by M. L. Briers
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Connor strolled towards the cottage with Molly in front of him. With Vicky at his back on one side and Chelsea on the other, the old witch didn’t dare put a foot out of step.
Landon opened the door to his truck and offered Gemma his hand. She didn’t hesitate for one moment in taking it, and the warmth of his palm was nothing compared to the heat in his eyes when they met hers.
“Sure you wanna be here?” Landon asked and she nodded.
She didn’t go far. With her backside against the side of the truck she crossed her arms and watched her mother being taken towards the minivan like a criminal led to sentence.
Gemma couldn’t say that the woman didn’t deserve it. She’d never been a real mother – more of a magical instructor in the ways of the craft – but that was only for her own gain, otherwise Gemma doubted if her mother would even have acknowledged her existence.
What she had now with Landon was good, it was pure, and she wouldn’t let her mother’s touch or taint it in any way. She needed to cut all ties with her.
Gracie bounded towards her with the kind of smile that brought the sun out. The woman had an infectious smile and a way of grabbing life by the balls and seeing it through a child’s eyes where everything was magical and new.
Gemma hated to think that her mother might just wipe that innocence clean out of her. She was in her early twenties, but someday life would tame her enthusiasm.
“Can I come visit?” Gracie asked on a giggle.
“Yes.” Gemma smiled as Gracie bounced in place and clapped her hands together in frenzied excitement.
“I can’t believe you mated an alpha bear.” She grinned like an idiot. Gemma leaned in and whispered in her ear.
“If you ever get the chance, I’d say go for it.” Gemma told her and she giggled.
“Don’t lead her down a path she might not be able to travel.” Landon cautioned her.
“I’m not saying she has to go searching for a mate, just have a little fun with a big, hard sexy shifter guy.” Gemma beamed a smile and Gracie giggled again, her eyes wide like saucers at the thought of it.
“Maybe.” She cheerfully offered back. “You never know.” She said as her neck disappeared when she brought her shoulders up and giggled some more.
“Gotta go. Do the huggy-huggy thing and let’s make time.” Scarlet called with a wave towards Gemma and a flick of her head towards the minivan.
“Well.” Gracie looked from Landon to Gemma and back again. “Enjoy each other.” She giggled and tossed herself at Gemma. Luckily Gemma caught her before she knocked them both off of their feet as the happy witch hugged her tightly like she didn’t want to let her go.
“Stand up for yourself and don’t take any of their crap.” Gemma whispered in her ear.
“You know me.” Gracie pulled back and beamed her a smile, but there was sadness in her eyes.
“And come back and see me soon, okay?” Gemma was a little worried for her, but they both had their destiny laid out for them, and she couldn’t change Gracie’s. Whatever that may be.
“Well,” she pulled back and looked up at Landon, a slight frown etched onto her forehead. She offered him her hand. “Goodbye. Take care of her.” She giggled to hide her embarrassment again and Landon grinned – no fangs.
“I get the feeling we’ll be seeing you around, Gracie.” He said.
Gracie nodded. She’d like that. She liked Gemma – she was probably the only witch that never put her down. She’d miss her, but she was definitely coming back for a longer visit.
Gracie turned and practically ran right slap bang into Connor. He grinned as she snapped her head back on her neck and made a small sound in the back of her throat that sounded like fright.
“What? No hug.” Connor teased and Vicky elbowed him in the ribs. His top lip twitched in pain as his body caved forward.
“Nope.” Gracie said as she shot off fast towards the minivan.
“You put a little magic behind that elbow.” Connor groaned out.
“Yep.” Vicky beamed him a wicked smile. “Don’t kick the puppy.” She said with a small shrug.
“There were no fangs.” He lifted his hand and pointed at his teeth. “See.”
“Oh, good boy.” Vicky baby talked him before she reached up and pinched his cheek between her finger and thumb.
“I hate it when you do that.” Connor’s voice was dry, but his eyes were still smiling.
“That’s why I do that.” Vicky chuckled.
With a toot of the horn, a frantic, hyper wave from Gracie, and a death glare from Molly, who sat silently in the back seat – they were off.
“Think she’ll be back?” Landon asked.
“Gracie?” Connor said with a beaming smile. “She’ll be back, she loves my winning personality.” He wiggled his eyebrows at his mate and she elbowed him again.
“I don’t think my mother would risk her magic over something as trivial as me.” Gemma informed him and he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her hip to his.
“Then she’s a stupid woman. She couldn’t see the woods for the trees.” Landon said on a sexy grin that warmed her to her very toes.
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Ethan growled long and hard at the sight of the witches minivan driving away. Hidden in the bushes – where he’d been for most of the night – he watched them go with mixed feelings inside of him.
She was pretty and the sunshine came out when she smiled. He liked the scent of her, but he was no good, and so he couldn’t have her – even if he wanted nothing more.
He’d hurt her.
She’d hate him.
It was best that he let her go.
The End.