While he feasts on me, I snatch another strawberry and suck on the tip, matching his prowess as he performs his magic. I enjoy his lovemaking and a few more berries until I can’t hold back. I swing a leg over his back, yelping with my release, and throw the remains of the fruit back on the table. He lays his head against my thigh, sporting an arrogant grin.

“Not aloof at all.” He kisses my inner thigh.

I run my hand through his locks. “Why do you put up with me and my shenanigans?”

“Because I love you, Gwynedd. You’re my heart and soul.”

I lean forward and rub my nose on his. “You’re my…everything.”

He pulls me off the chair, and I fall onto his torso. I kiss him, grinding my body against his groin, swollen and testing the zipper of his jeans. He unzips his pants and pushes them down, hooking the elastic of his boxer briefs on the way.

“Ahh,” he moans. “That’s much better.”

He rolls me over and enters me, starting slowly, and increases his speed with each thrust. At this moment, there are no others in the world. No kidnappers. No supernatural beings. No coven. Only the two of us expressing our passion for each other. If the universe would cooperate, everything would be perfect. Time warps and bends as we make love, so I’m not sure how long it is before Archie grunts with his release. I stroke his firm back while he caresses my face.

“I missed you, stubborn woman,” he says, panting.

“It’s only been four days. How would you survive a month?”

“Not well, apparently.” He rolls off me onto his side. “Gwyn, I truly am sorry about how I reacted to the incident with Seamus. Although I still think it’s risky, you should seek his help to strengthen your intuition.”

“Oh, hell no. How could I ever train with him again, knowing he’s in love with me? Or at least obsessed with my mother’s image in my aunt’s painting. I’d never have the focus I need. You know, he burned lavender incense. That should have tipped me off. He said it was to relax me.”

Archie’s brow furrows. “A wee bit alarming, no? Och, I can’t imagine he used it to influence you. Do you?”

“I’m not sure. A loner witch with poor social skills seems the type to resort to desperate measures. But I won’t embarrass him by asking.” I wipe my face. “Oh, my gods. The expression on his face. He wasn’t just crushed. He was humiliated.”

“Would you like me to talk with him? I’ll be cordial about the situation.”

“No. He asked me not to tell you. But I told him I couldn’t keep this from you. The next time you meet at school will probably be awkward.”

“Aye. I won’t mention what happened unless he brings up the topic.” He caresses my abdomen. “How will you proceed with your intuition?”

“I may ask Aunt Gorawen. I avoided the topic in our video chats because she prefers I increase my use of the crystal grid at a snail’s pace. She’d have a strong opinion about me training with Seamus as well. There would be scolding.”

Archie chuckles. “No doubt about that. A family trait, no?”

“Hmph,” I say, squinting. “Very. Funny.”

“I love you.” He kisses me again. “Every stubborn, opinionated part.”

I sit up straight. “Holy crystals! I almost forgot. Yesterday, I watched Aidan again. For a split second, I swore I saw a magic bubble around him.”

“What?” he asks, sitting up.

“I wouldn’t have thought anything of it except the first time I saw something strange, too. When I returned from the bathroom, there was a halo over him while he was sitting in the time-out chair, fairy wings protruding from his back. I blinked, and the image disappeared. I figured it was PTSD from being in Nick’s old apartment.”

“Quite disconcerting. What message does your intuition send you?”

“There was pinching, and an aura wave swept over me. My best guess is there’s magic lingering in the apartment. What if Nuada’s essence, his soul, is still in there?”

“Ashley should find another place to live. But how do we approach the subject?”

“I’ll have to confide in Jeff. He’ll have to convince her to move out. But let’s see how the next few Mondays go.” I roll onto my side, and my stomach growls.

“Why don’t we get cleaned up, and I’ll cook us a proper dinner.”

“Sounds like a plan, professor.”

Chapter nineteenAn Unexpected Miracle

Over three weeks have passed since the new city ordinance went into effect, and as much as I hate to admit it, the extra street patrols appear to have protected the children of Bearsden—no more reports of kidnappings in our area. But the added protection came at a cost. Every time I tried to sneak into the Celestial Gardens to visit the Seelie Fae, a patrol unit happened by. They have to be itchy by now. I may need to use a masking spell to slip in there soon.

I had to put aside my quest for a more powerful witch’s intuition to complete a research paper by Thanksgiving. Somehow, I managed to avoid running into Seamus at the library, and it’s a relief to be finished and enjoying the holiday, even if it’s cold and overcast.

The Bearsden Shelter has fewer patrons this year thanks to the new jobs training program they funded. Having an office directly on Main Street in Mitchell Hall provided much needed access to those looking for employment. But there are always the unfortunate ones who lose their jobs or get evicted from their homes around the holidays. Some people in this world have no conscience, only eyes for the next greedy dollar.

The last time a few Fellowship members volunteered on Thanksgiving, I’d just discovered I was a witch. Unbeknownst to us, an evil Seelie Fairy called a Sluagh was preying on homeless men in Bearsden that fall. A couple of local drunks crashed the shelter’s holiday dinner, carrying in one of its victims. I sure hope no one drops dead bodies on the celebrants today.

Each member of our coven volunteered to help at least a few hours. Even a few of the city council members are here, including John Erickson. Courtney has joined us, too. She’s making sure the condiments table remains full. Still suspicious of her intentions, I plan to watch her like a bird eyeing a wiggly worm.

As patrons slide their food up the tray slide, I scoop up mashed potatoes and drop them onto their dinner plates. Archie is working in the kitchen, carving turkeys as they come out of the oven. Better him than me. Leslie, Tanner, and Spence showed up early to bake desserts. Our resident curmudgeon hedge witch has taken a shift, greeting families as they arrive and directing them to their seats.

I point my serving spoon at Agnes. “Whose idea was it to assign her the welcoming position?”

Ronnie snickers and points to Elijah. “It was the sole job that didn’t require standing on her feet all afternoon, and she had to swear on her pentacle tattoo she’d watch her mouth.”

“She’ll never volunteer again after this, councilman,” I say, spying on my mentor.

Agnes forces a grin, but the expression isn’t fooling anyone. The children cringe and run past her, clinging to the arms of their parents.

“Sure, she will.” Elijah observes her. “Agnes puts on a nasty face, but deep down, I think she likes people more than she’s willing to confess.”

Ronnie snorts. “It amazes me how you remain so optimistic. I commend you.”

“Elijah always finds the good in everyone.” I recall the reflection of my mentor blowing me a friendly kiss in my car’s rearview mirror. “He knows how to read others, Ronnie. Remember, when we needed more…” I stop, remembering to curb what I say in public. “Members. She returned to the Fellowship.”

“Damn straight,” Elijah says, spooning peas onto a dinner plate. “She’d commit crimes to save us all.”

Ronnie snickers. “Like that’s a reach for her.”

We burst out laughing. Scanning the dining area, I find Shane, Skye, Tyler, and Zoe meandering around the cafeteria tables and passing out napkins. Spence exits the kitchen through the metal double doors, carrying a pan of freshly cut turkey slices.

“Make way for the turkey!” he shouts as he replaces the empty container.

“That you are,” Ronnie says, a chuckle breaking free.

Spence glares at her. “Don’t think that baby bump gives you a pass.”