Resurrected (Romani Realms Book 2)

by Mia Fox

  “It’s just that Charlotte is my best friend. And, she risked her life for me. She has a child and she deserves a life with her family. She won’t leave here unless I...”

  Daniel nodded. “Then you should go.”

  Tears immediately dripped down Samantha’s cheeks, and she buried her face into Daniel’s broad shoulder. “I don’t even know if I can go, but what about you?”

  “Me? I’ll be fine...because I’ve known you.”

  Samantha gave him a wistful smile. “I love you.”

  “And you are my first love. Don’t worry about me, Samantha. The memories I have of our night...that’ll keep me.”

  They walked hand in hand back around the house to where the rest of our group was deep in discussion. My voice carried on the wind. “Unless you request a third wish, Charlotte, there is no guarantee.”

  “There is another way...if everyone is in agreement.”

  Charlotte knew what James was referring to -- if they all were in a similar mindset, they could time travel, instigating a second Triad, but only if they were together.

  “That depends on Samantha. I’m not leaving her,” she replied.

  Samantha came into their view as Charlotte’s words were spoken. The three of them looked at her expectantly. “I’m coming with you.” Samantha offered them a small smile. Her news carried mixed emotions for they knew who she was leaving behind.

  But Charlotte ran to her, throwing her friend into a bear hug. “I think I know what to do,” she said with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. “James...Suki...you think it can be done too?”

  “We managed it to come here,” I answered.

  “But we were separate and you had Raven,” James explained. “What Charlotte is considering is a lot riskier -- taking six people into not only another time, but another Realm.”

  “But it’s a risk we have to take,” Phineas pointed out.

  Charlotte grasped her Amulet. “I know the mathematical equation used by Charles Babbage for time travel. I know of Aleister Crowley and his pension for conjuring the other side. Using the knowledge of both, all we have to do is harness our minds together.”

  “It can work,” I confirmed. “We have a chance of creating another Triad.”

  Charlotte grabbed Phineas’ hand with excitement. “You, me, and Shadow.”

  And I looked at Samantha and James. “And the three of us.”

  Daniel stood to the side, and everyone turned to him in the uncomfortable silence that ensued. “Don’t look at me like that,” he said firmly. “You need to want this. It’s the only way. Don’t you dare worry about me. Look at what I’ve created here,” he said spreading his arms to show off the little paradise he had built.

  Charlotte offered him a thankful smile and Samantha nodded her head bravely. “Charlotte, you came here for me. I’m going back for you.”

  “Okay then, let’s get started,” Charlotte said, her eyes scanning each of us who stood before her. We moved into a circle and clasped hands. “Alright, let’s do a warm up,” Charlotte instructed, before closing her eyes. We took her lead and did the same, waiting for her to continue. “Those of us who can communicate silently, please start. All others, try to tune into their energies.”

  “I’m with you,” I spoke in her mind.

  “And I’m with you,” James answered.

  “Right here with you,” Phineas responded.

  Once we confirmed our status, we squeezed the hand of the person standing to our right until the circle was complete...James and myself, followed by Shadow who stood next to Phineas and then Charlotte, ending with Samantha and back around in a continuous bond. We grew quiet and concentrated on our end goal that now was the same for each of us. Using Superluminal Communication, the process of sending information at faster-than-light speeds, our thoughts of home and leaving the horrors of the Romani Realms behind were at the forefront of our minds. We employed the methods of Charles Babbage’s time travel theories that Charlotte had prepped us on, and the knowledge filled our minds. Our eyelids flickered with the images that passed and our breathing slowed so that inhalations and exhalations were steady and as one.

  Our thoughts transferred to a form of group velocity in which each person’s thought waves took shape and propagated through space. Like throwing a stone into a lake and watching the circle of water ripple off its impact, so did our ideas. One person’s thoughts attached to the next person’s. We formed a quiescent center and each image propagated the next, traveling at different speeds in time we were caught up in the velocity and floated away on the wind -- saying goodbye to the Romani Realms forever.

  We were home.

  * * *

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Left behind to clean up the mess of the party was Daniel, who slowly stacked the plates and then turned his attention to moving the extra chairs back into storage. They wouldn’t be needed for a long time...if ever. The only time he had guests was when the Romani Realms magistrates insisted that he take part in quarterly Reckoning reporting meetings, which kept tabs on the status of everyone’s minds.

  He had taken to inviting them to his place for a meal, which appeased them enough so that he didn’t have to be involved in the Hunting Committee. This had been going on for so long that they allowed Daniel to live his quiet existence, staying to himself and never upsetting the balance of the Romani Realms.

  In his five years here, he had never met another woman who didn’t somehow deserve this horrific existence...until Samantha, whose arrival was as much a mistake as his own.

  It wasn’t as if no woman had ever approached or propositioned him. Sure, he had felt desire toward them, but he was smart enough to know that any beautiful woman could just as easily be ugly and dark on the inside. They were as deceptive as the Arrival Meadows. One minute beautiful only to morph into the swamps and dark forests. Yes, the last thing he had wanted was to lose his virginity to someone and then wake up having found that he had been with a person who wasn’t what he had been led to believe. In the real world he may have been ridiculed for remaining a virgin for so long, but here, he was proud that he had resisted and waited so that his first time was with Samantha.

  But now an internal burning of desire pulsated through his body like never before. This was most definitely his own private hell...even if he had done his best to disguise it.

  Few ever got to leave and Daniel had been here long enough to see how those who spent their days planning and plotting their departure only succumbed to madness. He picked up a hoe and mechanically started to tend to his land, drawing it back in the dirt to create rows of straight lines for his next crop. He whipped off his shirt and kept pulling the hoe through the land, working hard to break up the soil and rid it of any rocks that would interfere with the crop. The sun beat down on his shoulders, but he didn’t mind. The rhythmical work had always done wonders to ease his mind in the past, and he longed to return himself to a state of not caring, just subsiding, as soon as possible. Otherwise, the memory of Samantha would certainly consume him.

  The trees rustled with the movement of the blackbirds that were still perched above his house. He hated the audience. Seeing them reminded him of Samantha and the way it ended. He glanced skyward and one in particular seemed to meet his gaze head on and no sooner, swooped down to land by his feet.

  He kicked at it, but it easily fluttered out of reach and yet remained nearby.

  “Just go already,” he said with irritation and then picked up his hoe again, and pointedly turned his back on the bird. They wouldn’t invade his quiet place. He had worked out a deal with the magistrates. He agreed to live out his days here, but they would allow him certain liberties and freedoms. After all, his punishment of being here certainly didn’t fit his crime. He should have been dead. That would have been kinder, but they needed at least one person of pure heart and intention in the Romani Realms.

  The birds up above had now taken off, he noted with relief. He looked over his shoulder to check on the la
rge remaining one, to see if it had given up on him as well. It was no where in sight and he turned back around to return to his garden when he was surprised by someone standing right in front of him. Raven.

  Her hair was different from earlier that evening. No longer did it hang straight down her back. Now, a gentle wave graced her shiny locks. She wore a dress of all black as well, and although it appeared to be the same one as earlier, as he looked at her, the dress shifted imperceptibly. One minute it had a high rounded neck and the next, his eye was drawn to her cleavage placed upon attention due to a plunging neckline. Her skin looked nearly translucent, glistening with a glittery body powder.

  “Alone again, eh Daniel?”

  “It’s fine. It is what it is.”

  “Is it?” she asked, and shamelessly allowed her eyes to wash over him, taking in his strong arms and broad chest. His toned abs glistened with a bit of sweat from the effort of his gardening...or from his proximity to Raven.

  “I thought I would check in on you....You seem distracted.”

  Daniel turned his back to her and picked up his hoe again. “I’m fine.”

  Raven gently placed a hand on his back. He stopped his work and for a moment, just stood still, feeling the coolness of her touch. She reached around him and took his hoe from his hands before letting it drop to the ground. She placed her other hand on his back and slowly, moved both of them over his shoulders, rubbing away any tension and easing his troubled mind. Finally, he turned around to face her and she ran her hands over his chest. His breath hitched and his eyes once again went to her breasts, rising gently over the top of her dress.

  “Do you see something you like?”

  He shook his mind back to reality. “I just noticed the...that little red part of your dress...” he said referring to the handkerchief that was tucked into her cleavage. “It reminded me of the dress Samantha wore when I met her,” he said trying to give Raven a message while refocusing his own thoughts. And yet, doing so only saddened him with the memories.

  There was no doubt that being with Samantha had awoken something in him. Daniel swallowed as he looked at Raven, her eyes full of desire, staring at him hungrily. She reached between her breasts and pulled free the handkerchief. “It’s actually not part of the dress.”

  Daniel swallowed hard. With the fabric removed, her neckline was exposed even more. “On second thought, it doesn’t look like Samantha’s dress after all.”

  “It’s a shame that you’re left behind. How will you cope?” She said moving even closer, placing one foot between his legs.

  “I’m happier to have loved Samantha for a short time than never to have experienced a moment with her. I’m content because I know the one I love is safe.”

  Raven nodded as if accepting his explanation, but then with the handkerchief, she gently ran the silky fabric over his chest, drying away the signs of exertion, and relishing in the reaction that she knew she was causing. He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.

  “Well, now that you finally know the ways of love...” her voice trailed off, her intention clear.

  * * *

  Epilogue

  They had been back in Los Angeles for a week, easily falling back into the casual lifestyle of Malibu where Charlotte joined Phineas in his home. Initially, Charlotte didn’t like the idea of moving into the home that he had shared with Raven, but he assured her that it was only temporary and the view of the Pacific Ocean out his back window was unparalleled. At least they could live in luxury. Memories of Raven made it not ideal, but the truth of the matter was that one couldn’t hide from Raven. If she wanted to find them, she would, but it seemed that she had remained in the Romani Realms.

  With still one more wish beholden to Charlotte and Samantha, I was happy to have more time with the girls. I secretly hoped to be with them for the length of their lives, and they had no objection to that either. Both girls were wiser now, aware of how easily a wish could escape their thoughts especially if they believed someone to be in danger. For now, they relished in their companionship and took solace in being together so that no misunderstandings could arise.

  They hadn’t left each other’s side since returning to the Realm of reality except in the evenings when Phineas held Charlotte close to him. Shadow had made it safely out of the Romani Realms, but in this Realm she was not yet born. As Phineas liked to joke, her presence was something of the future. For now, she was simply a mass of water and hydrogen--her human form yet to be realized.

  Although Phineas had bonded with Shadow in the Romani Realms and considered himself lucky to be a father, he secretly hoped that he and Charlotte would have plenty of time to practice making a baby before they were actually blessed with the inevitable news that would befall them.

  The morning sun was just coming through the curtains when Charlotte stretched awake. She turned over to smile at Phineas, who was already on his side waiting for her to stir. He kissed the tip of her nose.

  “It’s about time, sleepy head.”

  “You should’ve woken me,” she said, suppressing a yawn and rolling into his arms. He felt so good. Strong and safe. Everything she wanted and craved. Almost.

  She and Phineas had now been with each other at least half a dozen times, but Charlotte didn’t think she would ever grow used to the knowledge that she held some power over him. She felt his excitement as she rolled on top of him, pressing her mouth into his neck.

  “You’re insatiable,” he said in mock complaint.

  “You love it.”

  “That I do,” he said easily flipping her over, so that he was poised above her. She stared up at him, her eyes shining, her hair fanning over the pillow. “Charlotte, you are so beautiful. You’re gentle and kind, and never did I think I would be so blessed to have you in my life.”

  “Well, you better get used to it. We’ve got a baby to make.”

  And with that, Phineas lowered his lips to hers, at first softly and then soon growing with a need that matched Charlotte’s. He could kiss her forever and only allowed his lips to leave her in order to explore the rest of her body. He ran his mouth lightly over her neck and collarbone. As he let his tongue trail down her torso and stomach, she shuddered and dug her fingers into his hair, relishing what he was doing to her.

  Their bodies intertwined and his knee gently edged Charlotte’s leg aside and when he entered her, a soft moan escaped her mouth which he caught with his own. They moved like a waltz, slowly in rhythm until the crescendo of their dance took them to new heights. And when they had finished, again they relaxed in a gentle slumber, holding each other closely.

  * * *

  Charlotte was still getting dressed and Phineas had just emerged from the shower when the doorbell sounded.

  “It’s probably them. Can you grab it?” Charlotte called from their room.

  “Yeah, I’ve got it,” he said wrapping a towel around his waist.

  Phineas was always toned and strong, but since being in the Romani Realms where he navigated the treacherous terrain, not to mention fighting creatures at every turn, his physique had experienced considerable muscle development. His torso was beyond buff and when he answered the door, Samantha and I were momentarily silenced at the sight of him standing before us shirtless and wearing just a small towel.

  “Jeez, put some clothes on, will you?” James complained.

  “Good morning to you too,” Phineas smiled, knowing that he had gained James’ respect and friendship during their time together. “Welcome ladies,” he said stepping aside to let us in. “Charlotte will be out in a second.”

  “Brought some beers for later,” James said holding up the six-pack. “I’ll put them in the refrigerator for you. I wouldn’t want you to strain yourself.”

  “You know the way.” Phineas smirked and went to turn on the television. They were looking forward to watching USC beat Stanford while the girls caught up with some shopping.

  Charlotte emerged from the bedroom and immediately kissed Ph
ineas. “Have fun. We’ll be back after lunch.”

  He held onto her tightly, wrapping his arms completely around her small waist.

  “Come on, you two...we’ve got shops to hit,” Samantha said lightly.

  I caught James’ eye and blew him a kiss. “Play nicely.”

  He grumbled a reply under his breath before we left, and I laughed at his mock annoyance over Phineas. The five of us had been inseparable since our return and it was obvious that Samantha and Charlotte’s BFF status had now spread to James and Phineas, although James would deny that to the end.

  Yet, as we shopped, Samantha wasn’t her usual jovial self. While Charlotte and I nattered on about where to have lunch, debating whether Sweet Lady Jane on Melrose had better desserts than La Conversation on Doheny, she remained uninvolved.

  “What’s wrong, Sweets?” I asked.

  “I feel like a third wheel.”

  Charlotte and I looked at each other, truly confused by the comment. “We didn’t mean to leave you out. Where would you like to go?”

  “No, it’s not with us. It’s when you guys are with James and Phineas. I’m...alone. I know you wanted me home, but I’m beginning to think that my home is with Daniel.”

  A hush fell between us until Samantha verbalized what I already knew to be in her mind.

  “Suki...Charlotte...I need him in my life...even if that means returning to the Romani Realms.”

  * * *

  Thank you for taking time to read “Resurrected.”

  If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

  Thank you, Mia.

  * * *

  Read “Returned,” the final installment of the Romani Realms series, and learn what happens with your favorite characters.