Aurora’s Coven: The Lost Coven | Book 1

by K. A Knight

  I raise my eyebrow and lean back. “Fucked?” I finish her sentence with a straight face. Her cheeks light up like a traffic light again. It’s so easy.

  “Thursday,” I answer honestly.

  Her eyes widen in shock before she narrows them in annoyance.

  “Who? You didn’t tell me you were dating.” Her arms cross beneath her boobs as she glares angrily at me.

  I snort. “Hun, I’m not dating. It was just fucking,” I say delicately. Her face, which was cooling down from her anger, flares red again in embarrassment.

  “Oh okay, but who?” She fiddles with her top and I decide to stop teasing for a bit—if her face gets any redder she might combust.

  “Brad, the mechanic.”

  She groans, uncrossing her arms, “Really? That boy is an asshole.”

  I nod. She’s right.

  “Yup, but he sure knows how to use his tools,” I reply seriously.

  “Fine, but don’t moan at me when you get hurt.” She throws her hands in the air and grabs her bag to leave. I hesitate at the concern in her voice and swallow my sarcastic reply. I realise she’s worried and trying to watch out for me, and I suddenly feel like a dick.

  “Lane, I won’t get hurt. It’s just sex. He knows. I made sure of it. I promise,” I say to ease her concerns.

  She nods slowly and relaxes. “Okay, I’m heading out. Love ya.”

  She waves over her shoulder as she walks to the front door. I swallow the emotions bubbling up when she says it.

  “Go get laid, Lane. Hot, dirty, sweaty sex,” I toss out at her.

  Her footsteps speed up as I jump up and chase after her, making sex noises. She slams my front door, and I lean against it, laughing to myself. She’s easy to tease, but I love her right back, even if I never say it. I never said I was perfect.

  7

  - AURORA -

  Later in the evening, I throw the crime book I’m reading down next to me in frustration. Neville opens his eyes and watches me curiously as I drop my head back on the sofa. I hoped reading a book would take my mind off of things, but my mind keeps wandering back to the four guys I met today. Will they realise what I am? If they do, what will they do? Somewhere over the weekend, I convinced myself I’m not going to run again. I’m happy here, and if they don’t like it, then they can leave. I nod stubbornly. More questions run circles in my head, and I stand up and pace in annoyance. Nev barks and comes towards me. In desperation, I glance out the window at the moon then back at him.

  “Walk?” I ask.

  He barks in response and runs to the back door. At least, I can lose myself on a quiet walk around the woods that surround my house. I grab my keys and shoes and lock the door as we leave. Nev runs in front, heading towards the trees at the back of the house. The sun set a while ago, and darkness surrounds me like a comforting friend, wrapping around me like a blanket. I lean back and stare happily at the moon. Nev barks again excitedly, and I giggle as I head off after him.

  When Tom found out about the shitty hotel I was staying at, he mentioned a property he planned to rent out, but it needed some work. I reluctantly went to check it with him, and as soon as we pulled up to it, I knew I was home. Picking up on my obvious happiness, Tom told me I could live in it, and he would take the rent out of my paycheck. In a happy daze, I simply nodded and went to explore my new home.

  The forest protects the back and sides of the house, and the long private driveway winds its way to the front door, making it the perfect—and private—escape. It’s not large, but big enough for me and Nev. The back garden stretches until it meets the woods, and I love the fact I can walk out the back door and lose myself in nature.

  My hands brush the plants as I walk through after Neville. They reach towards me and sigh happily as a little power slips out of me. It’s like breathing deeply again, like when you come up for air after swimming under water.

  I walk for a long time, not even caring what time it is. Neville keeps pace beside me, occasionally stopping to explore. We reach the lake nestled deep within the woods. I stop, and my eyes wander out over the water. The moon glints on the water, and the world seems like a dream. I sit as Nev dances and plays in the shallow water at the edge.

  I smile at him and realise I’m happy, yet inside, there’s a darkness I can’t shake, a hole I don’t know how to fill. I rub my chest absentmindedly. Neville barks as he runs towards me, rubbing his wet head against my hand when he reaches my side. I ruffle his fur and sigh heavily.

  “I’m okay, boy.” I continue to rub him absentmindedly as I watch the water break gently on the edge.

  Suddenly, he turns with a snarl, all his fur standing straight up as he puffs himself up to twice his size. I stand cautiously and scan to find what spooked him. My power unconsciously uncurls from its resting spot and readies itself to protect me. I bounce on the balls of my feet, ready to run if need be.

  A shadow steps away from the trees, arms reached outwards in a signal of peace. I narrow my eyes, trying to break through the shadows, as the darkness slowly recedes, revealing the giant from earlier. I almost take a step back as he approaches but stop myself.

  “Hush, alert,” I command Neville. He stops growling but stands in front of me like a guard.

  The giant stops a couple of steps in front of me. He just stares, and I do the same. His large arms hang casually at his sides, and his clothes blend into the darkness of the night. Tattoos peek out of the collar of his shirt, but I can’t make them out from here. His hair moves a bit in the wind, the black locks blending with the surrounding darkness. He studies me, taking me all in, as I do to him.

  I wear shorts with a tank top and cardigan. I cross my arms defensively over my chest and put on my bitchiest face. His lips quirk, and I can’t help but be enamoured with them. They’re full and soft, unlike the rest of him. Even his face is large, with sharp lines defining his cheeks and strong jaw. Some would be intimated by his stature and incredible good looks, but I’ve met scarier. I actually like that he doesn’t try to be something he isn’t. He seems comfortable with his size.

  “What are you doing out here?” I ask casually, like you would ask what’s for tea.

  He swallows, and his Adam’s apple bobs. I drag my gaze up in time to watch as he parts those lush lips in reply. His scent finally hits me, and I want to wallow in it—vanilla and chocolate, my favourite cookie flavours.

  “Walking.” His voice is deep and gravelly, like he doesn’t talk often. I want him to keep speaking to discover if it evens out, because if it doesn’t, well... holy shit.

  “Walking? At night? In the woods?” I question.

  His lips quirk into a smile, and I swear, to the moon above that my heart stops right in my chest. His whole face softens, and it makes him so fucking sexy. I swallow nervously as I try to remember what we were talking about.

  “Like you, then?” he retorts, and just like that, I snap back to the conversation.

  Right, I asked him why he was out here at night. Shit, he’s right, way to go, Aurora.

  “I live nearby.” Fuck, why did it come out sounding like an offer? He keeps staring at me, and I fight not to fidget. He makes me feel like a blushing virgin again.

  “So do I,” he responds. His voice still just as gravelly, and I clench my knees together, imagining that voice whispering dirty comments in my ear.

  My eyes meet his, realising what he said, and I start to panic inside. Why the hell did Tom not tell me they lived near me? Sensing my obvious panic, he steps forward reflexively, a deep frown etched on his stunning face.

  “Well, in truth, I’m about a couple of miles that way.” He hooks his thumb in the direction he came from, his voice a bit quieter now, yet no less rough.

  I frown. Okay, so they don’t live right next door, but it’s still too close for comfort. He steps closer; he’s so tall I have to crane my neck way back to keep eye contact with him. The moon highlights half of his face, leaving the other half in shadows. I watch him closely and
consider why it is I’m not scared. Most sane people would run the other way after meeting him, with his scary appearance and fuck-off vibe, but nope, not me. I can’t help but be strangely drawn to the giant man and, most confusing of all, the sense of safety that surrounds him.

  I’m so very screwed.

  - EZRA -

  I can’t seem to look away from the beautiful creature in front of me. While tiny compared to me, her attitude fills up the air. Her face is a calm mask, mirroring mine, but her eyes shoot daggers at me. I can’t help but smile at the fierceness I sense from her. Her stunning, black hair sways in the breeze and curls around her as if she is a part of nature. So, this is the witch Ben told us about. I didn’t believe him at first since female witches are usually tall, willowy, shy, and taught to speak only when spoken to. This feisty being in front of me is the polar opposite—small, curvy, and quite brash—and I love it.

  I spotted her walking past me through the forest, and I watched as she sat while her dog began to play. Even though something pulled me towards her, I turned to walk away and leave her in peace, but then I caught one last glimpse at her face. The desolation written there almost overwhelmed me. Something inside snapped, and before I knew it, I stepped away from the safety of the trees towards her. To do what, I didn’t know, but it felt like she needed me.

  She keeps her glare trained challengingly on me as she props her hands on her curvy hips, and my eyes can’t help but travel up and down her lush body. I rub my chin to try to cover my grin. Fierce indeed, and she refuses to back down. Not even the guys will stand up to me when I have this face on, let alone tiny pint-sized witches.

  I wrack my brain for things to ask her, so I can listen to her speak again. Her melodious voice is soft and soothes my soul, like a lover smoothing away all the rough edges.

  “What is he?” I nod towards the dog at her feet, who also glares at me.

  As I take a closer inspection, my face pulls down into a frown. That’s no ordinary dog, and I can’t help but wonder if he is other. The witch tilts her head to follow my eyes down at her companion, almost like she forgot he was there. When she notices his curled lips and glare, she bends slightly and whispers something to him. I try to listen, but the wind captures her voice and pulls it away from me. He continues to sit and stare at me, but no longer looks like he wants to kill me.

  “He’s a husky mix. I rescued him when he was a pup, I’m not sure what else he is mixed with.” Her soft voice floats through me, and I instinctively inhale. The happiness on her face as she stares at her four-legged friend entrances me, and all I can do is wish she would gaze at me like that.

  Wait... where did that come from? I scrub the back of my neck and drag my eyes from her to out across the water, hoping the sudden blush on my face isn’t visible in the dimming light. Eventually, like a moth to a flame, my eyes are drawn back to the mysterious woman in front of me.

  “What’s his name?” My booming voice shatters the quiet night.

  To her credit, she doesn’t even jump, just stares at me like I’m the one to figure out. Suddenly, a little embarrassed smile lights up her face, and she reaches down to stroke the dog’s head as she mutters a response under her breath.

  Unable to hear her, I lean in closer and can’t help but breathe in her intoxicating scent. Fuck, she smells like heaven, magic, and sin all rolled up in one small perfect package.

  Her eyes flick back up to me, startled at how close I am, but repeats her response loud enough for me to catch. “Neville.”

  As the single word reaches my ears, I can’t help the laugh that bursts out, and this time, she does jump. I lean back as I laugh harder. Neville.

  Her dog’s name is Neville.

  - AURORA -

  His laughter echoes through the night, and all I want is to hear it again. Once I realise he’s laughing at Neville’s name, I get annoyed. My lips and shoulders tighten in irritation.

  His dark eyes shine with mirth. “Like Neville Longbottom?”

  At first, I’m too shocked to reply. He knows Harry Potter? No one ever gets the reference. Even Lane said it was weird. “Um, yeah,” I mutter, watching him. “You like Harry Potter?”

  The question bursts out before I can stop myself. It’s like someone else has taken over my body. Cursing to myself, I almost miss his response.

  “Who doesn’t?” he replies cheekily.

  Well, shit. I shake my head to clear it, and it’s gotten cold since we’ve been standing here. Despite the drop in temperature, we continue to study each other in silence, neither of us wanting to be the one to break it.

  After a few minutes pass, I softly say, “I should go.” Tapping my leg to get Neville’s attention, I quietly turn to walk back home. When my back is fully turned to him, I take a deep, steadying breath. What was that all about? I’ve never been drawn to someone before like he’s my secret guilty pleasure. Ha, he’s like my chocolate cookies; I almost giggle at the thought.

  “Wait,” he calls out to me. I stop but don’t turn back around. His footsteps seem loud in the quiet of the night as he comes around to stand in front of me again.

  “I’m Ezra.” He holds his giant hand out.

  It’s hard not to notice it’s bigger than my whole face, and I swallow, wondering if it will look weird if I ignore it. He continues to stand there with his paw outstretched so I grab it, shake it quickly, then try to release it. But he continues to hold my hand in his warm one, his rough palm scratching against my soft skin.

  An electric spark shocks me, and I reply on a gasp, “Aurora.”

  He beams at me and pulls his arm back. Did he feel that, I wonder as I rest my hand on Neville’s head. “I’ll walk you back. It’s dark, and you shouldn’t be out here alone.”

  Before I can snap at him that I’m perfectly fine, he strides off towards the trees, and my eyes are drawn to his tight jeans where they sculpt his perfect ass. An appreciative sigh escapes my lips. At the tree line, he turns back to me with a questioning expression on his handsome face. Realising he’s serious, I walk slowly to catch up, Neville keeping pace at my side.

  As we walk through the trees, the silence is comfortable, and I sneak a quick glance at him to find him rubbing his hand on his leg, as if to scratch an itch... or shake off an electric shock. Shit, he felt it, too—that can’t be good.

  After a good ten-minute walk, we reach the trees that lead to my back garden.

  “This is me,” I mutter with a glance at my house. I can just make out the lights sparkling through the trees guiding me home like a beacon in the night. He appears to be deep in thought and almost jumps at the sound of my voice. He glances towards the light and nods, but before he can say anything in response, I rush out a hasty goodbye and half jog towards the back door.

  It’s not until I’m behind the closed door, and the breath I had been inadvertently holding in rushes out in a big gush, that I realise how affected by him I am. I carefully nudge the curtains covering the window next to the door to check if he is gone. His shadow stands out at the tree line, just standing there, waiting. Slowly, his arm raises, but before I can wave back, he’s gone, the trees absorbing him like he’s one of their own.

  “Well, shit,” I blurt out to the empty room. I’ve been saying that a lot recently.

  Neville’s bark echoes my profanity.

  8

  - AURORA -

  Since memories kept me awake most of the night, I find myself with more time before work than normal to get ready. I decide to make an effort for once, telling myself it isn’t in case I run into the awesome foursome... Okay, my tired brain came up with the name early this morning. I manage to tame my hair from its usually curly craze, where it now hangs down my back in loose, sleek curls. I apply minimal makeup, and for once, I covered the bags underneath my eyes...well, as best as I could.

  Grabbing my black, skinny jeans, I pair them with a white tank top and a flannel shirt. I slip on my black, biker boots with silver clasps up the side and a big enough h
eel to make me a normal size. I gaze at myself in the full-length mirror and grin as I twist and turn, admitting to myself I actually look good for once. Still not doing it for the hot witches, nope not at all.

  Grabbing my keys, I kiss my fur-baby on the way out. Driving to work, I sing along with the radio, tapping the steering wheel to the beat. I skip into work, not questioning my good mood. I wave at Tom as I head to the changing room, humming to myself. Tom offers me a quizzical stare. I smile at some of the usual customers along the way. Passing by the corner table on the way to the back room, I make eye contact with a little girl. Frizzy red hair is the first thing I notice, then her freckle-covered pale skin and tiny features. She can’t be much older than ten or eleven. As if she senses my stare, she glances up from picking at her food. Her eyes stop me in my track as the rest of the world falls away.

  So much pain and fear are held in those green pools that it echoes down to my soul. The worst, though, is the acceptance. I recognise those eyes, and exactly what puts emotions like that in a child. It chills me to the bone. No happiness, no plea for help, just acceptance darkens them. I allow my eyes to be drawn to the man beside her, shrouded in darkness that at first resembles bad lighting. I gasp. Jesus Christ.

  That’s his aura. I sense the evil, the sins, and the pure hatred pouring out of him in waves as he grabs the girl’s chin and pushes it down into her food. Anger builds inside me. The woman, I’m guessing her mom, barely lifts her head from where she intently stares at her uneaten food. He whispers something harshly, but the little girl doesn’t move her eyes from me. My anger rouses my powers, and I’m unable to stop it as I step closer to the table. My feet move as if pulled by a greater force. I stop before the little girl. She doesn’t say a word but continues to hold my gaze. I kneel as if compelled by her eyes. I grasp her little hand gently under the table, which shakes in mine as I tumble into some of the worst of her memories.