She shoved her head under the covers to go back to sleep. Neeren's slight snore buzzed through the covers. How come she hadn't noticed before? He sounded like a freight train. Maybe she could smother him with the pillow? Mar pushed two thick pillows between them hoping to dull the sound. He snorted and threw an arm over her.
“Holy crap.” She threw the covers off and scrambled out from under the weight of his arm.
Now she was wide awake and hungover as all hell. She tiptoed to the bathroom. Groaned while staring at the dark circles under her eyes. She snapped her fingers. Sweet cool air circled her head. The headache subsided. Her dark circles disappeared. A healthy pink glow filled her cheeks.
“Magic, one. Booze headache, zero.”
She grabbed last night’s outfit off the floor and dressed. Neeren burrowed further under the covers, like he was also trying to hide from the sliver of light.
Goddess, she loved him. And she was going to marry him. Last night had been a revelation. The word ‘yes’ burst out before she could stop it. Like her entire soul craved him. It made no sense. Marriage to Neeren? Babies with Neeren? Little black kittens running around the island. A built-in family. A real family that didn't try to kill you every time your turned around.
And he was willing to give up hundreds of years, maybe even thousands, to be with her. Her hand shook. Her heart raced in her chest. Was it fair to him—even if it was something he offered? She needed to be alone. To think it through.
Through the window the sound of the waves crashing beckoned her. Mar blew her sleeping lover a kiss and quietly opened the bedroom door. She snapped her fingers before firmly shutting the door. A tube of lipstick popped open, and wrote, in perfect penmanship on the bathroom mirror—Gone to the seawall to clear my head. Back before ten, babealicious.
She wandered downstairs and found Glenn whistling cheerfully while glazing cinnamon buns in the kitchen. “Morning, Glenny.”
The way his eyes lit up when he saw her, made her heart smile. She should have had a father. Should have had someone like Glenn in her life. Maybe if she had, her mother wouldn't have . . . Mar shook her head. It didn't matter now.
Glenn hugged her and she melted.
“Well, look at you.” He held her at arms-length and inspected her. “You don't look worse for wear. It's been quite the adventurous week.”
“It has.” The next words burst from her mouth before she could stop them. “Can I tell you a secret?”
He handed her a cinnamon bun. The sticky icing dropped on to her fingers. “Now, you must,” he demanded.
“Neeren asked me to marry him last night.”
Glenn whistled. “Doesn't waste any time, does he.”
“Nope. Look at me though. Who would?”
Glenn released her arms to grab a coffee. He added two sugars and one milk, exactly how she liked. His kitchen smelled like lemon. Every surface gleamed. A young staff member stood on the corner texting.
“I thought you would've left for England by now?” she said.
“I like Vancouver. Besides, I think I need to keep an eye on you.”
“Well, you'll have to keep an eye on me later. I'm going for a walk by the seawall with the best cup of coffee in the city. Got a to-go mug?”
“Are you sure you want to disappear so soon after the last time?”
“That was nothing. Only a little visit to my ancestors to learn the tricks of the trade.”
“If you say so.”
She swatted him. “I left a note for Neeren. Besides. “She pointed to her chest. “Powerful witch, remember.”
“As if any of us could forget.”
“You'll tell the others? I really need a minute to myself.”
He glanced at the exit before he nodded hesitantly.
“You worry too much.”
“No, just enough.” He poured fresh coffee into a fluorescent pink mug with diamonds glued on the base.
She clutched her chest in her best impersonation of Scarlett O’Hara. “Glenny, is this for me?”
He blushed. “I saw it a few days ago on Robson Street and I thought of you.”
Mar threw herself into his arms and hugged him for all she was worth. “I actually love you, Glenny.”
“And I you, Maria Del Voscova.” As he pushed her toward the door, her feet slid across the polished surface. “Now don't be long. I'm making French Toast for breakfast.”
~ ~ ~
Mar wandered the sea wall aimlessly for a bit. Most of the work crowd were in their offices by now. The few people left on the sidewalks looked her up and down. She laughed. Her hair was a mess. Her outfit wrinkled. It totally looked like she was doing the walk-of-shame. She giggled, feeling lighter than she could remember.
Sneaking behind a large tree she snapped her fingers and changed into a hot pink yoga outfit tailored perfectly to show off her tiny waist. With another snap she had on hot pink runners. Her hair piled high in a pony-tail. Her face makeup free with a light pink gloss. Diamond studs in her ears. Goddess, she loved being a witch. Mar held the cup Glenny had given her against the sweater. Yep. Perfect damn match.
Before stepping out from behind the tree she glanced around to make sure no one noticed the change. Satisfied all was clear, she stepped out and sauntered along the sea wall.
The smell of salt hung in the air. Waves crashed reminding her of Neeren. Her breathing slowed. She moved with delight. The energy of the morning flitted over her bones. This was perfect. This being alive inside her body. Being in love without fear. Neeren was willing to give up a thousand years of this to be with her. Was that fair? She’d be willing live a thousand years to be with him.
She tapped a perfectly manicured finger against her lips. Swallows twittered above, questioning her right to join them. She stared into the horizon. Water below—air above. Human existence in between. A wood bench beckoned her to rest a while. She plopped down. Gulped Glenn's glorious coffee. Closed her eyes and simply breathed.
They'd figure out the immortal thing later. They both deserved a bit of happiness. And the darkness? Her mother? A father? The future wasn't something any of them could hide from. She'd lost the first century of her life to lies, manipulation, and hiding. She didn't want to waste any more time. Real love found her. She couldn't walk away from it.
She was a powerful witch. If she looked long enough, she'd find a way of extending her life. A way not involving vampires, or blood sacrifices, or any other ancient Wicca stuff. Maybe technology.
Maybe vitamins?
Laughter bubbled out of her chest. She was going to marry Neeren. She’d live on his island and make babies. In a real home. One she'd protect with her life.
A shadow crossed in front of her, blocking the view of the sea. A gentle voice that sounded like honey and wine asked, “May I sit with you?”
Chapter 31
Cold air slid over Neeren’s chest. He cracked open his eyes, while stretching out his hand to touch Maria's shoulder. Connected with cold sheets instead. He jolted up in the bed. Croaked her name through lips dehydrated from the night of drinking. He swallowed a couple times and tried again.
“Maria?”
Neeren padded to the bathroom on silent feet and found the message written in pink lipstick on the mirror. He splashed water on his face and strode to the window to throw open the light cotton curtains. Sunlight spilled over his flesh.
He loved how the early morning sun felt against his skin. Warm. Tingling. Soft. They would marry in a pool of sunlight. He'd watch the sun glisten on Maria's hair as he committed himself to her.
Determined to join his little witch at the ocean he threw on a T-shirt and fresh track pants. Before he stepped over the threshold of the door a slight wind tunnel kicked up in the center of the room. Seconds later a fissure split the tunnel
in two. The only sign of disturbance, the slightest sway of the curtains. Assuming it was the ancestors he stepped back to give them room in the small space. A minute passed. The portal hung open ominously. There was no chaotic tremor of voices. No high-pitched laughter.
Neeren called ice to his fists. Power radiated through his body. His pores filled with moisture. Dew settled on his skin. He held himself at the ready. A delicate foot swathed in red stepped over the edge of the opening. Her body followed. He swore under his breath, fists clenching at his sides.
Maria's mother spoke before her foot hit the floor. “Before you strike me down, listen to me. Maria is in danger.”
The portal closed as quickly as it opened. She stood before him dressed head to toe in blood red silk. Every inch a vampire queen.
“Where is she?” he demanded. Red hot anger clouded his vision.
“I do not have the answer to your question. I can only tell you what I sense.”
He lunged toward her. “What game are you playing?”
Isabella stood her ground. Looked him in the eye. “We don't have time for this. My daughter is in trouble. She wouldn't listen to me when I tried to warn her yesterday. Now I fear we're too late.”
Terror vibrated clearly in her voice. His vision cleared, and he took a moment to study Isabella. Greasy hair hung down her back. Her dress was torn in several places.
He rotated his shoulders calling on calm. Control. “Tell me what's going on.”
“An old being—ancient, wants her. He knows how powerful she is. Seeks to control the conduit.” She gulped a breath between each broken sentence. “I started this. Have been trying to end it for over a century. If only . . .”
She stopped mid sentenced and grabbed his shoulders. “There’s no time. Maria won't stand a chance alone. She doesn't have enough magic to stop him. We have to go now.”
Images of Maria tore through his head. Silky skin. Mahogany hair. The freckle on her left nostril. Her dancing on the ridge below his office window.
A tight pain gripped his chest. “She left over an hour ago for the seawall.”
“We have to go now. I'm begging you.”
He stepped into her space and grabbed her arm. “If you are lying to me. If this is another ploy to take her? I'll kill you myself without a moment’s hesitation.”
She waved him off. “Yes. I know. I'm not unfamiliar with threats to my life. Can we go now?”
He shoved his feet into a pair of black converse and threw the bed quilt at her face. “Cover yourself and keep up. I won't wait for you because of the sun.”
~ ~ ~
Mar grinned at the man standing in front of her. Dude was gorgeous. His skin weathered like a man who spent his life at sea. Thick mahogany hair covered his head. His bright blue eyes full of life and intellect. He wore layers of navy wool on top of layers of navy wool. His kind smile held no flirtation.
He lifted his muffin and paper. “You've found the best spot for morning paper reading. I usually have this bench to myself.”
Mar waved for him to sit beside her. “Did I steal your spot? I need to go home anyway. Enjoy it. It's a beautiful morning.” It seemed her time of quiet contemplation was over. Breathing deeply, she prepared to stand.
As he sat, his legged brushed hers. Waves of sorrow washed over her skin and clouded her vision. Mar tried to stand but her body felt weighted down. Held in place by an invisible force. Her quiet bench became a prison with no walls. Bonds tightened around her arms. Her feet glued to the cement beneath them.
The honey of his voice reached through the heavy fog in her brain. “Thank you, my dear, for allowing me to join you. I've been looking for you.”
Mar could do nothing but stare at him. Her lips glued shut. Her mind heavy. She tried to flip through spells in her mind. Struggled to turn the pages of her spell book. The ease with which she'd always been able to find what she looked for fled under this stranger’s gaze.
“Twenty-five years I've been trying to outrun your ancestors. I never wanted to hurt you. You're my blood. I brought your mom the damn prophecy book and she betrayed my trust. I make one stupid mistake and how did she repay me?” His fingers tightened on the bench. “She listened to Xi. Stole you. Betrayed me.”
He stroked her cheek with gentle fingers. “I'm not here to hurt you. No matter what they say. You've had enough hurt in your life. I need to make sure you won't scream for your mother. Can you promise me that?”
A single tear trickled down her face. The few people around them walked by oblivious.
“Don't cry. Shit. Don't cry. This isn't what I want. I'm going to release your hands and feet now. And you can talk. Please don't call Isabella. I am not ready to deal with that woman yet.” He snapped his fingers.
Mar wiggled her hands and toes, and licked her lips. “For fucks sake,” she yelled in his face. “I have had enough of this kidnapping crap. You let me go now or I will rip your cock off the minute I have a chance. I am so sick of this shit!”
She took perverse pleasure watching the blood drain from his face. When pride replaced the confusion, she punched him. “Do not tell me you're my dad.”
His glowing smile blinded her.
“Ah, fuck. Let me go.”
“Sorry I missed watching you grow up. But the women in your family leave a bit to be desired in the sanity department.”
She hit him again. Her mind fully cleared. “You're evil. What the hell?”
He replied through gritted teeth. “I’m not evil. Never have been. Try explaining that to your mother and your hellion coven of ancestors though. I make a few bad decisions, call forth a couple demons by mistake, and suddenly everyone's calling me evil. I'm left to bounce from realm to realm, chased by shadows, for twenty-five years trying to clear my name.”
“Dude. The magical community calls you a dark sorcerer.”
“Really who’s that? Xiomara? She’s a bitter old witch who hates any hint of rebellion to her authority.” He copied the sarcasm in her voice, and she prepared to hit him again.
Mars head spun.
“Your mom fell in love with me. She became pregnant. Xiomara was pissed. Next thing I know I'm being called this great evil sorcerer and your mom's gone nuts.”
Mar shook her head. Uncensored thoughts surfaced. How the ancestors forced Mar away from Neeren. Xi watching her every move in the other realm. How they never stepped in to help her as a child. How they let Jason turn her mother. Surely, they could have stopped it.
“Keep going,” Olorin prompted. “Fill in those blanks. I'm not the bad guy.”
A hard shout interrupted them. Mar whipped her head to see Xiomara mere steps away.
“Olorin. Step away from the girl. You’ll not take her while I live.”
Her father jumped up. “Stay the fuck away from me, Xi. I deserved to meet her.”
“You. You don't deserve a thing. You're disgusting.” She motioned to Mar. “Come here, child. He won't hurt you while I'm here.”
The anger in Olorin’s voice was crushing. “Look at me. I'm not here to hurt you. I risked everything to meet you.”
Xiomara's voice rose an octave. “Maria. Take my hand. I’m your family.”
“Don't do it.”
She studied her father. Indecision split her head open. “I . . . I'm sorry. I don't even know you.” Mar reached for Xiomara's hand.
Pain racked her body as soon as her fingers connected with Xiomara. A black stain spread up the flesh of her arm. Her skin began rotting. Her life force draining.
Xiomara shook her head. “The life of the conduit belongs to me. You do not fight me.” With her other hand, she magically forced Olorin back while creating an invisible wall blocking him from reaching her.
In the distance, Mar saw Neeren's face in the faces of the h
umans walking to work. She saw her mother’s face. Even Glenn's.
Her father beat against the wall around her and Xiomara.
Shadows climbed up Mar’s chest. Visions of all the people she loved swam among her tears. Her hearing shut down. She swore her visions were yelling at her. They flared their arms.
The wind whipped. The ocean surged against the break wall. Waves surged higher and higher. Humans ran for shelter from the impending storm. A storm that hid the immortals from view.
Visions swirled in front of Maria. Swam in and out of reality. Xiomara’s face changed. Shifted into something black and haunting. Something oily. Something dead.
An ancient voice echoed from the warped face. “They won't have you. I waited thousands of years for a conduit as strong as you.”
Mar's sight began to fade. The visions became shadows. Warping. Evolving. A giant Panther raced toward her.
A raven gained entrance through the top of the wall and flew at the deathly creature holding Mar captive. Began plucking at the oily face. A hand covered in rot released Mar's arm to swing at the bird, magically tossing it a hundred feet out to the ocean.
As soon as it released Mar, pain spilled like wildfire over her skin. Black agony. Her sight and hearing returned. She heard screaming. Her mother's voice. A growl louder than the crack of the ocean smashing over rocks. Then Neeren's guttural voice begging her to hold on.
Darkness raised its arms. Chanting. Erecting a physical barrier. Her father lay on the ground. His hands pushing against the barrier. Magic pulsing between his fingers. The deathly incarnation of her ancestor screamed at him. Whatever Olorin was doing was weakening the barrier.
Her mother began yelling. “You might be able to stop it, Neeren. That thing is a warlock. Once, long ago, a human. You have a small chance as it becomes corporeal.”
Glenn flew back. “We can't get through the barrier. It’s closed off the top.”
Tears fell from Mar’s eyes as life began to trickle back into her body. They were there. Her mother. Neeren. Glenn. All soaked to the bone and fighting for her life. Her father on the other side of the wall. His eyes pulsing white. Power surging from his hands into the force field. Darkness screeching that Maria belonged to it. Neeren paced the invisible barrier. His paws stomped like thunder.
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