Text copyright ©2017 by the Author.

This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by S.E. Smith. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original Magic, New Mexico remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of S.E. Smith, or their affiliates or licensors.

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Tainted Magic

Sabine Priestley

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Also by Sabine Priestley

About the Author

Acknowledgments

Thank you to my amazing editors, Laurel Kriegler and Victoria Baksa. You women are the voices in my head.

A shout out to Melody Simmons for the awesome cover!

Finally, and most importantly, to S.E. Smith for inviting me to play in her world.

* * *

Chapter 1

Arabella Visante gazed over the Haven river. On the far side, Elves were just visible in the tree tops. They appeared to be building structures high in the boughs. Shielding her eyes from the sun, she squinted at the foliage on the opposite bank. If she wasn’t mistaken, those purple orbs growing like weeds beneath the trees were Burdock. The roots would provide relief for old Jamison’s arthritis. The Inn’s handyman hadn’t mentioned it, but his hands had the telltale inflammation.

The sun warmed her skin and the bluff was rife with wildlife. It was a delightful change from the bustle of New York, where she’d spent the past six months. Before that it was a stint in London.

This was her first exposure to the less-developed side of America, and New Mexico was something different. There was nothing like it in the UK.

Late September, winter was around the corner and closing in fast. She hoped it wasn’t as biting as New York had been. Then again, she could well imagine what this place would look like with a blanket of snow. And smell like and sound like. Winter slowed life and had a way of muting reality. Even the elements paused to breathe.

“You don’t want to go over there.” A deep rumble of a voice slid over her from behind.

She turned to face a pillar of a man with long wavy hair as black as her own. “Why not? It’s lovely.”

“Sugar, lovely is not a word to describe the elves.” Something about his tone ricocheted inside her. His eyes were gray with flecks of silver light as he eyed the blue ribbon wrapped around the fingerless sleeve she wore. A symbol of her position in the Edinburgh Starfall coven.

“Actually, it’s a perfect word for them. They’re so graceful, beautiful.”

His gaze lingered on her lips as he toyed with a large ring on the index finger of his right hand. A Yin Yang symbol, only, instead of the usual black and white, it was black and blood red.

“You don’t know elves,” he said. A hint of a smile played across sensual lips.

She crossed her arms, vexed. “We've had a healthy trade with them for generations.” Granted, they didn’t socialize much. Truth told, until she started her travels, she hadn’t dealt much with anything other than witches. There had been several humans at University in Glasgow, but most didn’t know about paranormals.

Tanned and muscled arms crossed around the man’s chest and his head tilted to the side as he took her in with one raised eyebrow.

She couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to have those arms wrapped around her. He might be fun to tangle with; humans were generally harmless, and there was some tantalizing chemistry between them.

“Heard you’re our new healer.” His voice certainly had an effect on her. There was no telling what his touch could do.

“For the time being. As long as I’m here.” He was devilishly handsome and no doubt knew it.

“You’re not going to get much healing work around here.” He stepped closer, well into her personal space. He smelled of pure male, a musky undertone beneath a hint of sweat. She knew how chemistry worked with humans. It was basic. She could create a crippling love potion with just a speck of their DNA, but she’d never experienced an organic manifestation herself until now.

She flashed him a flirty grin. “I don’t need much. I have other ways of keeping busy.”

“That right? Like what?” His eyes roamed her face, lingering on her lips.

The energy between them crackled. Yes, he could be fun.

“Office work?” He offered. “Typing, maybe?”

She bit back a sharp retort. She might have to bring this human down a notch. “Are you offering additional work?”

“Got a thriving business. I’m always looking for help.”

“I’m certain I could be of assistance.” She was enjoying the verbal foreplay.

“I bet you could.” His phone buzzed before he could say more. “Dante.”

Dante. A strong name. Turning back to the river, she couldn’t help but listen in. It was a woman and he knew her well. There was deep attachment there, but animosity as well. Wife?

She tried to reign in the energy snapping through her.

He finished the call without a goodbye. They weren’t on overly-friendly terms. Still, if he was married, it was end game. Best to play it safe.

“You’re staying at the Den, right?” Dante asked.

As far as she knew, Haven’s Den was the only place to stay in Haven. “Yes.”

He reached into his back pocket and retrieved a card from his wallet. He managed to brush her fingers before letting go, sending little sparks up her arm.

Dante Liekos. CEO Liekos Enterprises. “My offices are in the annex next to the Inn. Swing by. I’ll let Maggie know to expect you. She’ll hook you up with something not too difficult.”

Oh yes, this human needed some educating. “I’m sure we’ll find something suitable.” Two weeks and she’d have his business performing at levels he’d never seen before, regardless of what that business was.

He nodded and left without formally introducing himself. He had the unmistakable strut of an alpha. Human males and Warlocks both wore alpha like a finely-tailored suit, and he was no exception.

That physical attraction stuff was pretty heady.

Tempting as it was to cross the river for the Burdock, she went back to the Den instead. Best to heed the warning until she had the full picture.

The Inn was a beautiful place constructed of wood and brick. A quarter of the third floor was an open deck that faced the river and the Elven lands beyond.

What on earth was going on between them? In the distance, the neigh of a horse echoed through the trees. This would be fantastic country to explore, by both hiking and horseback.

Yes, Haven was a good choice after more than a year in big cities. She was looking forward to the evenings. The stars would undoubtedly be brilliant. And the bats. Fantastic colonies of the sensory-rich creatures lived in nearby caves.

She crossed the well-groomed lawn toward the stairs. The annex Dante had mentioned was just visible to the left of the Inn. It was a large facility that also sported a deck on the third floor. Judging by the furniture, it was an apartment.

She wondered what business he was running in the middle of nowhere.

Climbing the steps, she nearly tripped over a furry white animal as it darted across the lower patio. It was a cub of some kind. Following on its heels was a baby duck. Also white. Arabella laughed at the sight. She sensed intelligence in those little minds.

“Lido! Jinx! Come back here right now!” The Den’s owner, Livy stood in an open sliding glass doorway with her hands on her ample hips. “I know where the both of you live,” she called after them. She turned to go, but stopped when she caught sight of Arabella. “Oh, hello, dear.”

“Hi, Livy.”

A flurry of activity off to their right announced the return of the duck and cub. This time the duck was in the lead, flapping its wings furiously and quacking up a storm.

“You rascals stay out of my kitchen,” Livy called after them. A spark of magic shot out from the portly woman.

It surprised Arabella.

Livy must have noticed her quizzical look. “Something wrong?”

“Not wrong. I just assumed you were human.”

She let out a laugh that sounded more like a bark. “No thank you. And neither are you, am I right?”

“Correct. I’m a witch.” She reflexively lowered her voice. She’d only met one other para the whole time in New York.

“No need to whisper. Folks around here are mostly in the know. Magic is full of us, and that’s just down the road.”

“Magic?”

“It’s a town. Lots of different beings hang out there, not all of them from this planet either. Thought you knew that. Figured that’s why you came.”

“No. I simply wanted to experience something different. I came from New York and London prior to here.”

“Now there’s a big change if ever there was one. I’ve never been myself. I’m happy where I am, if you know what I mean.”

“Of course. If you don’t mind my asking, what exactly are you?”

“Let’s see how long it takes you to puzzle that one out, shall we?” Her wrinkled eyes shone with a sparkle. “You hungry? I got some cookies cooling. Chocolate chip. My own recipe. Those two make a game of seeing how many they can steal before mealtime.”

“I’d love one. I assume the young ones aren’t what they appear? I sensed intelligence.”

“They’re shifters. Haven’t shifted yet, though. Should do so any day now. Can’t wait to see their human form.”

“That’s exciting. What kind of cub is that?”

“Snow leopard. Judging by the looks of his parents, he’s going to be a heartbreaker. Not so sure about Lido. His ma is pretty enough, but his dad is something of a mystery. Never seen his human form. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Arabella followed her through a dining area and into a large kitchen. The smell of cookies mixed with another, richer aroma.

“Stew?”

“You bet. Dinner tonight if you’re interested.”

The elements of the aroma rippled through Arabella before identifying on her tongue. “Carrots, Parsnip—I like parsnip—onion, potato, parsley, beef and…red wine?”

“You witches and your noses. Ears too. No giving away my recipes now.” Livy grabbed a small plate and loaded it with three moist, warm cookies.

Arabella took a bite and moaned. “Oh, that’s brilliant. Cinnamon, nutmeg and…I don’t know? Something else.”

Livy let out another bark-laugh. “And I’m not telling.”

The sound of boots on flagstone echoed down the hall. A moment later Dante entered, carrying the cub. Behind him, another even taller and burlier man followed stroking the duck in his arms.

“Heard you had sugar pills,” Dante said, winking at Arabella.

“Those two don’t need any more. They already stole half the first batch,” Livy admonished.

Dante looked from the cub to the duck. “That true?” He laughed a moment later. “You’re right. You’re only kids once.” He gave Livy a pleading look that could cajole blood out of a vampire.

“Oh, for goodness sake.” She made a scene of putting more cookies on a plate and set it on the floor.

The children wiggled out of the men’s holds and scampered over.

The taller man extended his hand to Arabella. “Hunter Filtiarn.”

Livy slapped his hand away. “She don’t need that handshake business. She’s a witch.”

“A witch?” Dante’s surprise was apparent. “I missed that.”

If he was having half the problem she was in his presence, she could understand why. But did that mean…“Are you human?”

“Human?” The other male burst out laughing. “She thinks you’re human.” He grabbed a handful of cookies and headed for the door.

“I’m Arabella,” she called out after him. No idea why, but she liked the man.

Irritation flashed across Dante’s face. “You thought I was human?”

Arabella shrugged. “I thought you both were.”

“Ha. I’ll make sure to tell Hunter that.”

“I heard it.” Hunter’s voice echoed from down the hall. “She’s only saying that to make you feel better.”

Dante grumbled something under his breath.

“I didn’t realize I was in a paranormal hot spot,” Arabella said. “So what are you two?” She gestured to the hallway. They were the same, whatever it was. Not warlock, unfortunately. She would have picked up on that right away. He was definitely off limits now.

“One hundred percent wolf, sugar.” Dante said it as though he couldn’t believe she hadn’t known. “Didn’t get a chance to properly introduce myself. I’m Dante.”

“Arabella.” She nodded her greeting. Wolf. That explained his animalistic aura and that musky undertone. “Nice to meet you.” She knelt down by the young ones. “And this is Jinx and Lido. Saw Livy yelling at you two earlier.”

They’d finished the plate and sat watching her.

“Hello.” Jinx said telepathically.

“Pretty witchy,” Lido added.

“Aw. Can I pet you?”

The cub was scampering up the tops of her thighs in an instant. Lido flapped his wings, but couldn’t get a foot hold.

“Oy. Watch those daggers of yours, Jinx.” Livy warned.

“He’s okay.” She let him lick her cheek. He smelled like puppy and cookie, and his fur was silkily.

Lido quacked, his little shoulders dropping.

“Sorry, Lido.” She reached over and stroked from his head to his tail feathers. “You’re so soft.”

He rubbed his head against her arm and leaned into her. “I think I found some new friends.” She looked up to find Dante gone and Livy smiling down at them.

“So, you going to be staying a while then?”

“At least a few months,” she said getting back to her feet.

“That’s longer than most. Tourists come to see the caves and wildlife mostly. Area 52, of course. The usual. Be nice having another woman around. I’ll say one thing. You sure threw Dante a curveball.”

“I believe that was mutual.” She wanted to ask if he was married, but that wasn’t relevant any longer. She wasn’t going to tangle with a wolf shifter.

“What’s the story with Hunter?”

“He’s kind of the de-facto sheriff hereabouts. Keeps those elves at bay.”

Again with the elves. She wanted to ask, but her gut told her it was best to observe. Ask too many questions and she’d get a tainted version. Best to read everyone’s actions.

Jinx nudged her leg and tilted his head toward the cookie plate. She grabbed two more while Livy was at the sink, her back to them.

“I’ll see you later then,” she said and headed out.

“Enjoy the cookies you little hooligans.”

* * *

Dante stomped across the lawn behind the Inn. His mood was black and his wolf pissed off. He’d almost made it to the annex when Hunter appeared at his side.

“Human,” he laughed.

“Don’t go there, Hunter.”

“Why? What are you going to do about it?”

He was on the verge of shifting and striking out when reason intervened.

Hunter held his gaze with the eyes of his wolf. “You nearly went for it. Almost found those balls of yours.”

“Fuck you.”

Hunter stopped with a growl low in his chest. “Someday you will treat me like the equal that I am.”

Dante spun. “This is not that day and I am not your equal. I never was and I never will be.”

“My status is gone.”

“Your status was stolen.” Dante scanned their surroundings with his wolf’s senses, ensuring their privacy. “You will always be my Alpha.”

“I’d rather be your friend.” Hunter shifted mid-turn, his shredded clothes trailing behind the massive silver wolf as he lunged across the lawn and into the forest.

“Damn it.” The day was headed for the shithouse. He turned and slammed the door behind him.

Maggie sat at her desk, but she knew better than to disturb him in a mood like this.

“Take the rest of the day off,” he said, striding across the lobby.

“It’s only four,” she said, grabbing her purse. “But if you insist.”

He had to smile. She was an outstanding employee, but never missed an opportunity to skip out early.

His office was at the end of the hall with access to a small patio overlooking the lawns.

Hunter had the office on the floor above. He liked to keep the elves in sight.

The entire third floor was his apartment. He poured three fingers of bourbon and opened the sliders. The sun was dipping and there was hint of cool in the air. Winter was coming early this year; he felt it in his bones.

The sound of the river drifted over the lawn. What the hell had happened with little Miss Arabella? She’d been telling the truth when she said she thought he was human. In what fucked-up world did that happen?

The front door opened and closed with a snick. He caught her scent a moment later. “Speak of the devil.” He went back to the lobby.

Arabella stood looking at the photos on the wall. He was proud of those.

“Can I help you?” He wanted to. Wanted to help her come in a shuddering, body wracking, orgasm. Blood rushed to his cock at the thought.

“You said to come see Maggie?”

The energy that had sparked between them before was being held in check, but it was there. She was keeping it buried under the surface. His wolf paced, wanted her to come out and play.

“She’s gone for the day. Didn’t like my mood when I arrived.”

“Something put you off?” She wore the hint of a smile, and had an accent he couldn’t quite place. He liked it. A lot.

He closed the distance between them in an instant. She smelled good. Really good. And he could sense her essence now. How the hell had he’d missed it before? “Never been mistaken for a human. Vampire once, never human.”

“Except by human women.”

“Goes without saying.”

“So I’m a first for you.” There was a light in those emerald eyes.

“You could say that. Who knows, maybe it will be the first of many firsts between us.”

She cleared her throat and stepped back. “Those are beautiful.” She nodded toward the photos and walked over to the largest.

That was his pride and joy. His most elaborate project to date. “It’s a hunting lodge. Belongs to Zeke Digger.”

“The Zeke Digger? Of Wild and Torn fame?”

“The one and only.”

“Their music is excellent. He’s easy on the eyes, too.”

His wolf bared its teeth.

“Do you know him?”

“I’d better. I designed and built that place.”

She studied the photo closer, her face reflecting in the glass. “Impressive. So that’s what you do?”

“Among other things. I have many talents.”

Her energy spiked before she could reign it in. In a fluid motion he stood before her, his free hand around the nape of her neck. Her skin was smooth as silk, and his wolf growled with desire to taste. Her scent blended with that of his bourbon. It was a heady mix.

She remained ramrod straight. “I didn’t know wolves were that fast. Always assumed that was a vamp trait.”

He stroked his thumb along her jawline. “Don’t know much about us, do you, sugar?”

She tried to pull away, but he wasn’t letting go. “What are you doing?” Her energy was pinging off the charts. Whatever this was between them, she was fighting it.

“Why are you keeping your energies in check. I liked it earlier; so did you.” He leaned in. A taste wouldn’t hurt. Maybe crack through that shell she’d erected.

Inches from her shoulder, she vanished in a green wisp of smoke and the scent of honeysuckle. Sweet, like sugar.

He smiled. Now he knew her essence. He waited a moment to see if she’d return, then went back to his office. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. He was going to get to the bottom of this. Find out what held her back, then figure out a way around.

Chapter 2

Arabella rode the thermals with her wings spread. The valley below was a stunning contrast of greens and browns, and her eagle form reveled in the wind caressing her feathers.

Dante wasn’t wrong. Since the moment they'd met, she’d been fighting her energies. What had started as an interesting phenomenon had turned into a serious problem. She’d assumed the thing between them consisted of basic chemistry, but it wasn’t. Dante was affecting her entire being, both physical and spiritual. Back in the annex, she’d had her psychic shields firmly engaged, only to have them slip the moment she’d lost focus. The situation was untenable.

Her coven was the last of the pure witches and warlocks. It was their creed. Their motto. Their golden rule. That which had kept them invisible and safe during the dark ages.

The High Priest and Priestess would never allow otherwise. The fact that she was even thinking along those lines shook her.

A potentially married wolf shifter. What on earth was wrong with her? She closed her eyes and centered herself. Her essence sparked with brilliant bands of energy. There was no sign of a spell or external influence of any kind. It was all her. For the first time since leaving Edinburgh, fear slid its icy fingers around her heart. All because of a shifter that did things to her she didn’t understand and couldn’t control.

She needed to talk to someone, but who? Livy said Magic was full of paranormals. Surly it held a coven. She could request an audience with their Priest or Priestess. There had to be something about wolves she wasn't aware of. Something she could protect against.

She sighed a breath of relief. She had a plan. Plans were good.

Now to find Magic. She flew in an ever-increasing circle. Three quarters of the way around the second time, she found it. A wave of Wiccan and other paranormal influence was emanating from below. Tightening her radius, she descended with caution. Caution and excitement. An entire enclave of mixed paranormals. She’d never experienced such a thing. The town lay shrouded in spells. Humans wouldn’t be able to perceive it if they didn’t know how to get in.

She landed in a small clearing near the most concentrated Wiccan influence. The town was a bit farther to the north, so perhaps another day. She shifted back to her human form. Taking a step, she stopped at a jangling sound from her feet. “Oh for crying out loud.” She knelt down and fastened the buckles on her calf-high boots. Her jeans were tucked inside and she loved the edgy look. She was seriously distracted if she was transforming with bits undone. That was basic witchcraft. She knew better.

Perhaps she should just pack up and leave Haven?

We don’t run from our fears or our troubles. We face them. Every. Single. Time.

She smiled. Her mother would be thrilled to know she was the voice in her head. Hers and Grandmother’s. The women in her life were forces to be reckoned with, and she wasn’t going to be any different. She straightened her shoulders.

This was a problem. And problems were simply opportunities. Each had a solution. She would find this one.

The Wiccan essence grew stronger as she approached the stately Victorian structure. It was out of place here in the deserts of New Mexico, and yet it fit perfectly.

The front door opened before she'd reached the top step of the porch. A woman in a full-length gown of amber and gold eyed her with curiosity. Her hair was nearly white and her skin pale. She was beautiful. Her essence shone with a radiance that only a Priestess could posses.

Arabella bowed her head in respect and greeting. “I am Arabella Visante, from the coven Starfall in Edinburgh.”

Her eyebrows rose. “Edinburgh? Ah, yes. You’re a long way from home, little one.”

“It is my desire to learn first hand. To experience the people and places of our world.”

“You are welcome here, Arabella. I am Circe. High Priestess of The Magic Circle coven. Come inside and tell me why you have sought our council.” She turned and glided back indoors.

Statues and figurines from around the globe filled the interior. Masks and paintings adorned the walls. It was a comfortable space with high energy. “You share my love of travel.”

“I’m convinced wanderlust is a genetic trait. My husband shares this passion, which is why he is not here now.” She led the way into a large kitchen. The slate floors and granite counter tops with silver appliances were completely at odds with the rest of the house, but once again, it worked.

She sat on a barstool at the island while Circe made tea. The woman’s company was comfortable, familiar.

Once the brew was ready, Circe set the service on a platter next to a plate of biscuits and small sandwiches.

“Thank you.” Arabella selected a finger sandwich and fixed her tea with the right amount of sugar and milk.

Once they were both sorted, Circe turned to her. “Now, what is troubling you, little one?”

For a moment she was hesitant to explain, but that was childish. She wasn’t a child any longer. “I’m having a problem with a wolf shifter. One I don’t understand.”

“You don't understand the wolf or the problem?”

“Both, I suppose.” She ran her finger along the rim of the delicate cup.

“Are they threatening you?”

“No, not really. I don’t know. I can’t seem to…" She blew out a breath and tried to corral her thoughts. "He’s affecting my energies.”

“Is this darkness?”

“No. Quite the opposite.” She felt the flush of her cheeks spread down her neck. Just thinking about him had her riled.

Circe gave her a knowing look. “Ah. That kind of problem.”

“Are you familiar with our coven?”

“Child, every witch is familiar with Starfall.”

“Then you see my conundrum. My being attracted so to a wolf is absurd. He must be using a spell, some magic, to influence me in such a way, but I have virtually no knowledge of the beasts.”

Circe winced at the term.

“I meant no disrespect.”

“Are you sure?”

“I beg your pardon?”

Circe leaned forward and searched Arabella’s eyes. “Your problem is not with the wolf. He possesses no such magic. Your problem is how he makes you feel.”

“Yes. Precisely. It cannot be authentic.”

Circe leaned back and smiled. “Can’t it?”

This was not helpful at all. Clearly, the witch didn’t understand.

“Oh, I understand your predicament perfectly. Your coven would not approve.”

Before Arabella could explain, there was a ripple in the energies and a woman stood next to Circe. She had flaming pink hair and a devious grin on her face.

“Topper, so lovely to see you.” Circe rose and embraced the visitor. “What brings you here this afternoon?”

“The Fates.” Topper turned to Arabella. “Apparently this one here is going to make some waves in our world.”

Arabella huffed and stood. Perhaps coming here had been a mistake. “You were with the Fates?”

Topper waved her hand. “I’m glad they sent me. Not a big fan of Vegas myself, but they do so love the energy of that place.”

“You have a message for our little one?” Circe asked.

“Of a sort. You know how the Fates work. They told me to tell Arabella here that her path is yet to be determined, but her destiny is fixed. You should take comfort in their words.”

Arabella snatched a biscuit off the plate and bit it in half, leaning against the counter. “What am I supposed to do with that?”

“How should I know?” Topper said, helping herself.

“Come now,” Circe said. “It isn’t everyone who gets a message from the Fates.”

That was true. She finished the sweet and washed it down with tea. “I don’t suppose they’d care to expand upon their message?”

Topper and Circe laughed.

She shrugged. “Doesn’t hurt to ask.”

Circe came over and wrapped her arms around Arabella. Nothing like a well-timed hug.

She squeezed back. “Thank you for seeing me.”

“Any time. I mean that. The door is open.”

She took another biscuit before leaving. They were exceptionally good. “These are delicious.”

“Thank you,” Topper said.

“It’s her recipe,” Circe laughed. “Arabella? I suggest you follow your heart.”

Fear’s grip on her tightened. She knew what her heart wanted, but her head said never, and rightly so.

Outside, the sun was dipping below the horizon and there was bite in the air. She shivered, then shifted back into eagle form, launching into the sky.

She was less than a mile from the Inn when she spotted a black wolf running in the forest.

Dante. She sensed him on a level that was pure energy. Goddess help her, she’d never been so lost.

* * *

Arabella woke the next morning to a thud against her door. A moment later, clicking on tile and hissing sounded on the floor by her bed. Before she could register what was happening, two small bodies were scurrying over her.

She rolled onto her back and Jinx settled on her chest. Lido sidled into the crook of her arm and laid his neck across hers. “Good morning, boys.” She finished on a yawn and stroked their warm and silky forms.

Footsteps sounded on the stairs down the hall and both animals wormed their way under the covers on either side of her, turning so their little faces peeked out from underneath. It was the cutest thing.

Livy appeared in the doorway a moment later. “Oh, sorry dear. Didn’t mean to catch you in bed. Have you seen those two scallions?”

“Hide please.” She wasn’t sure which one it came from.

“Um, no?”

The Inn's owner frowned. “I suppose you just slept all night with the door open?”

“I like fresh air?” She winked. “Tell you what. I’ll get dressed and help you look for them, how’s that?”

Returning her smile, Livy shook her head. “Their breakfast is ready downstairs. Five minutes and it’s going out to the pigs.”

Lido started to come out, but Jinx jumped across Arabella’s stomach and pinned the duck down.

Livy burst out laughing. “Might want to lock up at night. Jinx is a master of knobs. Don’t know how he does it.” She closed the door behind her.

“You two don’t waste any time getting into mischief, do you?” She sat up, glad she preferred to sleep in a tee-shirt and underwear. Not that it would matter with a shifter. They were used to periods of nudity. Witches were a more private bunch.

“Happy.” That was Jinx for sure.

“Off!”

“You’re squishing Lido.” Arabella flipped the covers back and grabbed the cub by the scruff of his neck. She brought him to her face and nuzzled his cheek.

Lido stood and shook his body with a resounding quack. She set Jinx down and picked up Lido, pressing him against her chest and snuggling his duck face. “You two are the best. Can’t wait to see what you look like in your human form. Now, you need to get downstairs before Livy makes good on her threat.”

Jinx jumped off the bed without a sound, and Lido flapped his wings in an awkward dismount.

She padded across the carpeted floor and opened the door for them. They scampered out and down the hall in a flurry of fur and feathers.

Arabella showered and dressed in jeans and a soft sweater that matched the green of her eyes. Pulling on her boots, her mind wandered to Dante. A thrill shot through her at the though of his powerful build and compelling essence. “He’s a shifter.” And possibly married. Shifter not warlock, shifter not warlock… She kept the mantra going while she applied a smidgen of eye shadow and mascara before brushing her teeth.

When she got downstairs, Jinx and Lido were scurrying out the back door of the kitchen.

“There you are,” Livy said. “Eggs and bacon are ready to go. I can whip up some waffles if you’d like.”

“Don't bother. This is perfect.”

“Couldn’t agree more.”

Her energies pinged as Dante entered the room.

“Good morning.” She tried to keep her cool, but it was a losing battle and they both knew it.

“‘Morning, sugar.”

She hated that she loved it when he called her that. “Do you eat here every day?”

“When I don’t feel like cooking. Or just have an interest in the current guests.” Sparks of mirth flashed in his eyes.

“He’s here most days.” Livy plucked a plate from the counter and piled it high with eggs, bacon, fruit and muffins before handing it to Dante.

He kissed her on the cheek and took the food. “What would I do without you?”

“Starve, probably. Now, shoo.”

Dante nodded toward the door to the dining room. “Join me.” It wasn’t a question, and he didn’t wait for a response.

If he was married, there was certainly no sign of a wife. And why the devil was she even thinking that?

She couldn’t help but watch him leave. That was one fine rear end. When she turned back to Livy, the woman wore a knowing smirk.

“Nice to look at, isn’t he?”

“Mmm. He is that.” No sense in denying it. She took a plate and dished out less than a third of what Dante had taken. “Is there coffee?”

“In the carafe out on the table. Cream and sugar too. Enjoy.” She sang the last word.

Arabella worried her lower lip as she made her way to the dining room. It was empty except for Dante, who sat pouring a cup of what she needed. “How do you like it?”

Everything the man said sounded like a double entendre.

She couldn’t help but play along. “I like both.”

“Really?” that sexy eyebrow quirked up.

Their energies were mingling and goddess help her, she didn’t want it to stop.

Setting her plate down, she bit her lower lip to keep the smile from her face. “Really.”

“So, both cream and sugar?”

She couldn’t stop the laugh. She leaned on her elbows, resting her chin on her interlaced fingers. "Yes, please. But not too sweet. I like a little bite.”

His laughter echoed through the empty space. “Oh, sugar, where have you been?”

In Edinburgh. Daughter to the High Priestess in the last remaining clan of pureblood witches.

The thought put a wet rag on her energies.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he picked up his fork and attacked his food.

They ate in silence until he was nearly done. She’d only made it through a portion of hers, her appetite muted.

“So.” He folded his napkin next to the plate. “Where have you been?”

Before she could answer, Livy walked in from the kitchen with a frown on her face. “We have a new dragon in the area.”

“Sure it’s not Aiden Silver?”

“Positive. This one’s a female. Just saw her heading up-river.”

“If she’s anything like Aiden, she’s heading to the pools.”

Arabella was intrigued, she’d never met a dragon before. “Is it a shifter?”

“Aiden is. Finish up and we’ll go check it out.”

“Why?”

“Need to make sure it’s not got any nefarious deeds in mind. Those things could do some serious damage if they were inclined.”

She shouldn’t go. Shouldn’t spend more time alone with him. But she wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to see, or maybe even meet, a dragon. “I’m in.”

Again her shields slipped, and the ping of energy went straight to her core.

She ate a few more bites thanks to Livy’s admonishing, and they headed out to Dante’s Jeep.

They rode in silence in the crisp morning air. It was a silence that was both comfortable and edgy. “Where are we going, exactly?” Arabella finally asked.

“Seven Sister Springs. Aiden is drawn to that place. Loves to hang out there. I’m guessing they know each other.”

“What if it’s dangerous?”

He patted a gun strapped into the center console between them. “They’re big and loud, but easy to kill with the right weapon.”

The terrain slowly dipped from the bluff where Haven was located, and they exited the main road onto little more than a dirt trail. Rounding a bend, they crossed the river on a wooden bridge. Climbing again, they made their way into rougher territory for another quarter mile.

“We walk from here.” Dante pulled into a partially-shaded nook and killed the engine. It was a beautiful mountainous landscape. The pale green of sagebrush and trees contrasting with barren boulders and brown grasses. They followed a trail that wound around the largest boulders and climbed steadily.

“If you get tired, I can always give you a ride.” Dante said it like a challenge.

“I can handle a little hike, thank you.”

Keeping her shields up was a constant effort. Every instant her attention wavered was accompanied by the pulse of his energies. It was a temptation she was loath to resist.

Finally they came to a clearing at the top of a rise.

Arabella caught her breath. On the far side of a natural pool, seven falls cascaded into the water below. Here was an oasis. Vibrant green vines and trees encompassed the space.

And then she saw it.

A beautiful silver, she had ridges from head to tail and glistened in the morning sun. The thing took up nearly all the space as it splashed and repeatedly dunked its upper body.

“She’s beautiful. And big,” Arabella whispered.

The beast snapped its head up and eyed them.

“Greetings, dragon. I’m Dante Liekos and this is Arabella…damn, woman. What’s your last name?”

“Visante.”

“This is Arabella Visante.” He finished.

“Don't know each other very well, do you?” The dragon’s voice boomed across the pool and echoed off the stone walls.

Dante smiled. “Arabella is new to the area. Just wanted to come and say hello.”

“You wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to be a problem.”

“That too.”

“You have nothing to concern yourself with.” The booming voice was marginally quieter. “I am Nadia. I came to see my brother.”

“Aiden?” Dante asked.

The dragon nodded.

Arabella smiled and the beast gave her a wink. She nodded in reply and silent greeting. She made a mental note to return someday soon and enjoy the pool herself.

A picture-perfect image of Dante and herself swimming nude in the cool water appeared in her mind.

Dante kept his eyes on Nadia, but the smirk he wore spoke volumes.

Wolves may not have magic, but this shifter was doing something to her.

* * *

They’d just returned to the Inn when there was a horrendous clanging sound followed by a blaring alarm.

She slapped her hands over her ears. “What is that?”

Dante turned as Hunter strode into the room with impossibly fast strides. Slung over one shoulder was a rifle and he carried another gun of some kind that had a massive barrel on it.

“What’s going on?” She went with the two men out to the deck and across the lawn.

They reached the precipice that dropped to the river. Below, twenty or thirty elves were crossing the water.

Hunter raised the larger gun and fired. A silver cylinder shot into the air. In a fluid movement he shouldered the large gun and retrieved the rifle.

“No!” Arabella raised her hand to stop him with a spell, but Dante grabbed her palm just as Hunter fired.

“What are you doing?”

The canister exploded sideways, sending a sheet of glowing embers raining down over the elves. They scattered, running back to the forest amid cries of pain as the debris hit their mark.

“What was that? Why did you do that?” She couldn’t believe what she’d just witnessed.

“Protecting our own, sweetheart,” Hunter said.

Dante growled at the endearment.

Hunter glanced at their hands, still held in the air. “Let your boyfriend explain.” He left them and started down a steep staircase etched into the natural stone wall of the bluff.

The energy coursing into her from Dante's touch was breathtaking. She tried to pull her hand away, but he laced their fingers together and pulled her close. He was rock solid, including the ridge pressed against her abdomen.

She couldn’t breathe. She’d never been in such a euphoric energetic state.

Dante’s look was deadly serious. “We going to acknowledge this thing between us?”

“There isn’t anything between us.” That didn’t come out right.

He smirked as his free hand slid to her ass and he pulled her against his erection. “You want me to let you go?”

She shook her head no. “Yes.”

“Actions speak louder than words, sugar.” He lowered his head and her world tilted on its axis as his lips pressed against hers.

Their energies tangled and swirled in a sensual dance. Never had a simple kiss possessed her so completely. She wanted him. Wanted to be skin on skin. Wanted him inside her and—

“Holy Mother.” She yanked her hand free and pushed away.

He was every bit as breathless as she was.

She dragged her hands through her hair. “What…No. No. We can’t do this. You’re married.” And he was a shifter. What was she doing? Where was her mother’s voice when she needed it?

“Not married.”

“What?”

“I was married. Not anymore. Ours is more a political alliance now. Not. Married.”

But that wasn’t really the problem, though, was it? She spun and retreated to the Inn.

“Arabella.” He was at her side, keeping pace but not touching her. That was smarter than he knew.

She stopped and faced him. “Sorry, Dante. I’m not interested.” What a lie that was, and his expression said he knew it. Terror laced through her at the way he made her feel.

“We need to talk about this.”

“No we don’t. What we need, what I need, is for you to back off. Think you can do that? Think you can keep your alpha bullshit away from me?” That was harsh. Far more than was called for, but she was near panic. Had to get away from him.

“We need to know what this is.”

“No we don’t.”

He started to speak, but she held up her hand. “Stop. Can you back off or not? It’s a simple question, wolf. Yes or no, because I can pack and be gone within the hour.” Goddess knew she didn’t want to leave this place, but part of her needed him to push her into it.

His face turned to stone and he backed up. A curt nod of his head was his only answer. He turned and headed toward the forest.

Jinx and Lido came bounding across the lawn with Livy huffing and puffing on their heels.

“Elves come. Bad elves.” Jinx said, running past her to look at the river.

“Jinx! Lido!” Arabella shot out her hand and the two lifted into the air.

Their little legs flailed, and Lido’s wings whooshed out, smacking Jinx in the face.

She pulled them back to her, holding them at eye level. She scowled at them, but it was impossible to be angry at cuteness incarnate.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Livy huffed and puffed.

The young shifters bowed their heads.

“Remind me not to offer to watch next time your parents are traveling. Don’t know if I’m going to last two more days.”

“I can help,” Arabella said without thinking. “Look, you two, I can and will turn you both into sloths for the duration if you don’t behave. Got that? No more running off.”

They both nodded furiously and she set them on the ground.

“I mean it.”

“Now get back to the house,” Livy said.

To her right, Dante’s form disappeared from sight.

“Sure you don’t mind helping?” Livy asked as they followed the boys.

A pang of unease settled over her. It was a commitment to stay. “Positive. I’m rather fond of those two.” Her gut was in knots, torn between two truths.

Livy eyed her sidewise. “They the only ones you’re fond of?”

Arabella blew out a breath and ran a hand through her hair. “No.”

“And that troubles you.”

“Yes.” She wasn’t ready to talk about it yet, though. “What’s the situation with the elves? We have a healthy trade with them back home. What’s this all about?”

“Probably best to show you, then I’ll explain.” Livy veered to the right, where a dirt road led to barns in the distance.

As they approached, she heard the clucking of chickens and the snorting of pigs. It smelled like the farm owned by her coven. Memories swamped her. She and her friends used to sneak out at night during the summer and head to the barn closest to the castle. It was a safe place to blow off some steam and dance till the early morning hours. More than one first kiss had transpired during those summer nights. Her best friend, Jace, had started the tradition. Would they ever do that again? Or were they too old. Too grown up?

A pain of longing stabbed her abdomen. She’d been gone too long. But no. She’d given her word, her commitment to be their healer. Later. When she was finished here, she’d go home.

“I didn’t realize you had a full working farm.”

“It’s part of a coop in Haven. There’s three in total. Old Cantor grows grain and rotates a few other crops. We’ve got chickens and pigs and we provide shelter for the horses.” On cue, a neigh echoed from within the barn.

“Smithy grows citrus on the north side of town. She’s got a lovely arboretum as well. That woman has a knack for flowers. Everything comes together at the market on Saturdays. The bacon and eggs from this morning came from here.”

Lido and Jinx whipped around the corner of the barn and scattered a group of chickens.

“Were they in any danger out on the bluff?” Arabella asked.

“Probably not. The elves don’t have anything that can reach us here from the across the river. The danger is if they’re on our side. In fairness, they’ve never hurt one of us. It’s the horses they’re after.”

“Why?”

They entered the barn through double-wide doors that stood open. The smell of hay and horse mingled into a delightful haze of childhood memories.

“Because these are special animals.”

Three white horses leaned over their stalls and eyed them with curiosity. On closer inspection, they were dappled with faint, black, leaf-shaped spots.

Arabella approached the nearest one and let her energies expand.

The horse neighed low and bobbed his head. A sense of inquisitiveness washed over her. He was male. Proud. Peaceful and powerful at once.

“Hello, gorgeous.” She stroked from behind his ears to the shoulder. He was muscled, his coat soft.

He nuzzled in the nape of her neck, his whiskers tickling as he smelled her.

“He likes you,” Livy said.

A wave of affirmation flowed from the animal. “He understands?”

“Yes. They all do. They don’t speak, but you can know their intention if you’re open to it.”

“I feel it.” The horse nudged her with his head, sending her down the line. She laughed. “The others want to meet me.”

The creatures were beautiful, a mare on the end heavy with foal. “When is she due?”

“’Bout a week. That’s why there’s so many of them here now. They live in herds, but the ones that have gotten to know us know there’s a safe place for them here. Last year we had five foals. It was great fun.”

Livy lead them through the other end of the barn and around the corner. A large pasture ran for acres beyond.

“Our property is protected within the confines of that fence. She turned in a circle, pointing. “Encompasses the entire grounds of the Inn. Other pockets of Haven are likewise safeguarded.”

“From what?”

“Wolves, mostly. Wild ones. Foxes, anything that would prefer easy pickings for a meal. The chickens and pigs got no threat here. And the horses, if they choose to stay.”

“And protection from the elves?”

“Them too. Although that’s an active effort. Unlike the animals, we have to make sure they stay at bay. Hunter’s got a network of sensors and animal sentries keeping an eye on the place.”

“Okay, so, why the horses.” They leaned their elbows on the wooden corral fence. The pasture was green, but the leaves on the trees were turning, and the air was crisp.

“Those horses are shifters,” Livy said.

“What?” Nothing about them felt like shifters.

“They’re unique, as far as we know. They prefer their animal form and only shift once in a while. They’re gentle beings in their human form. Hunter thinks the only reason they shift is to retain some element of humanity, but no one knows for sure.”

“But, their intelligence…not sure I understand. I sensed that they understood, but it wasn’t like…I don’t know, other shifters.”

“You’re absolutely right. They are intelligent, but not entirely in the human way. If you see one in its human form, it might help explain. They’re gentle and mild.”

“Do they talk?”

“Very little. I kind of liken them to creatures such as dolphins or whales. They have a whole life we don’t understand. Alien, if you will.”

“Wow. That’s extraordinary. And why do the elves want them?”

“Those animals can go for days without stopping. They don’t need to sleep like others do. The elves have a binding rope that prevents them from shifting. They capture them and use them for their own purposes.”

“That’s horrible. Slavery.”

“That’s why Hunter protects this place. Why he hates the elves. Dante too, but his anger is more tempered.”

They made their way back to the Den a short while later. Livy wound around the side and opened the gate to a garden. Lush and green, it was a thing of beauty.

“Wow. Someone’s got a green thumb. Impressive for this late in the year,” Arabella said.

“Oh, I can keep it going year-round. Jamison has a temporary cover goes over the top when the snow comes.”

Jamison was older and scruffy, he also had a thick Scottish accent that reminded her of home.

“Year round?”

Livy smiled with mischief.

“You’re an elemental. Earth.”

“Very good. Half, actually. I love this little garden. Love eating food grown from here.”

It made sense.

In the distance, a wolf howled, a hauntingly beautiful sound picked up by others in the woods. Dante. Her soul called out to him.

Sweet mother, what had she gotten herself into?

Chapter 3

The following morning brought winds and pelting rain against the window in Arabella’s suite. She showered and made her way downstairs, catching sight of Dante in the dining room as she entered the kitchen. He was already tucking into his meal.

Livy wasn’t around, so she helped herself to breakfast. Once her plate was full, she hesitated.

“Come on in here, sugar.” He said it too low for a human to hear from this distance.

She tightened her shields as best she could and walked in.

“Good morning.” Dante slid the chair next to him out with a booted foot.

“Morning.” This time he was the one blocking his energies. The void between them was vast. Empty. Wrong.

“I’m heading up North for a few days. Scouting a site for a new project. I told Maggie you’d be in.” He met her gaze for the first time. “That okay with you?”

“That’s fine. I'll be assisting Livy with the boys.” She didn’t like the absence of his energy. Not at all, in fact, but it was for the best.

“Good luck with that. Those two are a handful.”

She ate a few bites. Not sure what to say. “Livy told me about the horses and the Elves.”

“You meet the horses?”

“Yes. They’re intriguing.”

“Intriguing.” His energy pinged her with a feather-light touch. “I like that word.”

Her stomach tightened. He made her nervous as hell, but at the same time, being near to him was soothing. His essence flowed through her like the undercurrent of a river. Calm, strong, bold.

He reigned in his energies and finished his meal. “Sorry, but gotta run to make a meeting. I’ll see you in a few.”

“Sounds good.” Another brush of his energy, and he was gone.

Every time he walked away, she couldn’t help but watch. He was beautiful. He turned the corner into the kitchen. Her energies bled into his. He’d been waiting to see if she’d come. She cupped her face in her hands and let them mingle, knowing he felt everything she did. She should stop. They should stop, but it felt so amazing. So exhilarating. She wanted more.

More. The thought flowed into her from his soul. Another few seconds of nirvana and he was gone.

She opened her eyes and scanned the room. The light was muted from the storm, but it was the same place, and yet everything in her life had changed.

How could this possibly come to fruition? Of all the people of her coven to betray the creed, the High Priestess’s child would be an affront on so many levels. She couldn’t move forward, but how could she not?

She gave up on breakfast and found the boys watching television upstairs. At least they’d be easier to track cooped up inside. She sat on the floor between them and cuddled for a while. What would it be like to watch them grow? Watch them discovering their human forms and life as an adult? What kind of trials and tribulations did shifters go through? She’d never realized, growing up the way she had, how little she knew about other paranormals.

She’d grown up in an environment of privilege and expectation. Expectation that had never once felt like a suffocating cage.

“I’m going to be next door at the annex,” she said, with one last pat for each. “I’ll meet you here for lunch, okay?”

“Okay,” their tiny voices said in unison. Their mutual friendship glowed between the three of them.

She rose to her feet. “And stay out of trouble.”

Humor and mischief trickled into her. She shook her head, ruffled Lido’s feathers, and stopped by her room for an umbrella.

The wind whipped the rain sideways, making the umbrella all but useless. Remembering she was in a friendly environment, she simply placed a bubble around her until she got inside. She opened the door, only to have it snatched from her hands and slammed against the outside wall.

Jamison was right behind her and wrestled the door closed. “Sorry, Lass. I was supposed the fix the hinge last week. Once the rain stops, I’ll get her done.” He carried a small cooler with him.

“Good morning, Jamison.” Arabella shook out the umbrella and put it in the bin by the door.

“And to you. How are you fairing?” His Scottish accent brought a whiff of home.

“I’m good. How are you?”

“Ach, my arthritis is acting up again. It’s the weather. This winter is going to be a rough one, mark my words.”

“I can fix up something to help with that once the rain clears.” She’d have to cross the river unless she could find some Burdock on this side.

“That would be appreciated, lass.” He turned to the woman sitting behind a desk in the corner. “Maggie, have ye met our latest resident?”

The matronly woman rose with a smile and offered Arabella a hand towel to dry off. “You must be Arabella. Dante said you were a beauty.” The wrinkles around her eyes spoke of a lifetime of laughter.

“I’m sure he says that about all the women.” She patted her face with the towel and handed it to Jamison.

“Livy fixed up some breakfast for you, Maggie.” He gave her the cooler and wiped his face.

“She didn’t have to. Such a dear, that one.” She peeked inside. “Oh, waffles. That woman spoils all of us.”

Arabella was struck by the sense of family these people shared. It was the closest she’d come to her own since she started her travels.

“I’ll swing by later and fetch the cooler. You two take care.” Jamison ducked out, then hurried across the lawn to the Inn.

Maggie stood and came around her desk. “Come on into the conference room. Hope you don’t mind if I eat while we talk. These are best warm.”

“I’d never dream of keeping a person from a hot meal.”

They walked down the hall past a few offices. One of the conference rooms had a number of people gathered around a desk, and Maggie waved as they passed. “I’ll introduce you to everyone later. They’re talking with a client from Albuquerque right now.” She lowered her voice. “He’s an ornery old coot.”

Maggie led her into a room. Across the hall, an office door stood open. A massive wood desk sat by sliding glass doors. The room felt like Dante. The fact she was picking up on his essence in his absence wasn’t a good sign.

“Have a seat, love. Dante didn’t give me much to go on. Where do you think we can use you?”

Arabella sat and leaned back. “I’m really good at data analysis and systems operation. I'm certain I can streamline your processes and increase revenue.”

Maggie froze with a fork halfway to her mouth. She recovered and took the bite, following it with a sip of coffee. “Is that so? Dante seemed to think you’d need busy work.”

Arabella smiled. “Dante didn’t ask about my abilities.”

Maggie laughed. “Isn’t that just like a man? All right. I’ll need to get clearance from him before I can give you full access, but in the meantime, you can start getting familiar with the programs we use.”

“Perfect. Where should I work?”

“We’ll make this your space for now, if that’s all right?”

By ten o’clock, Arabella had met the four other employees. Three architects and the office manager. It was a friendly crew, and their constant banter kept the place energized. An hour later, she heard Maggie on the phone. The tone of her voice spoke of familiarity, and Dante’s essence drifted through her. It was rude to eavesdrop, but impossible not to.

“That’s what she said. Seems to know what she’s doing, too. Already familiar with our accounting software, and Tom quizzed her on the sales database.”

She couldn’t make out what Dante was saying, but she felt him.

“Really? Okay, as long as you’re sure. Oh, she’s a doll. I’ll talk to you soon.”

She showed up at the door a moment later. “Dante says you have carte blanch access.” She tilted her head slightly. “That man doesn’t trust easy. You’re not doing any funny witchy business, are you?” There was a serious edge to her tone. It was a question, and a warning. Good. Dante had chosen well.

“I’m glad to see you’re cautious. I wouldn’t give a total stranger access.” But then, she and Dante were anything but strangers even if they didn’t know each other. “Dante and I…” What? What were Dante and she? “I don’t know, we understood each other from the beginning.” That wasn’t even enough of an explanation for her, and Maggie was leery.

“He’s the boss. If he trusts you, I’ll trust you.” But she’d be watching. Good on her.

“I won’t let you down. Promise.”

* * *

Two days later, Arabella sat at the conference table with Taylor and Gale. She was walking the architects through her proposed changes to the process used for tracking project expenditures and payments.

Taylor was adorable. Tussled sandy blond hair, he had a surfer boy vibe. He was a shifter for sure, but she didn’t know what kind. Gale was a petite Asian woman. Smart as sin, and a sense of humor that kept everyone laughing.

Arabella had already streamlined the invoice process, and could see further productivity enhancements that could be made.

Dante had arrived nearly twenty minutes ago. She’d yet to see him, but could feel the undercurrent that was his essence.

Her focus shattered a moment before he walked down the hall. Maggie was on his heels as he entered his office, briefcase in hand. His voice caressed her insides, and he reached out with his energy before coming into the room.

She fought to keep her breathing steady as she met those gray eyes of his.

“Morning, boss,” Taylor said with his boyish grin. “How’d it go?”

“Excellent. The location is perfect, and I managed to negotiate the price below what I was willing to pay.” His eyes were on Taylor, but his focus was one hundred percent on her.

Her ability to shield her energies had apparently vanished. And worse, she didn’t care. He turned back to Maggie after greeting Gale. “Tell Tarn we’ll do our updates in here this morning. I’m looking forward to hearing about the magic Arabella has worked in my absence.”

“No magic, I assure you,” Arabella said. “Simply system and process analysis and modification.”

“Full of surprises, aren’t you?”

“Wouldn’t have been a surprise if you’d bothered to ask.”

He nodded and his energy zipped down her spine. “Point taken. Don’t underestimate. Not a mistake I usually make, but then I don’t usually miss a paranormal either.”

She grinned. “And I don’t usually mistake a shifter for a human.”

Taylor laughed. “Hunter told me about that.”

“Guess we’re even, then,” Dante came around the table and sat next to her.

She gave him her best “behave yourself” glare, and tried not to enjoy his proximity more than she already was.

The office manager, Tarn, ambled in. An Irish man with red hair, he was the only human working at the annex. “Welcome back, boss.”

The next hour was spent updating Dante on the past few days and catching up on his progress. He was more than a little impressed with what she’d accomplished already.

The bell on the door to the lobby rang, and Maggie jumped up to greet the visitor. An odd energy hit Arabella at the same time she felt a shift in Dante. His face hardened and he put up shields unlike anything she seen from him before.

Maggie came in looking nervous, and more than a little ruffled.

A stunning blonde witch followed her into the room. She was powerful, there was no doubt, but her energies were clouded, her vibration erratic.

“Crystal,” Dante said. “What brings you in?”

“Hello dear ex. Thank you for the warm welcome.”

Of all the images she’d conjured up of Dante’s ex-wife, this wasn’t one of them. She didn’t know why. The tension between them was palpable.

Dante leaned back and crossed his arms. “You haven’t set foot in the annex in over a year. Just surprised to see you.”

Crystal’s gaze fell on Arabella. Shielding her attempt to assess Arabella’s energies came naturally. She didn’t like the woman, but to be fair, it may just be the fact she was Dante’s ex wife.

“I heard you had a new employee. Made me think about the company. I’d like to get more involved. I’ll need an office.”

There were no spare offices, and Arabella wasn’t going to share a space with this woman. The silence turned awkward fast.

“I’ll get you set up in here tomorrow,” Dante said.

“Fine. I’ll see you then.” She turned without a word to Arabella. Hadn’t even been introduced.

Once the bell out front chimed, the tension in the room shattered.

“She’s charming,” Arabella said before thinking it through. She slapped a hand over her mouth. “I shouldn’t have said that. Sorry.”

Taylor let out a laugh, half-amused, half-nervous. “Charming works.”

Dante laughed with genuine mirth. “I have a few other adjectives in mind. Not sure what her game is, but she is, unfortunately, part owner, so we’ll humor her.”

“Unfortunately,” Tarn said.

“What?” Dante looked at him askance.

“You said unfortunately.”

There were some interesting dynamics between the two men she didn’t understand.

Dante turned his gaze to Arabella and his energy engulfed her body and soul. A shiver ran from head to toe.

“That was an alliance, never a marriage of love.” He held her pinned and breathless with his gaze. “I know love when I feel it. In fact, I’ve recently found just that. I simply have to convince her I’m worth the trouble.”

She’d always thought jaw-dropping was just an expression, but she knew better now and snapped her mouth shut.

“Finally got her at a loss for words.” His grin was pure evil.

She started to say something, but what could she possibly say after that? She closed her laptop and gathered her things.

“If she’s going to work here, I’d rather not. Ok if I set up an office down at the barn?” She wasn’t going to stay cooped up in her room.

He scowled at her and she sensed his wolf pacing. It was an odd sensation. “That’s fine. I’ll drive you down. We can talk.”

The others wore expressions of surprise and amusement.

“Holler if you need anything,” Maggie called out after them as they left the room. “Don’t let the wolf walk all over you.”

Laughter followed them. Outside, the wind had picked up and the sky was darkening.

“You don’t have to come with me,” Arabella said.

“I know.”

They climbed into his Jeep in silence and he pulled out. “I’m sorry, Arabella.”

She had the impression he didn’t apologize often. “For what, exactly?”

“You told me to back off. I was going to. I didn’t plan that back there. Crystal caught me off guard. So did you. In every way possible, you have caught me off guard. Thrown me for a loop I never saw coming. I don’t have to tell you how I feel. Like it or not, our energies are synced. There’s nothing either of us can do about it.”

He wasn’t wrong. Just being next to him calmed the restlessness she experienced when he was away. That’s the way it worked. With mates. She took in the trees and the crisp air as they approached the barn. Everything had an unreal aspect to it. This simply couldn’t be.

“I do want you to know the story behind Crystal and me, but I won’t push. I promise.”

She’d never seen such sincerity, such open honesty, on a man’s face. He knew she was right there with him. Knew she was fighting this. It had to be killing him. She was going to have to explain her own situation.

Could she spend the rest of her life resisting the call of her mate? Could she betray her mother and father? Her entire coven?

He reached over and ran his fingers down her cheek. “And you’ll tell me what’s going on in that head of yours when you’re ready.”

She nodded. Not ready to go there yet. Not sure herself what she was going to do.

Dante had just stepped out of the Jeep when an inhuman scream rent the afternoon air.

Panic and pain.

She dumped her things on the floor and jumped out, bolting for the barn.

Empty inside. They whipped around the corner on the far end. A white horse was half over the protective fence, its body straddling the top board, which had snapped in half.

It caught hold of the bottom board with his back hoof and catapulted over, staggering to the center of the arena. It was saddled, and its bridal hung loose from its neck. Its legs were bloodied from the fence, and partially bound with a silver filament of some kind.

She and Dante entered the arena just as two farm hands came running from inside the barn.

The horse screamed again, trying to right itself, but instead fell in a tangled heap. They ran to the animal as it lashed and struggled.

The men tried to get near enough to remove the filament, but the animal was panicked.

Three other horses approached, neighing and snorting. One of them nudged Arabella, catching her attention. It was the first one she’d met the other day. She placed a hand on its neck, and emotions flowed into her. Fear. Sadness. Anger. The horse nudged her forward. “Help.”

Dante was trying to assist the men, but the animal, not really seeing, was fighting everyone.

Getting to her knees, she approached the animal’s head and reached out with her mind.

“Corana altera morana felixe.”

She spoke the calming spell aloud. “Corana altera morana felixe.”

She spoke louder as she approached and forced her way past the creature’s panic, waiting for it to see her.

“Corana altera morana felixe.” She modulated her voice and boosted it with a spell to reverberate within the animal. Finally it saw her. Its eyes were huge, its breathing fast and labored.

She held eye contact and placed a palm on each side of its face. “Corana altera morana felixe.” It was a female, and she was mesmerized by Arabella.

“That’s right. We’re here to help.” She scooted closer, and the horse placed her head in her lap. “Dante, move slowly and get everything off her.” She stroked the horses neck. She kept the calming spell going as she spoke low and slow, keeping eye contact all the while. “We’re going to help you.” Tears streamed down her own cheeks and landed on the mare’s flared nostrils.

This was horrible. And the elves were to blame.

She wondered at the animals they used in England. Was it the same?

The other horses gathered around and lowered to lie around the wounded mare.

Her breathing was slowing, her mind calming.

The men got the filament off her legs and unfastened the cinch strap on the saddle. One of the men used a knife and sliced through the bridle strap. They pulled the saddle off her back, but could do no more until she stood.

“You’re free, baby.” She infused her energies with healing elements, and worked her way from head to tail. The horse had cracked a few ribs getting over the fence, but her internal organs were all right. She focused on the legs, doing what she could, giving everything she had to the animal’s healing.

A nudge from her horse friend sent an image of a naked human woman.

Arabella didn’t understand at first, but then she got it. “Baby girl, you need to shift.” She focused on the image the other horse had sent her.

A massive pull tugged on her energies, nearly pulling her under. She blocked the drain. She didn’t have enough.

The horse was trying to shift, but didn’t have the strength.

“Dante, I need your help.” Her head was spinning, but something told her the animal would die if she couldn’t shift.

The connection with Dante would only deepen their ties, but she had no choice.

Dante positioned himself behind her, legs on either side of hers, and pressed his chest to her back. “What do you need?” He whispered in her ear.

“Your energy. She has to shift.” Because of their sync, no one could help her more. He slid his hands down her arms and placed them over hers. Energy surged into her, and she sent the image to the horse again. This time, when the pull came it, flowed into the horse and she shifted.

A cry escaped Arabella’s lips as she went limp against Dante.

An albino woman blinked up at her before closing her eyes in exhaustion.

Dante wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

The other horses all jumped to their feet.

“Get her inside the barn,” Dante said. “Use the blankets and put her on a pile of hay. Cover her and leave. They’ll take care of her from here.”

One of the men gently picked her up and the other ran ahead to prep the way. There were many more horses now, and they followed inside.

Arabella closed her eyes and let the comfort of Dante’s body soothe her.

“That was amazing. Never seen anything like it.” His breath was hot against her cheek.

“Now I see why you feel the way you do about the elves.” She was so tired.

“You’re drained.”

She nodded.

He placed a kiss on the back of her head and stood, lifting her to her feet before scooping her up.

He carried her into a small room at the end of the barn. “There’s frequently someone sleeping here if there’s a birth expected. Will this do?”

“I just need an hour or two.”

His gray eyes were rife with concern.

“Stay with me.”

That grin pulled at the corner of his mouth. “Just try and make me leave.”

The cot was small. He laid her down, then crammed his frame against the wall and pulled her snug with his body.

She’d never felt anything so good as she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 4

Arabella woke in a cocoon of sensation. The heat of Dante against her back infused her entire body. She drifted on, in, and around his energy. A ripple signaled his awareness of her being awake.

He ran his hand down her arm and entwined their fingers, the red and black of his ring a contrast to her pale skin. “How are you feeling?”

Better than she ever had in her life. “Much improved. Thank you for staying. For helping.”

“You never need thank me.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand before withdrawing his energy and extracting himself from between her and the wall as he stood. He was giving her the space she needed, even as he extended his hand to help her up.

“That was close, wasn’t it?”

“Very.”

He rubbed his chin in agitation. “What if I hadn’t been here?”

She thought about it, massaging the small of her back. “I’m not sure. She would have died if I hadn’t helped her. I couldn’t let that happen without at least trying.”

He wasn’t happy with the answer, but remained silent as he reached out and refastened her blue ribbon. It had come loose at some point and was a further contrast to the red of his ring.

“I’d like to check on her.”

He followed her out. “Don’t know if they’ll let you.”

Blankets had been hung to provide a private space in the stall.

Arabella stood outside the door, reaching out for the male she’d been communicating with. A moment later, a pale, thin man pulled back the blanket. Such a pale shade of blue, his eyes were nearly white. He unlatched the gate and swung it open for her. Only her.

“Wait here.”

Dante brushed the hair from her neck. She glanced at him over her shoulder. “It will be okay.”

She stepped into the stall.

Ten, no, twelve albinos gathered around the form of the woman. A few lay next to her, the others stood or knelt in a circle surrounding her. They were all stark naked.

The male at her side placed a hand on her shoulder. Gratitude floated into her. Tanar. His name.

“Arabella.” She spoke aloud for the others to hear. There was a significance in his telling her his name. Names held power for these people.

Three of the others scooted back, clearing a path to the woman who lay at the center.

Arabella stepped forward and knelt at the woman’s side. “Permission?” She sensed the woman’s awareness of her presence.

Pale eyes fluttered open. A gut-wrenching wave of gratitude slammed into her.

“Shhh. Save your energy.” She placed her palm over the woman’s cheek and closed her eyes. She would live. Her true scars would be emotional, but clearly she had support and love from those around her. “Rest.”

She rose and let them be. She wasn’t needed any further.

Dante waited for her outside by the Jeep. “Eventful day.”

She snorted and rolled her eyes in a truly un-ladylike manner. “That’s one way of putting it.”

Her jeans were muddied, her hands filthy. “I need to change.”

“No. You’re perfect.” He winked at her and motioned for her to get in.

Arabella ate in her room that night. She needed to explain to Dante why she was resisting their bond. Had to make him understand. But what, exactly?

She’d never been so torn. Her need for him versus her duty to her people. It was awful. She didn’t have the answer, but she owed him the truth.

After eating, she took her plates downstairs and cleaned up. She walked out to the back lawn and glanced up at the third floor of the annex.

Dante lived there.

A single light on a table by the couch was on. Unsure if he was home, she shifted and flew up to the balcony.

She tapped on the sliders, but sensed nothing.

Howls from wolves in the distance was her answer. She curled up on the couch outside and waited. He’d sense her presence when he returned. That was the way these things worked. Normally it would be a good thing. It was a good thing. But it wasn’t.

She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing. Centering her energies and letting her tension dissipate.

A wave of pleasure woke her. Dante stood before her wearing nothing but black cotton drawstring pants that sat low on his hips. Good god, the man was ripped. Every curve, every shadow defining his muscles.

She stood quickly, a kink in her neck pinging. “Hey.”

“Hey.” He slid his hands into pockets, the bulge between unmistakable.

“What are you doing here, sugar? You ready to rumble?”

She wanted to be. Mother Goddess, how she wanted to be.

“Turn around.” He spun her and massaged her shoulder muscles.

She couldn’t stop the moan of pleasure as his energy engulfed her. Consumed her. Shredded her resolve.

He slipped his fingers through her hair and tilted her head sideways. His lips burned on her neck. With a feather light touch, his teeth scraped along her collar bone. Her body shivered in response.

“Say yes.” His voice was laced with the wolf within.

She turned slowly. This was where her brain should kick in. Should stop her. Instead, she rose up on her toes and kissed him.

He opened to her and the world went away.

They were inside, his hands everywhere, touching, caressing.

More. She waved her hand and stood naked in his arms.

He froze, letting his gaze wander her body. A growl deep within resonated through her. He dropped his pants and the sight of him, throbbing and pulsing, fueled a fire already out of control.

He lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. She was wet and ready as she rubbed against his erection. Nothing was real; the dream played on as her body rode an energy eruption like never before.

She was on her back a moment later and he slid inside. The sounds she made were elemental, primal, inescapable. She held to his shoulders as he found a rhythm that matched the insane pulsing of their energies.

This wasn’t bodies; it was souls on fire. Her core tightened as the orgasm flirted with them. Teasing, taunting.

Dante picked up the pace with an inhuman growl that resonated deep within.

She spread her legs and grabbed his ass. “Don’t stop. Dante!” She cried out his name as the dam burst and she rode the orgasm. It didn’t dissipate. It rumbled on and on.

He was right there with her, his cock throbbing inside her.

Time stilled—or spun out of control, she didn’t know which. She came to her senses to find him staring down at her.

“Are you okay?” He looked terrified. He was terrified.

“Of course,” she ran her fingers along his jaw and down his neck. “Why?”

“Sugar, you are so…slight. I feel like I could break you.”

Arabella’s laugh exploded over and through Dante, low and husky.

“You won’t break me.”

Her laugh echoed inside him. He ran his finger over her lips. He’d never heard her laugh, never seen her smile like she was now. The feel of his shaft buried deep inside her was unlike anything he’d ever experienced. She was a home like no other.

His breath punched out of his lungs with the realization he’d just had.

She frowned. No way she could have missed that.

“What just happened?” she asked.

He shouldn’t tell her, but then why the fuck not? “I may not break you, but if you leave me, us, this, you will crush me.”

Her eyes widened. Everything that had been perfect a moment earlier was off. Out of sync. Wrong.

“We have to talk.” She struggled beneath him, and he withdrew and stood as quickly as he could.

She rolled off the bed and was fully dressed before she was standing, the black fingerless glove and blue ribbon back in place.

We have to talk. Those words were pretty damn universal. Fuck. This was not the way it was supposed to go. She felt everything he did. He knew it in his soul. So why was she still fighting this?

“I’m sorry.” She ran her hand through her mussed hair. “I didn’t come here tonight for this. Damn it.” Her distress was written large on her face, not that he needed the visual.

“Than let’s talk.” He turned and made his way to the living room to retrieve his pants.

She followed behind.

After pulling on his pants, he went to the kitchen and grabbed a beer. “You want one?”

“No. Thanks.”

He popped the top and downed half of it. He didn’t care. Nothing she had to say was going to change how he felt about her. “So let’s hear it.” He took another pull and set the bottle down, crossing his arms.

“Dante, I come from a coven in the UK.”

“Okay.”

“It’s the Starfall coven.” She looked at him expectantly.

He shrugged. “Something I’m supposed to know about that?”

Her expression morphed into one of disbelief. “You’ve never heard of it?”

“Sugar, I never much paid attention to witches until I had to marry one. And you see how that turned out.” He still hadn’t explained his situation to her, but he would.

“You really don’t know.”

He sensed the utter chaos coursing through her. And it scared him senseless. Surely nothing could be that bad?

She paced, shaking her head. “I am the daughter of the High Priestess and Priest.” She stopped and faced him. This ribbon is a symbol of my position, my status. “We are the last remaining coven that is one hundred percent pure Wiccan. That is a core belief of my people.”

His blood turned cold. Now he understood. Duty and honor, two things he lived by every fucking day with Hunter.

He could never ask her to betray her family. And not just her family; her people.

They stood for a long moment locked in a horrific wash of understanding. The swirl of their energies was tragically beautiful.

He closed his eyes to break the contact. “We should have had this talk before.” But he was glad they hadn’t. He’d never forget tonight.

He couldn’t meet her gaze. Not yet. Reigning in his energies, he shut them down. Locked behind a door that could never open again. Taking her by the upper arm, he walked them over to the sliders and slid them open.

“Dante—”

“Don’t. I get it now. I understand.” He dropped his arm to his side. No more touching her. “Go. I won’t bother you again. You have my word.”

“But—”

“Go.”

Arabella stared at him for a moment, then shifted on the spin and soared away into the night, taking his heart with her.

* * *

Panic, anger and shame fought for dominance as Arabella flew.

Dante had done the right thing. Done what she couldn’t.

Something inside her snapped. She couldn’t do it.

This was a reality she could not live with.

Her senses flared. There was a familiar presence nearby. She wasn’t alone. She could go there and stop the anguish tearing her to shreds. Stop the pain. It was the only answer, and too tempting to resist.

She swooped down and shifted.

The next day Dante skipped breakfast and went straight to his office. He hadn’t slept. His sheets smelled of Arabella. He was torn between the desire to shred them and never wash them again.

It took everything he had to concentrate, but in the end, it would save him.

Crystal arrived at eight o’clock as promised. They got her set up in the conference room across the hall. The room where Arabella should be.

“So what are you thinking?” he asked Crystal. “What do you want to do?” He had to admit he was curious as to her change of heart. Twenty years and she’d never displayed an interest.

“I think I’ll spend a few days getting to know the systems. It’s been a long time. I need to bring myself up to speed.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll have Tarn come in and give you a tour of the processes and software.”

There was a softness in her eyes he hadn’t seen in years.

The Fates sure liked to fuck with them sometimes.

Later that afternoon, Tarn was at his door with a concerned look on his face.

“What’s up?”

“Have you seen Arabella? We had a meeting scheduled for four but she’s not at the barn.”

She had to be as much of a mess as him. “Give her a day. She wasn’t feeling good yesterday. I’m sure she’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Ok. I’ll leave a message.” He started to go, but paused. “Crystal is catching on fast.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. She could be a help around here, especially with these new projects.”

“Good to hear. Thank you.”

Tarn rapped on the door frame and left. Arabella and Crystal. Two currents in his life. One forced, the other a necessity he couldn’t have. Fuck.

* * *

Wings…tiny flitting minds…food…darkness…nothing.

* * *

The following afternoon, Dante sat next to Crystal in the conference room. Not only had she reviewed the changes Arabella had instituted, she approved of them. Was, in fact, impressed.

“She’s smart, that witch of yours.”

Her words were a vice grip around his heart. “She’s not my witch.”

Tarn knocked at the door frame. “Sorry to interrupt. Arabella was a no show again. And I never did hear back from her.”

Dante had spent another sleepless night, but twice he’d sensed Arabella’s presence. Faint. He’d assumed she’d been shielding. “She’s around.”

“I checked with Livy. She hasn’t seen her since day before yesterday.”

“That’s not right.” He stood. “Has anyone checked her room?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Check with everyone at the Inn. I’m going to her room.” He knew, somehow, it was going to be empty.

“I’m coming with you,” Crystal said.

He didn't argue.

Crystal stopped them halfway across the lawn with a touch to his arm. There was nothing in that touch that spoke of a previous marriage, but her concern was clear.”

“Do you know where she comes from? Her coven?” Crystal asked.

“She told me the other night.” The night they’d consummated this thing between them. The night he’d sent her away. The last night he'd seen her.

“She told you what that meant?”

“Yes, damn it. What’s your point?”

She tilted her head on that perfect neck. “What did you say to her?”

“It’s more what she said to me. I get it. She can’t betray her people, and I would never ask that of her.”

“Just like you would never betray your Alpha.”

“Exactly.”

They made their way to Arabella’s door. He knocked repeatedly, to no answer. A growl emanated from his wolf and he twisted the knob to breaking point before shouldering the door open.

The bed was made and Arabella’s laptop sat on the small desk by the window. A pair of yoga pants lay draped across the comforter.

“When did you last see her?” Crystal asked.

“Two nights ago.”

“What time?”

He’d gotten back from his run around midnight. Then…he could still feel the heat of her surrounding him… “Two, three in the morning, maybe?”

“You told Tarn she’s around. How do you know?” Her concern had both him and his wolf listening.

“I sensed her last night. A couple of times.” Sensed her in a way he’d never done with Crystal.

“Did it feel right?”

“What?”

She crossed her arms. “This is important. Did it feel right? Normal?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. Maybe. We’re both kind of messed up right now.”

“You told her no.”

The pain of that still burned. “Something like that.”

“Do you not realize what you have with her?”

“Excuse me?” He damn near lashed out at her. “You’re a witch. You of all people must understand the position she’s in.”

“I understand all right. Your witch is in trouble.” Crystal spun and headed for the door.

“Where the hell are you going?”

“To the coven. She needs help. Meet me there.” She disappeared in a wisp of smoke.

Normally he’d drive, but he’d be able to cover the distance faster cross country as a wolf than on the roads.

Dante shifted, and ran. He approached the coven on the outskirts of Haven with apprehension. The only time he’d been around so many witches was on his wedding day, and that had lasted all of the twenty-eight minutes it took them to complete the ceremony. There was no attempt to hide the fact that neither of them were anything but dutiful.

Circe herself opened the door on his approach to the steps. She held out a pair of jeans, a knowing smile on her lips. Did every damn witch in the world know what was going on between him and Arabella?

He shifted, climbed the steps, and slipped on the jeans.

“This way,” Circe said.

The mix of artifacts and colors of the figurines and paintings felt like a five-year-old had been given carte blanch in every gallery in the world.

They entered the kitchen to a somber mood. “What’s going on?”

“She’s with the bats,” Crystal said.

Damn witches. “What does that mean?”

“Bat crazy,” an old woman with fire in her eyes and wild hair stared at Dante.

“Beg pardon?”

“Shush, Emma,” Circe said in a gentle tone.

The Bat Lady frowned and shook her head. “Bat crazy.”

“What’s she talking about? What do you mean with the bats?” He knew about the bats that lived in the caverns. Everyone did. Couldn’t miss them on their nightly forays between April and October.

Crystal reached out and touched him for the second time. “You said you sensed her during the night.”

“You telling me she’s feeding with the bats?”

“More than just feeding. She’s living,” Circe said.

“Becoming,” the old woman said. “Bat crazy.”

His wolf growled loud enough to rattle the dishes piled next to the sink.

“Tanya, take Emma outside please.”

A young witch took the woman’s hand and led her out of the kitchen. “Come on, Emma dear. Let’s go see if the chickens have any new eggs for us.”

“Emma likes eggs.”

“I know.” The young woman gave a worried smile as she left.

Circe turned back to him. “Sometimes, rarely, a witch will join the bats. It’s an existence devoid of feeling. Of pain. All witches know the danger inherent in that shift.”

Devoid of feeling. Pain. Pain he’d caused her. Guilt shot through his chest. “How do we get her back?”

“We go tonight, and every night till we catch her,” Circe said.

“And we pray she’ll shift back.” The pity in Crystal's eyes was infuriating.

“Why wouldn’t she?” Besides the pain. His wolf paced in frustration.

“When you become bat, you lose yourself. The longer she stays in that form, the less likely she is to return. Emma out there, she lost her family in a fire and shifted. We couldn’t find her for weeks. Almost lost her.”

His panic must have showed.

“Emma was there a long time,” Crystal added hurriedly. “We should be able to find Arabella quickly.”

“Tell me what to do.”

Chapter 5

Dante paced outside the caverns in wolf form. He wanted his senses on high.

Over twenty members of the coven were present. Witches and Warlocks together.

In an unexpected twist, Circe had enlisted Hunter’s assistance. He was going to try and net Arabella.

It was dangerous. So much could go sideways with this plan, but they’d convinced him of the importance of getting her back quickly.

Right on schedule, the bats emerged.

The witches stood in sporadic clumps, eyes closed, faces turned to the sky. Talk about freak shows. The cloud of bats thickened over head. Thousands of the creatures blackened the night sky, the moon overhead giving off enough light to see clearly.

Hunter stood in human form, rifle ready, ten paces away.

Wasn’t another soul on earth he’d let point a weapon at Arabella, even if it was just a net.

“There!” Bat Lady stood, pointing overhead in a rapidly moving arc.

Yes. He sensed her energies. Odd. Erratic. Weak.

Hunter fired ahead of the bat’s trajectory.

A black net shot into the sky. It unfurled in a graceful arc and expanded into a large circular shape before descending to the ground.

They all ran to the net.

Arabella. His wolf didn’t have to scent her. He felt her.

Circe looked at him and he nodded.

One of the women knelt down next to the net and glanced at Bat Lady. She bent over and moved her palm across the dozen or so bats struggling. A smile spread over her face, showing a gap in her front teeth. “Here she is. Bat crazy.”

He wished she’d stop saying that.

Hunter moved swiftly and extracted all but the one bat.

A blanket was spread out and the small animal placed in the center.

The other witches were keeping her immobile.

Dante stood transfixed. It was Arabella, but her energies were random. Scattered.

One by one, the witches began to chant, their bodies swaying in sync with each other.

He crouched at the edge of the blanket, not wanting to shift from wolf form, and watched. Her energies were morphing.

The little creature exploded in a frenzy of wings and legs.

Fighting. Struggling.

The chanting increased in tempo and volume.

The energy in the area was off the charts. He wanted to run, but would never leave her side. He lowered his head and called to her. Arabella. He engulfed the bat in energy. At first there was nothing to anchor to, but slowly, gradually, he had her.

He felt it when it happened. Her mind returned to her energies. She recognized him. Wanted him. Then she shifted.

He was up in an instant, pacing around the legs of those surrounding her. Tangled knots of hair fell across her face, her clothes were in disarray, torn and ripped. Her chest heaved as she breathed in.

Circe knelt at her side. “Arabella, you’re home.”

Focus came into those green eyes.

Dante thought she would speak, but instead a scream filled with pain and anguish ripped from her body.

“Noooo!” She covered her face with her hands, shaking her head over and over. “No, no, no.”

“Bat crazy.”

Dante growled at the woman. He was too close to the edge. He wanted to tear her throat out.

“I can’t do it,” Arabella cried.

He could stand it no longer. He crept closer until his body lay next to hers. She rolled to her side and wrapped herself around him. Wolf and man alike breathed her in.

She held him impossibly tight. Her energies embraced his in a hold of ecstasy. Both her fists were wrapped in his fur, and she buried her face in his shoulder. He’d never been so joyous, nor so terrified, as he was at this moment.

“What, little one?” Circe asked, stroking her black, tangled hair. “What can’t you do?”

“Don’t make me.”

“Arabella! Remember who you are.” Circe’s voice was a command, heavily laden with magic.

Dante growled at the woman over his shoulder.

“Easy, wolf,” the High Priestess said.

It worked. Arabella turned and gazed into Circe’s eyes.

Circe pushed the hair from her face. “You have no choice but to be what you were meant to be. What can’t you do?”

She pulled her gaze from Circe’s and locked onto his. “I can’t live without him.”

Dante shifted and pulled her close. “You will never be without me again.”

Circe placed her hand on Arabella’s shoulder. “It is done. Your decision made. Embrace it.” Circe stood. “It’s going to take some time to recover from this. Being feral disrupts your energies. Don’t attempt anything for a few days, ok? No shifting. No magic if you can help it.”

She wasn’t wrong there. Anxiety rode Arabella like an animal, but the heat of Dante’s body was the tonic she needed. She simply nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She was deeply ashamed for what she’d done, and shame wasn’t an emotion she was on intimate terms with.

“Come see me tomorrow,” Circe said. “Stay with her, wolf. She needs you more than either of you know.” The High Priestess disappeared, along with the rest of the coven.

“Bat crazy,” echoed through the night.

“Damn witch,” Dante said.

Arabella stayed curled in Dante’s arms. Surrendering to the pull of his energy, she let go and allowed herself to merge. He stabilized her.

This was home. They stayed that way for long moments until he finally roused her and pulled her to her feet. “You’re a mess, woman.”

They both laughed at the absurdity of the statement. Her head still rang with echoes of absence. Living on instinct and nothing more. “I don’t know how we do this, Dante.”

“We do it together, that’s how. Let’s get you home.”

Home. Everything had shifted. Changed. She’d deal with the shame of going feral. Learn from it. Turn it into a source of power. But how she was going to deal with her coven was beyond her.

“Hey,” Dante lifted her chin. “We have a lot to talk about, but tonight you need rest. Stay with me. My bed. Our bed. You don’t have to say anything. All I want to do is hold you.”

It angered her that she was so close to tears. She understood intellectually. You didn’t come back from feral in an instant. But the weakness was infuriating.

He sensed her fragile state. “Want to ride the wolf home?”

It was a charming thought. “I need to walk.” She glanced at the steep steps leading up the bluff. “Maybe just up to the top?”

He shifted in a heartbeat. He was a massive beast and black as the night. He padded forward and nuzzled her cheek before dropping to the ground. She slid onto his back, wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tight.

A low rumble vibrated through him as he rose. She luxuriated in the feel of his thick coat. He was all muscle, and moved with a grace that awed her.

Her wolf. Not one single aspect of this had she seen coming. “Let’s go home.”

* * *

Arabella woke in a cocoon of warmth and bliss such as she’d never known. Dante’s arm draped over her side, and she was pressed against his back. She took a moment to evaluate her condition. Her energy was better, but nowhere near where it should be. Instead of the solid baseline hum, it was an erratic sparking thing.

Bats.

Shame washed over her as the memory of going feral returned.

No. She took a deep breath. Everything for a reason. Learn from it. Become stronger because of it.

“You okay?” Dante’s voice was rough with sleep.

She rolled toward him and cupped his face in her palm. “I will be.” Eventually. The future lay ahead, uncertain, daunting.

Dante took her hand and kissed each finger in turn. “Yeah, you will. We’re doing this together.”

There was no question of that now, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

He propped himself up on one elbow and splayed his hand across her stomach.

Ripples of pleasure radiated outward from his touch.

She put her hand over his and guided it upward.

A low growl she was becoming familiar with rumbled in his chest as he caressed her breasts.

“You know what I need.” She heard the desire in her voice. A burning drive that only this man, this shifter, this wolf, caused in her.

“I know, sugar.” In a fluid motion, she was on her back and Dante positioned above her, rubbing his erection over her heat.

Their kiss spanned time and space. It was now, then, never and always.

She wrapped her legs around him and brought him inside.

Moans escaped them both as he slid home.

They gave in to the pull of their bond. Every move he made building the exquisite tension inside.

“Arabella.” The desire and love in his voice, his energies, had tears forming in her eyes.

He kissed the wetness from each cheek. “I love you.”

The sob that wracked her was one of pure happiness. A bliss she’d never experienced. “I love you too.”

His rhythm picked up, and they came in an explosion of kisses, their hearts pounding in a duality of one.

“I know you’re okay. I can feel it.” Dante wiped her cheeks again. “Not sure I get the tears.”

Her laughter felt good. “I’m happy. My energy is a mess, but I’m incredibly happy.”

He pressed his forehead to hers. “Gonna love you till the day I die, woman.”

She ran her fingers through his hair, remembering the feel of the wolf’s coat. “Better not stop there. I don’t think one lifetime with you is going to be enough.”

God, that smile of his got her every time.

“So, Mr. Liekos, I find myself in bed and mated to a previously married man. Probably time you told me the story of you and Crystal.”

He propped himself up on one elbow. “It’s past time. Before I do, you should know that she’s the one that figured out what happened to you. Went straight to Circe. If she hadn’t been here…”

Now there was a horrific thought. Matching his pose on the opposite elbow, she faced him. “That’s a life debt.” Somehow being so indebted to Dante’s ex didn’t grate the way it should have.

“It’s not a complicated story, nor is it all that unusual. Twenty-five years ago, the wolves and witches were on the brink of war.”

“A marriage of alliance.”

“Yeah. She’s a decent woman, but we never had anything in common.”

“Did you ever…you know.” Sleep with her.

“Yes. In the beginning. We both tried to do our duty. To make it work for the sake of our people and, frankly, ourselves. It didn’t take long to realize it would never be. Although we were both angry, we stayed civil. Neither of us was to blame. We were young, too. I figure we did pretty well, all things considered.”

“When did you divorce?”

“Four years in. We did it quietly and simply never made it public. We’re discrete people by nature. It let us move on with our lives.” He kissed her forehead before pressing his own against hers. “I’ll never forgive myself for telling you to leave.”

“Don’t. Neither of us is to blame. I couldn’t face my reality. I was a coward and took the easy way out.”

“Never again, right?”

“You don’t have to worry about that.” She kissed him, savoring the morning stubble on his face.

The red and black stones of his ring caught her eye. “And what about this? I noticed Hunter has one as well.”

“Hunter is a story for another time. Suffice to say we were pack mates. These rings signify our alliance to the pack.”

“What are the stones?” On closer inspection, the black sparkled with tiny flecks.

“Ruby and Tourmaline. The yin yang is the duality of our shifter souls. The tourmaline signifies the stars of the universe and our place in it. The ruby our willingness to die protecting that which is ours.”

“But you shifted with it on.”

“It's part of us once we take the vows. Pack magic I guess.”

“It's beautiful.” There was so much to learn about her mate, but it was getting late. “I need to get moving. I have to see Circe, and we need to go see my parents.” Shame was such a bitch of an emotion. Intellectually, she knew better. The emotion would serve no purpose, only drain her energy farther. It didn’t stop the feeling coursing through her as she contemplated facing her coven. But she wasn’t alone. Never again alone.

“I’ll come with you to see Circe.”

“What about your work?”

“Crystal is on it. She’s really enjoying it, even went through your improvements. And was impressed.” He traced her lips with his finger.

She snatched it between her teeth in a teasing bite before sitting up and stretching. “I never would have guessed how this was going to play out.”

“Not in a million years, sugar.”

Circe was waiting for them as Dante pulled into the drive out front. She looked at him with approval. “I’m glad you came with her.”

She led them into the kitchen where a pot of tea and biscuits were waiting. McVitie’s from England.

“Your mother sent these over last night,” the High Priestess said. She motioned to a blue carafe next to the biscuits. “Your coffee is in there, Dante.”

“You knew I was coming.”

“Let’s just say I would have been disappointed if you hadn’t.”

“You spoke to my mother?” Arabella asked.

“I had to let her know when you went missing. When she asked the status between you two last night, I told her you were almost certainly mated.” She raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow. “Well?”

“Yes.” Dante didn’t hesitate.

Arabella couldn’t help the smile that played on her lips and danced across her soul. Mated.

“Good,” Circe said.

Things were aligning. It’s the way the universe worked when you followed your true path.

“Your mother would be here now,” Circe said, “but, as you can imagine, there’s a special council in session.”

Of course. They had to decide what to do about her and Dante. Worst case scenario, she’d be excommunicated. She fingered the blue ribbon on her right arm. Only a week ago, that would have been devastating. But no longer.

“She wants you to return to Edinburgh with Dante. She doesn’t know how things will play out with the coven, but said to remind you she is, first and foremost, your mother.”

Arabella squeezed her temples, fighting back tears of gratitude. This was a monumental event for the coven. Of all the witches to break their purebred lineage…

“I can’t use a portal. My energies are too erratic.”

“We figured as much.” Circe slid a white envelop across the counter to Arabella.

“What’s this?”

“Plane tickets. For you and Dante.”

“You want us to fly in tin cans filled with explosive liquid?” Arabella was truly appalled.

Circe laughed, a hauntingly beautiful sound. “It’s an airplane with fuel. And yes.”

“What’s the matter, sugar? Never flown before?”

“Not in a can.” She hated even the thought of it. “It’s going to take hours to get home.”

“I found the shortest route possible. You’ll leave from Cavern City tomorrow morning for a 12:30 p.m. flight out of Albuquerque. Then it’s an overnight out of O’Hare. Less than thirteen hours. You’ll be fine.”

“Thirteen hours? How do humans manage?” Arabella asked.

“Same way the rest of us non-flying, non-portal-spawning paranormals do.” Dante placed a hand at the back of her neck and played his thumb back and forth. “It will give us time to talk. Get to know each other.”

Yes, they’d certainly put the cart before the horse on this one. They left with Circe’s blessing, and a promise to visit upon their return.

“Tell your mother I’d be happy to pop over.”

Because it would take her all of twenty seconds to open a portal. “I will.”

This was dreadful, but Dante was right. They had a lifetime to catch up on, and if he was by her side, how bad could it be?

Chapter 6

“We have to pay extra for luggage? How are people supposed to travel without luggage?”

“The first one is free.” The woman behind the counter eyed her four suitcases.

“Most people figure out how to travel lighter,” Dante said, his single bag slung over one shoulder.

“This is light.” She was acting like a brat, but couldn’t help it. Her energies were all over the place and coherency was difficult. And, yes, she was spoiled. And annoyed.

Dante took her by the shoulders and stared into her eyes. “You’ll be fine.” His energies flowed into and around her. Grounding her own erratic source.

She placed her forehead on his chest and breathed him in. “You’re right. Sorry.”

Wrapping his arms around her, he slid a credit card over to the flight attendant. She should have known the luggage was an issue when the guy that flew them up from Cavern City Air Terminal about blew a gasket because he had to de-fuel to make the weight limits. Two of the bags had been crammed in on top of them for the short hop.

“I really hope we can take a portal home.”

“Gotta say I’d rather fly.”

“Have you ever used a portal?”

“No.”

“Talk to me after. You’ll never go back.”

“And with you as my mate, I won’t have to.”

They’d figured out pretty quickly that if Dante kept a hold of her in someway, it stabilized her energies. She’d never had the kind of relationship that involved a lot of public display of affection, but she wasn’t arguing. Anything to keep that horrible agitation at bay.

The looks they got from other passengers tended toward envy. They made a striking couple, and who wouldn’t be lusting over an alpha wolf?

The cost of the flights had floored her. She had no idea it was so expensive to travel.

They boarded the 737 death-can with the rest of the first-class passengers, and took their seats in the last row of the cabin.

“This is first class?” There wasn’t much room.

“Sugar, look.” Dante tilted his head to the rear of the plane.

“Oh my god.” She walked past business class and stared at the tiny seats in the main cabin.

Dante came up behind her. “See? It could be worse.”

“You wouldn’t even fit in one of these things. How are they supposed to sit in that for hours?”

He laughed as he led her back to their seats. They looked a lot better now.

It took a ridiculous amount of time to get the plane loaded. “At least they give everyone drinks before takeoff. You’d need to take the edge off if you had to sit back there.”

Dante snorted loud enough to get the stewards attention. He waved off the attentive woman. “Only first and business class get drinks.”

“Oh, that is truly inhumane. They have to walk past us. Why do they put up with this? I can’t believe there hasn’t been a revolution over this appalling situation.”

Dante’s chuckle reverberated through her. She leaned her elbow on the armrest between them and inhaled long and slow.

He met her halfway and nuzzled at her neck, teasing the hollow at her collar bone. Goddess, that was a sweet spot. Chills washed over her from head to toe. She closed her eyes and simply focused on the moment. Being here. Now.

Her gut tightened every time she thought about the coven.

“What’s rattling around in that pretty head of yours, sugar?”

“Just being present. This. Now. It’s so right. And yet just days ago, everything was different. How did we get to this normal so quickly?”

The wolf did a funny little growl-purr combination.

It was loud enough to have the gray-haired woman in the seat in front of them turn and look over at them. “You don’t have a dog back there, do you? I’m allergic. I can’t be anywhere near those foul creatures. The airline promised there wouldn’t be any dogs.” She squinted at Arabella.

“No dogs back here, ma’am,” Dante said with a sexy grin.

Arabella rolled her eyes.

“Oh, well. All right then.” The woman batted her eyes at Dante. She was actually flirting with him.

Arabella stifled a laugh.

The woman began to sit back down when Dante added, “We prefer wolves.”

Arabella laughed as the woman retreated, looking rather confused.

“Bad boy,” Arabella said.

“Oh, sugar, you have no idea.”

She didn’t either. They’d only been together twice now. She tilted her head and flashed him a demure smile. “Anything I should know about my bad-boy wolf?”

His look turned serious, in such a good way. “So much I want you to know.”

“Any kinky sexual preferences I need to know about?”

His smile was pure sin. “One step at a time.”

It was a good call. She liked the element of mystery.

The stewardess came and took their empty glasses, then prepared for takeoff. The thought of blasting into the air in this thing was disturbing at best.

Dante sensed her nerves and took her hand in his. “It’s fine. People fly in these all the time.”

“Not witches.”

“Enjoy it, because the next memorable ride you take is going to be on my rock-hard shaft.”

A squeak emitted from the stewardess as she passed. She tossed Arabella an envious look.

“Works for me. Might be a while though. Not sure how the accommodations in the coven are going to work.”

“Sugar, I’ll wait a lifetime for you.”

He would, too. Just like she’d do for him.

She relaxed substantially after they were airborne. She’d read the stats. Most problems with flying were upon takeoff and landing.

“So,” Dante said once they had drinks in hand. “Tell me about you.”

“I grew up in the Starfall coven near Edinburgh,” Arabella said. “That’s why I don’t have a strong Scottish accent. It’s more of a mild blend of the regional dialects. I didn’t leave the coven until I attended a university in Edinburgh. It had human students that knew of us, but most didn’t. I found them fascinating, but never compelling. Anything other than sex would never have happened. It wasn’t until I started my travels that I realized how naive I was, how truly isolated my life had been.”

“How could your parents send you out so unprepared?”

“I’m not sure I know the answer to that. Not in hind-sight. It’s a right of passage, though, for witches and warlocks my age to travel. I met some Australians in Edinburgh. A year or so abroad is common among their people.”

“Not a year with witches, I’d wager,” Dante said.

“No. But they were affiliated with an Australian coven.”

She filled him in on her university years and life as the daughter of the High Priestess. She’d truly never appreciated just how privileged her life had been.

The second leg of the trip was better. It was on a death-can called a Boeing 757, and the first-class accommodations were larger and newer than the smaller can.

The poor souls in the backend were still utterly screwed.

After they’d eaten a decent meal, the cabin was settling in for the night.

“I’ve spent all this time talking about me. Your turn.”

“I grew up in a large pack in the Gila National Forest. I was trouble from the start. My parents died when I was young, and my grandmother raised me.”

“What happened to your parents.”

The darkness that surrounded this question was staggering in its weight. “That’s a long story. One for another time, okay?”

“Okay.” She wanted to ease his pain, not push.

“Anyway, I was always acting out, being disruptive, when a boy not much older than me busted my ass one night in a brawl. We started out opposed to each other, and ended up covering each other’s asses. I didn’t know who he was, but we bonded that night. He took me under his wing and got me into the training program for the Alpha’s security team.”

“But, you’re an alpha, correct?”

“True, doesn’t mean pack leader. The lead alpha is responsible for the wellbeing of the pack. Enforces security, justice. We don’t abide by human laws. We have our own. Anyway, training was brutal and exactly what a wayward wolf needed. I was two years in before I found out Hunter was the Alpha’s son.”

“Our Hunter?”

“The same.”

“I don’t understand. What are you doing here if he’s the son of the Alpha of an entire pack?”

More pain in those eyes.

“Hunter became Alpha when his father was killed. He lasted five years before being ousted himself. He was lucky to get away alive. The man responsible was the same one who killed my parents. There’s evil there, but we had no proof. And Hunter was set up. Everything, including his own father’s death, was blamed on him. There would be no justice there for him, so we left.”

Clearly this was only the tip of the iceberg. “That’s awful. Any chance of going back?”

“Not now, but the only thing that stays the same in this world is change. We’re keeping our eye on the pack.”

“So what is Hunter to you?”

Dante toyed with a strand of her hair as he contemplated his response. “I owe him my life. He will always have my loyalty. I understand duty. Loyalty to family and pack. That’s why I tried to let you go. I didn’t want to be the reason you had to choose.”

Arabella kissed his hand. “Life is more complicated than that, though, isn’t it?”

It was a wry smile. “Yes.”

“Is that why he’s the pseudo-sheriff of Haven?”

“I suppose. He’s a protector by nature.”

There was a great deal she didn’t know about the workings of the world, and her naiveté was disturbing. But there was something right about the whole thing, too. She’d never be here were it not for Dante. Never be learning about the world in which she lived at this level. Never seeing with eyes not veiled by her Wiccan past.

Destiny whispered in the drone of the engines in the cabin. Her energies settled for the first time since she shifted back from feral. She sighed in relief.

Dante turned her chin to face him. “Haven’t seen you smile like that in a while.”

“This is all happening for a reason. I’m where I’m supposed to be. With you. Flying in a death-can. Seeing how the humans live. I have no idea why, or what, exactly, we’re supposed to learn or do, but it’s all for a reason.”

“The enlightened don’t sleep through life. They walk through the dream we have all created and shape their reality.”

Arabella curled her legs in her lap and faced him. “Is that part of your religion?”

“Not a religion so much as a philosophy. Reality is nothing more than the dream we have created with our thoughts and energies of this lifetime.”

“Yes. We believe a very similar thing. Most of the religions of the world tell the same story.” Excitement trickled through her. She put her hand on Dante’s leg. “Being with you has been an awakening for me. I had no idea my eyes weren’t open.”

Dante leaned in and kissed her forehead. “Something tells me life with you is going to be interesting.” His gaze sobered. “And important. We were meant to find each other. What a witch and a wolf are supposed to do is beyond me.”

“We’ll find out in due time.”

She yawned and stretched her back. The day was catching up with her.

“Try and sleep,” Dante said. “We’ve got five hours and a world of change ahead of us.”

Sleep didn’t come easy for Arabella, although the constant hum of the engines was relaxing. She thought of all the threads of her life and how they had played out over the past year, and especially the past weeks.

Her coven had been everything to her when she’d left. Not returning had never been an option. Even a week ago, she would have deemed it impossible. But, now, it was all different.

How something that would have been seen as a horrific event had become a beautiful transformation was a marvel in itself. She finally drifted off in a state of blissful acceptance.

* * *

A bitter wind stung Arabella’s cheeks as they waited for the car her mother had sent. The early morning clouds threatened rain, and were a foreboding backdrop to the day ahead.

Dante kept his hand firmly pressed to the small of her back. A type of grounding she’d never known she needed.

Due to buffeting winds, the landing had been rough. Dante had startled the entire cabin with his laugh when she stated she was going to be very upset if they died so soon after finding one another.

She hadn’t found it the least bit amusing. The damn plane had been shaking with violent force.

A black sedan pulled to the curb in front of them. Her family’s driver, Carl, emerged and fetched the luggage after a brief nod of greeting. “Traveling light, I see.”

She threw Dante an “I told you so” look that had his wolf snorting with laughter.

To her utter surprise, her father stepped out, a blank expression his face as he quickly scanned their surroundings before landing his attention on her.

Arabella straightened and extended her energies to Dante. Control was returning, as was her resonance, but it was erratic at best. “Our greetings, my father.”

“Daughter.” He stood a pace away and regarded Dante next.

She knew he studied the aura surrounding them.

The corner of his lip curved upward and he drew Arabella into a full-press hug.

The relief was instant. She hadn’t known how this would play out, but honestly had never thought he’d hug her in public.

After kissing her forehead, he faced Dante.

“Father,” Arabella said. “This is Dante Liekos.” She faltered from saying anything further.

“Your mate.” He finished for her.

“Yes.”

The two alphas appraised each other in the way only men did. Women facing each other was an entirely different game. One of energies, strategy, and something more. But not men. Theirs was a more primal dance.

She nudged Dante.

“Most respectful greetings, father of my mate.” There was the slightest emphasis on the last.

Arabella rolled her eyes. “Right then, are we done with the macho shit?”

Her father’s laugh was one she’d never heard before. “I see travel abroad has been good for you.” Something had shifted between them. Something fundamental. He was treating her as an equal. It was a stunning revelation.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Dante Liekos. I am Jorah Visante. High Priest of the Coven Starfall.”

They both nodded.

“Come, time to meet the real power of the Coven.” He waved his hand and the back door opened. He motioned for Arabella to step inside first.

She blinked at the dark interior. Before she could orientate herself, her mother’s energy engulfed her.

“Sit next to me, child.”

“Mother!” Having both the Priest and Priestess greet them was unprecedented. Then again, her whole life was unprecedented at the moment. Once seated, her mother kissed each cheek. The warmth of her love engulfed her.

Dante climbed in next and sat on Arabella’s other side. By tradition, he should have sat next to her father, but she loved him for the breach. Not many men would have dared such an act, but then, Dante wasn’t “many men.”

“Thank you for greeting us,” Arabella said. Her new-found elevation of status extended to her mother as well, apparently.

“We wanted the time to talk in private.” Her father motioned with one finger, and a spell engulfed them.

“Are you worried about Carl?” Arabella asked.

“We trust him implicitly,” her father said, “but what he doesn’t know can’t be used against him. Dante, this is our High Priestess, Serina Visante.”

Serina nodded her greeting, then took Arabella’s hand. “I fear it will not go well with the coven.”

“I assumed as much,” Arabella said.

Her mother’s touch was soft, warm. “And I assume you’ll be okay with whatever they decide under the circumstances?”

Arabella placed her other hand on Dante’s knee.

“Yes. Dante and I belong together. If we can’t do that within the scope the coven, so be it.”

“Whatever happens,” her father said, “you have our blessings.”

“Thank you.” She and Dante answered together.

Arabella leaned into the crook of Dante’s arm, his fingers laced through her hair. His possessive manners would have annoyed her coming from anyone else.

Her mother sat back against the seat. A display of her own ease. “I had an interesting visit the other day.”

“Oh? From who?” Arabella asked.

“Topper and The Fates.”

“The Fates came to see you?” Things certainly were getting interesting.

“Caused quite the stir in the coven,” her father said.

“It was a disturbance the coven is not yet ready for,” her mother brushed at imaginary lint on her slacks. “But their visit will not be forgotten. One day, its significance will be understood.”

“What did they say?”

“One does not divulge discussions with the Fates. Suffice to say it was eye-opening.”

Interesting phrase, given her own recent development. “Things are changing, aren’t they?”

“Things are always changing,” Sirena said. “It’s just that some developments have far greater impact than others.”

For the rest of the journey, her parents peppered Dante with questions. The easy atmosphere in the vehicle was more than she could have hoped for.

Passing through the coven’s gates was bittersweet. There was a real chance this would be her last time for the foreseeable future. Possibly for forever.

Arabella closed her eyes and let the energy of the place play across her senses. This was her childhood home. Where she’d grown into a woman. A very sheltered woman.

It was late morning, and the coven was busy with the start of the day. Eyes followed the car as they passed.

“They know it’s me.”

“It was supposed to be kept quiet, so yes, they know it’s you,” Jorah said.

The emotions were a mix. Fear, anger, and a spattering of…hope maybe?

Arabella turned to her mother. “In all this time, there must have been others like me. Like Dante and I.”

“Yes. A few over the centuries. Excommunication comes with a purging of our records. But the families remember. Many have stayed in touch.”

“You’ll be expected to not communicate with us.”

“You were never supposed to be one of the few, but yes. That will be the coven’s expectations.” Serina met her gaze with her same green eyes. “They will be disappointed.”

This would possibly be harder on her mother and father than on herself.

“Change is coming, but how quickly remains to be seen,” Jorah said. “Stay the course. You’re here for a reason.”

Echoes of her own thoughts. Destiny could be thunderous.

Chapter 7

The council was convened and waiting for them upon their arrival. Their bags remained in the car as her mother led them to the chamber within the main building. A castle really, it had stood on these grounds for centuries. Always the property of the witches, even during the dark ages of persecution and burnings.

Not every coven had the power to shield themselves from humans. It had been the reason for the mandate of keeping the coven pure. The one thing that had kept them protected throughout time.

Although modern technology was present, it wore old clothes. The lights were designed to look like gas torches, and all modern conveniences such as air conditioning and plumbing were always out of sight and discreet.

Except for the kitchens. Those were places of beauty with stainless steel and granite counters. Had to draw the line somewhere, she supposed.

The council chamber itself was a study in understated elegance. The massive wood table that occupied the center of the room was almost a thousand years old. The carpets, although following the ancient designs, were brightly-colored and looked as they would have centuries ago. Same with the tapestries on the walls. Beautiful scenes depicting their history, beliefs, and various representations of the energies that created their world. The source that everything came from and returned to.

There was a muted commotion when Arabella entered the room with Dante at her side. She held her head high, proud of the man next to her.

The collective energies were thick and heavy with anger, fear and betrayal.

Serina held her hand up, checking the dissent from the council before nodding to the lead councilman. A warlock named Bane. He was relatively young for such a prestigious position at only eighty-five. Short and wiry, his youthful face belied the intelligence in his eyes.

“Arabella Visante, you have been summoned here today to discuss the matter of your mating with a wolf-shifter. Let it be stated for the records that said shifter is present in our chambers. Do you deny this allegation?”

“With respect, I do not, your honor. And if it please the council, let it be stated for the record that my mate’s name is Dante Liekos.”

As with the people of the coven outside, there was a mix of responses from among the council. Many were staunchly opposed, true, but not all. Perhaps she would not be exiled after all.

“Do you have anything say for yourself?” Bane asked.

She met each and every set of eyes at the table. “This was not a choice I made. In fact, we both tried to avoid the union.” A wave of shame hit her, and she smashed it like the little bug it was. “I have realized that finding one’s true soulmate is not something to be fought. Regardless of who you are or where you come from. I do not apologize for our union. I do, however, accept that I have broken with coven law, and I am ready and willing to accept your judgment.”

Bane looked at each seated member. All nodding their approval to continue. Some were happy, many were not. “It is with heavy heart that I must exile you from Coven Starfall. Although our laws haven’t changed in this regard for as long as we can remember, and many of us disagree in this day and age, I have no choice. I hereby pronounce you excommunicated.” He hesitated before ending with, “As per our laws, no one will communicate with Arabella Visante from this day forward.”

Her mother’s defiance, anger, and determination washed over her. She held the smile of response in check and returned the love.

Her heart tightened, but she would shed no tears. She’d been naive to assume she’d be able to see her friends and say goodbye. The suitcases in the car mocked her.

Bane approached, and she held out her right arm.

He did something next she never thought she’d see.

Slowly, with reverence, he loosened the blue ribbon around her wrist sleeve, and unwound it. He took the symbol of her position and pooled it into his slightly-shaking palm before closing his fist around her past. “The car will take you as far as the airport,” he said.

They left the room in silence.

In the car, Arabella blew out a breath and eyed her wrist. She couldn’t bring herself to remove the black sleeve.

Dante took her hand and kissed her palm. “I’m not sensing the distress I was expecting.”

He wasn’t wrong. She took a moment to evaluate her state of mind as they left the streets of the coven behind. “I’m not sure how I feel, to tell you the truth. It’s not what I expected either. I’m not happy so much as hopeful. This is hard, Dante, but it’s right. We’re setting a precedent. One that is long overdue. I just hope we get to see this through in our lifetime.”

A bolt of surprise hit her from Dante. “What?”

He had a boyish grin she hadn’t seen before. It was sweet. “I have no idea how old you are.”

She laughed. “I’m a babe at twenty-five.”

The answer pleased him. “Perfect.”

“And you?”

“Only forty. We have at least a hundred years ahead of us.”

She’d never expected happy. Not from this turn of events, but here it was. “Carl, take us to my mother’s flat in Edinburgh.”

“As you wish.” His tone held a hint of understanding. “Excellent choice, in fact. The weather could be better.”

“But it could be worse. Thank you for speaking to me.”

“I feel the council has made a mistake. I, of course, will always speak with you.”

“You know, it wouldn’t be terrible thing if Jace Marlow were to stop by the flat sometime in the next day or two.”

“Funny you should mention that. I believe he was planning on doing just that. Purely coincidental, of course.”

Arabella smiled, then turned to Dante. “I want to show you Edinburgh. I can’t let all the clothes I lugged across the ocean go without a single use. Besides, another day or so and I’ll be able to create a portal back to Magic.”

“You don’t need your coven’s help for that?”

“Not with Circe in our corner. My parents would help too, I’m sure, but no need to make them break any more laws.”

It was a twenty-minute drive, and Arabella pointed out her old haunts along the way. “I want to bring you here during the summer. It’s beautiful.” Old world charm was everywhere, as was the lilt of accents the humans carried.

Carl helped them take the luggage up to the top floor of the building. The back of the unit overlooked the Edinburgh Castle, which was a sight to be seen. Especially at night.

“Dante, come look.” She flung the doors wide and stepped out onto the small balcony. “Wait till nighttime. It’s beautiful.”

She left Dante and returned to Carl. “Thank you.”

A good six inches shorter than her, he didn’t flinch when she wrapped him in a hug. He’d been with her family since before she was born. “Always a pleasure, Miss Arabella. Interesting times.”

“Indeed.”

Back outside, she slid her arms around Dante’s waist and leaned on his shoulder.

“Am I worried about you hugging witches?” he asked, arms leaning against the iron railing.

She laughed. “If you have a problem with Carl, wait till you meet Jace.”

He turned in her embrace to face her. “Be careful, sugar. You don’t want to push a newly-mated wolf.” The rims of his eyes were a glistening gold.

“I think I know how to ease the beast.” The kiss was teasing, tempting, taunting.

A low rumble, more felt than heard, vibrated through her.

She leaned back in his embrace. “Given that we’ve only made love twice, I’m thinking it’s time for another go. You know, just to make sure we’re compatible and all that.”

He laughed and led her inside. “Such a smart woman.”

The bed was small by US standards, but it fit the space perfectly. Old Europe was filled with small accommodations. It was part of the charm. The mattress, at least, was relatively new. Arabella and her parents had spent many nights in this flat while visiting Edinburgh. It was the perfect place to host non-Wiccan visitors, or just to get away from the coven for a time.

As Dante undressed, Arabella simply disapparated her clothes.

“That’s cheating,” Dante said tossing his jeans to the floor.

“It’s efficient.”

“True, but one of these days I’d like to see you undress. Slow and sexy.”

“That could be arranged with the right music.”

His shirt joined the jeans and he prowled over to her. “Now there’s some research I could get behind.”

In a fluid movement, he had her on her back, splayed across the bed. “Need to be inside of you now.” His eyes were nearly full-blown wolf and she was more than ready, slick with desire as he slid home.

It was the perfect melding of their energies and bodies. While their first pairing was frantic and chaotic, this was a solid intensity born of their bond.

Pleasure swirled and surged, intensifying as the tempo increased. They reached a crescendo that had every muscle in her body tense until the orgasm washed over her and released the energy.

Dante was right there with her, his heart pounding in time with hers. He peppered her with kisses, nipping and licking his way from her shoulder to her lips.

The kiss was the perfect icing for the exquisite cake they’d just consumed.

Long moments later, he raised up to his elbows and swept the stray hair from her face. “In case you were wondering, that was the appetizer.” He rocked his hips, his erection hardening with each motion.

“There’s no place else we need to be.” She closed her eyes, focused, and flipped them, leaving her straddling him.

His laughter filled the room, and her heart. “Oh, sugar. I’m going to like life with a witch.”

“You have no idea.” She leaned forward and bit his shoulder as she resumed the pace for round two.

* * *

The following morning, Arabella was sitting at the small table off the kitchen with Dante, who was shaking off jet lag with strong coffee, when she sensed Jace. “He’s here.” She bolted for the door and flung it wide before Dante had a chance to react.

“Jace!” The only place she’d ever felt this at home before Dante was in Jace’s embrace. They were a perfect match. Everyone always said so. Their parents had nearly arranged a marriage, but even as children they’d known that wasn’t their path. Of all the first kisses that took place in the coven’s barn, theirs wasn’t one of them. The only kisses they ever exchanged were of the familial kind.

She breathed in his honey chocolate scent and ran her palm across his bearded chin. “You need to shave that thing.”

“Nah, the women love it. The guys, too.” He winked in his signature move. His hair was longer than when last she’d seen him; the wild waves of his blond locks always gave him a just-got-out-of-bed appearance.

“Say what you want about you and Jace being friends,” Dante said from behind her. “He touches you again any time soon and he’s going to be dealing with the wolf.” His voice was laced with the animal’s displeasure.

“Easy, big guy.” Arabella slid her arm around Dante’s waist and pulled him close. “Jace, meet the love of my life, Dante.”

Jace had a way about him. Always had. He could charm the skirts off a nun. “Nice to meet you.” He stuck out his hand and grinned like an idiot.

Arabella gave him an eyeroll fit for a king.

Dante eyed the hand and growled. “I’m not a human.”

“Jace,” Arabella chided.

“What? It’s funny.” He spun and called to a figure out of sight in the hall. “I brought someone who wanted to see you.”

A snap of destiny cracked through the air and an auburn-haired woman who looked to be in her mid-forties for a human stepped to Jace’s side.

“Margain,” Arabella said. “It’s so good to see you.” She stepped forward and embraced the woman.

“Dante, this is Jace’s grandmother.”

Arabella hadn’t seen her since she’d been a child. She didn’t live in the coven, preferring the colder climbs of the north. Her energies were strong and steady. Always had been.

“Please, come in.” Arabella kept one arm around Dante, sensing his wolf’s jealousy. The animal sensed her affiliation with Jace. He’d calm in time, but she wasn’t going to miss this opportunity to catch up. Interesting that Jace had brought his grandmother, however.

Arabella made tea and coffee.

“I hear you’ve gone and got yourself excommunicated,” Margain said with a knowing look.

Arabella threw her a smile. “True love.”

A sadness rippled over the woman.

Arabella set the tea down in front of the others and moved to sit next to Dante, but he grabbed her hips and guided her onto his lap.

“Wolves are extremely territorial, especially when they’ve recently mated,” Arabella said by way of explanation. “It’s lovely to see you, Margain. May I ask why you are here?”

“You’re mixed up with the elves.”

That was possibly the last response she would have guessed. “The elves?”

“You’re living in Magic, New Mexico.” Margain blew on her tea.

“Not far from there,” Arabella said. “A place called Haven.”

“You’re doing something with the elves that live near there.”

The memory of the female horse shifter hit her hard. “I've yet to meet any of them.”

“You have a role to play in that tale.”

“A role? With the elves?” Dante asked. “No disrespect, but I think Arabella’s role has more to do with Coven Starfall.”

Margain gazed at Dante for a full minute before speaking. She radiated the energy of one who is present in simultaneous time-flow, meshed in temporal entanglement. “They thought it was me.”

Dante cast Arabella a questioning glance. She shrugged. Witches in this state didn’t process linearly. There was literally no telling when or where she was.

Jace placed his hand on her shoulder. “Who thought you were what?”

“The Fates.” Margain’s eyes were unfocused as she gazed unseeing out the balcony doors.

A shiver of destiny enveloped Arabella’s entire body. The once rare phenomenon was becoming common place.

“They were just protecting themselves at first,” Margain shifted her gaze to Arabella.

“Who?”

“The elves. Those horses kept them enslaved for nearly a hundred years. Until they discovered the binds. That gave them the power they needed. It wasn’t supposed to go this far. To last this long.” She wasn’t talking to Arabella. “The shifters will lose their humanity if you don’t stop them.” She stared into Arabella’s eyes, but the gaze was empty. “You must stop them.”

She thought of the shifter horses. They were slipping away from that which tied all sentient beings together. Their humanity.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

“It wasn’t me, though,” Margain looked at Dante.

Arabella felt the connection.

“There was one before. Like Arabella, she loved a wolf from the states. They thought it was me.” She turned back to Arabella with those non-seeing eyes. “You will bridge the gap between three.” Margain’s energies bounced around dangerously.

“Easy, grandmother,” Jace said. He placed his palm on her cheek and turned her face to him. “Margain? Come back.”

The woman blinked a few times and her focus returned. She eyed everyone in turn. “It’s always most perplexing when I don’t recall these fugues.”

They filled her in as best they could. When they mentioned the one before who'd loved a wolf, the sadness returned, but Margain said nothing of it.

The remainder of the visit was pleasant, but Arabella kept it short. Dante was having serious trouble with his wolf needing to protect his mate. Not that she needed protecting, but she was learning to understand his other half.

She sat curled into his side on the couch after Jace and Margain had left.

“What did she mean by all that? And three what?” Dante asked.

“I don’t know, but she’s like The Fates in her abilities to delve into the future. I think she’s right, too. Those horse shifters are losing their grip. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do, which means I just have to pay attention. If I’ve got a role to play, something will spark.”

They spent two days exploring Edinburgh. It was a magical time, and felt more like a honeymoon than anything. On the third day, she woke and found that the last of the feral effects had finally vanished.

Dante was already up and in the kitchen. She padded into the small space and wrapped her arms around him. He was solid and fit her like her favorite jeans.

“Good morning, sugar.” He placed a kiss on her forehead.

“It’s time to go home.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“Me too.”

* * *

The trip back to Haven was as the universe intended. Through a portal, taking all of fifteen seconds.

Arabella was glad to have had the experience of flying like a human. In hindsight, every paranormal should, but she hoped she’d never have to again.

They arrived in early afternoon and spent the following hour moving her things out of the Inn and into the apartment over the annex.

Livy had good-naturedly accused Dante of stealing her best guest.

Jinx and Lido bounded after them across the lawn. It seemed as though they’d both grown in the short time she and Dante had been gone. The pair left them at the door and took off around the corner.

They unpacked and she got her toiletries settled. It was a nice space. Perfect for two, and it felt like home.

She joined Dante outside on the balcony overlooking the lawn and the river beyond. His heat pressed against her back was a slice of heaven. “Weird how everything looks different now,” Arabella said.

“Better.”

“Yes, better.”

A sudden clamoring in her head jarred her mind.

Chaos.

Her feral bat existence flashed before her, bringing panic.

“Arabella, what’s wrong?”

“It’s coming back.”

“What is?”

“The bats.”

“No way in hell, woman.”

The volume increased. Fear, no terror. “No, not bats. Birds?”

Complete terror.

An image flashed in her mind. “Oh my god, Jinx is in the river! They can’t get him. Go south.” Arabella shifted into eagle form and flew across the lawn, gaining height for a better view. She turned downstream and found them. Lido and two other ducks were tangling with the cub. He was panicked and clawed at anything that got near him. They were no match for his size and weight.

She sensed Dante close behind and could only hope he was close enough. Swooping down, she grabbed Jinx by the scruff of the neck.

He whirled and clawed at her chest in an attempt to climb out of the water. The movement was too much with his weight and they both went under.

Icy water shocked her system, and she shifted from bird to woman and back. Her head surfaced only to have Jinx slash her shoulder trying to get on top. She shifted back to human and went down.

So cold.

A flash from above had herself and Jinx hurtling out of the river and sailing to the bank on the far side.

They slammed into the dirt edge and rolled to a stop a few feet from the water.

It took a moment for her brain to register two things. First, a group of stunningly beautiful elves, male and female, stood over them, and second, the body next to her wasn’t a cub’s; it was a boy. He was curled into a ball, coughing and shivering.

Behind them, three ducks clambered to the bank. The larger two shifted into their human forms. They both bore the slash wounds from Jinx’s panic.

The woman scooped up Lido and they stood behind Arabella and the boy. She quickly summoned a blanket and covered the child, pulling him into her lap.

Dante arrived next in wolf form and shifted, placing himself between the elves and the rest of them.

Two adult snow leopards came whipping around the bend and straight for them. They also shifted and the woman ran forward and scooped up Jinx.

Dante helped Arabella to her feet. The heat of blood from her own injuries trickled down her skin.

This was one hell of a stand off with the elves fully armed, her in tattered clothes, and the rest of them ass-naked and weaponless.

The sound of hooves echoed off the bank and Hunter came crashing around the bend on one of the horses, rifle drawn.

The elves responded by raising their own lethal-looking weapons.

Hunter pulled up next to Dante.

“How is this going to play out?” Dante spoke to the elves, one arm around her waist and the other held palm out.

Hunter leveled his rifle on one of the elves, a female that stood in front.

“Stop!” Arabella called out, amplifying her voice with a spell.

Dante called over his shoulder, “Stand down, Hunter.” Leaning closer, he whispered, “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Morgain said I had a part to play in this.”

Hunter dismounted and came to a stop next to Dante. “You just gave me an order.”

No one moved. Stalemate.

“They saved Jinx and me,” Arabella said. “We were both going down.”

The air was thick with tension. Neither Hunter nor the elves had lowered their weapons.

“That true?” Hunter asked the female elf closest to them.

The woman nodded. The elves stood still and strong, with a grace unique to their kind.

“Why?” Hunter asked. He and the female were at some kind of stand-off.

“The young ones were in danger.” The woman’s voice was melodic.

Arabella felt the pull of destiny as she had in Edinburgh. “Thank you for that.” She needed to find a way in. An opening. “We owe you a debt.”

Dante stiffened next to her.

“Perhaps.” The elf flicked her wrist and the other elves lowered their weapons, and turned to go in a single fluid movement.

“But I’d like to…talk. To you.” She was flying blind.

“Talk? Why?” the woman finally pulled her gaze away from Hunter.

His horse made an impatient neigh.

“There’s a great deal of tension between our people,” Arabella said.

“This has been truth for some time.”

“For too long.”

The elf held her gaze. “What is your name?”

“Arabella. And the wolf is my mate, Dante.”

She turned back to Hunter. “And we know who you are, Hunter from the Gila Forest.” Anger flashed in her eyes.

“What do I call you?” Arabella asked.

“Loralea. Perhaps we will talk.” She eyed the horse behind Hunter. “But not today.” She spun and followed the others into the forest.

“How do I find you?” Arabella called after her retreating back.

“You don’t.” She wasn’t five steps into the shadows when she simply vanished. It’s what elves did. They had their own kind of magic.

“You’re bleeding,” Dante said.

“Give me a moment.” Arabella closed her eyes and focused her healing energy on her lacerations. She didn’t want to take the time to fully heal, just needed to stop the bleeding. Once she was satisfied, she turned her attention to Jinx. “Are you okay?”

The boy nodded, and he was adorable. Blond hair and pale skin. Lean. Cute as sin. He was studying his hand with rapt attention. Must be strange being in human form for the first time.

“The rest of you all right?” Arabella asked.

“Lido’s bleeding,” the woman said. She had scratches down her face as well.

Arabella made short work of healing everyone to the point of quick recovery.

“Sorry,” Jinx said. “I was chasing a bug and didn’t realize it had flown over the water.” He had the most adorable little boy voice. “I panicked. Didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

“You almost died over a bug?” Jinx’s father scowled.

“I seem to recall a similar story about another shifter when he was young.” Jinx’s mother said with a knowing look.

Lido’s dad snorted with a sheepish grin and ruffled Jinx’s tangled hair. “’bout time you shifted.”

They all made introductions. “Thank you for saving our boy,” Jinx’s mother said.

“You’re very welcome. I’m a little surprised I sensed the distress.”

“I was thinking about you,” Jinx said. “Don’t know why, but you were my first thought. My only thought, really.”

It was another indicator she was home. These were her people now.

Lido quacked and flapped his wings, anxious to be put down.

Arabella took a moment to retrieve a mature burdock plant. She’d grow it on the deck and make a tea for Jamison.

They made their way back across the river. The ducks shifted and swam, Hunter followed on the horse, and she used a spell to create a solid path over for the rest of them.

A shiver wracked her body, the cold of the afternoon sinking in. “I need to get warm.” She rubbed her arms.

“Fly back to the Annex,” Dante said. “I’ll meet you there.”

“I’d rather ride my wolf.”

He shifted with a grin.

* * *

Not all showers are created equal, and this one was brilliant. Arabella stood with her eyes closed and let the hot water warm her through and through. She hung her head as the heat seeped into her stiff muscles.

She sucked in her breath as warm hands slid over her hips, across her ribs and cupped her breasts.

“You have a fine ass, woman.”

“Glad you think so, considering you’re stuck with it.”

“I like other parts of you too.” One hand drifted south to her already pulsing heat.

She sighed in contentment as he stroked her.

His lips pressed to the cord in her neck and she tilted her head, giving him full access.

His hips moved, pressing his erection against her ass. His lips and teeth teased her neck as he slid two fingers inside.

The shower had now reached epic proportions. Only one way to make this better. “I need you inside me.

He placed his palm between her shoulders and pressed her forward.

Bracing herself with her hands on the wall, she spread her legs.

He stroked her with the tip of his cock and she angled her back, eager for him. She didn’t have to wait long. An exquisite pulse of energy shot through her as he entered.

This. This right here. His movement was perfection, and she reached down to stroke her clit, adding to the sensations. His rhythm increased as his balls slapped against her inner thighs.

“Tell me what you want," he growled.

“I want you.”

He picked up his pace and her body tensed, the pleasure building with the friction.

“Tell me what you want.”

She grabbed his balls, he reached around and pinched her nub.

“I want you to fuck me!” she cried as the orgasm exploded through her.

His growl was primal as he slammed into her once, twice more, then held her fast as he pulsed inside.

Riding the wave of pleasure, she reveled in the bliss that was this man buried deep inside her.

She stood slowly, a tiny whimper escaping as he slid out of her. She turned and cupped his face, drawing a thumb over his lips. “Not even a kiss. Tsk tsk.”

His grin was full of promise.

“Still, that was by far the most superior shower I have ever had.”

“I’m taking that as a personal challenge.”

Her laugh echoed around the glass and tiles. “Works for me.”

“We need to get moving,” Dante said after a knee-melting kiss. “Meeting Hunter for dinner at the Den.”

“Give me ten to wash my hair and get dressed.”

“You got it.” He stepped out of the shower and left her with a slap on the ass.

Yes, by far the most superior shower she’d ever had.

After drying off, Arabella dressed in simple jeans and a black top. She eyed the black sleeve lying on the dresser. It didn’t feel right not to wear it, even without the ribbon. It had been a constant reminder of who and what she was. She slipped it on, comforted by its presence.

She padded into their living room a short while later to find Dante working on his laptop. He looked up at her with surprise. “You ready?”

“I said ten.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t think you meant it.” He stood and walked over to her, studying her face.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re just so fucking beautiful. Not a stitch of make-up and you could win any damn beauty contest out there.”

“Let’s go, cowboy.”

“Hold on. I have something for you.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a closed fist. “It doesn’t seem right without that splash of color on your wrist.” He raised her arm and a red ribbon unfurled from his hand. “Let this signify our bond, and our future. Like the red and black of my ring, let this show that you are my mate, healer, friend of Haven and her residents.” He stood, waiting for a reply.

Arabella reached out and fingered the silken strand. The color was stunning. Perfect. She choked back a tear and swallowed hard. “I don't know what to say.”

He smiled and wound the ribbon around in the crisscross pattern she’d always used, securing it at her wrist.

She held her arm up. It seemed fitting somehow. After a lifetime of blue, to be wearing a vibrant red. She lifted on her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”

He answered with a kiss. One that lingered and had them both longing for the bed.

They parted with an unspoken promise to return and finish what they’d started.

Hunter was already in the kitchen when they arrived. He leaned against the counter, hovering over Livy and a large pot.

“Good evening, you two,” Livy said. “Glad you made it. Hunter here was about to get a slap on the wrist. Won’t keep his paws off my food.”

“It’s a compliment,” Hunter said.

“Annoying is more like it.”

“Smells delicious,” Arabella peeked into the pot.

“She makes the best beef stew this side of anywhere,” Hunter said.

They loaded up some bowls and Livy brought out a basket of bread and a couple bottles of wine.

A handful of tables had customers tonight. Livy took them to spot in the corner with a great view of the lawns.

“So tell me, what exactly went down this afternoon with the elves,” Hunter said after wolfing down half his bowl.

Arabella set down her spoon and leaned back. “I'm not entirely sure. We had a visit from an old friend in Edinburgh. He and his grandmother. She’s a witch with impressive clairvoyant traits. She said I have a destiny that concerns the New Mexico elves. Said something about bridging the gap between three. All I can say is, it felt true.”

Hunter took a long drink of wine and nodded. “You sure get some interesting visitors. The Fates sending you messages, and now this.” He turned to Dante. “Think you got your hands full with this one.”

Dante laughed. “No argument there.”

“And,” Hunter said, “you gave me an order this afternoon.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. It’s about damn time.”

A complex set of emotions ran through her mate.

They ate with easy banter. The normalcy of it moved her deeply. Tonight she was going to spend the evening with her man like a normal person. Perhaps go back and watch TV, or read a book. It felt like forever since she'd had a home to spend the evening in.

She turned to Dante and smiled. She didn’t need to explain. Not with this one. Not anymore.

<<<<>>>>

Also by Sabine Priestley

Thank you for coming with me to another world! If you enjoyed it, please take a moment and leave a review. Writers live for reviews. Really. A little part of us dies if you don’t share the love. For all we know, it might be my left toe. I don’t want to live without that.

XOXO,

Sabine

You can find all my books here, Sabine’s Amazon Page.

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About the Author

Sabine grew up consuming Science Fiction, Fantasy and Romance novels (there was a brief bodice ripper period, but we won’t go into that).

She wanted to be an astronaut and travel the stars looking for aliens. She ended up an Electrical Engineer and Cultural Anthropologist. She's a geek with heart.

Seriously disappointed we’ve yet to establish so much as a moon base, she’s encouraged by the recent developments by superstars such as Elon Musk, Sir Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos, among others.

She’s a travel addict, beach-loving, stargazing, disruptor.

For more info

www.sabinepriestley.com

info@SabinePriestley.com

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