When she looked again, she found Quin hovering in front of her, and her weightless body jolted. Quin’s hand closed around her arm, keeping her upright, and she laughed as she rolled her eyes.
“Hey,” she greeted. “I see you no longer have your passenger.”
“I left the little angel with her mom, but she wants to make sure you saw her fly, so you’ll be bombarded when you land. Come here,” he insisted, pulling her into a hug. “You’re freezing.”
Layla tucked into his chest, thrilled her opinion mattered to Alana. It made her feel all warm and tingly. “That little girl can bombard me anytime she wants.”
Quin rubbed her arms and kissed her head. “Then let’s give her a chance. You need to get out of the wind.”
“I’m fine,” Layla laughed, letting him pull her under his arm. “I was cold on the way over, but you fixed it.”
“Good,” he approved, heading for earth.
As they descended into the colorful mist, Alana came into view, staring straight up while bouncing on her toes. Her patience snapped when she saw them, and she soared into the air.
Layla panicked and grabbed the toddler around the waist, hugging her to her thundering chest. “Wow, Alana. Every time you jump you take my heart with you.”
Alana broke into giggles, apparently proud of herself for scaring the new girl. “Did you see me fwy?”
“I did,” Layla assured, finding solid ground. “You were magnificent.”
“I went wiwwy fast.”
“Yes you did. Maybe someday you’ll be one of the fastest.”
“That would be fun.”
“Yes it would. We should practice together sometime.”
“I would wike that.”
“Me, too, angel.”
Alana smiled and kissed Layla’s cheek. Then her focus drifted. “Otay, put me down.”
Layla laughed as she obeyed, and Alana flitted to Selena, shouting about how Layla wanted to practice with her, and how she might be the fastest someday.
“I can’t get over how cute she is,” Layla whispered.
“She obviously likes you,” Quin noted.
“Nuh-uh,” Layla corrected. “She wuvs me.”
“We all do,” Daleen interjected. “Are you ready to start?”
“Sure.”
Without warning, Quin pulled Layla into a hug and whispered in her ear. “I’m going to let your grandparents have you for a while.”
Layla froze, shocked and anxious as his breath drifted through her hair and his fingers slid to her quickening pulse.
“See you soon,” he promised.
She gave a nod, and he kissed her cheek before dropping his hands and flying away.
Layla pouted as she watched him go. Then she straightened her shoulders and turned to her grandparents. “What’s next?”
“The good stuff,” Serafin answered, taking her hand.
“You won’t have to do anything for this part,” Daleen added, taking Layla’s other hand. “Just listen.”
Caitrin and Morrigan moved to the other side of Daleen, compelling the rest of the coven to join hands around the fire. Then a hush fell over the clearing as everyone closed their eyes.
Everyone except for Layla, who was curiously looking around when a harmonious hum rose from the coven, dropping her jaw and cinching her throat. She’d never heard anything like it. In all her experience with music, including a New York opera and dozens of concerts, not one tune had provoked such intense emotion, such compelling feelings of peace, security and belonging. The coven’s mesmerizing song could surely cease a war, felling armies with nothing more than fuzzy warmth and chilling goose bumps.
Layla’s heart beat hard, and she closed her moist eyes, letting the melody flood her senses.
For several seconds it was merely a pleasing thrum. Then the baritone voices strengthened, maintaining a hypnotic tempo while adding lyrics.
“Unified ‘til death are we,
sweet connected family.
Our bonds are strong beyond compare.
Our love is pure; our judgments fair.”
As the baritone voices faded, a higher chant sung by the women stole the spotlight.
“Our family holds a love that’s true.
We show our light in all we do.
We are connected, one and all.
Our perfect wall shall never fall.”
The feminine note lingered, tickling Layla’s spine. Then the men joined the women for the final verse, creating the most magnificent harmony Layla had ever heard.
“Keep us safe and keep us strong.
Provide us with a life that’s long.
For each of us, a shelter be.
Bless us all, our family.”
As the final note reverberated on the air, electrifying energy shot from Daleen’s and Serafin’s hands into Layla’s. She gasped and popped her eyes open, but her vision blurred as the thrill vibrated up her arms and throughout the rest of her body.
The others still had their eyes closed, like they were soaking in peace, but Layla didn’t understand how they remained idle. The magical energy had fizzled, but it left behind a tingling trail of charged hair follicles. She could dance a jig she was so frenzied.
Fingers and toes wiggling, she gnawed on her bottom lip, impatiently waiting.
“Did you like it?” Daleen finally asked.
“That—was—amazing,” Layla gushed, stimulated yet soothed, at peace internally, in her soul, but bouncing off the walls externally, her flesh and bones frenetic. “No, it was magnificent. No… There really are no words to describe what just happened. I loved it!”
“We’re so glad,” Morrigan approved.
“Yes,” Caitrin agreed. “Your enjoyment is important to us. Are you ready for the next part?”
“Umm…” Layla mumbled. “Can you give me a minute? I’m still wired from the last part.”
“Sure,” Caitrin laughed. “Take all the time you need.”
Serafin and Daleen released Layla’s hands, and she shot into the air, unable to stay on the ground. Gravity was of no assistance or resistance. She reached the treetops and found the wind, but its chill merely strengthened her vigor, so she began flipping and spinning, laughing at the ritual’s lingering tingle.
A colorful flash caught her eye, and she halted, her body quivering with the urge to move again. “Hey,” she greeted, smiling at Brietta.
“You’re having way too much fun to be having it alone,” Brietta returned.
“You’re right,” Layla agreed, grabbing her hand, and a fresh tickle shot up her arm. She looked down, realizing it was the first time they’d made skin contact. “Did you feel that?” she asked, tired of speculating.
“Yeah,” Brietta confirmed. “It means we share blood.”
“I’ve been wondering,” Layla mumbled, but she itched to move and barely had time to absorb the revelation. “Ready?”
“Let’s dance,” Brietta answered.
So they did, effortlessly staying in sync as they soared, flipped and twirled like children. When they came to a halt, they found each other’s eyes and burst into laughter.
“That was fun,” Layla exclaimed, refilling her lungs.
“You’re fun,” Brietta countered. “I’m so excited you’re here.”
“Me, too. It just keeps getting better.”
“As it should,” Brietta approved, keeping Layla’s hand as they descended.
Layla should have been extremely embarrassed by their jubilant welcome—twenty-six pairs of eyes staring, fifty-two hands clapping—but her dance partner’s profound confidence must have rubbed off on her, because her blush only flared once as she landed and took a bow.
The applause faded, and Brietta pulled Layla into a hug, giving her a dramatic, lip-smacking kiss on the cheek. “Have fun,” she chirped. Then she flew away, making room for Layla’s grandparents.
“Ready?” Caitrin asked, taking her shoulders.
“Yes,” she answered, so Caitrin
tucked her under his arm and turned toward the coven.
“Let us connect with our newest members, and strengthen the bonds that keep us together.”
“Hear, hear,” everyone chorused.
Caitrin kissed Layla’s head. Then he moved behind her, touching a palm to her lower back as the rest of the coven lined up for individual rituals. Layla stood to Serafin’s left, while Daleen stood to his right, prepared to launch the ceremony.
Alana was first in line, and Selena carried her forward, letting the toddler place tiny palms on Daleen’s cheeks. Morrigan performed the spell work, mumbling her magical request while touching Daleen’s back, and Layla watched every second, muscles twitching as her nerves wavered.
Morrigan’s murmuring ceased, and Alana’s and Daleen’s auras pulsed as they kissed each other’s cheeks. Selena shifted Alana to her hip, connecting with Daleen using one hand instead of two. Then mother and daughter moved to Serafin as Brayden’s dad carried him to Daleen.
Finally, it was Layla’s turn, and she grinned at Alana, getting a beautiful smile in return.
“Where would you like her to hold you?” Selena asked.
Layla glanced up, surprised her opinion mattered. “May I hold her?”
“Sure,” Selena agreed, passing Alana over.
“Hi, angel,” Layla whispered, hugging her close.
Alana’s skin was velvet soft, and her scent—orange blossom and magnolia—was sweet and calming.
Enraptured by the baby, Layla didn’t notice Caitrin’s murmurs, so she jolted when tingles erupted from the skin contact she’d made with Alana. The tickle grew stronger and more delightful as it seeped deeper, awakening flesh and blood en route to her chest. By the time the mumbling ceased, Layla’s heart was bigger, but not big enough, because it was bursting with love for Alana. She never wanted to let her go.
Alana kissed Layla’s cheek then pulled away and smiled. “I wuv you.”
“I love you, too,” Layla whispered.
She blinked back sentimental tears as she kissed Alana’s forehead. Then she passed her to Selena, who shifted her over and touched a palm to Layla’s face.
Layla didn’t expect to feel as strongly about Selena as she did Alana. How could she? It seemed impossible. But her second connection almost compared to the first, and she had no problem accepting the kiss Selena offered afterward.
And that’s how it went time and again—slight nervousness mixed with bubbling anticipation, then a pulse of the heart, a swell of love that stretched the organ’s boundaries. After completing ten out of nineteen, her discomfort disappeared altogether. Her heart thumped with love, her veins pulsed with warm adrenaline, and her brain sped, trying to absorb the wonder of it all.
The line dwindled, and Layla knew the lovely experience was coming to an end. Her magical life, however, was just beginning.
Rhiannon gave her a hardy hug before stepping away, and Layla raised an eyebrow at the last three people in line. Throughout the ritual, as she looked at each new face, trying to remember their names, Quin repeatedly entered her mind but never her line of sight. Distantly and without considering his reasoning, she predicted she wouldn’t connect with him until she finished with the others. Now, as he approached Daleen, Layla wondered if he intended to save the best for last, or if he thought she would complete the task more avidly in a race to reach the alluring finish line.
Kemble stepped forward and took Layla’s cheeks, which warmed as she timidly met his familiar gaze. Caitrin worked his magic. Then Kemble kissed her forehead and moved aside, letting Cordelia take his place.
“Hi,” Cordelia greeted, an excited grin brightening her features.
Before Layla could return the greeting, Cordelia pulled her into a hug and urged Caitrin to hurry up. Layla laughed at her enthusiasm, but Caitrin took it seriously and began murmuring.
Once the spell had completed its purpose, Cordelia leaned back, finding Layla’s face with shiny lilac eyes. “You’ve blessed us this night,” she whispered, taking Layla’s cheeks. Then she kissed her forehead and stepped away, making room for the final connection of the evening.
Layla anxiously looked up, and Quin flashed gorgeous dimples as he raised his eyebrows. “Ready?”
She was beyond ready and would have flung herself into his embrace if twenty-six people weren’t watching. “Yes.”
He hesitated then stepped forward, wrapping his hands around her waist and lifting her from the ground.
“Oh,” she gasped.
But he ignored her shock and pulled her close, burrowing through her hair until he found her neck. “Mmm...” he sighed, slipping one hand up the back of her shirt.
And with that, Layla melted, eyes drifting shut as one of her hands slid under his collar and the other got lost in his hair.
Caitrin began murmuring, and Layla jolted as powerful magic flooded her, its flux so electrifying she thought she might literally be sparking. When connecting with the others, the current had soaked from her skin to her chest, but with Quin, it deluged her extremities, saturating her entire body before fiercely invading her heart. The organ expanded and thumped with pure love, and their bodies quaked as soothing heat flowed between them. The pulsing energy came in waves, surging with tingly elation before plunging them into a sea of security and unity.
They were right in the middle of a rush when Caitrin’s hand left her back, and while the thrill eased, the elation remained. Layla held tight, not giving a damn about her audience. If they wanted her attention, they’d have to pry her off him.
After several minutes… or hours—Layla couldn’t be sure—the light seeping through her eyelids shifted, but she refused to break her connection with Quin to find out why. What she felt wrapped in his arms as well as his love, however pure it might be, was unlike anything she’d felt before. She would hold him as long as possible—a pledge he didn’t seem to mind. His grip remained firm as he brushed slow kisses across her neck, keeping the tingles going without the assistance of magic.
His face eventually left her hair, and she sighed as she opened her eyes, surprised to find the fire and family gone. “Wow,” she breathed, meeting his stare. “That was amazing.”
“You’re amazing,” he countered, smoothly flipping her legs up. Then he pulled her into a deep kiss.
Layla’s fingers curled in his hair as she urgently kissed him back, feeding the desire that had been escalating for hours. But all too soon a lack of oxygen peppered her vision with bright spots, and she had to lay her dizzy head on his shoulder.
“That was crazy,” she gasped. “Why was it different with you?”
“Was it?” he teased.
“You know it was,” she countered.
He laughed and softly nipped at her neck. “Yes I do. I’ve never felt anything like it.”
“Do you know why?”
“I know an existing level of intimacy strengthens the ritual, and I know the extra skin contact intensifies the sensations, but I never imagined it would make that big of a difference. So, no, I don’t know why, and I don’t care. It was the most amazing moment of my life.”
“It was wonderful,” she agreed. “I’m sad we won’t get to do it again.”
“We’ll connect in other ways,” he assured. “If you’ll only give me the chance.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Quin.”
“My heart soars to hear you say that, Layla, but you need to know that there are other options.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean there are thousands of wizards out there looking for a woman like you, and every coven in the world would love to welcome you into their family. When you start meeting people, you need to know it’s okay to consider a life outside of me and your coven, because this community is a tiny piece of the world you’re stepping into. You just got here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t leave should you find somewhere else you’d rather be.”
“You sound like you want me to look,” she objected, scowling at his neck.
“No,” he whispered, kissing her ear. “You got it all wrong. I don’t want another man touching you the way I have, or hearing the wonderful things you’ve said to me. I want all your attention all the time, and I never want to give it up. But I can’t keep you locked away from the rest of the world and its endless possibilities. You need to see what else is out there before settling for what you have, otherwise I’ll feel like I robbed you of opportunity, and you’ve already had too much stolen from you.”
“So where does that leave us?” she pressed, raising her head. “Is our relationship on hold until I see what else is out there?”
“I hope not,” he returned. “We’re doing okay, right?”
“Well, I thought we were, but now I feel like you’re stepping away.”
“Nuh-uh,” he assured, tapping the tip of her nose with his own. “I’m not going anywhere. We’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing while you get to know the world you’re in, and we’ll see where it goes. We have all the time in the world to do this right. There’s no reason to rush things or put them on hold. I’ll be here when you’re ready to settle in.”
“What if I said I’m ready now?” she asked, stubbornly tilting her chin.
He laughed as he touched his forehead to hers. “I’d say you want to argue, because nothing about what I said changes what we have together. We’re in the same beautiful place we were before this conversation.”
“Prove it,” she challenged, trying to scowl, but her lips twitched in hungry anticipation of his proof.
“You think you’re clever,” he whispered, flashing dimples as he leaned close.
His lips touched hers, and she freed her smile. “It worked, didn’t it?”
“Mmm…” he murmured, raising his eyebrows, “and it will every time.”
He kissed, slow and deep, and he must have used magic, because soft tingles flowed from his lips, flipping her stomach and swelling her heart.
Yes, they were in the same beautiful place they’d been before the unnerving conversation, and neither of them really believed the other could be replaced.
Impassion Page 17