Rand drew up his knees and leaned back against a tree. “The fox is a very powerful ally to have, Jolie,” he said, as if reading my thoughts. “She may not look like much, but she’s quick and wise. I’m very pleased with this pairing.”
I was pleased that Rand was pleased. “She’s cute too.”
Rand chuckled. “Now that you’ve found her, you need to learn how to harness her power. You’ll need it especially when you’re in the natural world. You’ll do much better as a fox than a human.”
I leaned against the tree next to him. “How do I do that?”
“Call to her and allow her to take control of you. She’ll know what to do and she’ll help you.”
I nodded and closed my eyes, calling for the fox in my mind. This time she came right away. “She’s here,” I whispered, not daring to open my eyes.
“Tell her to take control of you.”
I allowed her to come very near me, and then I opened myself as best I could, envisioning a white light emanating from my body as I reached toward the fox.
At the exact moment I turned into a fox, I can’t say it was painful at all. It was more a feeling of lightness—as if your soul is floating to the very top of your head and then floats out of you. It happened immediately and when I opened my eyes, the foliage had gone from green to yellow as well as the tufts of grass that peeked from the base of the trees. The orange tulips, too, had lost their color and disappeared into the yellow of the background.
It was like looking at a landscape through extremely thick glasses when you, yourself, have good vision. Everything appeared to be distorted and further away than it actually was. And the smells! The scent of water droplets on the leaves was as powerful as newly mown grass. When I turned my head, I caught the definite whiff of something dead that now lay rotting.
I didn’t have time to inspect anything further, the pat of a bear’s paw sending me careening. Landing on my rear, I yelped but was up and on my feet in the bat of an eyelash. The bear was just behind me, his paw raised as if to repeat the performance. But, as a fox, I was notoriously quick, so I didn’t miss a beat.
I sprinted around Rand and grabbed his fur with my teeth. He roared when I got a bit too much, but I knew it was all in fun and wasn’t frightened of him. Once we grew tired of harassing one another, we began scouting the forest, our noses leading us in our exploration. I uncovered a den of newly born foxes and scampered away when their mother grumbled at me. A mouse darted from one bank of daffodils to another and I was about to go chasing after him when Rand growled. I turned to face him, and he shook his great head—apparently, he wanted me within sight.
Finding too much fun in taunting Rand, I took advantage of a momentary lapse in his ever-vigilant watch and hid behind a tree stump. When he lumbered around the stump, I jumped at him, grabbing a mouth full of his fur. His thunderous growl met my ears as he reared around and we tumbled into a yellow broom bush. The tumble broke my concentration and before I knew it, I was human again with an enormous bear lyush. The top me.
And I was naked.
Leaves stuck to my back, and the flowers of the broom bush dotted the landscape of my body, making me look like the Queen of the fairies clad only in yellow blossoms. The bear’s fur tickled and irritated the sensitive skin of my breasts. In a split second, the bear’s fur disappeared, only to be replaced with the soft sprinkling of dark brown hair on Rand’s glorious chest.
My cheeks colored as Rand stared down at me. There was a heat in his eyes that terrified me as much as it excited me. He didn’t move away but, rather, pulled himself up, so he could see every unclothed inch of me. He reached down and dusted the yellow blossoms from my breasts, his fingers grazing my nipples, which instantly stood to attention. A flush of heat stole across my face as his gaze traversed my breasts, my belly and the junction of my thighs. It was all I could do to grab his face and yank it back up to eye level.
“What…” I started.
His mouth on mine preempted me from finishing my sentence. His lips were full and warm. Shivers tore down my spine when I felt his tongue caress my lips, as if begging entrance to my mouth.
He pulled back just an inch, his warm breath fanning across my lips. I wrapped my arms around him and explored the sinewy muscles of his back as he shifted. Something hard pulsed between my thighs, something decidedly male. I closed my eyes, resisting the urge to open my legs. When I dared to open my eyes again, I didn’t say anything, but pulled his head down to mine and kissed him as he groaned into my mouth. Then like a flash of lightning, he pulled away.
“Bloody hell, we can’t do this,” he said, but his husky voice would’ve suggested otherwise. He refused to look at me.
I didn’t know what to say as he’d just gone from boiling hot to frigid in a matter of seconds. “Why?” It seemed a good question.
“Because I’m your employer and it’s my duty to protect you…not blasted well seduce you.” He stood up, leaves stuck to his knees. But it wasn’t his knees that captured my attention. It was his erection. With a nod of his head, he denied me the pleasure of looking upon his nudity and clothed himself in a black t-shirt and jeans. I couldn’t help the obvious slump of my shoulders.
I said nothing, but thought of a white sundress and felt the material flow over my naked skin. I inwardly smiled as Rand’s gaze traveled the length of me. The dress was short and just skimmed the tops of my thighs, and I’d imagined it with a couple of buttons undone down the front, so the junction of my breasts was exposed. Hey, all’s fair in love and war, right?
“Goddamn you,” he growled and turned away from me, his hands fisting at his sides. “You know how hard this is on me.”
He started to walk away, leaving me wondering what the hell had just happened. I stood up but didn’t make any motion to close the buttons. Instead, I clasped my hands together which made my cleavage almost buoyant within the dress.
“You don’t think it’s hard on me? You make no sense. In Chicago, I could barely keep you away from me.”
He turned as quickly as a snake that had been trodden on and his eyes were just as venomous. His gaze went directly to my breasts, exactly where I’d intended. Goddamn, this was just too easy. He seemed to struggle to bring his eyes up to mine and I couldn’t help the sense of pride that suffused me. Somehow, I was managing to throw the normally staid warlock into a sexual frenzy. Jolie Wilkins…sex kitten…hmm, I liked the sound of that.
“That was different,” he said and his chest panted with the effort.
I smiled as I noticed how short his sentences were. I supposed a man, when trying to defeat his libido, reverted to caveman talk.
“How is that different? You could kiss me there, but not here?”
“That was before you worked for me…long term.”
His hands hadn’t quite relaxed at his side—still balled into fists. He immediately released them as if he’d been writing a five-page letter and were taking a break to exercise his cramped fingers. My attention shifted to the proof of his obvious excitement, stirring in his pants. I quirked a brow while he frowned and covered the bulge with his hands.
Then I remembered the whole situation pissed me off. “So, you would’ve screwed me in Chicago and left with no remorse?” I asked, forcing the amusement from my voice.
“You’re blowing this out of proportion.” He shook his head and started to walk away again.
“Wait.”
He stopped, but didn’t turn around to face me. “Jolie…”
“No, dammit, what happened?” I caught up with him and grabbed his arm, insisting he look at me. “You can’t just leave when…”
As soon as I touched him, he turned on me with a vengeance. I was almost frightened when I saw the lust swimming in his eyes. He pushed me none too gently, and my back came up against a tree. The bark bit into my skin as he pushed his body against mine and nudged his knee between my thighs. Spreading my legs, he rammed the bulge of his erection against my pelvis. The sting of thousands
of needles ebbed within me, and my mouth fell open—I couldn’t seem to get enough air through my nose.
God, how I wanted him.
His mouth was demanding when it found mine again. This time there was no gentle attempt to gain entrance; he thrust his tongue between my lips while his lower body continued to pump against mine. His hands slid down my arms and grasped both of my hands, pulling my arms above my body. He pinned them there and held them with one hand while the other started a descent, pausing just above my breasts.
As I wondered what he would do next, he pulled away from me and brought his attention to my chest. I followed his gaze and noticed that one of my breasts had already freed itself from the halter-top of my dress. He looked upon it as if he was starving and it was a smorgasbord of gourmet delicacies.
I closed my eyes as soon as his hand plied the delicate skin of my breast, euphoria burning in the pit of my stomach. My eyes shot open when his tongue flicked my nipple, and I tried to bring my hands down, to run them through his hair, but he unapologetically kept my arms pinned above my head. He squeezed my breast and continued sucking on it while I felt as if I were dying the sweetest of all deaths.
With a low growl, he tore the strap from my shoulder and the dress pooled around my waist. I gasped as his mouth fell to the other breast, and he sucked it violently.
His free hand delved between my thighs and as soon as he touched the obvious proof of my excitement, he threw himself away from me. I opened my eyes and found him before me, hunched over and panting. His eyes were livid, like a rabid dog’s.
“Fuck!” He ran an agitated hand through his hair. “Bloody fuck!”
He took another step away from me as if I were going to throw a net over him and force him to suck on my breasts again. He turned away from me and paced back and forth before turning his angry expression on me.
I thought it a good time to button my top.
“I thought I made it clear. I can’t do this with you. Not when I’m your employer. We need to keep things strictly platonic.”
“Umm, you just attacked me,” I said, with a great show of put-outedness.
He threw his arms up in the air and continued pacing. “I can’t help it, Jolie. Goddamit, can’t you see that?”
“I want you too, Rand.” It seemed like a simple math problem—if Jolie wants Rand and Rand wants Jolie, then, logically, that should equal sex. “Why not go with it?”
He looked at me like I’d just sprung another head. “Because we’re living together now, and we’re in a business relationship. Those two things are reason enough for us not to have sex.” To drive the point home, he kicked the stump of the tree as if it had spurred the whole sexual business.
I wasn’t sure if I should feel disappointed or offended or what. I managed not to feel anything at all and, instead, returned his glare, self-consciously smoothing my dress. “Whatever, Rand.”
He looked like he was about to say something, but the words must have escaped him because he just grunted, gave me a look of pure annoyance and trudged off.
#
At the end of the week, I was pleased with my lessons and with myself. I’d learned to harness the power of the fox, to see beyond the periphery of human vision, and Mathilda had taught me to change my likeness, something she insisted I’d use as some point in my witch career. All in all, my lessons were progressing well and my abilities becoming more and more pronounced.
But Rand, well that was another situation entirely. To maintain our employer-employee relationship, he made himself scarce. He seemed preoccupied with travels and finances, but I was sure it was just an excuse to avoid me. I did have my own friends, though. I spent much of my time wih Christa, and I formed a friendship with the unlikely person of Pelham who spent many of his evenings with me.
Pelham had lived quite a life—he’d been born the only son to a wealthy landowner. Living the esteemed life of an affluent young man, he courted many a beautiful girl and never worked a day in his life.
What a useless existence! I thought with a grin.
Pelham sat at my vanity and regarded me with annoyance, his ghostly lips caught in a severe line.
Quite a wonderful existence, actually. A life filled with the pursuit of art and literature. I would hardly call it useless.
I enjoyed the rise I was getting out of him. What have you done for humanity? Nothing. Never worked, you don’t know the meaning of supporting yourself. That’s what I call useless.
He crossed his arms over his chest and glared down his nose at me, looking like an irritated Lord Byron. One thing I’d noticed about Pelham was he didn’t take criticism well.
Rubbish. I don’t care to argue with you. Why are you in such a foul mood?
I sighed and shook my head, throwing myself against the multiple pillows that crowded my bed. Pelham, apparently liking the image of me stretching out on the bed, floated to the frame of the canopy, wrapping his ethereal hand around the post.
Sorry for being so moody. I just have things going on right now and I’m stressed out.
Pelham frowned and took a seat on the bed, appearing to lean against the post. What things?
Rand and I aren’t getting along. I knew I couldn’t say much more than that. Pelham wouldn’t understand and wouldn’t like the fact that I had feelings for another man. Even though I told him time and time again that I couldn’t develop romantic feelings for a ghost, he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Pelham was quiet for a few seconds. Well, he was always quiet—I guess it’s better to say my brain was silent for a few seconds. Rand can be difficult. I’ve known him for many years and though he is like a brother to me, he is definitely the most stubborn person I’ve ever met.
I smiled. Well thanks for listening to me.
No worries. He leaned forward on his elbows and looked like he was about to disappear into the billowy duvet. Instead, he traced my naked legs with his ghostly hand and stopped short where my skirt met my lower thighs.
What are you doing? I asked, sounding amused more than annoyed.
He frowned. Please give me a touch, just one? I haven’t had a woman in so long.
I just laughed. Piss off, Pelham.
He righted himself and did his best impression of thoroughly offended. I laughed again. You know neither of us would feel anything anyway. You’d go right through me.
That’s what she said, I thought to myself and smiled. Of course The Office humor was lost on Pelham.
You always spoil my fun, he said.
I said nothing, but shook my head as I considered how ridiculous it was that I couldn’t get one man to have sex with me if I paid him and yet, another one was just dying to do the deed…no pun intended. I stifled a yawn and glancing at the clock on my mantle, realized it was late.
I think I’m going to go to bed.
Very well. Adieu.
He was still annoyed—it was in the sharp cast of his shoulders and the droop of his mustache. He didn’t give me time to consider it further, but faded into the recesses of my duvet, floating down through the floor to do God only knew what.
But, even as he vanished, I knew I wouldn’t sleep. I wasn’t tired—I’d just said it because I needed some time to myself. Like an animal in a cage that’s much too small, I paced the perimeter of the room. My thoughts were a tempest—all revolving around Rand. They swirled around my head, running headlong into one another until I wanted to scream. Something needed to be done. I couldn’t continue to live with the man, knowing he wanted me and knowing I wanted him. Something had to give.
Thinking my throat felt like the desert, I decided to take a walk downstairs for a glass of water. I threw open my bedroom door and started down the hall when a light emanating from Rand’s bedroom caught my attention. I hadn’t seen him at all in the last week. It was time to reconnect. I lightly knocked on his door, and my breath caught when he opened it.
“Jolie, is everything alright?”
He was dressed in a pair of plaid bo
xer shorts, and I had to pull my attention from his well-defined chest. Some women like a man’s ass best or maybe his back, but I’ve always been a chest girl. Not that I’ve had many to admire… Anyway, Rand’s was certainly one worth admiring. Looking upon his nearly naked form now, I couldn’t help but recall how feral and passionate he’d been in the woods.
This was a bad idea.
I nodded and prayed my voice wouldn’t fail me. “I was on my way downstairs for a glass of water when I noticed your light was on. What are you doing awake?”
He leaned against the doorframe and regarded me coolly. Clearly, his mind was still on what had happened in the woods as well. “Couldn’t sleep. You?”
“I’m just headed to bed now as a matter of fact,” I answered. “After I get my glass of water.”
He rubbed the back of his neck and my attention fell to his shorts, searching for a sign of his interest—hoping his mouth was saying one thing, but his body another. Nothing. I couldn’t help the disappointment that surged within me.
“Good…good…” he said absently.
“Where have you been all week?” I asked quickly.
“I’ve been seeing about some jobs we’ve been requested for.”
“Jobs?” It had been the last thing I’d expected to hear.
“Yes, if you recall, I told you about the relationship between employer and employee…”
I vaguely remembered that conversation. I believe I’d been more interested in my own safety as Bella had marked me as her own, there was the vampire Sinjin to contend with, and then Rand nearly died. Employer relationship discussion?
“Vaguely,” I lied.
“Well, it takes quite a bit of money to upkeep Pelham Manor…”
“Why don’t you just use your magic, so you don’t have to work?” Why work when you can control the cosmos?
Rand laughed at my supposed naiveté. “There are rules within our society that you will learn in time. One of those rules is that we are prohibited from creating our own money…inflation affects witches just as much as humans.”