A Touch of Flame

“Braden, I’m so sorry.”

  He used his thumbs to wipe her cheeks. “And I’m sorry you went through so much right after your arrival here. You had no context for what you were going through and little support.”

  She released a heavy sigh. “I think that’s why I go into the Graveyard. I was saved. I mean someone must have gotten me out of Veyda’s compound, taken me to safety. I’m giving back in the only way I know how.”

  “You’re doing more good than you know. If everyone followed your example, we’d have paradise here in Five Bridges.”

  “Braden, I have a strong premonition Kiara won’t live out the night.”

  “Is this based on your witch senses? Or do you have some other reason for believing this?”

  “Remember how I said she’d been burned?”

  He nodded.

  She told him about the two-way mirrors in the killing room. “The thing is, I think I was in the same room when I killed the witches. Braden, I’m scared.”

  He pulled her close again and once more rubbed her back through the thick terry cloth. His shoulder was warm against her cheek and she didn’t hesitate to lean in and take the comfort she needed.

  After a moment, he said, “Here’s what we’re going to do. I’m going to shower, get dressed, then we’re going to start making plans to get your friend out. You and me. I’m thinking we should explore your witch powers more. You okay with that?”

  She drew upright. “More than okay. It’s exactly what I needed to hear.”

  ~ ~ ~

  When Maeve left, Braden hopped in the shower. His thoughts turned to a concern that had been building from the time he’d made love to her. They both might have agreed to a casual if very physical relationship, but his wolf instincts were pawing at him.

  The questions arose: Did he really want to get this close to a witch?

  He’d always hated Maeve’s kind until he’d moved to Elegance after his wife died. Since then, he’d gotten to know dozens of witches like Maeve who didn’t practice what the community called the dark arts. Before Five Bridges, they were good people, like himself, who’d been living their lives with all kinds of goals and purpose. Then the alter serum had thrown a grenade into what they’d treasured most: Their human lives.

  His view had slowly changed over the past eighteen months. He’d become more accepting. He understood extremely well how the dark covens had almost as much control over Elegance as the cartels did.

  When he’d first begun his investigation into Laura’s death, he’d found it nearly impossible to find anyone to interview. Literally. The places he needed to go, the leads he would get, were often hidden behind spells he couldn’t circumvent. They were similar to the one Maeve used to provide extensive security for her growing facility.

  In time, bull-headedness had gotten him answers and built him a network of contacts. He’d learned a few simple warlock-tricks that helped him recognize then bypass weaker protection spells. He often ended up with a headache after hours of searching, especially those nights when he’d already put in a full eight-hour shift with the Border Patrol.

  He’d become acclimated to the culture of witches, warlocks and wizards. He’d learned the latter were rare and even more difficult to locate than a powerful witch. Warlocks who reached the level of wizard generally were into empire-building. A couple he knew worked hard to build good things for Elegance. One had established a large rehab clinic for flame drug addiction. Another had taken over a chain of mini-marts and hired security to make them safe for ordinary people to use. As a Border Patrol officer, Braden knew how many drug-related crimes like muggings and break-ins, afflicted each of the territories of Five Bridges. As bad as it was in the U.S., it was a hundred times worse in his world.

  As he toweled off then got dressed, he mulled all these things over. Yes, he’d come to an understanding that not all witches or warlocks were bad. But his wolf didn’t like being in a community where a person could be manipulated at any given moment.

  His wolf senses told him Maeve was in a place of transition and maybe he could help her through it.

  He’d lived long enough in Five Bridges to know that those few, with extraordinary power, grew in specific stages. The night she’d gone berserk with her killing power and during which time she’d destroyed two dark coven witches, she’d tapped into her potential. Right now, especially with her memory returning, he suspected she was on the verge of learning just how much natural ability she had and what she could do with it.

  But a new time had arrived in her life and whatever latency she’d experienced needed to change, especially if they hoped to save Kiara.

  Fully dressed, and his hair towel-dried and combed back, he made his way to the living room. He could see she was distressed, since she sat forward on the couch, elbows on knees, head in hands. Sheba was stretched out on Maeve’s upper back facing Braden, her sharp cat eyes, green like his own, fixed on him.

  He didn’t want to distress the cat so he chose to address Maeve with telepathy. I’m here, but I don’t want to startle you, not with your muse on your shoulders. You okay?

  I’m fine. My head hurts a little.

  You’re growing into your powers. It takes some getting used to.

  Sheba jumped down onto the cushion next to her and moved in close. She put a black paw on Maeve’s leg, very possessive and supportive then looked at Braden. Her expression seemed to say, ‘Help out, would you?’

  When he rounded the coffee table, Maeve met his gaze. He then assessed the table. “Think I can sit on this?”

  “Yes. It’s sturdy enough even though you’re the size of a small truck.”

  He chuckled. He then pushed the table back just enough so he could sit directly in front of her. He gently tugged at her forearms.

  When she responded by sitting up, he took her hands in his. “You’ve needed Kiara’s counsel these past few weeks, haven’t you?”

  She nodded. “I just need her safe. She’s my best friend. She’s hurting and I haven’t been able to do anything for her.”

  “That’s not entirely true. You found her when no one else could have. But I’m not thinking about Kiara. What I mean is, you’ve needed a witch guide for what you’re going through right now.”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re getting at.”

  “Let me ask you this, what do you think happened in the shower, when the memories started to return?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Duh. I started remembering.”

  “I think it’s more serious than that. Or perhaps, more profound might be the better expression here.”

  At that, her brows drew together in a tight pinch and her attention became more focused. “What do you mean?”

  “Maeve, you may not understand this, but you’re an exceptional force here in Five Bridges.”

  She laughed. “Hardly. Or do you mean because of the rescues?”

  He shook his head. “The night you killed the witches, what do you think actually happened?”

  “I’ve told you. I went berserk.”

  “But why did you go berserk and how did you manage to take down two powerful women who had a helluva lot more experience than you?”

  She looked away from him slightly. He could see she was thinking. “Mostly, I’ve worked hard to put that night behind me. I think I got really upset by what was happening and whatever witch abilities I’d been developing got away from me. I figured that was why I couldn’t recall all that happened that night.”

  “Maeve.” She looked up at him.

  Braden released her hands but placed them on her arms just below her shoulders. “You’ve reached a crossroads. Kiara’s plight may have prompted what’s happening to you or maybe even my appearance in your life. The cause doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you begin to focus on who you are as an Elegance witch with Alpha-mate capacity. Can you do that?”

  “It’s hard to do something I don’t understand.”

  He tried another tack. “What if
I told you this is the only way we’ll be able to free Kiara.”

  “You mean, if I rise to some new level here?”

  “Exactly. My gut tells me it’s the way forward. Only this isn’t going to be fun for you. My guess is that you’ll need to connect with what caused you to freak out that night. In other words, you need to explore your killing power. But I’m here. I can help you. I might even be able to anchor you while you cross this bridge.”

  “I suppose ‘bridge’ is fitting.” She attempted a smile but it was replaced quickly with another tight frown.

  He nodded slowly, his hands still on her arms.

  She sighed. “If you’re set on this, if you truly think this is what I need to do, then I think we should go into my spellroom.” He opened his mouth to protest, but she added quickly, “It’s not just for spells. I…I sometimes live down there. I feel safe in my burrow and, pun intended, very grounded.”

  His hands slid away from her arms as he glanced around. He knew they had to be at least twelve feet belowground as it was. “Are you saying you have a second space even deeper in the earth than these rooms?”

  “I do.”

  Something inside his wolf trembled. He took one of her hands this time and held it firmly. He stared into her eyes and felt the alpha-mate call once more. His response was part sexual, that couldn’t be helped. But another part seemed to come from so deep in his soul, he couldn’t fathom what was happening.

  She leaned forward. “I’m feeling it, too. I don’t know what this is, but I’m guessing it’s more wolf than witch.”

  He dipped his chin. “It is, but it’s new to me as well.”

  “Wait, you didn’t experience this with Laura?”

  “We were already married and once we arrived in Five Bridges, within a matter of days we were bonded. There was no beginning in that sense. So, I honestly can’t say for sure what we experienced.”

  “But Braden, I can’t be your mate. That much I know. I have no interest in leaving Elegance. What I do here really matters. I like you well enough. I think you’re a good, honorable man. But…you’re a wolf.” She wrinkled her nose.

  He laughed, grateful she’d broken the moment. “I’m not crazy about your kind either.”

  She chuckled and rose to her feet. Sheba, who had been curled up beside her, slowly gained her four paws then stretched.

  The moment Maeve started to move, Sheba dropped to the floor and padded beside her.

  Braden, wolf that he was, repressed an instinct to growl at the feline. Cats had claws. He had no reason to suppose Sheba would hesitate to use hers. He walked well behind the witch and her muse.

  To the left of the fireplace was another small hallway like the one in the bedroom that led to the bathroom. Maeve reached up and hit a light switch on the inside wall.

  Once in the relatively small, dark space, he saw another stone spiral staircase heading down, just as she had said. Again, his wolf trembled within his chest. Whatever was going to happen down there wouldn’t be simple.

  He slowed his steps and watched her red hair disappear. The light flickered. He swore he felt a hand on his chest.

  Suddenly, his wife’s voice was in his head, She’ll be good for you, Braden. Give her a chance. Open that stubborn heart of yours.

  ~ ~ ~

  Maeve wished she hadn’t come down the stairs. The light had gone out for a few seconds, but now it was back on. She didn’t want Braden, or any man in her burrow.

  It was a small space compared to her home above.

  As Braden descended the stairs then drew close, she could feel his nerves as much as her own. She looked up at him. “I don’t know what you have to be bugged about.”

  He glanced at her, almost startled. He opened his mouth, then closed it. He finally opened it again and said, “Oh, not much.” He ran a hand through his hair and glanced around like he expected something to jump from the shadows.

  She chuckled softly. “At least I’m not alone.”

  Braden shook his head in a rapid flick. “No, you’re not.” He turned to face her. “All right, let’s get on with this. We’ve got a good witch to save.”

  “That we do.”

  Braden's determination had an effect and her heart finally settled down. “So, what am I supposed to do? I mean, if I were a young wolf, what advice would you give me?”

  He pivoted toward her worktable and the shelving opposite laden with dozens of glass jars. Sheba leaped up onto the table and sat down facing the shelves, tail twitching.

  He chuckled. “You might want to pay attention to your muse. Looks like she already has an idea.” Without thinking, he drew near the table and settled his hand on Sheba’s head, then proceeded to pet her. Repeatedly.

  When Maeve didn’t approach the table, Braden looked back at her. “What?”

  She pointed to her cat. “Sheba never lets anyone do that. I mean, never. She’s not really a pet. Wait, is she purring for you? What the hell?”

  Maeve stared at Sheba then at Braden. Of all the things that could have distressed her, this one sent a warning shot straight through her soul. Events pressed on her now and were forcing her down a path she wasn’t sure she wanted to go. Braden was a wolf. Sheba should have torn him to shreds.

  She slapped her hand on the old wood table. “This isn’t right.”

  “What isn’t?” His eyes widened.

  “You’re a wolf. Why isn’t she scratching your eyes out?”

  “She likes me.”

  “Cut the crap. You know what I’m talking about.”

  His amused expression dimmed. “I do. We’re both concerned about what’s going on.”

  “Like fate is pushing us hard and I don't like it. I won't be a mate to an alpha wolf.”

  “And I have no interest in pairing up with a witch. So, we're agreed on that.”

  Sheba chose that moment to look back at her. Was it possible the cat was frowning? Though scowling was a more appropriate word-choice.

  Sheba released a hoarse meow as if to say, ‘Get over yourself’.

  Braden added, “And in case you’d like to know, I’ve got my deceased wife telling me to give you a chance and Sheba here appears to have already accepted me and you’re pissed.”

  “Your wife said what? But I don’t want you to give me a chance.” She waved a hand between them. “I don’t want what’s going on here. I mean the sex was amazing, but it was just sex. Please don’t get any ideas.” She felt uneasy in a way she didn’t understand.

  Her thoughts flew back to being in the shower and having part of her memory return of the night she’d killed the witches. A terrible sensation fell on her, and she wished more than anything she could have kept the memories repressed. Something lived there, something having to do with Veyda that she never wanted to know.

  But what did Braden have to do with her memories of that night? Why were they surging forward now? He had to be right about what was happening, but the whole thing frightened her.

  She rubbed her forehead.

  “Maeve, listen to me. As I said before, you’re in a time of transition. I can’t explain it. I’ve just see it a few dozen times. I can tell you one thing. There’s no use trying to get everything worked out in your head right now. Not gonna happen. Try to relax and go with the flow even if it means something strange like your cat purring at a wolf’s touch.”

  She felt like she was swimming in a deep, dark ocean and waves kept crashing over her. She would barely catch her breath, then another one would hit. She wasn’t mistaken, though. All this had started when she’d brought Braden out of the Graveyard.

  She moved close to the workbench, then stepped around Braden to stare at her shelves of herbs. She’d worked a long time on her collection, though more by instinct than a result of study or teaching.

  She felt foolish as though she should have been doing a hundred other things all these months in preparation for this moment.

  She held her hand out to Braden. “I need your support.”
/>
  He took her hand readily. “What’s going on?”

  “I can’t say, exactly, because I don’t know.” She shifted in his direction. “But I’ve got to go back to that night. Something is there that can help me get Kiara out of her cell. Whatever it was that I accessed, the power that not only freed me from my own captivity but which ended the lives of some evil witches, will be what we need.

  “I think that’s what you’ve been trying to tell me as well. And even the sudden return of a portion of my memory, though it hurt as bad as it did, tells me this is the path.”

  He nodded. “You’ve got courage, Maeve.” His lips curved slightly. “As much as any female wolf I’ve ever seen. You can do this.”

  She felt like little streaks of lightning kept firing up her nerves. “I know I need to remember. It’s on me now. I just never wanted to.”

  He drew close. “Lock forearms with me. I’ll support you all the way.”

  It meant a lot to have him so close.

  She met his gaze, the beautiful green of his eyes. He bore an expression that seemed so noble to her, very wolf-like, and something inside her heart began to crack open. Maybe it was the physical contact, or the recent sex, or the fact that he was so present with her, but she suddenly realized she was in trouble with this man.

  Great.

  She gave herself a shake and turned to the matter at hand.

  She drew in a deep breath and for the first time since that terrible night, she began to roll back the veil.

  At first, the familiar pain streaked through her head, sharp cuts that almost made her turn back. She pressed on anyway and let her mind move past the agonizing darts. Eventually, they disappeared.

  She focused on what she could remember clearly which was the witch choir running for shelter.

  This time, she shifted her focus away from the women and instead turned her attention to the room. She didn’t consider anything else, just the room. She saw the mirrors Kiara had referred to and knew they were exactly as she’d thought. When Maeve had been in this room, her back had been to the mirrors the entire time. Maeve had little doubt they were intended for viewing, but she had no idea what or who was behind them. She could only deal with what she’d actually seen and where she’d been.