A Witch's Love (9 page)

Her eye closed as her mind raced.

She didn’t want to be a witch, didn’t want
these
so-called powers.

All she wanted was her sister’s back. But would she have to embrace the supernatural to rescue them?

Her stomach balled into a knot as her eyes popped open.

She had no other choices. She’d have to fight power with power, become the witch she was meant to be. Warts and all.

Lucas left the room with throbbing temples. He knew Ava needed her rest. With her approaching change into immortality, her body was conserving energy, preparing for the coming storm. He couldn’t help but to worry. It seemed that she wasn’t just your everyday witch and neither were her sisters.

Was that why Zatar wanted them?

Did Belinda even know how to evoke Ava’s powers?

He needed answers. If he was to protect Ava, he had to know what he they faced.

Belinda had said she could teach her how to use them. At least they had that, but then they still faced the biggest obstacle, rescuing the girls.

Maybe her powers were the key to getting her sisters back. There was only one problem with that theory, Zatar.

He was powerful, to be sure. If he wanted them, he would no doubt stop at just one attempt.

If Lucas had the opportunity, he’d have to try to take out Zatar. Otherwise the girls would be in constant danger.

He made his way down the stairs to see if Belinda needed any help with dinner. As he entered the kitchen, his hostess seemed to be struggling to get a pan out of the top cupboard.

“Here, let me get that for you,” he said, handing her the pan with ease.

“Thank you, Lucas, you could be a lot of help to me. I fear old age will keep me from maintaining this place much longer.” She placed the pan on the stove and started the burner.

“I’m sure you don’t have to worry about that for years yet.” He leaned against the cupboards.

Belinda gave a knowing laugh. “That’s easy for you to say, you’re immortal.”

He shouldn’t have been surprised, but he was. “How do you know?”

She turned, facing him. “A druid’s connection with nature is not only with the plants and trees, it is much more than that; it is also with animals as well. You share the spirit of the wolf, do you not?”

Interesting. Did she know what Ava was to him? “Well, yes, but, ah—”

“Relax, Lucas. I know Ava’s your life mate. I could sense it the second you entered the house.” She moved toward the refrigerator. “How long are you going to wait to tell her?”

After rummaging around in the fridge, she returned to the stove with some fresh vegetables. This particular question was one he had asked himself from the first day he met her.

“I don’t know. I thought that after she found out what she was, she might take it better, but it’s a lot for her to process right now.”

Belinda looked up from slicing cucumbers. “You’re worried about the full moon, aren’t you? You fear that you won’t be able to control yourself with her.”

He nodded, not meeting her gaze. ‘Worried’ didn’t cover it. How could he help Ava when he didn’t dare go near her at that time? If he simply left, she’d never understand.

“Lucas, you have to tell her, or else she will be vulnerable and unprepared when you come for her. You know you won’t have a choice. Your instinct will be to mark her,” she added.

“I know,” he said, meeting her eyes. “I just . . .” He shrugged. “I don’t know how to tell her.”

Belinda moved to his side, taking hold of his shoulder, gaining his full attention. “She cares for you, Lucas. Anyone can see that, she’s just confused and scared right now. She can handle this, and so can you. You haven’t much time. The full moon is not far off.”

Lucas nodded as he shrugged off the ache in his chest. Suppressing the past was becoming harder every day. “Need any help with the food?”

First he’d wait to see if she received her powers and what they’d be. If worse came to worst he’d tell her right before the full moon. He’d have time. Wouldn’t he?

“Can you put this chicken in the oven for me?” Belinda asked.

“Sure.” He reached for the pan containing the chicken and placed it in the oven when he heard Ava’s screams.

Chapter 6

Racing up the stairs, Lucas allowed his claws and fangs to lengthen. As he burst into the room, he realized she was alone in bed where he’d left her, in the throes of another nightmare. He strode to her side, sat on the edge of the bed, and took her in his arms. With gentle motions he rocked her, whispering words of comfort. As she began to calm, he noticed Belinda standing in the doorway.

“I’ll get some water and a wet cloth,” she said as she left the doorway.

“Ava? It’s just another nightmare. You’re safe,” he said as her eyes opened.

Belinda returned, dabbing her forehead with a cool cloth. “Ava, drink this.” She handed Lucas the glass of water and he brought the glass to her lips, but she began to struggle, shoving the glass away.

He looked to her. “Were you being attacked again?”

She looked to Belinda. “My nightmare is a memory, isn’t it? My parents were killed by demons.”

Belinda brought a chair up next to the bed. “Yes, Ava. That was the first night they came for you and your sisters.”

Ava’s face whitened. “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

Belinda reached for Ava’s hand. “Maeve was just trying to protect you. She wouldn’t want you to worry.”

Ava snatched her hand back, eye’s blazing sapphire. “Worry? I’m damn well worried now. Do they want us just because we’re some kind of hybrid witches? I mean, are there no other immortal crossbred witches in the world?”

Lucas reached for Ava, hoping to calm her. “Ava, it’s going to be okay. We just need to take one day at a time.” She seemed to relax in his embrace.

Belinda stood. “No, Ava’s right. There has to be more to the story. Zatar wouldn’t just want four sister witches’ unless . . .”

“Unless what?” Lucas didn’t like the look in Belinda’s eyes.

“I have a friend, not far from here. She is a seer. She might be able to shed some light on this. We should consult her before we evoke your powers, otherwise we may not know what we are getting into. We’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

Lucas nodded, still holding Ava. Anything that might help Ava adjust to her new powers was worth a try. Belinda headed for the door. “Let’s eat. You need to keep up your strength Ava. I fear you are going to need it.”

The next day, Ava rose early, readied, and made her way downstairs. She needed a run. As she bounded down the stairs, sounds of the water running in the bathroom met her ears. Lucas must be taking a shower.
Perfect
. She could run in peace.

Belinda was already up and sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee.

The rich smell of the grounds filled Ava’s nose as she inhaled. She smiled as she entered the room then leaned against the counters to face Belinda. “So, what exactly are you thinking? I mean why do you think a seer is going to help?”

She took a sip of her steaming cup of Joe then set her mug down. “Something I remember hearing ages ago. Don’t worry, Ava, I’m sure it won’t come to anything, I just want to be sure.”

She nodded and headed for the door. Just as she reached for the handle, she heard Belinda yell, “Stay close, Ava.”

She took a deep breath and headed out through the garden. She started off in a jog, rounding out an open field speckled with yellow flowers and into the woods. She wanted to be near the lake in hopes of clearing her head.

As she neared the water, she leaned up against a tree and stared out across the shimmering surface. Her thoughts took her straight to her sisters. What were they doing now? Were they being tortured, or worse?

She shook her head.
Don’t think of it.

As she rested her head against the bark, she sensed
him.

Without turning, she spoke, “I knew you would follow me.”

“Well, you know, I got thinking it would probably be a good idea if you learned how to defend yourself,” Lucas said as he pressed off a nearby tree.

He was right. She should learn to defend herself, and her sisters. Besides, it was possible she wouldn’t be able to control these powers. At the very least, she should learn how to go hand to hand if need be. She turned toward him. “Fine.”

He made his way down to the water’s edge to stand next to her. “Good. I’ll just show you a few techniques. But first, let’s see what we’re starting with.”

As if learning how to become a witch and use a supernatural power wasn’t enough, now she had to learn how to be the next Karate Kid.

She closed the distance between them just as he made a grab for her wrist. He turned her body and hauled her up against his chest. “Lucas, stop. What are you doing?”

“Let’s pretend that I’m a demon and I’m trying to kidnap you. Try to get away from me,” he said, holding her tight against his body.

She laughed. “Pretend you are the bad guy that should be easy enough.” She tried to stomp on his toes and jam her elbow into his ribs. After a few minutes, she stopped struggling. “Okay, I give up. I’ll do whatever ‘techniques’ you were talking about. Now will you please let go of me?”

He turned her in his arms so she faced him. “Ava, I just want you to be protected. It kills me to think of you as vulnerable,” he said, massaging her shoulders.

She smiled at his words. “It kills you, huh?” With slow movements, she placed her hands on his arms.

She reached up and laced her fingers through his hair as he leaned down.
He thought to kiss her.

Just as his lips brushed against hers, she yanked on his hair, distracting him for the briefest of seconds.

She turned, ducked under his arm, and took off at a dead run, laughing.

A quick glance over her shoulder told her he was right behind her and gaining speed. She was fast, but he was faster. He easily caught up to her.

She whirled around in time to see him lunge at her. His body embraced hers as he rotated her in his arms. As they met the ground, his body hit first, taking the force of the impact.

She continued to laugh until he brushed her hair out of her face. She stopped her giggles. It wasn’t so funny anymore. His amber eyes were doing that thing again, glowing bright as they looked upon her.

Her hand had a mind of its own as it reached up and caressed the side of his face. Then, as the space between them began to close, she touched her lips to his.

Her mouth parted, allowing his tongue entrance when he jerked away, breaking the kiss. “We should be getting back,” he said, lifting her into his arms as he stood.

She nodded. “I can walk.”

He set her down and minutes later they were heading back into the house.

Belinda was coming down the stairs as they entered. “How was your run, Ava?”

“It was good to get out,” she said, giving Lucas a look. “Lucas thinks I should learn some techniques to protect myself.”

Belinda nodded. “Well, Lucas, that is a good idea. I assume you are volunteering to teach her then?”

“Of course, she might need to know a few things about hand-to-hand combat,” he said, directing his gaze on Ava.

Belinda laughed. “That’s fine, but please don’t kill each other.” She moved into the kitchen. “We leave in fifteen.”

Ava hurried up the stairs to clean up and change. Lucas followed and with five minutes to spare, they were ready to go.

They piled into Lucas’s Camaro and soon they were on their way. Belinda navigated as they winded through street after street. Ava stared out the window and watched the sun rise high in the sky as white cotton ball clouds blew in the breeze.

It was a beautiful day to hear your future destiny. She suppressed a laugh as they parked on the side of the road.

They sat in front of a row of brick buildings filled with glass window shops. It wasn’t hard to see which one they were headed for. “Francesca Fortune Telling. A palm reader?”

As they climbed out of the car, Belinda’s hearty laugh filled the air. “She has to make a living, too.”

A bell rang as they entered the shop. The room was draped in scarves, red velvet furniture, large gold silken pillows, and beaded decorated doorways. Ava smiled as she inhaled deep, incense and lavender, her favorites.

Candles burned on the table that sat in the middle of the room. A purple scarf adorned the top and a stack of cards sat in the center.

Lucas pressed his hand to the small of Ava’s back just as a woman with bright red hair and large gold earrings entered through the doorway of beads. “How may I help— Belinda, darling, how have you been?”

The woman rushed over to Belinda, who greeted her with open arms. They embraced before turning to face her and Lucas.

Belinda pointed to them. “This is Ava Worthington and Lucas Grant. Ava, Lucas, this is Francesca.” She turned back to Francesca and said, “We were hoping you could help us?”

The black flowing dress wafted around Francesca as she reached to shake their hands. “Of course, anything, how can I be of service?”

Francesca ushered them over to one of the velvet couches as she sat at the table and lit a cigarette. “Do you mind if I smoke?”

Ava shook her head.

Belinda took a minute to explain what had happened, how they’d come to stay with her and what they looked to gain from her: A true seer’s reading.

Belinda seemed to choose her words carefully. What was so troubling anyhow?

Francesca’s face paled as she shared a knowing look with Belinda.

What did they know that she and Lucas didn’t?

The red-haired seer took a long drag on her cigarette, rolled the top, then put it out. She waved, motioning for Ava to sit across from her.

Ava looked to Lucas, who nodded. She moved to the gold trim chair and rested her hands on the table.

Without a word, Francesca took hold of her wrist, forcing them further onto the table and opened her palms. As she closed her eyes, Ava glanced back to Belinda and Lucas, whose eyes moved between them.

“Clear your mind,” the seer said as she rested her palms over Ava’s.

Ava took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and voided her thoughts.

The electricity that pulsed through her was immediate. She gasped as the energy swept through her. Just when she thought it was over, the visions came.

She saw her mother, her sisters, and Maeve. The windowpane in her mother’s room. It was through that glass she’d seen
them
come that awful night; had seen her father fight, and the fire start.

Cara’s screams filled the air as she came into the world. Maeve rushed around the room as Ella and Thea sat in the corner with tears in their eyes.

Ava’s mind’s eye filled with flames, screams, and a clear image of a demon with black eyes, sharp fangs, and gray skin.

She wanted this to stop, wanted to forget that ever happened . . .

Now there was darkness and she welcomed it.

Air filled her lungs with a rush.

Her eyes peeled open and she was looking straight into the eyes of Francesca. Her breathing was rapid her blue eyes dilated.

She released her hold on Ava’s arms and turned toward Belinda.

Belinda leaned forward. “Is it true?”

The red head nodded. “They are the prophesied witches.”

“What does that mean?” Lucas knelt next to Ava.

With slow movements, Belinda moved to stand next to Francesca. “I thought it might be true, but I just can’t believe it.”

Ava’s temples started to throb. “Believe what?”

Belinda led Ava over to the couch. “Sit, both of you.” She settled on the couch next to them, then waited for Francesca to elaborate.

“Many years ago, a rumor spread. It was said that Zatar, the king of all demons, had captured a seer. He wanted a seer to predict the next great power that he could use. No one knew for sure what that seer predicted, only that sister witches were mentioned,” Francesca said, her eyes widening.

She bent a knee next to Ava, her smile fading. “Your destiny has been revealed to me, Ava, and I’m afraid you are in grave danger.”

Ava’s stomach began to turn at her words. “Why?”

“Ava, you and your sister’s powers will be the four elements.” Francesca took hold of her hands.

Ava shook her head. “The four elements?”

She nodded. “One to each of you. Water, Fire, Earth, and Air.”

“Why is that so special, in supernatural terms, I mean?”

Francesca’s red hair seemed to stand on end as her face turned ominous. “Don’t you see, Ava? No one has ever held so much power as the four of you will. Together, you will be stronger than any immortal. It has been predicted you and your sisters will take out the demon king and his minions.”

Ava’s heart began to race. “How is that possible?”

Belinda stood. “Ava, we knew you were special. That your powers would be powerful given who your parents were. The druid and witch in you have come together, giving you power over the earth’s elements. Now you must learn how to use them, and we must start right away. Zatar will stop at nothing to get the witches who are prophesized to take him out.”

Ava felt bile rise in her throat. “I think I’m going to be sick,” she said, running for the trashcan. She made it just in time.

Lucas moved to her side, then rubbed her back and whispered words of comfort. “Ava, it’s okay, we are going to get through this.”

She shook her head. “How is any of this going to be okay?”

Belinda appeared at her side, handing her a glass of water. “Sit, dear, and relax.”

Ava plopped on the red rug with Lucas and leaned up against his side.

“Ava, I’m here for you,” he said. “I would never let anything happen to you.”

Ava tried to catch her breath. Taking a drink of the water, she calmed her racing heart. “What of my sisters? Is there any hope that they are still alive?”