by Bianca D’Arc
They spent the night in bliss, making love whenever they weren’t recovering from the previous round. Enid dozed on and off, but at some point, she dropped off into sleep so deep, she didn’t even know when Joe left the bed, and then the suite. All she knew was that he was gone in the morning when she woke up, and she wasn’t sure how to feel about that.
She wished she could have seen his face as he left. Did he regret what they’d done? Would it be awkward between them now that he’d had sex with her in his hometown—a place where he’d been mated to another woman?
Their first night together had probably been like a stolen moment out of time for him, away from his Pack and everyone who had known his mate. This, Enid realized, as she showered and dressed for the new day, was something else entirely.
Joe left the B&B before dawn. He felt a little bit like he was sneaking around, but he wasn’t doing it on purpose. He just didn’t see anyone on his way out of the building or on his way home. Even Kevin was sound asleep when Joe got back to his place. It was almost as if the mind-blowing night with Enid had never happened, but Joe knew it had. Most emphatically.
Something in his heart had shifted in those stolen hours with her. Something new and fragile and…unnameable. It felt like a moth coming out of a cocoon, its wings wet and so delicate. Joe didn’t want to look at the feeling too closely, lest something happen to it. He was content to let it unfold in its own time. Though he had no idea what form it would ultimately take, he was sure it was going to be something beautiful.
And that seemed completely bonkers. Joe wasn’t usually like this. He’d only ever been this fanciful around his mate, but that time was long over. He didn’t want to spend too much energy analyzing how this could be. He just wanted to enjoy it while it lasted.
He also had a lot to do today before the big solstice celebration. Now that they had a real priestess in town, they were going to do it up right. Especially since that priestess was Enid. Joe wanted to make sure everything was perfect for her.
That thought firmly in mind, Joe showered and dressed for the day. If he had a little extra spring in his step as he ran around town, finalizing arrangements and setting up new surprises and finishing touches, nobody said anything. He just felt more alive than he had in a very long time, and he wasn’t foolish enough to question it.
Along his path around town, people would tell him how nice it was to have a priestess around to properly celebrate the solstice. They also told him where she was or what they’d seen her doing. He got a report from just about every place he stopped about what Enid had bought from local businesses, or been looking for, and where she’d been while he’d been doing other things. He wasn’t sure why they were all so curious about her and reporting her every step back to him, unless his exit from the B&B early this morning hadn’t been quite as discreet as he’d thought.
He hoped she didn’t mind the extra attention his people were giving them both. His Packmates weren’t that good at hiding their interest. Enid had to realize she was being watched. Bolder folks might actually be reporting Joe’s whereabouts and activities to Enid, to see what kind of response they could evoke from her. He just shook his head and laughed at it all.
Wolves liked to play, even in human form, and this was a great game for those who enjoyed people-watching. By the time Joe had everything in place, there was just enough time left to go home and change into more formal attire for the howl. The Winter Solstice howl was one of the few times the Pack went more formal. Dress pants and button-down shirts for the males, pretty dresses and high heels for the ladies who liked to get all fancy once in a while. The evening started early with a dinner and dancing after. Then, at midnight, they did the ceremony to mark the turning of the sun from darkness to light, and some folks exchanged gifts.
It wasn’t like human Christmas, which many families in town also celebrated for their kids. Solstice gifts weren’t obligatory, but if one was given, it was always something of deep meaning between the people involved. Family heirlooms were often passed down on the solstice. Handmade items that had been crafted with love specifically for the intended recipient were also popular solstice gifts. The exchanges were quiet and heartfelt, with lots of hugs and sometimes, tears as the gifts touched each recipient’s heart.
Then, after all that, those who still wanted to celebrate and burn off some energy shifted and went for a run together in the woods, as a Pack. They would circle their territory, marking boundaries and playing with each other as they ran, cementing the bonds of Pack. The group would end up back at the Pack house in the wee hours of the morning to either sleep it off in wolf form or eat a hearty breakfast in the main hall before heading home.
Joe was looking forward to it. The solstice celebrations since their last priestess had left town had been a little less formal. Tonight looked to be a return to the ceremony of the occasion, which was just as important as the Pack bonding aspects in Joe’s mind. Most of the Pack elders would agree, and each of them he’d run into during his day had expressed an interest in seeing if they couldn’t find a new priestess to live in town, if this one didn’t want to stay after tonight.
Joe knew that Enid would be closely watched by all those who were in favor of luring a new priestess to town. This was her audition, as it were, with the elders, and Joe hoped he’d set everything up to make this as easy as possible for her. He wouldn’t pressure her to stay, but he also wanted her to make the best impression possible on the Pack. How they perceived her mattered to him, somehow.
It shouldn’t, really, but it did.
Chapter Eleven
Enid found a lovely dress in one of the boutiques in town. It was as if it had been waiting there, just for her. It had flowing sleeves and soft, muted, almost foresty colors. Lace insets in strategic spots set off the lines of it as it flowed down, past her knees, almost to the floor in spots. The hem was what the saleslady had called a handkerchief hemline, as it came down in points all around and belled out if she turned quickly. It was made of silk and hand-dyed with the earth and forest tones that had caught her eye.
It was probably the most frivolous frock Enid had ever owned, but after hearing about how the ladies of the Pack liked to dress up for solstice, Enid knew she would have to find an outfit suitable to the occasion. It had probably been a bit of whimsy on her part that had made her buy this particular dress, but it felt right when she’d tried it on, and she trusted her gut on this one.
She also knew, in the back of her mind, she was wondering what Joe would think of her in this slinky bit of silk and lace. It had long sleeves and wasn’t cut particularly low in the bodice. It was positively conservative in that way, but the silk was lustrous and awash with dappled hues of forest green, fawn brown, dusky mauve, and even deep hints of ocean blue. It was as if all the elements came together in the tones of the fabric and slithered down her form to cover it in the most flattering way possible.
It really was a dream of a dress.
Enid sighed as she put it on in the privacy of her hotel room. She’d purchased a cloak to go over it, as well. Made of sturdy dark earth-brown wool, the cape had a pewter clasp in a Celtic knot design that signified protection and blessing. It, too, had seemed to be meant just for her when she’d seen it. A pair of satin shoes in a fawn color complemented the outfit. There was just one thing more she needed, which she always kept on her. The necklace of soft gold shimmered against her skin and displayed the pendant that was her unofficial badge of office, as it were.
A sigil passed down from mother to daughter, over the centuries of her family’s service to the Mother of All. Enid’s mother had given it to her when she’d retired from the military and taken the path of the priestess, as her mother and grandmother had before her, stretching back over the generations.
A gentle knock came on the door just as she finished getting ready. Enid went to answer and found Felicia waiting for her.
“Gran’s already in the car out front. We’re ready to head over to the Pack
house whenever you are,” Felicia said, her expression open and friendly. “Your dress is amazing. Properly mysterious and priestessy, if that’s a word.”
“Works for me,” Enid agreed with a grin. “And I love that color on you. Matches the streak in your hair,” Enid observed, nodding toward Felicia’s dusky purple, slinky dress that didn’t leave much to the imagination. If she didn’t have all the bachelors drooling over her before the night was over, Enid would be surprised.
“That was the plan,” Felicia replied, smoothing the soft fabric over her generous curves with a pleased smile.
Enid put on her cloak as they went downstairs together. Felicia just had a light sweater, but then, shifters didn’t feel the cold the way Enid did. They went out of the B&B together, to the waiting vehicle, which was already running and warm inside. Miss Felicity, Felicia’s great-grandmother, sat in the back with her little white Westie dog, Angus, perched on her lap. They exchanged greetings, and Miss Felicity thanked Enid for agreeing to officiate at the solstice ceremony and made small talk as Felicia drove them to the Pack house.
When they got there, Felicia pulled up right in front so her gran wouldn’t have to walk too far in the cold. Enid helped the older woman out and saw her safely up the steps while Felicia gave the car to one of the Pack’s youngsters who was acting as a valet. Felicia caught up with them inside and took over from Enid, seeing to her gran’s every need as Enid went over to check that everything was as she’d left it when she’d finished setting up for the ceremony.
There wasn’t much to it—just a few candles and herbs—but it was important to Enid to get this right. She wanted to make a good showing for Joe and his Pack. They were such good people, and he was such an amazing Alpha. An amazing man. An amazing lover.
She hadn’t seen him all day, and she realized she…missed him. They’d only known each other a short time, but he’d become very special to her. So special, in fact, she was very much afraid she was in love with the heart-broken wolf. She knew it was hopeless. Shifters mated and stayed true forevermore. Joe had lost his mate. He would never mate again.
He would always be broken up about losing Tess, and he could never reciprocate the feelings Enid had discovered inside her heart for him. It was tragic. Really tragic. Enid had never felt so strongly drawn to anyone before and feared she never would again. If she’d been a shifter, she might almost think he was her mate, but that was impossible. She wasn’t a shifter, and her magic must be going haywire to lead her into this situation, but there it was. Everything inside her said Joe was special, but circumstances being what they were…
It was truly impossible.
Enid carefully laid the candles out in the pattern she wanted. She stood just in front of the massive Christmas tree, finding it a comforting presence. A reminder of joy and rebirth. It didn’t matter what religions believed what. When it came to celebrating the solstice, all beliefs in the goodness of the return of the Light were welcome, no matter what names man gave them.
Enid had set up the small altar in front of the tree. The Pack house had kept the table in storage, and one of the elders had brought it out when he heard Enid was going to do a real ceremony. It had been used by this Pack for generations when they had priestesses in residence, and the oak and brass that made up the ceremonial table showed their antiquity in a lovely, antique way. Enid could feel the strength of the consecrated wood and metal. It had a steadfastness about it that matched the steadfastness of the Alpha’s presence.
Enid turned to find Joe watching her from just inside the front door. Even though the wide room separated them, she felt the impact of his gentle smile across the distance. She found herself smiling back, and then, realizing the whole Pack was watching, she waved and turned away, busying herself with her preparations once more. She kept her head down, trying to hide the heat that she knew was flushing her cheeks.
A moment later, a shadow fell over her from behind. She knew without looking that Joe had snuck up behind her, silent as always.
“Do you need anything?” he asked in that low, sexy growl that she’d last heard in bed, late last night.
Her blush deepened. He probably didn’t realize what a loaded question he’d just asked. She definitely needed something, but if she told him she needed him, he’d probably back off. That was the very last thing she wanted. No, she was going to enjoy being with him while it lasted and vowed not to do anything that might chase him away prematurely. Being too needy might just do that, so she shook her head and concentrated on placing her candles just so.
“I got everything this afternoon,” she told him. “Just making sure nothing moved since I left this all here.”
“You haven’t even taken off your coat,” Joe said, his strong hands going to her shoulders.
Enid enjoyed the feel of his hands on her, even through the thick layer of wool. He was right. She’d been so intent on making sure everything was where she’d left it, she hadn’t yet taken off the new cloak. She undid the clasp at her throat and allowed Joe to help relieve her of the swath of heavy fabric.
He folded the cloak over one arm then stepped around to face her. His gaze was warm and appreciative, those blue eyes nearly lighting her on fire.
“You’re gorgeous, Enid,” he said softly, and she felt the compliment down to her toes as she got her first good look at him. He was wearing dress pants and a crisp button-down white shirt. He looked good enough to eat.
“You clean up pretty well, yourself, Alpha,” she returned the compliment, ignoring the fact that her voice was a little hoarse and breathless.
Two of the elders came over and required their attention, breaking the moment. One of the ladies wanted Enid’s game plan spelled out again, while the other took Joe off to see to a minor quarrel among the pups where the Alpha’s judgment would settle things quickly.
The place filled up rapidly, and before Enid knew it, the time was at hand for the ceremony. She positioned herself in front of the tree, which was in front of the giant windows, and waited for everyone to settle. Smiling, she welcomed them to the solstice celebration and thanked the Pack, and the Alpha, for inviting her to officiate. That out of the way, she began lighting the candles and chanting the ancient words.
She could feel them all watching, from the elders to the youngest pup held in its mother’s arms. They followed the flames as they danced on top of the candles, and recited the parts of the sacred chant that invited their participation. The elders knew when and how to respond, and the little ones soon learned, picking up on the ancient rhythms.
Someone had dimmed the lights to a very low glow, allowing the candlelight to dominate the scene. The Christmas tree behind her was not lit, though it would be later. For now, only the candles shed light on the turning of the year from darkness to Light.
Enid began the prayer part of the chant, invoking the power of the Goddess in all her forms, and that’s when something strange began to happen. The branches of the tree behind her began to rustle. Enid tried to ignore it, suspecting someone’s child had crawled away and begun exploring, but as the motion picked up and the people around her began to gasp, Enid knew something was amiss.
She turned her head to the side, shocked at the ethereal form standing beside her. She knew that face.
“Tess?” The name left Enid’s lips as her form became clearer. Tess had been taller than Enid in life, and more muscular. She turned her ghostly head toward Enid and smiled.
“I never did get to thank you for your support as I left this world. You were my angel, that day, sent by the Mother of All. I’m only sorry it cost you so dearly in rehab time and pain. Thank you, Enid.”
Enid choked back tears. “You held my hand, too,” she said, her words a mere whisper that was heard throughout the room. “We were there for each other. I’m only sorry I couldn’t keep you here.”
“Nothing could have done that, my dear sister. It was my time to go, though I could have wished it otherwise.” Her smile was both sad and beauti
ful as she turned to look at her Pack. “Without that day, this Pack would not have grown to what it is now. It is by Her will that so many of you have become expert aviators with a strong and growing presence in the shifter community. You will all have your part to play in the upcoming difficulties.”
“Tess.” The people in front melted away to let their Alpha pass. Joe confronted the specter of his dead mate with tears running openly down his face.
“Joe.” That single syllable contained all the love and care in her heart for this special man, and Enid felt a bit like she was intruding on a sacred moment between mates. “Forgive me for leaving you, my love. There was nothing either of us could have done differently to change what happened. I want you to know that. More importantly, She wants you to know that.” Tess smiled softly at Joe. “I serve the Goddess now, my love, in a way you can’t even comprehend.” The blaze in Tess’s ghostly eyes intensified for a moment, and Enid knew the power was that of the Goddess. Somehow.
“I miss you, Tess. So much.” Joe made to reach out, but his hand could not touch the ethereal presence.
“I know,” Tess sighed as the light in her eyes dimmed a bit. “It’s why I begged the Lady to give me this chance. One last chance to speak to you and have you understand why your continued mission on this plane is so very important. I know you must have had doubts. You live for the Pack, and you’ve achieved great things in a very short time. You must continue on the path you’ve forged and build the Pack’s strength as quickly and as securely as possible. Trouble is coming, but I think you already knew that.” Tess shook her head. “I don’t have a lot of time, and I was never as eloquent as you, my love.”
“You’re doing fine,” Joe encouraged her with a grin. “What more do I have to do before we are together again?”
At those words, Enid’s heart broke. She would never have this man in her life. At least, not in any significant way. She might share his bed, but his heart had been given to this beautiful ghost long ago and would never be freed. Not that Enid could hold it against either of them. It’s just the way things were. The way things had always been. They were mates. Enid was the newcomer. She had no claim on Joe. She could never put a claim on a heart that wasn’t free to be given.