time and walk down that hallway to her bedroom and tell her his true feelings and beg her to take him as her mate along with his twin.
Sulieman locked eyes with him, and he heard his brother echo his thoughts. Arion was now observing them with a sardonic look, and Xander shut the makeup sex fantasy down
immediately. Who knew what Arion could see?
Arion continued. “But I don’t understand Jolene Phillip’s magyk. She swears she had no such power until she met you, Xander, indeed first laid eyes on you, and that is unknown to me. And her ‘liaison’ with you, Sulieman, in such proximity to Xander, shifted the very axis of what I know of magyk. My own gift swelled in concert. Her very home glowed with it.”
“I felt it, Arion.” Sulie spoke quietly, but Xander heard his assertion as though shouted from the rooftops. “It was like nothing I have ever felt before and being without her, away from her, leaves me empty, not whole.”
“Their auras merged before my eyes, and reached to fall about me,” Xander added. “I believe it was because Sulie honestly professed his love for Jolene and it would have included me. But I hardened myself against it and made it about pleasure only. And then I punished her for taking a stand, and Sulie supported me. Even if it was the right thing to do at the time, it compounded my refusal to connect with her on more than a sexual basis. Sulie had no choice but to sustain the correction, but it harmed their commitment. Jolene knew that it was wrong to come between us and let Sulie go.”
Arion sat for a time, and the atmosphere felt oppressively solemn. He then wiped his face yet again with the palms of his hands, clearly unsettled.
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