Witches (Runes series Book 6) (27 page)

I’m sorry I have been gone so long.

There was utter silence. Even the birds stopped chirping. Yet I felt the forest come alive. I didn’t need to see them to know that roots sank back into the earth and trees lifted. Branches reattached themselves to the bigger stems, and water flowed upwards again to the leaves and flowers.

The birds and the insects went back to their singing. Leaves swayed in the breeze and hugged the sun rays. I felt weak and drained, yet my magic still burned hot. I still didn’t understand my powers.

I opened my eyes, stood, and looked around.

Beautiful.

Every tree, bush, and vine was thriving again. They whispered their appreciation. I laughed, moving from tree to tree. Branches swayed as though to show off leaves that no longer looked starved for food and water. Flowers showered me with their scent, their colors so vibrant it hurt to look at them.

I felt rather than saw Torin arrive. My connection to him was equally magical. I had stopped trying to understand it.

Images of him walking toward me while I danced with the trees flashed in my head. Same indulgent smile. Same intense look in his eyes. Like he couldn’t take another breath unless I was in his arms. I wanted him to look at me like that every day.

I floated to him and he lifted me up, arms tight around my waist, sapphire blues reflecting the skies.

“You just couldn’t resist coming here, could you?” he scolded.

“It was hurting, Torin. I created a portal to this place and all I felt was decay and pain. Now look at it. I fixed it. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” he said, frowning.

“Stop frowning and dance with me,” I whispered.

He chuckled. “There’s no music.”

“There is. You’re just not listening.”

He angled his head and pretended to listen. “Now that you mention it, I think I hear it.” He turned around, laughing. He was so graceful. I closed my eyes and welcomed the energy pulsing through me. When I opened my eyes, Torin had stopped moving. Funny, I hadn’t realized it.

His eyes were brilliant in their intensity. “I’m crazy about you, Freckles.”

I grinned. “I know.”

“Even when you disobey my orders, get drunk on magical energy, and dance in the woods like a wood nymph, you complete me.”

Tears rushed to my eyes.

 
“No, no, don’t cry.” He lowered me to the ground, hands tightening around my waist. “Don’t spoil this perfect moment.”

“Nothing could ever spoil this moment.” I put my arms around his neck and kissed him. For a brief moment, everything else disappeared except us. The moment. The kiss. With both of our runes blazing, my magic flowing through my veins, every nip, lick, and touch became enhanced until I couldn’t tell where he began and I ended. And I could swear that the forest became a part of us.

When he lifted his head, I rested my cheek on his chest and we continued to sway while he stroked my hair. I liked to believe that he could hear the music in the forest, but I knew he was only indulging me.

“I keep having visions of us,” I said.

He chuckled. “You’re not supposed to see your own future.”

I hated leaving his arms, but this was important. I had to see his reaction. “I know, yet I keep seeing us. When I saw you walk towards me, I saw visions of us in these woods. I was dancing and you were watching me. Then you lifted me into your arms, but it was different from today. It was dark and we were alone. Then there was the shower yesterday.” My cheeks warmed, remembering the moment. His eyes darkened. “What is it?”

“I think another witch is projecting images into your head again.”

I nodded. Before the battle against the Immortals, a witch had created illusions and totally screwed with my head.

“I haven’t sensed any Witches at school or in town since last weekend.” I frowned, trying to remember some of the things the Norns had said that night. The euphoria from winning had made me forget their annoying presence, except for their smug smiles. Someone was playing mind games with me. Eirik might help me figure things out. He was chummy with Witches and had issued the Call that had brought them to help us. If a witch were in town, he’d know about it.

“Let’s ditch them,” Torin whispered.

I blinked, focusing on him. “Who?”

He chuckled and turned my head, so I could see Cora and Echo. They were by the trees to our right. I’d completely forgotten about them. But then again, whenever I was in Torin’s arms, nothing and no one else mattered.

“Say yes,” he whispered, his breath warm and stimulating on my ear. “I can open an air portal right now that leads straight to my place. We could spend the afternoon just the two of us. I have these things I’ve been dying to try.” He bit my earlobe, sending sensations through me. “You’ll love them.”

More fantasies. I would love nothing more than to make-out with him the entire afternoon, but I knew he was under the influence of my magic. He probably forgot his soccer team was playing this afternoon. “Okay, but what about the game?”

Torin looked at his watch and swore softly under his breath. “Hel’s Mist. I’d completely forgotten about it. I’m meeting the students in less than two hours. Are they coming too?”

“No, Cora is volunteering at a nursing home this afternoon, but I’m bringing Ingrid. I may have to drag her out of bed. When I checked on her earlier, she was still asleep.”

“They didn’t come home until this morning. I had to drag Andris out of bed too. It’s like every pissed off Immortal’s soul had minions of dark souls. This time, they’re using dogs.”

“Bastards.”

“Nice souls use electronics to communicate, but evil ones don’t care what bodies they use. When they get tired of animals, they might target humans.”

My eyes flew to Cora and Echo. Souls were attracted to Cora like moths to a flame because of the runes Maliina, Ingrid’s evil sister and Andris’ ex, had etched on her. It didn’t matter whether the souls were good or evil. I’d seen her become unconscious for hours after a soul entered her body. The effect of being possessed by an evil one could be permanent. “We have to protect Cora, Torin.”

“Echo said he’d deal with any soul that dares to come near her.”

“That’s ridiculous. He can’t be around her twenty-four-seven. I’m telling Cora everything. Then we’ll sit down and come up with a way to keep her safe.”

“Okay, Freckles. We’ll do this your way, but be warned. Echo won’t like it.”

“I don’t care. This is about her, not him. Cora would not be going through this if it weren’t for me,” I reminded him.

“No, luv. Maliina targeted her because she thought Andris liked you. Her insane jealousy did this, not you.”

I sighed. That was true too, but still…

Torin chuckled and pressed his forehead against mine. “Will you take a rain check for this afternoon? I’ll make it up to you on Friday after my birthday surprise.”

His birthday. Crap! I’d completely forgotten about it. I needed to buy him something special. “What surprise?”

He pinched my nose. “If I tell you, it won’t be a surprise, will it? Come on.”

We walked toward Cora and Echo. I blew out air; my head was ready to explode. So much was happening when all I wanted was a moment to breathe and be a normal teenager in love with an awesome guy. I should be planning his birthday party, shopping for his birthday present, not worrying about Witches projecting images into my head, dark souls possessing my best friend, and Norns.

Cora might have some birthday ideas. She’d dated before and knew what guys liked while Torin was my first real boyfriend. Eirik didn’t count because our attempt to date had been doomed before it had even started. Having grown up together, we were like brother and sister.

Dang it, I had to tell Torin about Eirik and the dagger. Another thing we had to deal with. Maybe this evening after the game. If I told him now, he’d want to track Eirik down himself. Unfortunately, Eirik was an expert at disappearing until he was good and ready to be found. For once I wish he would make one of his dramatic entrances.

Just before Torin created a portal, I felt the Norns’ presence and looked around. Were they happy now? I’d done exactly what I swore I wouldn’t do—follow their order.

My life should be simple. Filled with love and new discoveries, not worrying about Norns and their shenanigans, and evil souls coming after my best friend. I deserved to have Torin to myself just once without dealing with them. I deserved to be happy, even if it was just for one day.

“You two need the forest to yourselves?” I teased Echo and Cora, trying to act like I didn’t care that the Norns were around.

Cora pulled from Echo, her face turning red. Echo wore a smug smile. I walked past them and through the portal Torin had created. Torin followed then Cora and Echo.

“Let’s hang out, guys,” I added. Cora had to know about the dark souls.

“What she means is we need to talk, so grab a seat while
I
make lunch. You forgot to say please, Freckles.”

Hearing the teasing in his voice only hiked my frustration. I closed the gap between us, savoring the moment, the love in his eyes.

“Like this?” I asked, then reached up and claimed him with a kiss that dared anyone to deny me the moment, until I was drunk with the taste of him. When I stepped back, he stared at me with amazement and staggered.

“Hel’s Mist, Freckles,” he muttered then turned and stumbled toward the kitchen.

I grinned, saw the shocked look on Cora’s face, and shrugged. “I needed that.”

“What was that all about?”

“Using my powers unleashes this thing inside of me, and I just want to—” Why was I lying to her? This had nothing to do with my magic. This was me, claiming my man. There shouldn’t be an explanation. It was one of those things that happened because it was right. My face warmed, I shrugged. “Kissing him makes my world right again. Come on, let’s go eat.”

Femi grinned when she heard me. I’d been so lost in my funk that I hadn’t noticed her. She winked at me and made a beeline for Cora and Echo. While she talked to them, I followed Torin to the kitchen.

“Need help preparing lunch?”

“No, sit.” Torin pointed at the stool. “You distract me.”

“And that’s bad how?”

“Because I have a game and my head needs to be with my team, not my girlfriend. Quit pouting.”

“I don’t pout.” But I was, and hated myself for it. Self-pity was such a wasted emotion.

Sighing, I sat and watched him get bread and cold cuts from the fridge. I loved that he was so comfortable in my house and knew where everything was. Eirik used to be just like him. He came and went as he pleased. Cleared my fridge without worrying that my parents would be pissed. I wanted that Eirik back, not the one that appeared in the middle of the night with a dire warning.

I reached for one of the pies Cora had brought and grabbed a knife to cut a slice, but Torin snatched the pie out of the way. “No pie
before
my sandwiches.”

I glared at him. He touched the top of my nose and left a dollop of mayo. I swatted at his hand and tried to lick it, but failed. He just laughed.

“Stinker. I’ll get you for that.” I went to get a paper towel. When I turned around, Echo and Cora were in the kitchen, and something was up. What had I missed? Cora’s eyes volleyed between the two men. She looked ready to read them the riot act. Echo’s arms were folded, his expression unyielding.

Torin shot him an exasperated look, then focused on Cora. “The Earl lost about six Immortals, and their souls disappeared before the fight ended. They might be gunning for us.”

With a whole army of dark souls. Why was he making it sound like it was no big deal? “
We
just want to make sure we’re on the same page on what to do if they bother
you
,” I chimed in, my eyes meeting Cora’s.

She frowned, but she didn’t seem scared or worried. She just nodded and turned to whisper something to Echo. Cora never ceased to amaze me. Ever since Maliina etched dark runes on her, she was like a different person. Confident. Serious. Nothing seemed to bother her. But then again, it takes a lot of guts to willingly allow souls to possess you just so you can listen to their last wishes. I was kind of proud of her. Instead of whining about what Maliina had done to her, Cora had embraced her runes and found a new purpose—helping souls find closure.

Torin and I exchanged glances.

“Did you already talk to her about the
Draugar
attacks?” he asked.

“No, but he,”—I indicated Echo with a nod—“might have.”

We all sat down at the table, and I tried to appear happy during lunch. I even fooled Cora because she didn’t once look at me questioningly. Torin wasn’t fooled though. He pulled me down onto his lap, and stroked the palm of my hands until I relaxed against him.

“I think you should go on helping souls freeze until we round up all the souls of the Earl’s Immortals,” Torin suggested. Echo seemed to like the idea, but not Cora.

“What if I knew the people before they died?” she asked. “I’ve helped quite a few from the local hospitals and nursing homes, and I’m not going to stop just because of a few angry souls.”

The guys protested, but I knew Cora. You didn’t tell her what to do once she made up her mind about something. She and I were alike in that aspect.

“Don’t gang up on her,” I jumped in, which earned me a censuring look from Torin. It didn’t bother me. There was nowhere written I had to take his side on every issue. “I agree with her. She can’t stop helping others out of fear.” Both men groaned. “We have to come up with another way to protect her.”

“Thanks for the support,” Cora said, and we high-fived.

Torin glared at Echo. “You need to reason with your woman.”

Echo laughed. “How about you focus on yours? I don’t see her agreeing with you. One kiss and you turn into a doormat.”

Torin glanced at me. “Really?”

“We don’t kiss,” I said, leaning into him. “We affirm. With a touch, a look, or a smile.” I kissed him again. But he took over and ran with it, making me forget we had an audience. Or maybe it was payback for the kiss I’d given him earlier, because when he lifted his head I didn’t want him to stop.

“Where were we?” Torin asked, having recovered. I was still trying to come back to earth. “Oh yeah. You said you had everything covered when Cora’s not at school,” he said, looking at Echo.

“Yep. They won’t bother her, or if they do, I’ll know.”

“What if you’re at the bottom floor in Hel?” Torin shot back.

“I’ll know, Valkyrie,” Echo vowed.

I was sure an argument between the two was inevitable, and then I’d have to kick them out of my house. My dad might have accepted my new life, but I didn’t want him subjected to a supernatural testosterone showdown. Since I was already on Torin’s lap, I did what I could to calm down the situation. I linked our hands and stroked the back of his neck, until he calmed down.

“Alright, the others will cover the school,” Torin said. “If you see any soul you don’t recognize, find Raine, Blaine, or Ingrid. Yeah, I’m bringing them into the loop,” he added when Echo scowled. “Andris and I are gone most of the day. We only have one class this semester, and even that’s for show. Do you carry your artavus to school, Cora?”

“Yes. I’ve used it to threaten a few difficult souls.”

“Make good on your threat next time,” Torin said. “Immortals’ souls are not like Mortals’. They’re sneaky and will not leave your body until they’re good and ready. By then it’ll be too late.”

“Not if I have anything to do with it.” Echo’s voice was chilling.

“Your scythe won’t work on them the way it does on regular souls, Echo,” Torin shot back. “Once they’re inside her, there’s not much you can do unless you slice her open.”

“Is that supposed to be funny?” Echo shot back.

Things were getting heated again. This time, I took his hand and slipped it under my shirt. And just like that, he was distracted. “No, it’s not,” he said, speaking calmly. “She’s one of us and we’ll do whatever it takes to protect her, but I want you to be realistic.”

While Echo cursed, I elbowed Torin. “You didn’t have to be so graphic.”

“We’re dealing with dark souls, Raine. Graphic is all I have.”

“If a possession happens, I can take care of it,” I said. “My staff is a lot more powerful than a scythe or an artavus. You’ve seen what it can do.” Torin didn’t look too happy with my suggestion, but I got Echo and Cora’s attention. Echo smirked for reasons I couldn’t explain and shot Torin a mocking look. He had a twisted sense of humor so I rarely tried to understand him.

“Staff?” Cora asked.

“The dagger the Norns gave me is not what it seems.”

“Really? What is it? Can we see it?” Cora asked.

I shrugged. “Sure.” I saw the question in Torin’s eyes and added, “It’s upstairs.”

I got up and headed upstairs. Onyx was on the window seat staring outside when I arrived. Cora was supposed to be behind me, but I heard her voice mingle with the guys’ downstairs. “Did you find Eirik?”

No, but I’ll keep looking. He could be using dark magic to hide his whereabouts.

“Dark magic? He wouldn’t use that. He could just not be in this realm. Have you thought of that, Miss Glass Half Empty?” I pulled out the bed, but the dagger wasn’t there. “Where is it?”

Why?

“I want to show it to my friend.”

The blonde? I don’t like her.

“So? You don’t have to like all my friends. Where did you hide the dagger?”

Onyx sat up, her ears twitching.
How can you be friends with her? She has dark runes. Dark runes are associated with dark energy. Then to make it worse, she is dating a Grimnir. Grimnir will fight against the gods, our enemies.

I counted down from ten to one and prayed Cora didn’t catch me strangling my cat. “For starters, Fur-ball, I haven’t decided yet whose side I’m on, so I don’t care who fights who or where. Second, dark runes or not, she’s a good person. She didn’t ask for the stupid runes, but she’s doing what she can with them, so back off. Third, I choose my friends, not you.”

Then I don’t want to meet her. I don’t want her to know anything about me. If she touches me, I will scratch her eyes out.
She hopped onto the floor, but I picked her up and put her back on the window bench.

“Where are you going? I need my dagger.”

Top shelf in your closet. Can I leave now?

“No. How did you get it up there?” I found the dagger and turned around when she didn’t respond. She was still on the window seat. “Are you sulking?”

I don’t sulk. Can I go now?

I sighed. “It’s up to you if you want to go or stay,” I said. “And if you’re nice, I’ll take you downstairs a—” I heard Cora coming. “
And
introduce you to Cora and Echo, and you’ll see that they’re really nice people.”

No. Keep her away from me and don’t tell her anything about me or why I’m here.

She sounded scared.

Cora entered the room. “Who are you talking to?”

I glanced over my shoulder and made a face. Standing, I tried to block her from seeing Onyx. The poor cat was petrified. “A cat.”

“You have a cat? Since when?” Cora moved closer and peered at Onyx.

Please, don’t let her touch me.

“Since last night,” I fibbed. “She refused to leave my room, and now I’m stuck with her.”

“Oh, she’s cute.” She reached out to pet Onyx and the cat hissed. Cora snatched her hand back. “Is she feral?”

“No, just weird. She hates everyone, except me.” I hoped that would stop the questions. I even lifted my dagger, hoping her attention would shift away from my petrified cat, but Cora was fixated.

“Even Torin?” Cora asked.

“Yep. He calls her Evil Claws while Femi insists I name her Bastet or Isis.” I rolled my eyes and waved the dagger again. “Anyway, I got the dagger.”

For a moment, I thought I had her attention, but Cora continued to study Onyx. “Is she your familiar?” she asked.

“She’s an
unwanted
guest. I’d tell you how I got her, but that’s a story for another time. Let me show you how the dagger transforms.”

Cora grinned as she watched the dagger shift and grow longer.
 
“It’s just like Echo’s staff. You have to show him.”

I found myself looking at Onyx. She didn’t look so scared now. Still… “Can we do it another time? Torin is leaving for California for a game and I promised I’d go with him.” I left the dagger on my bed and ushered her out of the room. “Oh, do me a favor and be careful. These dark souls are not kidding.”

“I’m sure they’re not all bad,” she said.

“Oh, yes, they are. If one approaches you, find me.”

Cora rolled her eyes and said, “Fine.”

~*~

We headed downstairs to rejoin the boys. Soon after, Cora and Echo headed out the front door.

As soon as they drove away, Torin created a portal to his place. “I need to be at the stadium before the students start arriving. Where was the dagger?”