The Beltane Witch (Cloudburst Colorado) Read online

  “Mommy, are you okay?” Holly’s voice sounded fearful and something in Darius’s chest clenched.

  “I will be, honey. I just need to get some sleep.” Sabrina took Holly’s hand.

  “Okay, I’ll help you get to bed.” She released her mother’s hand and ran to the bed, jerking back the covers. Matilda helped when they proved too heavy.

  Sabrina leaned on Darius as he assisted her across the room. While she’d stayed upright, her skin turned ashen and he sensed she suffered more pain than she let on.

  She sat down with a sigh and closed her eyes, her mouth tightening. Darius wished he could help her, but his healing skills had always been meager, and the only real cure would be rest.

  Kneeling before her, he took a deep breath. “Sabrina, look at me, please.”

  At his gentle command, she opened her eyes. The pupils dilated evenly with the light and she appeared able to track his movements.

  “We need to clean your hair and then you can rest. It will hurt.” They grimaced at the same time and a ripple of amusement shifted through him. “Do you have any frankincense or lavender oil?”

  She started to nod, but halted the motion. “Yes, in my bathroom cabinet.”

  Darius looked over his shoulder at the plump woman. “Can you get it for her?”

  “Oh!” Matilda bit her bottom lip. “What does it look like?”

  “Small brown glass bottle with a purple label that reads lavender.” Sabrina’s shoulders slumped as her strength waned and Darius’s concern ratcheted up another notch.

  “How are you feeling?”

  She rolled her eyes toward him. “How do you think?”

  He gave her a half-smile. “Well enough to give me some sarcasm.”

  “No, not even that well.” She sighed and knuckled one eye. “I just want to sleep.”

  “Here’s the lavender!” Darius wished Matilda would stop speaking in exclamations, but he took the bottle from her and gently applied the fragrant oil to Sabrina’s wound.

  She hissed with pain and his gut clenched. She bore his continued ministrations stoically as he helped her to the bathroom and washed her hair in the sink. Crimson stripes swirled to the drain against the white porcelain and Darius wished he could turn back time to change the events.

  If you did, you wouldn’t be here in her house, where you were meant to be from the beginning.

  He’d much rather have seduced his way into Sabrina’s house than overruled her with her friends’ encouragement, but he’d take what he could get. She’d proven a formidable opponent when it came to determination.

  Darius wrapped a towel around Sabrina's shining brown locks and carried her back to the bed with Matilda trailing after them, wringing her hands. All the fight had fled from Sabrina’s frame and she settled easily into the sheets. The lines of strain around her eyes and mouth worried him, but in uncharacteristic concern, he sent a prayer up to the Mother Goddess in hopes She would help Sabrina mend quickly.

  “Get some rest, acushla,” he whispered before he laid a gentle kiss on her brow.

  One lavender eye opened in surprise. “What was that for?”

  “For luck and blessings. Now rest.” He offered a smile to take the sting from his words.

  She looked at him a moment longer before her eyes closed and she settled into sleep.

  “What should we do now?” Matilda’s voice seemed too loud for the bedroom and he drew her out into the hallway.

  “I suggest you let her rest. Sabrina will mend more quickly. Perhaps you could prepare a simple luncheon for us to be saved for when she awakens?” He pushed a gentle compulsion into her thoughts and she nodded, worriedly.

  As the babysitter retreated into the kitchen, Darius prayed Matilda’s fears, and his own, remained unfounded.

  Chapter Four

  Sabrina woke to the sounds of a bass drum pounding in a slow rhythm and pain throbbing in time with it. She moaned, adding a new sound to the steady thumping. She opened her eyes and scanned the bedroom. Swarthy shadows cloaked the room and the silence beyond her own rustling movements told her the sun had set for the day.

  What day was it? She couldn’t quite recall, but she remembered…what? Sabrina rifled through the images in her head, but she kept coming back to a bridge in the mist and a pair of amazing teal eyes. That doesn’t make sense. Where the heck did I go today?

  She tried to find memories of the day, but nothing came to mind and she groaned in frustrated pain. Why in the Goddess’s name did she hurt so bad?

  Her sound must have been louder than she thought because the door opened and soft light from the hallway pushed back the darkness. The vision filling the doorway made even less sense than her memories, and she wallowed in confusion for a few moments.

  Tall, broad, and unquestionably male, the figure slipped into the room on silent feet and clicked on the reading lamp beside her favorite chair. More light flooded her room, highlighting the tawny shoulder-length hair and teal eyes of the man beside her bed.

  Teal eyes…

  “How are you feeling?” His voice reminded her of comfort and protection, the rich tones soothing her concerns.

  “Hurt…” She didn’t think the sound could reach to his ears, even standing beside her, but he crouched and brushed a hand across her forehead.

  “I know, acushla. I will help as much as I can.” He settled his weight on the bed beside her and grasped her head between his warm, broad hands. “Close your eyes for me.”

  Sabrina didn’t argue and settled back into her pillow, trying to ignore the pounding throb in favor of his physical heat. With the warmth came his scent, spicy and male, seeping into her consciousness and adding another level of comfort. She wanted to wrap herself up in it, but her headache broke through the pleasure.

  Heat from his hands increased around her head and sweat popped out on her skin. It pushed away the pain, but the pressure built until something snapped, and the pain drained out of her. Sabrina sighed in relief and all her tension slid away as she melted into the bed.

  “Feel better?”

  “Yes, thank you.” She opened her eyes. “What time is it?”

  “It’s close to midnight.”

  “What are you doing awake?”

  “Checking on you.” Darius smoothed the hair back from her face. “Are you hungry?”

  She almost shook her head, but thought better of it. “No, but I am thirsty. Is there any tea?”

  “Not yet. Shall I brew some for you?”

  “I can—” She started to rise, but he pushed her back down.

  “Be at ease, Lady Foxglove. I have some small skill at preparing tea.” He gave her a sexy, lopsided smile. “Perhaps you’d allow me to care for you a little longer.”

  “I don’t really have any choice, do I?” Sabrina eyed his self-assured expression. “You’re here now. You’re not likely to leave short of me physically throwing you out, and I’m in no condition to throw anything.”

  Darius shrugged. “I suppose you could always use a banishment spell, but it would seem rather ungrateful since I have helped you.”

  “Banishment spell?” Sabrina bit her lip. “What are you talking about?”

  He cocked his head. “You don’t know about banishment spells?”

  “No. Would it really get rid of you?”

  He nodded. “Much like they say revoking permission prevents vampires from entering your dwelling.”

  She’d ask about vampires later. “How does it work?”

  “If you don’t know the spell, I won’t teach you now.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because it’s imperative I stay and help you ready yourself for the Court’s arrival.” He crossed his arms over his broad chest.

  “I don’t know you, Mr. Winterbourne. You’re a stranger and I’ll do everything in my power to protect my children.” She gritted her teeth as she prepared to get up.

  “Peace, Lady Foxglove.” He laid a warm hand against her shoulder. “I mean you and
your children no harm.”

  “How do I know that? Words aren’t very substantial when I know nothing about you.” She shook her head slowly to keep from jarring it. “I’m sorry, I’m used to doing everything myself, and it won’t change just because you think you can do better.”

  Darius’s expression turned mutinous, but he tipped his chin up and placed a hand over his heart. “Upon my honor, my family name, and place as the Summer Court’s Chamberlain, I swear I mean you and your family no harm, and I shall do my utmost to help and protect you all.”

  A ripple of energy swirled around them and spread throughout the room at the end of his vow.

  Sabrina blinked. “Did you see that? What was it?”

  Darius grasped one of her hands. “I made a solemn vow and the Goddess accepted it. I’m now under oath to do as I promised.” He squeezed her hand. “And you’re not alone. I’m here to help.”

  “And convince me to do the rituals,” she remarked drily, grimacing.

  “It’s immaterial at the moment. For now you must rest and recover before you’re able to do anything.”

  “I’m not an invalid, Darius.”

  “No, you have a head injury.” He released her. “Allow someone to help you so you may return to your regular routine. Is it not customary to have one’s friends step in to offer support?”

  “Yes. But I’ve only known you…a few hours.” Sabrina gasped and tried to rise. “Oh Goddess, what about Tansy?”

  “Peace, Sabrina, she is safely in bed. Matilda picked her up at school while I stayed to watch over you and Holly.” He again kept her in the bed. “They were well cared for while you rested.” He frowned and studied her for a few moments. “Where is the girls’ father?”

  Old patterns of anger and hurt rose in her mind, rumbling through her gut and tensing her shoulders. Probably off fucking some buxom bimbo without stretch marks. The unhappiness churned in her gut until she felt as if she’d throw it up. Let it go, he’s not worth it. But the fury remained.

  “I don’t know. He left after Holly turned six months old.”

  The silence between them thickened with unspoken anger and disgust, but Darius only nodded sharply. “Was he your husband?”

  “No.”

  “And he left after Holly, your youngest, was born?”

  “Yes.” Sabrina turned her head away from him and closed her eyes. She’d been a fool. She’d thought they were in love and believed Tommy wanted her for her. But he’d walked away because her body had changed with the pregnancies. He’d told her he’d only been “trying” the Goddess’s path. Yeah, he’d only been “trying” it for two and a half years, two children, and then ran off with Merrilee Fuckstwice. But I’m not bitter.

  “Perhaps it’s something to be grateful for.”

  “What?”

  “A man who leaves a woman and children is lower than pond scum.” Darius’s teal eyes glittered in the dim light. “But a man who leaves his wife and children is only good for cannon fodder in a losing battle.”

  Despite the old anger, Sabrina laughed. “I’ll have to remember that.”

  His face creased into a smile. “In the meantime, just rest while I fetch the tea.” He patted her arm and rose.

  Sabrina watched him saunter out of her room, wondering for the hundredth time what motivation bubbled around in his head. It made no sense to injure the person he wanted to perform the rituals, but he’d definitely manipulated his way into her home, something he’d expected when he first arrived. On the other hand, he’d saved her from Tír na nÓg without hesitation and swore to protect her and her children before the Goddess.

  It’s simply because he can’t have a dead witch to perform the rituals.

  She couldn’t argue the point, but her gratitude for his help remained. And he continued to help even now.

  Sabrina worried the debate back and forth until Darius returned carrying a tray with her favorite tea set and a little bowl. He set the tray on the chair and helped her sit up higher on the bed.

  “How is your head feeling now?”

  “Better. Tender near the gash.”

  “It will be for a few more hours.”

  “Hours? Not ‘days?’” She flattened the covers over her lap and Darius set the tray on the flat space.

  He gave her a funny look. “I expect you to heal yourself faster given all your obvious ability. Besides, we don’t have days before the Summer Court arrives. You must be ready for Beltane.”

  Sabrina sighed and set down her cup. “You just don’t get it, Darius. I’m not doing the rituals. For one thing, my head isn’t going to just miraculously heal in time. And for another, there’s no suitable male counterpart for the full rituals.” Tommy’s betrayal burned brightly for a moment, but she shoved it aside. “Most of the men around here are either married or don’t follow the Goddess’s path, and I draw the line well before any of those options.”

  “The Summer Queen will find a suitable male to impersonate the May Lord, Sabrina. The only thing required of you is to be the May Lady.”

  “No. I’m done with the High Beltane rituals.” She leaned back and closed her eyes. “We’re just going to do our usual. Light the fire, give it our offerings, and wind the little May Pole in our backyard. It’ll have to do for the Goddess this year.”

  “It’s not the Goddess who insists, but the Summer Queen.” Darius clenched his jaw. “You don’t understand. Once this honor is given, it cannot be revoked. You’ve been chosen for the rituals.”

  “And you don’t understand. Unlike you, I don’t live in the world of the Sidhe. I live in this one and after the Summer Court leaves, I’m going to have to deal with the consequences, not the least of which will be some of my neighbors. You saw what Marty and the others think of an unwed mother. I’m not getting married just to appease them, but I won’t chance another pregnancy just to satisfy the Elves.”

  “Children are a blessing.”

  “Yes, they are, but those blessings take a lot of time, effort, and attention, and I only have so much I can give. I already have two blessings and they’re enough for me to take care of on my own.” Sabrina stopped, frustration and pain making her head throb. “Look, Darius, I appreciate the vote of confidence from the Summer Court, but I’m not the witch for the job. You’ll just have to find someone else or go elsewhere.”

  She set the tray away from her body on the unused side of the bed. “I’m tired. I’ll talk with you more about it tomorrow. Please turn off the light when you leave.” She rolled onto her side with her back to the door.

  She hated letting anyone down, but she’d made a decision after Tommy left. She’d live quietly, celebrate simply, and take care of her children honorably. Bitter experience taught her men remained undependable and the only one riding a white horse and saving her was her. Darius didn’t really need Sabrina Foxglove to do the rituals. Any witch who followed the sacred ways of the Goddess would do.

  I’m sure Merrilee Fuckstwice would be happy to perform them.

  Anger, pain, and loneliness mixed into a bitter brew and crashed over her. Tears squeezed out of her eyes. No matter what, she wouldn’t give in to more pain and humiliation.

  ****

  Darius closed the door to Sabrina’s house softly and settled his cloak around him as he traversed her frozen yard. Her resolute stubbornness surprised him and he’d started to wonder if she could be convinced at all. Her voice had been full of pain and betrayal, but he didn’t think it all stemmed from the near-death experience she’d had at the coffee shop.

  Whatever betrayal she’d experienced, it had pushed her away from the healing rituals and the development of her own natural gifts. Darius suspected it had to do with the man who’d walked out on her and his lip curled in disgust at the cock-swinging churl who’d mounted Sabrina and run from his responsibilities. Darius had no problem with recreational pleasure, but running from responsibilities sickened him. He had no patience for it.

  So now he stood in a frozen fores
t in the dying grip of winter waiting to speak with the Summer Queen of the Sidhe. He’d received a message from Her Majesty while he’d prepared Sabrina’s tea and he had no idea how he’d tell the Queen of Sabrina’s refusal. He suspected Her Majesty wouldn’t take it very well. He doubted anyone turned the Queen down, not and lived happily ever after.

  He could almost hear Her Majesty’s voice saying, “You’re in a position to take care of things like this. I do not care how, just make it happen.” And he would, he simply needed a little more time. When the Queen of the Summer Court called for an audience, any Chamberlain worth his mettle would never refuse.

  The air around him shifted from biting winter cold to a soft, spring breeze. Frost under his boots melted and the ground grew fragrant. The surrounding trees sprouted new life from embryonic buds and a soft glow permeated the dark forest, pushing back the cold shadows with healing warmth.

  Darius shifted into a bow as the Summer Court materialized around him. Tall forms of the Queen’s most favored courtiers filled the widening space around him between the softly glowing trees. Scents of hyacinth and honeysuckle replaced the winter pine immersed in damp cold. Darius closed his eyes and bowed lower as sibilant whispers of the Court took the place of the soughing wind.

  “Be welcome, Chamberlain Winterbourne. What new developments have you to tell Us of our Beltane ceremonies?”

  Darius rose and opened his eyes to gaze upon the Summer Queen. Girlishly slender and smooth of skin, Her Majesty never seemed to age. Her ancient green eyes twinkled with continued amusement at his surname. Taking a Winterbourne as her Chamberlain had been her way of thumbing her nose at the Winter Court. Though younger than most of her Royal Elven cousins, the current Queen had assumed the throne when Titania stepped down after the Midsummer’s Night Dream debacle in the early 1500s. Darius had been appointed her Chamberlain soon after.

  Well, “soon” as Elves figure it.

  “I have not made too much progress, Your Majesty, but it is early yet and I’ve only just gotten into the witch’s good graces.”

  Her Majesty cocked her head. Today her white-golden hair had been gathered up in a complex chignon wound around a delicate gold filigree circlet with emerald oak leaves, the symbol of her house. The air around Darius cooled a little as the Queen rose from her throne and closed the distance between them.