
Taken: A Magical YA Paranormal Romance
Book Two
By Charlotte Abel
Bound by love and magic. Betrayed by those they trust. Not everyone survives.
If you thought Enchantment was a fluke, you're dead wrong. Charlotte Abel has proven she can stand the heat and keep producing magical adventures for her fans to get lost in. I plan to have a front row seat!" -- Nicole Passante
"The chase scene was to die for ... I literally got chills." -- Karla Hernandez
"Hunter was hilarious and so cute! I laughed out loud at everything he did." -- Jessica Ramirez
"I loved Taken. I couldn't put it down!" -- Samantha Scribner
\*\*\*WARNING\*\*\* This book is every bit as intense as The Hunger Games. If you couldn't handle that series, TAKEN is not for you.
It was a little after midnight when Channie woke up. A thin coating of ice on the edge of the quilt crackled when she reached for Josh. Where was he? He wasn't where he was supposed to be --- spooned against her back, keeping her warm. She found him on the other side of the bed, facing the wall, clutching his knees tightly against his chest.
Channie couldn't keep from shivering, but Josh was as still and cold as a block of ice. Her heart stopped until she slid her hand to his throat and found his pulse. She shook his shoulder. "Josh, wake up."
He moaned but refused to move. She shook him again, harder this time, but couldn't rouse him.
She got out of bed and fumbled around in the dark until she found the kerosene lantern and box of matches under the bed. Her hands trembled as she struck match after match with stiff fingers. When the lantern finally sputtered to life, she lifted it to Josh's face.
His eyebrows and lashes looked like they'd been sprinkled with powdered sugar. She set the lantern on the floor and patted Josh's cheeks as she fought the panic clawing at her heart. The north wind whistled through the cracked boards of the shack and swirled little piles of snow into the corners. She abandoned all pretense of gentleness and slapped him. "Come on Josh. Wake up."
He blinked his eyes open and licked his lips. "Channie? What's wrong?"
"We're freezing to death. You need to cast another warmth spell."
Channie and Josh were holed up in "The Shack" out by the abandoned bauxite quarry, hiding from the Veyjivik trackers. The rickety old shed was not meant for year-round habitation. The roof leaked. The windows were boarded up and there was a twelve inch hole in the floor by the door. There was no electricity, no running water and no fireplace or wood-burning stove. But it was isolated and well hidden. And that's all that mattered. Avoiding the Veyjivik trackers trumped everything else.
Josh swore then said, "God, I hate this dump."
Channie didn't like it either but whining about it wasn't going to change anything. "If you can just cast one more spell that'll last 'till dawn, we can build a fire in the pit outside tomorrow---"
Josh struggled to sit up. "I'm sorry, babe. I don't have enough energy for a warmth spell. I'll go start the fire."
There was a reason mages heated their homes with wood. The energy required to fuel a heat spell was greater than the warmth it produced. It was not an efficient use of magic. But the feather bed and pile of quilts Aunt Wisdom had given them in addition to their combined body heat and the occasional warmth spell had been enough --- until two nights ago when the weather turned bitterly cold. Every time Channie complained, Josh cast another warmth spell. He'd obviously pushed himself too far.
"You can't go outside. You're too weak."
Josh collapsed against the mattress and closed his eyes. "Then come back to bed. We'll figure something out tomorrow."
Another convulsive shiver wracked Channie's body. It would be so easy to just crawl under the covers and fall asleep. But if she did, they'd both be dead by morning.
Aunt Wisdom had given Channie, Josh and Hunter disposable phones to use in an emergency. This was definitely an emergency but the shack was miles away from a cell phone tower. She'd have to drive half way to Whistler's Gulch, in a blizzard, down miles of switchbacks, to get a signal and she didn't know how much longer Josh would last without heat. Fire first, then go for help.
She tucked the edges of the quilt around Josh and slid a knit cap onto his head then got dressed. She leaned over him and kissed his lips then clenched her jaw to keep her teeth from chattering. "I'm going to build a fire in the pit. I'll be right back."
He didn't respond.
The fire pit behind the shack that served as their kitchen was out in the open, unprotected from the wind and driving snow.
Channie tried for half an hour to light a fire, but without dry wood, magic or shelter from the blizzard she knew it was futile.
Wait a minute .... What was wrong with her? Josh's car had a heater.
She stumbled back to the shack, grabbed the keys off the nail inside the door and started the car. While the engine was warming up, Channie went back inside and wrestled Josh into his clothes and parka. She half carried, half dragged him to the car then stuffed him into the passenger seat.
She gave the vehicle another five minutes to warm up then turned the heater on full blast. Josh groaned and slumped further down in the seat. He wasn't responding to the warm air. She needed to take him to the emergency clinic in Whistler's Gulch.
It would be risky. No one knew where the Veyjivik trackers were staying, but if Josh got within ten miles of them, they'd feel his energy. And since everyone but Hunter was gone, they'd be suspicious about a strange, new mage in the area.
Trackers were worse than bloodhounds.
Channie rubbed Josh's hands and patted his cheeks, but he didn't respond. He needed help and he needed it right now. They'd just have to take their chances with the trackers.
Channie was grateful that Josh spent the first week of their honeymoon teaching her how to drive --- amongst other things. She was also grateful that his four-wheel drive, cherry-red Rav4 had an automatic transmission. It would be hard enough negotiating the old logging trail in the dead of night during a blizzard. She didn't need the added complication of a stick shift and clutch.
Channie turned on the headlights, put the car in gear and glanced at the gas gauge. It was riding on empty. At least Whistler's Gulch was downhill all the way. She'd figure out how to get back after she got Josh to the clinic. One problem at a time.
Drifting snow had turned the pothole-riddled logging trail into a deceptively smooth, white road. It was a deadly illusion. Every time the tires slipped into a rut or bounced into a hole, Channie fought the urge to close her eyes and jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction.
She leaned forward and squinted into the storm with white-knuckled intensity, but couldn't see more than a few feet beyond the hood of the car. She fumbled her left hand along the steering column until she located the lever that controlled the headlights and switched to the high-beam setting. The falling snow seemed to change trajectories. Each pellet-shaped flake shot towards her on its own parabolic path, making her dizzy.
By the time she switched the headlights back to low-beam, the windshield had fogged up. Channie flicked her gaze to the climate controls for a split second. It wasn't enough time to find the defrost setting, but it was plenty long enough for a hairpin turn to catch her completely off guard.
She slammed on the brakes and flung her right arm to the side, an instinctive and useless reflex, to protect Josh. The back end of the car fishtailed, hit a pine tree and rebounded back onto the road. They skidded and slid sideways for what felt like forever before the car finally stopped. Channie's heart hammered against her chest as she visually checked Josh for injuries.
He rolled his head to the side and peered at Channie. "Where are we going?" His voice was weak and raspy.
"I'm taking you to the clinic in Whistler's Gulch."
"Why?"
"You've got hypothermia."
"We can't go into town. The trackers---"
"You were practically in a coma."
"I'm fine. Turn around and go back."
"You're too weak to cast any more warmth spells. If we don't find shelter from the storm, we'll both die. And you need medical attention."
"Isn't your aunt a healer?"
Channie checked her phone. Nothing. She gathered her courage and started the car then drove another two miles before a single bar replaced the "no signal" icon.
Aunt Wisdom answered on the first ring. "What's wrong?"
"We're freezing to death---"
"Don't say anything else. I'll be there as soon as I can."
"We're not at the---"
"Are you in town?"
"No, we're about---"
"Don't tell me where you are! Throw your phone away and go back to ... where you started. I'll meet you there." Aunt Wisdom ended the call without giving Channie a chance to tell her they were low on fuel. She called back, but Aunt Wisdom didn't pick up.
They'd gone over this scenario too many times for Channie to have any hope that Aunt Wisdom hadn't already destroyed her phone. There was no point trying to call her from Josh's phone, but Channie tried anyway. Without success.
She opened her door and tossed her phone outside then drove another mile down the mountain before she found a switchback to turn around. They ran out of gas about a quarter mile from the shack.
"Josh, I need you to send a distress signal."
"I don't know how."
Channie leaned across the console and put her frozen hand on his cheek. "Josh? Listen to me. A distress spell is instinctive, it's usually the first spell a child casts. You can do it. I know you can. Just focus."
"I'm so tired, I can't even find my power-well right now."
If they were going to survive long enough for Aunt Wisdom to come looking for them, they needed to do something to generate some heat. "Then make love to me."
Josh opened his eyes halfway and curved the left side of his mouth into a crooked grin. "I'm glad you find me irresistible, but I'm too tired." He closed his eyes again. "First thing tomorrow morning. Okay?"
"If we don't get help soon, we aren't going to live until morning. You'll never have sex again."
He blinked his eyes open. "What?"
"We are going to die within the hour. You will never ride your bike again, you will never see your parents or your brother again, and you will never have sex again. Got it?"
Josh reached for Channie's hand, squinted his eyes and trembled as he used the last of his energy.
The spell was weak, but if anyone was in the area, they'd feel it. Hopefully it wouldn't be a tracker.
Channie shook Josh's shoulder, but he was unconscious again. He'd obviously given everything he had to fuel the distress spell. She knew better than to leave the car --- but if she had any hope of saving him, she had to find help.
She kissed Josh's cold, stiff lips, whispered, "I love you," into his ear, then headed for the shack.
She focused on putting one foot in front of the other and hoped her sense of direction wouldn't fail her in the blizzard.
It did.
At first, Channie thought she was dreaming. Hunter Feenie was leaning over her, shaking her shoulders and patting her cheeks. She brushed his hands away and groaned.
"Wake up. We need to get you back to the shack."
"Josh?" She reached for him, but all she found was empty air.
"He's already gone."
\*\*\*
No! The frigid air sucking the life from Channie's body was nothing compared to the icy resignation that froze her soul. It wasn't fair. They'd been married for less than two weeks. Channie didn't want to live without Josh. She couldn't live without him. "Leave me alone." A few more minutes and she would join him in death.
Hunter said, "He was in worse shape than you, so Ms. Wisdom made me haul him back to the shack after she cast a warmth spell over you."
"Josh is alive?"
"Yeah, but that warmth spell ain't gonna last much longer. We need to get going. Can you walk?"
Channie had passed the shivering stage of hypothermia before losing consciousness, and Aunt Wisdom's warmth spell still enveloped her like a magical quilt. But her entire body convulsed as relief and joy shot adrenaline into her blood.
"Ms. Wisdom is gonna skin me alive if I let you freeze to death," then picked her up and carried her back to the shack. He set her down on the apple crate she and Josh used for a chair and tried to unzip the top of her coat.
She batted his hand away before he could touch her and leaned around him to get a better look at Josh. He was in bed, buried under a pile of quilts. The dark circles under his eyes were so purple, they looked like bruises. White patches on his cheeks and the tip of his nose indicated frost bite. "How is he?"
Aunt Wisdom looked over her shoulder at Channie. "He'll live. Did you do what I told you to do? With your phone?"
"I threw it down the mountainside about half way between here and Whistler's Gulch. So, what's wrong with Josh?"
"He's completely drained of power and has a touch of frostbite. Nothing a little rest and magically enhanced ointment won't cure. What's he been doing? Casting warmth spells?" Aunt Wisdom's tone of voice was conciliatory, but her words put Channie on the defensive.
Anger flushed her cheeks and stung her frostbitten skin. "Of course he's been casting warmth spells. You left us out here in the middle of nowhere, for an entire week, without so much as a charcoal heater."
"Why didn't you heat some rocks in the fire pit to keep the bed warm?"
"I can't start a fire with wet wood in the middle of a blizzard without magic! I'm an Empty, remember." The derogatory slang for magically disabled people was an insult, but it made perfect sense. Without Josh's love --- and magic --- to ease her pain, the emptiness created by the loss of her own powers would've consumed her by now.
Hunter said, "I cast a warmth spell on the place as soon as I got here. It should last until morning."
Was he bragging or just stating a fact?
Channie stood up and stumbled sideways when the room spun. Hunter grabbed her arm and tried to guide her back to the apple crate, but she was focused on getting to Josh. She patted Hunter's hand, then pried it off her arm. "I'm fine. Stop hovering."
He bowed his head and said, "Sorry," then stepped to the side and let her pass.
Channie lurched towards the bed and reached for Josh, but Aunt Wisdom grabbed her wrist before she could touch him. "Are the two of you maintaining your heart-bond?"
Blood rushed to Channie's cheeks again. As a heart-bound, married couple, she and Josh needed to strengthen their bond with physical intimacy. She nodded.
"I didn't think that was the problem, but I had to ask." Aunt Wisdom handed the jar of magically enhanced calendula, aloe and rosehip ointment to Channie. "Dab a little of that on your face."
Aunt Wisdom had the ability to heal Channie and Josh's damaged skin with magic, but as a master-healer it was her responsibility to conserve her energy for real emergencies. Ordinarily, she'd turn the treatment of frostbite over to one of her apprentices. Like me. The thought formed a lump in her throat.
Josh's smile turned into a grin. "So ... it sounds like we need to strengthen our bond. Maybe you guys should give us a little privacy."
Aunt Wisdom grabbed Josh's foot through the quilt and gave it a shake. "No more bonding until you get your strength back."
Josh lifted his hand from the mattress and reached for Channie. This time Aunt Wisdom didn't interfere when Channie knelt beside the bed and took his hand in hers. "I thought sex was supposed to make us stronger."
Aunt Wisdom frowned then folded her arms across her chest and narrowed her eyes as she locked her gaze on their interwoven fingers.
"It's supposed to be a mutual exchange, benefitting both parties, but the fact that she can't produce magic anymore ... well, I'm afraid your bond is more parasitic than symbiotic."
Channie's heart fell to the floor. I'm a parasite?
Josh squeezed her hand. "If it were anything to worry about, I would have felt it."
Aunt Wisdom said, "Ordinarily, I'd say it wasn't a concern, but since you're already so drained, you can't afford to waste even a small amount of energy on sex until you've recovered."
Josh sighed and rolled his eyes. "And how long will that take?"
"No intercourse for at least two weeks."
Josh propped himself up on his elbows. "Oh, hell no."
Aunt Wisdom pushed him flat on his back with one hand. "Do you see how weak you are?"
"I'm not waiting for two freakin' weeks---"
Hunter cleared his throat and started edging towards the door.
He'd been so quiet, Channie had forgotten he was still there. All this talk about sex was beyond embarrassing. She could excuse Josh. He wasn't raised with the idea that what happened between the sheets was sacred and not a subject for public discussion. But Aunt Wisdom knew better. She should have made Hunter leave before she started interrogating them about their bond.
Aunt Wisdom said, "Stay put, Hunter. I'm not done with you," then shook her finger at Josh. "Two weeks is the minimum time span. I want to examine you before you resume marital relations."
A quick glance at Hunter revealed he was just as embarrassed as Channie. Aunt Wisdom and Josh didn't seem to notice, or maybe they just didn't care.
Josh said, "We aren't going to be here in two weeks. I've already missed so much school, it'll be a miracle if I graduate on time."
Channie had done everything in her power to avoid this particular conversation. So far, she'd been able to distract Josh every time he mentioned going home. But now that they couldn't have sex, she no longer had the means to refocus his attention.
Aunt Wisdom put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. "School is the least of your concerns. It takes the average mage ten years to learn what you'll need to know by next winter's solstice."
"I'm not taking a year off from school just so I can learn how to zap people. And I'm not waiting two weeks to have sex with my wife."
By now Channie's cheeks felt as if they were on fire.
Aunt Wisdom closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them and took a slow, deep breath before she spoke. "While you've been rolling around in bed, good men and women have died fighting your war."
The blood drained from Josh's face. "What do you mean, my war?"
"Someone tried to assassinate the Queen the night of your wedding. And while that would have been convenient, you aren't ready to assume the throne."
Josh let go of Channie's hand and struggled into a sitting position. He held the hair off his forehead with both hands. "I never asked for any of this. I don't want people fighting and dying for me. I don't want anyone's stupid throne!"
"The minute you and Channie opened the Book of the Dead, you set all of this in motion. So, yes, you did ask for it even if you didn't realize it at the time. And what you want is irrelevant."
"Not to me, it's not! In fact I don't think I'm going to show up for your little party on solstice night."
Guilt contaminated the relief Channie felt at Josh's declaration. She knew the consequences would be dire for all mages if Josh didn't fulfill his destiny. But if she had to choose between Josh and all other mages, she'd choose him.
Josh narrowed his eyes. "As soon as I learn how to protect Channie, we're outta here."
"You can't leave the protection of my misdirection spells. Not while the trackers are still in the area. And you have to fight on solstice night. The Book of the Dead declared it. You can't run from destiny." Aunt Wisdom closed her eyes as if in a trance and quoted the book...
Son of Vengeance seeking light,
Grasp the hilt and join the fight.
Claim your place among your kin
And lay to rest your father's sin.
For you were born to rule and reign,
To save us all from ruin and pain.
You have one year to learn and grow,
To gain the skills you need to know.
For the total eclipse on solstice night
Ordains the heir that wins the fight.
Nothing is promised, nothing is given,
When you do your best, all is forgiven.
Follow your heart and save her life,
Take the enemy's daughter and make her your wife.
"I'm sure my mom isn't the only woman Vengeance Veyjivik seduced. I'll bet I'm not the only 'Son of Vengeance' on the planet."
"Are you saying you shouldn't have married Channie? Are you the wrong man for her? Should I try to find one of your half-brothers and bind him to her?"
"You already told me there's no divorce in the mage world so you can't manipulate me with that empty threat."
"Josh, you have to accept responsibility for your actions. You opened the book. You are a royal mage and the rightful heir to the throne. Deal with it."
Channie's throat tightened. She sat back on her heels and bowed her head. "I'm the one that stole the book."
Aunt Wisdom leaned over and put a finger under Channie's chin, tilting her face up until she was forced to meet her gaze. "It's his name on the cover. And it's his grandmother that's threatening to destroy our world. She has to be stopped. At any cost."
"Not if it costs Josh his life. That's asking too much."
"Tell that to the families of the men and women that have already died."
Hunter said, "Who died?"
Aunt Wisdom sighed. Channie knew her well enough to know she wasn't going to let this go. She'd allow the change of subject, but she wasn't done harassing Josh. Not by a long shot. "No one you know. The Ozark Mages aren't the only ones worried about the way Dominance Veyjivik is grasping for even more power. I suspect it was someone from one of the Appalachia clans."
Josh said, "How many clans are there?"
"Too many to name. The Ozark community is the smallest with fourteen allied clans. The Cumberland Mages have thirty-two. The majority are unallied and scattered all over Appalachia." Aunt Wisdom pulled on her coat and slid her hands into fur-lined gloves. "Hunter, go start a fire in the pit and heat up about a dozen rocks to warm the bed."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Keep an eye on the place. I don't expect any trouble, but on the off chance that someone defeats my misdirection spells, Josh is too weak to fight. You'll need to protect him and Channie."
Hunter fidgeted and looked at the floor, peering at Aunt Wisdom from beneath lowered lashes. "It's mighty cold outside, even with a fire."
"Once you've heated up the rocks, come on inside. You can sleep on the floor."
Josh groaned as if he were in pain. "For how long? This shack isn't big enough for three people."
Hunter edged closer to the door. "Beggin' your pardon, Mr. Veyjivik. I shouldn't have complained. I'll just go chop some extra wood, the exercise'll keep me warm."
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not going to make you stay outside in a blizzard, no matter how much you annoy me. And don't call me 'Mr. Veyjivik.' I don't care what that stupid book says. I'm still an Abrim.
"Yessir, Mr. Abrim."
"It's Josh, okay?"
"Sure thing, Mr. Josh. Whatever you say."
"I'm not Mr. anybody! Just call me Josh."
Hunter chewed on the corner of his mouth and shook his head slowly. "You're gonna be king someday."
Josh clenched his jaw and gritted his teeth.
Channie brushed the hair out of his eyes then leaned over and kissed his cheek. She dropped her voice so only Josh could hear. "Let it go."
Aunt Wisdom said, "I'm going to go buy a gasoline generator and electric heater. I don't want anyone wasting any more energy on warmth spells. You two stay put and let Hunter take care of things. And you," She narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger at Josh. "Stay away from Channie."
\*\*\*
No matter what Channie did, Josh seemed grumpier and more depressed every day. She was sorry he was so unhappy about the situation, but she couldn't help it if she enjoyed spending more time talking and just snuggling. They'd gone from not even being able to hold hands to being able to do everything in such a short span of time that Channie felt cheated. She'd never admit that to Josh, but it seemed like sex was all he cared about.
He didn't even thank Aunt Wisdom when she brought them the gasoline generator, electric heater and hotplate. But Channie had enough gratitude for both of them.
The little hut was beginning to feel like a home. Especially after Aunt Wisdom replaced the plywood over the window with glass and unloaded a truckload of potted plants. The plants were for Josh --- so he could learn to tap into their energy and speed his recovery --- but Channie enjoyed them too. What was left of them anyway. There was a dead ficus tree, two dried up ferns and a dying philodendron testifying to Josh's lack of control.
The final transformation from hut to home, occurred on December 20, the day before Josh's birthday, when Channie hung curtains over the windows.
As soon as she learned they were going to have real windows, Channie asked Hunter to bring Momma's rag box and sewing kit from the cabin. There was a scrap of fabric from every item of clothing Momma had ever sewn, from her great grandmother's burial gown to the trips' baby clothes. Each square stirred a memory that pricked Channie's heart more often than the needle pricked her fingers.
Channie loved living with Josh and seeing Aunt Wisdom again had lifted a weight from her shoulders she hadn't known she was carrying. But she missed her family. She even missed Colorado. As unhappy as she'd been at Monarch High School, she'd loved living in the modern house Momma and Daddy rented next to Heritage Park.
Channie had grown up in a log cabin without running water, indoor plumbing or electricity so she was better prepared for living in the shack than Josh, but it was still hard. A twinge of jealousy crept under her skin at the thought of Hunter living in the cabin her daddy had built with his own hands, while she and Josh had to make do in an abandoned shack.
It wasn't Hunter's fault the Veyjivik spies had insisted he live there so he'd know the instant Channie's family returned. And it was too dangerous for Channie and Josh to stay in any of the abandoned cabins, left by the other clans fleeing from Dominance's wrath. Still, she couldn't help wishing things were different as she nailed the curtains to the walls over the windows.
The next morning, Channie woke up with Josh's face two inches from hers. He smiled and said, "Good morning, Mrs. Abrim."
Channie smiled back. She'd never get tired of waking up next to Josh, or hearing him call her "Mrs. Abrim." Technically, she was "Mrs. Veyjivik" since she and Josh were bound with the magic of his power-name, but neither of them liked the reminder that Josh had been born into the enemies' clan. She yawned then kept her hand over her mouth to hide her morning breath. "Happy birthday, Josh."
His pupils dilated, darkening his eyes. "Guess what I want for my birthday."
Ah-oh. Channie shook her head. "Josh, we can't. Aunt Wisdom said---"
"What difference will two more days make?" He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Aunt Wisdom wants to examine you first."
"Why don't you examine me instead." He grabbed her wrist and guided her hand under his pajama shirt to the rock hard muscles of his belly.
Channie knew Josh was just trying to seduce her, but his suggestive comment reminded her that she'd lost the ability to ever examine anyone with magic. She pulled her hand away and sighed.
"Come on, Channie." He lifted the inside corners of his eyebrows and gave her his sad-puppy look. "It's my birthday."
Channie cupped his cheek in her hand and traced his lower lip with her thumb."Do you remember a couple of months ago, when we were talking about your birthday and I asked you what you wanted?"
"I said all I wanted was a kiss. But that was before we were married. I need you."
"Do you want that kiss or not?"
Josh leaned in, but Channie pressed her fingers over his lips. "I need to brush my teeth. It wouldn't be much of a gift if my breath makes you gag."
He caught her fingers between his teeth and gave them a playful nip then pulled her hand away from his mouth and kissed her. He tasted like spearmint.
Channie pulled back and said, "No fair. You've already brushed your teeth." He must have gotten up while she was still sleeping then snuck back into bed.
"All's fair in love and war, babe." He kissed her again then rolled her onto her back.
She closed her eyes and gave in to the pleasure of his kiss and the thrill of his body pressed against hers.
A soft tapping at the door jerked Channie out of her lust-filled daze. Josh threw his shield over her so fast, there was no way it could have been anything but instinctive. He crouched over her, sheltering her with his body as well as his magic.
"Who's there!"
"It's just me, Hunter Feenie."
Josh's energy flashed from high-alert to irate then settled somewhere between disappointed and devastated. He collapsed on top of Channie and buried his face in her hair. "Go. Away."
"Sorry to bother you, Mr. Josh but Miss Wisdom told me I was supposed to start your training today."
Channie wove her fingers through Josh's hair and lifted his head, forcing him to meet her gaze. "Be nice."
He groaned and said, "I'm always nice," as if it were a bad thing, then raised his chin and glared at the door. "Hang on. I'll be out in a second."
"Take your time, Mr. Josh."
Yes, take your time. Channie chewed her lip as she watched Josh peel off his flannel pajamas. She admired his bare back as he sat on the edge of the bed and tied his shoes.
Josh pulled a sapphire-blue sweater on over his head then lifted his chin and stared at the ceiling. "That butt-kissing attitude of his is driving me crazy."
"He's just scared. Give him some time. He'll relax once he realizes you don't want to kill him."
"What makes you think I don't?"
"Because I know you. And you know you have no reason to be jealous of Hunter."
Josh twisted around and leaned over Channie, putting his hands on either side of her hips then pressed his forehead against hers. "He has nothing to worry about --- as long as he stays the hell away from you."
Channie wove her fingers through his hair and kissed the tip of his nose. "Hunter and I've known each other all our lives. He's my friend. So please, stop intimidating him. Besides, you two are blood related."
"Crap. I forgot he's a royal mage." Josh sat back and wrinkled his nose. "Just how closely related are we?"
"Hunter's grandfather, on his momma's side, was Dominance's brother, which means Hunter is your second cousin."
Josh's eyes flicked back and forth as he processed that bit of information. It was clear he didn't like the idea of being related to Hunter.
"You can't afford to alienate him. He's the only mage still in the area that's willing and able to train you." Everyone else had either run away, like Channie's family --- or they'd joined Aunt Wisdom's secret band of rebels and were hidden away at her secret training camp.
Another knock on the door startled them both. But this time it was Aunt Wisdom. "Hurry it up in there, I don't have all day."
Channie said, "Yes ma'am," and climbed out of bed. She shouldn't have been surprised. It was only natural that Aunt Wisdom would want to witness Josh's first real training session.
Josh handed Channie her clothes and watched her get dressed with hungry eyes. The shiver that ran down her spine was part self-conscious nerves and part lust. Cuddling was nice, but she was ready to start acting like a married couple again.
Ever the gentleman, Josh stepped in front of her to open and hold the door. He brushed her cheek with his lips as she passed then smacked her butt. So much for gentlemanly behavior.
Aunt Wisdom started scanning Josh as soon as he stepped outside. "You've made quite a bit of progress. I think you can handle casting a few curses, as long as you take it easy."
"So ... that means I'm strong enough to start bonding with Channie again, right?"
Hunter balled his hands into fists and looked Josh in the eye for the first time since they'd learned he was a mage. He trembled like a cornered rabbit, but kept his gaze locked on Josh. "Your wife has a price on her head. You need to learn how to protect her."
"And you need to shut your mouth before I do it for you."
Channie put one hand on his shoulder and the other on the inside of his elbow, tugging him closer so she could whisper in his ear. "Josh, don't. If you lose your temper and accidentally curse Hunter, you could kill him."
"I don't like his snotty attitude."
"It took a lot of courage for him to speak out like that."
"I don't care, I still don't like him."
"Josh, please."
He sighed then kissed the top of her head.
Aunt Wisdom cleared her throat and said, "Follow me," then led everyone around to the back of the shack where a live-trap held a snarling possum.
Hunter grinned and said, "That's the little thief that's been stealing my eggs!"
Channie decided to remind Hunter that his eggs came from her momma's hens. "Those ain't your eggs. Just cause the Veyjivik clan ordered you to set up spy quarters in my family's cabin, don't mean you git to claim it as your own."
Aunt Wisdom shot her an irritated look. Channie was pretty sure it was because she'd slipped into the local dialect and not because she'd been rude to Hunter. The kids that attended Wisdom's Academy of Magic and Modern Living were teased for using correct grammar and enunciation. But at Monarch, Channie had been ridiculed for her hillbilly accent.
Aunt Wisdom returned her gaze to the possum and said, "I caught him this morning and thought he might prove useful."
Josh bent down and peered into the cage. The possum hissed then froze and tipped onto its side.
Josh jumped back and said, "What the hell?"
Channie, Hunter and Aunt Wisdom all laughed. Josh frowned and jiggled the cage. The possum didn't even twitch.
Channie tried to stop laughing but it was impossible. "Haven't you ever heard of playing possum?"
"It looks like a huge rat. A very dead, huge rat."
"They play dead to discourage predators."
"It doesn't look like he's playing to me."
Hunter said, "It ain't an act. When a possum gets scared, it freezes up and sort of faints. She cain't help it."
Josh said, "She? How can you tell it's a female?"
Hunter pointed at the possum's belly. "See that?"
Josh nodded.
"She's got a litter of babies in her pouch."
"Pouch? Like a kangaroo?"
"Yup."
"Well, turn her loose."
"What?"
"I said, 'turn her loose.' I'm not hungry enough to eat possum stew, especially not pregnant possum stew."
"She ain't exactly pregnant. Them babies are in her pouch, not her womb."
"I don't care."
Aunt Wisdom said, "Josh. I brought the possum so you can practice casting a killing curse. Whether or not we add it to the stew-pot is up to you."
Josh shook his head and backed away from the trap. "Oh hell no. Killing to eat is one thing, but I'm not killing some poor defenseless animal for practice!"
Hunter scratched the back of his head. "I thought you said you didn't want to eat no possum."
"That's not the point!"
"I don't get it."
Channie felt Hunter's energy shift from fear and respect to doubt. She didn't want him to be afraid of Josh, but she didn't want him to lose respect for him either. "Killing anything without reason goes against Josh's beliefs and since he doesn't want to eat the possum, he feels it would be wrong to kill it."
Hunter said, "Every egg this critter steals from the henhouse takes food outta my mouth. That's reason enough to kill it in my books. Possums ain't nothing but a dang nuisance."
Josh said, "So are you."
"I don't mean no disrespect, Mr. Josh, but how are you going to kill a mage if you cain't even kill a varmint?"
"I am not killing that animal. Turn her loose."
"She'll just start stealing my eggs again."
Channie said, "Just fix the damn fence."
She put her hands on Josh's cheeks. His knotted jaw relaxed under her palms, but his energy field still pulsed. She closed her eyes and bit back a moan of pleasure as his magic flowed into her. She tried to convince herself that her only motivation was to help Josh gain control before he accidentally cursed someone, but the truth was ... she craved his magic.
Without a power-name, Channie had no control over magical energy. She couldn't use it, or even direct it into her scarred power-well or barely functioning heart-of-hearts. But she was still a mage. She could still read energy fields. She could still see their heart-bond. She could still feel magic, even if it didn't belong to her. And she wanted it.
Hunter said, "How am I gonna fix the fence? I ain't got no chicken wire."
Channie yanked her hands away from Josh's face. How much power had she siphoned? What was wrong with her? Her self-loathing migrated to Hunter. "There's at least half a roll of chicken wire in the shed behind Daddy's still, but if you're too lazy to fix the fence, then just shut up about the damn eggs. I can't remember the last time I had fresh eggs for breakfast."
All eyes turned towards Channie. Her cheeks blazed.
Aunt Wisdom finally spoke up and said, "Josh, you're a married man. You need to prove you're man enough to protect your wife."
Josh jerked his head towards Aunt Wisdom and glared at her, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Aunt Wisdom just stood there, arms folded across her chest, and stared at Josh.
Hunter said, "I think it means you need to kill something."
Josh's energy spiked again. "How about I start with you."
Hunter raised his shield and scrambled backwards.
"Josh! No." Channie angled her body so she was between Josh and Hunter and put her hands on his chest. His energy was building faster than she could drain it. He could still cast a curse over her head, but she didn't think he'd risk it if there was even the slightest chance of hurting her.
Josh closed his eyes and shuddered. Channie remembered how hard it had been to control Chastity's magic and wondered if Valor's power was as difficult to manage. She ran her hands over Josh's biceps, trying to soothe him so he could focus.
A tingling sensation flowed over Channie's skin, raising the hair on her arms. Magic. Raw power scorched her veins as Josh's energy flowed into her body.
This was not the warm soothing glow that usually flowed from Josh. She'd thought that Valor's magic was like Enchantment's --- turning even negative energy into positive magic. But this power was stronger than Chastity's had ever been. The pain intensified. Channie's body felt as if it were on fire, but she still wanted more.
"Channie." Aunt Wisdom's voice was quiet, but authoritative. "Stop."
Channie let go of Josh. His magic fled her body and left her feeling empty.
Aunt Wisdom opened the door of the live-trap and said, "Come on, let's give the little critter a chance to recover," then led everyone back around to the front of the shack. She put a hand on Josh's shoulder. "I'd appreciate it if you would refrain from killing Hunter. He's a rather valuable asset."
Hunter heaved a huge sigh of relief.
Aunt Wisdom said, "But, there's no reason you can't practice on him, if that's less objectionable to you than cursing animals."
"Now hold on just a dang minute!" Hunter swallowed then licked his lips. "You don't expect me to just stand here and let Mr. Josh curse me. Do you?"
"I expect you to do whatever I tell you to do. But no, I don't want you to just stand there. You need the practice as much as he does."
"Aunt Wisdom?" Sparring with magic was forbidden except under the strictest supervision. And for good reason. Instead of casting curses with premeditated intent, mages fought with raw power. It was still a curse, but without the tempering effect of guided magic, it was extremely dangerous.
Aunt Wisdom was a master-healer, not a soldier. She wasn't qualified to monitor a sparring session. Or was she? Channie's lips parted as she realized she had no idea how long Aunt Wisdom had been planning this rebellion.
She sounded more like a drill sergeant than a healer as she lectured Josh and Hunter. "Don't use more than half power and keep your shields up. Pay attention and stay focused. Serious injury is a distinct possibility."
Hunter's eyes widened to the size of silver dollars. "You saw what he did the night the night he got his powers. He ain't got the best control and he already wants to kill me."
"He's not going to kill you." Aunt Wisdom took Channie's hand and included her inside her own shield.
The air around Josh shimmered like heat-waves over hot asphalt then surrounded him with a golden glow. The shield Channie had created for him had been invisible. His true shield, created with his own magic, was every bit as beautiful as he was.
Hunter's shield glowed green. He squeezed his eyes shut and curled in on himself, obviously expecting a horrendous blast of power.
Channie said, "Remember, he's on our side," then held her breath and waited.
Josh narrowed his eyes and furrowed his brow.
Aunt Wisdom let go of Channie's hand and crossed her arms over her chest.
Nothing happened.
Hunter opened his eyes, one at a time, and raised his eyebrows. "Go ahead. I'm ready."
Josh groaned and said, "I'm trying."
"You are?" Hunter uncurled his body and cocked his head to the side. "Well, what exactly are you trying to do?"
"I'm trying to knock you on your ass!"
Aunt Wisdom said, "Focus on why you want to hurt him."
Josh's knuckles looked like drops of white paint on his fists. Beads of sweat ran down his brow.
Still, nothing happened.
He sighed and shook his head; unfisting his hands and slumping his shoulders. "It's not working."
Aunt Wisdom spent the next hour trying to explain the theory of magic to Josh. It was basic stuff. Channie had heard it all before. She sat on a wooden apple crate, held her chin in her hand, and drew geometric designs in the dirt with a stick.
Hunter still had his shield up, but he was sitting on a fallen log, cleaning his fingernails with a pocket knife.
"...Magic responds to each mage according to their nature, natural abilities and power-name. Stop trying to control it. We aren't casting spells now. You don't need to form it into a specific curse. All you have to do is take the energy in your power-well, focus on your target and release it." Aunt Wisdom put one hand on her belly and one on Josh's. Channie knew she was only trying to guide him, but she didn't like anyone touching Josh in such an intimate manner, not even Aunt Wisdom.
Josh batted her hand off his stomach and locked his jaw but that didn't keep him from yelling through clenched teeth. "You already said that. It's not helping!"
Aunt Wisdom pressed her thumbs into her temples and rubbed her forehead with her fingers. "I don't have time for this. I need to meet ..." She dropped her hands and sighed then took a deep breath that expanded her already ample bosom. "I need to be somewhere else. I'll check on your progress in a few days."
She was still doling out information on a need to know basis.
Josh said, "Hey! What about our bond?" He nodded towards Channie.
Aunt Wisdom put her hands on her hips and pressed her mouth into a thin, hard line then sighed and said, "You need to save your strength for training. Once you manage to curse Hunter, you can do whatever you want."
\*\*\*
After hours of trying to curse Hunter, and failing, Josh leaned against the trunk of a sycamore tree and slid to the ground.
Hunter said, "It's gonna be getting dark soon. I'd like to get on home if you don't mind."
Josh used the tree's trunk to pull himself onto his feet. "No. Not until I curse you."
Hunter sighed and sat on a log. "Look, I know why this is important to you ... but you obviously ain't gonna be able to curse me today. It kills me to say this, but maybe Ms. Wisdom's got it all wrong. Maybe you need to lay with your wife and strengthen your bond before you can curse a man."
Josh looked at Channie and raised his eyebrows.
Heat crept up her neck and into her cheeks. She hated discussing this in front of Hunter. She hunched her shoulders and shook her head.
Josh smiled and dropped his chin. "I didn't think you'd go for it. But you can't blame a guy for trying."
Channie stood up and grimaced as the blood rushed to her legs. The wooden apple crate she'd been sitting on all afternoon had tattooed a series of two-inch-wide indentations across her backside.
Josh trudged across the barren ground and draped his arms around Channie. She could tell by the way he held her that his weariness was bone-deep. No wonder he gave up so easily. He kissed the top of her head and inhaled deeply.
Channie blushed. It had been three days since either of them had bathed. But even a bucket bath required hours of work. Haul the water from the quarry, build a fire to heat it, lather, rinse, repeat. It was a lot harder to work up the energy for all that when they knew a bath was just a bath.
Channie missed Josh's clean, lemon and sandalwood scent. They'd run out of the shampoo, conditioner and shower gel he'd bought in Muskogee. The lye soap they used stripped everything away including his scent. It took a full day for it to return. After two days, he still smelled like himself, just muskier.
"Josh, you're exhausted. Hunter looks like he's about to collapse. Let's call it a day and try again tomorrow after a good night's rest."
He nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear. "I haven't had a good night's rest since your meddlesome Aunt told us we couldn't have sex."
"Maybe if I slept on the floor---"
"Absolutely not." He leaned back and said, "If anyone's sleeping on the floor, it's me" then pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. "But I'm not sleeping anywhere except next to you for the rest of my life."
Channie gave Josh a squeeze then released him and stepped back. "I need to add another can of tomatoes to the stew. It's getting a bit thin, but hopefully we'll get a rabbit soon." It was a shame Josh was so opposed to possum stew.
Josh licked his lips and said, "If it's not too much trouble, could you make another batch of cornbread?"
Channie smiled and said, "It's not too much trouble."
"Do we have enough to share with Hunter?"
"You want to invite him to supper?" Channie couldn't keep the incredulity out of her voice.
"No. But if he's half as tired and hungry as I am, he'll never make it all the way back to your parent's cabin alive. And your aunt seems to think he's a valuable asset. The last thing I want to do is piss her off even more than I already have."
Channie grinned then gave Josh a quick peck on the lips. "Hey, Hunter, you want to eat supper with us?"
Hunter cocked his head to the side and lifted his eyebrows. "You sure that's okay?" He nodded at Josh.
"It was his idea."
"Oh." Hunter blinked then grinned. "Sure, that'd be great."
"I'm going to mix up a batch of cornbread and add a couple of cans of veggies to the stew. Do you mind fetching some water from the quarry so y'all can clean up a bit while I cook?"
"I'd be happy to."
Josh stretched as he yawned, archer-style, one arm straight out to the side, the other bent with his fist next to his ear. "I guess I should go give him a hand."
He was too tired to be running back and forth from the quarry to the shack. "Why don't you go check on the fire. Stir the coals a bit and be sure there's enough heat to cook the cornbread?" All they had was a hotplate, so Channie did all her baking in the Dutch Oven over a bed of coals.
Josh pursed his lips and shook his head. "You expect me to sit by the fire while everyone else does all the work."
Channie smiled and kissed his stubbly chin. "It's a nasty job, someone's gotta do it. Come on, I'll sit with you and wait for Hunter to bring up the first two buckets of water. I need to wash my hands before I start cooking."
\*\*\*
Channie set the twenty-gallon washtub in the fire pit, across from the cooking grate, then pushed a bank of coals around the bottom perimeter with a stick. She sat next to Josh and braided her hair while they waited for Hunter. If she'd still had the ability to use magic she would have just cast a disinfecting spell on herself. It was a skill she'd mastered the first month of her apprenticeship to become a master-healer. Life without magic was down right inconvenient.
Hunter emptied the two buckets into the tub. The water hissed and steamed as soon as it hit the galvanized tin, but the thin, hot metal was no match for the frigid water from the quarry. Channie could have waited for the water to warm up, but she knew the boys were even hungrier than she was. She plunged her hands into the tub for a split second then jerked them back out with a gasp. Damn that water was cold.
She grabbed the bar of lye soap sitting on the stone shelf bordering the fire pit and rubbed her chaffed skin for as long as she could bear it, which wasn't quite long enough to get her hands completely clean, then dipped them back into the icy water for an even quicker and less effective rinse.
Josh stood up and walked around the pit to stand beside her. He took her hands in his and frowned as he examined them. "Babe, we need to tell your aunt to get some lotion for your hands. This looks painful."
"And ugly." She tried to pull her hands back, but Josh refused to let go.
He lifted them to his lips and kissed the cracked and bleeding skin over her knuckles. "There's not a single ugly spot on your entire body. I should know. I've checked."
"Josh!" Channie's gaze darted towards Hunter, but he just rolled his eyes, picked up the buckets and headed back down the trail towards the quarry.
Channie said, "I need to get started on that cornbread."
Josh kissed her hands again and said, "Do you need any help?"
"No thanks." He'd just get in the way.
It was getting dark, but there was enough light to make out the general shape of things so Channie didn't bother to light the kerosene lantern. She'd been making cornbread since she could peek over the top of Momma's kitchen table and didn't need a recipe. She grabbed the mixing bowl with one hand and the bag of cornmeal with the other and turned towards the table.
The bottom of the bag split open and emptied the cornmeal onto the floor with a sudden whish.
"Shit!" Channie rarely used such foul language, but that was their last bag of meal.
Josh flung open the door and rushed inside. "What's wrong?" Hunter was right behind him.
"It's these damned mice! They nibbled a hole in the bottom of the bag, right across the seam. The whole thing split open when I picked it up." Channie gave the empty bag a shake then threw it on the floor, on top of the cornmeal. "Damn it to hell and back!"
Josh stepped over the mess, wrapped his arms around Channie and pulled her against his chest. "It's okay, babe. It's just cornmeal."
"I hadn't even opened it yet." Channie knew it was ridiculous to be so distressed over such a minor mishap, but her homemade cornbread was the only thing in their simple diet that Josh enjoyed. Everything else he merely tolerated and ate to fill his belly.
Hunter said, "You have a mouse problem."
Channie sighed and nodded. "Apparently."
"Do you want me to take care of it?"
Channie brushed the tears out of her eyes and smiled as she thought of a way to boost Josh's confidence.
"No. I want Josh to do it."
Josh bit his lip and furrowed his brow. "With magic?"
Channie nodded. "A pest-be-gone spell will chase the mice away without actually hurting them. But it uses negative energy." Other than his initial, and involuntary, release of pent-up magic the night Josh became a mage, he had no experience with negative energy. All the spells he'd cast had been beneficial.
Hunter said, "They'll just come back when the spell wears off. You need to---"
"That isn't the point." Channie interrupted him before he could describe the grisly delayed-death spell that drove the little rodents away before killing them so they wouldn't stink up the house. It worked just like rat poison, effective but cruel. Momma was the only one in Channie's family that ever used it.
She stepped out of Josh's embrace but held onto his hands. "Close your eyes and picture the mice nibbling through our last sack of cornmeal."
Josh closed his eyes and nodded. "Okay."
A tingle of negative energy flowed from Josh's hands to Channie's. "Good! Now, direct that anger into your power-well." She let go of his left hand and placed her fingertips on his belly, over his navel in an effort to help him guide the energy into his power-well.
Josh gasped and bit his lip.
But it was Hunter's energy that caught Channie off guard. He gazed at her with such yearning it shocked her.
Josh obviously had no problem reading Hunter's energy either. His hand tightened around hers, sending prickles of pain across her chapped skin. He was still radiating love and lust, but his jealous energy overshadowed everything else. He spoke quietly. But like a dog growling over a bone, there was no mistaking the threat. "Hunter. Get out."
Hunter took a step back and raised his shield, but he didn't leave. "I cain't help how I feel."
"She's my wife."
"I know that. And I'm probably gonna git myself killed, but maybe you can use what you're feeling right now to curse me."
Josh's energy field glowed red. He put his hands on Channie's shoulders and moved her to the side.
"Josh. Be careful." She thought of how quickly Chastity's magic had spiraled out of control when she got angry. Josh's energy level was every bit as high as hers had been when she'd killed Harvey.
Harvey ... No, not now!
Channie closed her eyes against the flashback, but it roared through her defenses like a runaway truck down Feenie's Pass.
"It's time to show your appreciation."
"Please..."
"Please what, sugar?"
"Please ... Don't touch me."
"Oh, I intend to do a lot more than just touch you."
Channie gritted her teeth to silence Harvey's voice in her mind. "Hunter. You need to leave. Now!"
He shook his head slowly, but continued to back away from Josh, towards the open door. "This is too important."
Josh glared at Hunter but did not curse him. Seconds ticked away as Josh's power continued to build.
A potted fern exploded behind Channie. Hunter flinched but didn't run. Another plant burst into flames.
"Hunter, please leave." Aside from the fact that Channie didn't want Hunter to die, Josh would never forgive himself if he actually killed him.
Hunter shook his head again. "Curse me."
Josh's voice was so low and gravelly it didn't even sound like his. "I'm trying."
Hunter stopped trembling and straightened his spine, but he kept his shield up.
"Imagine Channie in my arms instead of yours. My mouth on hers. Curse me!"
Sweat poured off Josh's body, drenching his sweater. Veins appeared over his temples and pulsed with the rhythm of his heart.
Channie's concern shifted from Hunter to Josh. If he didn't release the pressure from so much pent up magic, he was going to explode like an overheated still full of moonshine.
"Josh. Forget about Hunter. Curse the mice!"
Josh grabbed Channie and threw his shield over both of them. There was a blinding flash of light followed by a rush of heat then a horrendous crash as the rest of the plants exploded.
\*\*\*
Channie, Josh and Hunter were covered with dirt, bits of pottery and shredded leaves. Their shields protected them from Josh's violent magic, but not from physical debris.
"Josh, are you okay?"
He nodded but didn't say anything. He should have been reeling after discharging that much power. He looked exhausted, but not completely drained. Channie wished she could scan Josh and check his internal power levels but all she could do was read his energy field. He was radiating a fair amount of guilt so he must still have a little energy in reserve.
"Hunter?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." He sounded disappointed.
The smell of singed hair and burnt meat made Channie's eyes water. At least they didn't have a mouse problem anymore.
Josh let go of Channie and stepped back. His eyes moved back and forth as he studied her face, a look of utter betrayal on his own. "You said that spell wasn't going to hurt them."
"That was no pest-be-gone spell." Channie pointed at a dead mouse by Josh's left foot. "That's what you've been trying to do to Hunter."
"Oh, man." He knelt and scooped it up off the floor. "This one's just a baby."
Hunter smacked his forehead with an open palm. "You're upset over killing a stupid mouse?"
Channie put a hand on Josh's shoulder and glared at Hunter. "Leave him alone."
Hunter rolled his eyes. "Are you kidding me? The fate of all our clans rests in the hands of a freakin' tree hugger."
\*\*\*
Hunter was damn lucky that Channie no longer had the ability to curse him. But if she were honest, she'd have to admit that she was more than a little disturbed by Josh's reaction. She didn't respect him any less---his compassionate nature was one of the things that had first attracted her to him---but if he got this upset over killing a baby mouse, would he be able to kill a tracker?
Josh stood up, still cupping the dead mouse in his hands and walked towards the door.
"Josh? Where are you going?"
"I need to bury it."
Hunter pointed his index finger at Josh and said, "I ain't goin' to no mouse funeral."
Josh whirled around, eyes blazing. "I'm not conducting one, but we need to bury all these mice or they're going to stink up the place and spread disease."
"Oh good lord, just sweep 'em outside and let the scavengers take care of it."
Channie agreed with Hunter, but she wasn't about to say so. Josh might not be able curse Hunter, but he could still hit him. She had no idea which one of them would win a fist fight and no desire to find out.
"Hunter, why don't you go fetch some more water. We're going to need more than two bucketfuls." Channie picked a clump of potting soil out of her hair. "In fact, we're all gonna need baths before bed. Might as well fill the tub."
"Fine. But if I have to haul all the water, I get the first bath."
Josh shuddered. "I'm not using your dirty bath water."
"I ain't the one playing with dead mice. Dirtiest man goes last."
Josh curled his upper lip into a sneer. "Disgusting hillbillies."
They'd been sharing wash water since they got here and Josh hadn't complained once. Not even after they started bathing separately. And he always insisted that she go first. Channie swallowed hard and turned her back so Josh wouldn't see the tears filling her eyes.
"Channie. I didn't mean you."
She twisted sideways and shrugged his hand off her shoulder.
"Babe ... I'm sorry."
She sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "All you've ever had to do was flip a switch or turn on a tap or ... or pick up a phone and order a pizza. Anything you want is right there for the taking."
"The only thing I want is you."
This time when Josh reached for Channie, she fell into his arms. He pressed his body against hers and kissed the top of filthy her head. He kissed her eyes, the tip of her nose and both cheeks then moved to her mouth. She tasted the salt of her own tears on his lips.
Hunter groaned and said, "At least take it inside."
Josh pulled Channie even closer and spoke without removing his lips from hers. "Just go get the damn water."
\*\*\*
By the time Hunter had filled the 20 gallon tub, Channie was almost done washing the windows. Josh had removed and buried the rest of the mice. He was now on the other side of the shack, beating the dirt out of their quilts with a broom handle. It wasn't the best solution, but it was good enough for tonight. She'd use the left over bath water to scrub the floors tomorrow, but they were going to need to refill the tub with clean water before she could wash their bedding.
She went outside to check on the stew. It had boiled down to a thick paste. She added two cans of water out of the rain barrel. It took a while to mix it in because she had to be extra careful not to scrape the burned layer on the bottom of the pot.
Hunter poured the last bucket-full into the tub then arched his back and stretched his arms. "I think I'll just go on home if that's all right with you."
"Don't you want to stay for supper?" The stew was scorched, but it was still edible.
"Thanks, but after five trips to the quarry and back, I'm beat. All I want to do is hit the sack. Besides, watching Josh grieve over those filthy mice ruined my appetite."
"He wasn't grieving. He's just not used to killing animals."
"He ain't never gone huntin'?"
"No."
"His folks got lots of money?"
Channie thought of the way Josh complained about the "tiny" condo he lived in and snickered. "Tons of it. They buy all their food at the grocery store. His bicycle cost more than most folks' vehicles---most folks around here anyway." Channie's eyes stung as she thought about the home she'd left behind. She wondered if the trips missed her. "I wish you could see the place Momma and Daddy rented for us to live in."
Hunter smiled and said, "What'd they do? Take advantage of some poor, dumb Empty?" then bumped her shoulder with his, just like he'd done a thousand times before. It was an innocent gesture of affection, but Channie flinched away from him.
Hunter puckered his brow and looked sideways at her then shoved his hands in his pockets and said, "Well, the moon's up, I'm gonna head on out while I got enough light to see my way home."
Channie was certain that Hunter could find his way home blindfolded. "Are you sure you don't want some of this stew first?"
Hunter looked into the pot and wrinkled his nose. "I'm sure."
\*\*\*
The water wouldn't be hot enough for bathing for quite awhile, so Channie and Josh settled for just washing their hands and faces until after supper. Josh gulped down the scorched stew so fast Channie thought maybe he preferred it that way, but when she tried to give him a second helping, he put his hand over the top of his bowl and said, "No thanks. I'm done."
He didn't say he was full, just done. "How much longer until the water's hot? I can't wait to get you in that tub."
Uh-oh. "This isn't play time, Josh."
"Oh come on, Channie. It's my birthday."
"Aunt Wisdom said---"
"I know what she said, but do you really think withholding sex is going to motivate me?"
"You have to be more aggressive, take the offensive. If you wait for the enemy to strike the first blow, they'll kill you."
"They'll have to find us first."
"So you were serious? You really aren't going to fight on solstice night?"
"I didn't start this stupid war and I have no intention of becoming some poster-boy for your Aunt's magical rebellion. I meant every word I said. As soon as I'm sure I can protect you, we're out of here."
Channie didn't want Josh to fight either, and it really wasn't fair to ask him to risk his life for a war he didn't believe in. Maybe Josh was right. Maybe he didn't have to be the one that killed Dominance. Maybe Vengeance had sired lots of Halfies. And maybe one of them wanted to be king and wouldn't mind killing his own grandmother to make it happen. That was an awful lot of maybes and Channie knew in her heart that the "Son of Vengeance" mentioned in the Book of the Dead was Josh.
What would happen if no one showed up on solstice night? How powerful would Dominance become if no one challenged her? What sort of future would their children have in a world controlled by Dominance Veyjivik? Did she want to live in hiding for the rest of her life? If it was a choice between that and losing Josh, it was no choice at all. Besides, the old bitch couldn't live forever.
"Channie?" Josh's expression was so vulnerable it made her heart ache.
"Yeah?"
"You don't think I'm ... a coward ... do you?"
"Of course not. Only a fool wouldn't be terrified of facing Dominance."
"Because if you want me to fight, I will."
Josh's declaration infuriated Channie. Of course she didn't want him to fight, but if he left the decision up to her, and Dominance continued her rein of blood and terror, she wouldn't be able to live with the guilt. But if she told him to fight and he died ... it would kill her. Even if she said nothing, he'd most likely interpret her silence as some sort of accusation of cowardice and then join the rebellion to prove his manhood. He'd as much as said so already.
Channie balanced their bowls in one hand and dunked one of the five-gallon buckets into the steaming wash tub with the other. She said, "No, I don't want you to fight," then turned around and headed towards the shack, leaving Josh alone by the fire.
\*\*\*
It didn't take long to wash, rinse and dry their dishes so Channie wasn't too concerned that Josh hadn't joined her by the time she finished. He was probably still pouting over not getting to have his way with her. Channie gave him another five minutes, then went outside to check on him. He was gone.
"Josh?" The moon was up, but it was too dark to see past the shadows in the surrounding woods. Channie closed her eyes and focused on their bond. It was still strong enough to let her feel their connection. She couldn't tell where he was, but she could tell that Josh was still within the boundaries of Aunt Wisdom's misdirection spells which meant he was within hearing distance. "Joshua Vincent Abrim, if you don't come home right this instant you can damn well sleep on the floor!"
No answer.
"Fine!" Channie was too filthy to go to bed without bathing but the wash basin had been sitting in the coals too long. The water wasn't quite simmering, but it was too hot for comfort. She used a stick and scattered the coals piled up around the base of the tub, then dipped out two buckets of water. The weather had warmed up considerably after the blizzard. Most of the snow had melted, but the night air was still cold enough to fog her breath as she muttered about Josh's childish behavior.
When the water in the buckets had cooled to a tolerable temperature, Channie stripped out of her filthy clothes and wound her braid into a knot on top of her head. Her skin prickled into gooseflesh but she wasn't some namby-pamby city-girl that couldn't handle a little cold air. She dipped a wash rag into the still steaming bucket then wrapped it around a bar of lye soap. She lathered her arms, chest and neck then froze when she felt Josh's gaze on her body. Her first reaction was shock, followed by anger. How dare he spy on her like a peeping Tom. She covered her breasts with one arm and her privates with her other hand. "I know you're watching me."
Josh didn't answer, but the air around Channie grew warmer, then downright balmy. Channie grinned in spite of herself. "Josh. You aren't supposed to be wasting energy on warmth spells. Aunt Wisdom said---"
"I know what she said." He stepped out of the shadows and closed the distance between them, never taking his eyes off her face. "But you're my wife. And it's my job to take care of you." He took the wash rag out of her hand and said, "Turn around."
"Josh ..."
"I'm not going to seduce you." He smiled then said, "Unless you want me to."
"We can't."
"Yes. We can. But I'm not going to beg. Now turn around so I can wash your back."
Josh put one hand on her shoulder and washed her back with the other. Maybe he wasn't trying to seduce her, but that didn't mean his touch had no effect.
She trembled when he slid his hand over her ribs and across the dip of her waist.
"Are you cold?" His breath was hot on the nape of her neck.
"Hardly."
"Does this feel good?"
Channie grabbed the wash rag out his hand and looked over her shoulder at him. "What do you think?"
"I think ... you'll feel a lot better if you just relax and let me take care of you."
"What do you mean 'take care of me'?"
"It's not your fault I can't curse Hunter. Why should you be punished for my incompetence?" Josh slid his soapy hands over her hips and around to her belly. Channie had to grab his arms to keep from falling as her joints turned to jelly.
"Josh, stop. I can't take much more."
He sighed and removed his hands from her body.
"Step up." He indicated a large flat rock and picked up the other bucket of hot water. "I don't want to splash mud on you."
Channie climbed onto the rock, feeling even more self-conscious as Josh rinsed the soap off her body without touching her.
He said, "The water in the tub is a hundred and four degrees. Is that still too hot for you?"
"How do you know how hot it is?"
"Mage. Remember?"
"I could never do that. Not even with Enchantment's magic."
"In you go." Josh held her elbow with one hand and her waist with the other as he guided her into the tub. Channie sank into the hot water with a sigh of pleasure. Her muscles unknotted as Josh unwound the braid from her hair, then combed it out with his fingers. He dipped half a bucket of water from the tub then sat on the apple crate behind her and washed her hair.
When he finished, Josh wrapped a towel around Channie and picked her up. She buried her face against his neck. He smelled so good. Lemon and sandalwood and just a hint of musk. Wait a minute.
"Josh? Did you take a shower?"
He chuckled. "If you've been hiding a shower out here all this time without telling me, you're in big trouble."
There was a shower at Aunt Wisdom's house and one at the school, but if Josh had gone beyond the boundaries of the misdirection spells, Channie would have felt it. "How did you get so clean?"
Josh laid her across the bed then knelt on the floor beside her. He tucked the towel more securely into the hollow between her breasts, but didn't linger. "When you stomped off and left me sitting by the fire all by myself, I got really pissed and decided to take a walk to cool off."
"I did not stomp off."
Josh raised his eyebrows and smirked at her.
"I might have walked away a little briskly. But I did not stomp."
"Whatever."
Channie considered telling him why she'd gotten mad, but she didn't want to risk him changing his mind about not fighting Dominance. And that's exactly what would happen if he thought she was the least bit unhappy about the situation. The decision was made, and it was the decision she wanted so she needed to let it go. Besides, she couldn't stay mad at Josh when he was so obviously excited about something and grinning at her like a possum in a henhouse.
He sat back on his heels and stretched an arm across the bed, reaching for her hand. His long, slender fingers fit perfectly in the spaces between her own. He rested the side of his head on his bicep and licked his lips. "I really wanted to mess around tonight, even if we couldn't have real sex, so when you shut me down and said we couldn't bathe together ... it hurt my feelings."
"I'm sorry." Channie squeezed his hand.
The corners of his mouth curved up into a soft smile. "I know." He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "So anyway, I was wandering around in the woods, feeling sorry for myself, wishing I could take a shower and shave with a new razor and something besides lye soap." He lifted his chin, tilting his head to the side then guided her hand to his cheek.
Channie slid the back of her fingers up and down his jawline then cupped his face in her palms and smiled. "Your skin's softer than a baby's butt."
Josh chuckled. "I haven't felt this smooth since sixth grade."
She lifted her head and glanced across the room. Moonlight glinted off his razor, sitting in a tin can on the windowsill. "How?"
"I was just walking around and thinking about the last time I'd felt really clean and all of a sudden this electric buzz ran over my skin. It originated in my power-well so I knew it was my own magic, but I had no idea what triggered it. I still don't."
Channie rolled onto her stomach and said, "Go on."
"All the hair on my body stood on end, like I was about to be struck by lightening. Did you ever feel anything like that?"
Channie nodded. It sounded like a cleansing spell, but Josh didn't have the skill to cast one yet and even if he did, he would have been exhausted afterwards. He obviously had plenty of energy.
"I felt itchy all over and sort shook myself." He shimmied his shoulders, demonstrating the technique. "A cloud of grime formed around my body and then ... pow!" He flung his arms out to the side. "It exploded and disappeared."
"Wow." No doubt about it, that was definitely a cleansing spell. "I'm impressed."
Josh lifted his left elbow and sniffed his arm pit. "Even my clothes are clean."
Channie sat up. "Your clothes?"
"Yeah. If I can figure out how to do it again, we'll never have to do laundry."
"You can't use a cleansing spell on non-living matter."
"My jeans are cotton and my sweater's a hundred percent wool."
"Yes, but after the fibers go through the manufacturing process, the high heat and chemical dyes destroy any residual life along with any potential to hold or respond to magic."
"You sound like your Aunt."
"I was quoting her." Channie stroked his cheeks with her thumbs. "And I've never heard of a mage that could shave with magic."
"I didn't exactly shave. It was more like the stubble just dissolved."
"You're lucky you aren't bald. Did you lose hair anywhere besides your face?"
Josh grinned, crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Wanna check?"
"I meant your arms and legs."
"Nope, still manly."
"This doesn't make sense."
"Well, all I can say is, I'm completely clean and so are my clothes. Even my shoes." He yanked one off without untying it and held it out to her. "Take a sniff. It smells good as new."
Channie shook her head. She'd smelled Josh's shoes before, from a distance. There was no way she wanted to inhale with it anywhere near her face. "No thanks. I believe you."
His eyes sparkled with mischief. He thrust the shoe under her nose. "Go on. Smell it."
Channie laughed and batted his hand away. "No."
"Okay. If you don't like my left shoe." He tossed it over his shoulder and jerked off his other shoe. "How bout this one?"
"Josh. I don't want to smell your shoes."
He stood up and peeled off his sweater. "You should at least smell my sweater." He wadded it up and held it over his nose then inhaled deeply. "It smells really good."
Channie took his sweater in her hands then leaned over it and sniffed cautiously. It didn't just smell good. It smelled like lemons and sandalwood and Josh.
She closed her eyes, pressed the cloud of wooly fabric against her face and drank in his scent. When she opened her eyes, Josh was staring at her. He looked like something out of a dream, bathed in moonlight, bare chest heaving with every breath. A stretching sensation deep inside her own chest ached. This hunger was more than lust. It was a physical need as real as the urge to breathe.
Josh pressed a hand against his chest, over his heart. He felt it too. Channie wanted to give in, but she refused to disobey Aunt Wisdom.
They could abstain for as long as a year without breaking their bond. But how long before it broke them?
She slipped Josh's sweater on over her head then wiggled out of the towel. "A cleansing spell is advanced magic. Especially a cleansing spell that works on non-living matter." She fisted the front of Josh's sweater and lifted it to her nose for another hit of his delicious scent. "If you can clean your clothes with magic, there's no reason you can't curse Hunter."
"Channie, I tried. I gave it all I had. But it just didn't work."
Channie crawled across the bed on her hands and knees then stood on the splintered floor in her bare feet. She took Josh's face in her hands and tilted his head down to gaze into his eyes. "Tomorrow you are going to knock Hunter Feenie on his ass and then we're going to make love all night long."
Josh shrugged his shoulders. "If you say so."
"I do. Now come to bed. You need a good night's rest because tomorrow night, you aren't going to get any sleep at all."
"God, I hope you're right."
\*\*\*
The next morning, Hunter announced his arrival by banging on the door and yelling, "Wake up sleepyheads. I brought breakfast."
The aroma of bacon and eggs sent Channie's salivary glands into overdrive. She jumped out of bed and pulled on a pair of jeans under Josh's sweater then darted to the door, but before she could open it, Josh grabbed her wrist and said, "Put on a bra."
Channie blushed and nodded then dug a clean bra out of the paper bag at the foot of their bed. Josh chewed on his lower lip as he watched her put it on. When she grabbed one of her own shirts, he shook his head and handed her the sweater she'd slept in. He smoothed it down over her hips and said, "I like seeing you in my clothes," then opened the door.
Channie suspected what Josh really liked was Hunter seeing her in his clothes. She was getting a little tired of his alpha-dog attitude.
Josh glared at Hunter for thirty seconds, then turned his back and dug a sweatshirt out of the bag.
Channie said, "Come on in."
Hunter shook his head as his gaze travelled over her body. He folded his arms across his chest then leaned against the doorframe, and stared at their unmade bed.
Channie blushed, and pretended not to notice. "Where did you get the bacon?" They all knew where he got the eggs.
"It ain't bacon. It's tenderloin. I brought my own kit, so just grab a couple of plates and meet me out by the fire."
Hunter had a dutch oven buried in the coals, a skillet full of scrambled eggs on the grate and two pork loins on a make-shift spit. Channie turned the meat and licked her lips as a ribbon of grease dribbled onto the coals, hissing and popping and making her stomach growl. A rush of saliva forced her to swallow before she could speak. "Whose pig?"
Everyone that raised pigs notched the animals' ears to help sort things out and minimize feuds when the pigs escaped their pens. Something that happened on a regular basis.
"Old man McCray's."
"He'll skin you alive if he comes home and finds out."
"You gonna tell on me?"
"'Course not."
"Okay then, let's eat." Hunter divided the eggs onto everyone's plates then moved one of the tenderloins onto the empty skillet and cut it into inch-thick slices with his hunting knife. Channie removed the lid from the dutch oven with a stick and gave them each a ladleful of hot, buttered mush sweetened with maple syrup.
Josh said, "Please tell me that's coffee I smell," and nodded at the blue enameled pot on the far side of the fire pit.
Hunter nodded. "It's a blend. Coffee and roasted chicory. Help yourself."
The morning air was cold and still. What little smoke the coals produced rose straight into the sky. Channie sat next to Josh on the warm rock ledge circling the pit and watched him put away half a dozen eggs, a quarter-pound of pork and three helpings of mush. Channie could tell from the size of the tenderloin, it had been a very young pig. Information she had no intention of sharing with Josh.
"Hunter, thank you so much for breakfast. I don't know what we'd have eaten if you hadn't been so thoughtful."
Hunter said, "My pleasure," then leaned back, loosened his belt and belched out loud.
Channie wrinkled her nose and fanned the air in front of her face.
"What? It was a burp not a fart."
Josh stood up and took Channie's hand like a true gentleman and helped her to her feet. "It was also crude, rude and socially unacceptable."
Hunter stood up and wiped his hands on the front of his pants, adding to the dark stains already there. "You ready to get to work city-boy?"
Josh's jeans, the one's he'd worn yesterday, looked brand new. Channie said, "This 'city-boy' cast a cleansing spell on himself last night and just so happened to clean his clothes with the same magic."
Hunter narrowed his eyes. "That ain't possible."
Channie pointed at Josh's jeans. "That's the same pants he had on yesterday when he cursed the mice. There's not a spec of dirt on 'em."
Hunter put his hands on his knees and leaned over to get a closer look at Josh's jeans.
Josh put both hands on Hunter's head and shoved him backwards. "Get away from me you perv."
A flash of blinding green light was all the warning Channie got before her left shoulder exploded in agony.
This wasn't just the sensation of pain, like when she and Josh were cursed by the Book of the Dead, but an actual injury that filled her nose with the acrid odor of burning flesh --- just like when she'd killed Harvey.
Josh caught her as she collapsed then lowered her onto the ground, cradling her head in his lap. He brushed the hair off her face and said, "You're okay, baby. You're okay. Please be okay." He wasn't very convincing.
Hunter sounded as if he were choking. "Oh, god, I'm so sorry. Channie? Are you all right?"
Josh kept his gaze locked on Channie's as he ordered Hunter to go find Aunt Wisdom. "Use my car. The keys are hanging on that nail by the door."
Pain stole the air from Channie's lungs. She wanted to scream, but all she could do was gasp. Her vision turned grey around the edges, then black.
\*\*\*
When Channie woke up, she was lying in bed. A thick white bandage covered her left shoulder and upper arm. She gritted her teeth to keep from moaning and focused on the angry voices in the corner of the room.
"We weren't even sparring." Josh sounded defensive as well as angry. "And even if we were, he shouldn't have used full power."
Aunt Wisdom said, "He didn't. If he had, she'd be dead."
Channie opened her eyes a fraction of an inch and peered between her lashes. Aunt Wisdom and Hunter had Josh backed into a corner, literally. But he stood against the splintered wooden walls with his back straight, his chin up and his arms folded across his chest.
Hunter's face was scrunched into a mask of contempt. "You didn't even try to retaliate."
"I was freaked out about Channie!"
"Oh yeah? Hit me with your best shot."
Channie hoped Aunt Wisdom would intervene. But she just stood there with her arms crossed, watching.
Hunter said, "What kind of mage are you anyway? I thought your power-name was Valor. You aren't even valiant enough to protect your own wife."
"It was your freakin' curse that burned her."
"It was your shield that deflected the curse."
Josh didn't say anything to that. Great. Channie hoped she'd be able to convince him it wasn't his fault.
Hunter said, "I can tell you right now, that if Channie were my wife and you'd hurt her, I would have blasted you into next week."
"Channie will never by yours."
"At the rate you're going, you ain't gonna survive the first battle. Your body won't be cold in the ground before I have Channie in my bed."
Josh lunged at Hunter and drove his fist into his face. Hunter twisted halfway around before he landed on his butt, facing Channie.
Her eyes felt as if they would pop out of her head.
Hunter cupped his hand under his bleeding mouth and blinked three times. "He ... hit me."
Josh shook his right hand, pain twisting his features then gritted his teeth and pulled it back into a fist. "And I'll do it again if you so much as look at my wife."
"Why didn't you just curse me?"
"Hitting you was a lot more satisfying."
Hunter stood up, putting a good four feet between his face and Josh's fists. "I'll bet you cain't even curse a rabbit. I know for a fact, you cain't gut one without puking."
Josh took a step towards Hunter, but Aunt Wisdom put a hand on his chest and said, "Wait."
About time she intervened.
"Tap into your power-well, use that anger to curse him."
Hunter's shield went up in a green blur.
Josh's shoulders slumped. "I can't."
"Try."
"I am trying! I've been trying ever since he got here this morning with his stolen pig." Josh turned towards Hunter. "You think I don't know what that was all about? You're just trying to prove that you can take better care of Channie than I can."
Hunter smiled, exposing bloody teeth, "You put any food on the table yet?"
Josh said, "We aren't going to live here in this backwater dump forever! I have a trust fund waiting for me --- for us --- when we get home. Not only will I buy Channie her own vee-hick-ul, I'm buying her a three bedroom house with two bathrooms and walk-in closets bigger than this stupid shack. You can't compete with me so don't even try."
Hunter said, "All that stuff won't do her no good if she's dead. You cain't protect her the way I can."
Channie fisted her hands and gasped when the bandage tugged against her blistered shoulder. "I'm not some prize to be won by the peacock with the biggest spread of tail feathers!" She lifted her right hand and reached for Josh.
He turned his back on Hunter, grabbed her hand then knelt beside the bed and kissed the top of her head.
Channie tugged him down to eye-level and said, "I love you, Joshua Vincent Abrim. I married you, not Hunter. We are heart-bound and nothing's going to change that. Not even death. Your jealousy is insulting."
"I know, I know. I'm sorry." Josh dropped his chin to his chest. "But he's right. I can't protect you the way he can."
"I killed that nasty little tracker that tried to rape me without any help from either of you."
"But that was before you lost your powers."
"There's more than one way to kill a skunk." Channie pictured the gun in her backpack under the bed and resolved to begin target practice as soon as her shoulder healed.
\*\*\*
Aunt Wisdom drove into Whistler's Gulch for supplies and returned with Christmas gifts for everyone, even Hunter. She gave the boys wicked-looking automatic knives. When she mentioned that it was illegal for anyone other than law-enforcement or military personnel to own or carry the "Benchmade Infidels" ... Hunter and Josh's matching grins widened so far it looked painful.
She gave Channie three boxes of ammunition for the Glock 26 she'd taken from Harvey and a set of holsters that could be worn under a jacket, around her ankle under boot-cut jeans (which she also gave her) and a thigh band for the rare occasions Channie actually wore a skirt.
Channie was embarrassed that no one had a gift for Aunt Wisdom, but when she apologized, Aunt Wisdom said, "The best gift you could give me is to keep each other safe. So keep your weapons within arms reach at all times."
She stayed until the fourth of January, keeping an eye on Channie's burns, teaching her how to clean and handle her gun and of course, working with Josh. After two weeks of grueling, and unsuccessful training, she announced her diagnosis of the problem. They were all sitting around the fire pit, eating a breakfast of scrambled eggs, fresh bacon and cornbread.
"I believe that Josh's power-name, Valor, is interfering with his desire to curse Hunter." She smiled at Josh, but it didn't reach her eyes. "You can't help feeling indebted to him for his devotion to Channie. It wouldn't be valiant to curse a man that wants to protect the woman you love, no matter what his motivation might be."
"So how am I supposed to practice?" Josh dropped a morsel of cornbread by his feet and made a kissing sound with his mouth. A chipmunk darted past a squirrel and snatched the treat. The squirrel chittered and twitched its tail then gave chase, but the chipmunk was faster. Josh chuckled and said, "You snooze you lose."
Hunter rolled his eyes. "Maybe you should grow a pair and start cursing animals."
Before Channie could defend Josh, Aunt Wisdom said, "Hunter, that's not helpful."
Hunter stood up and scraped his scraps into the fire pit. "Neither is feeding varmints this close to the shack. Next thing you know, it'll be squirrels raiding the pantry instead of mice."
Aunt Wisdom said, "He's got a point. Besides, it isn't good for the animals to grow dependent on an unreliable food source."
Josh nodded. "You're right. Sorry."
Channie said, "Aunt Wisdom, I'd like to talk to you in private if that's alright."
"Of course. Let's go inside, I need to gather a few things before I leave."
Channie sat on the bed and bit her thumbnail as she watched Aunt Wisdom pack her medical supplies into her green and black plaid tote.
"Spit it out, sweetheart. I don't have all day."
"If Josh isn't ever going to be able to curse Hunter, there's no reason for me to refuse to perform my wifely duty."
"You getting horny?"
"Aunt Wisdom!" Channie's mouth fell open.
Aunt Wisdom laughed. "Just be careful with that shoulder. It's healed up quite nicely but the skin's still a little fragile."
\*\*\*
When Josh came inside to fetch Aunt Wisdom's bags, he froze in the doorway. Their bond tugged at Channie's heart, but it wasn't painful. She smiled and released all the passionate feelings she'd kept locked away for the past month. Josh's eyes widened.
Aunt Wisdom smiled and said, "I'll just say my good byes and ask Hunter to carry my bags to the truck. See you in a couple of weeks." She picked up her bags and said, "And Josh?"
His gaze never left Channie's. "Yeah?"
"There's a box of condoms under the bed. No magical birth control until Channie's monthly cycles return and stabilize. I don't think she'll get pregnant until they do, but it's better to be safe than sorry." Aunt Wisdom narrowed her eyes at Channie. "I hope you didn't permanently damage your reproductive organs by casting so many moon-curses on yourself. Magic has consequences."
"I know, I know." Channie tried to sound contrite, but she didn't miss the monthly inconvenience and cramps.
Josh didn't even wait for Aunt Wisdom to pull the door shut behind her before he grabbed Channie around the waist and lifted her off her feet to kiss her. He pulled her hard against his body and assaulted her mouth like some kind of animal then tossed her onto the bed and yanked his shirt off.
He wasn't exactly rough, in fact he was extra careful with her shoulder. But it was nothing like their wedding night or any of the other times they'd had sex. As they'd both grown more confident, they'd expressed their love for each other with more passion, but it was still an act of love --- a spiritual joining of heart, mind, body and soul.
This was not. At least it was over quickly.
Josh avoided her shoulder when he collapsed on top of her, but Channie couldn't get him off her fast enough.
He chuckled and rolled onto his back. "Wow. That was amazing."
"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it."
Josh rolled onto his side and trailed a fingertip along the outside edge of her newly healed skin. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
"My shoulder is just fine, thank you very much."
He said, "I'm sorry I didn't wait for you. It's just that it's been so long and---"
"It's been just as long for me."
"Give me few minutes and we can do it again."
"No. We can't." Channie didn't want to do it again.
"Sure we can." He rolled onto his side and slid his knee across the top of Channie's thighs. "In fact, we can do it again right now."
She pressed her legs together and said, "I'm not in the mood."
Josh threw the covers off his naked body, scooted to the end of the mattress and got out of bed without touching her. He jerked his boxers and jeans on then started cussing when he couldn't find his socks.
"Josh, what are you doing?"
"I need to get out of here." He jammed his feet into his shoes, without socks.
A cold wave of fear quenched Channie's anger. Their bond was stronger---even after that unsatisfying quickie---but a magical bond was no match for selfishness. She'd hurt Josh's feelings on purpose. He'd given in to his carnal desires with no thought to what she wanted, but he'd been swept away by his desire for her. It was actually flattering now that she thought about it. "Come back to bed."
He shook his head and grabbed his car keys off the nail by the door. "Not in the mood."
"Josh! Don't go."
He paused for a moment, but kept his back turned. One white-knuckled hand gripping the door frame.
"Please, Josh. I love you."
"I love you, too. But maybe that's not enough."
\*\*\*
Channie sat in bed, stunned, for ten minutes then got up and threw her clothes on. She didn't have much of a chance of catching up to Josh before he got to his car if he decided to run the entire five miles. After the blizzard, Aunt Wisdom made him park it in a cedar grove on the other side of the quarry so it wouldn't be visible from the air. Apparently the Veyjiviks had a tracker that was also a helicopter pilot. She didn't think Josh would leave her here, unprotected, but she hadn't thought he'd walk out on her either. What if he didn't come back? What if he decided she wasn't worth all the trouble?
She ran as fast as she could with her heart in her throat and her vision blurred by tears. A leaf-filled hole grabbed her right foot. She lost her balance and fell sideways, wrenching her ankle.
\*\*\*
Channie didn't know how long she'd been sitting on the ground, her throbbing ankle propped on a fallen log, when Hunter found her. But it had to have been at least two hours. She'd spent the first ten minutes calling for Josh, but either he'd already left, or he was ignoring her. Either way, she felt betrayed and royally pissed.
"Hey, girl, what you doing sitting in the dirt?"
She wasn't in the mood to deal with Hunter right now, but she needed his help. "I fell and sprained my ankle."
He glanced at her foot --- obviously not concerned --- then leaned over and ducked his chin to peer into her eyes. "Why are you so mad?"
"Quit reading my energy."
He sat down beside her, but kept a respectable six inch space between their shoulders. "Where's City Boy?"
Channie swallowed her tears before they reached her eyes but couldn't force any words past the lump in her throat. She pressed her lips together and shook her head.
"You two have a spat?"
She nodded.
"Come on. I'll walk you home." Hunter stood up and helped Channie to her feet. He frowned when she held her right foot off the ground. "Do you want me to carry you?"
"I can walk, if you help me."
Hunter bent his knees and draped her arm over his shoulders. "He's probably sitting by the fire pit, waiting for you."
Channie's traitorous heart leapt at the thought then fell back to her stomach. "He took his keys."
"I swung by to cast another misdirection spell on the cedar grove on my way over here. His bike's gone, but his vehicle's still there. He ain't gone too far."
"You might be surprised."
Josh couldn't get away from that damn shack fast enough. He stomped down the trail to the grove of cedar trees that hid his car. The sight of the crumpled metal infuriated him. He'd been upset the first time he saw it, after the blizzard --- more like devastated --- but he'd hidden his dismay. He didn't want Channie to feel guilty. A surge of blood heated his neck and face. Why was he always so careful to protect her feelings? She sure as hell didn't care about his.
He grabbed his helmet and shoes out of the back seat and geared up then leaned against the side of the car and loosened the red knob holding the front-mount brace in position. He unlatched the strap over the rear tire, grabbed his bike by the frame and gasped when a sharp pain shot across the front of his leg. He wrestled his bike to the ground and leaned it against the car before letting go.
A jagged piece of metal from the crumpled rear quarter panel had sliced a six inch gash through his jeans and across his thigh.
It wasn't too deep, he'd had worse, but it hurt like hell and it needed stitches. He held the edges of the cut together and swore. He wished he knew how to heal cuts the way Channie had healed the back of his head.
A flash of pain --- more intense than the initial injury --- made him cry out and let go of his leg.
A thick, pink scar crawled across his thigh like a worm, sealing the wound. It was tender when he first touched it, but even that sensation faded away as he traced it from beginning to end.
"Whoa. Wait till Channie sees this." He turned towards the shack, but before he took a step, her words echoed in his mind. "Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it."
She'd made him feel like some kind of selfish pig that had purposely used her body to satisfy his own needs without caring about hers. He'd tried to make it last but there was just no way. It wasn't like he couldn't do it again. But when he tried, Channie shoved him off her as if his touch disgusted her.
What did she expect after an entire month without sex? He'd known from the start that Wisdom's stupid plan wasn't going to work, but Channie refused to even talk about it.
That's what it always came down to --- whatever Channie wanted. She'd knocked his entire life off course. All those years of training every day and racing every single weekend ... wasted. All those injuries and surgeries and excruciating physical therapy ... It was all for nothing.
He should be meeting with his coach and sponsors, planning the next step of his career, focusing on the Olympics.
Instead, he was stuck out here in the middle of nowhere, married, and doing his best to figure out how to use magic so he could protect Channie. He was still committed to that goal, and to her, but that didn't mean he couldn't take one lousy afternoon off and do something he wanted for a change.
He wiped the dried bird poop off the bike's saddle, then pressed on the cross bar to test the tires. The rims hit the ground. He swore again and gave the bike a shove then spun around and kicked his car.
Josh took a couple of deep breaths then leaned over to pick up his bike. If his sponsors had seen the way he'd thrown it to the ground, they'd all have massive heart attacks, or aneurysms or both. Sponsors ... ha. He didn't have sponsors anymore. Channie had taken care of that. Why couldn't she have waited until after Grands to run away?
He still couldn't get over the fact that he'd come in dead last in his first moto. In his whole career, every time he'd been the last off the track, he'd left on a stretcher. And even then, it had never been his fault. The last time was two years ago. Some idiot on the outside lane had tried to pass him on the first turn and bumped his rear tire. The next thing he knew, he was tumbling down the track like a rag doll in a washing machine.
That's how he felt right now. His entire life was a disaster. He was headed for a deadly collision at break-neck speed and there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it except ride it out and hope the landing didn't kill him. But standing around feeling sorry for himself wasn't going to help anything.
The electric pump was in Dad's car. The floor pump was in the back of Mom's 4-Runner. But Josh had a mini-pump in his tool-kit. It wasn't very efficient, but it worked and the physical exertion helped calm him.
He locked his car and shoved the keys in his front right pocket, then reconsidered and tossed them on the driver's seat, leaving the car unlocked. If he fell, he didn't want to get stabbed by a damn key.
Time to ride.
Josh felt better immediately, but he needed to find the zone --- that place where his body, mind and bike became one with the earth beneath his tires. But the magic roiling in his gut, his power-well --- what a stupid name --- was distracting. He pumped his legs harder, but the zone escaped him.
When Mom told him she and Dad were splitting up, he'd ridden all the way to Longmont before he found the zone, but he did find it. He just hoped he'd have the stamina to find it today.
He'd ridden for about two hours when he came across a well worn path. This was no game trail. "Alright!" It was a mountain bike course with wooden ramps, dirt berms and all sorts of natural and manmade obstacles. Josh wasn't a mountain biker, but BMX skills translated well to the sport and it was just the sort of challenge he needed.
He gave it everything he had and pushed his body beyond the limits of good sense to reach the top of the trail. It opened into a mountain meadow the size of Mile High Stadium.
January wasn't exactly tourist season, so Josh was stunned to find someone had pitched a tent and built a campfire in the middle of the clearing. Two horses, tied to a tree stump, lifted their heads and stared at him. Strands of dried grass stuck out of the sides of their mouths like whiskers. The hair on the back of Josh's neck stood on end as he hit the brakes.
His shield snapped into place before he even realized there was another mage nearby. When the curse hit him, it knocked him over, bike and all, but it also ricocheted off his shield.
Someone screamed. Josh hoped it was the mage that had cursed him. It wasn't.
The man was on Josh before he could click his feet out of his clips. He pinned him to the ground and pressed a knife against his throat.
"If you so much as twitch, I'll slit your throat. And if you try to curse either of us, the other'll shoot ya. Got it?"
Josh nodded.
"Now, lower your shield or die."
Josh dropped his shield.
A blast of power, like a hammer to the brain, knocked him out cold.
When he came to, Josh was tied up and propped against a tree stump in front of the fire. Two men were arguing. He recognized the mage that had attacked him and assumed the other guy was the one that had been hit by his deflected curse. He shut his eyes and pretended he was still unconscious.
"He might be one of them Kerns."
"He's dressed too rich to be from around here. That hard-hat he's wearin' is worth more than everything you own. He ain't no Kerns."
"He might know something about 'em. We have to at least interrogate him."
"If anyone does any interrogating, it'll be me. The less you know about him the better. I don't want you to let something slip when we get back. If the Queen finds out we caught a stray mage and didn't haul his ass back to Kentucky so she can interrogate him, she'll kill us both."
"Then we should take him back."
"And leave our post? If the Queen cain't get no useful information out of him, she'll kill us for dereliction of duty. Either way, we're screwed. We have to kill him."
Josh focused on controlling his breathing, but he couldn't do anything about the trembling.
One of the men said, "Hey, he's awake."
Josh opened his eyes.
A thin man in dirty jeans, broken down cowboy boots and a scraggly red beard studied him from across the fire. He scratched the hair under his chin then spit a stream of brown fluid into the fire. Chewing tobacco. Gross.
The man said, "Good morning, sunshine. Who might you be and just what're you doin' in this neck of the woods?" So much for not interrogating him.
Energy pulsed in Josh's power-well, but before he could even try to curse him, someone hit him from behind. Not hard enough to knock him out again, but hard enough to turn his vision grey around the edges. Waves of nausea vied with pain for his attention.
The tobacco spitting man said, "None of that, or I'll just have to let Jimmy here have his revenge. He ain't too happy with you for cursing him."
"I didn't curse anybody. All I did was raise my shield. It's not my fault he's too stupid to shield himself during a fight." Josh's head pounded with every beat of his racing heart. What was he thinking? Insulting these men when he was at their mercy? Talk about stupid.
The man threw back his head and laughed. "Jimmy? Shield hisself? That's a good one."
"Shut up, Ryder."
Ryder spit another stream of tobacco juice, hitting Jimmy in the chest.
Jimmy scrambled to his feet, calling Ryder all sorts of nasty and creative names, but he didn't do anything about the insult except wipe the nasty stuff off his coat with a dirty red bandanna.
"Jimmy here ain't much of a mage. But he's a damn good tracker and a helluva good shot with a pistol. Lucky for him, his tracking ability manifested at an early age or his momma would've put him in a gunny sack and drowned him like a sick dog."
"You shut up about my momma. You don't know nothin'."
"I know she don't want you hangin' around reminding folks of her weak bloodlines while she's trying to marry off your ugly sisters."
Josh wouldn't have minded if Jimmy and Ryder dueled it out, but he didn't want to get caught in a crossfire of magic and bullets.
He said, "Look, I'm sorry we got off on the wrong foot. Why don't you untie me and we can start over?"
"What clan you belong to boy? And what's your name?"
"I belong to the Smith clan. My name's Jet."
"What's your power-name?"
"Jet is my power-name. It's why I'm so fast. And that's why I'm here. I'm practicing for a race."
The man's eyebrows shot up. "A race. What sort of race?"
His enthusiasm reminded Josh of Channie's father's and gave him an idea. "Have you ever raced against a man on a bike? How fast are those horses?"
Jimmy said, "Oh no you don't. Either we kill him, or we take him back to Kentucky."
Ryder said, "Go get my horse."
"What are you gonna do iffen he gits away. We already ruffed him up. I don't want to start no feud with the Smith Clan."
"There ain't no Smith clan. And even if there were, he ain't gonna git away. Ain't no way some kid on a bicycle is gonna outrun me on a horse. This won't be much of a challenge, but we been stuck out here for months without so much as a whiff of any of them damned Kerns. I'm bored."
Josh could barely conceal his relief. But it was short lived. All they had to do was backtrack and it would lead them straight to Channie. His trail was so obvious, even the misdirection spells wouldn't stop them. Wisdom had warned him about this very thing. Why hadn't he listened?
Jimmy said, "I ain't in the mood to go chasing no damn monkey-on-a-bike all over the damn mountain."
"So don't go."
"Let's just kill him now and be done with it. I wanna take a nap."
"Fine. Take a nap. But I'm gonna have me a little fun. I ain't never chased nobody on a bicycle."
Josh turned to Ryder and said, "If you're bored, why not make it more interesting and give me a ten minute lead."
He grinned but Jimmy said, "Five minutes. That's all you get."
Josh swallowed and nodded. He seemed to be doing a lot of that.
Jimmy's foul breath burned Josh's nose as he leaned over to untie him. "No funny business. Or I'll skin you alive then hang your hide out to dry."
"Got it. No funny business."
Josh rubbed his sore wrists and stretched his cramped legs then mounted his bike.
Ryder put a hand on Josh's shoulder and said, "Hold on a sec." He waited until Jimmy ducked inside the tent then packed another wad of tobacco into the side of his mouth. "Let's make this interesting. I'll give you ten minutes plus however long it takes me to saddle up. If you make it to the river before I do, I'll let you go."
"Where's the river?" Josh didn't trust the tracker to keep his word, but he couldn't stifle the hope swelling inside his chest.
"It's at the bottom of the mountain, dumb-ass. Just go back the way you come."
Josh would have more of a chance to outrun the tracker if he used the mountain bike course he'd already scoped, but that would lead him closer to Channie. It wasn't worth the risk.
"I've already ridden that course. You aren't the only one that gets bored." He pointed at the opposite end of the meadow where the trail picked up again. "Let's go that way."
Ryder grinned. "I like your gumption, boy. It's a doggone shame I'm gonna have to kill you."
"I thought you promised Jimmy he could do it."
"Jimmy's got a mean streak in him. I'll do it myself and make it quick. You won't feel a thing. Consider it a reward for your bravery."
Josh settled his helmet on his head and clicked his shoes into the quick-release pedals then tried to mask his terror with sarcasm. "Gee, thanks a lot."
Ryder turned his head away from Josh to spit then grinned at him and said, "You're welcome."
\*\*\*
A chain with a metal sign that read, "Closed, due to erosion," blocked the trail. Josh ducked under it and took off for the race of his life.
He'd hoped for a steeper angle of descent, but the trail cut across the face of the mountain in a giant zig-zag pattern of switchbacks. The weather had been completely dry since the blizzard almost a month ago, but the north side of the mountain still had dirty patches of snow weeping a constant trickle of water onto the trail. No wonder the course was closed. It resembled a mudslide more than a trail. Josh didn't know anything about horses, but he didn't think the black goo sucking at his tires would be nearly as much of a hindrance for a four-legged animal as it was for him.
If he could get far enough ahead of Ryder, maybe he could hide and then try to curse him as he rode past. But the odds of that happening weren't very good. He hadn't been able to curse Hunter after trying for days. He doubted he'd be able to figure it out in time to curse Ryder.
It would be safer for Channie if he got as far down the trail as possible and then cast a warning spell. It was a long shot, but it couldn't be all that different from the distress spell he'd cast the night they nearly froze to death. All he could do was hope that Hunter or Wisdom would get the message and force Channie to leave before the trackers followed his trail back to the shack.
He hadn't even rounded the first bend when a sound, like someone drumming their fingers on a desk pad, stopped his heart. It was faint, but growing louder. He wasn't nearly as far down the mountain as he needed to be.
An opening in the trees caught his eye. He jerked the handlebars, bunny-hopped onto a fallen log then plunged into the forest. Everything else faded into background noise as he scanned ahead and picked his line. Thorns snagged his clothing and clawed his skin. The opening that had lured him into the forest, narrowed, funneling him into a ravine. By the time he realized his mistake, it was too late to do anything about it. The bottom of the ravine was full of babyheads and death cookies. The rocks were slippery, but it was better than mud.
Josh cornered around a tree stump and nearly plowed into a bear-sized boulder. He swerved and avoided a head-on collision, but grazed the side of his thigh. That's going to leave a bruise ... If I live long enough to find out.
He'd wanted a steeper descent. He got it. It took every bit of skill he possessed and all his concentration to navigate the rough terrain. Crested Butte had nothing on this widow-maker. Ah, Channie, I'm so sorry. He'd give anything if he could just take back the cruel words he'd spoken this morning. The last thing he'd said to her was ... I love you too, but maybe that's not enough.
A sliver of hope pierced his heavy heart when he realized he didn't hear the horse anymore. Maybe Ryder had missed Josh's detour. The ravine leveled off and widened, revealing a smooth slate surface under the scattered rocks. Had the fates or destiny or whatever finally decided to cut him some slack?
Nope.
A distant neigh and the clatter of hooves on loose rocks shot adrenaline into Josh's veins. He dug in and hammered down the trail --- which abruptly ended around the next corner. He didn't even have time to hit his brakes.
Josh hung in the air for what seemed like forever. The pile of rocks at the bottom of the cliff crept outward in a semi-circle, but rested on a bed of sand. If he could clear the rocks, he and his bike just might survive the landing. He clicked out of his cleats and bailed in preparation for what was sure to be a major wipeout --- praying he wouldn't break any bones or taco a wheel.
Right before impact, he remembered suspension spells. Too late. He slammed into the sand, rag dolled another ten feet, and wound up on his back staring at the sky, unable to breathe. He did a quick inventory of his body as he waited for his diaphragm to quit spasming. Ribs, bruised but not broken. Helmet missing, possible concussion. Back sprained, spinal cord intact. Legs fine, no injury. Left wrist ... compound fracture.
Josh tried to cast a pain-away spell on himself, but he didn't really know how to do it. He got some relief, but nothing like what Channie did for him when she'd healed his scalp. He managed a few shallow breaths, then a deep inhale that felt like someone had stabbed him in the chest with a spear. He sat up, cradling his left arm and swore with tears streaming down his face.
He could sit here and wait for Ryder to catch up and put his out of his misery, or he could keep going and give Channie a little more time to escape. He struggled to his feet and whispered, "I love you, babe," then smiled when their bond glowed. He let every tender emotion flow out of his heart to hers until a flood of grief rushed out. He squeezed his eyes shut as he pulled his energy back inside, stopping the flow. The last thing he wanted was for Channie to come looking for him. He kept his eyes shut and pictured the two trackers, focusing on the threat they posed to Channie and used every bit of energy in his power-well to cast what he hoped was a warning spell.
Josh took two steps then stumbled and fell. His overloaded pain-receptors intervened and knocked him out when his wrist hit the ground.
He wasn't out for very long, but he realized he wasn't going to get very far like this. He was too low on power to heal his wrist with magic, even if he knew how. But that didn't mean he had to give up.
If he could reset the bone, he might be able to continue riding one-handed. A fallen oak tree caught his attention. It rested against the trunk of a large pine, forming a cradle of sorts. One branch, low to the ground, forked up at a tight angle. He could sit on the ground, lean against the pine tree, wedge his hand into the fork and pull the bones back into place.
Josh gagged, then vomited. If he couldn't bear to think about it, how was he going to actually do it? His power-name might be Valor, but he was no Aron Ralston. The man had amputated his own arm with a dull knife after a boulder pinned him to a canyon wall. He still had to hike for miles --- rappelling, one-handed, down a cliff --- before he was rescued. Josh had chosen Aron Ralston when given an assignment to write about a real-life hero in the sixth grade. Aron had claimed that thoughts of his family had given him the courage to do what he had to do to survive.
Josh closed his eyes and thought about the first time he'd ever seen Channie. The way she seemed to appear out of nowhere. She'd looked like an angel with moonlight sparkling in her hair and shining in her eyes. He'd been totally mesmerized, even before she cast the come-hither spell on him.
He gritted his teeth and said, "Suck it up and just do it. Do it for her."
It took him ten excruciating minutes to wedge his hand into the fork. He had to stop and rest three times to keep from passing out. Once situated, he spent another couple of minutes debating whether or not to give it a trial tug before pulling in earnest, but decided that was pointless.
It was even more painful than he'd imagined and took two tries before he succeeded. Now all he had to do was dislodge his hand out of the forked branch.
"That has got to be the bravest damn thing I ever seen."
Josh's heart plunged to the ground. He lifted his chin and glared at Ryder.
Ryder turned his head and spit then made a chk-chk sound and turned his horse away from the cliff's ledge. He leaned back in the saddle as the animal sat on his haunches and slid down a thirty degree slope. It dawned on Josh that the man's name had to be Rider, not Ryder.
A completely random and useless revelation, considering he was about to die.
Rider dismounted and dropped the horse's reins to the ground. "Stay put and let me take a peek at that arm."
Josh had no reason to trust the man, but he was in shock and had no will to resist. Besides, his hand was still stuck in the tree. "I can't get loose."
Rider leaned over and stared at Josh's wrist then cast a pain-away spell that dulled the agony to a pulsing ache. He said, "I ain't no healer, but looks to me, you got the bones lined up. All you need to do is knit 'em together."
"I can't. I used all my power to ..." Josh pressed his lips together and squeezed his eyes closed.
"To cast a warning spell, I know. I'd like to know who you think was gonna feel it other than me and Jimmy."
"I don't know, but I thought it was worth a try."
"Sorry kid. There ain't nobody in these here parts for miles around. Not even Empties. You want me to knit them bones for ya?"
Rider's compassion confused Josh but he had nothing to lose. He nodded.
Rider supported Josh's arm with one hand and placed the other on top of the punctured skin, cupping his palm so he didn't actually touch the wound. "There ain't no pain-away spell I know of that can keep this from hurting like a son-of-an-Empty. You ready?"
Before Josh could answer, a flash of pain, every bit as agonizing as setting the bone, tore through his arm. He blacked out, but when he came to, his arm was completely healed. So were his ribs and his back. Now that the worst injuries were taken care of, he noticed his pounding head. He almost asked Rider to heal his concussion too, but remembered what Channie'd said about only a healer having the skill to "mess with a person's brain."
"Why are you helping me?"
Rider handed Josh his helmet then grinned and said, "The race ain't over."
"Are you still planning on killing me?"
"Only if you lose."
\*\*\*
Instead of giving Josh a head start, Rider led the way to the head of another extreme bike trail. It wasn't as well maintained as the first one, but it gave Josh an advantage he didn't have before.
He bombed the trail with no regard for personal safety. If he didn't win this race, he'd be dead anyway. And every mile was one more mile between Rider and Channie. There wasn't anything he could do about Jimmy, except hope the man's laziness would keep him in his tent until Rider returned.
The race was close with no clear leader. Rider's horse couldn't run on the manmade course but he could definitely run. And jump. He flew over fallen logs as if he had wings. Josh couldn't help but admire the beast as he thrashed the mountain, making his own trail.
The wooden ramps looked like primitive bridges. The two-by-fours, laid horizontally into the track like a washboard, vibrated Josh's bike and body. His wrist ached, but it wasn't any worse than any of his other rehabilitated injuries. In fact, his rotator cuff hurt more than anything. He ignored it.
Centrifugal force added to the feeling of compression as Josh leaned into a curve. His body tensed, coiled and ready, for the jump at the end of the ramp.
Just as he launched, Rider shot through the gap --- leaning so far forward, his head was level with the horse's outstretched neck.
Josh table-topped his bike, kicking it out to the side to avoid a mid-air collision. It wasn't a perfect stunt. He barely got lined up again before landing but it was pretty amazing. He wished he'd had his helmet cam running. Even if he lived to tell the tale, no one would ever believe him.
Josh lost track of Rider as he shot down the endless series of manmade ramps, berms and jumps. The last berm spit him out into another damned ravine. At least this one was more dirt than rock. The lower elevation and fewer trees meant less snow. Except for a few puddles in the bottom of the ravine, the ground was dry. Josh could ride a lot faster here. But so could Rider. Josh was in front but Rider was gaining. The ravine curved upwards, a natural ramp. Josh flew over it and dropped his gaze to the ground, looking for the best landing. What he saw, clenched every muscle in his body.
Two obstacles, an exposed root and a fallen tree, blocked the ravine. The root took up the bottom third while the tree blocked the top half. The root was too thick to power over, but if he bunny hopped onto it, the tree would knock his head off. He was going to land his jump right in front of it so hitting his brakes was not an option. Josh made a perfect landing then rode up the side of the ravine as if it were a half-pipe and threaded the slot with his bike and body in a horizontal position.
He rocketed up the other side of the ravine, cleared the edge with a kick-out to the right and let a out whoop of exultation --- momentarily forgetting the life and death nature of this race.
An answering shout of terror brought him back to Earth. Josh lifted his right elbow and lowered his chin to peek under his arm --- just in time to see Rider sail over the top of the fallen tree.
Josh clicked his left foot loose and planted it on the ground as he yanked his bike sideways into a power-skid. It took a good three seconds to come to a complete stop. When he turned around, Rider was looking straight at him, eyes wide but unfocused. There was something surreal about the brown spittle leaking out of his slack-jawed and gaping mouth, dripping off his beard.
Josh ditched his bike and ran back up the ravine. He knelt beside Rider and reached out to check for a pulse. Rider blinked and grabbed Josh's wrist. "I cain't feel my legs."
Rider's horse stuck his head through the opening between the tree and the overgrown root and neighed softly.
Rider smiled and said, "It's not your fault, Buddy." He turned his head and locked his gaze on Josh's face. "You ever been on a horse?"
"No." Josh removed his helmet and set it on the ground.
"I already know you ain't a healer, so ain't no point asking you to fix my back."
"I healed a cut." Josh pulled the gash in his jeans apart to show Rider the scar across his thigh.
Rider looked at it and snorted. "Like I said. You ain't no healer."
"It might not look very pretty but it feels perfectly fine."
"My back's broke. I need a Master Healer."
"I don't know what to tell you." Even if Wisdom were in the area, she'd be more likely to kill the man than heal him. But Rider was right. Josh had no idea how he'd healed his leg. Trying to fix a broken back with magic he didn't understand was beyond reckless.
Rider's eyes filled with tears. "I don't want to lay out here and die of thirst or get ate up by varmints. Just kill me."
"I'm not going to kill you."
"Then get my gun outta my saddle bag so I can do it myself."
"No."
"Will you at least put me on Buddy? Just lay me across the saddle, he'll take me back to camp."
"If I move you, it could cause permanent damage to your spinal cord."
"Ain't nothing more permanent than death."
"How far are we from the nearest town?"
"You ain't planning on just leaving me here to die, are you? After I done went and fixed your arm?"
"I'm going to go get help."
"Whistler's Gulch is about twelve miles from here, but there ain't nothing but Empties living there."
"Empties may not be able to fix your back, but they can save your life."
"I'd rather die out here than let one of them quacks put me under and cut me up like a Thanksgiving turkey."
"Really? Because those are your only choices. And if you want me to go get help, I need to leave now. There's only a few hours of light left and I can't ride technical terrain in the dark."
Rider cocked his head to the side. "You might be the bravest mage I ever met, but you are without a doubt, the dumbest. Just cast a bright-eyes spell on yourself."
"I don't know how."
"Oh good lord." Rider rolled his eyes then squinted.
Josh's eyes stung as if he'd opened them under water in an over-chlorinated swimming pool. But with each blink, his vision improved until he could see everything with perfect clarity.
Rider said, "Well, don't just stand there gawking at everything. Get on into town."
"How do I get there?"
"Once you get to the river, just follow it downstream. It'll lead you right to the Mad Dog Saloon."
"If I bring help, will you promise to quit tracking me?"
"By the time I find a master-healer, it'll be too late for 'em to fix my back. My tracking days are over."
"I'm sorry about your back, but I'm glad you won't be hunting me anymore."
"You gave me the best chase of my life, Jet. I'm glad I didn't have to kill you."
"What about Jimmy?"
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about Jimmy. Except he's probably followed your trail back to your vehicle and sold it to the highest bidder in Whistler's Gulch."
Josh's heart stopped. Then pounded against his sternum. If Jimmy found his car, he'd find Channie. "No!"
"Those ignorant Empties ain't got enough sense to hide it. Just file a stolen car report and as long as the fella that buys your car ain't related to the police. You'll get it back."
Josh wasn't worried about his car. He was worried about his wife. He prayed that Hunter had gotten her out of the shack and taken her to one of Wisdom's safe houses before Jimmy got there. He was tempted to seek her through their heart-bond, but if he opened it, would that make it easier for Jimmy to find her? It wasn't worth the risk. Josh wanted to kick himself for storming out of the shack without his phone. He didn't know whether he should just ride into town to call Channie and Hunter or try to make it to the shack before Jimmy.
"How long do you think it'll take me to get to Whistler's Gulch?"
"The way you ride? I'd guess about fifteen minutes."
Town it was. "I gotta go."
A handful of pebbles skittered down the side of the ravine.
"Hey, City Boy. Are you okay?"
Hunter Feenie? "What are you doing here?" Had he misunderstood Josh's warning spell? "You're supposed to be protecting Channie!"
"She sent me to find you."
"No." Josh dropped to his knees.
Hunter half skipped half slid into the ravine. "Hey, Uncle Rider, I thought I recognized your horse. What are you doing out here?"
"Hunter! We have to get back to the shack! Now!"
"Why?"
"Because your Uncle's partner is going to follow my trail back to Channie."
Rider said, "Channie? That wouldn't be Enchantment Kerns, now would it?"
Hunter's eyes bugged out as he sucked both lips inside his mouth and shook his head.
Josh wanted to knock Hunter and Rider's heads together.
"Hunter, did you drive my car?" Hopefully Jimmy would follow the Rav4's trail instead of climbing the seven-mile hill to investigate the shack.
"Channie told me I could. In fact she insisted."
"That's fine. Where is it?"
"It's about three miles up yonder." Hunter pointed towards the top of a very steep hill. "The terrain's too rough, even for that fancy vehicle."
Josh used a series of exposed roots to climb out of the ravine. He needed Hunter to take him to the car. But Hunter and Rider were too busy yelling at each other.
"Hunter Feenie. You been playing me for a fool!"
"I didn't have a choice."
"I knowed I should have made you swear a death-pledge to prove your loyalty. You ain't no better'n your traitorous momma."
"I'm already bound by a death-pledge and you leave my momma outta this."
Josh picked up a fist sized rock and threw it at Hunter's feet. "Come on, we have to go! You can have your little family reunion once I'm sure my family's safe."
Rider said, "Your family? Did you go and marry that little Kern's bitch?"
Rage filled Josh's power-well. Pressure built behind his eyes and inside his ears. He tried, but he couldn't curse Rider. He wasn't surprised his power-name wouldn't let him curse an injured man. That would show a definite lack of valor. But all that excess power needed to go somewhere. Josh pulled it together and blasted a dead oak tree out of the ground.
That got everyone's attention.
After a three second delay, Rider said, "Ya know, when you're riled up you look just like ... naw, cain't be. Unless ... How old are you, Jet?"
Josh ignored Rider and screamed at Hunter, "We have to go! NOW!"
"Calm down, she's in the car. I'd never leave her unprotected. Unlike some people I know."
Rider said, "So, Vengeance went and sired himself a bastard that went and married a Kerns. Well I'll be damned."
Josh was too relieved by the news of Channie's close proximity to be angry with Hunter or worried about the secrets Rider was unraveling. "Come on, Hunter. We still need to go. I don't like the idea of her being alone."
He opened his heart and felt the strength of their connection. He also felt Channie's terror as the sound of a gunshot silenced every creature in the forest.
Josh swayed, teetering on the brink of the ravine as the world once again tilted on its axis. The only thing not spinning was Hunter's face. Josh locked his gaze on Hunter's, willing him to say the words that would put his world back together. Tell me the sound didn't come from Channie's direction. Hunter's chalky-white, terror-stricken face was a mirror of his own.
"WHERE IS SHE!" Their bond was still strong. Channie was still alive.
Hunter blinked then turned and ran up the ravine. He shimmied through the gap between the root and the fallen tree and whistled. Buddy answered with a low nicker and trotted up to him, extending his neck to blow on Hunter's face. Hunter took the reins and mounted the horse.
Josh ran along the top edge of the ditch and caught up to him just as he and Buddy exploded out of the ravine. "Take me with you!"
"You'll just slow me down." And without so much as a backwards glance, Hunter took off.
If the incline had been just a little less severe, Josh would have ridden his bike, but he'd be faster on foot. At least Buddy left an easy enough trail to follow.
Another gunshot rang out. Josh screamed Channie's name, but there was no answer. Their connection was still strong. Channie was still terrified, but after that second shot, a new emotion rushed through their bond and slammed into his chest. Shock followed by wave after wave of grief.
He'd assumed that if one of them were seriously injured, the other would feel it through the bond, but what if ... god, he couldn't bear to think it ... what if the bond stayed strong until they died?
His lungs were on fire. So were his legs. But he didn't slow down. He pushed his body to the limit, hit the wall and kept right on going. He wished with all his heart that he were stronger, faster.
And then he was.
Magic poured out of his power-well and flowed through his veins, invigorating every cell in his body. Buddy flew past on his right, without Hunter, headed back down the mountain. Josh barely noticed. His car was in sight.
Both front doors were wide open. Jimmy was on his back, about five feet away from the car, lying in a pool of blood. The top half of his head was missing. Channie was not in the car. Josh ran around to the other side. She was on her knees, covered in blood, leaning over Hunter pressing both hands against his right shoulder. The gun she'd taken from Harvey on the ground beside her.
"I shot Hunter. I shot both of them. He was on a horse ... I thought he was a tracker ... Help me."
Josh dropped beside her and covered her hands with his. He rocked forward, putting all his weight in his arms, but bright red arterial blood continued to pulse out from beneath their hands.
Channie's voice quavered as she spoke. "You have to heal him, Josh."
"Tell me what to do."
\*\*\*
Nothing Channie said made sense. Trying to heal Hunter was every bit as hard as trying to curse him.
And that's when the epiphany struck. Trying was interfering. He'd healed his own leg without trying. And he'd given himself super-human strength without trying. If he was going to heal Hunter, he'd need to do it without trying.
Josh said, "Channie, I need you to stop crying and be quiet."
She sniffed and hiccuped then pressed her lips together and scrunched her face, pulling her features together like a drawstring purse.
Josh closed his eyes and thought about how Hunter had raced to Channie's aide without hesitation. He thought about how much Channie loved him. Because she did love Hunter. It was nothing more than friendship, but it was a deep bond nonetheless. If Hunter died, not only would she grieve his loss, but she'd never forgive herself, knowing she'd fired the gun that killed him.
Hunter had to live. For Channie's sake.
"Channie, move your hands out of the way."
Josh maintained pressure as she slid her hands out from beneath his. Magic swelled up from a place deep inside Josh's chest. He focused on his desire for Hunter to survive. No, not just survive. To be healed. A warm tingling sensation flowed out of his heart, down his arms and into his hands.
Hunter's bleeding slowed, then stopped. A lump formed beneath Josh's palms as his strength left his body. His eyelids fluttered shut against his will. Channie's arms wound around his chest. She pulled him onto her lap and kissed his forehead. The last thing he heard as he lost consciousness was "Love is enough."
Channie wept with relief when Hunter opened his eyes and squeezed her hand. But she was still worried about him. He'd lost a lot of blood. She was worried about Josh too. She'd never witnessed such a dramatic healing. He'd passed out and collapsed into her arms as soon as he finished.
Hunter slid his left hand across his chest and ran his fingers over the lump of flesh scarring his shoulder. "Where's Ms. Wisdom?"
"She's not here. Josh healed you."
"Josh?" He lifted his head about an inch off the ground, then fell back with a groan.
"Does it hurt?"
Channie'd been too concerned about saving Hunter's life to ask Josh if he could cast a pain-away spell.
Hunter let go of Channie's hand and lifted his arm over his head. "It's just a little stiff that's all. Did the bullet go all the way through?"
"Can you lift up a little? I'll check."
Hunter nodded.
Channie slid her hand under his back and bit her lip when she felt the ridge of raised flesh that covered his entire shoulder blade. How was he even able to move that arm? And why, if Josh had the skill to mend shattered bone, severed arteries and torn muscles, couldn't he heal skin without leaving such hideous scars? Was he so jealous of Hunter that he wanted to leave him disfigured?
"Yeah, it definitely went all the way through."
Hunter swore and said, "How big's the exit wound?"
"It's big."
Hunter rolled onto his side and tried to look over his shoulder. "How's it look?"
Channie cringed at the sight of the angry red scar puckering the skin over a quarter of his back. "It looks like you're lucky to be alive."
"Is it as bad on the back as it is on the front?"
"It's worse." No point lying about it. He'd find out soon enough. "But girls like a man with battle scars. It proves he's a fighter and a survivor."
Hunter grinned, grabbed her hand again and pulled himself into a sitting position.
"Take it easy, Hunter. You lost a lot of blood. How are you feeling?"
The corners of Hunter's mouth twitched upwards into a smirk. "Better'n Jimmy. Nice shootin'."
Channie's blood turned to ice. "You ... knew him?"
"I fed false information to him and Uncle Rider. It was part of Ms. Wisdom's master plan."
Even though Hunter was double crossing the two men, he must have had some kind of relationship with them to make them believe he was on their side. "I should have aimed for his legs or something to disable him, but I panicked. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. The man was scum. Always bragging about the women he bedded. Took 'em against their will. You done the world a favor, take'n him out. You wanna borrow my knife so's you can notch the handle of your pistol?"
"No!" After shooting Hunter, Channie'd been so afraid that she'd misinterpreted the stranger's lustful energy. He came at her so fast she barely had time to grab her gun out of her holster, much less analyze his motives. She was relieved to know she'd been right about the man, but she wasn't proud of shooting him. She couldn't believe Hunter wanted to notch her gun to commemorate the kill.
"You could notch it twice. If Josh hadn't of healed me so quick, I'd have been a goner. That was definitely a kill shot."
Guilt pressed in all around her, crushing the air out of her lungs.
Hunter reached towards her face, but before he could brush away the tears flowing down her cheeks, Channie jerked her head to the side. "All I saw was a man on a horse. I thought you were another tracker. I didn't know it was you until ... until after I'd already shot you."
"Hey, it's okay."
"No. It's not."
"Come on, girl. Don't cry. No harm done. I'm alive and everything still works. See?" He rolled his shoulder and swung his arm around, demonstrating a full range of motion. "And like you said, girls like guys with battle scars."
Josh yawned then said, "Wanna see my new scar?"
"You're hurt?" Channie scampered out from under him and laid his head on the ground then ran her hands over his chest and belly. "Where?" She'd assumed the blood splattered all over him was Hunter's. "How bad is it? Can you heal yourself?" After the amount of energy he spent healing Hunter, he shouldn't even be awake yet.
Josh sat up and grabbed her shoulders. "I'm fine. I cut my leg, but I healed it before I even got on my bike." He spread the tear in his jeans apart with his fingers and said, "See? Nothing but a scar."
Channie wanted to smack him for scaring her like that, but she was so relieved he was okay, all she could do was cling to his blood-soaked shirt and cry. Great heaving sobs racked her body making it hard to breathe.
Josh pulled her onto his lap and rocked her like a baby. "Shh, Channie, it's okay."
"No, it's not!" She spoke between gasps, not caring if she made sense. She just needed to get it out before she had a mental breakdown. "Nothing is okay ... I shot and killed a man ... blew his freakin' head off ... and ... and I ... nearly killed Hunter ... and ... I thought you'd left me for good this morning. And then ... just now---"
A powerful wave of calm washed over Channie. She took a deep breath then sighed and closed her eyes. "Hunter, you shouldn't have done that. You need to save your strength for recovery."
"I didn't cast the be-calm spell. Josh did."
Channie blinked her eyes open then lifted her chin and gazed at Josh. "You did?"
Josh grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe. I don't know. I just wanted you to calm down ... and then you did."
"What did it feel like? Inside your power-well?"
"Nothing. The magic came out of my chest."
Hunter said, "Heart-magic? He's using heart-magic?"
Channie smiled as a warm glow of pride radiated from her own heart. She wove her fingers through Josh's hair and pulled his face down to hers. She said, "I'm not surprised one bit. You are the most amazing man I've ever met," then kissed him.
Hunter said, "All right you two, we ain't got time for that. Uncle Rider is still sitting in the ravine with a broken back. What are we going to do about him?"
Josh broke the kiss, scooted Channie off his lap then stood up, bringing her with him. She bit back a gasp of pain when her ankle throbbed and shifted all her weight to her left foot.
Josh frowned and said, "Why are you limping?"
"I twisted my ankle, but I'm fine."
"Let me heal it."
"Not until you're fully recovered from healing Hunter."
"Sit your butt down and let me take care of it."
"You can heal it tomorrow."
"You can't even put any weight on it. What if Rider and Jimmy aren't the only trackers in the area?"
Hunter said, "There ain't no more---"
"Shut up, Hunter."
Josh was as stubborn as a herd of mules when it came to Channie's comfort and safety.
He knelt on the ground and reached for her foot.
Channie bent her knee, jerking her foot back until her heel touched her butt, hiding her ankle behind her. The pain of the sudden movement brought tears to her eyes. "You can heal me on one condition."
Josh put his hands on his knees and dropped his chin to his chest. "What?"
"You'll stop the instant you feel the least bit tired. I don't want you passing out again."
Josh wiggled his fingers as he reached for her foot again. "I promise. Now sit down and let me do this. We don't have time to argue."
Josh placed his palms on Channie's ankle as if it were as fragile as a soap bubble.
An icy sensation flowed over her skin and trickled along her fevered tendons quenching the throbbing pain of her torn muscles. It took less than five seconds for the swelling to go down and the bruises to disappear.
Channie wiggled her foot back and forth then around in circles. "Wow! Good as new." Her smile faded when she noticed the circles under Josh's eyes had darkened. "I knew that would drain you!"
He took her hands and pulled her to her feet. "I'm fine."
"Liar."
Josh smirked and looked sideways at her with his I-know-I'm-guilty-but-I'm-not-sorry expression plastered all over his face. "Compared to healing Hunter, your ankle was a drop of rain in the ocean. It didn't take a fraction of the energy he required." Josh's expression sobered. All trace of teasing disappeared from his voice. "We need to call 911 for Rider. Did either of you bring your phones?"
Channie shook her head.
Hunter said, "I never go anywhere without it," as he dug the cheap disposable phone out of the front pocket of his jeans. He was so proud of the dang thing, Channie wouldn't be surprised if he slept with it under his pillow. But instead of dialing 911, he pressed and held the number one then turned on the speaker so they could all hear.
Aunt Wisdom did not take the news well at all. She was mad at Josh for leaving the safety of her misdirection spells. She was upset with Channie for shooting Hunter. But she was furious with all of them for leaving a tracker, alive and unguarded, three miles away.
Josh said, "He's not going anywhere. His back's broken."
"Just, get down there."
Channie leaned towards the phone and said, "Hunter's too weak to walk."
"Then go without him. Josh, you and Channie need to leave now. Call me back when you get there. I'll have to conduct the interrogation over the phone."
Hunter said, "Uncle Rider ain't gonna wanna cooperate with no interrogation."
"Then we'll just have to encourage him. Josh, do you have your knife?"
Josh's eyes widened as his face paled. He blinked and shook his head. "No!"
Hunter pressed his lips together, squeezing the color out of them, then swallowed and said, "I got mine."
Channie's stomach twisted into a knot of fire. Josh would never stand by and do nothing while Hunter tortured a man. And neither would she. She snatched Hunter's phone out of his hand, ended the call, and shoved it into her front pocket.
Josh said, "We are not going to torture that man."
Channie put her palms on Josh's cheeks. "Of course not. You can try to use persuasive magic to get him to answer Aunt Wisdom's questions. But no one is going to torture him."
Hunter curled his lip and looked at Channie as if she were a complete idiot. "Persuasive magic don't work on a mage that's determined to keep his own secrets. You know that. Besides, Uncle Rider figured out Josh's true identity. Seems he looks a lot like his Daddy."
"What?" Channie's head spun. "He knows Josh is a Veyjivik?"
Hunter nodded.
This was worse than a disaster. This was a full-blown fiasco.
Hunter glared at Josh. "Stay here and stick your fingers in your ears if you ain't man enough to do what has to be done." He squared his shoulders and turned his back on them.
Josh said, "He's your uncle!"
Hunter took three steps, weaving as if he'd drunk half a jug of Daddy's moonshine then stopped and curled in on himself as he sank to the ground. He rested his elbows on his knees and said, "He's your uncle too."
The tension in the air melted like snow under the April sun.
Josh sat down next to Hunter and said, "Are you kidding me? Is everyone around here related?"
"Pretty much. If you go back far enough, you and Channie are probably---"
"Stop. I don't want to hear it."
While Josh and Hunter talked, Channie retrieved her gun then crept down the mountainside, hunched over like a thief trying to sneak past a night watchman. The weight of the Glock in her shoulder holster increased with every beat of her heart. She didn't want to kill again, especially not an injured and helpless man. But that tracker knew Josh's secret.
"Channie!" Josh's voice was edged with panic. She couldn't hide from him, not under these circumstances. He'd go crazy with worry in less than a minute.
She stood up and said, "Over here."
Josh charged down the mountain side then grabbed her arms and squeezed. Not enough to hurt, but firm enough to make it clear he wasn't going to argue with her. "What do you think you're doing?"
Channie licked her lips and said, "When a horse breaks a leg, the kindest thing to do is to put the poor animal out of its misery."
"Rider is a man, not a horse! I told him I was going into Whistler's Gulch and that I'd send someone to rescue him."
"He was going to kill you!"
Josh let go then shoved his sleeve up past his elbow. "During the race, I fell off a cliff and broke my arm --- compound fracture." He pointed at a pink, crescent-shaped scar. "I didn't know how to knit bones back together, so Rider did it for me. He healed me, Channie. I can't let you kill him."
"If Rider survives and tells Dominance about you, she'll sic every tracker alive on your trail! How long do you think it'll take one of them to find you?"
"I don't think he'll tell. I'm willing to take my chances."
Hunter said, "Rider knows you married Channie. If they find you ... they find her. She's already got a price on her head. You willing to risk her life, too?"
Josh loosened his grip on Channie's arms and slid his hands down to her wrists, then entwined their fingers. Time stood still as the silence between them deepened. Even the birds ceased their chirruping.
Josh's gaze drifted up, over the top of Channie's head. The muscles around his eyes relaxed, as he stared beyond the furthest peak.
His voice was soft and monotoned, as if he were talking in his sleep. "Right after it happened ... Rider asked me to shoot him."
\*\*\*
Channie pressed her hand against Josh's chest. His heart hammered under her palm. There was barely a trickle of energy seeping through their bond. Josh was shutting her out, but she knew him too well. If he witnessed Rider's execution, it would destroy him. They all knew he'd never be able to pull the trigger, so there was no reason for him to go with them. "Josh, I want you to stay here. Let me and Hunter take care of this."
"No way am I letting you shoulder that burden alone. You've been through too much already."
Hunter said, "He's right, Channie."
"I've already killed two men. What's one more?" Channie's stomach churned at the thought of killing again, but her soul was already scarred. Harvey's death was premeditated. Rider's would be too. But Rider hadn't tried to rape and murder her like Harvey. He'd even healed Josh. This was going to be so much harder.
Josh gripped her shoulders with trembling hands. "Please, Channie. Don't fight me on this."
Hunter put his hand over Josh's increasing the weight on Channie's shoulder. Hunter's hand was much smaller than Josh's, but it was steady and strong. He tilted his head up and locked his gaze on Josh's eyes. "You saved my life. Now let me save yours. If you participate in any part of this, it'll kill you."
\*\*\*
Channie sat on the ground with Josh's face buried between her breasts. His hot tears soaked her shirt as hers fell on his head. They both trembled as they waited for the sound that would signal the end of a man's life.
Instead of the crack of a gunshot ... a whistle, long and shrill followed by three high-pitched chirps, echoed off the mountain.
Josh jerked his head up and said, "What's that?"
"It's Hunter. Something's wrong."
\*\*\*
When they got to the ravine, the only thing they found was Josh's bicycle and helmet.
Rider was gone.
Josh let go of Channie's hand, then sat on his butt and slid down the side of the ravine.
He put both hands on top of his head and twisted first to his left, then to his right. "I don't understand."
Hunter's head popped up over a fallen log, on the other side of the ravine. "Stay still. You're messing up the signs."
Josh said, "What signs?"
"See the way them rocks are all stained a darker color? Uncle Rider hauled hisself along the ground on his belly, turning 'em over as he went."
Josh said, "That's impossible. His back was broken. What you're suggesting would have been excruciating."
Channie said, "He could fuse his spine to stabilize it and cast a pain-away spell on himself, but he'd still be paralyzed. He couldn't have gotten far, not dragging himself on his belly."
Hunter said, "He ain't dragging hisself now."
Josh said, "How do you know?"
"See that? There and there." Hunter slid down the embankment on his butt then pointed at a huge root blocking the bottom of the ravine under a fallen tree that bridged the top.
Channie climbed down a series of roots and joined the boys.
Other than bicycle tire tracks that ran up the ravine and between the two obstacles, Channie didn't see anything unusual. "Josh? Did you ride through here?"
Josh nodded and said, "I barely made it. I came off that jump and landed right about here." He pointed at a spot in the dirt, where the tire tracks began. "I had enough speed and centrifugal force to get horizontal long enough to ride through the gap." He pursed his lips and exhaled, puffing his cheeks. "Rider's horse is an amazing animal, you wouldn't believe the obstacles he cleared, but he didn't have a chance of jumping that."
Hunter cleared his throat and said, "You can tell us all about your wild adventure later. We have a tracker we need to find. Do you see the signs he left, or not?"
Josh said, "Those bits of red thread?"
"And do you see the way the rocks are scattered away from the ground on this side?"
Channie and Josh both nodded.
"That's where Buddy stood and shuffled his feet while Uncle Rider pulled himself onto his back."
Josh said, "How can he ride a horse with a broken back?"
"He ain't sitting on the horse. He's draped over the saddle like a dead man."
"How can you tell that from looking at rocks?"
"I cain't. But it's the only way a man with a busted back is going anywhere on a horse."
Josh said, "Give me your phone. We need to tell Wisdom what's going on."
While Josh and Aunt Wisdom yelled at each other, Channie and Hunter looked for more signs. What they found, chilled her to the marrow of her bones. Rider hadn't gone back to camp. He'd gone into town.
Hunter squatted on his haunches and poked his finger into a pile of horse dung then stood up and extended his hand towards Channie. "Buddy dropped this over two hours ago."
She wrinkled her nose and stepped back. "I'll take your word for it."
Hunter's cheeks reddened. He wiped his hands on the seat of his pants and gazed off in the distance, towards town. "Whistler's Gulch is only about ten or twelve miles from here. According to the tracks, they started out loping, but even if Buddy slowed to a walk, they'd be there by now. We're screwed."
Josh paced back and forth as he argued with Aunt Wisdom. Channie only caught snippets of the conversation but it was clear Aunt Wisdom was trying to talk Josh into joining the rebellion. He said, "Well then I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree," and handed the phone to Channie.
She put it on speaker and said, "Aunt Wisdom?"
"Do you have the Book of the Dead with you?"
Channie's stomach clenched. "No. It's in my backpack under the bed back at the---"
"Don't say it! Just go get it. But don't dawdle. You don't have time to pack anything else. You need to get as far away from here as fast as you can. And don't go anywhere near Whistler's Gulch."
Hunter said, "Where are we supposed to go?"
"Josh, take Channie home, wherever that might be. Hunter, you're on your own. Be sure you throw away your phones before you leave."
Channie said, "How are we going to stay in touch?"
"If you can talk some sense into that husband of yours, I'll meet you where we always meet on December 11, ten days before solstice."
Channie looked at Josh. He crossed his arms over his chest, pressed his lips together and shook his head. They wouldn't be anywhere near here next December.
"If I don't show up, you'll have to find Dominance on your own. Her stronghold is somewhere on Black Mountain, in Harlan County, Kentucky near the Virginia border. Be sure you leave in time to get there before solstice."
"Wait ... Why wouldn't you show up?"
"It's a war, sweetheart. Things happen. Especially when prophesies are ignored."
Josh grabbed the phone and said, "That was a cheap shot. But it didn't work. I'm still not joining your stupid rebellion." He handed the phone to Hunter then wrapped his arms around Channie. She pressed her ear against his chest and waited for the steady beat of his heart to comfort her.
"I'm not giving up. Hopefully, you'll grow into your name before solstice and fulfill your duty."
Josh's arms tightened around Channie and said, "My duty is to protect my wife."
"Good bye, Valor. I hope we meet again."
"Don't count on it."
Hunter cleared his throat and said, "Ms. Wisdom, I'd like to join the rebellion as a regular soldier now."
"I'm sorry, but there'll be a price on your head if the Veyjiviks find out you double crossed them. You're too much of a liability."
"Thanks to you, everyone thinks I'm a traitor. My own momma disowned me."
"If I see any of your kin, I'll explain the situation, but your entire clan disappeared. No one's seen any of them for weeks."
"What do you mean they disappeared? What happened to my family?"
"I'm sorry, Hunter. I truly am, but I can't help you. Good luck."
Hunter stared at the blank screen on his phone then slipped it into his pocket and said, "I got nowhere to go."
Josh kissed the top of Channie's head then said, "Hunter. You're welcome to come with us."
Hunter blinked, swallowed hard and nodded then turned his back and wiped his eyes on his sleeve. He cleared his throat twice then said, "Thanks."
None of them spoke as they trudged back up the mountainside. When they got close enough to see a flash of red peeking out from behind a boulder, Josh said, "You two wait here. I'll go get the car."
Hunter sat on the ground and wrapped his arms around his bent knees, hiding his face. He looked and sounded much younger than his seventeen years. His voice trembled when he said, "Where're we going?"
"Colorado." Channie sat down beside him and bumped his uninjured shoulder with hers. "You'll like it there. It's real pretty." Comforting Hunter took Channie's mind off her own worries.
Hunter kept his face buried in his arms but he bumped her back. "Where am I supposed to live?"
"Josh'll figure something out. Don't worry."
Hunter perched his chin on his forearms. He tilted his head to the side and stared at Channie with red-rimmed eyes. "S'pose that means I'll have to quit trying to steal you away from him, huh."
"Hunter ..." Channie could feel the grief pouring off him. "Even if Josh and I weren't married, no one could ever steal me away from him. We're heart-bound."
"I know."
"Someday you'll find someone that will make you forget all about me."
Hunter shook his head. "You never forget your first love."
Channie's heart ached for him, but there was nothing she could do about it. Hugging him would only make it worse.
He raised his shield, blocking his emotions and hiding his energy field from her. Channie wished she could do the same. She knew her pity was nothing but insulting to a boy as proud as Hunter.
He grinned and puffed out his chest. "I'm sure I can find someone to warm my bed and distract me from my broken heart."
"I'm sure you can." Her sympathy lessened by half.
"How're your folks gettin' by?"
Channie smiled, grateful for the change of subject. "You're not gonna believe this, but Momma and Daddy are making a killing at the casinos."
"Your momma took up gamblin'?"
"More like stealing. There aren't any other mages in the area so they never lose." Channie didn't even try to keep the disapproving tone out of her voice.
Hunter perked up and said, "Hey, maybe I can take up gambling."
Channie narrowed her eyes at him. "You're better'n that, Hunter. Besides, do you think my daddy's gonna let another mage compete with him?"
Hunter's shoulder's slumped. "How am I gonna make a living? My daddy yanked me out of the academy before I learned anything about the modern world."
Channie put a hand on his shoulder and grinned. "You can work at McDonald's!"
"They got a McDonald's in Colorado?"
Channie forgot that Hunter had never been anywhere other than Whistler's Gulch. "This whole world is full of McDonald's."
A bright flash of golden light, followed by a loud whumph brought Channie and Hunter to their feet. She looked at Hunter then gasped Josh's name and bolted towards the car. It was bouncing over the rough terrain, coming straight at her. The sun's glare on the windshield obscured her view. She felt Josh's presence inside the car but her own panic interfered with her ability to read his energy.
He stopped ten feet in front of her then leaned over and opened the passenger side door. "Are you okay, babe?"
Channie scampered inside and slumped down in the seat."Did another tracker show up?"
"No."
"Then who ... or what did you curse."
He stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles. "Wisdom told me not to leave any evidence behind."
Channie closed her eyes in relief, but opened them again when the image of the dead tracker flashed into her mind. I've killed two men in less than two months.
Hunter crawled into the back seat and said, "Everything okay?"
Josh nodded and said, "Just had to do a little clean up," then waited for Channie to fasten her seatbelt before putting the car in gear.
"Did you get the slugs from Channie's gun?"
Josh dug through the loose change in his cup-holder and pulled out two slugs.
Hunter leaned between the bucket seats and said, "Which one's mine?"
Josh dropped one into Hunter's outstretched hand. "That one. Why do you care?"
"I want to put it on a chain and wear it around my neck."
Josh shuddered. "Dude. That's just sick."
"This here's a bonafide good-luck charm. My grandkids will be fighting over who gets to inherit this someday."
Josh looked at Channie and raised his eyebrows.
She nodded.
He said, "Is that a mage thing or an Ozark thing?"
"It's a Hunter Feenie thing."
Josh glanced down at the remaining slug in his palm then back up at Channie. "Do you want---"
"No!"
"I didn't think so." He put it back in the cup-holder. "I'll get rid of it as soon as I can."
Channie said, "Why didn't you just destroy the slugs with magic?"
"I don't know how all this magic stuff works. I didn't want leave any evidence that might reveal the fact that I can use magic on non-living matter. You guys seem to think that's pretty special."
"Did you tell Aunt Wisdom?"
"No way. I didn't want to give her any more reasons to think I'm some sort of 'chosen one.'"
Hunter stuck his head between the bucket seats and gaped at Josh. "You weren't just pulling the wool over my eyes? You really did clean your clothes with magic?"
Josh reached across his body with his left hand and put it on Hunter's forehead then gave it light shove. "You ever hear of something called personal space? Put your seatbelt on."
Hunter flopped back in his seat then leaned forward again, grinning. "How'd you do it? What's it feel like? Can you teach me?"
Channie took Josh's hand in hers and twisted around sideways to look at Hunter, "I don't think Josh's magic works the same way ours does ... did." Would she never get used to the fact that she'd lost her magic?
Josh tugged her back around to the front and pressed their joined hands against his chest. "That's nothing compared to the magic I feel whenever we're together.
Hunter made a fake gagging sound then said, "Too much information."
Josh glanced into the rearview mirror. "I wasn't talking about sex."
"Whatever."
\*\*\*
Josh told Channie and Hunter to wait in the car while he ran inside the shack to grab her backpack. Aunt Wisdom had told them not to take time to pack anything else, but when Josh tossed her bright orange daypack into the back seat with Hunter, it looked suspiciously full.
Hunter must have thought so too. "What's in the pack?"
Josh started the car and put it in gear then looked over his shoulder as he backed up.
"I just grabbed a couple of things. My knife, a couple of clips of ammo for Channie. It only took a couple of extra seconds and I figured it was worth it. We need to be sure we're ready for trouble."
Hunter opened the pack and pulled out the curtains and tablecloth Channie had pieced together. "I understand the knife and the ammo, but what are we going to do with these? Hide?"
"Channie worked really hard on those, so just shut up."
Tears filled Channie's eyes. She wouldn't miss the miserable living conditions, but that old shack was their first home as a married couple. She leaned across the console and kissed Josh's cheek. "Thank you. I'll hang them in the windows of our new house as soon as we get settled."
"About that ... Wisdom said we have to keep our marriage a secret."
"What? Why?"
"She's afraid that if your parents figure out who I am, they'll turn me over to Dominance as payment for their blood-debt."
"She's right." Channie's mind raced as she immediately conjured a dozen ways Josh could get caught. "You can't go anywhere near Momma and Daddy. We need to go somewhere else. Do you have any kinfolk that live outside of Colorado that might take us in?"
"I need to go home, Channie. I have responsibilities there too."
"What responsibilities?"
"My family for one. I owe my parents and Elijah an explanation as to why I disappeared and didn't even call them for over a month. If I study really hard, I might be able to catch up and graduate on time. And if I suck up to my coaches and sponsors there's a chance I can salvage my racing career."
"What am I supposed to do? Go home and pretend like none of this happened?"
"I'm not letting you anywhere near your psycho parents. You're coming home with me."
"Your momma ain't gonna let me stay there. She's already threatened to put me in foster care."
"When was that?"
"November sixteenth."
"You remember the exact day?"
"It was the morning before the new moon, when we opened the Book of the Dead for the second time."
"If Mom won't let you live with us, we'll just move in with my dad. He's been begging me to come live with him ever since the divorce."
"Are you going to tell him we're married?"
"There's no reason to tell him. He won't care if we're sleeping together."
Hunter said, "You want your Daddy to think Channie's a whore?"
Josh glared into the rearview mirror. "It's not like that in the real world."
"Whatever."
Josh said, "Hey babe, can you dig my phone out of the glove box and plug it into the car charger? I need to call my parents."
Channie said, "Aunt Wisdom told us to throw away our phones."
"I brought this one from home. I never used it to call any of the disposable phones, so there's no way anyone is going to trace this number to us."
Channie twisted around and frowned at Hunter. "Did you throw your phone away?"
He slipped his hand over the right front pocket of his jeans as if that would hide his guilt.
Josh pulled off the road and said, "Give me your phone."
"No! I ain't gonna use it."
"I'm just going to turn off the emergency locater so no one can track us. I'll give it back, okay? But you have to promise not to use it."
Josh's kindness overwhelmed Channie. The Feenies were one of the poorest families in the region. Hunter had never owned anything of real value before and he obviously loved that dang phone.
Hunter nodded then dug the phone out of his pocket and handed it to Josh. He poked his head between the bucket seats and watched Josh like a hawk as he fiddled with his phone.
Josh could have used his own phone as soon as Channie plugged it in, but he waited until they crossed the Oklahoma border and stopped at a 7-Eleven for food and gas to call his daddy.
By the time Channie was done using the facilities, Josh had finished the call. She had no idea what was said, but it was obviously draining. Josh crawled into the passenger seat and reclined it back as far as it would go. "I'm tired. I need one of you to drive for awhile."
Hunter yelled, "Hot damn!" and dove behind the wheel. Channie climbed into the back seat, behind Hunter and used her backpack for a pillow. She dozed off immediately but woke with a start three hours later when Hunter pulled off the road, bolted from the car and puked up everything he'd eaten.
Josh held up an empty bag of Twizzlers and said, "This should have lasted the three of us the rest of the way home. He shuffled his feet amongst the trash on the floor and laughed. "Dude. Did you eat all the Cheetos, Slim Jims and Reeses Pieces?"
Hunter groaned and nodded.
"All of that on top of a Big Mac, shake and fries. No wonder. Even if your body were used to junk food, no one can eat that much crap and not get sick."
Hunter whimpered and said, "Don't remind me," then threw up again.
Channie drove for a couple of hours, pulling over twice to let Hunter empty his stomach. When he started dry heaving, Josh folded the back seats down so Hunter could stretch out and cast his version of a be-calm spell on him. Poor Hunter. He was gonna have a hard time adjusting to life in the modern world.
Josh drove the rest of the way home, growing more animated and talkative with every mile. The interior of the car shrank around Channie as she thought about what awaited her in the big house by the park.
"Channie?" Josh picked up her hand and kissed the back of her knuckles. "What's wrong?"
She shrugged and looked out the window at the pink and orange horizon.
"You worried about your parents?"
She nodded.
"I won't let them hurt you."
She swallowed and said, "You can't protect me. If you get within fifty feet of them, they'll sense the change in you. They'll know you're a mage."
"There's no reason for them to even know you're back. And I'm never letting you out of my sight again."
They pulled into Josh's driveway at a quarter 'till noon. Josh's momma should have been at work, but when he raised the garage door, her vehicle was parked inside. Josh said, "You guys wait here. Let me talk to her alone for a minute."
He didn't make it inside before the door flew open and Mrs. Abrim charged down the stairs. Channie cringed, waiting for her to tear into Josh, but instead of hitting or slapping him, she threw her arms around him and bawled like a baby.
Josh patted her back for five minutes then pried her arms off his body and motioned for Channie and Hunter to get out of the car.
If looks could kill, Channie would have died on the spot. Mrs. Abrim glared at her with pure hatred. She didn't even glance at Hunter.
Josh said, "Mom, this is a friend of Channie's, Hunter Feenie."
Hunter extended his hand and said, "Pleased to meet you, ma'am."
She ignored him and continued to glare at Channie.
Hunter dropped his hand to his side, then shrugged and scratched the back of his head.
Josh put his hands on his momma's shoulders and turned her towards him. "They need a place to stay."
"Not here." She shook her head. "That girl is no longer welcome in my home."
A crimson flush spread over Josh's face and neck. "Then it's no longer my home. Channie, Hunter, get in the car."
"Josh! Wait! You just got here."
Mrs. Abrim grabbed Josh's wrist, but he twisted out of her grasp and said, "We're going to Dad's."
She stood in the driveway, wide eyed and silent as Josh backed into the street. The only sound inside the car was Josh's labored breathing and the roar of rushing blood behind Channie's ears.
When Josh merged onto highway 36 towards Boulder, Hunter broke the silence. "So ... your momma ain't too fond of Channie, huh?"
Josh glared at Hunter's reflection in the rearview mirror then said, "She's just mad because I disappeared for so long."
Channie shook her head. "She knows it's my fault you ran away. She blames me for ruining your life."
A band of misery squeezed Channie's heart when Josh didn't argue.
\*\*\*
Channie had never been to Liz and Ezra's house. So when Josh stopped in front of a massive wrought iron gate and punched in a secret code to open it, her mouth fell open.
Hunter said, "Is your daddy in jail?"
"What? No." Josh laughed and shook his head. "This is just a gated community."
"Is it dangerous out here?"
"Not at all. The people that live here just want to keep it private."
They drove past a small lake with a sandy beach, picnic tables and a playground every bit as nice as the one at Heritage Park. But there wasn't a single person there.
Hunter had his hands and nose pressed against the window like a curious puppy. "Wow. Look at the size of that hotel!"
Josh laughed again. "That's not a hotel. It's a house."
"Who lives there? Some movie picture star?"
"I have no idea who lives there." Josh turned onto a side road that dead-ended in front of an even larger, grander estate. "But this is my dad's house."
Channie and Hunter stared at each other with matching expressions of awe-struck wonder. Two dark-wood and stained glass doors swung outward. Josh's daddy ran down a paved brick sidewalk to meet them. Channie and Hunter both hunkered down in their seats.
Ezra Abrim didn't even wait for the car to come to a complete stop before he started yanking on Josh's door. He pulled his son out of the car and bear-hugged him, lifting him off the ground. He released him then leaned into the car.
Channie shrank back against her door and shivered. Ezra had always been nice to her and the trips, taking them to Josh's races on Saturdays, but that was before she'd ruined Josh's life. Ezra's face softened. "Hi, Channie. How are you?"
"Fine?"
He leaned in a little further and reached into the back seat to shake Hunter's hand. "And you must be Hunter, Channie's friend."
Hunter's eyebrows disappeared under his shaggy mop of hair. "Yessir. Pleased to meet you, Mr. um ..."
"Just call me Ezra."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Ezra."
Ezra laughed and said, "Come on you two, let's go on up to the house. Carmen's got lunch waiting."
Channie said, "Whose Carmen?" Then slapped her hand over her mouth. Maybe Josh's daddy had gotten himself another new wife.
He smiled and said, "She's Liz's little sister. She's also an excellent cook. Are you hungry?"
Josh said, "We're starving. Where's Liz?"
"She's at a fundraising event in L.A. for one of her charities. She started looking for a flight home as soon as I told her you were on your way. The earliest one she found doesn't leave until 6:15 tomorrow morning."
"That's sweet, but you should call her and tell her not to cut her trip short."
Ezra shook his head. "That would just hurt her feelings."
Carmen was indeed an excellent cook. As soon as they entered the front door, the aroma of fresh-baked bread made Channie's mouth water.
Josh said, "Do we have time to shower before lunch? We're all pretty grimy."
Grimy didn't even begin to describe it. Josh'd cast cleansing spells on all of them, as well as the interior of his car, to get rid of the blood. But they'd still spent over eighteen hours in the car, only stopping for gas and bathroom breaks. Right now, a shower sounded even better than food.
Ezra said, "You look different. What happened to you?"
Josh said, "It's a long story. I'll fill you in after lunch."
The guest bathroom on the third floor was bigger than Aunt Wisdom's cabin and the fully enclosed shower looked like it belonged in a spaceship. Josh didn't even try to explain anything to Hunter as he pushed buttons and dialed knobs. Water and steam poured out of at least a dozen different spigots.
Hunter stood in front the shower with his mouth open and gaped at it with wide eyes.
Josh said, "Just leave it running when you're done. I'll shut everything off. There's a robe, extra towels and a shaving kit in here." He opened a closet door next to the shower unit. "Make yourself at home."
Josh took Channie's hand and led her down the hall to his room. She'd never seen it before, but the BMX posters, trophies, medals and ribbons gave it away. "How come you never told me about Carmen?"
"This is only the second time I've seen her. I met her at Dad and Liz's wedding."
Josh shut and locked the door, then peeled off his shirt on his way to the bathroom.
"Josh? What are you doing?"
"Come on. There's room enough in here for two."
"We can't shower together! What if your daddy catches us?" In spite of what Josh had said about Ezra not caring whether or not they slept together, Channie agreed with Hunter. She didn't want Ezra to think she was a whore.
"Did you forget that we're married?"
"Did you tell your Daddy?"
"He doesn't care. Besides, as much as I'd like to ravage your body, we don't have time before lunch. It's just a shower."
It was a lot more than just a shower. They didn't have sex, but they might as well have.
Josh's dresser and closet were well stocked. He wrapped Channie up in his soft-as-a-cloud robe then got dressed and took an armful of clothes to Hunter's room. He said, "I'm going to go raid Liz's closet. I'll be right back."
He closed the door before Channie had a chance to protest. She didn't want to go chasing after him wearing nothing but a robe so she sat on the bed and braided her hair while she waited.
When Josh returned, he said, "Well that was creepy."
"What?"
"Digging around in my step-mother's underwear."
"Josh, I can't wear her skivvies."
"They're brand new. The tag's still on 'em." He tossed a pair of panties at her.
Channie caught them and set them aside. "Give me one of your shirts and a pair of boxers."
"No way, babe. Not while Hunter's here. I want you covered. Besides, I already called Liz and asked her. She told me where all the new things were."
"Why didn't you say so?"
Channie was surprised by how well Liz's clothes fit her body. When they opened the door, Hunter's voice echoed down the hall. He was still in the shower, singing at the top of his lungs. Josh said, "Wait here," and slipped into Hunter's room.
Channie heard him banging on the bathroom door. Hunter, apparently, did not. He continued singing.
Josh said, "Okay, you asked for it."
The shower shut off, Hunter yelled "Hey," and Josh darted back out into the hall. He had some sort of an electronic device in his hand.
"I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner. Watch this." He pressed a button.
Hunter yelped then swore. A few moments later, the bedroom door creaked open. Hunter peeked around it and narrowed his eyes at Josh. "How'd you do that? Magic?"
Josh waved the gadget in front of Hunter's face. "Remote control. Get dressed and meet us downstairs for lunch. I'm starving."
Channie sat between Josh and Carmen and tried not to drool as she inhaled the wonderful aromas of bread, cheese, and potato soup. Ezra squeezed Josh's shoulder then sat at the head of the table.
They all laughed when Hunter sauntered in wearing Josh's clothes. He'd rolled up the cuffs of the jeans and sweatshirt, but he still looked like a clown. He grinned and said, "You don't happen to have a belt I could borrow, do you?"
Josh said, "Sure, but why?"
"Your pants are too dang skinny. I cain't even zip em up." He grabbed the waistband through the thick fabric of his sweatshirt and wiggled his hips as he tugged. "But without a belt, I cain't keep 'em pulled up."
Ezra said, "You kids go ahead and eat. Hunter, what size pants do you wear?"
"Whatever size my brothers outgrow that's still got some wear left in 'em."
Carmen licked her lips as she ran her eyes over Hunter. "I'd say you're about a 34 inch waist and maybe a 36 inseam." Hunter smirked at her and puffed his chest out as he stood a little taller. She pulled her gaze away from him with obvious effort and turned her attention to Ezra. "Would you like me to run to the mall and pick up a pair of jeans for our guest?"
"Finish eating. I'll see what I've got in my closet. I'm sure Hunter can keep his pants on until I get back." Josh snickered then covered it up with a fake cough that didn't fool anyone.
Carmen said, "How old are you, Hunter?"
Hunter's smirk widened into a grin. "Old enough."
Channie rolled her eyes. "He's seventeen." It looked like Hunter was ready to start working on his "distraction" plan.
Carmen's smile turned into a pouty frown as the level of lust in the room decreased by half. "Too bad."
Hunter said, "I'm twenty-one. I just look young for my age."
Josh laughed and said, "You are not twenty-one."
"How old do I need to be?"
Ezra stepped around the corner with a sweater and pair of jeans. "At least eighteen and I'd need to see a driver's license before I let Carmen corrupt you."
Channie's eyes widened as she stared at Josh and raised her eyebrows.
He said, "I told you he doesn't care. What happens on the third floor stays on the third floor."
Ezra handed Hunter the clothes and said, "As long as it's legal."
Hunter said, "I got a driver's license upstairs in my wallet that says I'm twenty-one."
Josh said, "Yeah, but whose name's on it?"
"Feenie."
Channie said, "Which one of your brother's is missing his license?"
Hunter folded his arms across his chest and sat back in his chair. "What difference does it make iffen we're both willing?"
Josh said, "Carmen is more than three years older than you, which makes you jailbait."
"Are you telling me that a woman can go to jail for laying with a man younger than her?"
Ezra said, "If you're asking if an adult woman can be prosecuted for having sex with a minor, the answer is yes."
"But ... why?"
"To protect naive and vulnerable young men like yourself."
"From what? Having a good time?"
Carmen said, "There's plenty of girls your age that would be more than happy to show you a good time."
"And risk getting shot by their daddies and brothers. No thanks."
Ezra and Carmen laughed.
Josh said, "He's not kidding. It's a different world where he comes from."
Ezra said, "I'd like to hear more about that. Why were you gone so long, son? When you said you were going to go visit Channie's Aunt for a few days, I assumed you'd be home well before Christmas."
Josh took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Can I talk to you ... in your office?"
\*\*\*
An hour later, Josh came into the basement where Channie, Carmen and Hunter were watching a movie and said, "Channie. My dad wants to talk to you."
"Am I in trouble?"
"No. But I am."
She stepped outside the media room and pulled the door shut, silencing the explosions, gunfire and screams blaring out of the speakers. "What's going on? You didn't tell him you're a mage, did you?"
"No. I don't think he'd be able to handle that bit of news after I confessed that we got married."
"You told him we're married?" Channie threw herself at Josh and hugged him. "So, we can live together after all. This house is so big, it'll be like having our own place."
Josh disentangled himself from her embrace, but held onto her hands. "We aren't legally married."
Channie grabbed Josh's arms and said, "Of course we are. Aunt Wisdom bound us. Remember? Beneath the moon and wedding bower, join your hearts with ancient power. Look upon each other's face, and bind yourselves with courage and grace."
Josh cupped her face in his palms and said, "Of course I remember. And as far as I'm concerned, we don't need a piece of paper to make it real. But my dad's a lawyer and nothing short of a legal document is going to convince him."
Josh escorted Channie to Ezra's office then left and shut the door. A massive desk filled the room with its commanding presence, but Ezra was sitting on a black leather sofa against the wall on her left. He patted the space next to him and said, "Have a seat."
Channie's feet moved without her permission, as if Ezra had cast a spell on her. She sat on the edge of the cushion and stared at her clenched fists in her lap. We are married. I don't care what he says. Josh is my husband and I am his wife.
Ezra said, "So, Josh tells me you believe that the two of you got married in Arkansas."
"Yes, sir."
"Channie, look at me."
She lifted her gaze. Ezra looked like he'd aged ten years since lunch. "Do you think Josh was trying to trick you so you'd have sex with him?"
"No!" Channie jumped to her feet. "It wasn't even his idea."
"Whose idea was it?"
Oh crap. How could she explain this without telling him about the Book of the Dead and magic?
When all else fails --- lie. "It was my Aunt's idea. She saw how much we loved each other and wanted us to be happy so she married us."
"Is she a judge or a minister?"
Channie shook her head.
"Channie, are you pregnant?"
"I don't think so." After the first night, Josh had always used protection. But her monthly cycles had never returned after all the moon curses she'd cast on herself.
Ezra rubbed his forehead and said, "But it's a possibility?"
Channie dropped her gaze to the floor and shrugged her shoulders. The forest green carpet felt like moss under her bare feet. She wished she could just sink into its depths and let it bury her alive.
Ezra reached out and took one of her hands. He shepherded her back to the sofa. "I'm not judging you or Josh. Although I have a hard time believing he thought a backwoods ceremony would be legally binding. Do your parents know?"
A whole body tremor shook Channie's frame. "No. Please don't tell them. They can't find out. It's a matter of life-and-death."
Ezra nodded. "Josh told me about your parents. I'm concerned about your nephews."
A tightening sensation crept up from Channie's chest to her throat as she thought about the trips. "I'm sure they're fine. Momma and Daddy aren't as strict with them."
"Still, I'd feel better if a social worker paid a visit to evaluate the situation."
"No!"
"Do your parents know you're back?"
Channie shook her head. "I don't want them to know."
"I could get into a lot of trouble for harboring a runaway." He handed Channie his cell phone. "You need to at least let them know you're safe. And if they have no objections, you may stay here as long as you like."
Channie's eyes filled with tears. She missed her family something fierce, but there'd be hell to pay once Momma and Daddy got their hands on her. Especially since she couldn't threaten to curse them anymore. But she didn't want Ezra to get into trouble with the law, so she dialed the house.
Courage answered the phone. "Hello. This here's Coco Belks. Who you wanna talk to?" She let out a little gasp when the sound of his voice went straight to her heart. She'd done a pretty good job of keeping her feelings for the trips under control, but now that they were so close, her emotions overwhelmed her. She had to see them, hold them, kiss their chubby little cheeks.
"Hey Coco. It's me, Channie."
"Channie? Hey guys, it's Channie!"
She had to hold the phone away from her ear as the trips fought over it.
Zeal eventually won out. "Where are you?"
"I'm close." That's all they needed to know.
The high-pitched squeal of delight nearly ruptured her eardrums.
"Zeal, honey, calm down. I need to talk to Granny."
"She ain't here."
Channie did not want to talk to Daddy. But she didn't have a choice. "All right, put Grandaddy on the phone."
"He ain't here neither."
"Then who's taking care of y'all?"
"Daddy."
"You said Grandaddy wasn't there."
"He ain't." Zeal sighed into the phone, obviously losing patience with her. "Momma's taking a nap so Daddy's taking care of us."
"Daddy? Whose daddy?"
"Our daddy. He wants to talk to you. Here."
"Hello? Channie?" The man spoke with a warm, musical accent.
"Diego?"
"Oh man, Abby's gonna be so happy you're back. Hang on a sec." He muffled the phone and rattled off something in Spanish then said, "I sent the boys to go wake her up."
It sounded like a herd of wild horses over the phone as the trips raced up the stairs. A herd of Spanish-speaking wild horses.
Diego said, "So, where are you?"
"At my boyfriend's house."
"You need to come home. Your papa doesn't like your boyfriend very much." Channie resisted the urge to tell Diego that "her papa" didn't like him very much either. She was surprised Daddy hadn't killed him already and shocked beyond belief that he was in their house. "Where are my folks? I need to talk to them."
"They're in Blackhawk, or maybe Central City, making lots of money."
"Figures."
"Here's Abby."
"Channie? Is it really you? Where are you?"
Abby's voice released all the emotions Channie had denied for so long. They bubbled up inside her like hot Dr. Pepper ... anger, betrayal, loss. She couldn't deal with it now. She handed Ezra his phone, stood up and walked out without saying a word to Abby.
Josh was waiting for her on the other side of the door.
\*\*\*
When Channie woke up in Josh's bed, snuggled against his chest, it was dark. How long had they been sleeping? She lifted her head and glanced at the clock on his dresser. It was a little after midnight. Josh put a hand on the side of her head and pressed her back onto his chest. "Shush ... go back to sleep. Everything's fine."
But everything wasn't fine. A gentle tap, tap, tap on the door propelled Josh out of bed as his shield slammed over both of them. He was obviously just as nervous as Channie.
Ezra said, "I hate to bother you kids, I know you're tired, but Channie's parents are downstairs."
They were both fully clothed. After Channie had quit crying, she was too tired to do anything else. And with Ezra believing their marriage was a sham, she didn't want to do anything else. Not under his roof.
Josh waited for Channie to scamper out of bed then opened the door and pulled Ezra inside. "Did you tell them we're married?"
"You aren't married. They're in the formal living room. I've already called the police, they're sending a squad car over."
Channie's stomach churned, splashing acid into her throat. "Daddy's not gonna like that."
"The police won't come inside unless there's trouble. And I'm going to stay right there beside you. I'm not leaving either of you alone with them."
Josh said, "Tell them we'll be right down. We need to get straightened up a bit." He ran a hand over Channie's hair, obviously trying to smooth it down, as if that was going to do any good. "And don't tell them we were sleeping in the same bed."
Ezra looked at Josh as if he were crazy and said, "Of course not," then closed the door.
Channie ripped through her hair with her fingers and divided it into thirds. "Josh, you can't go down there. Momma and Daddy will know you're a mage."
He waited for her to finish braiding her hair then gave it a gentle tug and said, "I'm not letting you face them alone."
"I won't be alone. Your daddy's gonna be there and the cops are coming. I'll be fine. It's you I'm worried about."
"I don't know Channie. Dad's a brave guy, but even without magic, he's no match for your daddy. And what if your parents decide to use magic? The cops can't protect you."
Channie took a deep breath and gripped Josh's biceps. "Hunter can."
"Hunter is not your husband."
"He's a mage. Momma and Daddy know him. And it'll explain the magical energy I'm sure they've already detected. Right now, they'll think it's me. But as soon as I walk in that room they'll know I've lost my abilities."
"I don't like it."
"Me neither, but what else are we gonna do?"
"So what if they figure out I'm a mage? They don't have to know I'm a Veyjivik. I'll tell them I belong to the Smith clan."
"There is no Smith clan. Besides, Momma has an uncanny ability to figure out bloodlines. Even that stupid tracker figured out who you were."
"Yeah, but he's my uncle. He noticed the resemblance."
"And you think Momma won't?"
"Does she even know what my father looks like?"
"Every mage knows what the Veyjiviks look like. The only reason no one figured it out before is because we thought you were an Empty. You have to leave. Is there a way out of here that doesn't go downstairs?"
"There's a fire escape ladder rolled up inside the window seat, but I'm not leaving without you. You were right. I never should have brought you back here. Let's go to California."
"If Momma and Daddy left Blackhawk to come find me, it must be important. Maybe they've heard something new about the war. I'll find out what I can, then send them home. But you have to get out of here. And shut down our connection. Most mages can't see someone else's heart-bond, but Aunt Wisdom noticed ours, and Momma's almost as powerful."
"You've got fifteen minutes to get rid of them and then I'm coming back."
"Josh---"
"Take it or leave it."
"Fine." She got dressed while Josh removed the screen and attached the rope ladder to the window sill. She kissed him with all the love and passion she possessed then waited for him to climb down before opening the door.
\*\*\*
Hunter immediately agreed to accompany Channie downstairs, even though he was obviously terrified of the prospect. No young mage in his right mind wanted anything to do with her Daddy.
When they walked into the fancy parlor, Daddy and Ezra jumped to their feet. Momma stayed right where she was, back ram-rod straight, arms folded across her chest, mouth pressed into a thin hard line.
Daddy lunged towards Channie. Ezra stepped in front of him but Daddy plowed right over him as if he weren't there. Hunter threw his shield over Channie, grabbed her arm and jerked her out of the room.
Daddy's voice cracked as he said, "Oh, baby girl. I'm so glad to see you."
A sob broke from Channie's throat as she wrenched her arm free from Hunter's grasp and flung herself into Daddy's arms. He nearly squeezed the life out of her, but it was a loving embrace. When he set her down and gazed at her face with tear-filled eyes, it broke her heart. Channie glanced sideways at Ezra and caught him swiping at his own eyes.
He said, "Channie, where's Josh?"
"Um... he's not here."
"I'll go get him."
"No, I mean, he left."
"What?" Ezra's face flushed "Why?"
"He's afraid of my daddy."
Daddy's voice sounded like the wrath of god as it echoed off the walls. "Did that boy dishonor you? If he laid so much as a hand on you I'll skin him alive."
Ezra said, "You need to calm down, Mr. Belks. I won't tolerate threats of violence against my son."
The vein on Daddy's forehead pulsed. "That ain't a threat, it's a promise."
Channie tugged on Daddy's sleeve trying to get his attention but when he got riled up it was like trying to stop a raging bull. "Daddy, Josh did not dishonor me! He protected me. He came to my rescue after ... after ..." This was the perfect opportunity to create an alibi if Momma decided to scan Channie to determine whether or not she was still a virgin.
Ezra pulled his phone out of his pocket. Oh crap, he was going to call the police.
She couldn't mention Harvey in front of him. He'd be sure to sick the cops on his trail and who knows where that might lead. And she sure as hell couldn't let the cops anywhere near Momma and Daddy. She knew exactly where that would lead. "I want to go home. Can we please just go home?"
Ezra arched his left eyebrow and locked his gaze on Channie. "Are you sure that's what you want?"
It wasn't what Channie wanted at all, but she couldn't let Momma and Daddy get their hands on Josh. And she needed to get them out of the house before Ezra called the cops. She nodded then reached up and touched Daddy's cheek. His energy dropped from a homicidal rage to a much safer level of annoyance.
"I want Hunter to come too. Is that okay, Daddy?"
Daddy looked at Hunter as if he'd just noticed his presence. "What are you doing so far away from home, boy?"
Hunter glanced at Channie. She held her breath and bit her lower lip. Hunter gave her a tiny nod then squared his shoulders and locked gazes with Daddy. "Somebody stirred up a heap of trouble then run off and left the rest of us to deal with it. It ain't safe for nobody no more."
Daddy's shoulders slumped as he rubbed the back of his neck. "All right. You can stay with us as long you need to." He took his hand from his neck and pointed at Hunter's chest. "If I catch you messing with Channie, you're gonna wish you'd never been born."
"Yessir."
Ezra pulled his eyebrows together and frowned as he looked at Channie. She clenched her jaw to keep her chin from quivering then said, "Tell Josh ..." Tell him what? "Tell him to stay away."
Ezra said, "I'm sorry he panicked. But please, try to understand." He glanced at Daddy then back to Channie. "He's only a kid. And quite frankly, your father is extremely intimidating."
Channie said, "Just tell him what I said."
"But---"
"You heard the girl." Daddy put his arm around Channie's shoulder and puffed out his chest. "Your boy ain't welcome on my property."
Ezra closed his eyes for a second then opened them and stared at Channie. The look on his face punched a hole in her chest that left her reeling.
He sighed and shook his head. "All right. I'll tell him."
\*\*\*
It took every bit of will power she possessed for Channie to keep from sobbing out loud as they walked to the car. Josh wouldn't like the new arrangement but surely he'd understand why she'd done it. Ezra had no clue. He'd never forgive her.
Daddy still had his arm draped across her back. He gave her shoulder a squeeze and said, "What's wrong, baby girl?"
The stress of the past half hour had used up the last of her fortitude. Daddy's unexpected sympathy caught her off guard and crashed through her defenses. She turned into his side, clutched the front of his shirt and bawled like a baby. Between sobs she managed to sputter out a few words of explanation. "I ... b-been ... th-through hell."
Daddy patted her back and said, "You wanna talk about it?"
"Home. Take me home." They had to leave before Josh got close enough to feel her distress or for Momma and Daddy to notice the difference in his energy field. Channie sobbed so hard she couldn't breathe.
"All right." Daddy cast a weak be-calm spell on her that abolished her distress, but it also made her woozy and more than a little drunk.
He chuckled and said, "Let's get you home."
Channie sniffed, hiccuped once then sighed. She'd have to deal with her feelings at some point, but if she were lucky, Daddy's spell would last until after she fell asleep.
Hunter's mouth fell open when Momma opened the door to the Lexus and got behind the wheel. "What happened to y'all's VW bus?"
Daddy said, "We traded it in when we got this here vehicle."
Hunter ran his hands over the creamy-beige leather seat and brushed the side of Channie's thigh. She jerked away from his touch but not nearly as fast as Hunter yanked his hand away from her leg. He locked his gaze on the rearview mirror and hugged the door on his side of the car.
Daddy said, "Abby told us things was pretty bad back home. She also told us you was spying for your momma's kinfolk."
Ah-oh.
Daddy had his seat pushed so far back, it dug into Channie's knees. She leaned forward and put a hand on his shoulder. "It was Aunt Wisdom's idea. She told Hunter to pretend to switch sides so he could spy on the Veyjiviks. But when the trackers got close to finding me, Hunter risked his life to save mine. That blew his cover. He had to get outta town fast."
Daddy turned sideways and shoved his hand between the bucket seats to shake Hunter's hand. "I'm much obliged, Hunter." Hunter grimaced as Daddy squeezed his hand. "But saving Channie don't give you the right to take liberties."
"Oh, no sir. I'd never disrespect your daughter. You have my word."
Daddy let go and patted Hunter's knee then turned back around. "If you think you might like to court Channie, let me know. There'll be some rules, but as long as you follow 'em you got nothing to worry about."
"Daddy! I don't want Hunter to court me!"
Daddy said, "Beggers can't be choosers. You ain't got many prospects. Hunter's the only eligible mage in the area as far as I can tell."
Hunter said, "I'd be honored to court your daughter, Mr. Kerns."
Daddy said, "Don't ever use that name. We're going by Belks now. I recommend you change your name as well. You can keep Hunter, but you need something other than Feenie in case them damn trackers start sniffing around. I can get you new papers. How about Hunter Brown?"
"That sounds right nice. Thank you, Mr. Ker ... Belks."
"You're welcome."
"And if it ain't too much trouble, do you mind making me twenty-one? So's I can get me a decent job. If I'm gonna court Channie, I need to make a good living."
Channie rolled her eyes then reached over and pinched Hunter's arm. He just wanted proof that he was old enough to have his way with Carmen.
He jerked away from her but never stopped grinning.
\*\*\*
When they got home, Momma said, "Stay in the car. I want to put a be-calm spell on everyone before we go inside. I don't want you waking the entire house up."
Not good. Daddy was probably going to take his belt to her.
Hunter took her hand and gave it a squeeze. Channie held on and took what courage she could from him.
As soon as Momma went in the house, Hunter said, "Mr. Belks, I don't want you hurting Channie."
Daddy said, "I ain't the one you need to worry about. Prudence is mighty riled up, but it's best not to interfere. You'll just make it worse."
Channie exhaled, not realizing she'd been holding her breath. Momma's stinging spells were painful, but nothing like getting whipped with a belt.
When the parlor light flared on, Daddy sighed and said, "Come on. We might as well get it over with."
Daddy's be-calm spell was already starting to wear off. Channie was tempted to ask him to cast another one, but she'd need a clear mind if they started asking her about Josh. She trembled as she climbed the front porch steps. Daddy held the door open for her, but Hunter darted in ahead of her. Momma was standing in the entryway. Her energy field glowed red, but she didn't take so much as a step towards Channie. They stared at each other for what felt like an hour. Channie wondered if maybe Momma was going to wait until tomorrow to punish her. The waiting itself was a punishment.
She gave Daddy a quick hug and said, "See you in the morning," then turned towards the stairs.
Momma said, "Not so fast," and struck like a snake, clamping her hand around Channie's arm, digging her nails into her skin. "You took something that belongs to me. I want it back."
The Book of the Dead. "It's at Josh's house. I left it in my backpack, in his car."
Momma jerked Channie around so fast it made her head spin then slapped her with her other hand.
Hunter said, "Hey!"
Channie saw him reach for her out of the corner of her eye, but Daddy grabbed him and said, "Don't."
Momma slapped Channie again, back handing her this time. "You stupid, ungrateful little whore."
Daddy said, "Prudence. That's enough." He spoke quietly, but Momma let go and stepped back.
Momma's violence stunned Channie. Usually she was the one that had to stop Daddy when he got carried away with his belt. Not the other way around. What the hell was going on?
Momma said, "What happened to your powers?"
"That book you're so fond of stole them!" That wasn't exactly what'd happened. Momma had found the spell to change Channie's power-name in the Book of the Dead, setting up the events that followed like a row of dominos. But Channie gave up her powers, of her own free will to be with Josh. She didn't regret her choice. Her only regret was sacrificing Enchantment's magic to kill Harvey. If she'd known he had a gun in his car, she would have just shot the son of a bitch.
Momma's magic burned as it swept through Channie, scanning her. That wasn't necessary. You could scan a body without hurting 'em.
"Your power-well's sealed shut. Your heart-of-hearts is still beating, but it's severely damaged. You have no control over magic at all, do you?" The satisfaction in Momma's voice cut Channie to the bone.
Her eyes filled with tears. The memory of what she'd lost stung worse than her battered face. "No."
"Serves you right." The burn intensified as Momma continued to scan her.
Momma narrowed her eyes and sucked in quick breath, gasping through clenched teeth. She turned on Hunter and said, "How dare you defile my daughter!"
Time to put the lie to the test. "It wasn't Hunter. It was a tracker."
Daddy roared like an angry bear and tossed Hunter aside like a rag doll. "What tracker? What's his name? I'm gonna kill that son of an Empty!"
Hunter said, "He's already dead."
Daddy stumbled backwards and collapsed onto a new sofa Channie had never seen. It groaned under the sudden weight then broke in half.
Momma said, "Monroe Belks! How many times do I have to tell you to take it easy on the furniture? And quiet down. There ain't no be-calm spell in the world gonna keep them babies asleep with you howling like a banshee."
Daddy pressed a hand over his heart and looked at Hunter. "Did you kill him? The man what ruined my baby girl?"
"No sir. Channie did." Hunter's eyes filled with tears as he gazed at Channie. Did he believe the lie? She felt bad for distressing him, but she couldn't afford to set him straight. "And she ain't ruined. It wasn't her fault."
Daddy swiped at his cheeks then nodded his head for a few minutes before speaking. His voice was rough, but kind. "I'm glad you see it that way, son. Mighty glad. You still willing to court her?"
"Yes sir. I certainly am."
Channie wanted to punch Hunter. She fisted her hands and said, "I've been through hell and back and I don't want to be courted. All I want is to go to bed."
Momma said, "Not until I get my book. Now go get your useless hide back in that car."
Josh should've come back by now. Everyone in the room was reading her energy field, but Channie couldn't keep her mounting panic under control. Hopefully they'd attribute it to her fear of Momma.
She said, "Mr. Abrim was ready to call the police when y'all showed up. I think it'd be better if you just let Hunter go get the book."
Hunter said, "I ain't sure I can find my way back. You better go with me."
Momma said, "How do I know you ain't gonna steal my book and take off again?"
Channie placed her hand over her throbbing cheek and said, "I learned my lesson, Momma. Besides, maybe you can figure out how to get my powers back once you have the book."
Momma narrowed her eyes at Channie. "I don't trust you."
"I promise to come home before sunrise and bring the book with me. I'll even swear a death-pledge if you want. "
Momma nodded and grabbed Channie's wrist. "But I want you back here with my book in one hour."
"Now hold on a dang minute." Daddy yanked Channie out of Momma's grasp and said, "That's just plain foolishness. You don't know what might happen between here and there. What if they git a flat tire or something? Just the fact she was willing to swear a death-pledge proves she's trustworthy."
Momma's face turned beet red but Daddy and Hunter both covered Channie with their shields before Momma could curse her.
Daddy grabbed Momma around the waist with one arm then tossed his keys to Hunter."You two git back here as fast as you can."
Hunter grabbed Channie's hand and said, "Yes sir," then hauled her out the door without looking back.
\*\*\*
As soon as they got in the car and shut the doors, Hunter said, "Is it true? Did that tracker rape you?"
Channie knew the best way to keep a lie believable was to have as many people believe it as possible, but she could feel Hunter's distress. "He tried but the drugs he used to subdue my powers wore off in time for me to stop him."
Hunter sighed as he exhaled icing the windshield with his breath. He started the car then ran his hands over the dash. "Where's the damn de-fogger?"
Channie pulled the instruction manual out of the glove compartment and programmed the climate controls.
Hunter was quiet until they merged onto highway 36. "I meant what I said."
"About what?"
He shifted his gaze to her face then back to the road. "I know you ain't a virgin, but I don't think you're ruined. I'm still willing to court ya."
"I'm married."
"You was willing to carry on with Josh iffen you'd had to marry me."
"We're heart-bound!"
"And you don't feel nothin' for me?"
"Not since I met Josh."
"But you did ... before?"
"I don't know, Hunter. It doesn't matter. There'll never be another man for me. Josh is it."
"But things have changed. Y'all cain't be together."
"Josh and I will figure something out."
"Well, just so you know, I'm here if you change your mind."
Channie slammed her palm against the dash. "Don't do this to me!"
"I ain't doin' nothing to you, I'm just telling' ya how I feel."
"And it's making me miserable. I don't want you sitting around waiting for me to change my mind. It ain't happening!"
Hunter snorted then glanced sideways at Channie and smirked as he rolled his eyes. "I ain't no girl. I intend to have me some fun while I wait, but I didn't want you to see me with other women and think I'd fallen out of---"
"Don't say it. You are not allowed to say that."
"Not saying it won't make it go away. But I'll shut up and pretend I ain't head over heels in love with you, if it makes ya feel better."
Channie turned on the radio and cranked the volume up so loud she felt the bass vibrate in her chest then closed her eyes and leaned her head against the window until the car rolled to a stop.
She wasn't surprised that Hunter found his way back to Ezra's neighborhood without any help. But she was surprised when he punched in the correct code at the gate.
She turned off the radio and said, "How'd you do that?"
"I just paid attention when Josh did it earlier. You never know when something like that's gonna come in handy."
Channie didn't want to knock on the front door and wake up Ezra and Carmen. She especially didn't want to face Ezra after running off the way she did. "Let's go around back. Josh used a rope ladder to sneak out of his room. Maybe it's still there."
It wasn't. But the light was on in his room. Channie picked up a pebble and tossed it at the window thirty-five feet above her head --- and missed.
Her feeble attempt was followed by a sharp tink tink tink as Hunter's pebbles found their mark. He grinned and said, "Not the first time I've done this."
Josh opened his window and leaned out. "Channie?"
"Yeah. Let down the ladder."
Josh helped Channie over the window sill then wrapped her in his arms. "I knew you'd come back."
Hunter scrambled in after her and said, "We ain't got much time so none of that lovey-dovey stuff."
"What do you mean 'you don't have much time?'"
Channie pressed her ear over Josh's heart and inhaled his delicious scent. "We came for the Book of the Dead. If we're gone too long, Momma'll get suspicious."
Josh dropped his hands and stepped back. "I see."
"I don't think you do." Channie's eyes stung. "I didn't want to leave with them, but I didn't have a choice."
"Really? What about running away to California?"
"I haven't even seen the trips yet. And what about Elijah? They all know we're back. How are they going to feel if we up and disappear again?"
"So what does this mean for us?"
"We'll just have to figure out a way to see each other when Momma and Daddy aren't around. Now that Abby's back, I imagine Momma and Daddy are going to spend every minute they can in Blackhawk."
Hunter said, "Channie's folks think I'm courting her. I'll get her out of the house and then you and Carmen can meet us somewhere."
"Carmen's not interested in you."
"She will be as soon as Mr. Belks gets me my papers proving I'm twenty-one. But I need to get Channie back home, so let's just go get the damn book."
Josh scooped his keys off his dresser and tossed them to Hunter. "You go get the book. I need to talk to my wife."
Hunter rolled his eyes. "Where's your car?"
Josh groaned. "Damn it. It's in the garage. Wait here."
Hunter flopped back on Josh's bed with his hands behind his head. "No wonder he's such a sissy, living in luxury and sleeping on a bed soft as a lady's bosom."
"Josh is not a sissy!"
Hunter yawned and said, "Whatever," then closed his eyes. He was asleep before Josh got back.
Josh dropped the daypack on the floor then pulled Channie into his arms and kissed her. He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. "You sure we don't have time to strengthen our bond before you go?"
Channie sighed then kissed the tip of his nose. "I'm sure. But we'll figure something out. I promise."
Josh picked up her left hand and kissed the ring on her finger. "What did your folks say about this?"
"Nothing. With everything going on, they didn't notice it." Channie pulled her ring over the first joint of her finger, but Josh grabbed her hand and pushed it back into place.
"Tell them whatever you want. But don't take it off."
"I don't want to take it off, but Daddy already thinks Hunter's courting me. I don't want him to think we're engaged."
Josh narrowed his eyes. "Courting? What exactly does that mean?"
"It means that Daddy's gonna watch Hunter like a hawk. He's already told him to keep his hands to himself."
"All right." Josh slipped Channie's ring off her finger and onto his pinkie. "I'll keep it for you. But I want you to wear it at school."
"Of course." Channie's finger felt naked without her ring.
Josh took her chin between his thumb and forefinger and traced the still burning marks where Momma slapped her with his other hand. "Channie? What happened?"
"It's okay. The worst is over."
Josh let go of Channie then grabbed Hunter by the front of his shirt and yanked him off the bed. "You said you'd protect her!"
Hunter blinked and shook his head like a wet dog. "What?"
"Look at her face! How could you let this happen?"
Hunter shrugged his shoulders and said, "It could have been a lot worse."
"Really? Worse than physical abuse? No. That's it. You are not going back there. I'm calling the cops. Those people belong in jail."
Hunter snorted and rolled his eyes. "Ain't no Empty jailer gonna be able to keep a mage locked up. Especially not them two."
By now Josh was yelling as well as pacing. Channie was afraid he was going to wake up Ezra. She shot Hunter a meaningful look and said, "Josh. I want you to be calm."
Hunter nodded and cast a be-calm spell that rolled Josh's eyes into the back of his head. Channie caught him as he fell, but she wasn't strong enough to keep him off the floor.
"Jeeze, Hunter. You didn't have to knock him out. Help me put him to bed."
Channie turned down the covers while Hunter maneuvered Josh onto his shoulder. He dumped him on the bed like a gunnysack full of grain. "I was surprised he didn't raise his shield. Ain't nobody can get a shield up as fast as Josh. At least he'll sleep good tonight."
Channie removed Josh's shoes, pants and shirt, leaving him in his socks and boxers, then tucked him in like a child. She kissed his forehead then picked his shirt up off the floor and stuffed it into her back pack. It wasn't as good as sleeping with Josh, but at least she'd have the comfort of his clothes on her body and his scent in her bed.
\*\*\*
When Hunter pulled into the driveway, Momma parted the parlor drapes. Her silhouette in the window sent a chill down Channie's spine. She took a shaky breath and said, "Maybe you better wait out here until after I give her the book."
Hunter said, "I don't think so. Your momma's even scarier than your daddy. When did that happen?"
"I'm not sure, but I think it had something to do with this book." Channie pulled the pillowcase holding the Book of the Dead out of her backpack and said, "Take my pack. I don't want Momma or Daddy to find my journal ... or Josh's shirt."
Hunter said, "Where do you want me to put it?"
Channie pointed to her bedroom window. "Wait until Momma and Daddy are distracted, then climb up there and leave it on the roof. I'll grab it when I go to bed."
"What if they wanna know where I am when you go inside?"
"I'll tell them you needed a smoke. Momma don't allow tobacco in the house so they won't question it."
"I don't smoke."
"Momma and Daddy don't know that."
Channie's joints stiffened as she forced herself to climb the porch steps and open the door.
Momma yanked the bundle out of Channie's arms, threw the pillowcase on the floor and clutched the book to her breast as if it were a long-lost child.
A creaking sound, followed by a loud pop drew Channie's attention into the parlor. Daddy climbed out of a recliner and joined Channie and Momma in the entryway. He put a hand on Momma's shoulder and said, "You got your book, can we go to bed now?"
Since when did Daddy ask Momma's permission for anything?
Momma lowered the book and gazed lovingly at the back cover. She turned it over, and gasped. Channie held her breath as Momma ran the tips of her trembling fingers over the name engraved on the front. Her eyes widened, showing white around ice-blue irises.
Channie's chest heaved with shallow breaths as Momma stepped closer, pulsating with rage.
"What is that name doing on my book?"
Daddy said, "Calm down, Prudence. We agreed we were going to hear her out before punishing her."
Momma hit Daddy with a bolt of raw energy that knocked him off his feet. He hit the parlor floor with a house-shaking crash.
Channie had seen Momma angry before, many times. But this was different. She barely recognized the crazy woman creeping towards her with murder in her eyes. Momma blocked the front door. Channie was trapped with no hope of escape, but her feet moved of their own accord, backing her up towards the stairs.
Momma hit Channie with a double curse --- a no-speak spell that cut off her air supply and a vicious stinging spell that felt as if fire ants were eating her alive. Unable to scream, Channie clawed at her skin even though she knew it would only make it worse.
Momma released Channie from the stinging spell first, then the no-speak. Tears streamed down Channie's cheeks as she gasped for air.
Momma grabbed a fistful of Channie's hair and jerked her head back. She pressed the side of her mouth against Channie's ear and said, "I asked you a question. I expect an answer." Her voice was low and dangerous.
Channie's entire body trembled. There was no such thing as a truth spell, but Momma could usually tell when someone was lying. Channie lied anyway. "I don't know."
Momma yanked her hair again, dropping Channie to her knees, then let go. Still clutching the Book of the Dead in her left hand, Momma slapped Channie's face with her right. The force of the blow jerked Channie's head to the side.
Momma screamed, "Who is Valor Veyjivik!" and back-handed her, on the other side of her face.
Hunter burst through the front door. Channie shook her head, begging him to stay out of it. "Hunter, don't." She didn't want him to get hurt --- or make things worse for her.
He glanced at Channie then narrowed his eyes and threw his shield over her. Momma curled her lips back, revealing both sets of teeth. "You stay out of this."
Hunter hit her with a be-calm spell that knocked her out then knelt in front of Channie. "Are you all right?"
Red welts from Momma's stinging spell covered Channie's arms, chest and neck. Her cheeks throbbed with every heartbeat where Momma slapped her. She nodded and said, "I'm fine," then glanced at Momma's crumpled body on the floor. "But maybe you better find somewhere else to stay. Once she gets over the shock that you dared to use magic on her, she's not going to be very happy with you."
Hunter said, "I ain't going nowhere."
Daddy scooped Momma up off the floor and said, "Get a set of linens out of the closet and make a bed for Hunter on the sofa in the family room." He kissed Momma's forehead then glared at Hunter. "And by gollies, I better not catch you creeping up these stairs. You hear me, boy?"
"Yessir. Loud and clear."
The whole family was already seated around the dining room table eating breakfast when Channie came downstairs the next morning. Everyone except Momma and the trips stopped eating. Diego stood up and smiled. He was so tall, dark and handsome it was a cliche. He opened his arms and said, "Welcome home."
Channie bit her lip then said, "Hi, Diego." She didn't want to get any closer to Abby so she ignored the invitation to hug him and stayed where she was.
Abby dabbed at her eyes with her napkin as she stood up. She and Diego were on the far side of the table so Channie had time to change her focus before they could get to her. She squatted down and gazed at the trips. "I missed you three so much. Come give your Aunt Channie a big hug."
They stopped eating and looked at her as if she were a stranger, then went back to eating and ignored her.
Abby and Diego followed Channie into the kitchen. Abby put a hand on Channie's shoulder. "Don't let it bother you, lil' sis. They treated me the same way for a week after I got back."
Channie jerked away from Abby's touch and refused to look at her.
Diego laughed and said, "Yeah. Just like that." Channie crossed her arms over her chest and sniffed. Diego grabbed Channie's shoulders and turned her around, forcing her to face Abby. She was tempted to sink her elbow into his gut, but his energy field pulsed with brotherly love and loyalty. How was that possible? He didn't even know her.
She kept her gaze locked on her feet. Diego lowered his head and spoke softly into Channie's ear. "How long you gonna punish my Abby? She missed you so much. She never stopped talking about you. Every day ... it was Channie this and Channie that."
Channie wanted to stay mad at Abby, but a bigger part of her just wanted her sister. Diego's energy wasn't magical, but it was hard to resist. Besides, if she wanted the trips to forgive her, maybe she should start by forgiving Abby. Their reasons for leaving were different, but they'd both deserted the boys.
She lifted her chin and really looked at Abby for the first time. She'd lost a lot of weight, especially around her face. Diego let go of Channie and slid an arm around Abby's waist. He pulled her against his side and kissed her temple. It reminded Channie of the way Josh always kissed the top of her head. He was less than twenty miles away, but it felt like it was halfway across the world.
Abby kept one arm around Diego and reached for Channie with her other hand. A simple band of gold encircled her ring finger. Channie's eyes widened "Did you ... are you married?"
Abby grinned and nodded then grabbed Channie and pulled her into her arms. She whispered into her ear so quietly Channie could barely hear her. Even with a listen-up spell, Momma and Daddy wouldn't be able to discern her words. "I'm so sorry I wasn't able to protect you last night. Momma's still angry. Be very careful around her."
Channie pulled back and frowned but didn't say anything. Abby stroked Channie's cheek over her bruise. "I can't believe she did this to you."
A sudden flare of anger burned away any desire to reconcile with Abby. Channie grabbed her hand and pulled her into the family room. Diego followed closely behind. Channie kept her voice low, but didn't even try to mask the fury behind her words. "Why did you tell Momma and Daddy I was with Josh?"
"You called us, remember?"
"I had to. Josh's daddy insisted I let Momma and Daddy know I was okay. I wasn't going to tell them where I was staying!"
Diego said, "I told them where you were. Not Abby. It was the right thing to do."
The right thing to do? This was the guy that knocked Abby up when she was fifteen.
Channie said, "Thanks for ruining my life," then ran upstairs to her room, slammed the door and dove into her bed face first. Her left cheek, the one Momma had hit the hardest, throbbed.
A few minutes later, someone knocked on her door then entered without waiting for an invitation. Channie kept her face turned towards the wall. The whole bed creaked when Daddy sat on the edge of her mattress.
Channie sighed and rolled over.
He said, "I hate to leave so soon after your homecoming, but I gots to go to work. Hunter's going with me so your momma can stay here and work on that damn book."
Great. "Why are you taking Hunter? I need him to protect me from Momma."
"And I need him to help me at work."
"Why don't you just take Abby ... or Diego?"
"The casinos done banned Diego for cheating and Abby ain't got no head for numbers. You'll be fine so long as you stay outta your Momma's way until me and Hunter get back from work."
Channie didn't even try to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. "Work? Since when is gambling work?"
Daddy put his hands on his knees and leaned forward then launched himself off the bed. "I'm taking it easy on ya since you just got back, but you better watch your mouth young lady or I'll have to straighten you out."
In the face of Momma's open hostility, Channie had forgotten just how dangerous Daddy could be when he got mad. And few things made Daddy madder than a smart-mouthed kid. "I'm grateful for the way you've been providing for the family. And ... there's nothing wrong with enjoying your career. I'm sorry if my comment sounded disrespectful."
Daddy cocked an eyebrow and twisted his mouth to the side. She'd obviously laid it on a bit thick, but he just nodded and said, "Diego's in charge while I'm gone."
"He ain't the boss of me."
"He is when I ain't here."
"But he's an Empty!"
"So are you."
His words held no malice. He was simply stating a fact, but it still hurt. "I'd put Abby in charge, but even without magic, Diego's got more control over the boys than her. I reckon he can handle you."
Channie didn't need "handling," but it was pointless, and dangerous, to keep arguing.
Daddy cleared his throat and said, "I wanted to talk to you about the Feenie boy."
Channie raised her eyebrows and waited. It was Hunter when he was helping Daddy gamble, but now it was back to the Feenie boy?
"What about him?"
A red flush crept up Daddy's neck and spread across his cheeks to his ears. He seemed fascinated with the tops of his shoes. "When a young man and a young lady are courting, things have a way of getting out of hand."
Channie's own cheeks burned. "You don't need to worry about anything happening with Hunter. We're just friends."
"You don't want to discourage the boy to the point he loses heart and gives up. But you don't want to encourage him to the point he feels he can take liberties. It's a fine line a young lady has to walk when she's being courted. Especially when it gets close to the wedding day."
"I don't want Hunter Feenie to court me. And I don't care if he was the last mage on Earth, I'm not going to marry him."
"Now, ya see, that's just what I meant. That's a tad bit too discouraging." Daddy wiped the sweat off his brow. "Your momma ought to be having this talk with you, but she's not been herself lately."
"What's going on with Momma?" Channie had expected Momma and Daddy to both lay into her when they got home, let her stew all night and then act like nothing happened the next morning. That's the way it usually went. Except when Abby got pregnant. Nothing could ever compare to that. Although last night came pretty damn close.
"Ever since you took off with that book of hers, she ain't hardly talked about nothing else besides getting it back."
"Is she better? Now that I gave it back?"
"If anything, she's worse. She stayed up all night with that thing pressed to her bosom, just a rocking back and forth --- crooning to it like it was alive." Daddy patted Channie's knee. "Try to stay away from her as much as possible, until she comes back to her senses."
Channie nodded. "I'll stay after school and study for a couple of hours before coming home."
Daddy said, "I don't think you ought to show up at school until them bruises heal."
Channie jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. Daddy was right. No one would believe the hand-shaped green and purple mark on the left side of her face was caused by a tumble down a flight of stairs.
She wanted to see Josh so badly it hurt, but if any of her teachers saw her battered face, they'd report it to the authorities. Momma and Aunt Wisdom had always done all the doctoring in the family, but Channie wasn't about to give Momma the satisfaction of asking for her help.
"Daddy? Could you try to fade the bruises a little so I can cover 'em up with makeup?"
"First of all, I don't want you wearing no makeup. And second, your momma's already warned ever-body that if we tried to heal you or ease your pain, she'd give it to you worse than she did last night."
\*\*\*
It was bad enough Channie couldn't sleep with Josh, but not seeing him or even talking to him was killing her. And what would he do when he couldn't find her at school?
Momma went straight to her room after Daddy and Hunter left, making it very clear she was not to be disturbed. But Channie didn't know if whatever she was doing with the Book of the Dead was enough of a distraction to keep her from feeling the presence of a mage. She hoped Josh wouldn't try to check on her.
After lunch, Channie said, "I want some time alone with the boys, maybe they'll forgive me faster if I take them to the park or something." She felt bad using the trips as an excuse to hopefully meet up with Josh, but she was right about the little monkeys. As soon as they heard she was taking them to the park they tackled her.
Diego and Abby didn't even offer to help get the boys bundled up before running upstairs. Momma might be distracted, but she was still on the same floor. Channie couldn't imagine that she'd allow any shenanigans under her roof in the middle of the day. Well, that was their business. The trips ran ahead of her, pushing and shoving each other on the way to the playground.
Now that they'd forgiven her, the little stinkers demanded all of Channie's attention. She was running back and forth pushing them on the swings when she felt a rush of love flow into her heart. She spun around, searching for Josh, but didn't see him anywhere. She said, "You guys practice swinging. I'm gonna use the facilities. When I get back I wanna see which one of y'all can go the highest."
Zeal and Courage whooped with delight, clouding the air with their breath.
Savvy sighed and slumped into his swing.
Channie regretted turning a fun activity into a competition. Savvy never won any contest of speed or strength, but he was a lot smarter than his brothers. Which was saying alot because Zeal and Coco were smart enough to get into plenty of trouble all by themselves.
Savvy pulled his mittens off and said, "I need to go pee, too."
Crap! "I'll take you when I get back."
"There's more'n one seat in that outhouse."
Josh couldn't come out of hiding if Savvy tagged along. "I might be awhile. Why don't you stay out here and enjoy the fresh air 'til I'm done."
Savvy wrinkled his nose and scrunched up his face. "Gross." He also crossed his legs and grabbed his crotch with both hands.
"If you can't hold it, just go in the bushes."
By now, CoCo and Zeal were going so high the chains jerked at the peak of every swing. "Hey! Contest is over. Slow down, you two."
Zeal laughed and said, "I win!"
CoCo pumped his legs harder. "Nah-uh! I'm going way higher'n you! Ain't I Channie."
"It's a tie, you both win, so slow down."
Zeal said, "That's the same as losing."
Both boys were still going too high. If they fell, they could break their reckless little necks. What was she thinking egging them on with a contest?"
CoCo said, "Who ever lands the farthest wins."
Channie screamed "No!" But it was too late. Her heart stopped mid-beat as Courage and Zeal simultaneously launched themselves out of the swings at the highest point. Time slowed as Channie's mind raced. Catch them! Even if her body weren't paralyzed by horror, she'd never get there in time to catch either one of them. All she could do was watch and pray they survived.
Both boys paused, and hung in the air. They looked at each other with wide eyes and gaping mouths then drifted to the ground light as feathers. Josh.
Channie dropped to her hands and knees and expelled the breath she didn't know she was holding.
CoCo and Zeal ran to her, chattering like squirrels fighting over an acorn. When Zeal paused to take a breath, CoCo said, "Did you do that, Channie?"
"Course not, stupid, she's a Empty."
Channie felt as if Zeal had punched her in the gut. It looked like Momma had done a good job of passing on her prejudice.
Coco shoved Zeal and said, "Don't call her that. Daddy's magically dis... dissa ... whatever too."
Savvy waited until his swing was barely moving then hopped out and joined the rest of the group. "Disabled. Daddy and Channie are magically disabled."
CoCo said, "Well, if it weren't Channie, who done it?"
Savvy puckered his lips and gazed at Channie for a few seconds then narrowed his eyes at his brothers. "Who do you think did it?"
Zeal stared at him in wide-eyed wonder. "Did you do it?"
CoCo put his hands on his hips and said, "No way, Savvy ain't that powerful."
"He uses magic on Momma all the time. Maybe it was him."
Savvy smirked at Channie then shifted his gaze towards the parking lot and Josh's bright, red car with a brand new BMX bicycle on top.
A chill crept up Channie's back. He knows. How long would he keep Josh's powers a secret? As long as it benefitted him, the little devil.
Channie grabbed CoCo and Zeal by the back of their necks and turned them so they had to look in her eyes. "If I were you, I'd start treating Savvy with a little more respect."
CoCo huffed and rolled his eyes, but Zeal nodded.
Savvy's smirk widened into a huge grin as he tilted his head back to look at Channie. He scrunched both eyes closed then opened just his left one. His version of a wink?
Channie swallowed and licked her lips then said, "In fact, if I were you, Zeal, I'd make darn sure CoCo didn't pick on Savvy ever again."
CoCo said, "Yeah, like that's gonna happen."
Zeal said, "Just cause your power-name's Courage don't mean you got to be an idiot."
Channie couldn't have said it better herself. She wanted to be sure Savvy's little deception lasted as long as possible. "Savvy, I know you're feeling mighty proud of yourself, but suspension spells are advanced magic and should only be used in an emergency. They're very draining." She smiled and said, "In fact, you're going to need a nice long nap this afternoon."
Savvy narrowed his eyes at her. She probably shouldn't have goaded him with the nap, but if he wanted to make this look real, he'd have to play along. "I don't want you to go around showing off. And whatever you do, don't tell anyone else about what happened here today."
CoCo said, "I'm telling Granny. She'll slap a binding spell on Savvy so's he cain't hurt nobody."
Great. Channie didn't know how to counter that idea.
Savvy said, "If Granny binds me, I won't be able to control Momma no more."
Just what was he doing to Abby anyway? Hopefully it wasn't anything worse than persuading her to give him candy before supper. Not that any of them would need magic for that. Abby was such a pushover.
"Iff'n y'all are nice to me, I'll be nice to you."
Smart kid.
CoCo said, "Fine. I won't tell Granny. But I ain't afraid of you, and you ain't the boss of me."
Savvy said, "I don't wanna be the boss of nobody. I just want y'all to be nice to me and let me play with you."
Very smart kid. Channie couldn't help but wonder how Savvy planned to use their little secret to manipulate her, but she had no doubt that he was already scheming. He looked up at Channie, did his funny little wink again then said, "I thought you needed to poop."
Josh must be hiding out in the bathroom.
Channie said, "Y'all play nice and don't go anywhere 'till I get back," then ran around the corner of the building housing the public bathrooms.
Josh was sitting on the ground leaning against the cement-block wall between the ladies' and mens' restrooms. He looked horrible. It was the suspension spells. He'd cast two of them simultaneously. He smiled at her and said, "Hey, babe."
Channie climbed onto his lap, straddling his hips and pressed her forehead against his. "Are you okay?"
He nodded. "Just tired."
"I'll bet. It's a wonder those spells didn't knock you out."
"Just about did. I'm not sure, but I think one of the trips saw me."
"Yeah, it was Savvy."
"Is that going to be a problem?"
"He's convinced Courage and Zeal that he cast the spell so it's to his advantage to keep our secret. Although he'll find a way to blackmail me too."
Josh chuckled. "Smart kid."
"Too smart."
Josh kissed Channie. His lips barely brushed hers. Even if they could sneak away somewhere for an hour, he wouldn't have the strength to do anything other than sleep.
She said, "How are you going to get back to school?"
"I'll be fine." He took her hand and slid his fingers between hers then traced the creases on her palm with his thumb. "I don't want you to risk getting in trouble so if there's even the slightest chance you'll get caught, promise me you won't do it."
"Do what?"
"Meet me here at midnight."
Channie kissed him --- long, soft and slow. There was nothing in this world or the next that would keep her from meeting Josh tonight.
\*\*\*
Momma stayed in her room all day. Abby had tried to bring her supper, but Momma just yelled at her to leave her alone. Abby came downstairs with the tray of untouched food and slammed it down on the kitchen table. "I don't care if that crazy bitch starves to death. I'm tired of getting yelled at every time I try to do something nice for her.
Diego wrapped his arms around Abby from behind and whispered something in Spanish. She smiled then turned around, still within the circle of his arms, and nodded. "As soon as Savvy goes to sleep." His afternoon nap messed up his bedtime.
Diego nuzzled her neck and said, "Just do that sleepy magic on him."
"That'd be two nights in row. Be-calm spells are like tequila. They'll both knock you out, but it's not good quality sleep and if you use them too often you can wake up with a hang-over."
Diego frowned and pulled back. A rosy hue deepened his coffee-and-cream complexion. "Tequila?"
Whoa. Trouble in paradise.
He said, "I don't want that crazy witch casting any more spells on my sons."
Abby said, "And you think I do? If you have any ideas how to stop her from doing whatever the hell she wants, I'm all ears."
Diego pulled Abby back into his arms and kissed the tears off her cheeks. "Just a few more months and we'll have enough money to get our own little apartment. We'll take the boys and get away from all this craziness."
Channie couldn't believe her ears. "And what? Leave me here completely defenseless?"
Diego said, "You should just marry Hunter as soon as possible and let him protect you."
Channie smacked her palm against her forehead. "I'm such an idiot! Abby, make me a shield."
\*\*\*
Channie tried to explain how she'd built a shield for Josh, but Abby couldn't seem to grasp the concept. When Diego figured out what they were talking about, he said, "I don't want Abby involved in nothing like that. Your crazy momma will kill her if she finds out."
Abby said, "It's worth the risk. If Momma can't use magic against Channie, she can defend herself."
"And what about you? Can you keep your shield up all the time?"
Abby shook her head. "It takes too much energy. I still don't understand how Channie was able to make a shield for Josh that stayed active without nobody having to recharge it."
Channie wished she'd left that part out. She couldn't tell them that Josh's shield was tapping into his own energy. Without a power-name, he hadn't been able to use magic for anything else. It had been building up inside him for years, so it was an almost limitless supply. Channie's shield was going to need regular maintenance.
Diego said, "I'm sorry, Channie. I would do it for you myself if I could, but I won't let Abby put herself in so much danger. When your papa gets home, ask him to do it."
Abby said, "Daddy's too weak. He can barely keep himself shielded."
"What do you mean Daddy's too weak?" His magic was almost as strong as Momma's.
Abby sighed then licked her lips and said, "He's around Momma a lot more than the rest of us. I don't know how he does it. After a few hours of continuously shielding myself, Diego and the boys, I'm plum wore out."
"But Momma's bound by her wedding pledge to obey Daddy." Channie had a hard time believing Momma had ever agreed to something so stupid. Why would you ever give anyone else that kind of control over you?
"Every time Daddy gives her an order, she makes him pay for it later. It ain't worth it for most things. At least he's not so obsessed with money anymore. He's a lot more generous, even bought Diego's truck and won't accept so much as a dime in payment."
"Do you think Daddy would buy me a car?"
"I already asked him to buy me a cheap little clunker, but he don't believe in give'n women that much freedom."
Diego said, "He's got a point," then left to go check on the trips.
Channie glared at his back as he trotted up the stairs.
Abby laughed then said, "He's just pulling your leg."
Channie wasn't so sure about that, but Diego was Abby's problem, not hers.
Diego leaned over the railing and said, "The boys are all asleep. Come to bed."
Abby hugged Channie and said, "See you in the morning," then giggled as she ran up the stairs.
Great. Just freaking great. It was only 8:30. Channie still had another three and a half hours before she was supposed to meet Josh in the park but if she didn't get out of this house, she was going to scream. She wrote a note that said, Gone for a walk. Be back soon, folded it into a triangle and slipped it under Abby's bedroom door.
Momma's light was on but Channie wasn't worried. Even before Momma started acting crazy, once she went to her room in the evening, she rarely came out until morning. It had always been her "personal" time.
Channie bundled up, then climbed out her window. She nearly slid off the roof when she stepped on a patch of ice, but caught herself in time. She felt better as soon as she stepped into the park. Much better.
"Josh?"
"Hey, babe."
A thick layer of clouds obscured the waning moon, so Channie didn't see him in the shadows until she was nearly there. He was under the pavilion, sitting in the same spot on the same picnic table as when they'd first met. She said, "I thought we were supposed to meet at midnight."
"I thought you might show up early." He slid off the picnic table, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Their bond was still glowing when he pulled back and said, "I missed you."
"How long have you been here?"
"A while."
"You never left, did you?"
"Nope." He took her hand then led her towards his car in the parking lot.
"Have you eaten anything all day?"
"Breakfast."
"You must be starving. Let's go get you something to eat."
He stepped into a cone of light cast by a streetlamp. The yellow glow illuminated his face and sparkled in his eyes. "I am hungry." He leaned against the side of his car, slid his hands under her coat and into the back pockets of her jeans, pulling her against him. "But not for food."
"Josh. We can't. Not here."
"Of course not. But I know a place we can go." He pulled his hand out of her right pocket and opened the passenger side door. "Hop in."
Channie glanced into the back as she slid into the car. Josh had folded the rear seats down so the cargo area was much larger. But the only things he was hauling back there were a couple of sleeping bags and a pillow. "When did you pick up the bedding?"
"I put it in the car this morning, before school. I like to be prepared for all contingencies."
Josh parked in a secluded spot that overlooked the city lights. It was miles away from anywhere, but there were two other cars parked amongst the trees when they arrived. Channie said, "What are these people doing here?"
Josh turned off the engine, undid his seatbelt and crawled into the back. "Same thing we're doing here."
"What if they see us?"
"Believe me, they aren't interested in anything we're doing."
"How'd you know about this place?" An ugly green glow seeped into Channie's energy field.
Josh reached between the seats and offered Channie his hand. "Everybody knows about this place. It's a trail head during the day, and a place for high school couples to 'strengthen their bonds' at night." Josh tugged on her hand. "This is the first time I've been here after dark. And I promise, I'll take things slow this time. I won't finish before you, even if I have to use magic to control myself."
"Is that what you did on our wedding night?"
"I think so. I'm still not sure how this magic stuff works, but it seems to respond to what I want --- except for cursing people." Josh zipped the two sleeping bags together then held it open while Channie slid inside. "On our wedding night, and every time after that --- except for the last time when you caught me off guard --- my most desperate desire was to please you."
Josh untied and removed his shoes, peeled his sweater off over his head, then crawled into the sleeping bag still wearing his jeans. "I'm so sorry about the last time. I ---"
Channie interrupted him with a kiss then said, "No. I'm sorry about last time. I had no idea it took so much effort for you to hold back. And especially the first time. That had to be really hard." Channie giggled and bit her lip. "I mean difficult."
Josh smiled, but didn't make fun of her. "Pleasing you gives me more joy than anything else I could ever experience."
"But you did enjoy it, the last time?"
"Oh, yeah. Most definitely. Until I realized you hadn't. I wanted to make it up to you so bad. I still do."
"Do you have more than one of those ... things ... in your pocket?"
"I've got a whole box in the glove compartment."
"So ... how about we have sex first ... and then you can make love to me after that."
Josh chuckled and said, "They're the same thing."
"Not really. I think sex is more about giving in to whatever you're feeling without holding back. It's more physical. At least that's the way it feels when I ... you know ... finish. Making love is more like cuddling, only more intense. It's how we usually start out. I'm more focused on you and our connection. I feel it more in my heart than in my gut." Channie slid her hand from the center of Josh's chest to his belly.
He grabbed her hand then moved it back to his chest. "Slow down, babe."
"I want you to enjoy yourself completely. I don't want you to hold back just because I can't keep up. Then we can do it again, slower."
"No. I don't ever want to feel like I'm using you."
"I'm so sorry. I had no idea how deeply I'd hurt you until it was too late."
"And I had no idea how selfishly I'd behaved was until it was too late." Josh pulled Channie on top of him as he rolled onto his back. "From now on, I will only make love to you. It will never be 'just sex' again."
Channie lifted her head off his chest and gazed into his eyes. "What if I just want to have sex?"
Josh grinned and said, "Then by all means, Mrs. Abrim, go for it."
And that's exactly what she did. She gave in to the lusty, sex-starved woman hiding inside her shy, teenaged body and did things she never thought she'd do. And enjoyed every minute of it.
They'd just finished wiggling into their clothes when flashing blue lights filled the car.
Josh swore and said, "Stay there," then climbed into the front seat. Someone tapped on the window glass with a flashlight. Josh rolled down the window and said, "Good evening officer, what can I do for you?"
"License, registration and proof of insurance, please."
"You're giving me a ticket?" Josh's voice was an octave higher than normal.
"Sex in a parked car is in direct violation of Colorado State law against indecent exposure." The cop directed the beam of his flashlight into the cargo area, blinding Channie.
She shielded her eyes and turned her head, hiding her bruises.
"I'll need to see the young lady's identification as well."
She moved to her knees and put a hand on Josh's trembling shoulder. She kept her chin down, and hid behind her hair as she poked her head between the bucket seats. "We're both fully clothed and you didn't actually catch us doing anything." Or had he? Channie's stomach churned at the thought of this man watching them. She didn't have persuasive powers anymore, but hopefully Josh would understand her meaning and add his magic to her words. "You don't want to deal with all that paper-work since we weren't hurting anyone."
Josh's energy warmed the palm of Channie's hand.
The cop said, "I suppose I could let you off with a warning and a phone call to your parents."
Josh's energy faltered.
Channie squeezed his shoulder and said, "You don't want to call our parents and drag them out of bed. You know how parents are. You don't need that kind of aggravation. Wouldn't you rather go have a nice hot cup of coffee?"
Magic flowed out of Josh, over Channie and into the cop.
He lowered the beam of his flashlight and said, "I don't want to catch you two out here again," then turned and walked away.
Josh slumped down in his seat and lowered his forehead to the top of the steering wheel. "Oh man. That was close."
Channie climbed into the front and kissed Josh's cheek. "You did that! You used persuasive magic to make him change his mind."
Josh tilted his head to the side, still resting it on the steering wheel and peeked at Channie out of the corners of his eyes. "I thought mind control was impossible."
"If that cop had been dead set on arresting us, no amount of magic would have changed his mind. All it took was the idea of a hot cup of coffee to crack his resolve. Once a person starts to waver, it doesn't take much magic to push 'em over the edge. But next time, cast a misdirection spell before we get too distracted."
Josh lifted his head and grinned at Channie. "Next time? How about tomorrow night?"
"Sure. Now, let's go get something to eat."
Josh leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the mouth. "That's the second best idea you've had all night. How about The Lucky Pie? Feel like Pizza?"
"I don't want to go anywhere someone from school might recognize me."
"The bruises?"
Channie nodded. "They'll be gone in a week or two."
Josh placed his hands on her cheeks and said, "Let me heal them."
"No!" Channie tore his hands from her face. "Momma said if anyone healed me, she'd beat me up worse than before."
Josh's brimming eyes filled her with guilt. This was more painful for him than it was for her. She couldn't imagine how she'd handle it if their situations were reversed.
He said, "I've never hated anyone as much as your mother. I swear I want to kill her."
"She's my momma."
Josh nodded and kissed her bruised cheeks, barely brushing them with his lips. "I can't help it. I can't stand the thought..." He took a shallow breath and held it for a moment, then cleared his throat and swallowed. "I can't stand the thought of anyone hurting you."
"I know. And I'm so sorry."
"None of this is your fault. If I'd listened to you in the first place and just kept driving, none of this would have happened."
"Josh. Look at me."
"I am looking at you. And I can see the consequences of my stupidity and selfishness all over your beautiful face. Please, Channie. I'm begging you. Let me take you away from here."
"Abby and Diego are moving out in a couple of months. I can't leave until they get the trips away from Momma."
"Is she hurting them too?" Josh's energy field pulsed then settled into a steady red glow.
"Not yet, but Diego has a job so he can't watch them all day and Abby's never been the most attentive mother."
"I don't mean to be cruel, but how can you possibly protect the trips without magic?"
"I can keep them out of the house and out of Momma's way. Thank goodness we live next to a park."
"What the hell is wrong with your mother anyway?"
"Daddy thinks the Book of the Dead is making her crazy."
"I don't doubt it. Look what it did to us."
"We suffered, but how much of that was because my stupidity? If it weren't for the Book of the Dead, we wouldn't be married, and we wouldn't have done what we just did."
Josh smirked at her. "We wouldn't be married. But I'm pretty sure we still would've had the most amazing back seat sex in the history of humanity. You're an animal."
Channie laughed and smacked the middle of Josh's chest with the flat of her palm. "Joshua Vincent Abrim! That's no way to talk about your wife."
\*\*\*
When Channie climbed through her bedroom window, Abby and Diego were sitting on her bed, waiting for her.
Diego narrowed his eyes and said, "Where've you been?"
"None of your damn business." The words popped out Channie's mouth before she had a chance to consider the consequences. Abby had never shown any signs of abuse, but that didn't mean Diego wouldn't knock Channie around for smarting off. She edged a little closer to the window. If he wanted to beat her, he'd have to catch her first.
He slumped forward and dropped his head into his hands.
Abby rubbed his back and said, "It's okay, honey pie. She's back now. Nobody knows she left but you and me."
Okay. That was weird. "What's his problem?"
Diego lifted his chin and looked at Channie with such sadness it almost made her feel guilty. Almost. He said, "Your papa asked me and Abby to take care of you while he's gone. How are we supposed to protect you if you disappear?"
"I left a note."
Abby raised her eyebrows and sucked her lips into her mouth, obviously trying not to laugh.
It didn't fool Diego. He pushed his hair off his forehead then turned towards Abby. "This is no laughing matter. What am I supposed to tell your papa?"
All traces of humor slid off Abby's face. She grabbed Diego's well-muscled arm and said, "You ain't gonna tell Daddy nothing. Channie's sixteen and old enough to make her own choices."
"Thank you!" It was about time somebody noticed.
"So, lil' sis, when do we get to meet this Joshua of yours?"
Uh-oh.
"Abby..." Diego drug her name out, showing his displeasure with the tone of his voice.
Abby nudged him with her shoulder. "Oh, come on. We never would have had a chance if your cousin hadn't a loaned you his pick-em-up and camper. And I was only fifteen."
Diego shook his head and sighed, but he did so with a grin on his face.
Channie desperately needed an ally, but if Abby met Josh, she'd sense his magic. And with all the hullabaloo about Valor Veyjivik's name on the Book of the Dead, how long would it take her to figure things out? She didn't think she'd tell on her, but Abby was notorious for letting things slip.
"It's not that I don't trust you. But it's a matter of life and death. And I mean that literally. I'm not being dramatic."
Abby took Channie's hands in hers. "In that case, maybe you should be a little more careful about sneaking out to meet him."
Channie bowed her head and nodded. "You're right. That was reckless and selfish and---"
"And you're going to do it again, ain't ya?"
"Most likely."
"Well, next time give us a little more of a warning so we can come up with a better alibi than 'gone for a walk.'"
Diego threw his hands in the air and said, "Leave me out of this," then stomped out of the room. Channie didn't need to understand Spanish to know that Diego was swearing under his breath. She bit her lip and waited until she was sure Diego was out of hearing range then grinned and said, "We're supposed to meet again tomorrow, at midnight."
Abby giggled as she pulled Channie into a hug. "This is so much fun!" She patted her back then held her at arm's length. "Now, what are you doing about birth control?"
\*\*\*
Exhaustion fought with euphoria as Josh drove home after hooking up with Channie. Was it okay to call sex with your wife hooking up? Hell. Who cares. Whatever he called it, it was amazing. He never would have guessed that Channie had it in her. He enjoyed the cuddly sex that Channie called "making love" too, but tonight's sex was just ... just ... man.
He couldn't get the grin off his face even when he drove up to the house and Dad's office light was still on. Josh had texted him after school and warned him that he'd be home late, but he'd turned his phone off afterwards and it was after two in the morning. Dad never yelled at Josh but the disappointment was hard to take sometimes.
"Joshua!"
Whoa. That didn't sound like disappointment.
"Get in here."
Josh grabbed the doorframe and leaned his upper body into the office. "Yeah?"
Dad was sitting in the high-backed leather chair behind his desk. His power chair. He nodded at the office chair across from him and said, "Have a seat."
Josh rolled it out and flopped into it, one leg draped over the armrest. "What's up?"
"We need to agree on a few ground rules, since you're going to live here permanently."
"You've never had rules before. What happened to trust and mutual respect?"
"Leaving me a text message while I'm in a meeting and staying out..." he glanced at his watch, "...until two-thirty in the morning shows a distinct lack of respect and makes it very hard for me to trust you."
"I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."
"You're eighteen, Josh. You need to act like an adult."
"I said I was sorry. What else do you want me to say?" Josh regretted his snarky tone of voice, but damn it, Dad's little lecture was killing his buzz.
"I want you to say that it won't happen again."
Josh slumped further down in his chair and swiveled it back and forth. "It won't happen again. Can I go to bed now?"
"I want you to come straight home from school tomorrow."
"All right fine." Josh rolled his eyes and spun the chair towards the door.
"And I want you to stay home."
"What?" He whirled back around to face Dad and planted both feet on the floor. "No way. I have a date."
Dad jerked his head up and said, "With Channie?"
"Of course with Channie."
"Her father made it very clear he doesn't want you to date his daughter. And Channie told you to stay away."
"She's just trying to protect me."
"So am I."
"If you want me to act like an adult, you need to treat me like one. You don't have the right to tell me who I can and can't be with."
"Do I need to take your keys?"
Josh dug his keys out of his pocket then tossed them onto the desk. "That won't keep me from seeing her. I'll move back in with Mom if I have to." He could ride his bike from Boulder to Louisville, but the traffic was a bitch. Of course there was always the RTD. The diesel fumes gave him a headache, but Josh would do whatever it took to be with Channie.
"Look, Dad. I like living here with you. I really do. But no one is going to keep me away from my wife."
"She's not your wife, Joshua."
"She's my soul-mate. But I don't expect you to understand."
"I've been in love a couple of times, so yes, I do understand. And as amazing as it feels right now, those feelings won't last forever."
Josh slammed his palms flat on the desk and leaned forward. "No secretary is going to seduce me away from Channie. This is forever."
Dad remained calm and kept his voice low, even as a red flush crept up his neck. "That was uncalled for."
Josh knew he'd crossed the line, insulting Liz like that, but instead of apologizing, he said, "I won't let you demean what I feel for my wife!"
Dad pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed then crossed his arms and rested them on top of his desk. "I know you love Channie. And as soon as she's eighteen, you can get married if that's still what you both want. But she's a minor and neither you nor I have the right to go against her parents' wishes. Not unless she's ready to accuse them of abuse. If you really love her, you can wait a couple of years."
Josh's heart hammered in his chest as he jumped out of his chair. "That's bullshit and you know it!" The rush of blood behind his ears sounded like a roaring river.
"You need to calm down, son."
"I'm not your son!"
All the muscles in Dad's face went slack.
Josh fell back into his chair and shook his head. "I can't believe I said that."
Dad's chair creaked as he pushed away from the desk. He grabbed Josh's biceps and pulled him to his feet then crushed him against his chest. "My blood may not flow through your veins, but I made a conscious decision to make you my son when I adopted you sixteen years ago. We are bound by law as well as love. You are my son, Joshua Vincent Abrim. And that's forever."
\*\*\*
The house-shaking bang of the front door, followed by a string of pseudo swear words woke Channie a little before dawn the next morning. "Goll darn it, boy, I ain't lost that much money since we got here."
"I'm sorry Mr. Belks. I truly am. I'll make it up to you."
"I lost five grand on account you. Where you gonna get that kind of money?"
Channie pulled a robe on over her nightgown and ran to the banister to peer over the rail. Hunter looked terrible. The dark bags under his eyes combined with the chalky pallor of his face worried her. Was he sick?
"I'll find a job and pay you back. You have my word."
Daddy dismissed Hunter with a wave of his hand, turned towards the stairs and bellowed Momma's name.
"Where're you at woman! Get down here."
Momma opened her bedroom door and stepped into the hall. She was wearing the same clothes she had on when she locked herself in her room two days ago. Channie thought Hunter looked like death, but Momma looked ten times worse. She clutched the Book of the Dead against her bosom with one blistered hand and brushed the frizzy grey halo of hair off her brow with the other. She stared at Channie with unseeing eyes so blood-shot there wasn't a speck of visible white. She looked like one of the characters from Elijah's Saturday morning cartoons after they'd dropped a toaster in the bathtub.
The floor shook beneath Channie's feet as Daddy bolted up the stairs. He stared at Momma for a second then ran down the hall and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Prudence? What happened?"
The hair on the back of Channie's neck stood on end as Momma leaned around Daddy and glared at her with demonic eyes. She raised a hand and pointed at Channie's heart. "You. This is all your fault."
Diego burst into the hall, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers. "What's going on?"
Daddy said, "You tell me. I left you in charge and I come back to this? Look at her."
Abby tried to push her way past Diego, but it was clear he had no intention of letting her anywhere near Momma or Daddy.
Diego said, "She locked herself in her room. Abby took several trays of food up to her, but she refused to open the door. I didn't think you'd want me to break the door down."
Daddy sighed and slumped his shoulders. "Alright, son. I don't blame you." He slipped an arm around Momma's waist from behind and held her against his protruding belly with one hand. He kissed the side of her head then held his other hand in front of her. "Prudence. Give me the book."
Momma snapped out of her catatonic state and screamed. Hunter's shield slammed down over Channie before she even realized he'd joined them upstairs. Momma cast multiple curses but they bounced off everyone's shields like steel marbles in a pinball machine.
When she'd finally exhausted all her energy, she slumped against Daddy. He pried the book from her grasp, handed it to Diego, of all people, then carried Momma into their room. Abby, still wearing nothing but a sheet, ran down the hall and pressed her ear against the door. She motioned for everyone to join her. Diego was the first to comply. Channie looked at Hunter and raised her eyebrows. He shook his head then took her hand and dragged her downstairs.
Abby, Diego and the trips joined them an hour later.
Channie said, "What's going on up there?"
Abby shooed Diego and the trips into the kitchen and told them to start breakfast then led Channie and Hunter into the parlor. "Daddy's trying to talk Momma into going back to Blackhawk with him without making it a direct order." She looked at Hunter and smirked. "He says you got the worst poker face he ever saw."
Hunter's cheeks flushed as he grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "I cain't help it. When I get a good hand, I get excited."
"Anyway, it sounds like Daddy thinks if he can get Momma away from the book for a little bit, she might come back to her senses." Abby made a face and shuddered. "But Momma doesn't want to stop studying. She won't let go of the book unless Daddy gives her a direct order, and she gets so upset every time he does, that it's just not worth it. She seems to think she's under some sort of curse that requires a blood sacrifice and she's trying to figure a way out of it."
\*\*\*
Momma and Daddy were still arguing upstairs when Diego had to leave for work. He was the local manager for the McDonald's on Dillon Street, so it surprised Channie when Abby packed him a lunch.
"If I worked at McDonald's I'd eat their fried potatoes for every meal."
Diego laughed and said, "Come work for me. I bet you change your mind in less than a week."
"Can I? Would you hire me? Really?"
"Of course. But only if your papa says it's okay."
Channie rolled her eyes. "Like that'll ever happen." Daddy didn't believe women folk should work outside the home ... unless it was gambling.
Diego patted Channie's cheek as if she were a child then laughed when she batted his hand away. He kissed and hugged each of the trips, admonished them to mind their momma and stay away from Granny then kissed Abby and whispered something in her ear that made her giggle and blush.
The trips ran to the front window, waving and yelling, "Adios, Daddy!"
Channie glanced outside and was shocked to see Diego climb into a monster truck with huge tires across the street. "Holy moly, is that his vehicle?"
CoCo turned around and grinned at her. "Grandaddy bought it for him. And as soon as I can see over the steering wheel and reach the pedals, I'm gonna drive it."
Channie mussed his hair and said, "No doubt," then frowned when she realized CoCo was serious.
"Channie, I'd like a word with you."
Momma. Channie's stomach dropped like a rock as her blood ran cold. She turned towards the stairs. Momma still looked like she was minutes away from death, but her hair was wound into a neat bun and she was wearing clean clothes. Her eyes were still blood-shot but no longer wild.
Daddy stood behind her with one hand on her shoulder and the other on the handrail at the top of the stairs. He looked down at Channie and arched his eyebrows in that "do as your told" way that meant severe consequences if she chose to disobey.
"Yes, ma'am."
Momma and Daddy were both waiting for Channie in her room. She stepped inside and pulled the door shut with shaking hands then leaned against it.
Momma narrowed her eyes and glared at Channie. "It was wrong of you to trespass into my room and steal my property."
"Yes, ma'am." But I wouldn't have needed to if you hadn't stolen my power-name.
Momma dropped her gaze to the floor and lowered her voice till it was barely above a whisper. "But I had no right to beat you the way I did." She took three breaths, glanced sideways at Daddy then gritted her teeth and said, "I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry, too, Momma." Sorry you hit me. Channie wasn't sorry for taking the book, not even after all she'd suffered because of it. There was no doubt in her mind the book was evil, making her choose between Josh and magic was beyond cruel. But if not for the Book of the Dead, she'd still be bound by Chastity's curse, unable to touch Josh much less make love to him.
Daddy said, "Your Momma has agreed to heal your bruises."
Channie cringed when Momma grabbed her battered face with icy fingers. The bruises burned as Momma healed them. She's doing it on purpose. Channie clenched her teeth against the pain, refusing to give Momma the satisfaction of seeing her cry.
As soon as she finished, Momma shoved Channie's head away from her and spun around towards Daddy. "I done what you said, Monroe. Now give me my book."
"I'll give you the damn book after we win back the money I lost. Now git in the car."
\*\*\*
As soon as Momma and Daddy left, Abby started bugging Channie about wanting to meet Josh. She kept at it until Channie finally told her she'd decided to break up with him and let Hunter court her.
Abby pressed one hand over her mouth and the other over her heart as tears streamed down her face.
"Jeeze, Abby. You've never even met him. Why are you so upset?"
"You love that boy. I can tell when you're thinking about him by the way your energy field glows. And you think about him all the time. If you break it off, you'll regret it for the rest of your life."
"Abby ..."
Abby grabbed Channie's shoulders and stared at her with shifting eyes. "Is it on account of him being magically disabled?"
"What?"
Abby sighed and said, "Mixed marriages ain't easy, but it's worth it. Just look at how happy me and Diego are. And it won't be as hard for y'all since you ain't got no magical abilities no more."
"Thanks for reminding me." Channie considered letting Abby believe she was a coward, or worse, a bigot. But her conscious wouldn't let her. "That's not why I'm breaking up with him." Time to change the subject. "How did Diego survive Daddy's wrath. You never told me how the two of you wound up back here."
Abby wrapped her arms around Channie and smothered her against her breasts. "You're scared Daddy's gonna hurt Josh, ain't you? That's why you're willing to throw away your own happiness --- you just want to protect him. That's so noble."
Channie wiggled out of her embrace and said, "Tell me how you managed to keep Daddy from killing Diego."
Abby nodded and plopped down on her unmade bed. She patted the mattress, but Channie pretended she didn't see the invitation and sat on the floor.
Abby took a deep breath and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "By the time I got back home, there weren't nobody there 'cept Aunt Wisdom and Hunter Feenie and at the time I believed Hunter was a spy."
"What about Diego?"
"He'd moved."
"How'd you find him?"
"One of his cousins was working at McDonald's in Whistler's Gulch. He told me Diego's momma had a new man in her life and he was taken' care of the family so Diego didn't have to, but he didn't get along with him and kicked him out the day after we left."
"That's horrible."
"If it'd happened just one day sooner, me and Diego wouldn't have had to go through all that grief. Anyway, Diego quit his job and took off, looking to come find me and the boys."
"How'd he know you were gone?"
"He recognized the bus when we stopped for food at Walmart on the way outta town and followed us inside. He'd never seen the boys before and I gotta tell ya, Channie, it was awful hard on him not to pick 'em up or hug 'em or even say 'howdy.' I was surprised none of the rest of y'all felt his distress as he followed us around like a lost pup."
"I felt it all right, but I thought it was you."
"A good part of it was. I don't know how I got outta there without breaking down and bawling like a baby. Anyway, I wrote a note on the back of my shopping list, telling Diego we was on the run, and dropped it so he could pick it up."
"Daddy didn't tell us where we were going until after we'd crossed the Oklahoma state line. So how'd Diego know where to look?"
"He didn't. He decided to try to find some of our neighbors or kinfolk up the mountain and see if any of them could point him in the right direction. Aunt Wisdom found him wandering around. She promised to call him if she ever heard from us, so when I showed up eleven days later, that's what she did."
"I'll bet that was a sweet reunion." Just the thought of it warmed Channie's heart.
Abby nodded, but she frowned and bit her lip. "It was. At first. But when Diego learnt I left the boys in Colorado, he threw a regular hissy fit."
"Did he beat you?"
"I wouldn't a blamed him if he did, but Diego ain't nothing like Daddy. He had a right to lay into me for abandoning our babies, but all he did was holler at me in Spanish. Even that weren't so bad, since I couldn't understand a word he said."
"Yeah, about that. When did you and the trips learn to speak Spanish?"
"The trips picked it up almost immediately, especially Savvy. It wasn't nearly as easy for me. But after a couple of weeks in Mexico, I just started understanding what folks was saying. By the end of two months, I could speak it well enough to be understood --- for the most part."
"Why were you in Mexico for two months?"
"After I told Diego I was a mage with a price on my head, he decided the best way to avoid any trackers was to take a detour south of the border on our way to Colorado. But we still had a hard time shaking 'em off our trail. I finally got fed up with it and killed the son-of-a-bitch."
"You killed him?"
"I ain't one to judge a whole group of people on the bad behavior of a few, but I swear trackers are the scum of the earth. Somebody was molesting and murdering little kids in every town me and Diego stayed in for more than a day or two. I suspected it was the tracker. Sure enough, after I sent him to hell, the attacks stopped."
"Does it bother you? Knowing you killed a man?"
"Does it bother you to kill a rattlesnake?"
Channie still had nightmares about killing Harvey and Jimmy, but she didn't know if it was because she'd killed them or because they'd both wanted to rape her.
"Anyway, we high-tailed it outta there and got here on Thanksgiving Day."
"That was just two days after I left."
"I know! I was so upset. It seemed like no matter where I went I was gonna be missing somebody. And the trips wouldn't even look at me."
"How'd they take the news that Diego was their Daddy?"
"They loved him as soon as they laid eyes on him. I didn't even get a chance to introduce him before Savvy tugged on his hand and said, 'Are you my daddy?' It was the sweetest thing." Abby blinked and wiped her eyes on her sleeve then pressed her hand over her heart and shuddered. "Until Daddy tore into Diego."
"What happened?" Channie's heart leapt into her throat even though Diego had obviously survived the encounter without any visible scars.
"Daddy grabbed the front of Diego's shirt, drug him through the house and out into the back yard. It was horrible." Abby's voice trembled. "Diego didn't fight back or even try to defend hisself. Daddy beat the living daylights out of him."
"Why didn't Diego fight back?" Diego wasn't nearly as big or strong as Daddy but he was no wimp either. Maybe he was a coward.
"I asked him that myself, once it was over with. He said he felt like he deserved it for not marrying me as soon as he learned I was pregnant."
"How bad was it?"
"Bad enough. But when Daddy hollered something about me being a whore, it was like somebody flipped a crazy switch inside Diego."
"What do you mean?"
"He twisted outta Daddy's grip and landed at least half a dozen punches in less time that it takes to blink. I ain't never seen nobody move that fast."
"He hit Daddy?"
"Broke his nose, split his lip and bruised his ribs."
"I'm surprised Daddy didn't kill him after that. All he would'a had to do was curse him."
"He knocked him out with a be-calm spell, but not before Diego beat him up."
"So how come Daddy and Diego are all buddy-buddy now?"
"Nobody but Momma's ever stood up to Daddy before and even she backs off when he gets riled up. Daddy respects Diego. He even said as much. He told Diego he had more spunk than any man he'd ever met."
"Daddy was so mad at you for leaving, he swore he'd never let you set foot under his roof again."
Abby rolled her eyes. "That was before he and Momma had to take care of the trips on their own. If you'd still been there to babysit, I doubt they'd a been so accommodating. As soon as Momma healed Daddy, they packed their bags and took off for the casinos --- leaving us to babysit. We didn't even get so much as a nap before they left."
"Ya know, Abby ... taking care of your own kids isn't babysitting, it's parenting."
Josh's stomach churned as he drove to school the next morning. After that huge emo scene with Dad last night he hadn't been able to fall asleep so he'd downed two cups of coffee as soon as he stumbled into the kitchen. He probably shouldn't have refused the waffles Dad made as a peace offering, but since he still refused to let Josh see Channie, there was no truce. He had no appetite. He could barely breathe, much less eat. It was like the bottom two-thirds of his lungs couldn't function without Channie.
He had no remorse about lying and sneaking out, but Dad was going to be extra vigilant for the next few weeks so there was no way Josh could sneak out again so soon. He couldn't stand the thought of Channie sitting in the park waiting for him and wondering why he didn't show up. He had to find a way to get a message to her. If all the witchy people in her house couldn't "feel" his magical energy, he'd just sneak into her room before school and tell her, or leave her a note if she weren't there. What would that crazy bitch she called "Momma" do to Channie if she suspected she'd had an unauthorized visitor?
Maybe he could talk Kassie into knocking on her front door and ... and what? Announce that she had a secret message for Channie? Maybe she could claim to be a friend and say she'd heard Channie was back and she just wanted to deliver her homework assignments. That might actually work.
By the time Josh got to school, there was only one parking spot left in the senior lot, and a vintage yellow Mustang was honing in on it. "Oh no you don't." He hit the gas and peppered the cars behind him with gravel. Josh didn't know her name, but he knew the redhead behind the wheel was just a sophomore. She grinned as she cut him off and whipped into the spot.
Josh laid on the horn then rolled down his window. "Hey! You can't park here. Seniors only." The little snot flipped him off but at least she moved her car.
He grabbed his backpack and ran across the quad. If he didn't find Kassie before she went to class, he'd have to wait until lunch.
Josh missed Channie so much it hurt. He put a hand over his glowing chest. No one here could see their bond but the way it pulsed when he stepped through the door startled him. He assumed it was activated by his desire to see Channie, so when he walked around the corner and found her leaning against his locker, it took him completely by surprise. "Channie! What are you doing here?"
She grinned up at him and said, "Waiting for you."
He stroked her cheeks with the back of his fingers then kissed the top of her head and whispered in her ear, "Who healed you?"
"Momma."
Josh slid his hands around her waist then leaned back and examined every inch of Channie's perfect face. "I thought she wanted you to suffer."
Channie looked both ways then lowered her voice and said, "She does. But Daddy took the Book of the Dead away from her and told her she couldn't have it back unless she apologized and healed me."
"Is she going to try to retaliate?"
"I don't think so." Channie dropped her chin and stared at her hands.
She was lying.
"Do you think I could make a shield for you, the way you did for me?"
Channie shook her head. "No."
"Why not?"
"If I come home with a shield, it'll raise too many questions."
"Can't you just say that some of your power came back?"
Channie rolled her eyes. "It doesn't work like that."
"Well, tell everyone that Hunter did it. I know he'd cover for you."
"I don't have the power to maintain a shield. All it would do is make Momma mad. She'll curse me as soon as it fails."
Josh pulled Channie against his chest and inhaled the scent of her hair, calming himself. "I hate that you're so vulnerable in your own home."
"Me too." She lifted her chin, a clear signal. Josh kissed her, but kept it PG. He'd been jealous of the guys with girlfriends since middle school, but Channie wasn't just his girlfriend, she was his wife. And their physical relationship was too special to put it on display for the whole school.
The first bell rang, interrupting the kiss. Josh took Channie's hand and said, "Come on, we need to go to the office and find out what classes we got stuck with." He also wanted to find out if he had any chance of graduating on time. He'd never carried a full load, because of racing, but he might still be able to pull it off if he could drop all electives and just take core classes. Dad would have to hire a tutor, though. And all the extra homework was going to suck big time.
\*\*\*
Mr. Torres closed the door to his office then unlocked the top drawer of his file cabinet and pulled out the first folder. "I see you're still first in your class."
Josh resisted the urge to roll his eyes and smiled instead. "Only according to the alphabet."
Mr. Torres nodded and said, "All joking aside, I hate to see you fail so close to graduation. Let me talk to your instructors and see if I can convince them to let you take their final exams."
"Seriously?" He didn't even question Josh about where he'd been or lecture him about cutting classes. It must be the magic. He'd spent plenty of time in this office last semester and Mr. Torres had been a lot less sympathetic.
"It's highly unusual, but you've been a good student until this last year. We've got to get your senioritis under control or you aren't going to graduate on time. I'm afraid you'll have a hard time getting into a university, but there's nothing wrong with starting out at Front Range."
Mr. Torres wants me to graduate, so he's susceptible to my magic. Cool! Josh said, "Do you mind if I go with you when you meet with my teachers? I want to explain in person how sorry I am for missing finals." It would take more than magic to convince Old Lady Windsor to bend the rules.
Mr. Torres stood up and shook Josh's hand. "I appreciate your desire to step up and take responsibility for your actions. What do you say we go right now and get this taken care of?"
Josh wanted to wait for Channie, but he didn't know how long the magic would last and he really wanted to graduate on time. He'd just have to catch up with her at lunch.
\*\*\*
Mrs. Windsor was the last hold out. Josh was ready to give up when he thought of another tactic. "I really wanted to get into your AP creative writing class this semester but English Lit is a prerequisite. I can't fail that class. Please let me take the final."
Josh poured every bit of magical energy he could summon into the old witch and focused on how much he wanted to graduate. Mrs. Windsor narrowed her eyes and peered at him over the top of her half-moon glasses. "You have a C minus without the final. That will get you into my writing class."
"Yes, ma'am!" Why the hell didn't she say so in the first place? She must get off on torturing people.
When Josh found Channie at lunch she was not happy. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "What's wrong, babe?"
"I have to take all of my first semester classes over again. I failed every one of them."
"Did you talk to any of your teachers and ask if you could take finals?"
"Apparently, that's against the rules."
"Hmmm... maybe there's something I can do about that."
Channie peeked at Josh out of the corner of her eyes. "Did you ... beguile your teachers?"
Josh grinned and nodded. "I sure did. Even Old Lady Windsor."
"No way!"
"Yep. So, let's go talk to yours."
"Why bother? We're leaving once Abby and Diego move out, right?"
Josh's heart sank. "If your mom's better, maybe we could wait until after I graduate?"
Channie bit her lip and nodded then turned her head to the side, shielding her face with her hair.
Josh grabbed her shoulders and bent over so he could look into her tear-filled eyes. "Forget I even mentioned it. Whenever you want to leave just say the word. We can get in the car right now and take off if that's what you want to do."
She blinked the tears out of her eyes. One fell off the tip of her nose onto her blouse. "No, you're right. We should wait for you to graduate. What difference will a few more months make anyway? It's not like we can't see each other at school." She blushed and ducked her head, peeking at him from under her lashes --- then hit him with a wave of pure lust. "I can't wait until midnight."
Damn!
Josh shifted his books a little lower and rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. "Yeah. About that..."
\*\*\*
Josh could have handled it if Channie had yelled at him when he told her Dad had forbidden him from seeing her, but when the tears streamed down her face he wanted to die. "Oh babe, I'm so sorry."
"Ezra begged me not to hurt you and I let him believe that I was breaking up with you. He hates me. "
"My dad adores you. Almost as much as I do." Josh brushed the tears off her cheek with his thumbs then kissed the tip of her nose. "He even said we could get married as soon as you turn eighteen."
"We're already married!"
"What was that?" Kassie appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Josh's arm. "Did she just say you're married?" Her gaze flicked to Channie's stomach as she rested a hand on her own well camouflaged baby bump."
Channie said, "Yes. We're married. But it's a secret so don't tell anyone."
"Are you pregnant?"
"Why is that first thing every one assumes? No, I am not pregnant."
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to insult you." Kassie dropped her gaze to the floor.
Josh knew Channie didn't mean to be cruel, but she had a habit of just blurting out whatever thought happened to cross her mind. Especially when someone annoyed her --- whether it was intentional or not. He tugged on Kassie's sleeve and said, "Hey, how's it going with Eric?"
Kassie's face scrunched into a mask of pain. Her eyes overflowed and her whole body shook with visible tremors like a volcano on the verge of erupting. Josh recognized the signs of an impending emotional breakdown. Apparently, so did Channie.
She grabbed Kassie's hand and said, "Come on," then yanked her into the girls' bathroom --- but not before they'd all spotted Eric sauntering around the corner with his arm around Kassie's best friend, Rebecca.
Josh stepped in front of Eric, blocking his path, and said, "You've got some nerve."
Eric stiff-armed Josh, but two months of hauling water and chopping wood had strengthened his upper body. There was also the added element of magical determination. Eric's eyes widened when Josh pushed back without touching him.
"How can you do this to Kassie?"
Eric's arm slithered off Rebecca's shoulder as he backed into the lockers and sidestepped around Josh. "Look man, you have no idea what I've been dealing with. I can't handle the pressure."
"Oh yeah?" Josh hit a locker with the flat of his hand, blocking Eric's not-subtle-attempt to escape and making everyone around them jump. "Maybe you should have thought about that before you got her pregnant."
Rebecca gasped as her hand flew to her mouth then slid to the base of her throat. "Kassie's pregnant?"
Oh crap. Josh dropped his arm and stepped away from Eric.
Eric obviously mistook Josh's remorse for surrender. He puffed out his chest and shoved Josh's shoulder backing him into the middle of the crowded hall. "Way to go moron. Might as well just announce it over the PA system."
Rebecca glared at Eric and said, "How could you?"
He shifted his gaze from one curious face to the next and held his hands up in a classic "I surrender" pose. "She said she was on the pill."
Rebecca smacked Eric's shoulder, a right jab that made him cringe. "And you said breaking up was her idea. Liar!"
Eric rubbed his shoulder and said, "For all I know it's not even my kid!"
If Josh got caught fighting on school property, no amount of magic was going to keep him from getting expelled. Oh yeah ... magic. He folded his arms across his chest and stepped back so there could be no confusion about him not touching Eric. He gathered a fist-sized ball of energy out of his power-well ... and blasted him.
Eric slammed against the lockers then slumped to the floor. He stared at Josh for a second then scrambled to his feet and said, "He attacked me! You all saw it, right?" He looked pathetic as he begged someone to agree with him, but the kids that weren't openly laughing at him were shaking their heads. He grabbed Rebecca's shoulders and got right in her face. His eyes darted back and forth as he gave her a little shake. "You were standing right there. You had to have seen it! He used a taser on me!"
Rebecca twisted out of his grasp and said, "All I saw was a world-class jerk fall over his own feet. You disgust me."
Channie had no idea what she was going to do with Kassie once she got her into the bathroom, but she knew she had to get her away from the gossip mongers circling like vultures over roadkill. Rebecca ran up to them, apologies flowing from her mouth like water out of a hose, but Kassie shut her down with a glare and said, "Not now."
As soon as the door swung shut, Kassie threw her arms around Channie and sobbed, soaking her shoulder. Oh well. It wouldn't be the first time someone snotted up Channie's clothes. CoCo never cried, but Zeal and Savvy sure did. Channie patted Kassie's back and let her cry.
How ironic. This was the same bathroom Channie had escaped into on the first day of school. She stared at the stall she'd hidden in while Kassie had made fun of her name and her accent. But truth be told, Channie wasn't so sure she wouldn't have done the same if the situation were reversed. Chastity Belks. Jeeze!
Kassie finally lifted her head and turned towards the sinks. She leaned into the countertop with locked elbows and spoke in single syllable bursts between sobs. "He said ... if I ... did't get rid of it ... we couldn't be together any more."
Channie wanted to say, You can do a whole lot better than that jackass, but she bit her tongue and handed Kassie a wet paper towel instead.
Kassie blotted her eyes and said, "You and Josh ... are so lucky."
Channie turned around and hopped her butt onto the counter between the sinks. "Josh's momma said I'm not welcome under her roof. Ezra hates me. We have to sneak out in the middle of the night to see each other. And My daddy would kill Josh if he had any idea what we've been up to."
Kassie tilted her head to the side and did that half-cry-half-laugh that only certain girls can do. "I guess we've all got our problems, huh?"
"You can say that again."
\*\*\*
Channie hung out in the bathroom with Kassie until lunch then escorted her to Josh's car. He was already there, leaning against the passenger side door, talking to Hunter.
Kassie grabbed Channie's arm and said, "Who's the hottie?"
"Hunter?" Channie was so in love with Josh, she'd stopped seeing any other boy. She'd forgotten what sort of effect Hunter used to have on her.
"Oh, I love that name."
"O ... kaaay." Channie stopped at the edge of the parking lot and stepped in front of Kassie. "I thought you were in love with Eric?"
"I was." Kassie leaned sideways and peered over Channie's shoulder. She bit the side of her lower lip then said, "But he's been such a total douche for the past two months. I just wish I'd broken up with him first."
Channie would never get used to the crude language city kids used so casually. She didn't know what a doosh was --- she'd ask Josh later --- but she had no doubt it was a nasty insult. "So, you and Eric aren't exactly what you'd call soul mates, huh?"
"Not even close. So how does Josh know Hunter?"
Channie rolled her eyes and hooked her arm through Kassie's as they started walking towards Josh's car again. "I grew up with Hunter. My Daddy wants me to marry him."
Kassie's feet scattered gravel and stirred up a cloud of dust as she put on the brakes. "I thought you said that you and Josh were married?"
"We are. But nobody knows. We have to keep it a secret. You have to promise you won't tell anyone!"
"Sure ... if you can hook me up with Hunter."
"But, you're---"
"Pregnant? I'm not really showing all that much. And some guys think it's sexy."
Channie blinked and bit her tongue then lowered her voice and said, "Don't be offended, but Hunter ain't gonna see it that way."
Kassie arched her back, making her pregnancy enhanced breasts even more prominent and said, "We'll see about that."
Hunter's eyes lit up as he ran his gaze up and down Kassie's body. He licked his lips and leaned forward as he reached for her hand. "Hey, gorgeous, I'm Hunter Brown. You must be Josh's cousin, Kassie."
Kassie giggled when Hunter kissed her hand and looked down the front of her shirt.
Oh good lord. Channie rolled her eyes then arched her brows as she nodded at Hunter. "What's he doing here?"
Josh said, "Diego dropped him off so he could apply for a job as a custodian here at Monarch."
Hunter grinned. "It didn't take much to persuade 'em to hire me right on the spot." He winked at Channie. "If you know what I mean. I start work tomorrow."
Kassie wrinkled her nose as her lust levels took a sudden nose dive. "You're a janitor?"
Back home, any man with a job that paid cash money was considered a real catch. Hunter didn't have much of an education, but he wasn't stupid. Especially when it came to women. "It's just to tide me over until I can find a career more suited to a man of my talents."
"Oh, okay." Kassie's lustful energy climbed again, but not quite as high as it had been.
Channie wasn't the least bit romantically interested in Hunter but his fascination with Kassie annoyed her. Well, he'd cool off fast enough once he learned Kassie was pregnant.
As if he'd read her mind, Hunter's gaze dropped to Kassie's belly. "I heard about your unfortunate circumstances."
Kassie narrowed her eyes and glared at Josh.
Hunter said, "Do you mind?" and placed his open palm right over her womb.
What the hell?
Kassie giggled again but at least she had the decency to blush as she put her hand on top of Hunter's and pressed it against her stomach. "It'll be several weeks before anyone else can feel any movement."
Channie's eyes bugged out as her mouth fell open. Josh shot her a warning glance and shook his head, little movements too subtle for anyone else to notice. He didn't care that his cousin was acting like a common whore?
Channie slammed her mouth shut and pressed her lips together until they tingled from lack of circulation.
Hunter said, "How far along are you?"
"About three and half months."
Hunter slid his hand to the side of Kassie's waist as he leaned over and opened the driver's side passenger door. "I'd normally hold the door for ya, but since the other one's busted I think I better slide on in first so's you don't have to crawl all the way to the other side."
Kassie giggled yet again and said, "I just love your accent," as she scooted to the middle of the seat and snuggled up against Hunter.
Hunter's accent was twice as thick as Channie's and Kassie had called her an inbred hillbilly because of it.
He really poured on the charm after that. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said, "I told Josh I'd shoot the scoundrel if he didn't marry you, but he said that ain't how y'all handle these situations."
Channie watched in the rearview mirror as Kassie twisted sideways, squeezing her boobs together, and put a hand on Hunter's chest. "You'd do that? For me?"
"Just say the word."
Josh cut off the engine and turned around. "He's serious Kassie, so unless you want Eric dead and Hunter in jail for murder, tell him no."
She sighed and cupped Hunter's cheek with her palm. "That's got to be the sweetest thing anyone's ever offered to do for me. But Josh is right. You'd definitely go jail."
"They'd have to catch me first. And even if they did, there ain't no way anyone around here could keep me locked up."
Channie turned all the way around and knelt on the seat. "Hunter. Listen to me. She does not want you to kill the father of her baby."
Kassie said, "Eric can't pay child support if he's dead. But I wouldn't mind if you beat the shit out of him."
Hunter twitched as if Kassie had pinched him then pressed his index finger against her lips. "It's downright disturbing to hear such dirty words come out of such a pretty mouth."
Kassie ducked her head then peeked at Hunter from beneath her lashes. "Sorry."
Channie turned back around and plopped her butt in the seat. She jerked the seatbelt across her body then jammed it into the buckle and said, "Can we please go get something to eat before I lose my appetite?"
\*\*\*
\*\*\*
Channie knew that Hunter didn't have any money, so she wasn't surprised to see his face redden in the rearview mirror when Josh stopped beside the drive-through menu at McDonald's. Beads of sweat formed on his brow and upper lip when Kassie placed her order.
She stood up and stuck her head and shoulders between the front seats then leaned over Josh to shout into the speaker, no doubt giving Hunter an excellent view of her curvaceous rear end. "I'll have the double bacon cheese burger, large fries and a large diet Sprite. No, wait ... super size the fries and drink and add a fried cherry pie."
Hunter said, "Nothing for me. I ain't very hungry." His stomach growled loud enough for Channie to hear it in the front seat.
Josh said, "Lunch is on me today. You can pay next time."
Hunter scratched the back of his head then said, "All right. I guess I'll have what Kassie's having then."
When it was time to go back to school, Josh parked on the far side of Heritage Park to let Hunter out. He kissed the back of Kassie's hand and said, "I hope I can see you again sometime real soon, Miss Kassie."
Kassie said, "Hang on a sec," then dug an ink pen out of her purse, grabbed Hunter's hand and wrote her phone number on his palm. "Call me."
Hunter grinned and said, "I'll never wash my hands again."
Channie made gagging sounds, but Kassie just giggled ... again ... and refused to put her seatbelt on until Hunter disappeared from view.
Kassie put a hand over her heart and sighed. "OMG, he is such a perfect gentleman."
Channie couldn't hold it in any longer. "Ha! Hunter's no gentleman. Believe me. He just wants to get in your pants."
"It's not like he's going to get me pregnant. Besides, how would you know what Hunter wants?"
Channie glanced sideways at Josh. His eyebrows were low and drawn together. The corners of his mouth curved into a slight frown.
Uh-oh.
Josh twisted to the right and looked over his shoulder as he backed out of the parking lot. "I'd like to know the answer to that question myself."
\*\*\*
When they got back to school, Kassie said, "Thanks for lunch," and hopped out of the car.
Channie reached for the door handle but Josh grabbed her other hand and said, "Not so fast."
Crap.
"What's going on between you and Hunter?"
"Nothing. You know we're just friends."
"Then why the hell are you so jealous?"
"I'm not ..." Josh could read her energy field so there was no point denying it. She was jealous. But why? "I don't know."
Josh sighed and squeezed her hand. "I think you've grown so accustomed to Hunter's undivided attention you can't stand the thought of losing his affection, even though you don't need it."
Channie tugged her hand towards her lap, but Josh refused to let go. She said, "Do you really think I'm that selfish?"
"It's only natural. Doesn't mean I like it ... or that I'm going to put up with it. I want you to promise me that you won't try to sabotage Hunter and Kassie's relationship."
"What relationship? They just met. Besides, she's got another man's bun in the oven. Hunter ain't gonna wanna marry her."
Josh laughed, a short burst that was more of a snort. "Kassie isn't looking for a husband. Even if she were, she'd never marry a janitor."
"Why not? It's honest work."
"I agree, but in case you haven't noticed, Kassie's a bit of a snob. She won't settle for anything less than a doctor or a lawyer. Which is why her relationship with Eric was never going to last past high school. He's strictly community college material."
"If she knew she wasn't going to marry Eric, why did she sleep with him?"
Josh let go of Channie's hand then tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Not everyone finds their soul mate in high school. And most people don't get married until their mid to late twenties. Do you honestly think we would have been able to wait another five to ten years before we had sex?"
"I'm not sure I can wait another five to ten minutes."
Josh closed his eyes and groaned. "Babe, don't say things like that when I can't do anything about it."
"When can we do something about it?"
"I don't know, but I'll think of something. Meet me here after school."
\*\*\*
Channie asked Hunter to sit with her on the front porch swing so she could tell him about Josh's plan. It was simple in theory, but difficult to execute. It all depended on whether or not Ezra believed Josh was taking Kassie to the movies and not just sneaking out to meet Channie ... and whether or not Diego would let Channie and Hunter leave the house unchaperoned.
Diego was on the family room floor wrestling with the trips. Their squeals of delight and high-pitched laughter hurt Channie's ears, but she didn't mind. Her chest tightened around the swelling of her heart to see the little monkeys so happy.
Hunter cleared his throat and said, "Channie's agreed to let me take her out on a date tonight, if it's okay with you."
Zeal and CoCo attacked from behind when Diego sat up, wrapping their arms around their Daddy's neck in a choke hold that made his eyes bug out. Diego pulled them both over his shoulders at the same time onto his lap. He arched his eyebrows as he turned his gaze to Channie. "I thought you didn't want him to court you."
"I don't. But Daddy wants me to give him a chance."
Savvy put his hands between Zeal and Coco and tried to push their shoulders apart, "Make room for me." Coco held his ground and refused to budge, but Zeal sighed and stood up. Channie might have felt sorry for him if he and CoCo hadn't spent the last four years bullying Savvy. It was about time he got a little respect. She'd have to watch him though, to make sure he didn't abuse his fake power. He climbed onto Diego's lap, and popped his thumb in his mouth. Diego pulled it back out, kissed his chubby little fist then held it against his heart.
He leaned back and yelled into the kitchen. "Hey, Abby, can you come here a minute?"
"Soon as I finish turning the chicken."
Channie didn't know if was the modern appliances or Diego's presence in her life, but something had awakened Abby's domestic nature. She came into the family room wiping her hands on a dishtowel. "What do you need, sugar pie?"
"I need to know if it's a good idea for these two to go off on their own without nobody to keep an eye on them. Are they going to get into trouble?"
Abby smiled and said, "Hunter's feeling a little frisky, but Channie's cool as a cucumber. He ain't gonna get very far tonight."
Diego narrowed his eyes as he studied Hunter. "I thought you didn't have no money."
Hunter's face turned scarlet. "I don't. I was hoping, maybe you could spot me a couple of dollars. I'll pay you back as soon as I get my first paycheck."
Diego rolled onto his left hip and pulled his wallet out of his back pocket. He handed Hunter a twenty dollar bill. "Consider it a gift, to celebrate the beginning of your life together."
Channie said, "Now hold on a dang minute. We're going on a date, not getting married."
Hunter winked at her as he tucked the bill in his shirt pocket. "You better write this down in your journal. You're gonna wanna remember every little detail so's you can tell our younguns about our first date."
"Oh for heaven's sake."
Hunter was obviously trying to push Channie's buttons, but as long as it got her out of the house and into Josh's arms, she'd put up with it. "I need to go get ready."
Hunter said, "I get the first shower," and dashed up the stairs ahead of her.
\*\*\*
Josh was already waiting at the park-n-ride on McCaslin Avenue when Channie and Hunter got off the bus. Channie threw herself into his arms, but instead of embracing her, he took her hand and pulled her aside into the shadows then kissed her soundly. He gave her another quick peck on the lips then said, "We've got a problem."
Channie's heart stopped, then made up for lost time. "What's wrong?"
"Elijah's in the car."
"What!"
"Yeah. When I told Dad that I wanted to take Kassie out to get her mind off Eric and the baby, he thought that was a great idea." Josh dropped his voice, imitating Ezra. "That's very thoughtful, son. Why don't you swing by your mom's and pick up Elijah. He has a way of lifting anyone's mood." Josh rolled his eyes. "He was testing me. If I refused, he'd know I was just trying to sneak out to be with you."
Channie cupped Josh's cheeks in her palms. "I think we can trust him. He kept my secret for three days when I ran away. Has he told anyone about magic?"
"Not that I know of. But if he tells Dad about us, I'll be grounded for the rest of the year."
"What do you want to do?"
"I was sort of hoping we could talk Hunter into erasing his memory or something. I'd do it myself, but I don't know how."
Channie gasped and shook her head. "Josh, no! Remember-not spells are horribly disorienting. Elijah would not be able to account for the missing time."
"But it's only been a few minutes. He won't notice."
"You can't erase a few minutes. The minimum amount of time I've ever heard of anyone erasing was two hours. And that was a very talented, experienced mage." Channie slid her hands down his arms and squeezed his hands. "Let me talk to him."
The first thing Channie noticed when she got close enough to see inside Josh's car, was Elijah's grinning face pressed against the cargo door window.
Josh used the remote control on his key to roll it down. Elijah climbed out and ran across the parking lot. "Channie!"
He nearly knocked her over, but Josh put a hand in the middle of her back and steadied her. "Hey! Take it easy, squirt. Let her breathe."
"I thought I'd never get to see you again. Are you back for good? Please say this isn't just a visit. I missed you so much!"
Channie hugged him back and blinked away her tears. "It's not just a visit. But I don't know how long I'll be here. I'll probably move again this summer."
"Nooooo!"
Josh pried Elijah off Channie and held his shoulders as he leaned over and got right in his face. "If Mom or Dad find out Channie's here, she'll have to leave again. So don't tell anyone, okay? Not even Mrs. Guffy or your friends at school not anyone."
"I promise."
"And that goes for her friend, Hunter too."
Hunter smiled and waved at Elijah. Elijah waved back, but he did so with a disapproving frown on his face. He shifted his gaze from Channie to Hunter and back to Josh. "How good a friend?"
Josh ruffed Elijah's hair and said, "Don't worry about it, squirt. Channie and I are fine. But we need to talk about some private stuff, so you're going to hang out with Hunter and Kassie for a couple of hours. We'll meet up again and all go out for ice cream. How's that sound?"
"I want to go with you and Channie. I'll be so quiet you won't even know I'm there."
Josh made his classic "help me out" face and waited for Channie to take over.
She leaned down and took both of Elijah's hands in hers. "Tell you what, instead of a couple of hours, how about just an hour and a half, then we'll switch off. Hunter and Kassie probably want some time to talk too."
Elijah rolled his eyes and stuck out his lower lip then sighed and said, "All right, fine." He turned towards Josh and pointed at his chest. "But don't be late!"
It amazed Josh that after all that had happened --- near death experiences, a secret marriage, and becoming a mage --- how easily he slipped back into his former life. He went to school, worried about his grades and argued with Mom every other weekend. He'd even started racing again. No sponsors, no coaches and no hopes of ever making it to the Olympics, but it was fun. He'd forgotten what it was like to race for the pure joy of it. He didn't race every weekend, only when he wanted to. He never practiced, not even gate drills. And he never, ever used magic during a race. But he always won.
He had to lie and sneak around to be with Channie, but even that felt more like dating than marriage. His "Double Dating Deception" plan or "Triple D" as he liked to call it, worked amazingly well. Hunter bought a cheap cell phone with his first paycheck which made it a lot easier to coordinate things. Josh wanted to pay to reactivate Channie's phone so they could talk at night after everyone else went to bed. But she was afraid Diego might find out and there was no way to explain it. Everyone knew that Hunter barely had enough left over after paying rent to Channie's dad to pay his own phone bill, so they couldn't claim that he was paying for Channie's.
Josh hated that Channie had to pretend she was warming up to Hunter around Abby and Diego --- but at least she didn't have to do anything other than hold hands. It would ruin everything if Diego decided they needed a chaperone. Her parents were living in Blackhawk now and only called once a week or so to check on things. At first Josh was afraid they'd want to move the rest of the family up there too, but Channie assured him they were enjoying their time away from the three ring circus at home.
Elijah kept his word and didn't tell anyone about Channie. He didn't even ask for hush money, but he insisted Josh take him along on their double dates at least once a week. Josh would have rather paid him off, but Elijah adored Channie and neither of them had the heart to refuse --- as long as they still got their hour and half alone time to "talk."
The day before Valentine's day, a blizzard dumped eighteen inches of snow on the ground. But that wasn't going to keep Josh from celebrating with Channie. He'd been drawing three hundred dollars a week out of the ATM for over a month. He didn't want a hotel bill to show up on Dad's credit card statement. That would be hard to explain.
Josh used Hunter's fake ID, a hundred dollar tip and a bit of persuasive magic to reserve two rooms at the Omni hotel on the edge of town. Channie had to be home before midnight, so they wouldn't be able to spend the night, but it was called Valentine's Day, not Valentine's Night. He couldn't wait to get Channie into a real bed. Sex in the back of the Rav4 was still great, but the novelty was wearing off.
The fourteenth dawned bright and sunny. Josh grabbed his keys off the marble counter in the kitchen then peeked into Dad's office and said, "I'm taking Kassie sledding then to supper and maybe a movie afterwards. I'll be back around midnight."
Dad said, "That sounds like an awful long day for Kassie. She's about what ... six months along? Are you sure it's okay for her to go sledding?"
Crap. "Her doctor said she needs to stay active. We'll be careful and stay on the smaller hills."
"Is Elijah going?"
"Not this time."
Dad's energy field pulsed with suspicion. "Hang on a second while I go grab my coat."
"What? Wait, no, Dad, you can't come with."
"Why not? I haven't been sledding in years. It sounds like fun."
"Don't you want to spend Valentine's Day with Liz?"
"She won't be home until around seven. You can bring me back home after sledding then go out to eat and a movie, if Kassie's not exhausted."
"Uh ... I don't think that's such a good idea, what if you get hurt?"
"I thought you said you were going to stay on the smaller hills."
"We are, but you know what a thrill seeker you are. I'm sure you're going to want to go down the steepest hills with the biggest jumps. You're not getting any younger."
"I'm getting the distinct impression that you don't want my company today."
"No, it's just ... you know ... it's Valentine's Day and Eric's got a new girlfriend so this is going to be a hard day for Kassie and ... she wouldn't want you to see her cry ... you know?"
"You aren't, by any chance, planning to meet up with Channie, are you?"
Josh scrunched his eyes closed and rubbed his temples. "I'm getting a headache. Maybe sledding isn't such a good idea after all. I think I better just go call Kassie and tell her it's not going to work out."
"Take some Advil."
Josh dropped his chin to his chest then looked at the ceiling and said, "Fine. I'll be right back." He had to call Hunter and warn him.
Dad said, "I've got Advil and Tylonal in my office. No need to go upstairs. Which one do you want?"
"Advil." Josh wasn't lying when he said he had a headache. This fiasco was giving him a migraine. He tossed his keys to dad. "You better drive. My head's killing me."
Josh grabbed his phone and texted Hunter when Dad ducked into his office to retrieve the Advil.
<911 Dad's coming cancel DDD Warn C and K>
He hoped Hunter got the message. What a freaking disaster.
Kassie was ready and waiting when Dad pulled over in front of her un-shoveled driveway. Josh got out to clear a path with his boots and walk her to the car.
She grinned and waved from the front porch. "Happy Valentine's Day!"
Josh turned sideways to hide his face from Dad and adjusted Kassie's coat collar. "You're supposed to be upset over Eric. Wipe the grin off your face and act broken-hearted."
She spoke through gritted teeth without moving her lips. "If you don't get rid of Ezra so I can spend Valentine's Day with Hunter, it won't be an act." The girl should be a ventriloquist.
Dad got out of the car and gave Kassie a one-armed hug. "How you holding up, kiddo?"
Kassie sighed and blinked as if she had tears in her eyes. "As well as can be expected."
"So, what's the plan today?"
"Oh, I don't know. Anything to keep my mind off my worries." She rubbed her baby bump and sighed again.
Dad said, "So, who else is joining you two?"
Kassie looked surprised and shifted her gaze to Josh. "You promised it would be just the two of us. You know how emotional this day is going to be for me."
Bingo! Josh shot Dad an I told you so look then grabbed Kassie's arm and pulled her against his chest and patted her back.
Either Kassie was a better actress than Josh thought, or she was really crying.
"I called ... Eric ... last night to talk about ... baby names ... and sh ... sh... sheeee ... was theeeere."
Dad rubbed his forehead and took a deep breath then said, "I think I'll stay here and shovel the driveway. Kassie's mom can give me a ride home. You kids don't need an old man slowing you down."
\*\*\*
As soon as they pulled away from the house, Kassie pulled out her phone and called Hunter. "Hey, it's back on. Meet us at the park-n-ride ... Love you too. Bye."
Josh couldn't keep the grin off his face. "So ... you and Hunter have dropped the L bomb on each other. That's great!"
Kassi shrugged her shoulders and said, "We've been hooking up for over a month now. It seemed kind of silly not to."
Not quite the reaction Josh was expecting. "Do you really love him, or are you just saying it?"
"It's nothing like what you and Channie have but it's good enough for now."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"It doesn't mean anything. It's just a high school relationship, that's all."
"Does Hunter realize he's got an expiration date?"
"Can we talk about something else? You're killing the mood."
"Be careful, Kassie. Hunter's been through a lot. You could hurt him pretty bad."
She turned her head to the side and looked out the window. "I know."
They had to wait another forty-five minutes for Channie and Hunter to arrive, but it was worth the wait. Even bundled up in her lopsided, multi-colored knit hat and down parka, Channie took his breath away as she bounded off the bus and flew into his arms. He picked her up and swung her around in a circle then set her feet back on the ground and kissed her. "Happy Valentine's Day, Mrs. Abrim."
"Happy Valentine's Day, husband of mine."
Hunter said, "Get a room!" then laughed at his own joke. Josh hoped the idiot hadn't ruined the surprise.
When they got to the Omni, Kassie let out a squeal of delight and attacked Hunter without even bothering to take off her seat belt.
Channie's eyes widened as her lips parted. So tempting. He leaned across the console and kissed her. It took quite a bit of self-control to keep from devouring her mouth, but he wanted everything to be perfect and he knew how much Channie enjoyed slow, tender kisses.
She put her hand over his heart and ended the kiss, but the sparkle in her eyes promised so much more. "What are we doing here?"
He pressed his forehead against hers and said, "We are going to spend the entire day in bed." He glanced into the rearview mirror and rolled his eyes. "Now who needs to get a room?"
\*\*\*
Josh dropped Channie and Hunter off one block from home then pulled into the empty lot on the other side of Heritage Park to wait until Channie's bedroom light went out. Hunter had already texted him, to let him know all was well, but Josh always slept better, seeing it for himself --- even if it was sort of stalker-ish.
He was still glowing when he walked through the front door. Literally. It was a good thing no one but mages could see heart-bonds or energy fields because his lit up the entire first floor. Dad was in his office, waiting up for him. He said, "You sure look happy. How's Kassie?"
It took quite a bit of effort for Josh to replace his cheshire cat grin with what he hoped was a look of concerned compassion. "It was a tough day. I'm glad I could be there for her."
Now that he thought about it, Kassie and Hunter had both been silent on the way home. He'd been so consumed by his own bliss, it would've blocked any emotions emanating from the back seat. He barely remembered dropping everyone off. Hunter had walked Kassie to her front door, but something was weird between them ... had he even kissed her goodnight?
The next morning, Channie woke up with a start. Daddy was gripping her shoulders so hard it hurt. She grabbed her heart afraid her bond was glowing or that Daddy had somehow learned what she'd been up to.
"Get up, Channie. I need your help."
"With what?"
"There's a huge poker tournament in two days and your momma is so dang wrapped up in her book, she can't focus on nothing else. I you need to take her place."
"I don't know how to cheat at cards."
"That's why we need to get on back to the casino as soon as possible. Now get dressed and meet me in the car. Don't worry about packing a bag. I'll buy you some clothes when we get there."
Channie did as she was told, but she made a slight detour into the family room to wake Hunter and tell him what was going on so he could tell Josh. Her heart sank to her stomach as she wondered how long it would be before she saw him again.
Daddy explained his system to Channie as he drove to Blackhawk. She focused on his words to distract herself from the pain of her stretching bond. This was the furthest she'd been from Josh since their binding ceremony.
Daddy said, "The main thing you gotta do is look calm the whole time. But you can't hold your feelings in. I need to read your energy field so I'll know what kind of hand you got. It's tricky."
"You don't use any signals, like tugging your ear or---"
"Hell no. That'll git us throwed out and banned from all the casinos. Just play the game and read my energy."
"What do you need me for? Why can't you just read everybody's energy."
"That only works on amateurs. The pros know how to stay calm no matter what kind of hand they got. Their energy never shifts. This tournament is gonna draw poker pros from all over the country. The buy in is five hundred dollars with a guaranteed prize pool of half a million. I figure we got about a seventy percent chance to win the whole shebang."
"What if I'm no good at it?"
"You cain't be no worse than that dang Feenie kid."
"I'm not old enough to gamble. They aren't gonna let me in."
"Sure they are." He handed her a driver's license, but it was a stranger's name and face on the plastic card, not hers."
"This isn't going to fool anyone. Why didn't you get me a real one, like Hunter's?
"There ain't time for it. Besides, I'll be right there with you and use a little magic to persuade the bouncers to let you in."
When they arrived at the Ameristar Hotel, the main floor casino hadn't opened yet. Channie heaved a sigh of relief, but bit back a groan of frustration when Daddy leaned on the marble counter in the lobby and asked if there were any openings for two at a private poker table.
"There's always a spot for you Mr. Belks. Perhaps you'd like to freshen up a bit while I make a call. Management upgraded your room to a complimentary suite."
Daddy said, "That's right kind of 'em, but I'd like to get started as soon as possible." He leaned sideways towards Channie and said, "The more I lose, the friendlier they get."
Daddy must have lost a lot of money. Everyone treated them like royalty. They were so vulnerable to his magic, no one even asked to see Channie's identification.
A man in a black suit met them when they got off the elevator and led them to the end of the hall. He used a plastic key card, just like the one Josh had used at the Omni Hotel. The double doors swung open, revealing a huge room crammed full of round tables. There must have been at least a hundred people in there, but it was as quiet as a church. Everyone focused on their cards. A few people in uniforms milled around silently removing empty glasses, replacing them with a variety of colorful drinks. Most of the gamblers ignored them. Four burly men in dark suits scanned the room, obviously keeping an eye on things --- probably looking for cheaters.
Channie wiped her palms on her jeans and shivered. She knew how to play Texas Hold 'Em and Five Card Stud but she was no poker expert.
Daddy put a hand on her shoulder and said, "This is just practice. I don't expect to win today. Just relax and enjoy yourself."
Yeah, right. Daddy always expected to win.
\*\*\*
Channie lost track of time. She also lost a considerable amount of Daddy's money. He didn't seem too perturbed about it and just kept buying more chips. By the time the sun rose the next day, Channie could barely keep her eyes open. She no longer cared what kind of hand she had. Or so she thought. When she looked at her hand and saw three kings and two aces, she barely managed to keep her face neutral. A spike of excitement shot out of her energy field like a sun flare.
Daddy's lip twitched the tiniest bit as his energy responded to hers. The movement was so subtle no one else noticed.
Daddy kept upping the ante until everyone but Channie folded. Then he let her take the pot. They played three more hands, losing half of what they'd just won before Daddy excused them from the game. He bowed out graciously, congratulating the winner and shepherded Channie out of the room. She couldn't wait to collapse into bed, but Daddy insisted on taking her to breakfast first.
After filling their bellies with pancakes and coffee at the complimentary Centennial Buffet, Daddy took her shopping. He said it'd be harder to get her into the big tournament if she didn't get all gussied up first. He even bought her makeup and let the sales lady teach her how to use it. She would have enjoyed it a lot more if she weren't exhausted, but she had to admit, it was fun. Daddy finally relented and gave Channie a key to their room. He said, "I'm gonna go play a couple more hands while you take a nap. Be ready to go by nine o'clock. And be sure to wear your hair up. You look a lot older with it piled on top of your head."
It was almost noon, so that would give her a good eight hours of sleep. Channie sighed and nodded. "Is it okay if I call Hunter from the room?"
Daddy grinned. "How's it going with you two? I hear you been on a couple of dates."
Channie's spine stiffened. She'd assumed Diego had been reporting to Daddy, but she had no idea what he might have told him. "We're taking things slow."
"Good. But don't take things too slow. You don't want the boy to lose interest before you can bind him. You ain't getting any younger."
"I'm sixteen!"
"And he's seventeen. He ain't gonna wait forever."
"Daddy, no one gets married that young out here." Channie was surprised how easy it was to lie to Daddy. But if he had any idea that she'd married Josh, he'd kill both of them.
"Hunter's one of us. He knows the rules. None of that shacking up or living in sin. Y'all need to start thinking about your future."
"Right now, I need to think about getting some sleep so I don't pass out during the tournament."
"That's my girl." Daddy patted her back. "You're a natural gambler."
"Thanks." Channie's stomach sank. What had she been thinking? She needed to prove she had no aptitude for gambling or Daddy was going to make this a permanent arrangement. She'd never see Josh again. Once the tournament started, she'd be sure to let her emotions show on her face.
Channie called Hunter as soon as she got to the room. He was at work so of course his phone went straight to voice mail. "Hunter, it's me, Channie. Tell Josh to call me at this number no later than eight-thirty tonight." She didn't want Daddy to be there when he called.
She didn't have to wait long. The phone rang five minutes after noon, but it was Hunter, not Josh. "What's going on? Are you okay? Where's your daddy?"
"I'm supposed to be taking a nap. I'm fine. And Daddy's gambling. Did you give Josh my message?"
"I wanted to be sure you were safe first."
Channie sighed. "I'm just really tired, Daddy kept me up all night gambling. Have you seen Josh today?"
"Did you win? Your daddy can get downright mean when he loses."
"Hunter, focus. Where's Josh?"
There was a loud sigh then, "He's eating lunch with Kassie."
"Well, get off your butt and go tell him to call me."
"I'd rather wait till after school."
Hunter wasn't supposed to fraternize with the students. It was a ridiculous rule but one he refused to break. "You don't have to hang out with them just give him the message. Now!"
"Okay, okay. Don't get your drawers in a bind."
Hunter hung up on her. Josh called five minutes later.
"Hey, babe, are you okay?"
Channie could hear the worry in Josh's voice. She closed her eyes and pictured him, the little crease between his eyebrows, the slight narrowing of his eyes, the downward curve of his mouth ... "I'm fine. I just miss you."
"I miss you too. How long are you going to be gone?"
"I don't know. I've already proven that I can do exactly what Daddy wants."
"You're good at poker?"
"Good enough. But mainly, I'm good at maintaining a poker face while letting my energy field broadcast my feelings."
"Oh."
"I just sort of got into it and forgot about the consequences."
"It's okay, babe."
"No. It's not. I knew it was cheating, but ... I enjoyed it. It was such a rush when I won."
"Do you think you're getting addicted?"
"Not yet, but I can see how it happens. I won't win anymore, at least not on purpose. Once Daddy figures out that I'm not reliable, hopefully he'll give up on his plan to make me his permanent partner."
Three quiet raps on the door and Daddy's muffled voice startled Channie. "Hey, baby girl, you decent? I'm coming in."
Channie gasped and said, "I gotta go. Daddy's here."
Josh said, "I love you, call me when you can."
Channie hated to hang up without saying, I love you, too. But the click of the lock stopped her heart. She waited until Daddy opened the door and said, "Bye, Hunter. I hope to see you soon."
Daddy frowned and said, "I thought you'd be asleep by now."
"And I thought you'd be gambling."
"I decided it was more important to get rested up for the tournament."
\*\*\*
Daddy woke Channie at seven o'clock and told her to get ready. He'd already shaved, showered and dressed.
"Wow, Daddy. Don't you look nice."
He grinned and slicked his hair back. "Thanks, baby girl. How long you think it'll take you to get ready? I'm pretty near starved half to death."
"Go on and get something to eat." Channie's stomach was already churning. Daddy was going to be furious once they bombed out of the tournament. "I'm so nervous I can barely swallow."
Daddy frowned and puckered his lips. "That ain't good. You need to calm down before the tournament starts."
"I'm trying." Channie let her true feelings light up her energy field and etch worry lines across her brow.
Daddy swore, then sat down on the edge of her bed. "If I cast a be-calm spell on you it'll make it harder to read your energy, but I'll do it if you think you can't settle down on your own."
Channie licked her lips then took a deep breath and said, "I'll take a hot bath. That should help. Bring me back a sandwich or something from the restaurant."
"Alright. I'll be back in an hour."
"Be sure you knock loud enough for me to hear you before coming in." The jetted bathtub was in the corner of the room, with breathtaking views of the mountains. But no privacy.
"You be sure you're ready by eight."
Channie had just gotten in the tub when the lock clicked. Daddy must have forgotten something. Channie grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her. "Don't come in! I'm naked."
The foreign energy of three mages filled the room as the door swung open. They were all shielded and bristling with energy --- ready for battle. Two men in their mid to late twenties and a girl that couldn't be more than fifteen years old strode into the room. One of the men closed and deadbolted the door. Why hadn't she done that? Damn.
The men ogled Channie and filled the room with lust. The girl curled her lip and rolled her eyes then pointed at Channie's clothes laid out on the bed. "Get dressed."
Loathing suppressed Channie's fear and overcame her shock. "Who are you?"
The girl ignored Channie and turned toward the men. "Pull your drooling tongues back inside your mouths and wait in the hall." Her accent was southern, but cultured.
The older of the two men said, "With all due respect, miss, we aren't supposed to let you out of our sight."
The girl blasted both men with a combination no-speak-stinging spell that had them writhing on the floor within seconds.
Channie cringed. Either this girl was older than she looked or she was going to be an incredibly powerful mage when she reached adulthood.
The girl arched an eyebrow at Channie. "I see you know what I am."
Crap. She should have pretended to be surprised.
The girl kicked the man closest to her in the back and said, "Do as you're told. This Empty is no threat to me."
Channie thought of the gun she'd hidden on the top shelf of her closet back home with longing. Without it or magic, she was no threat to anyone, but she wasn't going down without a fight. She also wasn't going to fight naked, so as soon as the men crawled into the hall, she said, "Do you mind if put on something else? That dress is for a special occasion." It was also tightly fitted and would make fighting or running difficult if not impossible.
"Whatever. Just get dressed."
The girl waited for Channie to finish zipping her jeans then opened the door. The two men slid back inside, running their gazes over Channie as if she were still naked. Scumbag trackers.
The girl folded her arms across her chest and said, "Where's Money Kerns?"
"You have the wrong room. There's no one here by that name."
"Fine. We'll wait." The girl perched on the edge of the chair by the fireplace, back straight, chin up, then ruined the illusion of superiority by playing with a lock of her hair. She twisted it into rope and wrapped it around her forefinger, then let go and did it again ... over and over.
Channie said, "Who are you and why are you here?"
The girl blinked then arched her eyebrows. "Did you see what I did to my companions?"
"If you wanted to hurt me, you would have already done so."
The girl rolled her eyes then looked at her phone. She tapped at it with her thumbs, texting someone, then looked up and said, "Money's wife is a powerful mage. Who are you? His mistress?"
Channie stifled a shudder and put on her best poker face, muffling her emotions. "Who's Money?"
Daddy knocked on the door. "You decent baby girl?"
The young mage smiled. "So, you're a daughter. A daughter with no magic. How sad." She curled her lip again and whispered, "I guess the rumors of how powerful your mother's clan is are just that ... rumors. Unless you're a bastard child from some fling with an Empty."
"Daddy, Run!"
The girl hit Channie with a no-speak spell just as Daddy burst into the room with his shield already in place. He knocked out both trackers --- one with a curse, the other with an uppercut to the jaw --- but didn't do anything to the girl except stare at her with his eyes bugging out of his head.
She extended her hand and said, "Mr. Kerns, my name is Ambition Veyjivik. You may call me Ambi. I'm here to broker a peace agreement between our clans."
\*\*\*
Ambi's idea of a peace treaty was nothing more than a demand for unconditional surrender. "It's time to end this senseless slaughter of mages. Our numbers were dwindling before this insurgence began. It's time to put aside our differences. Queen Dominance has authorized me to grant you a full pardon for crimes against the crown, including the death of the heir apparent, Prince Charisma, but only if you stop these vicious attacks."
"I knowed that jockey was the Queen's grandson, but I had no idea he was the crown Prince."
"I would not miss this opportunity for redemption if I were you. You won't receive another."
Prince Charisma was not the last male descendent, but Channie wasn't about to reveal Josh's secret to this little tyrant. He didn't want the crown, and she didn't want him mixed up in this royal mess.
Daddy said, "What about you? As a Veyjivik, I assume you have at least a chance of inheriting the crown."
Ambi placed her palm over her heart and narrowed her eyes. "My only desire is to serve the queen."
Yeah, right. Channie pressed her lips together and kept her thoughts to herself.
Daddy obviously had no qualms about voicing his doubt. "With Ambition as a power-name, that's highly unlikely."
Ambi squared her shoulders and glowered at Daddy. "A new day of power is dawning for all loyal mages. Renounce your sins. Join us and take your place among the chosen to rule and rein over the Empties. End this rebellion --- or be destroyed."
The color drained from Daddy's face. Beads of sweat formed on his brow and upper lip. "What makes you think I got any influence with these rebels?"
"Your sister-in-law is their leader."
"That crazy bitch ain't never listened to no man; she sure as hell ain't gonna listen to me."
"You have one month to convince her to surrender." Ambi snapped her fingers then extended an open palm towards the tracker on her right without so much as glancing at him. He pulled a parchment scroll out of the leather satchel slung across his shoulder and handed it to her.
She gave it to Daddy and said, "Everyone that signs this treaty before the deadline will be granted amnesty. Any rebel that refuses will be punished, then publicly executed. Queen Dominance has vowed to purge the world of all false mages, killing every man, woman and child of any clan that produces so much as one traitor.
"How do I know this ain't a trick? Maybe Queen Dominance just wants me to lead your trackers to Wisdom's secret camp so's she can kill us all."
Ambi said, "Consider this an act of faith." She curved the corners of her mouth into a vicious smile then blasted both trackers. Their bodies arched like drawn bows as their heads jerked back. Their mouths opened wide in silent screams as their eyes rolled up showing nothing but bulging white orbs in bloody sockets.
Channie closed her eyes, and held her breath but couldn't keep the memory of Harvey's death from invading her mind. She smelled his burning flesh, heard his screams and saw his charred, smoking body sitting next to her in his locked car. She gasped for breath and gagged on the very real stench of the trackers' remains.
Ambi sighed and said, "I'll expect your answer in one month."
Channie opened her eyes and dashed into the bathroom, throwing up in the sink. She hadn't had time to shut the door so she could still hear Ambi's final instructions.
"Clean this mess up. I don't want any complications with Empty law enforcement."
Josh had just stepped inside his room and closed the door when his phone buzzed inside his pocket. He'd put it on vibrate while watching a movie with Dad and Liz just in case Channie called him back. Josh's heart raced when he recognized Hunter's number.
"Is it okay to call Channie at the hotel?"
"Channie and her daddy just burst through the front door about ten minutes ago and told everyone to grab their emergency kits and get in the car."
"Why?"
"They didn't say, but I'm guessing trackers."
"Oh, god."
"I'll call you as soon as I know something. Or as soon as I can. Channie's folks'll probably make everyone throw away their phones again. Dang it! I just bought this one."
"Can you stall until I can get there?"
"If it's trackers, stalling is the last thing you want us to do. I'll protect Channie with my life."
"Where're they going?"
"No idea. I'm not even sure they know. I gotta go."
"Wait!" Josh tried to call Hunter back, but it went straight to voice mail.
\*\*\*
Josh grabbed a duffle bag out of his closet, a few changes of clothes, his shaving kit and a grainy photo of Channie then shoved everything inside the bag. He stuffed his phone and his wallet in his pockets, bolted down the stairs --- and ran smack into Dad on the second floor landing.
He grabbed Josh by the shoulders and said, "What's going on?"
"I have to go."
"Where do you have to go? What's wrong?"
Josh tightened his grip on the handle of his duffle bag to keep from yanking Dad's hands off his body. "It's Channie."
Dad took a deep breath and said, "You've been seeing her all this time, haven't you."
"Did you really expect me to give her up?"
"I didn't expect you to lie to me."
Josh couldn't push past Dad without knocking him down the stairs. "You didn't give me a choice."
"Talk to me, son. Let me help."
"There's nothing you can do." Josh grabbed Dad's elbow to steady him and tried to slip around him. It didn't work.
Dad's fingers dug into Josh's shoulders. "If you leave again, you won't graduate with your class."
"Then I'll get a GED. Let me go!" Josh's stomach twisted into a knot. Every minute he stood here arguing with Dad was lessening his chances of finding Channie."
"Is she in danger?"
Josh groaned. The last thing he needed was to get the police involved. They'd insist on questioning him. "No. But she's being forced to leave against her will."
"We've talked about this before. Unless she's being abused, she has to yield to her parents' authority."
"Dad. Please, get out of my way. I don't want to hurt you."
Dad's energy field pulsed with crimson light. He wasn't going to make this easy.
Josh put his hand on Dad's shoulder, pulled a fist-full of magic out of his power-well and let it flow into Dad. "I'm eighteen and a legal adult. You're a lawyer. You know you can't stop me. There's no reason to turn this into an ugly confrontation."
Dad sighed and leaned against the wall. His whole body slumped as Valor's magic poured into him. "How are you doing for cash?"
Josh paid for everything with a credit card and on the few occasions he needed cash, he used his debit card and an ATM. You didn't need to be a tracker to follow a paper trail. Especially not one as obvious as his. Maybe that's how they'd found Channie's family. Rider knew Josh's first name and Veyjivik. Had anyone mentioned Abrim in front of him. He didn't think so, but he wasn't a hundred percent sure.
Okay, no more credit cards and no more ATMs ... he'd need a new cell phone too. He still had about four hundred dollars left after their Valentine Extravaganza. Thank god Channie hadn't let him order that bottle of vintage Dom Pérignon with dinner. If he hit the ATM one last time, on the way out of town, that would give him a total of about seven hundred dollars. He'd grab a couple boxes of power bars out of the pantry and a case of Liz's Slim Fast so he could get by for about a week without having to buy food. If he only used his money for gas, he could follow Channie's family across the country if he had to. He closed his eyes and focused on the tugging sensation in his heart. West, they were going west.
"Son?"
Dad's voice snapped Josh out of his trance. "Huh?"
"Do you have enough money?"
"I think so." He'd get a job once Channie's family settled in a new town. He was going to be on his own. Might as well start now. Besides, taking Dad's money after using magic on him felt like stealing.
"You're really leaving?"
Josh nodded and leaned over to pick up his bag. By now, his bond to Channie was as fine and fragile as a strand of her hair. He still felt her panic but it was growing weaker, a mere echo of his own.
Dad grabbed his shoulder, spun him around and hugged him to his chest. "Call me if you need anything. And be careful. It's a big, bad world out there."
You have no idea.
\*\*\*
As soon as Josh merged onto I-70 West and floored the accelerator, he felt his bond to Channie grow stronger. He breathed easier even though he could feel her emotional distress tugging on his heart. It meant he was gaining on that damn Lexus.
The first time Josh had to stop for gas, it nearly gave him a heart attack. He stood by the pump and swore as he waited for the tank to fill up. He only filled it halfway before he couldn't handle the stress of their weakening bond and shut off the gas.
About an hour later, his bond to Channie pulsed with life and grew stronger by the second for ten minutes. But then it steadied off again. Her family must have had to stop too.
The second pit stop was much less stressful. Josh set the nozzle then went inside to use the bathroom while his car filled up. He splurged and bought a Double Big Gulp of Pepsi and a packet of No-Doze --- in case the Pepsi didn't have enough caffeine to keep him awake --- then hit the road again.
Two hours later, Josh needed to pee so bad his kidneys hurt, but he still had over half a tank of gas. No way was he going to stop before he had to. He held out for another agonizing forty minutes, until sweat beaded his brow. He poured the last of his Pepsi out the window, set the cruise control to fifty-five, scooted to the edge of his seat and emptied his bladder into the plastic cup. Taking a piss never felt so good.
\*\*\*
Josh's bond to Channie had been growing exponentially stronger for the past forty-five minutes but weakened when he passed the exit for Green River, Utah. They must have stopped for the night.
He prayed he wouldn't get caught then used one of the highway patrol's speed traps to cross the median and turned around.
His bond worked like a homing device on the highway where route choices were limited, but once Josh got into the city limits of Green River, he felt like a rat in a maze. He focused on his desire to find Channie and tuned into the excitement, fear and love flowing from her heart to his. She knew he was close. He wanted to project love, hope and comfort back to her, but didn't want to risk lighting up their bond on her end. He clamped down on his own energy, letting just enough trickle through to assure Channie that he was still there. "Hang on babe, I'm coming."
When he spotted the Belks' Lexus parked next to Diego's tricked-out monster truck in the Motel 8 parking lot, his heart pumped the words, she's here, she's here, she's here into every cell of his body.
He had no plan of action. No idea what he should do. But he knew he had to keep a safe distance from her parents. If they sensed his presence, they might think he was a tracker and take off again. And what about the trackers?
They'd taken a pretty straight route, so they must have lost them before they got onto I-70 West. Channie's parents had escaped trackers before. Surely they wouldn't have stopped if it weren't safe.
Josh parked down the street in the La Quinta parking lot and cast a misdirection spell. He was in plain sight, so it wouldn't keep hotel staff away if they really wanted to hassle him, but hopefully it would be enough to discourage them. He cranked his seat back a few degrees, but not so far that he couldn't still see the Belks' car and watch out for trackers. He didn't trust Channie's parents to keep her safe.
As time passed and the adrenaline left Josh's bloodstream, it became more difficult to stay alert. He returned his seat-back to the full upright position but each blink of his eyes required a conscious effort to lift his lids. Twice his head jerked up as he drifted off. "Stay awake! Damn it!" Josh fumbled around in the console until he found the packet of No-Doze. He didn't like popping pills, but he couldn't afford to drift off to sleep. He knew there had to be a spell for situations like this but hell if he knew what it was, and he wasn't about to experiment with wishful thinking when so much was at stake.
He was still wired when the sun rose and Channie stepped into the parking lot holding her backpack. She looked right at him, mouthed the word "go," and made a pushing gesture with her hand as if she were directing traffic.
Josh started the car with shaking hands then pulled around to the other side of the hotel. His heart hammered against his ribs as he waited for Channie's family to load up and leave. He waited ten tortuous minutes while their bond weakened, then followed them.
He had another moment of panic several hours later when he felt their bond suddenly shift to the left. But he laughed out loud when he saw the highway sign with directions to stay left at the fork and take I-15 South to Las Vegas.
\*\*\*
Josh followed closer than he should have, but he'd had a hard enough time finding Channie in Green River, Utah. He'd never keep track of her in Vegas. He parked a block away from the Bellagio Hotel where he felt Channie's presence.
He woke with a start, his shield already in place. Hunter Feenie's face was pressed against the window glass, inches from his own. "Jeeze, Hunter. What are you trying to do? Give me a freakin' heart attack?" He rolled down his window and groaned as a furnace blast of desert air destroyed the last of his temperature control magic inside the car.
Hunter said, "Channie said you was close."
"How is she?" Josh could still feel their bond, but it was an instinctive question.
"Better'n you. At least she has a place to sleep."
"What happened? Why did they leave? Was it trackers?"
"Yeah, they found Channie and her daddy at the Ameristar in Blackhawk."
"How?" Josh's heart pounded so hard it made his ribs ache.
"Hell if I know. Nobody tells me nothing." Hunter leaned against the car then yelped and jumped back as if it'd bitten him. "Dang. You could fry bacon on the hood."
"Are the trackers still on their trail?"
"You think we'd have stopped if they was?"
"Why didn't you call me?"
"Channie's momma made us all throw our phones out the window before we got out of Louisville. I ain't got much time, but I wanted to tell you that her folks are looking to settle down somewhere close to the casinos."
"I guessed as much." Josh yawned and stretched. "Do you have an address yet?"
"We're taking off after breakfast to go hunt for a place to rent. You need to back off though. I could feel you following us."
Josh swore then said, "Does anyone else know I'm here?"
"Just Channie, on account of your bond."
"How come you felt my presence?"
"My power-name's Hunter, remember? After hunting you down in the blizzard back home and again when Uncle Rider was a chasing you, I got a permanent bead on ya now. I'll be able to find you no matter where you go."
"So, you're sort of a tracker?"
Hunter narrowed his eyes and glared at Josh. "I ain't no filthy tracker."
"Whoa. No offense, dude. I was just wondering how it works. I thought maybe trackers used a bond similar to mine and Channie's."
"I wouldn't wonder that out loud in front of her if I was you. She won't like it. Even if it is true. A tracker-bond is a lot like a heart-bond except the tracker's the only one that feels it. It don't work both ways."
"How am I going to find her?"
Hunter snorted. "Same way you been finding us, I reckon."
Josh said, "It was hard enough finding Channie in Green River and Vegas is huge compared to that." Panic's cold fingers crept up his spine. "I can't risk losing track of her."
"Meet me back here at noon tomorrow. I'll fill you in with any news."
"How are you going to get here?"
"Me and Diego are supposed to go look for jobs tomorrow. He's already agreed to drop me off at the end of the street so's I can apply for any odd jobs at these here hotels. He's gonna apply at all the McDonald's in the area."
Josh hated the idea of letting Channie slip through his fingers, but he didn't want to spook her parents by following too closely. "You promise to meet me here at noon?"
"I'll do my best. If I don't make it tomorrow, I'll try again the next day."
"When you get a chance, beg, borrow or steal a phone and just call me."
Hunter scratched the back of his head.
It was just a habit but it always made Josh wonder if the guy had lice.
Hunter nodded and said, "That could work."
"And don't wait until noon tomorrow. I want to know the minute they decide on a place to rent."
Hunter said, "I gotta go fill this here thing up with ice," then leaned over sideways and grabbed a styrofoam cooler off the ground. "Old man Kerns is grumpy as a bear what's been woke up in the middle of winter and I already been gone too long."
Josh reached out and grabbed Hunter's arm. "Belks. Their name's Belks."
Hunter grinned and nodded. "The old man's boxed my ears more than once for slipping up. You'd think I'd remember."
"Yeah, well, just make sure you remember to call me."
\*\*\*
It felt like three days, but only three hours had passed when Hunter called Josh from a stranger's phone and gave him Channie's new address. He also gave him some news that stopped his heart. "Channie's daddy's giving me three days to find a job and then he's kicking me out."
"Why?"
"When I came back with the ice, he was waiting for me outside. He asked me who Kassie was."
"How did he know about Kassie?"
"Since he only rented two rooms last night, I had to sleep with the trips in Abby and Diego's room. I must have talked in my sleep last night when I was dreaming about Kassie. Diego took it upon hisself to go and tell Channie's Daddy when I went to go get ice. I tried to tell him me and Kassie was only friends, but he didn't buy it. Didn't really surprise me. It was a pretty good dream."
Josh felt like a jerk. He'd been so focused on finding Channie, he hadn't considered what this must be doing to Kassie. "Have you called her?"
"No point."
"Just because you can't tell her where you are or why you had to leave, doesn't mean you shouldn't call her. She's going to be worried sick about you."
There was a heavy sigh on the other end of the phone. "She told me not to call her no more."
"Why? What happened?" They hadn't been able to keep their hands off each other at the restaurant three nights ago. Something must have happened after they went back to their room.
"I asked her to marry me."
"Why?"
"I ain't quite sure. I think I just got carried away, what with you and Channie being so happy and all. I thought Kassie'd be grateful. Ain't too many men willing to marry a woman with another man's bun in the oven."
"Please tell me that's not what you said."
"She tried to tell me we was too young to get married. I told her if she was old enough to get knocked up, she was old enough to get married. She got downright huffy about it and told me she didn't need no husband. I think that's when I might of mentioned that her baby was gonna be a bastard if she didn't marry someone before it was born. After that, she said we was through. Didn't even want to be friends."
"Do you want me to talk to her?"
"She made it pretty clear that it weren't never gonna work out between the two of us."
"Man, Hunter, I'm really sorry."
"Yeah, me too."
"I don't mean to be insensitive, but I'm really worried about Channie. She needs your protection. Do you think you could apologize to her Dad?"
"I already did. He told me to go get a job and think about whether or not I was ready to settle down. I spoke my own concerns about Channie's safety. He seems to think Mrs. Belks is getting better."
"Is she?"
"Well, she ain't hit or cursed nobody in a while so ... maybe."
"What are you going to do now?" According to Channie, Hunter had dropped out of school in the sixth grade. He had magic and a fake I.D. but he was so far out of his element there's no way he was going to survive on his own.
"I was wondering if maybe I could bunk with you in your vehicle until I get me a job and a place of my own."
"You wanna stay in Vegas?"
"I cain't go home, so it's as good a place as any."
"As soon as I get enough money to travel, I'm grabbing Channie and getting the hell out of here. I have no idea where we'll go, but you're welcome to come with us."
It was quiet on the other end of the phone for a long time. Hunter cleared his throat, but his voice was still tight and shaky. "Thanks, buddy. I sure do appreciate it."
\*\*\*
Josh applied for every job he could think of. Fry cook, pizza delivery, dishwasher, busboy, waiter, dog walker and landscape maintenance worker. No one would hire him. So he was shocked when Hunter called him --- from yet another stranger's phone --- at three o'clock to tell him he'd landed a job and wouldn't see him until tomorrow morning.
"You got a night job?" With his fake ID, Hunter could work in the Casinos, but he didn't have any skills. "Doing what? Bussing tables?"
"Nope. Dancer."
"Dancer? Wait ... are you telling me you got a job as a stripper?"
"No. I'm an exotic male dancer."
"Oh man. Hunter ... it's the same thing."
"Nah-uh. They said I wasn't allowed to expose myself completely. In fact, I had to use the lunch money you loaned me to buy me some fancy skivvies. All I got's boxers."
"Hunter, you don't have to do this. We'll find you a respectable job."
"My new boss said once I get the hang of it I can make a lot of money on account of my battle scars. She's gonna get me a soldier's uniform and have a jewelry expert put my lucky slug on an eighteen karat, solid gold chain. I'm gonna be 'Hunter, the wounded warrior.'"
The thought of Hunter --- half-naked, grinning and rubbing his shoulder where Channie shot him --- nauseated Josh. "You are not a war vet."
"Some of them dancers make over a thousand dollars a night."
"Doing what?"
"Dancin.'"
"Yeah, right."
\*\*\*
Josh spent another restless night trying to sleep in the back of his car. Hunter banged on the rear window a little before sunrise. Josh used the remote on his key to roll it down. Hunter grinned and tossed him a three-inch thick roll of bills bound with a rubber band. "That there's over nine hundred dollars."
Josh whistled as he thumbed through the money. "You made all this? In one night?"
"I made a whole lot more'n that, but I done bought myself a new cellular telly-phone." His eyes lit up as he patted his right front pocket.
Josh wasn't surprised the first thing he bought was a new phone.
"Plus, I had to pay the club for the privilege of dancing on their stage."
"How was it?"
"At first I was sort of embarrassed when the women started shoving money in my pants, but I got used to it right quick." Hunter ground his hips and grinned.
Josh dropped the money and wiped his hands on his jeans.
"Move over, city-boy and let me in. I'm plum wore out."
"I'll bet." Josh scooted to the side so Hunter could crawl in through the window. "It's too hot to sleep in the car during the day without a cooling spell. Are you too tired to cast one?"
Hunter picked up the wad of cash and grinned. "Let's go get us a room somewheres with air conditioning. And this time it's my treat."
It took another three days for Josh to figure out the reason no one would hire him was because his own magic was working against him. It didn't matter how good he was at faking enthusiasm during an interview. As long as his "wish fulfillment" magic was in effect he wasn't going to land a minimum wage, mind-numbing, dead-end job he didn't want. He really needed to figure this magic stuff out.
He waltzed into the next bike shop he saw and inhaled the familiar scent of metal, rubber and grease. The only other person in the shop was sitting behind the counter, reading a magazine.
Josh put his palms on the counter and leaned in to read the name tag on the guy's shirt. "Good morning, Sean. Who do I talk to about applying for a job."
Sean licked his thumb and turned a page. "We're not hiring." He didn't even bother to look up.
"I'd like to talk to the manager."
The kid sighed and closed his magazine then tossed it onto the counter. "You already are."
Josh frowned when he saw a photo of his face in the lower left corner on the cover. "Rising star falls to new low."
Sean squinted at him then blinked and widened his eyes. "Whoa. You're Joshua the Jet!"
"Not anymore. Now about that job ..."
\*\*\*
Josh didn't make a tenth of the money Hunter did, but he still had his self-respect --- for the most part. Hunter insisted on paying rent so they could live in a two-bedroom, furnished apartment with a swimming pool. Josh paid for groceries and gas and let Hunter drive his car to work since they were on different schedules. It didn't take long to figure out he'd never make enough money to support Channie, even after he took on a second job at Discount Tire. Once they left Las Vegas, she'd have to work too. They'd both be locked into dead end jobs. It wasn't the kind of life he'd promised Channie when he married her.
Hunter did his best to convince Josh to give exotic dancing a try, but there was no way in hell Josh would ever degrade himself by working as a stripper. It was bad enough just sharing an apartment with one. Josh insisted Hunter do all his "practicing" in his own room, with the door shut, but knowing what he was doing in there made his skin crawl.
Josh was just starting to accept Hunter's career choice when he came home between jobs to change uniforms and found Hunter --- wearing nothing but his stripper's thong --- shaving his legs in the bathroom sink.
"You've got to be kidding me. You gonna shave your pits too?"
Hunter lifted his arms above his head. "Already did."
"That's it. You need to hand over your man card right now."
"All the guys at the club shave their bodies."
"And how many of them are gay?"
A red flush bloomed outward from Hunter's chest, splotching his neck and face. "That ain't got nothing to do with it."
Josh felt a twinge of shame for his homophobic remark, but he couldn't help it if standing in the bathroom with Hunter's nearly naked body creeped him out. And catching him in the act of shaving his legs like a girl only added to the weirdness. "You're right. I'm sorry. A couple of the guys at Discount Tire are openly gay but they don't shave anything other than their faces." Josh stripped out of his red coveralls and turned the hot water on in the shower.
"How do you know? You checking 'em out?"
Josh groaned. He'd stepped right into that one. "All I'm saying is it's weird for a guy --- whether he's gay, straight or bi --- to shave his legs and armpits."
"Oh yeah, well how many of them hairy boys at Discount Tire make over a thousand dollars a night?"
"Some things are more important than money. Like being able to look at the man in the mirror without wanting to puke."
Hunter flexed his muscles as he twisted and posed in front of the mirror. "Just so happens, I like what I see."
Josh popped Hunter's butt with a towel. "Cut that out, perv."
Hunter laced his fingers behind his head and did a disgusting bump and grind move. "The ladies like it, too."
Josh closed his eyes and shuddered. He knew Hunter was just trying to annoy him so he refused to take the bait. "There's only one lady I care about and I don't think she'd approve."
"Channie don't have to know. You hardly ever see her. Six months of dancing and you'd be able to take her to California, or anywhere you wanted."
"And then what? That may seem like lots of money right now, but it won't last forever." Josh had only seen Channie twice since they'd arrived two weeks ago. And that was from a distance.
Since her parents lived so close to the casinos, no one had any idea when they might show up. They didn't have a regular schedule so Channie couldn't just sneak out whenever Diego and Abby went to bed. And her dad was still too pissed off at Hunter to let him anywhere near Channie.
Josh needed to make more money so they could leave, but he was determined to do it without taking his clothes off. "I'd rather spend the rest of my life as a grease monkey, or a wrench, than one night as a stripper."
"I ain't no stripper. I'm an exotic male dancer. And what's a wrench?"
"Bike shop mechanic." Josh adjusted the water in the shower then peeled his greasy t-shirt off over his head. The coveralls helped, but the black grit from the tire store permeated everything, including his skin. "How much longer are you going to be in here? I need to get cleaned up and I'm not stripping down in front of a stripper."
Hunter tossed the plastic razor in the trash then wiped the shaving cream off his legs with a towel. "I talked to Channie this morning. Diego let her borrow his phone after her folks took off for the Casinos."
Josh's heart skipped a beat. "Is she okay?" He knew the only reason she'd called Hunter instead of him was to keep Diego from finding Josh's number on his phone, but he couldn't keep a little jealousy from seeping into his energy field.
Hunter smirked, but didn't rub it in. "She was disappointed that you'd already left for work, but other than that, she's fine. She said to tell you 'hi,' and that she loves you. She also told me to give you a big hug for her." Hunter spread his arms and smirked as he took a step towards Josh. He was obviously still trying to provoke him.
Josh put a hand on Hunter's chest and stiff-armed him. "What else did she say?"
"Oh, nothing much. Something about needing to strengthen some bond ..."
Josh bit his lip to keep from groaning out loud. He missed Channie so much it hurt.
Hunter's grin widened. "I got the night off from work tomorrow. I thought I might bring her over here for a couple of hours. Is that okay?"
"Are you kidding me?" Josh's heart thundered in his chest.
"There's just one catch."
"What?"
"We have to bring the trips. Channie's Daddy still don't trust me and insisted we have a chaperone. He wanted Abby to come, but she convinced him the boys would keep us too busy to get into trouble."
Josh loved Channie's nephews but they weren't supposed to know he was here. Especially not Savvy. That kid was too smart for his own good. "How's that gonna work?"
"Me and Channie got it all figured out. I'm gonna take 'em swimming in the pool and Channie's gonna come on up to the apartment and cook supper. That'll give you two love birds a couple of hours all to yourselves."
"That's awesome!" Josh almost hugged Hunter in his enthusiasm, but caught himself just in time and punched his shoulder instead.
\*\*\*
The next afternoon, Josh had a hard time focusing on work. It was a good thing he was at the bike shop instead of Discount Tire. He could tune a bike in his sleep.
Sean said, "Got a hot date tonight, Abrim?"
"Huh?"
"You're looking at the clock more often than that Viper you're working on."
He fought the urge to roll his eyes and shifted his gaze to his hands. "I'll be done in five minutes. What's next?"
"That's it for today. Go on, get outta here." He reached for the wrench in Josh's hand and nudged him away from the bike stand. "But you better be ready to work when you come back tomorrow. No more slacking."
Josh tuned and repaired twice as many bikes as Sean on a daily basis, but he needed the job so he just nodded. "Thanks."
He parked three blocks away from the apartment complex so the trips wouldn't see his car with the Colorado plates. Zeal and Courage probably wouldn't notice, but Savvy sure as hell would. Josh's heart pounded as if this were his first date. He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans and scowled when he noticed the grease imbedded in the creases of his knuckles and under his nails. No matter how hard he scrubbed, he could never get all the grime off. He ducked between a couple of commercial trash bins and cast a cleansing spell on himself. Awesome!
Hunter was already laying out by the pool when Josh arrived. He snuck through the gate, picked a plastic cup out of the trash and dipped it into the water then dumped it on Hunter's head. He jumped to his feet spluttering and swearing. "What the hell? Why'd you go and do that for?"
Josh laughed and pointed at Hunter's black speedo. "Anyone wearing a banana hammock is asking for it."
Hunter wiped his face with his towel. "Just so happens, Ms. Jennifer likes it. In fact, she bought it for me."
"I'm afraid to ask, but who's Ms. Jennifer?"
"My new girlfriend."
"If she's your girlfriend, why do you call her 'Ms. Jennifer?'"
Hunter shrugged and grinned.
"How old is she?"
"I don't know. And I don't care. She's real nice to me." Hunter pulled an iPhone out from under the towel he'd been lying on. "Look what she gave me after work last night."
"Uh-huh. And what, exactly, is Ms. Jennifer getting out of this?"
Hunter's grin spread across his face until it seemed as if it would split in half. "Wouldn't you like to know."
"Actually, no. I'd rather not hear the details. Just be careful, Hunter. Sometimes these cougars have jealous husbands."
Hunter nodded, all traces of humor gone from his face. "Don't I know it!"
Josh handed Hunter another towel. "How're Channie and the trips getting over here?"
"Taxi."
"That sounds expensive." It was strange how Josh thought about the cost of everything now, whether or not he had to pay for it. Working to earn a paycheck had shifted his perspective on a lot of things. "I'm going to go on up to the apartment and get ready."
The first thing Josh noticed when he walked in was the smell. His nose led him to the stack of dirty dishes in the sink and overflowing trashcan. It was a good thing he'd left work early. He didn't know what would happen if he cast a cleansing spell on the dishes so he just rinsed them off and shoved them into the dishwasher, then took out the trash.
Josh's work clothes were spotless from the cleansing spell, but he wanted to look his best for Channie. He pulled on a dark blue t-shirt, since that was her favorite color, and a pair of light blue board shorts. He'd washed his sheets at the Laundromat across the street last night but hadn't had time to remake his bed before leaving for work this morning. He took care of it then kicked the pile of dirty clothes into his closet and shut the door.
Channie would show up any minute now, so Josh grabbed the TV remote and flopped onto the couch to wait. Maybe he could catch the rebroadcast of the SoCal National BMX race on ESPN.
He flipped through the channels so fast, he nearly missed it, but a still shot of a vaguely familiar face caused him to hesitate on CNN. The scrolling bar across the bottom of the screen read, Kentucky State Representative, Powell Veyjivik, still missing...
Josh froze, then dropped the remote on the floor and leaned forward, elbows on knees.
The TV reporter spoke with a falsely concerned tone of voice ...
"The search continues for Powell Veyjivik, a member of the Kentucky State House of Representatives, who's been missing for two days. He was last seen by his wife and three children on Wednesday morning, when an unknown driver in a government-owned Chevrolet Suburban picked him up at his estate.
A state employee, who agreed to speak with us on conditions of anonymity, has confirmed that the car and driver are also missing."
Josh's heart was already racing, but when he heard the click of a key in the lock, it leapt out of his chest. Love and lust electrified his throbbing heart-bond. Hunter must have given Channie the key when she dropped the trips off at the pool.
He ran to the door and flung it open before she had a chance to unlock it. He pulled her against his chest and kissed the top of her head. "I missed you, babe." He was surprised by how hoarse his voice sounded.
Channie clung to him and trembled. "I missed you, too."
"Babe? Have you watched the news lately?"
"No. Why?"
He led her to the couch and pulled her onto his lap as he sat down. "It looks like Wisdom just kicked her little rebellion into high gear."
"What do you mean?"
He nodded at the TV, but it had gone to a commercial. Josh muted the volume and told Channie what he'd learned.
Her eyes glazed over. "It's started." Her voice was barely a whisper.
"What's started?"
"She said she'd give us a month."
"What are you talking about? Who said they'd give you a month? And to do what?"
"I was hoping it would just ... I don't know ... not reach us out here."
"Channie. You're scaring me. Are the trackers still on your trail?"
"They're dead."
"Thank god." Josh pulled her against his chest as a wave of relief washed over him, but his anxiety returned when her full-body shiver shook the couch.
Channie never talked about how killing Harvey and Jimmy had affected her. It was self-defense and she hadn't had a choice, but he knew it tortured her. He hoped against hope that her dad had taken them out. "How?"
Channie sighed then lifted her head off his chest. Her eyes darted back and forth as she gazed at him. "Promise you won't freak out?"
\*\*\*
Josh wanted to scream, but stayed calm for Channie's sake. He couldn't believe she'd been that close to two trackers and a Veyjivik diplomat. The last thing she needed was for him to add to her anxiety. He kissed the top of her head and rocked her in his arms. "What's your dad gonna do about the ultimatum? Is he going to try to find Wisdom?"
"What do you think?"
I think he's going to stick his head in the sand and pretend it never happened. "Shouldn't he at least warn her?"
"Of course he should. But Daddy doesn't see it as his problem. He'd rather run than get mixed up in this mess."
Josh's ears burned but before he could defend his own decision to stay out of the mage war Channie grabbed his knee and pointed at the TV. "Turn up the volume. They're talking about the kidnapping."
"In direct violation of the federal government's policy of non-negotiation with terrorists, the family is offering a $200,000 reward for information that leads to the safe return of Representative Veyjivik."
The camera zoomed in on the family gathered in front of their home. The oldest kid, a boy about eight years old, looked a lot like Josh when he was younger.
The reporter said, "I can't imagine how devastated you must be, Justice. Do you have anything you'd like to say to the people responsible for abducting your father?" He gave the camera a poignant look of sympathy, then shoved the microphone in the kid's face.
Justice's chin trembled as tears filled his dark blue eyes. "Please ... I just want my Daddy to come home." He took a shaky breath then blinked and turned away.
Josh's throat tightened around his heart. These people are my family.
Even if Powell Veyjivik had allied himself with Dominance, Josh couldn't help feeling sorry for the man's wife and kids. This whole situation sucked.
He waited until they switched to a story about a tornado in Oklahoma then muted the TV. "Do you think your Aunt's people had anything to do with it?"
"I'm sure they did."
"Why would they kidnap such a high-ranking government official?"
"This is either an attempt to exchange prisoners, or an act of revenge. If Aunt Wisdom hasn't already killed him, she's probably torturing him for information."
Until today, Josh hadn't given a rat's ass about mage politics. He hadn't cared if the Wicked Witch of the West or the Wizard of Oz or the devil himself ruled over the mages --- just as long as it wasn't him. But Dominance's plan to annihilate entire clans sounded an awful lot like Hitler's. She was willing to murder innocent people, including non-combatants, women and children.
He could no longer ignore the words from the Book of the Dead ... Son of Vengeance seeking light, grasp the hilt and join the fight. Claim your place among your kin and lay to rest your father's sin.
"Someone needs to stop this."
Channie's trembling increased. "I know. But how?"
"I think I need to do what the book said." Josh's body relaxed as a warm sensation spread outward from his heart, melting his terror and filling him with a calm resolution to do what was right. He couldn't remain in hiding while innocent children suffered. "I need to reveal myself to my clan."
"I know." Channie buried her face in his shoulder. "And we have to warn Aunt Wisdom."
We? "Channie, you aren't going with me. I want you to stay with my dad and Liz until this is over."
"I'm no safer there than I would be anywhere else. Dominance's trackers found me in Colorado once already. How long do you think it will take another set of trackers to find me at your daddy's place? It's obvious the rebels aren't going to surrender. Dominance is going to be even more determined to exact revenge on my family."
Josh fisted his hair with both hands and ground his teeth. No matter what he did, Channie would be in constant danger. His heart demanded he keep her close, but doubts fogged his mind. How could he decide? He wished he could see into the future like that damn Book of the Dead.
As soon as the thought entered his mind, Josh realized he needed that book. Something told him that without it, neither one of them would survive.
\*\*\*
Instead of enjoying a wild romp in bed like he'd planned, Josh snuck Channie out of the apartment and drove to Walmart to buy her a disposable phone. He activated it as soon as they got back to the car. "Promise you'll call me as soon as your parents leave for the casinos."
"Why won't you let me just take the book? Why risk letting Momma and Daddy or even Abby and the trips find out you're a mage?"
"Please, Channie. I'm begging you."
"I'll let you help me steal the Book of the Dead, if you promise to take me with you to find your clan."
"I already told you, it depends on what the book says about it." Josh hoped the book would tell her to keep her ass safe and sound by staying with Dad and Liz in Boulder until the war ended.
"And what if it doesn't say anything at all?"
"I don't know."
"If it doesn't say one way or the other, you have to promise to take me with you. No matter where that might be."
"All right."
"Say it."
"You want a death-pledge?" Josh didn't even try to keep the sarcasm out of his voice.
"Your word is good enough."
"I promise to take you with me --- unless the book says not to."
The next morning, Channie woke up with a start, feeling as if she were suffocating.
Abby hovered over her with a finger pressed against her lips. Channie nodded then gasped when Abby released her from the no-speak spell. She tossed a handful of Channie's clothes at her then raised the window and removed the screen. She waited for Channie to crawl outside, handed her emergency backpack to her then squeezed through the window after her. Abby had lost a lot of weight, but she was by no means skinny. She yanked Channie's arm, forcing her to crouch as they passed under Momma and Daddy's window.
They both froze when Daddy's voice boomed against the glass. "If you think I'm going to stand by while you sacrifice my baby girl, you're even crazier than I thought."
Channie's blood turned to ice as sweat trickled down her back. Momma wants to kill me?
Momma's voice had a broken-glass edge to it. "She ain't nothing but an Empty now."
"You're my wife and her mother. I will not let you murder Channie."
"If you don't let me sacrifice her, then you might as well cut out my heart right now. I'll be dead before the year's out."
"You don't know that."
"I can feel my body rotting away at this very moment."
"Then let's find you a healer."
"A healer won't work against a curse. You know that. One of us has to die."
"You stay away from Channie, you hear? That's an order."
The sound of wood crashing through sheetrock, followed by the burnt-onion stench of a curse snapped Channie out of her shock-induced daze.
"One of these days you're gonna push me too far, Money Kerns, and I'm gonna free myself from your bonds."
This time, when Abby grabbed Channie's hand and tugged, she followed. They ran along the side of the house in a crouched position until they got to the driveway.
Abby unlocked Diego's truck and handed Channie the keys. "Get on over to Hunter's apartment. Lock the doors and don't let nobody in."
Channie nodded and turned the key. The truck roared to life just as Momma opened the front door. Abby raised her shield and stepped between Momma and Channie then smacked the side of the truck and yelled, "Go!"
Channie jerked the stick into drive and peppered the front yard with gravel as she darted into rush-hour traffic. Horns blared, brakes screamed and tires squealed all around her. Several people flipped her off, but at least no one crashed into her.
It took Channie forty minutes to find Josh and Hunter's apartment building. Even though she'd paid attention during the taxi ride there and back last night, she still managed to get lost. She banged on the door and rattled the knob until Hunter peeked through the curtains.
He opened the door and yawned. "Good grief, woman can't a man get any sleep around here?"
Channie shoved past him and darted inside. She locked and bolted the door then leaned her back against it and slid to the floor.
Hunter adjusted his boxers then crouched down on his haunches in front of her. "Channie? What's wrong?"
"Momma wants to kill me."
"What else is new?"
"No. I mean she really wants to kill me. She wants to cut out my heart and put the Book of the Dead inside my chest."
"Good lord, that woman's done gone bat-shit crazy."
"Where's Josh? I need Josh!"
"He left for work just as I got in. Let me grab my phone. I'll give 'em a call."
Channie's heart sank when Hunter's stripper-music ringtone poured out of Josh's bedroom.
"He was running late" Hunter nodded towards the kitchen. "Forgot to take his lunch too."
Channie curled up into an even smaller ball and buried her face in her hands. Hunter picked her up by her elbows and led her into his room. "Just so you know, I ain't makin' improper advances. But I don't want to leave you alone. You're pale as a ghost." Channie sat on the edge of his bed and stared at her bare feet while Hunter got dressed.
Someone banged on the front door. Channie covered her mouth with both hands to keep from screaming.
Hunter pressed his index finger to his lips then pointed at the bed. His meaning was clear. Stay put and stay quiet.
Channie nodded.
Hunter closed the bedroom door behind him but returned almost immediately. He cracked the door and whispered, "It's your daddy, Abby, Diego and the trips. Should I let 'em in?"
Too relieved to speak, Channie slumped forward and nodded her head again.
Daddy didn't so much as blink when he saw Channie sitting on Hunter's bed. "It's time you and Hunter tied the knot. I'll bind you two and then I want you to skeedaddle on outta here with Abby and Diego. He has kinfolk in Mexico. Y'all can stay with them until your momma comes to her senses."
"Mexico?"
Abby put a hand on Channie's shoulder. "It's not so bad. You'll pick up the language right quick and there ain't a friendlier, more generous group of folks than Diego's kin."
"You're leaving too?"
Diego crossed his arms over his chest. "I don't trust that crazy witch around my boys --- or Abby. We leave tonight. As soon as we can pack."
Hunter scratched the back of his head then shot Channie an apologetic glance. "I cain't marry her. She's already bound."
The vein on Daddy's forehead pulsed. "What do you mean she's already bound?"
Channie's mouth fell open as she stared at Hunter in disbelief. "Don't."
"I'm sorry, Channie, but you're out of options. We have to tell him the truth."
"You swore a death pledge that you would never reveal our secret."
"That's why I'd appreciate it very much if you told him yourself."
Daddy glared at Hunter then turned his full attention to Channie. "What the hell's going on here? What death pledge? And who the hell did you marry?"
"Josh."
Abby covered her mouth with both hands and squealed then grabbed Channie and hugged her.
Daddy's eyes bulged. "You went and bound yourself to that damned Empty?"
Abby released Channie then shook her finger at Daddy and scolded him as if he were one of the trips. "You watch your mouth. I don't wanna hear none of that bigotry in front of my babies."
Daddy's gaze dropped to Channie's belly. "You got a bun in the oven?"
"Aunt Wisdom married us last December. And no, I'm not pregnant."
"That no-good meddlesome woman. Why I oughtta---"
Diego said, "Where is Josh?"
Hunter flopped down on the sofa and scratched the back of his head. "At the Discount Tire shop across town."
Daddy snorted a blast of air out his nose. "That useless little Empty cain't even change a flat tire."
Channie put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "He works there. And he's not an Empty. He's a mage."
"I met the boy. He ain't no mage."
"He's a halfie." Channie glanced at the trips, then looked at Abby, who was glaring at her. "Sorry."
Daddy rolled his eyes. "I would've felt his energy, even if he was just a halfie."
Abby puffed up like an angry porcupine. "I'm sick and tired of folks trying to categorize everybody by how pure their blood is. If a person can do magic, they're a mage. Period."
Channie felt bad for starting the 'halfie' debate, but she'd already apologized. Abby needed to get over it. "Josh couldn't access his magic until after Aunt Wisdom gave him his power-name. But he's the most amazing mage I've ever met."
Before she could elaborate, Diego pulled out his phone. "What's his number?"
Channie sighed. "He left his phone in his room."
Diego shrugged and tapped the screen on his phone then held it to his ear. "This is Diego Martinez. I need to speak to an employee of yours ... It's definitely an emergency ... Josh ...?" Diego lifted his eyebrows and looked at Channie. "Josh who? They've got three of 'em working this shift."
"Abrim. Josh Abrim." Channie couldn't believe she and Hunter hadn't thought to call Discount Tire.
Diego handed the phone to Channie. As soon as she heard Josh's voice, she burst into tears.
"What's wrong."
Channie managed to choke out a few words between sobs. "I'm at your place. Come home."
"Are you safe? Is Hunter there?"
"Yes, but hurry."
Josh didn't ask anymore questions. "I'll be right there."
Fifteen minutes later, Josh burst into the apartment and called Channie's name.
She flew into his arms with a sob, but instead of comforting her, Josh raised his shield and shoved Channie behind his back. His energy field swirled with a mixture of vibrant hues --- red, gold, orange and purple. Josh seemed to grow even taller as magic pulsed all around them. He was every bit as intimidating as Daddy ever was. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
The only other mages Josh had ever been around --- since becoming a mage himself --- was Aunt Wisdom, Hunter and the two trackers that had tried to kill him. He had no way of knowing that the magical energy filling the apartment came from her family. He was in full attack mode.
Courage charged into the front room and kicked Josh in the shins.
Josh barely reacted. He put one hand on CoCo's head and shoved him towards Channie. She grabbed him and held him against her as he continued to struggle. "It's okay, CoCo. Josh is just trying to protect us. He's not going to hurt anyone."
Daddy stumbled into the front room, leaning on Diego and clutching his chest. Abby, Zeal and Savvy crept in next, using Daddy's bulk as an additional shield. Channie didn't blame them, Josh's power levels were dangerously high.
"Daddy?" Channie stepped towards him.
Josh's right arm shot out to the side, barring her way. "What's he doing here?"
Diego stepped forward and grabbed CoCo then handed him off to Abby. "He's trying to save her from her loco momma."
As soon as Channie, Abby, Diego and Hunter were able to convince Josh that Daddy meant her no harm, he lowered his shield ... and healed his heart.
It beat all Channie had ever seen. Aunt Wisdom claimed she couldn't do anything about Daddy's weak heart. But then again, Aunt Wisdom didn't really like Daddy.
It took another ten minutes to sort everything out. Channie buried her face in Josh's greasy coveralls while he explained why they'd been forced to sneak around behind everyone's back.
"I don't appreciate being lied to, but I understand. Especially with Prudence acting so strange."
Josh pressed Channie even tighter against his chest. "Strange? She wants to cut Channie's heart out and you think it's strange?"
"Prudence ain't herself. It ain't her fault."
"That's it. We're outta here. Hunter, you're welcome to come with, but we're leaving right now."
Hunter's energy shifted. It was subtle. Channie doubted anyone else noticed, but they'd been friends forever. She knew him better than she knew her own family. He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I hate to miss out on more adventures with y'all, but I got me a nice place to live and a good job. I think I'll stay put for awhile."
He's giving up ... letting me go.
Hunter winked at her. "Besides, Ms. Jennifer is going to teach me how to go on Safari so I can search for my kinfolk with the new iPhone she got me."
Daddy arched an eyebrow. "Your family's definitely on the run, but I doubt any of 'em got as far as Africa."
Josh chuckled and shook his head. "I don't think you'll find any Ozark mages on the internet."
"Me neither, but I gotta do something."
Channie was surprised by how much the thought of leaving Hunter behind hurt. "If anyone could hunt 'em down, it'd be you."
Josh took a deep breath, then looked at Hunter. "I hate to ask, but ... can I borrow some money?"
Hunter nodded, disappeared into his room for a few minutes then returned with a lumpy pillowcase knotted at the top.
Josh rolled his eyes, but he did it with a smile. "I thought I told you to put that in the bank."
Channie's jaw dropped when she realized the pillowcase was stuffed full of money.
"I don't trust banks. Besides, ain't nobody gonna steal my money with all the protection spells I put on it."
Channie's hand flew to her throat. She'd forgotten about the Book of the Dead until Hunter mentioned protection spells.
Hunter smiled and tried to hand the sack full of money to Channie. "Don't worry. I lifted all the spells. You ain't gonna get cursed."
Josh shook his head. "How much is in there? We only need a couple of grand."
Hunter grabbed Josh's wrist and thrust the pillowcase into his hand. "You helped me out of a jam more'n once. Take it. There's plenty more where that come from."
Channie swallowed then cleared her throat. "Josh. I left in such a hurry. I didn't bring the Book of the Dead."
His shoulders slumped. "We can't leave without that book."
Daddy glared at Josh. "Not you too."
"Daddy, the book belongs to Josh."
"What are you saying?" The color drained from Daddy's face. "Are you telling me, this here city-boy ... is ... Valor Veyjivik?"
\*\*\*
Daddy ran his hands through his hair and sighed. "I'll go get the book. Maybe Prudence will come back to her senses once it's gone."
Channie said, "Momma's not going to hand it over without a fight."
"I know. But she's still bound by our wedding vows. She's gonna have to give it to me. I'll tell her I found a mage that might be able to break the spell so's she can open it again."
"She'll want to come with you."
"I'll tell her the mage is a Veyjivik traitor and refuses to let anyone but me see his face. That's close enough to the truth that she won't be able to tell I'm fibbing. That woman can spot a lie quicker than a red tail hawk can spot a mouse in an open field."
"Be careful, Daddy."
He frowned and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm more worried about what she's gonna do when I come home without the book. She's downright unstable."
"Just go get the book and then leave with us. You don't have to go back there."
"Now, baby girl, I cain't leave your momma. Especially not when she needs me the most. I made some wedding vows of my own. And I intend to keep 'em."
"Speaking of wedding vows, I'd like to marry Channie before we leave Vegas."
Daddy glared at Josh. "I thought you two was already married."
"According to your traditions, we are. But not according to the law. She's still considered a minor, even in Las Vegas, so I need you to fill out a form."
Daddy grinned and thumped Josh on the back. "I can scrounge up any kind of document you want."
"I want this to be legal."
"You wanna go to one of them Chapels of Love and let Elvis marry you?"
"I'd rather just go to the court house."
"How about we just pile in the back of Diego's truck and do one of them drive through chapels. I done missed my baby girl's binding ceremony. I don't want to miss her wedding, too."
"I'm sorry. But I just want to get married and get out of town. I wouldn't even bother but I have a feeling we're going to need a marriage certificate."
Channie said, "I've learned it's best not to ignore his hunches. So far, every time Josh's said he has a feeling about something, he's been right."
Daddy pursed his lips then scratched the stubble under his jaw. "All right. But you need to clean up first, boy. Ain't nobody gonna marry my daughter looking like no grease monkey."
Josh grinned and winked at Channie then stepped into the bathroom and closed the door.
Hunter groaned and closed his eyes. "Come on, Josh, you know what sort of mess that makes."
A flare of golden light shot out from under the bathroom door. Josh opened it and stepped back into the room as a cloud of black dust settled behind him.
Daddy swore and put a hand over his heart. "There ain't a spec of dirt on them coveralls."
Channie laughed as she wrapped her arms around Josh. "I told you he was amazing."
\*\*\*
After Daddy signed the permission form in front of a public notary, he left to go get the Book of the Dead. Channie was sad that he couldn't be there to see her get married, even if it was just a formality, but Josh was right. They needed to get out of town as fast as possible.
It took less than an hour to get a marriage license, buy a couple of plain gold wedding bands, find a judge and get married. Hunter, Abby and Diego took pictures with their phones, but Josh made them delete every single one of them when Diego offered to post a wedding album on FaceBook.
"I don't want to make it easier for Dominance to find us."
Channie understood, and agreed with him, but she would have given anything to have just one photo of her and Josh on their wedding day.
Josh handed his phone to Hunter. "A couple of pics on my own phone shouldn't be too big of a security risk."
Channie threw her arms around Josh's neck and pulled his head down to hers. She whispered, "thank you," and kissed him full on the mouth in front of the judge and everybody.
By the time they returned to Hunter and Josh's apartment, Daddy was back. They found him sitting in the middle of the sofa with his head in his hands. He didn't even look up when they all filed in.
Channie placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Are you all right?"
"No. Not really." Daddy sighed then lifted his head and handed her a small, black velvet bag with the "Bellagio" emblem embroidered on it in gold. "But I got the book."
"Is Momma okay?"
"She will be. Soon."
"I hope so." Channie wished she had Daddy's faith that all Momma needed to regain her sanity was to be free from the Book of the Dead.
Josh said, "I'll go grab a few things and give you guys a chance to say good-bye," then disappeared into his room.
Channie fought tears as she hugged Abby and Diego.
Coco planted a wet kiss on her cheek then pressed his hand over the damp spot. "Don't rub it off."
She pressed her hand over the top of his and nodded, too choked up to speak.
Daddy grabbed Channie and squeezed the air out of her. "I know I ain't said it near enough, but you know I love you baby girl. Take care."
Channie swallowed hard and forced the words past the lump in her throat. "I love you too, Daddy."
"I'm sorry your momma couldn't a been a part of this, but ... well ... you know."
"I know."
Josh came back into the front room, a backpack on his shoulders and a duffle bag in each hand. He dropped one of the bags and reached toward Daddy to shake his hand. "I promise to take good care of her."
Daddy nodded and cleared his throat as he grabbed Josh's hand. "You better."
Josh grimaced.
Hunter stuck his hand out, but instead of shaking it, Channie pulled him into a tight hug.
He stiffened then gave her a quick squeeze. "You take care of yourself, girl. Ya hear?"
Channie couldn't hide the surge of grief that washed over her as she said good-bye to Hunter. "I wish you were going with us."
"I'd just be in the way." He patted Channie's butt, earning a growl from Josh. "Y'all better hit the road, it's gettin' late."
\*\*\*
Channie and Josh talked until they crossed the Utah state line then settled into a companionable silence, lost in their own thoughts. Josh started yawning at about ten o'clock.
Channie put a hand on his shoulder and said, "I can drive for awhile."
He exited off the highway, on the eastern outskirts of Grand Junction, and pulled into a Marriott Hotel parking lot. But instead of switching places, he leaned across the console, slid his hand behind Channie's neck and pressed his forehead against hers. "This is our wedding night and we aren't spending it on the road or in the back of the car."
Prudence paced in front of the picture window in the front room for hours, waiting for Money ... Monroe ... to come home with her book. The longer he was gone, the more distraught she became.
She felt the book's absence like a bad tooth. The ache wouldn't go away and she couldn't think of anything else. Life was meaningless without the book. She remembered being a good wife and mother before she'd dug up the grave and pulled the Book of the Dead out of the desiccated corpse.
She remembered, but she didn't care. She'd existed in a cocoon, safe and happy as a caterpillar, not knowing or caring that there was so much more. But once she'd opened the book, it had opened a whole new world to her. She'd seen beyond the confines of her pathetic cocoon and tasted real power. She wasn't a caterpillar anymore. But without the Book of the Dead, she couldn't break free from the chrysalis pinning her wings to her back, crushing her.
This was all Channie's fault. If the stupid little slut hadn't stolen the book in the first place, she'd be long gone by now, unfettered by family obligations and binding spells.
The book had given her the ability to change Channie's power-name. If it could do that, it could release Prudence from her vow of obedience to Money. And once she was free from that burden, she'd let the book go. But she'd do it on her terms.
When she'd first learned of the curse she'd brought down upon herself and her line by taking the book, she'd been willing to let her daughters sacrifice her. She'd been willing to let them replace her beating heart with the book and let it rest for another hundred years inside her rotting corpse.
But that was before Prudence had felt the book's power flowing through her veins, before she'd glimpsed her own potential, before Channie had stolen it and lost her own powers. She couldn't ignore the omen. The Book of the Dead was telling her to let Channie take her place. But now the little tramp had run off again.
Abby would feel the full measure of her wrath for interfering as soon as she laid eyes on her. Channie couldn't get far on her own, and if she thought that pathetic boy, Hunter Feenie, could protect her, she was sadly mistaken.
"What's taking so long!" Prudence's voice echoed in the empty house as a chill crept up her spine.
She'd been so anxious to have that offensive name removed that she hadn't considered the possibility it was a trick. Why would a Veyjivik mage help them? He wanted the book for himself! What if the mage were Valor Veyjivik? As soon as the thought entered her mind she knew it was true. How could she be so stupid?
She slammed the side of her fist against the wall next to the window, making the glass tremble. Rage bubbled into her power-well. Even without the book in her possession, its residual power fueled her magic. She ground her teeth as the neighbor's rat-sized dog trotted into her yard and squatted in her rose garden to empty its bowels.
Somewhere, deep inside Prudence, a twinge of guilt pricked her conscience as she considered cursing the mutt. The trips loved that stupid little dog, even after it'd nipped all three of them. At the time, she'd sided with the dog. But that was before it started defecating all over her rose garden.
Her rage settled into a cold fury as she released the curse. She thought about her neighbors, searching and calling for their useless pet, and smiled. They'd never guess that the scorched earth in the rose garden was all that was left of the horrid little beast.
\*\*\*
Momma's heart stopped when Money --- Monroe --- rolled around the corner and pulled into the driveway. Her joy was short-lived when she realized the book was still traveling away from her. So it had been a trick after all. The old fool had let that Veyjivik mage get the better of him. She threw open the door and scanned him for injuries as he slid out from behind the wheel. Not so much as a bruise on his sorry hide.
"Where's my book?"
Monroe stretched his mouth into a grimace and scratched the whiskers under his chin. "Why don't we go inside and talk about it." He sniffed then arched his eyebrows. "Who you been cursing while I was gone?"
Prudence turned her back and walked into the house without answering.
Monroe followed her inside then shut the door. "I know you're attached to that book---"
"Where is it!" She already knew he'd lost it, but what she didn't understand is why he was still alive. He must have handed it over without a fight.
He pulled his linen handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his brow. "It's with its rightful owner."
Rage blinded Prudence. She blasted Monroe before he got a chance to raise his shield with a bolt of power that should have stopped his feeble heart. Stupid man. Surely he knew what she'd do to him the instant he revealed he'd lost her priceless book. Why hadn't he shielded himself? He was writhing on the floor and screaming, but why wasn't he clutching his chest? She pulled her energy back and slapped a combination no-speak-be-still spell on him before he could recover and scanned his heart.
It was normal. Better than normal. It was as strong as a mule's. She narrowed her eyes and glared at him. "What did you do?"
He couldn't answer while he was bound by her magic but she already knew. "You traded my book to a healer, didn't you!"
She kept the be-still spell in place, but removed the no-speak.
Monroe gasped and sucked in three lungfuls of air before answering. "I didn't trade the book. I gave it to him and he healed me without me askin' for no favors."
The sound of rushing blood behind her ears drowned out the rest of his excuses. She took two steps towards him, cast another no-speak to silence his screams, then kicked his ribs until she felt the bones give beneath her foot. She paused and lifted the no-speak spell again. "Where's Channie?"
Monroe pressed his lips together and closed his eyes.
"Answer me." She needed Channie's heart, as well as the Book of the Dead, if she was going to escape the curse. She knelt beside him and leaned over to kiss his check. "Return my book, and I'll let you live."
Tears leaked out of the corners of Monroe's eyes. He blinked then looked up at her and smiled through his pain. His energy field pulsed with love and remorse.
Prudence stood up and kicked him one final time ... and felt their bond slip away.
Josh's heart pounded as he kissed the tip of Channie's nose. They were on the run and headed into who knew what sort of danger but it'd been two weeks since they'd had sex. He couldn't wait to get Channie inside the hotel and rip her clothes off. No. None of that. He'd take it slow and make it last. Unless she wanted to take charge again. Damn. He needed to quit thinking about it if he wanted to get out of the car anytime soon. He put his hand on the key, but before he could shut off the engine, a flash of light seared his eyes. His shield burst out of his chest and slammed down over Channie.
She screamed, but the curse bounced off his shield. Scared, not hurt.
Josh jerked the car into gear. The tires squealed as he laid rubber on asphalt. He blinked against the blue spots floating in front of his eyes and swore as he gunned the accelerator.
Channie still had her seatbelt on, but she twisted around and looked over her shoulder. "It's Momma."
Josh threaded the gap between two semis as he shot back onto I-70 East. "How'd she find us?"
Channie's voice shook. "I don't know."
"Do you think she'd torture your dad for information?"
"She's willing to cut out my heart."
"Good point."
Another curse bounced off Josh's shield. The magic didn't hurt them, but the blast of light nearly blinded him. Traffic wasn't heavy, but there were enough cars and trucks on the highway to make even a few seconds of driving with impaired vision dangerous. He slammed on the brakes then jerked the wheel to the right, dodging a Smart Car. The horn sounded like an angry gnat as he passed. Prudence's black Lexus was riding his ass. Josh swore as she hurled another blinding curse.
Channie said, "Curse her back!"
"I have to drive."
Channie took a deep breath then said, "Keep me shielded," and unfastened her seatbelt.
"What are you doing?"
"Just drive!" She turned sideways and squeezed her body between the bucket seats.
The car swerved as Josh grabbed her arm with his right hand. "Get back here and buckle up."
"I know what I'm doing!" Channie jerked free and climbed into the back.
"Well that makes one of us." Josh glanced into the rearview mirror and saw her digging around in her backpack. "You wanna fill me in on your plan?"
She didn't answer, but he recognized the chunk-chunk sound as she slammed the clip into her gun and cocked it.
Oh shit. "Channie. You can't shoot your own mother!"
"I'm not going to shoot her, just the car. Roll down the window."
"Get back up here!"
"Roll it down, or I'll shoot through it."
Josh swore again then rolled down the window. He kept his gaze glued to the road in front of him and focused on driving as Channie emptied her clip into her mother's car. A quick glance in the rearview mirror showed steam pouring out of the hood of the Lexus as it fell further behind.
Josh trembled with relief when Channie said, "She's getting off the highway." But the distant sound of a siren made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Someone must have called 911.
He took the next exit, a deserted rest stop with nothing but a couple of vending machines, a water fountain and a low-slung, concrete building with "out of order" signs swinging from both bathroom doors. Josh drove around to the back, cut the engine and turned off the lights.
Channie said, "Why are we stopping?"
"I can't outrun the cops and if you try to shoot up a police cruiser, they'll shoot back."
"What if they find us?"
"I'll cast a misdirection spell."
"You don't have time."
The sirens grew louder. Pulsing blue lights flickered in the trees along the highway. Channie was right. For a misdirection spell to work, he needed to cast several of them in a wide perimeter to keep the car out of the cops line of sight. A misdirection spell wouldn't make them invisible.
"Give me your gun, the extra clips and all your ammo. Better give me your holsters too."
"Why?"
"Just do it! Now!"
Channie scowled, but handed everything to Josh.
He opened the door and tossed it all on the ground.
"What are you doing? We need that!"
"We can't get caught with illegal weapons." He pulled the knife Wisdom had given him for Christmas out from under the driver's seat and threw it on the ground, next to Channie's gun.
Before Channie could interfere, Josh closed his eyes and gathered his magic. It warmed his gut as it flowed out of his power-well. He opened his eyes and focused on the pile of contraband ... then wished it into non-existence.
Channie gasped then said, "How'd you do that?"
"Same way I clean my clothes." Josh hopped out of the car and lowered the back seats, enlarging the cargo area of the RAV-4.
Channie got out of the car and whispered, "What are you doing?"
Josh yanked his shirt off and tossed it into the front seat then unzipped his jeans and climbed into the back of the car. His heart stopped when two highway patrol cars pulled into the rest stop. Their lights flashed across the roof of the building housing the bathrooms. At least they'd parked in the front. "Come on." He grabbed Channie's hand and pulled her in with him. "Unbutton your blouse."
"This is hardly the time or the place for such shenanigans!" She was still whispering, but the urgency in her voice revealed her level of panic.
"We need an alibi. Just ... let me do the talking. Okay?"
Channie nodded.
Josh undid the top three buttons of her blouse then tousled her hair and said, "There. That should be good enough. Now lie down." He slid down beside her and pulled one of her legs between his knees. "Kiss me and act like we've been at it for awhile." To his surprise, she kissed him with as much heat as she ever had.
Intermittent blue light filled the car when a cruiser pulled around back. A sense of deja vu swept over Josh when the officer tapped on the rear window and shined his flashlight into their faces, but this time, there were two officers, and they'd drawn their guns.
Josh kept his mouth pressed against Channie's and whispered, "Move slow and if they ask you anything, just say 'I don't know.'"
Channie nodded.
The cop tapped on the window again and said, "Lemme see your hands."
Josh resisted the urge to hold his hands up in a "surrender" position and simply lifted them off Channie's body.
The cop said, "I need you to exit the vehicle. Keep your hands where I can see 'em."
Josh sat up, then opened the door and said, "Is there a problem?"
The cop stepped back, but kept his gun leveled at Josh's bare chest. "Turn around, put your hands on the hood of the vehicle and spread your legs."
Josh needed to act like a surprised teenager and not a fugitive that was expecting to be arrested. He let his eyes go wide and mouth fall open then obeyed.
"I need the young lady to exit the vehicle as well."
Josh snuck a peek at her out of the corners of his eyes. Her fear and confusion were genuine and perfect for the situation. But when the other cop said, "spread 'em" and kicked her feet apart with the toe of his boot, Josh had to squelch the desire to turn around and punch him. He trembled with rage when the cop's energy field spiked with lust as he patted Channie down.
Hopefully, the cop searching Josh would interpret his shaking as fear instead of anger. He holstered his weapon and said, "What are you two doing out here?"
"We just got married."
"Uh-huh. You look a little young to be married and this isn't exactly a honeymoon suite at the Ritz."
"We're saving our money." Josh instantly regretted letting Hunter talk him into accepting the pillowcase stuffed full of cash. How the hell was he supposed to explain that?
The cop nodded at the sack of money and said, "What's in the bag?"
Josh took a deep breath. If he demanded they get a search warrant, they'd just haul him and Channie off for more questioning. "Money."
The cops eyebrows shot up. "Money?"
"I worked as an exotic dancer at 'Her Lady's Pleasure' in Vegas. That's my tip money." Josh's cheeks burned and his ears felt as if they were on fire, but the closer he kept things to the truth, the better. "I used the name 'Hunter' when I'm on stage."
The cop didn't look convinced. "Hand it over."
There was nothing keeping the cop from just taking the cash. If Josh were half the mage Channie thought he was, he could curse the man. He untied the knot at the top of the pillowcase and opened the bag. "If you want to examine the money, feel free. Just remember where it's been."
The cop curled his lip and wrinkled his nose. "I think I better take you guys in for questioning."
Josh felt the warm glow of magic swell inside his chest. He released it and guided it towards the two cops. "Please, we just got married in Vegas this morning. I have a marriage certificate to prove it. Please ... don't ruin our wedding night."
The other cop rested his hand on the butt of his gun then said, "Let's see the marriage license, but move slow and keep your hands where I can see 'em."
Josh said, "It's in the glove compartment, on the other side of the car." He pulled up every bit of magic he possessed and flung it at the two cops. You don't want to ruin our honeymoon. You want to catch the bad guys that were speeding down the highway shooting at people. We aren't a threat.
The cops scrutinized Josh and Channie's wedding license as well as every other document in their possession then went back to their cruiser. The first cop came back and handed Josh a warning ticket for loitering. He rested his forearms on the open window and said, "I could have arrested you two for indecent exposure, but even if all you were doing was sleeping, it's not safe. Thieves and rapists prowl isolated spots like this, looking for young fools. Go get a room. The back of a car is no place to spend your wedding night."
\*\*\*
Josh nodded and said, "Thanks," then slumped against the seat and let his head fall back against the headrest as the adrenaline left his body.
Channie brushed his hair off his forehead. "You need to sleep."
He'd used all his magical energy on the cops. Josh was exhausted but they couldn't afford to stop. "Your mom is still out there."
"Didn't you see the steam pouring out of the hood? She'll need to stop and get that vehicle patched up. And I doubt she'll be able to find a mechanic before morning."
"I'm not comfortable stopping when we're so exposed."
"Then let me drive."
"You don't have a license. What if you get pulled over? I don't have enough power left to get us out of another jam with the cops."
"I'll drive very carefully and obey all the rules, even the speed limit."
Josh considered their options and decided to let Channie drive. "Alright. But wake me up in a couple of hours."
Channie smiled and kissed his cheek then traded places.
"And Channie?" Josh cranked the passenger seat back as far as it would go.
"Yeah?"
"I think we should stay with my dad for awhile."
She froze with her hand on the ignition, then cocked her head to the side and said, "I thought you wanted to find your clan."
"I do. But, I don't even know where to start looking. And this ... situation with your mother is dangerous."
"How's living with your father going to help? I don't want to put him, or Liz in danger. And what about Elijah? He's there every other weekend." Channie's voice rose as her energy field lit up with fear.
"I'll put the Book of the Dead in a safety deposit box at a bank in Denver. No amount of persuasive magic will get your mother into a safety deposit box without a key."
"How are you going to use the book, if it's locked up in a bank?"
"I'll do it inside the bank. They give you a private room to examine the contents of your box."
"What if Momma finds the book while we're there?"
"She can't get past the security guards, but I'll cast misdirection spells around the bank while we're there. Just to be safe."
"Do you honestly think that horrible book wants what's best for us?"
"No." Josh laughed, but without humor then took Channie's hand in his and pressed it against his chest, over his heart. "But I do believe it wants what's best for all mages. We already know it wants me to reveal myself to my clan and face off with the Wicked Witch of the West next December. Hopefully it'll show us the next step before then. We can't just go charging off into enemy territory without a plan."
Channie's hand trembled against his chest. "I'm scared."
"Me too, babe. But it's going to be okay. I promise."
\*\*\*
A beam of light startled Josh awake. He bolted upright and threw his shield over Channie.
She gasped and said, "What's wrong?"
Josh sighed and lowered his shield when he realized it was the rising sun and not the flash of a curse in his eyes.
He blinked and squinted as he lowered his shield and returned his seat back to the upright position. "Sorry. False alarm. You were supposed to wake me after a few hours."
"You needed the rest. How much magic did you use on those police officers?"
"Enough." Josh flipped the visor down then pulled his phone out of his pocket. "I need to call my Dad and let him know we're coming home. Do you want me to put the phone on speaker so you can hear both sides of the conversation?"
"I don't want to hear either side of that particular conversation."
"Why not?"
"He's gonna be madder'n a wet hen when he finds out we got married."
Josh rolled his eyes and sighed then set his phone in the cup holder. "Pull over at the next gas station so we can fill up and trade places. I'll wait until then to call him if it makes you feel better."
"It does."
When Channie came out of the bathroom, Josh was still on the phone. He grinned at her and waved her over then tried to hand her his phone.
Channie backed away from it but Josh turned the speaker on and said, "It's okay."
She glared at him then leaned towards the phone. "Hello?"
"Welcome to the family, Sweetheart."
Channie was exhausted when she and Josh finally pulled into the driveway. Ezra and Liz ran outside to meet them. After hugs, kisses and stern warnings of "Don't you ever do that again," Ezra draped one arm around Josh, the other around Channie and shepherded them to the front door.
Josh said, "Hang on a second," then tugged Channie away from Ezra and swept her off her feet, cradling her in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and said, "Better late than never," then stepped over the threshold.
Channie was afraid he was going to carry her all the way upstairs to his room, but he walked into the kitchen instead and set her down on the counter next to the icebox. He jerked the door open and stuck his head inside. "I'm starving. How come you guys never have any food in the fridge?"
Channie grinned. If it wasn't one appetite, it was the other. She hopped off the counter and peeked around Josh into the icebox. Two cartons of eggs, a pound of bacon, a gallon of milk, butter and ... tofu? "What are you talking about? There's plenty of food in here."
Liz said, "Do you enjoy cooking?"
"I don't mind it, and I'd be happy to stir up some grub for everyone, but I don't know where you keep your pots and pans or how to use this fancy cookstove."
Josh said, "Channie's an amazing cook. You wouldn't believe what she can do with a rabbit or even a squirrel."
Liz gasped and turned green. Ezra didn't look so good either, but he nodded and said, "Is that right?"
Josh laughed and said, "Her cornbread is even better," then opened a door and stepped into a huge closet with floor to ceiling shelves. "What do you need besides corn meal and flour?"
"Baking soda, sugar and salt."
Josh set everything on the kitchen table and said, "How hot do you want the oven?"
"Hot enough to cook it all the way through without burning the bottom."
"Yeah, but how hot is that? 350? 400?"
"I don't know." Channie's cheeks flushed. She'd used the stove top burners at Josh's momma's house and at the house over by Heritage Park, but she'd never used either of the modern ovens.
Liz pulled a cookbook out of a drawer and thumbed through it, then put her finger on a recipe and said, "Try 350 degrees for twenty-five minutes."
Josh explained what he was doing as he tapped the oven's display screen with his finger. "When you're ready to put it in the oven, just touch this icon and that'll start the timer."
Channie slid the pan into the oven then put Josh to work frying bacon while she chopped onions and red peppers for the scrambled eggs. It took the cornbread thirty minutes instead of twenty-five, and the middle fell when it came out of the oven --- Liz said it was something about the higher altitude that affected baked goods. But it was perfectly browned, moist and tender.
Ezra patted his mouth with his napkin and said, "This is amazing," then grabbed another square.
Liz licked her lips then moaned and said, "I don't even want to know how many calories or fat grams are in each bite."
Josh shoved the last square of cornbread in his mouth and somehow managed to swallow it whole without choking. His lips quirked up at the corners as he pushed away from the table and gazed at Channie with lust-filled eyes.
She dropped her gaze to her hands as her cheeks burned.
Josh stretched and yawned then said, "Since Channie and I cooked, how 'bout you guys do the dishes. We need to catch up on our sleep after that drive."
Ezra smiled at Channie and said, "Thanks for the meal," then leveled his gaze at Josh. "Before you head upstairs, why don't you go get your marriage license out of the car. You shouldn't leave important documents lying around."
Josh rolled his eyes and said, "If you want proof that we're really married, just say so."
"I want proof."
\*\*\*
Ezra took their marriage certificate into his office and scrutinized it for several minutes. "How did you manage to talk your parents into signing the permission form?"
Channie swallowed and forced a smile across her face, but it felt stiff and unconvincing, even to her. She couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever see Daddy or Abby or the trips again. Or ... Momma. It didn't make a lick of sense, but she couldn't help missing her. Not the way she was now, of course, but the way she'd been before the Book of the Dead cursed her.
Josh stepped behind Channie and slid his arms around her waist then kissed the top of her head. "Things have changed."
Ezra's gaze dropped to Channie's belly. "What can I do to help?"
"There's nothing anyone can do." Josh slid his hands to the front of Channie's body and rubbed a slow circle just below her navel, as if caressing their unborn child. "Channie and I just have to figure some things out."
"I understand."
Well, Channie sure as hell didn't. Why on earth did Josh want Ezra to think she was pregnant?
Ezra said, "Why don't you two go on to bed. A good night's rest can help almost any situation." He patted Channie's arm then cupped the back of Josh's neck with his palm and said, "I love you, son. Everything's going to be fine."
\*\*\*
As soon as Josh shut their bedroom door, Channie lit into him. "What the hell, Josh? Why did you do that?"
He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it in total disarray. "Look, you don't know my dad the way I do. He wasn't going to stop questioning us until he got some answers that made sense. And it wouldn't surprise me if he tried to talk us into annulling our marriage. I just don't want to deal with it. An imaginary pregnancy solved both problems."
"But now he's going to worry about a baby that doesn't even exist. And what are you going to tell him when my belly stays flat?" Channie's stomach churned. "And what if he wants me to go see a doctor?" She'd heard about the way Empty doctors examined pregnant women from Kassie. No way would she submit to that.
"Hey you, come here." Josh tugged on Channie's hands as he sat on the edge of their bed. "I think it's better he worry about a non-existent baby than the truth. I don't think he's ready to hear about magic. And hopefully, the book will show us the next step before we have to worry about you not showing. When this war is over, and we can come home, we'll just tell him you miscarried."
"That's cruel, Josh. Folks have a way of falling in love with just the idea of a baby. You know he's probably downstairs telling Liz all about it right now."
Josh groaned and smacked his forehead with his palm. "I forgot about Liz. She'll probably have one of the guest-rooms converted into a nursery before the end of the week."
Channie picked up Josh's back pack and handed it to him. "Let's just hope the book gives us some answers tonight so we can squelch this whole baby idea before it spirals out of control."
The book started glowing as soon as Josh touched it. He said, "I don't suppose I could persuade you to wait in the bathroom while I open it?"
Channie shook her head.
"I didn't think so. But at least go sit on the bed."
"Josh, we're in this together."
"I'm not arguing with you. There's still just one name on the cover."
Even without touching it, the book's energy lured Channie closer. "But we've opened it together before."
Josh stood up and squared his shoulders, towering over Channie. "This is non-negotiable." His entire body resonated with power.
Channie sat back on the edge of the bed and slid her hands under her butt to keep from reaching for the book. "Promise you'll show me what it says."
Josh nodded then walked to the opposite side of the room, crossed his ankles and sank to the floor. He rested his elbows on his knees, took a deep breath and opened the book.
Gold sparks flickered in Josh's eyes as flames danced across the page. He drew his eyebrows together and frowned then blinked and said, "That's it?"
Channie stood up and said, "What did it say?"
Josh set the book on the floor and snapped a picture with his phone.
Channie knelt beside him and read the words out loud.
"The stars and planets are nearly aligned
Blood calls to blood its powers to bind.
Live your life as you did before.
When the time is right, you'll go to war."
Josh said, "What does it mean 'live your life as you did before?' Are we really supposed to just go back to school and pretend like none of this is real?"
"You opened the book. Those instructions are for you, not me."
Josh narrowed his eyes. "And?"
"Someone has to warn Aunt Wisdom about Dominance's plan."
Josh exhaled, lifting the hair off his brow with his breath. "I agree. But I say we stay here for a couple of days and get rested up before we leave."
"Josh, you can't leave. Not after the book told you to stay put."
Josh picked up Channie's left hand and kissed her ring. "You promised you'd never leave me again."
"Just the thought of being separated from you is killing me. But what else am I supposed to do?"
"We either stay here and wait until the book tells us to go --- or we ignore the book and leave together. Your choice."
Channie dropped her gaze to her feet. "I could sneak away while you're asleep."
Josh lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her to look him in the eyes. "I followed you to Las Vegas without even knowing which direction you were headed. This time I know exactly where you're going."
The Book of the Dead was the only hope Josh had of learning how to defeat Dominance. Without its help, they were all doomed. "Fine. We wait."
Josh slipped the Book of the Dead back into its velvet case and hid it under his bed. His eyes felt as if they were full of sand. He needed sleep, but his need to protect Channie was stronger. "Dad and Liz should be asleep by now. I'm going to sneak out and cast a few misdirection spells around the perimeter of the neighborhood."
Channie yawned and blinked then said, "Do you want me to go with you?"
"Why don't you stay here and take a shower instead?" He wrapped his arms around her then pressed his forehead against hers. "We still haven't celebrated our wedding. I want to find you naked in bed when I get back."
She blushed and grinned then nodded her head and said, "All right. But hurry back."
Josh adjusted the shower for Channie, then crept downstairs and disabled the alarm before slipping outside. He chuckled to himself as he thought of all the delivery truck drivers calling for directions when they couldn't find any of the addresses. The regular delivery services should be okay. According to Channie's aunt, as long as you were very familiar with a protected area, a misdirection spell wouldn't keep you from finding it eventually. Netflix deliveries might be a little slow for a couple of days, but that was a small price to pay if it kept Channie's mom from finding her.
It took a little over forty-five minutes to cast all the spells. Their house had to be completely out of the line of sight from the entire perimeter of protection, or it wouldn't work. Josh's power-well was nearly empty by the time he finished, but the thought of Channie waiting for him in bed, gave him a boost of energy. He checked all the locks and reset the alarm system then took his shoes off so he could run upstairs without making any noise. The last thing he wanted was to wake up Dad and Liz and try to explain what he'd been doing.
Thoughts of Channie's naked body had his heart racing by the time he stepped onto the third floor landing. A narrow beam of light seeped out from under his bedroom door. The hiss of a running shower surprised him until he opened the door and found Channie passed out on top of the bed, fully clothed. She hadn't even taken off her shoes. His body ached for her, but he didn't have the heart to wake her.
Josh turned off the shower then pulled a couple of extra blankets out of the hall closet and covered them both as he laid down beside Channie. She rolled onto her side and scooted her butt up against him. Josh knew she wouldn't mind if he woke her up, but he decided sex could wait until morning. He kissed the top of her head, murmured, "I love you," and fell asleep before his head hit the pillow.
\*\*\*
The next morning, Josh woke up to an empty bed. "Channie?" The bathroom door was closed. He waited for ten minutes but when she didn't come out, he got up and knocked on the door. No answer. A mist of steam wafted towards him when he opened the door, but she wasn't in the shower.
He found her downstairs in the kitchen. The aroma of bacon and cornbread made his mouth water. She looked up and grinned at him then poured a mixing bowl full of scrambled eggs into a hot skillet. "Go take a shower, but make it quick. Breakfast will be ready in five minutes and I'm not sure I can keep Ezra and Liz from eating all the cornbread."
Josh grabbed a slice of bacon off a serving platter and popped it into his mouth then wrapped his arms around Channie from behind. "Come with me. I'd rather have you than cornbread." He kissed her neck, behind her ear then nibbled his way to her shoulder.
Channie leaned back, and tilted her head to the side, giving him better access, but said, "We can't. We'll be late for school. And stop that. You're gonna make me burn the eggs."
"We've already missed two and a half weeks. One more day's not going to make any difference." Josh kissed the top of her head then released her and turned around to lean against the counter. Besides, I wanna take the book to the bank today. The sooner we get it out of here the better."
Channie scooped the eggs into a serving bowl and said, "I already told your Daddy we were going to school today. We can go to the bank this afternoon."
Josh frowned then said, "Guess that means I better make it a cold shower."
Channie's blush indicated she knew exactly what he was talking about. She glanced over her shoulder into the dining room where Ezra and Liz were drinking coffee and reading the Daily Camera then extended her hand towards Josh. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep while you were gone last night. Why didn't you wake me up?"
Josh pulled her into his arms and said, "If I'd known we were going to have to wait so long, I would have."
Channie's blush deepened, but she licked her lips and leaned in close to whisper in his ear. "I'll make it worth the wait. I promise."
"Oh, babe." Josh closed his eyes and groaned. "Not helping."
"Sorry."
He pressed her back against the refrigerator, pinning her body against his, then kissed her. Hard. She moaned into his mouth and fisted her hands in his hair, pulling him even closer. Definitely not helping.
Josh kissed her forehead and whispered, "I'm holding you to your promise," then trudged back upstairs to take a cold shower.
\*\*\*
Josh parked in the senior lot and glared at the car next to his. The idiot had written "Go Class of 2013!" on the rear window with a yellow window marker. Stupid freshman. Josh closed his eyes and let the magic do its thing.
Channie gasped and grabbed his arm. "Josh!"
He opened his eyes and grinned at the new message. "I suck."
"You can't go around using magic in public. What if someone saw you do that?"
"No one's here."
"Josh! Channie! You're back!" Kassie held her baby-bump as she ran towards them. She nearly knocked Josh off his feet when she shoved his shoulder. "Do you have any idea how worried we've been?"
"We just got back last night. It was too late to call anyone."
"Bull shit!" She shoved him again. "I can't believe Aunt Marge didn't call us."
"Uh ... we're staying at my dad's. Mom doesn't know we're back." Josh's stomach twisted into a knot of guilt as he pulled his phone out of his pocket.
Channie said, "I think I'll just go on to the office and see if I can meet with my counselor and get squared away for all the school I missed. See you at lunch."
Josh grabbed her wrist and shook his head. He didn't blame Channie for wanting to escape before he called Mom, but he wasn't about to let her walk unprotected across the parking lot. He didn't think her crazy mother would show up at school, but he wasn't taking any chances. He dropped his shield over Channie as he hit the number 6 to speed dial Mom.
Channie arched her eyebrows, but she didn't argue.
Josh took a deep breath to prepare himself. He hated it when Mom cried, but since he was home safe and sound, maybe the waterworks wouldn't last too long.
"How dare you get married without so much as mentioning it to me!"
"Uh ... how did you---"
"I just got off the phone with your father and if you think for one second that I'm not going to fight this you're crazy. I'm on hold with my lawyer right now, so I can't talk, but you better believe you haven't heard the end of this."
Josh stared at the blank screen then blinked and shoved his phone in his pocket.
Channie said, "What'd she say?"
"You didn't hear that?" His ears were still ringing from Mom yelling into the phone.
"I hummed a ballad to block it out."
"Dad told her we got married in Vegas. She's going to try to get it annulled."
"Can she do that?"
"No. I'm a legal adult and your dad signed for you."
Kassie said, "Hold on a minute. I thought you got married in Arkansas."
Channie said, "We did. But it wasn't legally binding."
"So ... you ran off to Vegas? To get married?"
Josh nodded.
Kassie grabbed his left hand and examined his wedding band, then squealed and said, "I can't wait to tell Rebecca!"
Josh put a restraining hand on her shoulder and said, "Kassie, wait. Don't start spreading this all over school."
Kassie shrugged his hand off and said, "I'm not going to tell the whole school --- just Rebecca," then jogged towards the main building.
Channie waited until Kassie was out of hearing distance then said, "If you don't want folks to know, we better take off our wedding bands."
Josh didn't need magic to feel the pain rolling off her as she twisted her rings.
"Hey." He cupped her cheeks in his palms and tilted her head, forcing her to meet his gaze. "I'm not ashamed of marrying you. I'd love to shout it from the rooftop, make a video and post it on YouTube, but I don't want everyone to think I knocked you up."
"I don't care what they think!"
"You say that now, but you don't know how cruel some of these kids can be."
"I got a pretty good idea. Kassie's the one that called me an in-bred hillbilly---"
Josh froze then let his hands slide off Channie's face and drop to his sides. "Kassie said that?"
"It was months ago --- on the first day of school. She didn't even know me then."
"That's no excuse." Josh loved Kassie like a sister, but he wasn't blind to her faults. She had a good heart, but she could be a bitch, too.
Channie put a hand on his arm, wrapping her fingers across his bicep. "Please don't say anything to her. She's my only friend."
Josh pressed his hand over hers and said, "All right, babe. I'll let it go." This time. He kissed her rings and said, "And promise me you won't ever take these off."
Channie's smile was all the answer he needed.
\*\*\*
Josh and Channie spent all of first period in the office while Josh persuaded their counselors --- and the rest of the admin types --- to excuse their absences. He thought telling them that he and Channie had gotten married would help convince them, but it only made things more difficult. He'd wanted to punch Mr. Torres when he handed Channie a Planned Parenthood pamphlet.
Josh knew something was wrong, the instant they stepped into the hall. There were whispers in front of them and murmuring behind them, but it was eerily silent in their immediate vicinity. It was if he and Channie were inside a sound-dampening bubble.
It was worse after second period. And by third period, the bubble was gone, no longer protecting him from the buzz of gossip. He ran through the hall, pushing kids out of his way. He had to get to Channie. He expected to find her in tears or fighting like a wild-cat, but she was leaning against the wall outside her second period classroom ... giggling.
The crowd of girls surrounding her were all grinning and making that annoying squealing sound girls did when they were excited about something. Kassie was standing next to Channie, with one arm slung over her shoulder possessively. She waved at him and said, "Josh! Come here! Show everyone your ring!"
Josh rolled his eyes and shouldered past the girls to get to Channie. "Hey, babe. Are you okay?"
Someone sighed and said, "Ahhh. That's so sweet."
Channie laughed and said, "I'm fine. I was just telling the girls about our Vegas wedding."
Snippets of conversation floated by too fast to tell who said what.
"That's so romantic..."
"Just like a fairytale..."
"Or Romeo and Juliette..."
God, I hope not. That didn't turn out so well.
A male voice cut through the chatter. "So. When's the baby due?" Eric.
Kassie said, "She's not pregnant, dumb-ass."
"Then why'd they get married?" Eric's voice was full of derision and doubt.
"Because they're in love. Duh."
"I hope you don't expect me to marry you."
Kassie shoved several girls out of her way to get to Eric. She poked his chest with her index finger, punctuating her words. "I wouldn't marry you if you were the last man on Earth!" She shoved him away from her with both hands then stormed down the hall. Rebecca and Channie ran after her.
Kassie was still sobbing when the loud speaker crackled to life. "Chastity Belks, please come to the office. Chastity Belks ... Excuse me ... Chastity Abrim, please come to the office. Chastity Abrim..."
Kassie hiccuped then giggled. "Sorry. I'm so used to calling you 'Channie' I forgot about 'Chastity.'" She hiccuped again. "I'll bet Josh didn't have any trouble talking you into taking his name."
Channie frowned, but not because of Kassie's teasing. Why was she being paged? Probably something to do with all the classes she'd missed. Josh had used magic on her counselor but not each of her teachers. "Kassie? Are you okay? I should probably go see what they want before they come looking for me."
"I'm fine."
She didn't look fine.
Rebecca handed Kassie a wet paper towel then turned towards Channie and smiled. "I've got it covered. Go on. We'll see you at lunch."
"Thanks Rebecca."
"No problem. And you can call me 'Bee' if you want. Most of my friends do."
A warm glow spread outward from Channie's heart as she sensed the genuine affection in Bee's energy field.
"Okay, Bee. Thanks." I have two friends now. At this rate, I'll be downright popular by the end of the week.
Channie was completely wrapped up in her own thoughts, imagining shopping trips with Kassie and Bee. Slumber parties in the Abrim's basement, no boys --- or husbands --- allowed. Josh wanted her to make friends. He wouldn't mind, not if it were just one night. She'd be sure he was good and satisfied first. She could be a good wife, meet her husband's needs and still have friends, right? She blushed as her thoughts turned to exactly how she was going to satisfy Josh.
If Channie had been paying the slightest bit of attention, she would have felt the pulse of power before opening the office door. But she wasn't paying attention. She was thinking about Josh. A wave of calm hit her as soon as her hand touched the doorknob.
Momma.
\*\*\*
Channie's knees buckled from the force of Momma's be-calm spell.
Momma said, "Easy there baby girl," and slipped her arm around Channie's waist, supporting her.
"No." Channie's vision blurred. Her tongue thickened as all the moisture left her mouth. "Don't let her take ..."
Another spell, a modified no-speech, paralyzed Channie's vocal chords, but didn't take away her ability to breathe. It was complicated magic. Momma's skills had improved.
The office assistant picked up the microphone and said, "would you like me to page her boyfriend ... I mean her husband and have him help you get her to the car? She looks like she might pass out."
"No. Don't bother the boy. We can manage just fine. She just needs a little fresh air."
Channie didn't want Josh anywhere near Momma, so she stumbled along with wooden legs to the bullet riddled Lexus in the parking lot.
Momma said, "I have a surprise for you, baby girl," then opened the passenger side door.
No! Josh was in the back seat, sitting next to Diego who was pressing a long-bladed knife against his throat.
"Behave yourself or your royal mage will drown in his own blood."
How did Momma know Josh was a royal mage? And how had she managed to catch him? Even if Josh couldn't curse her, his shield should have protected him from her magic. And why was Diego helping her?
Channie's throat tingled as Josh's shield slipped under Momma's no-speak spell.
Momma gasped and pulled all her magic back into herself, strengthening her own shield. She narrowed her eyes and glared at Josh. "How'd you do that?"
He glared back at her, but didn't answer.
Channie's throat was raw from Momma's spell, but she managed to croak out a few words. "Diego, what are you doing?"
Tears streamed down his face as he shook his head. "I'm so sorry, but ... she's got Abby and the boys."
Blood trickled down the side of Josh's throat as he struggled against Diego.
Momma slid in behind the wheel and started the car.
Channie said, "Josh is already shielding us, protecting us from Momma's magic. Let him go and we'll help you find Abby and the trips. We'll hire a tracker if we have to."
A strangled sob broke from Diego's throat, but he only tightened his grip on the knife.
Momma laughed and said, "No need to find anyone. Right Diego. You know exactly where your little family is."
Channie trembled as a chill crept up her spine. "Momma? What have you done?"
"Only what I had to do." Momma put the car in gear and drove out of the parking lot. She said, "Put your seatbelt on, baby girl. I can't have you getting hurt before it's time to perform the sacrifice, now can I?"
Josh kicked the back of Momma's seat, digging the knife deeper into his throat. "If you harm so much as one hair on her head, I'll hunt you down and tear you apart, limb from limb, if it takes the rest of my life."
Channie's heart pounded against her ribs as fear squeezed her chest. Her terror for him exceeded any sense of self-preservation. "Momma, let Josh go. I'll do whatever you want."
"Channie, No!" Josh squirmed again, but this time, Diego adjusted the knife, moving it to the side and down lower so it pressed against Josh's shoulder. He'd still be able slit his throat, but it was less likely he'd do so accidentally.
Josh said, "Don't you dare agree to anything. We'll figure this out." He shifted his gaze to the rearview mirror. "You'll never get away with this."
Momma laughed then said, "And who's going to stop me? You can't curse anything larger than a mouse."
"How ..." Channie bit her tongue to keep from giving Momma any more information, although it seemed she already knew everything about Josh.
"How do I know so much?" Momma laughed again then arched an eyebrow and smirked. "All I had to do was read your diary."
Channie tasted bile in the back of her throat as she thought of everything she'd written in her journal ... all the instructions and prophesies from the Book of the Dead, Josh's true identity, their shared heart-bond, his inability to curse anyone. She slumped against the back of her seat as tears slid down her cheeks. How could I have been so stupid?
\*\*\*
Channie was surprised when Momma drove through the busted gate of Ezra's neighborhood and pulled up in front of his house. But she was shocked by the blatant keep-out spells cast into the bushes hedging the driveway. There was nothing subtle about it. Anyone that tried to approach the house without Momma's permission would feel as if they'd run into a brick wall.
Momma pushed the front door open then stepped to the side and nodded at Diego. "After you." They all waited in the entryway while Momma slid the deadbolt into place. She pointed towards the basement stairs. "Do exactly as I say, or someone's going to get hurt."
Channie's heart grew heavier with each step as she descended. She should have listened to Josh. If they'd taken the book to the bank in Denver like he'd wanted to instead of going to school, she'd have something to bargain with. She had no hope of surviving, but she could have talked Momma into letting Josh live in exchange for giving her the book.
Her chest ached as she tried to think of a way to save Josh. If she could get Diego's knife, she'd plunge it into Momma's heart and end this. Channie hastened her step until she was one step behind Diego. She hunched forward and whispered, "Diego, you don't want to cooperate with Momma. You can't trust her. When we get close enough, Josh will shield Abby and the boys."
"Tell me when we're close enough."
Josh said, "I can feel them now. I'll protect them."
Diego lowered the knife with a sigh of relief.
Momma said, "I warned you."
A muffled wail floated up the stairs. Diego cried out Abby's name then grabbed Josh's hair and jerked his head back, jamming the edge of the knife under his jaw. "You said you'd protect them!"
"I am. I don't understand. They're all shielded."
Momma laughed and clapped her hands like an excited child. "Your shield doesn't work on plants, stupid boy."
Diego turned sideways on the stairs and looked up at Momma. "Please, don't hurt them. I'll kill him right now if you want, just ... please ..."
Momma laughed again and said, "Channie, open the door at the end of the hall. I want you to see what real power can do."
When Channie edged past Josh, he whispered, "Crawl out the laundry room window. I'll hold her off as long as I can."
Channie reached up to stroke his cheek, but before she could touch him, another shriek made it past the sound-proof room at the end of the hall.
Diego pressed the knife harder against Josh's throat. "Go. Now!"
Channie backed away from him, one hand still stretched towards Josh. "I'm going. Don't hurt him, Diego. Please."
"Just mind your Momma!"
Channie whirled around and ran past the laundry room, to the end of the hall. When she opened the door, a chorus of pitiable wails chilled her blood. The trips!
"Momma? Is that you?" Abby's voice trembled.
Channie flipped on the lights, but froze when she saw Abby, Courage, Zeal and Savvy bound together by the thorny vines of a potted bougainvillea ... the Book of the Dead on the floor beside them.
They were scratched and bloodied, especially around their wrists and necks where the plant's thorns had pricked them. But Coco looked liked he'd been attacked by badgers. Blood seeped from dozens of deep gouges.
Zeal and Savvy sobbed as tears streamed down their faces, but CoCo's eyes were dry as he thrashed against the vines.
Abby cast a weak pain-away spell followed by an even weaker be-calm spell over the boys. It was obvious she was almost out of power. How long had they been trapped down here? And how many spells had Abby cast?
Zeal and Savvy's cries settled into whimpers. Coco's scowl relaxed, but he did not stop struggling, digging the thorns deeper into his tender flesh.
Channie ran to Abby then knelt in front of her and whispered, "Josh is shielding you. He can't protect you from the thorns as long as Momma's controlling the bougainvillea, but if you can distract her long enough to break the spell, Josh can kill the plant."
Abby nodded and said, "Protect the boys."
Josh stepped onto the landing at the bottom of the stairs; his irises encircled by a rim of white. "Channie, please. Get out of here."
Diego's gaze darted to Abby and the boys. An anguished cry burst from his throat. He slid the knife lower, onto Josh's shoulder, but did not release him.
Momma entered the room, then closed and locked the door. "Diego, quit your sniveling and take his Highness over there." She pointed to the south east corner of the room, where another bougainvillea plant buzzed with magic, its thorny vines reaching towards Josh. "Make sure he doesn't interfere."
Josh smashed his elbow into Diego's gut and twisted away from him.
A scarlet stream of blood erupted from the base of Josh's neck. His eyes flashed wider as he fell to his knees.
Diego dropped the knife and backed away from him.
Channie flew across the room and pressed her hand against Josh's neck. Magic pulsed through their heart-bond. She had no power-name to guide her, but love was stronger than magic.
Josh's shield grew weaker as Channie siphoned his magic and focused on healing him. She visualized the severed veins reconnecting, the cells knitting together, sealing the wound.
"Don't." Josh gasped and grabbed Channie's hand, tugging on it, but he was too weak to pry it off his neck or stop her from taking his magic. "I can't shield you if you drain my energy."
"You can't shield me if you're dead either."
The bleeding slowed, then stopped. Josh's eyelids fluttered closed.
Momma pointed at Josh's neck and said, "How did you do that?"
Channie said, "I'm not sure."
The corners of Momma's mouth curled up into a vicious sneer. "Impressive. But rather pointless." She cast a powerful be-calm spell on Josh, then picked up the knife Diego had dropped and advanced towards Channie. "Now. Let's get this over with, shall we?"
"Get what over with?" Channie's voice shook, but she kept her gaze locked on Momma's.
Momma pointed at the Book of the Dead with the bloody knife.
Channie said, "You don't want to do this in front of the boys."
Momma's eyebrows arched as she gazed at Abby and the trips, as if she were surprised to see them. "You're right. But how else can I insure your cooperation?"
"I'll give you my word. If you let Diego leave with Abby, the boys and Josh ... I'll do anything you want. I won't fight you."
"Diego can take Abby and the trips, but your powerless little mage stays here. His name is still on my book. He's the only one that can remove it."
"No deal."
"You're hardly in a position to argue."
Every nerve in Channie's body erupted in agony. She bit through her tongue in a vain effort to keep from screaming and fell to the floor. The stench of burnt onions filled her nose as flames of magic licked her skin --- burning her without consuming her flesh. The pain ended as suddenly as it began.
Momma rubbed her forehead and said, "I don't enjoy hurting you."
"You could have fooled me." Channie spoke without thinking, but Momma didn't react to her impertinence.
"I don't need your cooperation. I can take whatever I want from you, including your beating heart."
A thin bolt of magic shot out from across the room and hit Momma in the chest. She dropped the knife and stumbled backwards. At first, Channie thought it came from Abby; but when the first surge was followed by two more tiny pulses, Channie realized it was the trips.
Momma raised her shield then cocked her head to the side and smiled, but it was an evil smile, full of malice. "What precocious little monkeys. Someone needs to teach them some manners."
The bougainvillea plant came to life, writhing like a snake, tightening its deadly grip around Abby and the boys.
Diego snapped out of his shock-induced daze and tore at the vines with his bare hands.
Channie snatched the knife Momma had dropped and ran across the room. She hacked at the base of the plant, but it continued to squeeze the life out of its victims. Abby and the boys clawed at the vines around their throats; no longer able to speak, much less scream. Savvy's lips were the first to turn blue.
Channie ignored the thorns and slipped her fingers between the vine and Savvy's throat. She sliced her middle finger to the bone when she cut through the garroting vine, but it was Savvy's whimpering gasp that brought tears to her eyes. She sliced her palm when she cut Zeal free but she barely felt it.
Diego grabbed the knife from Channie's hands with bloodied fingers and sawed at the vines around Abby's throat as he whispered to her in Spanish.
CoCo's pale, swollen tongue protruded between his lips. His entire face was tinged blue. Channie dug at the vine with her bare fingers. It wasn't growing any tighter, but it was still wrapped around his throat three times. "Diego!"
He refused to look up.
Channie kicked the side of his leg and yelled at him again. "Help me! Courage is dying!"
Diego froze as his eyes darted between Abby and Coco.
One sideways glance was all it took for Channie to realize that Abby was dying too. She couldn't speak but she mouthed the words, "Save my babies," then closed her eyes.
Channie whirled around and screamed at Momma. "Stop it! I'm the one you need to sacrifice. Not them."
Momma blinked and said. "I released the spell two minutes ago."
Channie grabbed the knife from Diego's limp hand and went back to work on the vines strangling Courage. "Hang on Abby. I'm working as fast as I can."
It wasn't fast enough.
Channie thought of the way Josh had incinerated the giant oak tree the night he became a mage. "Momma! Use magic to burn the plant!"
"It'll burn Abby and the boys, too; where ever it's touching them."
"Abby and Coco will die if you don't!"
Zeal and Savvy both screamed when the vines encircling their arms and legs disappeared in a blinding flash of light. Pain seared Channie's hands and left bands of blisters across her fingers, but all that remained of the bougainvillea was a cloud of ash.
Coco's head lolled forward onto his chest. Channie stretched him out on the floor and felt his neck for a pulse.
He drew a ragged breath that sounded like tearing metal.
She tilted his chin up, straightening his neck to open his airway. He still wheezed, but the blue pallor faded with every breath. His heartbeat was weak, but steady and growing stronger.
Channie brushed the curls off his forehead then kissed his brow. He looked so small and vulnerable --- until his eyelids fluttered open. He curled his lip back, revealing two rows of baby teeth, but there was nothing babyish about his expression as he struggled to sit up. Magic swirled around him, but he was obviously too weak to use it.
"Hey, little man, take it easy."
"Where's Momma?"
Channie looked over her shoulder.
Abby lay on the floor, her eyes open and staring at the ceiling ... but unseeing.
Diego leaned over her with his hands between her breasts, elbows locked. He pushed on her chest as Momma cast multiple healing spells.
Channie ignored the grief tearing at her own heart, tucked the blade of the knife into her back pocket then carried Coco into the adjoining guest room. She settled him on the bed and turned the TV to the cartoon channel, "Stay here. I'm going to get your brothers."
No one in the other room had moved. Momma and Diego were still focused on Abby's limp body. Josh was still passed out in the corner.
Channie scooped Savvy and Zeal into her arms and carried them into the guest room. They snuggled against Coco on the bed and stared at the TV.
Channie turned up the volume and said, "You boys stay put. Don't leave this room, no matter what. Got it?"
Zeal and Savvy popped their thumbs in their mouths and nodded, but Coco frowned and said, "Why? What're you gonna do?"
Channie considered lying, or just ignoring his question, but something about the set of his mouth told her that nothing but the truth would insure his cooperation. "I'm going to try to save your daddy and Josh. I need you to stay here and protect your brothers. Can you do that for me?"
Coco nodded and said, "Be careful. Granny's done lost her mind."
"I know."
Momma was still working on Abby. Channie pulled the knife from her back pocket and held it in both hands as she crept behind Momma, ready to plunge it into her heart the instant she either healed Abby or gave up trying.
Time stood still as Abby's fingers curled into claws, then relaxed and opened like the petals of a flower. Her skin grew even paler. The cartoon music from the TV in the adjoining room provided a surreal soundtrack as Abby's eyes dimmed.
Channie was all too familiar with the indignity of death. She recognized the final humiliation and lifted the knife above her head as a puddle of urine formed beneath Abby's thighs.
She's gone. Channie hesitated for less than a second as grief exploded out of her chest, but it was too long.
Momma whirled around and blasted Channie across the room before she could strike. The knife fell out of her hands.
Momma pointed at Channie and screamed. "This is all your fault!"
Rage supplanted grief. Channie pointed to the Book of the Dead on the floor. "None of this would have happened if you weren't so obsessed with that damn book!"
Momma jerked her head towards the book. Her face shifted from fury to ecstasy as she gazed at it. She brought her fingers to her lips, then lowered them to her heart and smiled. "It's glowing!"
"Abby's dead and all you care about is that evil book!"
Diego pushed even harder on Abby's chest. Her ribs popped and cracked under the pressure. But it was far too late. Her heart would never beat again.
Momma crossed the room to the book, but sucked air through her teeth, hissing like a snake, as soon as she touched it. She blew on her fingers, as if that would quench the pain.
So, the book isn't going to cooperate. Good. Channie didn't even try to hide her smile.
Momma marched back to Channie, grabbed her by the hair and dragged her across the room. She shoved her onto her knees in front of the book and said, "Open it."
"No."
Momma slapped her then hit her with the same burning spell she'd used earlier. "Open it, or I'll kill you right now."
Channie panted as she wiped the beads of sweat from her brow. "Go ahead."
Momma turned towards Josh. He was still unconscious but his body arched off the floor as Momma blasted him with pure energy.
"No! Stop." Channie would do anything to protect Josh, but that book was her only bargaining chip. "I'll do it. I'll open the book ... if you swear a death-pledge to never harm Josh again."
Momma narrowed her eyes and continued to blast Josh. "Open the book, Chastity."
Channie gritted her teeth. If she showed even a hint of weakness, Momma would call her bluff. "If you kill Josh, I won't help you. You'll never know what secrets lay inside that book."
Momma blasted an extra burst of power into Josh's twitching body then released him and tore at her hair, ripping fistfuls of grey fluff from her scalp as she screamed obscenities. When she finally calmed down, she stared at Channie for a few moments, obviously measuring her resolve.
Channie fought the urge to glance at Josh and lifted her chin as she glared at Momma.
Momma sighed then said, "All right. But I expect a death-pledge from you in return."
Channie nodded. Then closed her eyes for a moment as she tried to remember what Aunt Wisdom said when she bound Hunter with a death-pledge. The exact words weren't important, but it was crucial that she didn't leave anything open to interpretation.
Momma's hands felt like chunks of ice as she placed one over Channie's heart and gripped her wrist with the other.
Channie completed the binding grip before Momma could change her mind and said, "Do you, Prudence Belks, solemnly swear to never harm Joshua Abrim, also known as Valor Veyjivik, by direct or indirect means, upon pain of death?"
Hatred radiated off Momma. She trembled with obvious rage, but she didn't try to reword the pledge or escape the binding grip. She dug her nails into Channie's wrist then said, "So long as you, Chastity Belks, also swear upon pain of death to do everything I command from this moment forward, I do so swear or my life is forfeit."
Channie bit her lip to keep from smiling as Momma's magic flowed over their clasped wrists and up their arms. She was no longer Chastity Belks. Any promise sworn under that name could not bind her. "I---"
"Wait!" Momma's magic stopped its forward progress and pulsed, waiting for the final word to seal the spell. Momma smiled and shook her head then began again. "Do you, Channie Abrim, also known as Chastity Belks and Enchantment Kerns, swear upon pain of death to do everything I command from this moment forward?"
Channie's head bowed under the weight of her disappointment. She was prepared to make any sacrifice to save Josh, but the moment of false hope was worse than no hope at all. She closed her eyes and said, "I do."
Momma's magic plunged into Channie's heart-of-hearts with a searing pain that dropped her to her knees. Binding spells weren't supposed to be painful ... unless broken. Momma'd hurt her on purpose.
She glared at Channie and said, "Now open the book."
Channie's gaze swept over Abby's lifeless body and Diego's crumpled form then settled on Josh's beautiful face. "I will. But please ... let Diego take Josh and the boys away first. The book is dangerous."
"Obey me or die."
Channie's breath exploded out of her lungs as magic squeezed her chest, crushing her heart. She clutched her throat with one hand and reached for the book with the other. As soon as her fingers brushed its blood-stained cover, the binding power of her promise released its death-hold.
Her hands trembled as flames danced across the open page.
Momma tore the book from Channie's grasp, but she dropped it with a yelp of pain. "Why can you touch it when I can't? What have you done to my book?"
"Do you honestly believe the book's going to let you handle it after you tried to kill its rightful owner?"
Momma shoved Channie out of the way and leaned over the book squinting at the shimmering words. She howled like a wild animal then grabbed Channie's neck and forced her face over the book. "What's it say?"
The words were small and ornate, difficult to read but far from illegible. "You can't read it?"
Momma shook Channie until her vision blurred. "If I could read it, I wouldn't be askin' you to do it for me, now would I." Momma's gaze shifted to Josh's supine body. "Your traitorous husband's tampered with this book."
Had Momma already forgotten her death pledge? If Josh weren't already so weak, it might be worth it to let Momma curse him. The death pledge would probably kill her before she killed Josh, but "probably" wasn't good enough. Channie swallowed and touched Momma's elbow to redirect her attention. "We should take a picture before the message fades."
Momma pressed her fingers against her temples and said, "I ain't got no camera."
"Use your phone. It has a built in camera."
Momma dug her iPhone out of her purse and shoved it into Channie's hands. "I don't know how."
By the time Channie found the right app, the message had already started to fade. She snapped the photo, saved it, then glanced at Momma to be sure she was still preoccupied with the Book of the Dead, and emailed it to Josh.
Channie handed Momma her phone with the photo loaded on the screen.
Momma scowled at it then handed the phone back to Channie and pulled a pencil and small notepad out of her purse. "Read it out loud, nice and slow."
Channie couldn't refuse without risking death. She waited for Momma to nod after each line before reciting the next.
Fate is fickle and ever-changing
Our lives and fortunes rearranging.
Release this book into the daughter's care
But of the mother, let all beware.
For evil lurks in a corrupted heart
And seeks its own will to impart.
The blood of the daughter can not repay
The debt of the mother 'til solstice day
"Stop! Read that last bit again."
Momma gnawed on the end of her pencil as hope cut through the bands of fear squeezing Channie's chest. She tried to keep the excitement out of her voice as she repeated the last two lines...
"The blood of the daughter cannot repay the debt of the mother 'till solstice day."
Momma screamed "Damn it!" then hurled her notepad against the far wall.
Channie bit her lip to keep from grinning. She had a little over eight months until solstice to figure something out --- unless Momma killed her in a fit of rage first. That thought squelched any impulse to smile.
Momma rubbed her forehead and paced. Four steps towards the door, pivot, four steps back, pivot ... She repeated the pattern three times then stopped and glared at Channie as if it were her fault she couldn't kill her today.
Channie dropped her gaze in false humility and held her breath until she heard Momma sigh. She waited for Momma to retrieve the notepad she'd thrown across the room then snuck a glance at Josh. Still unconscious.
Momma smoothed the ruffled pages with the side of her hand then tapped the paper with the tip of her pencil and said, "Read the rest of it."
Channie cleared her throat and obeyed.
Heed not the call, nor summon to war
But with wisdom bind and restore
The ancient clan now torn asunder
By greed and fear and royal plunder.
Go to the place where it all began
And seek the help of a broken man.
All that was lost shall be reborn
When you face with courage, your duty sworn.
Son of Vengeance heed the sign
And fight for the good of all mankind.
You must win the race, though your heart be weary,
And see it through with eyes blinded and bleary.
Defeat corruption with righteous valor
And the noble strength of royal power.
Remember your vows on solstice night
Then follow your heart to set things right.
When Channie finished, Momma took a deep breath then patted the back of her head as if her hair were done up in the tight bun she used to wear ... when she was still sane.
Her eyes lost the crazy look as she seemed to calm down. She even smiled at Channie. But a rattlesnake's grin would have been more comforting.
"Well, baby girl, it looks like we get to spend some quality time together -- until the end of June."
Channie's heart stopped for a full two seconds, then hammered her ribs. It was better than dying today, but June was only three months from now. "The book is referring to winter's solstice."
"It didn't say winter or summer. So that means either one will do. And I choose June."
"You can't kill me until December. If you do ... the sacrifice won't work."
Momma cocked her head to the side. "I guess that means we're going back home."
"To Arkansas?"
Momma jerked her head around and glared at Channie. "Of course to Arkansas you stupid Empty."
"Why?" The question popped out of Channie's mouth before she could stop herself. Stupid Empty was right.
Channie cringed, but Momma's mood had already shifted again. She said, "Heed not the call, nor summon to war but with Wisdom bind and restore the ancient clan now torn asunder by greed and fear and royal plunder." Her eyes glazed over for a moment then snapped back to Channie. "It'll be so nice to see Wizzy again. And to think we'll be the ones to bind and restore our clan. We'll be famous among mages! Everyone will honor us."
"The book wasn't referring to Aunt Wisdom, the word wasn't even capitalized. And it's the Veyjiviks' clan the book wants to restore, not ours."
"Shut up."
"Look at the book. It's still Valor Veyjivik's name on the cover --- not yours."
"I said ... shut .... up. That's a direct order. If you want to live 'till June, I'd suggest you obey."
Channie pressed her lips together so tightly they went numb. If she didn't manage to escape before June 20, the day before solstice, she'd break the death-pledge on purpose.
Momma seemed to read Channie's mind. "If you think to rob me of your beating heart by triggering the death-pledge before solstice; my final act will be your husband's death."
Channie choked on her rage, but kept her mouth shut. Her own final act would protect Josh, and everyone else, from the crazy bitch that had replaced her momma.
\*\*\*
Momma put her palm between Channie's shoulder blades and gave her a shove towards Josh. "Go say your good byes, baby girl. I want you to remember what you're risking if you choose to defy me."
Channie flew across the room and gathered Josh to her breast. She didn't care what Momma's motivation was, she was just grateful for the opportunity to touch him one last time.
She wished with all her heart that she'd let Josh talk her into going back to bed instead of going to school this morning. Momma would have still found them, but not before they'd had a chance to express their love for each other in the most intimate way possible.
"Channie?" Josh's voice was weak, barely audible, but it pierced her heart. "Babe? What's going on?"
"I have to leave ... with Momma---"
"The hell you do." Josh struggled to sit up.
Channie pressed his head back against her chest and kissed his brow. She had no problem restraining him in his weakened condition. But she couldn't keep him from using the last bit of magic in his power-well to cast his shield over her.
"Josh, don't waste your energy. It's too late."
"The only way that crazy bitch is leaving here with you is over my dead body."
"Yeah, that was pretty much her plan. I swore a death pledge to obey Momma."
Josh's lips parted as he sucked in a quick breath. When he exhaled, it was equally as quick and shallow, sort of a reverse gasp. No detail went unnoticed as she studied him. His eyes darted back and forth as he lifted a trembling hand to cup Channie's cheek.
She leaned into his palm and sought to burn every sensory detail of this moment into her memory --- the warmth of his hand, the silky texture of his curls, the faint scent of sandalwood and lemon on his skin. This final moment together would give her strength in the days to come.
Josh lifted his other hand to Channie's cheek and pulled her closer, as if to kiss her, but his lips never even brushed hers. He angled her head to the side and whispered in her ear. "Why did you do it?"
"To save your life."
"I have no life without you."
Channie edged around to steal a peek at Momma out of the corners of her eyes. She still had her head bowed, studying her phone, comparing the photo of the book's message to her handwritten notes. Channie guessed that Momma didn't believe she'd read the words correctly and was trying to decipher it for herself. Theoretically, that could keep her busy for hours.
The knife was on the floor in the middle of the room ... in plain sight. Was Momma so engrossed in the message that she wouldn't notice Channie creeping closer? She doubted it. Besides, if she retrieved the knife wouldn't that count as disobedience? Would she trigger the death-pledge if she took it?
Josh said, "You made her promise not to hurt me, didn't you?"
"I had to. She would have killed you."
"Better me than you---"
"You don't understand!"
"We can argue about it later, but since she can't hurt me, let me take care of her while she's still distracted."
"You mean ... kill her?"
Josh's jaw muscles twitched as he ground his teeth. "That's exactly what I mean, and yes, I can do it."
Channie didn't doubt for a second that Josh would do his best to kill Momma, but she wasn't sure he could do it without hesitation. Channie had already killed two men, she should have been tougher, but her hesitation to plunge the knife into Momma's back had cost her the opportunity to save them both. Josh was no killer. There had to be another way. "Josh, listen. I emailed you a copy of the book's message from Momma's phone. She knows she can't sacrifice me before the summer solstice in June. That gives you three months to come up with a plan to rescue me."
"No. I'm ending this right now."
"You aren't immune. Momma can still kill you. It'll trigger the death-pledge and kill her too, but she won't care."
"I don't care."
"I do!" Channie pressed her forehead against Josh's. "If Momma tries to kill you in front of me, I won't be able to stop myself from attacking her. It'll trigger my own death-pledge. Even if you survive ... I won't."
"I can't let her take you."
"You can, and you must."
"If you can distract her long enough for me to grab the knife---"
"No. It's not worth the risk."
Momma's voice set Channie's teeth on edge. "That's long enough. We need to get on the road."
Channie leaned forward and kissed Josh's mouth, even as she pulled away from him. It was a quick kiss, but filled with all the love and passion she possessed. "Be brave, Josh. Study the words of the book. Follow it's instructions to the letter. And then come find me."
Josh's eyes widened until his irises were surrounded by a ring of white. All the color drained from his face as he clutched Channie's arms. "No!"
Momma stomped her foot and snorted. "I said ... let's go!"
The pain that shot through Channie's chest was only partly caused by the death-pledge. "No matter what happens, I'll love you forever."
"Channie!" Josh's voice broke as he called out her name.
She pressed her palms over her breaking heart, and bit her lip to keep from whimpering as the pain grew more intense. She said, "I know it's hard, but you have to let me go."
Josh released her arms, and staggered to his feet. His gaze darted to the knife on the floor then back to her face. Channie scrambled to her feet. She could see it in his eyes. He could barely stand, but Josh wasn't going to let her go without a fight.
\*\*\*
Josh's shield collapsed as he lunged towards the knife. Momma looked up then jumped to her feet. But instead of attacking Josh, or cursing him, she cast a mild be-calm spell on him. He swayed for a moment then stumbled forward --- right into Momma's waiting arms. At first, Channie thought Momma had triggered the death-pledge when she dropped to one knee. But she was only lowering Josh to the floor.
Channie sank down beside him.
Momma was as tender and careful as a young mother with a newborn babe. She laid Josh's head in Channie's lap and smiled at him as she brushed the curls off his face. "You're too weak to be darting around like that. You need to rest. Sleep. Save your strength."
No wonder the death-pledge remained dormant. Momma had interfered with Josh's plans, but she hadn't done him any harm. In fact she'd helped him. He was weak. He did need to rest. The be-calm spell was mild enough to be good for him.
Momma said, "Haven't you heard the saying, 'Discretion is the better part of Valor?'" then giggled at her own pun using Josh's power-name. She smirked at him and patted his cheek ... a little too forcefully to be a true act of affection.
Channie hoped Momma would give in to her insane, violent urges and slap Josh. But she reeled the crazy back in before it could trigger the curse. She said, "You'll feel much better by morning," then stood up and wiped her hands on her jeans as if touching Josh had somehow contaminated her. "Come on, baby girl. It's time to go."
"Yes, ma'am." Channie didn't want any question about whether or not she was being obedient. She pulled a cushion off the sofa and placed it under Josh's head then stood up. He looked so peaceful. But it wouldn't last. The instant the be-calm spell wore off, he'd come charging after them without a thought to his own safety. He'd already proven he had no intention of obeying the Book of the Dead even though that was their best chance of surviving the next few months. If only Josh weren't blinded by love, maybe he'd act a little more rationally.
"Momma? Can you cast a remember-not spell on Josh? Make him forget he ever met me ... so he won't follow us." Just the thought of it punched a hole through Channie's heart but she couldn't think of any other way to protect him. She prayed that the book's message she'd sent to his phone would be enough to guide him through the treacherous months ahead.
Momma blinked and arched her eyebrows. "That's a very good idea."
Josh groaned as he lifted his hand three inches off the floor. He shouldn't be able to open his eyes, much less move.
He trembled as he reached for Channie. "No."
How was he able to speak?
"Don't."
Channie glanced over her shoulder to be sure she wasn't gonna piss off Momma then knelt back down and pressed her hand over Josh's heart. "No spell can break our bond." Their heart-bond glowed and shot beams of golden light between her fingers. Channie leaned over, blocking it from Momma's view, until Josh was able to pull it back inside his heart-of-hearts. She pressed her cheek against his and whispered, "Remember our wedding vows?"
Josh lifted his chin, a tiny nod.
She whispered the prophetic words into his ear. "Look upon each other's face and bind yourselves with courage and grace. When time and distance keep you apart, let love protect your spell-bound hearts."
Josh's body trembled under Channie's hands as she kissed his brow. "Even though your mind forgets, your heart will remember. I love you Joshua Vincent Abrim."
"Channie!" It was barely a whisper but she heard the agony in his voice as if he'd screamed her name.
She kissed him again ... one last brush of her lips over his. "It'll be better soon. I promise."
Momma said, "Get out of the way. I don't want you to forget him."
Channie backed away in slow motion ... studying every detail ... the width of his shoulders ... the angle of his jaw ... the stubble on his chin ... the shape of his lips ... the deep blue color of his sapphire eyes ...
She pressed her hand over her shattered heart and whispered, "Never. I could never forget him."
Channie could see the effects of Momma's spell as it attacked Josh. Agony twisted his features into a mask of pain as he fought back.
Their bond flared, filling the room with a brilliant golden light as Josh reached for her once more. He whispered her name then sighed and closed his eyes. Their bond faded. Darkness reclaimed the room.
Channie now knew the true meaning of Empty.
In Praise of
Enchantment: Book One
Amazon Bestseller Top 20 in Children's Fiction, Sports and Activities
"This book will make you believe in magic."--- J. Timothy King author of From the Ashes of Courage
"This unique addition to the paranormal romance genre deals with teenage sexuality in a nuanced yet discreet way ... recommended for fans of the Twilight series, Harry Potter, or paranormal romance in general."--- Jared Oliver Adams author of Whiteface and One Good Thing
"This book took me to places I've never been ... Once I was
drawn in, I was unable to put it down until the end." --- Shannon Dermott author of Beg for Mercy
"Magic, treachery, humor and thrills ... flat out fun to read. Five Stars!" --- Ben Langhinrchs author of My Cozy Chair (review blog)
"The writing is superb, really polished plot and characters ... a whole new world to get lost in." --- Jason Matthews author of The Little Universe and Jim's Life
"Every girl wants their prince charming to be just like Josh. It made me cry and laugh and gasp ... a make your heart warm and tingle kind of love story!" --- Natasha
"If you crave excitement and danger with your romance and can't get enough of Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins, or Cassandra Clare make room on your Kindle for Enchantment!"
The third and final book of The Channie Series will be available September 2012
Charlotte Abel was born and raised in Oklahoma. She spent many happy summers visiting relatives in Arkansas. She now lives in Colorado with her husband, Pete and loves hiking, biking, snowshoeing and skiing in the Rocky Mountains, but will always have a special fondness for the Ozarks.
Visit her at TheChannieSeries.com
You can also find Charlotte at Amazon.com and Goodreads.com
Check out Channie's Diary online
If you enjoyed Taken I hope you'll recommend it to your friends and write a quick review on Amazon.com
So many people contributed to this process, I hesitate to thank anyone, lest I forget someone. With that disclaimer ... I must thank my editor, Carol Burkett and Kris Kendall, my publicist. The value of their support, friendship and guidance is beyond measure. They are both worth their weight in gold.
I'd also like to thank my early beta-readers and reviewers: Karla Hernandez, Nicole Passante, Jessica Ramierez, Stephanie Redwine, Maghon Thomas and Terri Thomas. Without them, this would be a very different book. They all deserve power-names of their own.
I will be forever grateful to Orson Scott Card for encouraging me to turn the short story I wrote during his workshop into the first novel of this series, Enchantment.
A special thank you to my friends, colleagues and mentors at the Indie Book Collective: Carolyn McCray, Amber Scott, Rachel Thompson and Taylor Lee.
Meeting Destiny Excerpt
Read a bonus excerpt from Meeting Destiny by Nancy Straight --- Available now!
Chapter One
Seth stopped by to get a salad halfway through my shift -- it's one of the only things he'll eat from the menu. "I'm hitting the library. You need a ride home tonight?"
I shook my head, "No, I'll catch a ride with Melissa. Call me later?"
"Sure, but it'll be late." He leaned across the counter, "I miss you already." He's the sappy romantic type. Seth and I have lived next door to one another our whole lives, our moms were best friends in high school, and we've been dating, I guess, since middle school. As I watched Seth make his way to the parking lot, I saw someone coming through the door who made the hair on the back of my neck stand on end.
I watched the man closely, not paying attention to the order monitor or anything Melissa said. He must have felt me staring at him because he caught my gaze for a second. Neither of us moved. He stood two steps inside the doorway as if arguing with himself whether he wanted to be here.
The man had bushy brown hair that looked as though it hadn't seen a comb in days and likely not any kind of shampoo in weeks. His hair lay in all different directions. It looked dark brown, but I couldn't tell if that was really the color or the grease from neglect. His face looked like leather, covered in stubble, with deep crevices from the sun. He had a slender build, his cheeks were sunk in, he was tall, easily five eleven, maybe an inch or two taller.
His clothes were a mess. He was wearing a dirty white t-shirt hidden under a thick green winter coat. The coat looked like the old Army jackets from the sixties with a large silver zipper. The coat's length hung well over his thighs. It was unzipped and hung over blue jeans that were too long and too big for his frame; maybe at one time they fit his waist, but that was at least twenty pounds ago. His appearance made me think of a homeless person, maybe an addict whose addictions had shrunk his body, maybe a vagrant happy to find a decent pair of jeans from Goodwill.
His appearance didn't disturb me nearly as much as his expression. It was as if he were looking through the people, like the people in the restaurant didn't actually exist. The hair on my arms joined the hair on the back of my neck, all at attention. I felt an uneasiness I'd never felt before. I don't know how I knew, but I knew this man was trouble.
I scanned the room and saw several tables had opened up. It looked like there were maybe twenty customers, not nearly as many as just fifteen minutes ago. All seemed to be oblivious to this newcomer.
"Lauren!" The voice caught me off guard and quickly brought me back to reality. Melissa looked frustrated with me, "I need four fries and two cheeseburgers." From her stare, she must have had to repeat herself. I watched as the customer wearing the green coat moved from the door to her line. I put the fries and cheeseburgers on the tray and pretended to be looking up at the order monitor.
Embarrassed, I managed, "Sorry, I must have been daydreaming for a second."
Only two orders were in line. A woman in her late thirties who looked like she had just left an office, had her four-year-old son in tow. The four-year-old was babbling as if he'd not been able to talk all day. I only vaguely heard his questions, "Mommy, can I have a toy? Can I have a boy toy? I don't like the girl toys. Remember when I got a doll? I want French fries. Can I have chicken? Mommy..."
The green jacket guy was bad news, and I knew I had to get Melissa away from the counter, even if only for five minutes.
Before the exhausted mom could place her order, I tapped Melissa on the shoulder. "Hey, Wanda wants you to go inventory the freezer." I am a horrible liar and anyone who knows me well can see through me immediately. I made a conscious effort not to make eye contact with her. I told myself I just needed her out of the way until the green jacket guy left.
"No way, I didn't bring a coat. I'm not doing the inventory." She blasted this louder than I had expected, and I winced, turning around to see if Wanda had heard the exchange. Wanda was assisting the drive-through and luckily paid no attention to the two of us. "Besides, I did it last week and did a miscount - too many beef patties on this week's shipment. Wanda told me not to do the inventory alone again - ever."
I needed to make this sound good, so with as forceful a voice as I could muster, I looked straight into her eyes, "Look Melissa, I've got plans tonight and can't work late. You can't handle the front by yourself. If we're going to get out on time you have to figure out how to do basic math!" My angry voice devastated my upbeat friend, and the hurt on her face was as clear as if it had been written in marker. "Just go."
Stepping to the register, I put my back to Melissa, betting she would depart without any argument. I took the order for the mom and son while watching every move from the man in the green jacket. He was looking around wildly at each of the exits, over his shoulder, through the windows; I did my best not to catch his eye again. Rather than piecing their order together and going on to the man in the green jacket, I waited for their order to be complete.
I took a deep breath and told myself I was overreacting. He didn't force his way to the front of the line. If he were really dangerous, he wouldn't have acted like a normal customer. It's not like I haven't served people who were poorly dressed and in need of better hygiene. I tried to tell myself that he was just a hungry man in need of a shower.
No, if anything, I have learned to trust my instincts, and every fiber of my being told me this guy was bad news.
As I got the exhausted mom's to-go order, I was thankful that she was as anxious to leave the restaurant as I was for her to get away from the man standing two feet behind her. Her son continued with an endless string of questions, although I believed she was tuning him out as well as I was. The working mom thanked me and walked straight to the nearest exit.
My stomach felt like I had eaten a rock - or maybe a whole box of them. The ache from my stomach now joined the tiny hairs on my neck and arms that hadn't relaxed since this stranger walked through the door. My heart started racing so fast that I could actually feel my pulse through my skin.
With as cheerful a voice and smile as I could produce, I finally looked at the man and asked, "May I take your order?" This was the first time I had made eye contact with him since he first stepped through the door.
His hands were in the pockets of his jacket. He broke eye contact and looked at the menu behind me. In a hushed voice, he whispered, "I sure am hungry."
Rather than a smart response like, "Well duh, this is a restaurant," I waited patiently, looking at him with what I knew was a pleasant look on my face.
My heart refused to slow down. "Take your time," I answered as casually as I could. I looked down at the register, thinking that too much eye contact might agitate him. I realized that by now Melissa was safely in the freezer, probably pissed, but at least she was safe. I told myself that five minutes after this guy left, I would go back and apologize to her and explain that I'm really a lunatic instead of a jerk.
"I know what I want," his voice boomed. I looked back at him, before my eyes reached his, they stopped at his waist where I could see he had a gun. I stared at it as he slid it back into his pocket. I was thankful that he was not trying to frighten the rest of the customers in the restaurant. Knowing the potential horrific outcome, I was relieved that it was just he and I who were aware of his gun. Unfortunately, he was the only one aware of his intentions.
I kept my eyes trained on his pocket. Without looking back to his face, I asked, "What can I get for you, sir?" My voice didn't crack, and I gave no indication of the fear that enveloped me. I believe my reaction, or lack thereof, might have surprised him a little.
He paused, eying me carefully before he demanded, "I'd like some food and any cash you have in that drawer." I could see he was pointing his gun through the pocket of his jacket as he motioned to the cash register.
I finally broke my gaze from his jacket. I remained as calm as I could, "Okay sir, le' me get your order." Not wanting to take a chance at him staying here one second longer than he needed to, I grabbed a smorgasbord of food from the counter. Chicken sandwiches, fish sandwiches, double cheeseburgers, hamburgers, fries and onion rings. I grabbed a handful of all the condiments in the bin and put it all in our largest to-go bag.
I moved to the register and prepared to hit the cash sale button when I heard that same high-pitched voice that I was certain had just left the restaurant.
"Hey! I didn't want a girl toy. I'm a boy." The child was notably upset, but I didn't take my eyes off the man with the gun. I reached under the counter to get the boy a new toy. My fingers struggled to find the large toy box without the aid of my eyes showing them the way. I grabbed a handful of them and passed at least five to the boy without even looking at him.
The man with the gun was infuriated. In a thundering voice, he shouted, "What the hell are you doing? You're ignoring me to give this little brat a toy?" His voice was fierce, and the look he had for me was vicious.
Quietly and only to the man, "It'll only take a second." The toys were already in the boy's hands, "and he'll get out of the way." The man's uproar caught the attention of several of the customers, as well as Wanda, the manager on duty. I knew if Wanda saw anything she didn't like, she would be at my side in the blink of an eye.
I didn't break eye contact with the man and made my body language as relaxed as possible. In the most cheerful tone I could project, "I've almost finished your order." I wondered to myself if it sounded too strained? I was sure it did. I willed in my mind for Wanda to stay where she was.
Wanda must have heard what I had just told the man, but thankfully she didn't come to my assistance. I knew she was watching closely, but at least she was watching from a distance. I didn't dare turn around to see.
"I want a robot. I already have all the cars. Can I have the blue robot? My dog chewed up my other one and I really liked it. It was my favorite." I felt his hopeful smile beaming at me.
His mother appeared behind him, "Frank, don't be so demanding; she doesn't have a blue robot and she's very generous to give you so many toys. What do you say to her?" She smiled at me oblivious of the danger in a green jacket.
The little voice responded, "But I already have all these. I want a blue robot." The sweet expression that was there a second ago evaporated.
Without breaking the gaze of the gunman, I answered the boy, "I'm sorry. That's all we have. Have a good night."
The child stomped his foot and screeched, "But I already have all these!"
His mother was obviously accustomed to his tantrums and did her best to get him away from the counter without a full-blown melt down. She called, "Goodbye Frank, I'm leaving" and started walking to the door. The child erupted with tears, screamed and threw his body at the counter.
My attention never left the gunman, I saw him rotate his body toward the child, the gun drawn. The fury on his face was evident. I didn't think. I just reacted. I leaped over the counter between the furious gunman and the unruly child.
It sounded like a door slammed. The noise must have rattled the gunman as I watched the fury on his face melt into sudden fear. When I first got over the counter, I wasn't able to stand upright immediately. I've never been all that graceful, and leaping over a counter made me a little woozy. I could see the confusion on his face as my body was clearly protecting the child. I used as authoritative a voice as possible. "Leave the boy alone. I'll give you what you want. You don't need to use the gun." He looked at the child on the other side of my body, but then returned his wild gaze to me.
The gunman opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His eyes were wide with fright. I wasn't sure but guessed in that second my sudden movement across the counter must have been more graceful than I realized. I must have thrown him off guard. "You can put your gun away; I'll give you the cash, just don't hurt anyone." My voice was forceful, and I realized instead of moving away from him, I was actually leaning into him as my volume increased.
All the fear and anxiety I had felt disappeared. It was replaced by a new wave of confidence. I knew it was likely short-lived and probably a byproduct of all the adrenaline I had pulsing through my bloodstream. My only priority was the safety of the people in the restaurant; I considered moving toward the cash register but believed that might be too offensive of an act. It was bad enough that I was leaning toward him, no sense giving him the indication that I was going to tackle him.
Much to my surprise, he put the gun back in his pocket and turned away from me. I was vaguely aware of the customers diving to the floor, trying to locate whatever protection a table might give them. I heard several screams, but they seemed so distant. The man grabbed the bag of food from the counter, and in one smooth motion, he rotated his back to me and was out the door in seconds.
Frank's mother had been at the opposite door from the one the robber had just run through. When I looked at her again, she was standing behind me screaming. Why would she scream after the man left? I didn't believe anyone had even paid attention to the man but me; hearing her screaming after the fact was just plain weird.
Wanda ran from behind the counter, phone in hand as she ran to the door he had just bolted through. She reached for the deadbolt latch and turned it. She grabbed her keys from her pocket and locked a second lock into the floor, nervously jerking it into position. Then she pulled the wire mesh from the ceiling down to the floor, and locked it the way we would if we were closing the restaurant.
She sprinted past me, pushing the screaming mother out of the way. Wanda nearly yelled into the phone, "There's been a robbery at Tasty Burger, 1545 North Main Street. Send the paramedics."
She was obviously not thinking clearly. She had asked for paramedics when she should have asked for the police. As I thought about it, the paramedics were a good idea; the child's mother was still screaming with loud sobs behind me. She must have gone into shock or something.
I was in awe of Wanda. How did she know to react so quickly? The police must show up automatically for a robbery. They'll think this is a waste of time when they find out the robber only got away with $30 worth of food and condiments. The thought of explaining what happened to the police made me laugh -- not many folks get held up for cheeseburgers.
I realized that Melissa was still in the freezer, and I needed to go tell her what happened. I started to go around the counter as Wanda finished locking the second door the same as she did the first. This whole effort of locking deadbolts and engaging the high security doors took less than forty-five seconds. I'd never seen Wanda move so fast. I caught Wanda's eyes as she was walking to me and told her as quietly as I could, "I've got to get Melissa out of the freezer." Wanda grabbed my arm to stop me.
"Let's get you to a booth and elevate your leg."
Confusion must have spread across my face as I stared at her, "My leg?"
Wanda very gently picked me up, my head and shoulders resting on one arm and my legs draped over her other arm. Wanda was wicked strong. How had I never noticed before?
I didn't understand why she was carrying me to a booth. I looked at my leg, and all I saw was crimson. Still confused, I looked over my shoulder for a broken ketchup bottle that I must have knocked over; then the realization hit me; that crimson was warm and wet on my leg. It was my own blood.
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This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
TAKEN
by
Charlotte Abel
Copyright 2012 by Charlotte Abel

