The Beltane Witch (Cloudburst Colorado) Read online

  “I’m here for Sabrina Foxglove. Is she in today?” Merrilee’s voice didn’t sound so husky when she wasn’t moaning.

  “Yes, I think she’s straightening the shelves. Do you want me to call her?”

  “No, I’ll just find her.”

  Great. Sabrina stifled the urge to bolt for the back door. Why would Merrilee need to see me? I don’t remember any of Two-Face’s allergies.

  “Sabrina, thank the Goddess you’re all right!”

  Sabrina raised her eyebrows as Merrilee grabbed her hand and squeezed, her expression full of relief. Since when did the woman care what happened to her lover’s ex? A woman who’d stolen her lover from said ex.

  “I heard what happened yesterday at the roller rink and I was so worried.” Merrilee scanned Sabrina from head to toe. “Did Marty Robinson really attack you in the parking lot? In front of your girls?”

  “Yes.” Gosh, I’m so glad the gossip chain is alive and well. “But he’s been arrested, so it’s fine.” And thank you for reminding me of how scary it must have been for my kids.

  “Oh my, I would’ve been so scared.” Merrilee shifted her weight back on one leg and patted her ample bosom. “But they and you are all right, right?”

  “Yes. Thank you for asking.” Maybe Merrilee had some compassion after all.

  “Good, good.” Then a perfectly crafted smile slid across her plump rosy lips. “Maybe he’s jealous of your new beau. I hear he’s quite the handsome one.”

  Sabrina felt her burgeoning smile freeze and become brittle. The question raised her hackles. Is Merrilee in the market for a new man? They’d never been close enough to share “girl-secrets”, even when they’d attended the same coven. But the way she smiled suggested the tart fished for information. What, tired of Tommy already?

  “Oh? Where did you hear that?” Sabrina turned back to her job, straightening products as she continued down the aisle.

  “Well, half the town saw him with you at the rink, skating with your girls.” The way Merrilee kept putting the ownership on Sabrina made her ears twitch, as if Tommy had nothing to do with making their daughters. Takes two to tango, sweetheart.

  “But not you?”

  “I don’t have kids. I don’t need to go there much.” Merrilee didn’t quite put her nose in the air, but her serene smile and flat belly said enough. No kids. Tommy liked those things especially about Merrilee. That, and the big tits.

  Sabrina nodded. “How’s Tommy?”

  Merrilee waved her hand and tossed her head. “Oh, you know, he’s okay. Getting ready for Beltane. We’re having a big celebration and bonfire in Durango. Are you celebrating this year?”

  Tommy’s lies stabbed at Sabrina between her shoulder blades, but she’d known they’d been excuses at the time he left. Still, it hurt to think he’d said one thing and done the opposite. Sabrina tried to focus on her work, but Merrilee’s question hung in the air between them, and she returned to her internal debate. She’d be celebrating, but not the way she suspected Merrilee Fuckstwice thought.

  “Because if you’re not, you should come with us.”

  “Come with you?”

  “Yeah, me and Tommy and the rest of the Malachite Coven. We’re leaving tomorrow night to spend the day in Durango. Get someone to watch the kids and bring your man. It’ll be fun.” Merrilee gave her a blinding smile as if they’d been secret friends forever.

  In the past, Sabrina might have found the trip to Durango for Beltane an exciting adventure, but the idea of having sex with a stranger in a fertility ritual had lost its luster. Yeah, two kids will do that. And she had no desire to be with her ex and his current lover.

  “Actually, I already have plans, but thank you.” She didn’t know which plans she had, but she’d do just about anything to put Merrilee off.

  “Oh, well, if you change your mind, you’re always welcome. You and your guy.” Merrilee sounded truly disappointed.

  “Thanks. Have a nice time with Tommy and the Coven. Who is performing the rituals this year?”

  A smug smile spread across Merrilee’s face. “There are actually three couples from the three attending covens performing the blessings.” She flipped her ponytail over her shoulder. “Tommy and I got the honor for the Malachite Coven this year.”

  “Ready for motherhood?” Sabrina muttered under her breath.

  “What?”

  “Congratulations on the honor. You must be very excited.” Sabrina tried to focus on rearranging baby oil. Between the Summer Court’s attendance at her own festivities and Tommy’s penchant for fertility, Merrilee might get more than she bargained for.

  “Yes. I wish you could come see it.”

  Ewww! Saw it once in my own bedroom, thanks.

  “Are you sure you’re busy?”

  “Yep, got my own celebration planned.” And I’ll be doing it with a man who knows my worth. Sabrina resolutely ignored the warm glow suffusing her chest from the thought.

  “Well, okay, then.” Merrilee looked like she wanted to say more, but she swallowed her words when Sabrina turned her attention to the diapers. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I’m glad you are. I can’t imagine what would happen to those kids if you weren’t.”

  “Fortunately, nothing happened. I’m okay. Thanks for stopping by.”

  Merrilee hesitated at Sabrina’s polite dismissal, but she nodded and waved. “Take care and blessed be.”

  “Blessed be.”

  Sabrina watched the woman saunter out into the spring afternoon and tried not to give her a one-finger salute. Disgust simmered just under her skin. First, Merrilee had fucked Sabrina’s lover in their bed, then she had the gall to invite Sabrina to watch them fuck for Beltane. Sabrina gripped a bottle of suntan lotion until her knuckles turned white as her stomach churned.

  Let it go. She’s just a horny little slut. Tommy is perfect for her.

  The rest of Sabrina’s day dragged on and she tried not to watch the clock. The interaction with Merrilee had left her feeling dirty and she desperately wanted a shower. With a whole bottle of body wash. And her kids could help her scrub the ick away.

  Freedom beckoned and she almost skipped to her van when the time came. She let her mind wander over what needed to be done and it slid back around to Merrilee’s visit. Sabrina stopped hard as the real reason the younger woman had been concerned for her occurred to her. If Sabrina had died at Marty Robinson’s hand, Tommy would have to take the kids, and Merrilee didn’t want Sabrina’s kids anywhere near her.

  “You smarmy bitch!” The fury in her own voice startled Sabrina and she forced herself to calm down before she drove off the road. “Let it go. Water under the bridge.” No amount of fury would change what had happened.

  Besides, I have a much better man now.

  Except, Darius didn’t really belong to her, and he wouldn’t be staying after Beltane. Sorrow disproportionate to the situation settled over her shoulders and she sighed. Why couldn’t it work out like all those movies she liked to watch? Like it worked out with Tommy?

  Perhaps she could take what she could get this time and let the rest go. She could pretend the man chosen for the May Lord wore Darius’s face. The traditional mask worn for the rituals would help with the fiction. She could make some nice memories to hold on to after Darius left. Hot, sexy memories she could savor for her nights alone.

  So I guess I’m doing the rituals. She sighed again, the truth settling into her gut. Let’s just hope I don’t get pregnant this time. And she could pretend Darius cared for her.

  Chapter Ten

  Sabrina found Tansy chatting with Darius in front of the school and tender warmth suffused her heart. Mrs. Lincoln hovered nearby, her eyes trained on the stranger speaking with her student, but Sabrina waved her off as she stepped out of her van.

  Darius had said he’d be there to pick up Tansy and his actual presence made her yearning come back. She wished he could be there every day to pick up her daughter from school. Stop wishing for
unicorns. Just do the rituals and hope for the best.

  “Mommy!” Tansy leapt into a run for the van. Darius followed more slowly, a welcoming smile curling his lips. “Today we made May Poles with ribbons to tie on for May Day.” Tansy held up a little dowel strung with a rainbow of cloth ribbons. “Now my dolls can celebrate Beltane, too.”

  Sabrina laughed. “That’s right, honey. What a marvelous idea.” She hugged her daughter. “Clip yourself in. Let’s get home so I can make those brownies for your class tomorrow.”

  “Can I help, Mom?” Tansy settled in her seat.

  “Sure.”

  Sabrina retreated around the side of the van before Darius could reach or touch her. She wasn’t quite ready to tell him about her decision. Darius climbed in the passenger seat as she settled behind the wheel.

  “How did your day go, Darius? Anything exciting happen after I left the police station?”

  She ignored the voice accusing her of stalling. She needed to fortify herself before she took the plunge and admitted she’d participate in the rituals.

  “Nothing too exciting.” Amusement filled his voice, but she didn’t know what he found funny. “Your police Lieutenant is very protective of his residents and required me to vouchsafe my presence here.”

  “He didn’t do a background search, did he?” Nothing like getting the Department of Homeland Security involved with a man who lived in the Fae world.

  “No, no, nothing so drastic. He simply wanted to ascertain my motivations for being here.”

  “Did you tell him about the Beltane?” Just what she needed; the whole town knowing she had to have performance sex. It might put a crimp in Merrilee’s tail, heh.

  “I did, but only as a reason for my presence, not in regards to your own participation.”

  Sabrina sighed. “Yeah, well, I suspect he knows what my participation will be. Goddess, I hope he’s discreet.”

  “The Lieutenant struck me as a man of honor. He won’t tarnish your standing in the community.”

  Would it be so bad for the town to know she fucked for the Fae? Stop being so crude. It’s a high honor to perform the full rituals. She’d certainly win points with the Malachite Coven. She rolled her eyes. She no longer wanted to worship with them, especially when Tommy and Merrilee remained active members. There’ll be no living with them after Durango.

  And they’d never know she’d done the rituals here at home. Thank the Goddess they’ll be away.

  “I hope he’ll keep it to himself. After the day I’ve had, I don’t need any other rude surprises.”

  “Oh? What happened today?” Darius lost his easy smile.

  “Mom! I forgot my gloves at school. We have to go get them.” Tansy’s voice edged toward panic.

  Sabrina smiled apologetically at Darius and focused on calming her daughter. “Don’t worry, Tansy. Where did you leave them?”

  “In my desk. We have to go back.”

  “It’s okay. They’ll be there when you go back tomorrow. No worries.”

  “Okay.” Tansy brightened. “Can we make mint frosting for the brownies?”

  “Brownies don’t need frosting.” Sabrina laughed.

  “Please?”

  The plans for Beltane and Tansy’s brownies distracted Sabrina as they arrived home. Holly had given herself a splinter in her hand from trying to stack more firewood, and Matilda seemed happy to head home. Darius helped Tansy get started on the brownies as Sabrina comforted Holly, then dinner had to be made and the demands of the evening superseded the events of the day. Sabrina forgot about Merrilee and the High Beltane rituals until dinner had been cleaned up and the girls put to bed.

  Sabrina settled into her comfy chair with a hot mug of tea and closed her eyes. May Pole erected and covered in ribbons? Check. Firewood chopped and stacked? Check. Cider pressed, boughs gathered, wreaths hung? Check, check, check. Brownies made? Check. She’d finished all her Beltane preparations and could relax.

  Darius sprawled on the couch across the end table from her and she sensed his eyes on her, though she kept hers closed. Maybe if she didn’t look at him she wouldn’t remember she’d made the decision to do the rituals. All because of Merrilee Fuckstwice. The name brought back their earlier encounter and the corners of her mouth pulled down.

  “Are you well, Sabrina?”

  The richness of Darius’s voice reminded her she had to tell him about her decision, and she opened her eyes with a sigh. “I’m fine.”

  He tilted his head, his expression thoughtful. “You said you’d had a rude surprise today. What happened?”

  She chuckled ruefully. “Leave it to you to remember my worse moments.” She shook her head. “Merrilee Fucks—sorry, Lookstwice—came by Mazie’s today, ostensibly to see if I’d survived Marty’s attack.”

  Darius raised an eyebrow. “Merrilee Lookstwice is…”

  “The slut who Tommy decided is better for him since she has no children and bigger breasts.” She heard the bitterness in her own voice. “Sorry. I’m still a little mad he ran out on his children.”

  “I can imagine.” Darius’s face revealed nothing. “What did Ms. Lookstwice want from you?”

  Sabrina barked a derisive laugh. “She wanted to make sure I was okay so she wouldn’t have to take up being a mother to Tansy and Holly. Tommy is their father, so he’d probably get them if I should die.” She grimaced as anger surged. “Although knowing how lazy the bastard is, I suspect he’d let them go to the State first.”

  Darius wisely changed the subject. “Fortunately, you are unhurt and there’s no danger of losing your children.”

  “Thank the Goddess.” She sipped her tea and screwed up her courage to admit she’d changed her mind about the rituals. “She also asked about you and invited us to the big Beltane celebration happening in Durango tomorrow.”

  “What did she wish to know about me?” The amusement returned to his expression.

  “She wanted to know who you were. I didn’t think she needed the information.” Sabrina shrugged and sipped her tea to bolster her courage. “But I declined her invitation to go to Durango.”

  “Oh?” Darius managed to look surprised. “Why? I’d think such a trip would be the perfect opportunity to get out of performing the rituals here in Cloudburst.”

  “It would, you’re right.” Sabrina nodded. “But the idea of spending several days with Merrilee and Tommy, with the added bonus of watching them screw, made me want to walk barefoot across broken glass.”

  Darius laughed. “Vivid image, acushla.”

  “Accurate image.” Deep breath now. “The point is I said I already had plans for celebrating Beltane and couldn’t attend with them.”

  “Oh? And what plans do you have, Sabrina Foxglove?”

  She met his gaze, hoping her thundering heart wouldn’t give away her trepidation. “I’ll do the rituals—the full rituals—for the Fae on Beltane.”

  ****

  Darius didn’t know if he felt relief or sorrow at her admission. He’d expected triumph. Her agreement had been his goal. But knowing she’d probably get with child and he’d return to the Fae Court curdled his stomach. And I haven’t even told her the best part yet. She didn’t know he’d be her partner. Goddess, can I betray her trust more?

  “Darius? You don’t have anything to say?”

  Sabrina’s voice intruded into his thoughts and he pasted a smile on his face.

  “I’m sorry. This is great news. The Court will be pleased to hear of your decision.”

  “The Court will.” She cocked her head. “But not you?”

  “No, no, I’m pleased you’ve made your decision.”

  “It’s certainly easier for you.” She sighed and her shoulders slumped. “But I said it out loud to Merrilee, and while she’s not important, the Goddess is, and I’m sure She heard it.”

  “If it really bothers you so badly, no one would force you to it, Sabrina.” Where were these words coming from? Had he changed so drastically he’d throw away hi
s future, and his family’s standing at Court, for this little witch?

  Sabrina raised her eyebrows. “Are you feeling okay, Darius? I thought you’d be gloating.”

  He shook his head. “I’ve seen how you are with your family and you have enough going on. I don’t wish to add to your responsibilities. Your family is beautiful as it is.”

  She searched his face, as if trying to determine his honesty, and frowned. “What happened today after I left the police station, really?”

  Relieved at the change in subject, Darius gave her a real smile. “Good news, actually. I inquired about the homestead you’d mentioned. The one with the waterwheel and the mill?”

  “Yeah. What about it?”

  “It has been vacant for quite some time, so the land reverted back to the town’s ownership.” He reached into his breast pocket and withdrew the title papers he’d received. “Today I purchased it in your name.” He spread the papers out on the end table and pushed them toward her. “The homestead and all its environs, is yours.”

  “What?” Her gaze dropped to the parchment then back to him. “Why?”

  “Why what?”

  “Why is it mine?”

  “I bought it for you and your family.”

  “Why?”

  Darius stopped before he uttered anything else and tried to formulate a coherent answer. Her response to his gift left him scrambling.

  “Is it not what you wanted?”

  “No. I mean, yes, it’s what I wanted, but why did you buy it for me?”

  Her question hung in the air between them and he didn’t know how to answer it. Why had he bought the land? His mind said he’d bought it for her continued prosperity and protection when he’d gone. But his heart said something different.

  Love.

  And guilt. Even though he’d made the decision to purchase the homestead for her before the Queen had assigned him the position of the May Lord, it rankled. Not only had she agreed to perform the rituals, but he’d enjoy the pleasures of her body in addition to saving his family’s standing at Court.