The White Witch (15 page)

We open the screen door with the wooden frame and just as I lift my hand to knock, I hear a voice come through the large wooden door.

“Come in Katelyn… and Logan.” I stare at Logan with my eyes wide and wonder what the hell we have gotten ourselves into. Logan squeezes my hand as he shrugs his shoulders.

As we walk in I am stopped dead in my tracks. The woman before me looks only a bit older than my mother was when she had me and is almost the spitting image of my mother herself.

Sensing my unease, Logan puts his arm around me.

“Evangeline?” I ask, inching forward.

She smiles and tilts her head, her dark brown curls falling off her shoulder. When she smiles, the laugh lines tell more of her age, but not much.

“You, you don’t look any different than when I last saw you, over ten years ago… How-”

Evangeline steps forward, putting her hands out for an embrace. “I am sure there are many questions that you have for me.” She smiles and tilts her head. “But, all in due time.”

I walk into her arms giving a cautious hug and then quickly make my way back to Logan’s side. He extends his hand to her and I can tell he is trying to read her as she shakes his hand in return.

“Let me get you both something to drink. It has been a long drive for you. Tea?”

Logan and I both nod before she disappears into the next room. The house is decorated in earthly tones and colors and I wonder if that is an indication to any powers she may have. To our right are a sofa with a flower pattern, a small wooden coffee table with carvings along the edges, and two mis-matched chairs sitting in front of it. Along the far wall there is a tan brick fireplace with a white mantle. To our left is an oak dining table for four. It has some filigree carvings along its oval edges, but is otherwise plain, save for the fresh flower arrangement sitting in a glass cylinder. The seats around the table seem to be part of a set, with two others sitting in far ends of the room with a china cabinet in the center.

Evangeline walks back into the room with a tray and places it on the coffee table.

“I brought creamer and sugar because I wasn’t sure how you took it.”

“Thank you.” I walked ahead, making our way around the chairs and to the sofa as Evangeline settles herself in a seat across from us.

“You are the spitting image of your mother.” She tells me with a wide smile. “I loved her like my own you know. I could never have any of my own. Makes for a longer life when you are immortal.”

I pinch my brow and widen my eyes.

Evangeline quickly jumps in. “Oh! Goodness, I didn’t mean to frighten you. You aren’t immortal, Kate, your mother’s parents were a Langley and a mortal. My father fell in love with a Keeper of the Balance over a century ago. I was their only child, and as such inherited my mother’s immortality. Your grandmother, my cousin, always called me her sister, so your mother knew me as her aunt.” She takes a sip of her tea. “My apologies, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

“It’s alright.” I shake off the near heart attack. “Do you have the same powers my mother had?”

“No, because of who my mother was, I inherited some elemental power from my father, but mostly the Keeper connection from my mother. That is how I knew you were coming and once you were at the door, that Logan was with you.” She takes another sip. “But I did help your mother with her powers. She had mis-haps when she was growing up that separated her from other children, but she pressed on. It wasn’t until she met your father that she kept her powers at a minimum. I suspect your father knew to a certain degree, but never asked or judged. When you were younger, I sensed a great strength within you, as did Gamaliel. I wanted to be close to you, to help you, but I was also afraid that with the two of us in the same place, they would find you quicker.”

“So you know about them.” I add cream and sugar to my tea and try to keep Evangeline and Logan from seeing my shaky hand as I stir.

“I do.” She dropped her gaze. “I can feel your energy Katelyn. It would not surprise me if they can too, and if they are close to finding you.”

“Did my mother’s powers or energies… I don’t know… emanate, I guess… the way mine do?”

“No.” Evangeline shook her head with a smile. “I’ve yet to meet a witch whose powers match yours. I am willing to bet, it has been a little difficult as of late. Perhaps, hard to control? Running with emotions?”

I take Logan’s hand and squeeze. He looks at me and smiles.

“Logan carries quite the energy also.” Evangeline raises her eyebrow and smirks as if she knows that we don’t know this. “I have the feeling though, that he avoids exploring his powers if he does not need to.”

I see Logan blush under the dim light of the room as he clears his throat and I give his hand a reassuring squeeze. When I do, I suddenly feel the nervousness inside him. I whip my head around to meet his gaze and he gives me a smirk.
So he can share more than the calm
.

“How am I supposed to take on a whole family?”

Evangeline’s face changed suddenly with her brow pinching and her smile dropping. “Katelyn, do not give yourself the impression you will be taking on a family, or there could be much needless death. Not everyone from that family is hunting you. It is a handful, a small group dedicated to the task, some likely may not even be related to the Blackbournes. Remember, power attracts many. I would not be surprised if most of the family does not even know.”

“How am I to know?” I release Logan’s hand and rub my face.

“I am sure, those that mean to hurt you will eventually make themselves seen. But your curse runs deep, do not let yourself be blinded by the past, by the emotions with which the initial curse was placed, or the powers that emerge. ” 

She puts up a finger and closes her eyes for a moment. “Just be sure that you understand what all this means. Your father, your step-mother, Logan, they are all targets. They may not come after you directly if they think you already have control over your powers.”

“I know.” I clasp my hands, dropping them into my lap and Logan slides over on the couch, putting his arms around me. As soon as he does, a light wave of calm makes its way through me.

Seemingly reading our movements, Evangeline smiles. “It is destiny that you two are together.” She says with a smile as she puts her tea cup back on the tray and rests her hands in her lap.

“I will begin to ask any other witches I know if there is any news, or something strange going on that may lead to us finding them before they find you. I will keep in close contact with Gamaliel who I am sure is doing the same.”

“Thank you.” I stand from the sofa and Logan quickly follows.

I walk around to the foyer to make my way out of the house and Evangeline moves in front of me, her eyes filled with tears. “Must you go already?”

“I don’t want my father to worry. He… he doesn’t know I’m here.” I say lowly, hoping I’m not offending her.

“I understand.” Her tone is still sweet. She reaches out a shaky hand, scooping a set of wavy tresses that had fallen over my shoulder and lightly runs her hand beneath it. Her chin shakes lightly before she speaks. “You really are the mirror image of your mother. I miss her every day, as I miss you. Please,” She presses her lips and keeps the tears from falling. “come see me again?” Her voice shook as she finished her small but meaningful request and it dawns on me how lonely she must be with almost all of our family having been killed or dying during childbirth. As if by a new instinct, I rush forward and gather her in my arms. This woman who I barely remember, but feel such a connection to, this woman who has been waiting patiently for me to come to her.

Logan moves to stand behind her, beaming a smile at me.

I release my great aunt and look into her green eyes, realizing they are almost identical to my mother’s. “I promise.”

She takes my face in her hands and leans it down, pressing her lips to my forehead and an unconscious smile makes its way across my face as she releases me and we make our way out of the quaint brick home.

“So, I’m curious…” Logan starts as I click on my seatbelt and he pulls away from the curb. “When was the last time, you reacted like that to anyone?”

I pout my lower lip and scrunch my nose a bit. “I can’t remember.” I smile now, looking at the home in my side view mirror as we drive away. “But it felt really good.”

Logan reaches over and grabs my hand, placing a kiss on the back. He doesn’t say a word, but I feel the pride he has for me and I like it. I know it’s taking so much for him to allow me to feel these things from him.  “So, where to now?” His blue eyes sparkle and the corner of his lip rises.

“Well, I suppose we should stop at Harvard so that I am not completely lying to my dad. Too bad it’s not hockey season or we could have stopped for a Bruins game.”

Logan huffs and scrunches his nose. “Um, you mean, we would make a trip to New York and watch the Rangers.”

“Ew, the Rangers?” I fake sounds of vomiting.

“Um, yeah, lived in NY remember?”

“Yeah, we’ll have to fix that, city boy.” I laugh as Logan chuckles and shakes his head.

“Anything else you’d like to change while you’re at it? Geez…” He raises an eyebrow and smiles, his gorgeous white teeth gleaming like a damn toothpaste commercial and I catch the start of stubble making its way on his cheeks.

A smile creeps along my face slowly as I admire him. “No. I wouldn’t change anything else… ever.” I lean over the console placing a soft kiss on his cheek.

We spend most of the rest of the day on the Harvard campus taking in its enormity and even stopping at the gift shop where Logan buys shirts for me, dad, Liz and even one for him. I practically beg him not to do it and spend that money on us, but he pretends he can’t hear me, so I eventually give in and stand there as he signs the receipt.

“So,” Logan starts as he merges onto the highway on our way home. “Have you decided if you want to come to dinner on Friday and meet my dad?”

I gulp down the sudden lump in my throat. “Babe, I will meet whoever you want me to meet, but, should I be prepared or something, I mean, you didn’t make him out to be the warmest guy in the world.”

Logan chuckles. “I suppose you’re right, and no, he’s not the warmest, but he’s not mean either he’s just a pain in my ass when it comes to business and his companies.”

“Why is that?” I cross my legs and lean onto the center console.

Logan sighs and his eyes stare ahead, his lips have dropped almost to a frown. “Well, I’ve always known that Erebos was a partner of sorts with my dad, but he wasn’t really around much a few years ago, so I assumed he was a silent partner.” He sets his chiseled jaw. “But lately, he has been showing up to more meetings, having more private meetings with my dad, and I just don’t like him being around so much. To be honest, that is the main reason that my dad and I are at odds right now. He wants me to get more involved, but I keep telling him that I refuse unless he can basically put a leash on Erebos.”

“Aaand, what did your dad say to that?” I ask lowly.

He moves his jaw back and forth before starting and steals a glance at me. “He was disappointed. I could tell that I hurt him when I told him I wouldn’t. He’s worked hard to build the life that he has for myself and my mom. But, I just can’t… I won’t. Not with Erebos trying to call the shots.”

I put my hand on Logan’s cheek and he leans into me. I feel the anxiety in him. “I wish I can give you some of my calm.”

He turns his head and smiles. “You are all the calm I need.”

I feel a blush creep up, but I don’t try to hide it or stop it. “Maybe you should do some detective work and see what position it is exactly that Erebos holds and how you and, or, your dad can keep him from trying to be so influential.”

Logan gives a wicked smile. “That’s not a bad idea, Angel.” He nods his head. “Not bad at all… Though, if he really is a partner of sorts, I might be screwed.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it, baby.” I slide my hand beneath his and rest it on his leg.

“We?” He raises his eyebrow at me.

I feel my heart beat hard against my chest. “Yes, we. If you think for one moment that this is going to be a one way street of you doing things for me, and helping me and me just sitting by and watching when something is going on in your life then you have another thing coming.”

“Wow, she decides to embrace her powers and now she just thinks she is going to boss everyone around.” He says, shaking his head and ending with “Pft.”

I giggle and playfully slap his arm before pulling out my phone to text my dad and let him know we are on our way back. I play with the thought of telling him that I went to see my aunt, but I realize that it will incite more questions than I am willing to answer right now.  To be honest, the less they know about me at the moment, the better. Maybe they will be of less use to someone who is looking for me. I click send and clench my teeth together as the thought of something happening to Dad or Liz drops stones in my stomach.

I am plagued for the fourth night in a row this week with nightmares of a mysterious figure chasing me through the streets of Penhale, my bare feet splashing through puddles of blood belonging to my ancestors. I try to fight, but my powers are useless, as if they are neutralized and I am forced to watch as the figure kills Logan and my parents.

I jolt upright in my bed to find my camisole stuck to my chest and back. I wipe my face of the sweat to find tears as well. I pick my phone up off the nightstand. Five fifty five.
Great. I will get to meet Logan’s dad with enough bags under my eyes for a trip to Paris
. I consider texting him, but I don’t want to wake him. The pull to be in his arms creates a pain in my chest that resonates through my body. I think back to the conversation I had with my dad before going to bed. He was standing in his new Harvard University shirt, telling me how much of a difference he has seen in me and how happy he is to see me with Logan. He asked if I had any ‘incidents’ and I couldn’t stand lying to him completely so I just told him that they were small and that I think I can control them now. It wasn’t a complete lie, but it turned my stomach all the same and I make a vow as he walks away to tell him about everything I have found out as soon as I can.

I get up to get some water in the bathroom and on my way back I walk over to the window, pulling the curtains back to peer outside. The morning sun’s rays have begun to pour onto our front yard and driveway through the large trees along the fence, but the morning dreariness still lingers in the shadows. I catch a glimpse of sunlight reflecting off something in the distance, but I am blocked by the sycamore trees along the fence.

I squat down in front of the window and peer beneath the lower branches and see that the sunlight is gleaming off the rim of a large tire. Practically pressing my face onto my windowsill, I catch the bottom of the frame of the vehicle, gunmetal grey. It had been days since I last saw it following Logan and I to the coffee shop then disappearing again. I drop onto my knees and clench my teeth angered by the fact that I do not know who this is, or what they want. I consider trying to use my powers to start a storm, or a fire since I had been practicing, but decide not to in case that is exactly what they are wanting. For me to prove who I am. I crawl back into bed, but I stare at the ceiling, getting up every twenty minutes or so to check on the vehicle. It isn’t until just before my dad and Liz leave to the rink at nine that it pulls away.

I finally decide to get up and jump in the shower and begin to mentally prepare myself for dinner tonight. I call Logan after my shower and fill him in on everything that happened in my nightmare and this morning and just as I thought he would, he asks me why I didn’t call him.

“Because I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Kate-” He starts, but I don’t I don’t let him finish.

“I know, I know, not a good enough excuse.”

“Not for something that important.” There is no playfulness in his voice.

I smile about his concern for me “So, when will we be finding out more about Mr. Primordial Evil?”

Logan laughs hard breaking the solemnness I was picking up in his voice. “I want to speak to my dad today and see what information I can get without raising questions.”

“Sounds good.”

“What will you be doing today?”

“Not much. Maybe hang out at the house, do my nails, organize my closet, make some plans to meet friends, you know, like most girls. Oh, and I need to remember to practice the magical abilities that have been intensifying in the hopes of destroying the person that is trying to kill me.” I shrug my shoulders as if he could see me. “No big.”

Hearing Logan’s laugh pulls a giggle out of me.

“Yup, just another day in the life of Katelyn Miller.” He makes a grunting sound and I wonder if he is sitting himself up in the bed. “Alright, Miss No big, I will try and get that conversation going with my dad and I will see you later.”

“Okay, see you later.” I push the end button on my phone and let out a small sigh.

I spend most of the afternoon attempting to distract myself from the butterflies that have by now, officially nested in my stomach by practicing my magic. I begin to contemplate how I can test whether or not I have any abilities that have to do with the mind, but I haven’t a clue. I pull out my phone and text Gamaliel and he is at my house in minutes. I begin to believe he uses portals more often than he lets on.

“I was just about to call you.”

“Have you found something out?”

“Possibly. Regarding the SUV that you texted me about earlier in the week. I should be hearing something within the next few days.” Gamaliel makes his way over to one of the wicker seats on the porch and dusts off the tan cushion before sitting down. “So, how can I help you?”

Though he is wearing a ball cap, I can see that he cut his hair and his casual dress of jeans and a t-shirt are starting to grow on me. He definitely doesn’t creep me out the way he used to. “How do I know if I have any abilities regarding the mind? I mean, I know I can block people out, but can I know what someone else is thinking?”

Gamaliel furrows his brow. “Katelyn, those powers can be dangerous. They are tempting in ways you cannot imagine and can lead to corruption, or insanity.”

Wow, I never thought of it like that
. “Oh.”

“I just… I wanted to have a leg up if I see Erebos again.” I sit in an identical chair opposite him, across from the matching table with the glass top. “I was hoping that maybe if I could, I can also stop those headaches I get when he tries to read me.”

“Hm.” Gamaliel leans forward onto his elbows. “I am unsure how to counter that since that is due to your ability to keep him out.” He squints his eyes at me. “Try to read my thoughts. I will try to not block you out, though it happens naturally to me by now.”

“How do I do that?”

“Just picture my mind as a building of sorts… make your way through the front doors and start walking down hallways until you see doors you can peer into.” He laughs at my scrunched nose. “It doesn’t have to be exactly like that, but you need to have a visual of you getting to the thoughts…. Hallways, passages, whatever the method, you need to see it happening. Do you understand?”

“I think so.” I bite the inside of my lip and lock gazes with him. My mind begins to wander and though I am looking right at him, I see myself standing at a door. It’s black and there is no knob, but if I push, it gives way. I begin to ease myself inside, but the darkness surrounds me and I cannot see anything. My head begins to hurt so I  break my concentration and look away.

“Are you alright?” Gamaliel leans back in his seat.

“My head started to hurt so I stopped.”

“My apologies.” He shrugs his shoulders slightly. “It is very difficult for me to allow anyone in my thoughts. My desire to protect my mind and thoughts is instinctual. The pain was me, fighting back.” He cocks his head to the side. “Were you able to see anything at all?”

“I made it through a door. But it was all dark.”

Gamaliel nods his head and smirks. “You’ve made it further than anyone else.  Most cannot get past the door.” He stands and begins pacing the length of my porch, lightly hitting the pillars he passes with his hand. “You must try to ignore the pain you feel. If you can somewhat zone it out and keep calm, you may be able to progress further, or at the very least, defend yourself without hurting.” He begins to walk out into my yard and turns. “I will contact you as soon as I have information. Be careful.”

I nod my head and he turns again, walking until he disappears in between the trees.

Later in the afternoon, I pull into Logan’s driveway and ease my Jeep into the parking space next to his tahoe. I try to gulp down the lump in my throat but in the past hour, it’s become a permanent fixture, joining the butterflies in my stomach. At this point, I think I should consider myself lucky if I don’t puke all over Mr. Blackwell. Logan told me not to be nervous, but I realized that it’s not so much meeting his dad, but being in his house that has me on edge since that is where I last saw Erebos and I would rather not run into him again anytime this century if I could possibly help it.

I step out of the Jeep and close the door, catching my reflection. I question quickly whether or not my tan spaghetti strap satin draping top is too revealing, but realize that on top of the fact that it’s too late to change, it’s also too hot. I smooth my hands over my dark denims and look down at my brown strappy three inch heels, happy that I was able to give myself a quick pedicure today. I drape my brown purse over my shoulder, flip my hair a little, filling my layered waves with some volume and turn to walk to the house when my heart drops.

“Geez!” I yell, falling back and bracing myself against my SUV with one hand while the other is planted firmly on my heaving chest.

Logan laughs hard and makes his way to me.

“How long have you been there?” I breathe, trying to slow my heart rate.

“From about the time you closed the door and nervously checked yourself out.” He says between chuckles.

“Well, I am so glad that I can amuse you!” I walk over and jokingly swing my purse at him but he jumps out of the way.

He reaches over and puts an arm around my waist as I shoulder my purse again, still smiling wide. “You look amazing.”

“Yeah?” I quickly question as I wrinkle my nose and purse my lips.

“Yeah.” He says as he lowers his lips to mine, and leans me up against the Jeep. “Hm. I’m tempted to keep you to myself tonight.”

I smile against his lips. “I like that idea.” I pull my head back and look him over. His dark hair is combed back and held in place by what I’m sure is a pomade or something since it doesn’t look wet, the blue in his eyes is almost as dark as the rim, and I’m thinking it’s due to him being nervous about tonight as well. I bring my hands up to his face and feel the stubble beneath it as I bite my lip. “I like this.” I say, slowly running my hands along his structured jaw, feeling the growth against my skin.

“Mmm.” Is all he can get out before pressing his lips to mine, this time with more desire, as his hands squeeze my hips. He stops, putting his forehead to mine. “We should get inside.” I can see in his face he really doesn’t want to. I can’t blame him. I’d be the first to offer to jump in the car and drive away right now.

I run my finger along his lip, removing traces of my lipstick then pull out my compact to check my makeup before going in.

As soon as I walk through the door, Sabina is walking towards me with her arms open wide. I smile and immediately wrap my arms around her for a quick hug. It still feels strange, opening up like this and letting people close to me, but it’s slowly growing on me.

“I am so glad you came tonight. Logan’s father is very excited to meet you.” She beams. Her dark hair is pulled into a messy bun, and her makeup is minimal, though she could pass for a model.
Seriously, this family is genetically blessed
.

Logan takes my hand as his mother turns around and leads the way into the dining room.  We walk into the formal dining room and immediately I feel like I am taken into one of my books that takes place in the eighteen hundreds. A large oval dark cherry wood table sits in the center on an intricately patterned rug, with matching chairs surrounding it. The wallpaper alternates two beige colored stripes until they reach the white chair rail in the center of the room then a dark burgundy color fills the lower half. Every window in the room is draped with elegant heavy draperies, allowing for the only light in the room to come from the beautiful crystal and silver chandelier. The china cabinet takes up almost the entire length of the wall, while the matching thin buffet table sits nestled between the two large windows. A large mirror with a four inch Victorian frame sits on the far wall over the larger buffet table with a marble top.

“Dinner should be ready in just a moment, and Logan’s father should be joining us-” Sabina’s face lights up as she stops mid-sentence and smiles at her husband across the room. “Well, now, I suppose.” She finishes with a light laugh.

I turn my attention to the doorway and see what I am sure Logan is going to look like in about twenty or so years. He is the spitting image of his son with the exception of his green eyes. My heart begins to race and I wonder if Logan can feel it while he holds my hand.

“So this is the young lady I have been hearing so much about.” He tilts his head and smiles, but there is a seriousness behind it.

I step forward, releasing Logan’s hand and approach his dad. “Yes, sir. I am Katelyn Miller. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Blackwell.” I extend my hand and he slides his in, giving a firm shake. For a moment I find myself hoping that he doesn’t have the same power as Logan or he would know that I am a nervous wreck right now. 

Mr. Blackwell looks me over and extends his hand toward the table, for us to sit. Logan pulls out my chair and I thank God that he has decided to sit between his father and myself while his mother sits at the other end of the table, closest to me.

“So, Katelyn,” Mr. Blackwell begins. “Have you lived here long?”