02

As I came out of my thoughts, I gave a shake of my head, heaved a sigh, and glanced at my dash clock. I couldn’t put the moment off any longer, and reaching out, I placed the pickup in gear and began moving forward between the trees that flanked either side of the drive.

When the colonial/academy finally came into view, the moisture already coating my eyes increased, Grandma had loved this place. With that thought, I once again wiped at the tears sliding down my cheeks, then pulled in among the vehicles already parked about the grounds. 

With a release of breath from the anxiety gnawing at my stomach, I opened the door of my pickup and stretched my legs toward the ground. Afterward, gaining my feet, and with nervous fingers, I straightened the plain, black dress I’d chosen to wear. After checking to make sure my hair was still pinned in the twist I’d placed it in, I stepped forward.

All too soon, I stood on the huge porch, my chest heaving, and my vision darkening around the edges, alerting of a quickly approaching panic attack.

“Okay, get a hold of yourself. You got this!” I coached silently, as slowly filling my lungs with a breath of air, I raised my hand and reached for the knob. 

After pushing one of the double-oak doors open, I stepped into the great hall, then followed the sound of voices. I drew to a stop at the entrance of the parlor, suddenly feeling as if I were on display when everyone turned to look in my direction. Beneath their gazes, I felt somewhat like the elephant in the room and found myself growing self-conscious. However, I didn’t miss Michelle Chastain and her flock huddling together; the snide remarks started to fly immediately among them.

“Someone must have forgotten to close the front door, and allowed a piece of trash to drift in,” Michelle said nastily.

Several snickering bells of laughter echoed out from the group before another voice among the bitch-squad declared, “She needs to just jump on her broom and fly the hell back to wherever she's been—oh wait, she can’t...she’s a dud.”

An immediate surge of anger washed through me. It’s not like witches really flew on brooms, but nonetheless, her meaning was clear. Nothing ever changed. I felt no surprise about my reception from Michelle and her bunch though, for they had always looked at me as beneath them. It appeared the placement still held strong. 

I wasn’t like them. I hadn’t shown the propensity toward magic they had. I’d shown little ability in casting spells or potion-making. It wasn’t that I couldn’t. It wasn’t that I held no magic. In fact, it was quite the opposite. I was filled with it. However, I wouldn't classify myself as a witch alone. I was capable of performing spells and making potions. So capable, that what I could do, went beyond what any other witch I’d ever heard of could do, and that included the Anderson lineage. And over the years, as my abilities grew, so did the sense of urgency that I keep the fact to myself.

Ears hot with anger, I turned away from their cruel barbs, my intent was to get the hell away from the whole damn hateful lot. Yet, I found myself coming to a complete standstill when a warm hand landed on my shoulder and the familiar scent of Rook surrounded me, sending weakness all the way to my toes. Need nearly buckled my knees, and I wanted to turn and lean my head against the broad chest of the man behind me, to allow all my grief and fear to wash away within his comfort.

That’s what I wanted, but not what I could allow. Stepping away from his touch, I turned until I was facing Rook, and found myself greeted by a set of eyes filled with anger, and an ice-draped voice that, as his gaze raked over me from head to toe, nearly froze me to the spot as, voice void of emotion, he said, “Catriana.”

Everything in me died at that moment, for though impractical and selfish, I hadn’t wanted anything to change between us—only things weren’t the same, and never could be again.

My gaze shifted to Michelle, who had pried herself away from her flock of gaggling geese, and now stood plastered against Rook, gloating at me from his side.

Feeling as though I wanted to throw up, I stepped around them and hurried away, needing distance between me and the source of my pain.

~~

Half an hour later, I sat in the large library in shock. Oh sweet mother of mercy, what in the name of Hecate?

I jumped to my feet and stared at Rook as I choked out, “Are you serious?”

Rook gave a slow nod. “You left the city, not the coven, Catriana, so under its rules, you are to go under protection, just as all of the other members have done. Until we can figure out just who murdered Grandmother, all the members of our coven are staying here within the academy.”

I gaped at him, exclaiming, “But, I can’t stay here!” Then the full impact of his words sank in, and I gasped, “Wait! Grandma was murdered?”

Rook inhaled deeply, stating, “For some reason, I assumed you already knew.”

I just shook my head and rolled my eyes. “How Rook? Tell me, how was I supposed to know? I haven’t been here! I haven’t been in contact with anyone for more than a year, remember?”

Rook’s body tightened. “And that was your fault!” he snapped. Then after a slight pause, he continued, “Nevertheless, Catriana, you are staying.”

Angry, yet terrified of what this could mean, I exited the library and made my way back out into the hall before taking a left, I headed toward the back of the house and toward the conservatory. I hoped to find Keeley. I needed answers, but I was too upset to get them from Rook. I’d already been around him too long as it was, so Keeley would have to provide the information.

As I entered the room, Keeley looked up and caught the storm clouds brewing in my eyes, hers just as stormy as mine.

Making my way over to the chunky piece of furniture, I flopped down beside her. “Rook is aware this is kidnapping, right?”

Slowly, she shrugged. “Our coven—as well others—are taking the same precaution and going on lockdown.”

Keeley grew silent for a minute, then staring at me, she angrily spat, “More than a year, Cat? How could you? How could you have left us with no way to find you? Left us without a way to know of your welfare? That was really a bitch move,” then her whole body became wracked with huge, sorrowful sobs.

I leaned over, pulling her into my arms and settling her head onto my shoulder, I pushed back my questions as beginning to rock I breathed, “I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry, Keeley. Hopefully one day I can explain.” At the same time, I allowed her to cry out her pain and grief at the loss of our grandmother and her anger at me for leaving.

As I rocked, my eyes remained closed, but I felt a presence enter the room, and a peculiar tingling began near the rounded curve of my shoulders, next to my spine. Without moving my head, I continued resting my cheek against the top of Keeley’s head, having little doubt of the source behind the sensation.

Slowly opening my eyes, my gaze locked with Rook’s and I could see within his, something lurking within their depths as he stared back in my direction. Whatever it was, however, was quickly wiped with a dark sweep of his eyelashes, as scowling, he ordered, “Both of you, come to the parlor. We’re having a meeting in five minutes,” then turning, he stomped back out of the room.

Keeley, having pushed out of my arms, watched as Rook crossed the room, then turning her still partially angry gaze on me again, she asked, “You know he’s in love with you, right? When you left, you tore a hole right through him.”

I snorted, jealousy spilling past my lips. “If what I saw today was any indication, I’d say he found a way to fill it with Michelle.”

Keeley snorted and just shook her head. “She means nothing to him.”