Returned (37 page)

“This is you and your mother. You were only two, I believe. She used to hold you high in the air and swing you around like that for hours. I’ve been working for quite some time on this picture, the spell was very difficult but I think it has turned out rather beautifully. Not your traditional photo, but it works.” Tabitha moved aside to allow her mother to see.

             
The photo wasn’t traditional. It wasn't a picture on some glossy paper. The image had been burnt on the paper. The details were so intricate that she could see every line. It was as though the picture had been drawn on with fire. Her mother was smiling, a smile that was directed at her as she swung her high in the air. They were both wearing robes, hers the tiny version of her mothers.

“This... this....” She couldn’t finish.

“I know.” Tabitha hugged her, as did her mum from another angle.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Ember placed the presents in the stock room just as the bell above the door sounded.

Eli walked in first and whistled. “Bloody hell, Tabitha, this place looks amazing.”

“Thank you, Eli,” Tabitha smiled.

Eli was followed by Clio who looked pretty wearing a pair of dark jeans and a red jumper. Clay followed. She could see that he was brooding, she knew the look. She held her breath waiting for a comment. His blonde hair was gelled back; she could see the way his jaw was set in hard lines. She hadn't been in touch with him because she had nothing to say him. His eyes found hers and held on to them.

“Merry Christmas,” he said but the smile on his face was strained.

“Merry Christmas.”

He stomped off to the side. The door shut and then jingled as Jack bounded up the stairs with a huge smile on his face. He lifted his hand to sweep his hair to one side. His eyes twinkled and then widened as he surveyed what she was wearing. He frowned and this one action making her nervous. She wanted him to like what she was wearing. His lips curved into a smile. That little flicker of a smile had her stomach doing somersaults.

“Merry Christmas, Cora. You look beautiful.”

He pulled her into a hug. 

“Merry Christmas,” she murmured into his chest. Lifting her head she looked at his face. “I know how difficult today must be for you. I want you to know I'm here if you need to talk.”

His sister had been taken on this day. Eli was doing well to cover his feelings. They didn’t need to though.

He took a deep breath; she felt the rise and fall of his chest. He moved his mouth closer to her ear.

“Thank you.”

She nodded having suddenly lost the use of her tongue.

“Right, it's time for food.” Tabitha clapped her hands together.

Ayden, Eli and Clay stood and followed Tabitha up to her flat.

             
She reluctantly pulled away from Jack and sat down next to her mum. Jack sat down next to her.

“I’ve got you something,” he whispered in her ear. His breath was like hot bath water brushing along her neck, she shivered.

“But I didn’t get you anything,” she whispered back feeling guilty.

He shook his head dismissing her comment and grinned at her. He pulled out a little gift that was wrapped in yellow paper. Of course he knew her favourite colour.  Inside, she found a box; opening it she felt the walls around her heart crumble. She was falling for him fast. Inside the box was a silver necklace. Delicate swirls looped into a tear drop. Inside the tear drop was an emerald green crystal which glittered in the candle light.

“I saw this and it was your coven colour. I thought you would like it...” he said looking embarrassed.

“Jack, it’s beautiful, thank you,” she whispered.

She was truly touched. He picked up the necklace and opened the clasp. Leaning closer to her, he moved her hair aside and placed the necklace around her neck. Her breath stalled in her lungs as his fingers brushed against the back of her neck, his eyes never leaving hers. His hand cupped her cheek and she saw something flash in his eyes. Could he hear her heart pounding in her chest? She was unaware of her surroundings and whether people were looking at them. A bomb could have exploded in the street and she wouldn't have been affected by it.

             
Chocolate swirled as he watched her face. It was now or never. She could do it. She licked her lips and held her breath as he leant forward. Her heart was doing some crazy dance; the blood heating her body making her too hot. She closed the gap between them. She saw the smirk play on his lips, he knew. To have those lips on hers, soft and warm was now a possibility. His breath brushed against her skin.  

“Grub’s up,” Ayden's voice boomed from the staircase.

They jumped apart. She could feel the heat in her cheeks as Jack coughed to cover his embarrassment. Was he embarrassed? Had she read the look in his eyes wrong?

             
Trying to ignore the growing tension between them, she focused on loading her plate with food.
The golden turkey sat pride
of place in the centre of the table; Ayden had taken the liberty of carving it. Everyone tucked into the food and pulled their green crackers.

*

She looked around feeling fit to burst, paper hats sat perched at odd angles on their heads. The atmosphere was happy and relaxed.

             
This was her family and she would do anything to protect them. She nearly jumped as Jack’s fingers brushed her hand sending electricity through her body. She held her breath waiting for her heart rate to settle down. It only spiked more as she looked at him. His eyes, sexy and alluring, made short work of her insides.

“I have one last present,” Ayden announced clearing his throat and bringing her attention to him. “Well, I should say
we
have one last present.”

Ayden looked at her mother and lovingly kissed her hand. Putting his napkin to one side, he stood up. He looked around the table until his eyes rested on hers. Her heart was racing for an entirely different reason.

“Cora, everyone, Laura and I will be having a baby.”

Cora’s mouth dropped open. Tabitha squealed and launched herself at Ayden. Jack had stood and was hugging her mother. She sat in complete shock watching as others rose from their seats to congratulate her mother and Ayden.

“I’m going to be a sister?” Her voice was high pitched and squeaky.

“Yes,” her mother replied, her lovely hazel eyes swimming with tears.

“You're having a baby?”

Everyone was waiting for her reaction.

Ayden laughed, “Yes, we are.”

The shock was wearing off. She choked on a sob and launched herself at her mother. She was going to be a sister.

“How far are you?” She stepped back looking at her mother’s belly like it was suddenly going to grow.

“It’s early days yet. I’m only 5 weeks.”

“Oh. My. God!” Why hadn't they said anything?

Ayden leant over the table and took her hand. She looked at his hand in hers and then found his eyes, the blue swirling as he looked at her.

“Do I have your blessing, High Priestess?”

How could she deny this man anything? He would be the perfect father.

“Of course you do, Ayden.” She swallowed past the lump in her throat and hugged him.

“I’m really happy for you, Mum.” She squeezed her mother’s hand.

“I’m happy too, darling.”

Cora sat and wiped her mother’s tears.

“I would like to propose a toast,” Jack said as they sat around the table. He raised his glass. “Here's to those that couldn't be with us today but who are here in spirit. And to Laura and Ayden who begin their journey today. We wish you health and happiness.”

“Health and happiness,” they chorused as their glassed chinked together.

Chapter 47

NEXT STEP

It was a cold slate grey New Years day and Tabitha had been true to her word, they were training.  According to Tabitha this was the New Year. It still didn't stop Cora from scowling at her, but in the grand scheme of things they were training to save themselves so complaining would get her nowhere. Train or die, those were her choices.

             
She pulled her hat down over her already cold ears and made her way to the training field. She had left her mother in the capable hands of Ayden who was currently holding her hair out of her face as she threw up. Even as they sat on the bathroom floor surrounded by a cloud that smelt of vomit, they still had huge smiles on their faces.

             
As she approached the training area, Tabitha stood conspiring with Ember. Clay and Clio were training in a little circle of their own. She couldn’t see Jack or Eli. She felt the tightness in her chest; it was a tightness she was used to now.  It was the one that never went away until she saw him. As she made her way to Tabitha she could sense Clay watching her. She sighed, loudly. He was making things worse, dragging things out, unable to forget and leave what was never meant to be.

“Ember, it's nice to see you,” she said smiling as she walked over giving her a hug. She hadn't seen Ember since Christmas day. “How are you?”

“I'm well, thank you. How have you been? How is laura?”

“I'm good, although I can’t say that about my mother who is currently throwing up,” she chuckled.

Ember pulled a face. Cora couldn't ever imagine Ember and pregnancy going well together.

“So, who am I training with?” she asked Tabitha.

“Me.”

His voice drifted from above, the sound making her insides melt. She looked up to see him floating slowly down towards her. His lopsided grin was firmly in place. She resisted the urge to run and hug him the minute he landed.

             
He was wearing his usual training jeans that were caked in dirt and ripped around the knees. He wasn't wearing a coat but the blue jumper he wore emphasised the cut of his abs. His eyes latched onto hers. That was all it took for her heart beat to accelerate, take off and smash out of her chest. She felt the explosion of pink flood her cheeks.

“I know its New Years day, so I’ve decided to let you work on what you think are your weaker points. Have fun,” she smiled and then walked away with Ember.

Frowning, Cora studied their body language. They were huddled close together with serious expressions on their faces. What was happening between them? Whatever it was they weren't telling her. She sensed Jack edge closer to her, felt his gaze on her.

“Does Tabitha seem off today?” she asked him trying to ignore the heat between them.

“Not any more than usual, but I suppose you know her better.”

Clay and Clio walked across to them. There was an awkward pause before Clio spoke. “We are heading out in the woods so you can have the circle if you want it.”

“Thanks.” 

Clay glanced at her, giving her one last longing look. She sighed, shaking her head. Turning to Jack, she found he was also stood watching her.

“What happened between you two?” he asked.

She squinted up at him. The sky was overcast, a dull grey soup covered the sun but it was still bright.

“It’s nothing.” She didn't want to talk about it. Not with him.

“Doesn't look like nothing. Are you two.... still....?” His voice trailed off.

“It hasn't been anything since the day you came to my house demanding my blood.”

He was silent for a while. She looked down at the ground as she scuffed pieces of bark and dirt around with her foot.

“I was such a muppet that day,” he chuckled.

“What else is new?” she laughed. “So, what do you want to do today?”

“I wouldn’t mind just levitating, just to make sure I've got it.”

“Sure.” She shrugged.

             
They split within the area giving the other plenty of room just in case unexpected things went flying. Jack began by levitating several large pieces of wood in the air. One plummeted to the floor smashing on impact. She heard him curse and then pick up another to join the five already in the air.

             
She turned away from him and concentrated on her element. It scurried happily around her. She pushed it and watched as it picked up various twigs, branches and stones along the way. The wind and debris swirled around her playfully, she looked across as Jack. She could see the way his back muscles rippled and stretched. His blue jumper stuck to his body as the effort to lift the wood made him sweat.

Something sharp hit her head.

             
She hit the floor and yelped. Her hand moved to her head trying to push away the sharp throb that spiked across it. The ground thudded beneath her as Jack bent down beside her. Her fingers came away sticky and warm. She rubbed the red liquid between her fingers.