Children of Poseidon: Rann (4 page)

“I thought you ought to know.” Maya’s voice dripped with frustration. “Things are pretty bad for the coven at the moment. Kara’s rogue mage has practically everyone spooked. There’ve been a couple of disappearances. And the council are useless. They’re a bunch of indecisive old biddies.”

“Mmm.” Jewel didn’t see what she could do about it, but the urge to see London again washed through her. She could revisit her favourite coffee shops, shop on Oxford Street, and go for drinks with old friends.

“And there’s the stench of bad magic round the Hampstead mansion. Your old home reeks of it. If it were up to me, I’d sort it out, but you know what the coven’s like.” Maya’s voice dropped, and a hint of unfamiliar pleading crept into it. “I don’t like it at all. I’d like you to be there.”

Jewel stared at Maya.
Is she actually asking for help? Things in London must be bad.
She pushed herself to her feet. “Come on.” She tugged on Maya’s arm. “I’ve got to pack.”

Rann watched Maya lead Jewel off down the beach and wondered why she’d come. Jewel’s oldest and closest friend visited every year, but never without warning. It was a long way to travel on the spur of the moment.

He pursed his lips thoughtfully. Maya had matured into a powerful witch with her own sphere of influence, but he sometimes found it difficult to forget the tempestuous, uncontrolled teenager he’d first met. This grown-up version of Maya wouldn’t come visiting without a good reason. He still couldn’t believe Jewel wanted to leave. She belonged in his home, and he would miss her. The unfamiliar feeling of frustration nagged at him. He stared out into the darkness and jumped as Tamsin touched his arm.

“Sorry, Sealord.” She gave him an apologetic smile. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I wanted a word.”

She’d addressed him by his title, which suggested that what she had to say was important. He took her arm and led her to one of the stone seats, hoping she hadn’t had any more visions of death.

“How can I help you?”

Tamsin’s gaze focussed on the distant darkness where sea and sky met. “I’ve had a thought about the seawitch.”

Rann’s attention sharpened. “Yes?”

“She shouldn’t stay here.” Tamsin clutched his arm urgently. “She must leave.”

“Why?” Rann kept his voice low. Tamsin appeared to be seeing something he couldn’t, and he had a great respect for her talents as a seer.

“If she stays, there’ll be trouble.” Tamsin shivered. “Maybe for her, maybe for you, maybe for someone else, but whatever happens, she’ll die. Your island will be damaged.”

Rann leaned back against the warm stone of the bench and considered her words. There was no point in asking Tamsin what kind of trouble; if she knew, she would tell him. Seers saw flashes of what might happen, what the future might hold, but they had problems with placing their visions in the context of reality. Still, she seemed pretty sure that the seawitch shouldn’t stay with him. He thought back to her words on the beach. Death and connections.

“What do you suggest?” He wondered if prompting might stimulate her sight a little.

“Send her to London with Maya.” Tamsin’s eyes refocused. “There might be someone there who can help her. Someone in the covens must know how to fix her.”

“Will she take the trouble with her?” Rann wasn’t sure he wanted to pass bad fortune on to anyone else, and he was fond of Maya.

“There’s trouble already in the North London coven. I’ve seen it coming. My dreams this week have been all over the place.” Her fingers tightened on his arm. “Old crimes are coming back to haunt the witches. I don’t think the seawitch can make it worse.”

“Trouble?” Rann sat up straight. “Does Jewel know?”

“I don’t think so. Maya is probably telling her now.”

“So that isn’t why she wants to leave.” Rann shook his head, puzzled. “Do you know why? I always thought she was happy here.”

“You’ll have to ask her that.” Tamsin relaxed now that she had delivered her news. “I’ll be leaving as well.”

“I never expected you to stay so long,” Rann said. “I’m grateful you did. If there’s ever anything you need, please let me know.”

Tamsin nodded. “Your island is beautiful. I’d like to return some time.”

“You’d be welcome.”

She stood up. “Goodnight, Sealord.”

Rann placed his hand on her arm, stopping her. “Should I take the seawitch to London myself?” He respected Tamsin’s opinion.

She shook her head. “I think it doesn’t matter. As long as she doesn’t stay here.”

“And Jewel? Is it safe for her?”

“Her past is calling her. I think she has no choice.” Rubbing her arms as though chilled, she disappeared into the house, leaving Rann alone.

He sat back down on the bench and stared into the shadows. The warm night was sweet with the scent of the lush vegetation growing in the sheltered space, and he should have been relaxed.

He wasn’t.

Change was coming. Things outside his control threatened his peace of mind. Jewel and Tamsin had been with him for a while now, longer than any of his other guests. They’d outlasted friends and lovers, and even his daughter only occasionally visited the island nowadays. The seawitch worried him as well; his mother rarely showed an interest in anything outside her undersea home. He hoped she wasn’t going to change as well, demand a shopping trip to New York or something. He smiled at the unlikelihood of that happening and wandered back through the house and down to the beach.

Maya and Jewel strolled towards him—tall, voluptuous Maya with her fiery hair muted by the moonlight and small, slender Jewel, her head barely reaching her friend’s shoulder. The two women were deep in conversation. Rann leaned against the trunk of a coconut palm and waited for them.

They were worth watching. Maya’s short gold dress skimmed her curves and revealed her long legs and slender arms. Rann appreciated the view for a second before moving his eyes to Jewel. An ankle-length dress in some dark colour draped her body. Her arms were bare, and her hair swung down round her shoulders, pale against the fabric. She wasn’t as eye-catchingly dramatic as her friend, but Jewel held Rann’s gaze. She moved as gracefully as a cat, the silk of her dress skimming the lines of her body, clinging to her legs as she walked.

He didn’t want her to go.

She looked up as she sensed his regard and stared at him, unsmiling, blue eyes gleaming in the darkness. Rann examined her as though she were a stranger, narrowing his eyes in concentration. Arousal stabbed him, unexpected and surprising. Something in his expression obviously unnerved her, because she dropped her gaze and missed a step.

He’d always regarded her as a child under his protection, vulnerable and needing care, but she’d grown up since he’d last looked. Those eyes didn’t belong to a child.

Chapter 5

Jewel shifted nervously under Rann’s inspection. His eyes held an interest she’d never seen in them before. She ducked her head and walked towards him.

Maya bent and picked up her discarded shoes. “Hi Rann.” She straightened, shoes clutched in one hand. “Sorry to drag Jewel off like that, but—”

Jewel nudged her. “I’m going to pack.” She edged round Rann.

“Pack?” He placed a warm hand on her shoulder, holding her in place.

“I’m leaving with Maya.” She squirmed in his grasp. “Tomorrow morning. I know it’s a bit abrupt, but . . .” She paused. “Maya will explain. Won’t you?”

“What do you want me to say?” Maya gave her an impatient look.

“Everything you told me.” Jewel risked a glance at Rann but couldn’t read his expression. “I’d better make a start.” She shrugged his hand off and hurried to her room where she collapsed onto the bed, letting her head sink into her hands.

She didn’t know what to think about first. The news about her mother fought with her confusion over Rann for space in her mind, but Rann finally won. His face, his voice, and the warmth of his hand dominated her thoughts as she searched out suitable clothes for London.

She might never see him again.
It’s just as well I leave. I don’t have a crush. I have an obsession.

Her wardrobe contained nothing that would suit England in April. Whatever the state of her bank account, she would have to go shopping as soon as she arrived in London. Rann had paid her what he referred to as a small amount when she started running his household, but she hadn’t checked it recently. Lila, Maya’s older sister, had also helped by persuading Jewel’s mother to pay her a monthly allowance. How on earth she had done that, Jewel couldn’t begin to imagine. She rarely had the opportunity to spend money, so her financial position was probably fairly good. She’d check once she arrived in London.

Finally, she picked up a small bag, which could travel as hand luggage, and stuffed a handful of underwear into it, together with a toothbrush and a half-finished novel to read on the flight. A passport went into her money belt, and her preparations were done.

Chewing on her smallest finger, she sat on the edge of her bed, unable to decide if she should return to find Rann and Maya and join them for a drink. She didn’t want to have the conversation she saw Rann was heading towards, but she’d rather talk to him with Maya there.

Maya is right. I am a coward.

She pushed herself off the bed, momentarily decisive, just as someone knocked on the door. Expecting Maya, she opened it.

“Jewel.” Rann loomed in the doorway, too close for comfort. He took a step forward, and she moved back into the room. “Maya said she’d sorted out your flights before she left Dar es Salaam. You’ll have to leave tomorrow morning. Early.” He closed the door behind him.

“Oh.” Jewel stared up at Rann, letting her eyes feast on his perfectly sculpted features.

She wanted to remember this last view of him. The candlelight cast shadows on his face, emphasizing the sharpness of his cheekbones and the darkness of his eyes. Silky hair fell forward, hiding his face as he looked down at her.

What did he say about flights? Already booked? Maya must have been confident I’d agree to come back.

“She told me about the problem with your mother.” He pushed the hair out of his eyes. “Are you sure you want to see her? You don’t have to.”

“I think I do.” Jewel stepped backwards to sit on the bed. “Otherwise it’s going to be at the back of my mind for the rest of my life. A nagging sore. I would have gone back anyway, but this gives me a good reason.” She ran her hand over the smooth white cotton bedspread. The island had no electricity, the moon hadn’t risen above the house yet, and the only light came from the couple of candles she’d lit earlier. The room felt small and intimate. She glanced up at Rann who towered over her. “I have to confront her if I want to keep any sort of self-respect.”

He sat down next to her. “Would you like me to come with you?”

“God, no.” Jewel couldn’t prevent her horrified words. She put her hand over her mouth and closed her eyes.

He said nothing.

“I didn’t mean that how it sounded.” The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Rann’s feelings. “It’s just that you’ve done so much for me. You don’t have to fix everything, you know? I’ve got to do this myself. I’m not a child anymore.”
How many times do I have to say it?

“I know.” Rann didn’t sound offended, and Jewel opened her eyes again. “I watched you walking down the beach and realised you’d turned into a woman without me noticing.” He rested the palm of his hand against her cheek. “I know you’re not a child, but I view you as one of my people. It’s my nature to protect what’s mine. I don’t want you getting into a dangerous situation, with no backup.”

“I’m not yours.” Jewel wanted to punch him. “And I can take care of myself. I lived in London for seventeen years and managed fine.” She resented being referred to in throwaway terms as one of his people. She wanted to be special. “I’m a strange witch you took pity on once. I was a child then. I’m not now.”

“No.” Rann’s voice softened, but the memory of thunder resonated in it. He stood up and, taking Jewel’s hands, pulled her to her feet. Her eyes flew to meet his gaze. The heat in his expression made her whole body flush with warmth, and her bare toes curled into the rug. Dark, slanting eyes focussed on her face, and a little of his power washed over her, mixed with an easy sensuality. That was Rann all over—easy going, hedonistic and languid on the surface, a reservoir of power hidden underneath. The power rarely appeared, but none of his people forgot it existed.

His hands slid up her arms to her shoulders then through her loose hair, wrapping it round his hand, tilting her head until he found just the right angle. Her lips parted, and he bent forward, rubbing his mouth against hers in a brief kiss. He raised his head, and she gaped at him in astonishment. Rann had kissed her. Almost a proper kiss.
Why?
He’d never even appeared to consider it before.

A small smile curved his lips before he kissed her again, this time a little deeper, a little longer. Her hands moved to his waist, clutching at him. Warmth seeped through the fine linen of his shirt, and her hands tightened in the material, before flattening out against him.

The temptation to urge him on rose in her. A small moan came from her throat and echoed in her own ears, horrifying her. Gathering all her resources, she lifted her hands to his chest. They wanted to explore, but she forced them to push him away. He stepped back, releasing her hair, his other hand still warm on her back.

She wanted him close again. Her hands dropped to her sides, where they clenched into fists.

“No?” He made it sound like yes.

“No.” Her voice shook.

“It’s true.” Rann took her hand and played with her fingers, uncurling them from her palm. “You aren’t a child any longer. You’re a grown witch and a beautiful woman. I’ve taken you for granted.”

Jewel inhaled sharply. She needed to tell Rann how she felt. He’d been so good to her; he deserved to know she wasn’t ungrateful. “You know I’ve had a crush on you for years?” She glanced at him, eyes lingering on his perfectly sculpted mouth.

He studied her hand, watching her fingers as he spread them and linked them with his, but at this, he glanced up. “Really?”

Despite his beauty and power and the ease with which he attracted lovers, Rann had never been vain. He was likely the only person on the island unaware of Jewel’s feelings.

A smile spread across his face. “Why did you push me away?”

Jewel sighed. She didn’t want to have to say any of this. It sounded so silly to her. “I’m insecure.”

“So?” His face wrinkled in confusion.

“You know what happened with Micael.” She studied their linked hands. His closeness made it hard to focus. “I thought he loved me, but I was wrong. He used me. I wanted to love him. I always had a lovesick youth hanging about in those days. It made me feel better about myself.”

“You were seventeen.” Rann sounded puzzled. “Everyone’s entitled to a few mistakes. It’s part of growing up.”

“Yes, but no one has ever loved me.” Jewel hoped she didn’t sound as pathetic to him as she did to herself. “My mother hated me. I don’t know who my father was. When Micael pretended to care about me, I was happy. I didn’t think about why a mage would be interested in an immature witch. When he betrayed me, I was devastated. You saw what I was like.”

“I’m not sure—”

“It got me banished. My mother offered to execute me.” Jewel’s face grew hot as she remembered. She spoke as quickly as possible, spitting the words out. “So I’ve been careful with men ever since. I know I’m possessive. I wouldn’t share. And you do. I don’t want to lose you as a friend. You’ve been a better friend to me than anyone except maybe Maya. I just don’t trust myself.” She was babbling. She hoped Rann was able to follow what she meant.

Rann sat on the bed and pulled Jewel down next to him. “I love you. I’d never hurt you.”

“I know.” Jewel let out a heavy sigh.
He doesn’t get it.
“But you love me like you love all your people, and I know that won’t be enough for me. That’s why I have to go.”

Rann shook his head. He still didn’t understand.

“You’ve had many lovers while I’ve been here. You’ll probably have a lot more. I’m not that sort of person. I’d want exclusive.”

“Jewel—”

“Let’s not talk about it now.” She pulled her hands from his grip. “Tomorrow I’m going, so there’s not much point.”

Rann studied her in silence for a long minute. Jewel stared back, letting her gaze skim over his firm lips, high cheekbones, and the fine lines of his face. Time stretched and she looked away, uncomfortable with the intimacy.

“You will come back?”

It sounded like a question, but Jewel knew it was a statement. Rann would probably come and get her if he had to. She shrugged.

“This is your home. I want you to treat it that way. Come back.” His voice leaked persuasion.

“Eventually.” Jewel hoped she would, but she knew it would not be for a while. Not until she believed in herself, trusted her feelings. Not until she’d grown stronger and confident that she could stand on her own two feet. It wasn’t all about her crush on Rann. She had to deal with the toxic memories of her life in London.

Rann rose to his feet. “Lini will take you to Dar es Salaam tomorrow. But you
will
come back. We
will
talk.” He bent down and pressed a hard kiss on Jewel’s mouth before walking to the door. “The seawitch will be travelling to London with you tomorrow.”

“What? Why?” Jewel followed him to the door.

“Tamsin’s suggestion.” Rann disappeared, closing the door behind him.

Jewel sagged back against the solid wood and pressed her fingers to her mouth.

Tomorrow she would leave. She wouldn’t see him again. At least not for a very long time. She’d left the island before, of course, travelling to Zanzibar and once to Dar es Salaam, but not often, and never for long.

Rann’s right. My home’s here.

She slowly pulled the long silk dress over her head and dropped it on the floor. Lying down on top of the bed, she stared up at the ceiling. A spider shifted in the shadows at the corner of the room, and she watched it absently as it darted out into the candlelight, paused, and shot back again. Her lips tingled. She sighed and climbed out of bed, picking the dress up and depositing it in her laundry basket.

Rann thought hard as he walked away from Jewel’s room. He had been vaguely aware that she’d had a crush on him as a teenager, but it hadn’t crossed his mind for years. Jewel had been starved of affection throughout her childhood; Maya’s sister, Lila, had told him about Kara. Jewel’s mother was a strange woman, cold and especially harsh towards her daughter. Lila said that Jewel had always looked for some kind of reassurance from the boyfriends she’d had as a teenager. He supposed it was fairly normal that she should see him as a focus for her affection; after all, he’d taken her away from London and her mother and provided her with a refuge. He was a safe subject for a teenager to fantasize over. Jewel wasn’t the first.

Kissing her aroused him more than he’d expected, and he wished she hadn’t stopped him. In the moment she kissed him back, he sensed that she had the potential to be a passionate and intensely sensual woman. It had been a while since he’d taken a lover. In fact, now that he thought about it, Selena had returned to the Pacific over a year ago. He had been fond of her while she had stayed with him, and he remembered her with pleasure, but he rarely thought about her now, and he was fairly sure she rarely thought about him. He’d always spread his favours widely (as his half-brother, Lykos, liked to point out); he loved women, and he liked to bask in his own sensuality.

His mind wandered back to Jewel.
I wonder what it’s like to focus on one woman in the long term.

Lini took the keys to Rann’s motorboat from him and nodded. “I’ll return your boat tomorrow, Sealord.”

Rann glanced at her and then at Maya, the seawitch, and Jewel. Tamsin waited, a little apart. She’d told him that morning that she would travel to Dar es Salaam with the others and decide there where she would go next.

Should I go with them as far as Dar es Salaam?

Tamsin glanced at him, a small frown creasing her brow. He shook his head, irritated with himself. They were perfectly capable of travelling to London without him. Maya was one of the most powerful young witches in England, and Jewel, whatever insecurities she might nurture, had plenty of common sense. He dismissed the idea.

“Safe journey,” he told them. “Maya, you must come back soon for a proper visit.” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her. She was almost as tall as he was, and glancing down, he saw she wore high heels again. Orange high heels. He stopped himself from commenting on how inappropriate they were but shook his head at her.