Saved by the Spell (Anna Wolfe Series, Book #2) (15 page)

“Martello.” I scold him in a small voice.

He slides his arm through mine, escorting me down the hallway. “Quit bein’ such a prude woman! Abstaining from sex for that long ain’t natural, not to mention extremely unhealthy! All you proved was how miserable havin’ a shortage in the lovin' department can makes a person.”

I cringe, knowing full well how unusual it is, but what can I say? I don’t spread my legs
to just anyone, although lately my body hasn’t been on the same wavelength.

“An’ gets rid of that hideous excuse for clothin’! Your ass looks like a hooker.”

I drop my eyes to Micah’s dress. “A hooker is generous,” I laugh. “Maybe I should change real quick?”

“Girl, we gots to go. We’s already late an’ you can’t go back in that room again… we might not see you for a few days,” he replies, in a low baritone voice.

I elbow him in the ribs, chuckling at our morning banter. We reach the staircase, descending the steps in silence. My nerves are starting to set in, knocking my previous night of blissful ecstasy clear out of my head. We push through the doors of the library, and I listen as Roman speaks to a small crowd consisting of Landon, Kristy and Janie.

Roman glances up, setting his fiery gaze on me. “Nice of you to join us,” he states dryly.

His sharp attitude is a stark contrast from last night. Irritation courses through me at the thought of his fleeting tenderness. I walk to the oversized armchair, lowering myself slowly as if I were about to sit on a bed of nails. I fiddle with my fingers like an outcast, unsure of what to do. I can feel Roman’s gaze burning a hole through me. I flip my eyes up, locking onto his stare before quickly turning away. Now, the eyes of the entire room are fixated on me. Thanks for calling me out, Roman! Kristy looks at me, rolling her eyes at his antics. I smirk in response.

“I propose we train today
, and tomorrow we begin our search for The Scholars.”

I glance up at him. “Train?”

“Yes, train Anna. Since Kristy, Janie and Martello lack supernatural capabilities, they should at least be familiar with some form of self-defense. Plus, you need to keep sharpening your powers,” he answers.

I shrug. It’s a good idea, considering neither of them have magical powers, let alone self-defense skills. Martello shoots his arm in the air, wiggling it like an impatient high school student.

“’Scuse me,” Martello interrupts. “You wants me to train in self-defense?” he questions, with an arched eyebrow.

I shake my head, knowing all too well what's coming next.

A sneer glides across Roman’s face. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

Martello throws his hand on his hip. “When we’s packed, you made no mention of workin’ out. All I broughts is my fine outfits an’ I ain’t ruinin’ my Stewies to roll around in mud.”

The whole room breaks out in peals of laughter.

“Unbelievable,” Landon murmurs.

“What the hell are Stewies?” Valen asks, triggering everyone to turn their heads toward him in unison.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who didn’t notice him slipping into the room. He saunters further inside, sporting a tight, black tee and dark jeans. It’s amazing how he can make a plain outfit look
model worthy. His icy, cerulean eyes sparkle in the morning sun, rewarding him with a smile from my face. He turns to me, winking. Roman narrows his eyes at him and Valen grins in response. How long is their macho shit going to continue for? These two are starting to frustrate me.

Martello rolls his eyes at
Valen’s unfamiliarity regarding the fashion industry. “Stuart Weitzman. You knows, a fashion designer,” he answers, visibly irritated.

“I have plenty of workout attire you can borrow,” Roman counters.

Martello rolls his eyes, flicking the end of his silk scarf over his shoulder. “I would not has signed up for this shit, had I’d known. I needs a drink,” he answers before sauntering out of the room.

“I think training us is a great idea,” Janie says firmly. “We should all be well versed in the Netherworld creatures and what they do, how they think, and their attack modes.”

Her solo pep rally is a tad shocking, to say the least. Normally, she would avoid confrontation. It seems like we’re all changing a little bit each day. “It couldn’t hurt,” I add. She's right and after all, this is my mess. I glance at Kristy who’s sitting on the couch slumped over, clearly not enthusiastic about training day.

Roman inches closer to the group. “Okay, it’s settled then. Valen, take the three humans and teach them the defense moves like you did for Anna. Anna,” he turns to me, “you and I will work on your powers.”

I smile courteously. A tight knot binds inside my stomach at the thought of spending so much time alone with him. Why am I overthinking this? It’s Roman, for heaven’s sake. I toss the strange thoughts from my mind, determined to act normal because our relationship is normal… we’re friends. Janie and Kristy exit the room to change, both throwing me sideways glances over their shoulder.

“And what would you like me to do, Roman? Stand on the sidelines and cheer?” Landon asks mockingly.

Roman’s jaw clenches and his eyes pinch in frustration. Those two must really not like each another, and finding out why is on the top of my list, right next to Brielle.

“See if you're able to speak with
Luna. I want to ask her a few questions regarding the Dimension The Scholars might be hiding on. If anyone knows who’s roaming through the Dimensions, it's her.”

Dimensions still don’t make any sense to me. I understand we need to keep jumping through them to remain hidden, but a concrete diagram or a blueprint would help appease my obsession for symmetry. Where are they?
How are they structured? Do they sit atop one another in layers? Or side by side? It’s these insignificant nuances that drive me crazy. It’s going to be a long couple of days. Landon nods his head, before excusing himself. Roman's gaze falls on me, sending waves of chills up and down my body.

“
Go change. Meet me in the backyard in twenty,” he states coolly before exiting the room.

Valen strolls over to me, delicately lifting me into his arms.
“He will get over it,” he nuzzles in my ear, nibbling the end of it. My eyes roll backwards. He knows just how to get me going.

I sigh.
“I hope so. I feel bad about all of this and I don't know why,” I answer. My ridiculous mishmash of emotions is turning into a full time job. On top of it, I can't seem to figure out the strange bond Roman and I share. Valen releases me, cupping my head in his hands. His blue eyes sparkle brightly like moonlight on water.

“
Anna, you and Roman have a magical witch bond. I knew that since the day we confirmed your powers. You’re both extremely powerful witches, so it comes with the territory.”

His words do little to reassure me. I want someone to tell me it's normal and will fade over time. If anything, it feels like it’s growing. I nod my head, vowing to dig deeper into the menacing world of witch bonds. He leans forward, gently pressing his full lips to mine.
“Now, go get ready,” he says, winking.

I hate it when men wink. It means they're up to no good.

Chapter 11

I blink the afternoon sunlight out of my eyes repeatedly. It gives me the impression that the sun is a lot brighter in Europe. Either that or the lack of illumination in the mansion is ruining my vision. We've been practicing for hours now, and my body and magic are beginning to protest. I'm much faster than before, which makes me more confident if the chance of facing Micah resurfaces.

Sounds of feet scuffling and moans fill the air. I glance to my right, watching Valen teach the group his self-defense moves. Janie and
Kristy are determined, even enjoying it, while Martello saunters back and forth, pretending to replicate his kicks and jabs. I catch him glancing at his manicure a few times to make sure it isn't ruined. I shake my head at his diva-ness.

“
Anna, pay attention,” Roman growls.

I turn quickly, barely dodging one of his potent red orbs. I rub the side of my leg, attempting to wipe off the freshly singed skin. He's been a raging lunatic all day, throwing orbs non-stop, especially when I’m not paying attention. I hate his passive/aggressive tactics.

“Jesus, Roman! What the hell!?”

A smirk slithers across his face.
“Do you think Netherworlders will be patient?” he demands, walking closer to me. “Will they wait until you’re ready? Will they ask your permission before they kill you?”

His tone is icy and distant. I narrow my eyes at him.
“Roman, I don't know what's gotten into you, but...”

His smug laugh interrupts me.
“No Anna, you don't... but I know what's been inside of you.”

His accentuation of the word
inside
makes me cringe. Anger pools in my stomach. Sonofabitch! I close the space between us, pressing my finger into his unyielding chest, waiting for it to snap like a twig. “Don't you dare go there,” I shout. “It's none of your business who I love and who I fuck... got it?” He stares at me in disbelief. He’s never heard me speak so brazenly, and to be honest, neither have I. It even took me by surprise.

He narrows his eyes, aiming them right at me.
“Do you love him?”

My finger drops from its post.
“I... it's none of your business!” I stammer, turning my back on him and storming off.

“
Anna,” he pleads halfheartedly.

I stomp my feet on the ground, listening as the soggy earth bubbles and crumbles below my heavy footfalls. The inquisitive stares from everybody are burning a hole right through me, but I continue walking towards the home. I don't want to make eye contact. I reach the house and push open the massive doors that seem to have grown heavier overnight.

I race upstairs, slam my bedroom door and hop in the shower. I twist the nozzle to the hottest setting and watch as the steam rises and whirls around me. I dip under the cascading water, allowing it to envelop my body with its warmth. My sore muscles relax under its caress. I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with the moist air. Roman knows just how to get under my skin with his arrogance and abrasive comments. I sigh in irritation, wishing I knew exactly how deep our magical bond is and if there is a way to sever it right at its coronary artery.

“
Anna, is everything okay?”

I jump, startled to
hear Valen’s voice. I inhale deeply, attempting to calm my overactive heartbeat. “I'm fine. Roman just pissed me off. Again.”

The sound of his jeans unzipping catches my ear. The shower curtain is pus
hed aside as Valen climbs under the hot water with me. He wraps me in his arms, stroking my soaked hair.

“
Don't let him get to you. It’s the only way he knows how to handle hurt.”

“
It still doesn't make it okay.” I release my annoyance in a puff of air. “A discussion is long overdue. I have to make sure we're both on the same page,” I respond bravely. Sharing feelings with Roman sounds like the best approach in theory. Truthfully, it’s a subject I wish to avoid altogether, but I refuse to live with verbal abuse and childish nitpicking for one more day. Valen lifts my chin, pressing my lips against his. All feelings of Roman and his bantering dissolve. We selfishly fight for one another as our hands slide up and down our slippery bodies. He presses me against the wall, placing his leg between both of mine, opening me up.

“
Look at me, Anna,” he demands. “I want you to look at me while I’m inside of you.”

I oblige, staring into his blazing
yellow eyes. He leans into me, kissing me roughly. A moan escapes my tight lips, excited at the thought of him. His fingers find their way between my legs and begin stroking my sensitive area with promise. My knees wobble in delight when he hoists my legs around his waist, pushing himself inside me. His eyes burn a brighter red before settling back to their dazzling yellow. He grabs the back of my head, pulling my hair aggressively. My neck snaps back in response. I scrape my fingernails down his back, a testament of my raw pleasure.

“
You are mine,” he growls, thrusting harder than before.

“
Always,” I respond breathlessly.

***

After we dry off, Valen leaves to have a talk with Roman. I hope they don't get into another one of their never-ending pissing matches. I grab my gym bag from the oversized velvet chair, throwing it onto the bed. Amidst all the chaos, I haven't had the chance to do anything normal, like unpack. I unzip the bag, turning it over swiftly. A clump of clothes tumble onto the comforter in a jumbled mess. I rummage through my inventory, hoping Janie or Kristy packed a few jeans and t-shirts. After wading through piles of underwear, bras and socks, I finally reach the actual clothing.

I pull out my favorite pair of pants and
a red t-shirt. I wiggle into the tight, black jeans, and throw the shirt over my head. After sliding my feet into my black flip-flops, I feel like myself again. I pad into the bathroom, wrapping my hair in a messy bun. After a few dabs of concealer and a sprinkle of eyeshadow, I head down the quiet hall in search of Janie and Kristy. I peek inside their rooms, only to find them both vacant. They can’t still be training, or can they? I glance out one of the windows, spotting two pint-sized female figures sparring with one another. Jesus, it’s like they transformed into American Gladiators! I sigh, walking further down the hall towards the staircase. Damn it!
I could really use some female advice right about now.

I march down the steps, deciding to uncover all the information about the bond Roman and I share. Searching through the library seems like the most logical starting point. I push open the hefty doors, flicking the light switch on. The
thick smell of musty books infiltrates my nose the further I venture into the room. I slide my index finger down the fat spines, searching for anything witchy-like, whatever that is. I pass over a few interesting titles—
Latin Spells, Enchantments
and
Vampire Extinction
.  I’ll have to read them later, especially the one on eradicating vamps. I’m halfway through the bookshelf when my finger stops dead on a black spine with elegant gold script that reads
Bonds of the Supernatural
.

I pluck the heavy book from the shelf,
listening to the ancient leather binding crack beneath my palm as I spread it open. I walk to the couch, lowering myself in its cozy corner. I skim the pages of supernatural beings, noticing that every single one of them is bonded to something or someone. Vampires are bonded to their makers and can only be unbound if they die or are released. Werewolves are bonded to the full moon, which explains their shifting. However, since Valen can shift at his own free will, does that mean he isn’t bonded? It’s a question I'll have to ask him later. I flip through the thick sheets rapidly, praying I find an answer to my dilemma somewhere inside the worn pages. The title, “The Magical Bonds Between Witches
,
” stops me instantly. I skim to the section about witches, and devour the information.

…any supernatural entity with magic in their blood
will share a sanctified bond… Witches have the most potent magical essence in the supernatural realm. Because they are made from magic and encompass it, they will be drawn to the magic in another, male or female. This bond eventually disappears, even if they remain in close proximity with one another, no matter the amount of time spent…

Anxiety releases its hold on me a tiny bit even though I know there’s more between Roman and me. Our bond hasn’t fizzled yet and we’ve been around one another long enough. I flip to the next page, skimming through the words, and stopping at
“Warlocks and Grand Witch Bonds.”

…a
Warlock’s magic is all-powerful. Naturally, they will be drawn to magic as strong, if not stronger, than their own. Many Witch & Warlock bonds ultimately fade over time, except one—the Bond of Grandeur
.
This bond forms between an extremely powerful Warlock and a Grand Witch, growing stronger over time. This bond is rare and extremely sacred. Only two have been recorded in supernatural history…

My eyes jump down the page, focusing on one tiny sentence that will ultimately change my life.

…Severing the bond only happens in death…

My heart thuds heavily. My breath becomes shallow, forcing my lungs to grasp onto every last molecule of oxygen.
Death?
That’s the only way to stop our bond from growing? It’s a bit dramatic, if you ask me. There has to be another option, maybe a way around this. I refuse to allow Fate to control every aspect of my life. My ordained Grand Witchiness is one thing, but who I love is off limits.

I slam the book closed and dart to the bookshelf, sliding it back where it belongs. I pace quickly, rubbing my forehead with worry. No amount of praying
will make the words disappear
.
This isn’t
the
bond. It can’t be!
Valen and Roman must be aware of this, considering it seems so elementary in the world of supernaturals. Fanfriggintastic! There has to be another way around it. The echo of footsteps shatters my chaos of thoughts. I stuff my hands in my pockets just as Roman strides into the library.

“Oh, I didn’t know you were in here.”
He casually shuts the door behind him.

“I… I was just checking out the collection.” I gesture nervously behind me.
Pull yourself together, Anna
.

“Find anything interesting?” h
e smirks.

If you only knew.
“Nah, nothing stands out.”

Roman arches his eyebrow, clearly not buying my answer. “Really?”

I shake my head no, hoping he leaves it alone. Instead, he walks closer to me. The still air unexpectedly charges between us, tingling my skin. I take two steps backwards, slamming my butt into the bookcase. “Ouch, shit!” Before I can move, Roman is in front of me, blocking my escape.

“So clumsy,” he winks.

Winking. I hate it when men wink. I puff out a nervous sigh. He reaches around me, gently brushing my hip as he yanks a book from the shelf.

“So I see you’ve been reading up on bonds?” he inquires, holding the book I instantly decide that I hate right in front of me.

“How did you know?”

Roman inches closer, locking into my eyes. “You leave a trail
of magic on whatever you touch.”

“A trail? Can you see it?”

“No, but I can feel it. I can feel you,” he purrs, lowering his head.

I swallow hard, praying silently he doesn’t do something we'll both regret. “Roman, I read about the bonds between witches and warlocks, or more specifically, us.”

“So I’ve noticed,” he answers, edging even closer.

His warm breath tickles my lips, making it hard to resist closing my eyes. I place my hand firmly on his chest, forcing him back. “Roman, this can’t happen,” I persist. “This isn’t
the
bond in the book. Of course there’s something between us, but it’s our magic’s attraction,” I argue. “It makes sense that our magnetism continues to grow, seeing that we’re constantly around one other. I mean seriously! This is Primal Attraction 101,” I finish, chuckling apprehensively.
Who are you really trying to convince, Anna?

A flash of hurt passes through his eyes. “This isn’t some teenage lust, An
na. You read what the book said.”

He steps back, allowing me to catch my breath. “Roman, this isn’t
it
,” I say as confidently as I can, before pushing past him. He swings his arm around my waist, pulling me into him, my breath catching in my throat.

“Tell me then,
” he murmurs. “Why is it we both desire each other so strongly?”

He lightly graces my earlobe with his bottom lip, an
d chills explode down my spine. My knees buckle under the weight of my yearning and attraction. “Roman, this isn’t going to happen… not now, not ever,” I reply weakly, pushing him away at the same time. I wiggle out of his embrace.

“Luckily for you, I've had centuries to practice the art of patience,” he grins.