Impassion (Mystic) (30 page)

“Take me where?”

“Anywhere but here.”

Layla turned away from everyone, hiding moist eyes and flexed features. “Should I leave now? Stay somewhere else for a while? Surely that would increase the coven’s safety.”

“It would increase your own,” Serafin answered.

Layla started to say she didn’t care about her own safety and was tired of sacrificing relatives to Agro, but she knew it would get Quin riled up, so she kept her mouth shut.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Quin said, getting to his feet.

Layla flipped her gaze around, mad at first. Then she realized she had nothing to be mad about. “And?”

“And I don’t like it.”

She sighed and looked at her coffee. “I don’t want you guys getting hurt.”

“Of course you don’t, and we’ll do everything we can to keep that from happening. But you’re included in the deal, and it’s your life at risk.”

“I get it, Quin. It just seems like I should be doing something.” She took a deep breath and turned toward her grandparents, still struggling with tears. “Will you let me know if there’s something I can do to help? If I’m included in the deal, I should do my part to make things better. If that means leaving, I’ll go.”

“You’ll stay,” Caitrin refused, “and our family will be stronger for it. When your help is needed, we’ll ask for it.”

“Please do,” she whispered. Then she floated her mug to the table so she could give them hugs, terrified they might be her last.

They told her to try not to worry as they made their exit, and Layla nodded her numb agreement, but her brain said
yeah
right
.

Her eyes stayed on the door long after it closed. Then she jolted when Quin laid his hands on her shoulders.

“It will be okay,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around her stuttering chest.

“That depends on what you consider okay,” she disagreed.

“I know you’re scared,” he soothed. “You have every right to be, but it’s pointless to stew over things that haven’t happened yet.”

“That makes perfect sense to my head, Quin, but my heart has a mind of its own and won’t stop hurting until the people I care about are out of danger.”

“I know,” he conceded, blindly wiping away her tears. “I’m worried, too. But it just so happens I have an excellent reason to be in a good mood.”

Layla cracked a smile, imagining how much worse everything would be if she didn’t have his arms around her. “I like that,” she approved, turning into his chest.

He leaned in, working his lips through her hair to her ear. “Hey.”

“Hey, back.”

“There’s something I want to show you. Will you let me take you away for a while?”

“Umm… I don’t know. I don’t want my grandparents worrying more than they have to.”

“They don’t mind if you leave, as long as you’re with someone they can count on.”

“They’re mad at you, remember? Because of me. I’m sorry I put tension between you guys.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll fix it. My motivations run as deep as their forgiveness. But if you’re concerned they don’t want you leaving with me, I’ll ask for their permission. What do you think?”

“I think you’re wonderful, but it’s my fault they’re upset, so I’ll ask.”

“Nuh-uh,” he murmured, kissing her ear. “If anyone’s asking, it’s me.”

He stepped back and looked her over, pausing to admire her denim-clad legs. “You should wear something more comfortable,” he suggested, finding her eyes. “And you’ll need the flying cloak in your closet. I’ll talk to Caitrin while you get ready. Then I’ll meet you on the lawn.”

“Okay…” she mumbled, looking down at herself. “What would you consider more comfortable than jeans and a t-shirt?”

“Just wear something you can breathe in. You can’t breathe in jeans, but they look fantastic on you.” He stepped forward and slipped his hands in her back pockets, squeezing as he pulled her close. “Don’t worry about getting cold. We’ll stay warm.”

“Something I can breathe in,” she whispered. “Got it.”

He gave her a kiss and another squeeze. Then he nudged her toward the bedroom before showing himself out.

Still daunted by her unfamiliar wardrobe, Layla dove in and shuffled through sections, quickly finding an assortment of casual dresses. Some were formfitting and others were frilly, but there was one style in particular—sleeveless with a cowl neckline and a long flowing skirt—that was nice yet unassuming and relaxed. Apparently other witches agreed, because Layla’s closet held no less than a dozen of the same dress in a variety of colors. She grabbed the white one, hoping she wouldn’t need a bra, because it was the binding brassieres that made her feel like she couldn’t breathe.

As it turned out, the gown’s charmeuse bust had sufficient layers and support, so she shot her bra toward her luggage and headed for the bathroom. She used magic to smooth her hair and freshen her face, but she manually brushed her teeth—a task that couldn’t
quite be replaced by magic. After wiping toothpaste from her lips, she smiled at her orderly reflection. In a matter of minutes, she’d achieved the same look that once took half an hour to get.

She propped her feet on the vanity one at a time, magically painting her toenails coffee-brown with pearly white stars. Then she returned to the closet for her cloak.

Dark green and incredibly soft, the cape had a round emerald clasp, armholes hidden in luxurious layers, and a huge hood with plenty of room for her hair. She walked to the floor mirror, running thick velvet through her hands as she recalled how beautiful her mom looked in a cloak. Then she slipped the material on, fastened the clasp, and raised the hood.

She smirked at her reflection, feeling silly in the witchy attire, but then she reminded herself cloaks were normal in her new world. Nevertheless, she dropped her hood as she headed for the front door. The outfit was dramatic enough without it.

She scanned the lawn as she stepped outside, finding several family members eating dinner. Most of them sat at a table, but Skyla, Brietta, Selena and Alana sat on a picnic blanket. Layla beamed and skipped down the stairs, making a mental note to quit shutting herself in the house.

She smiled and waved at the group at the table, but she headed for the picnic, anxious to see Alana. Apparently the feeling was mutual, because Alana ran to meet her, soaring into her arms from several feet away.

“Waywa!”

“Alana,” Layla returned, hugging her close. “I’ve missed you.”

Alana patted Layla’s cheeks and danced in her arms. “I missed you, too.”

Burying her nose in the toddler’s curls, Layla carried her to the blanket. “Are you having a picnic?”

“It’s a tea pawty.”

“A tea party? I
love
tea parties.”

“You do?” Alana asked, her eyes growing huge.

“Oh yes,” Layla confirmed. “It’s the only way I’ll drink tea. No party, no tea.”

Alana touched a forefinger to her chin, contemplating Layla’s theory. Then she smiled and nodded. “No pawty, no tea.”

Layla laughed. Then she shifted Alana so she could sit on the blanket. “Hey, guys.”

The three witches returned her greeting, but Layla sensed they didn’t know what else to say. Maybe she’d upset them by throwing a fit and leaving the community.

Alana pushed herself off Layla’s lap and walked to the food, magically fixing a cup of tea and a sandwich with a few waves of her hands. “Hewe go,” she said, serving Layla with a smile.

“Thank you,” Layla accepted. “You’re a very prompt hostess.”

“I twy.”

Layla laughed. Then she ate her sandwich while watching Alana brew fresh tea leaves.

Selena held out her cup for a refill. Then she smiled at Layla as she blew steam away. “You look pretty in your cloak.”

“Thanks,” Layla returned, touching the gemstone clasp. “I think Morrigan made it for me.”

“It looks great,” Brietta approved. “Are you going out?”

“Um... I don’t know. Maybe. Quin wants to take me somewhere.”

“Not fair,” protested Skyla and Brietta.

“What?” Layla asked, flipping her gaze between them.

“We wanted to take you out earlier today,” Brietta answered, “but we were told not to bother you.”

“They told us to wait a couple of days,” Skyla added.

“Oh,” Layla mumbled, touched by their thoughtfulness. “To be honest, today was a bad day, but I’d love to hang out with you guys. Just let me know when. If it’s okay with the coven, it’s okay with me.”

“How about tomorrow morning?” Brietta asked.

“Sure,” Layla agreed. “As long as my grandparents don’t mind.”

“I’ll ask,” Brietta offered. “Aunt Morrigan hates telling me no.”

“I’m sure,” Layla laughed. “I imagine you’re very convincing.”

“It’s a gift,” Brietta boasted, flashing an impish grin. “And I shall use my charms tonight.”

“It won’t always be like that,” Skyla assured.

“Like what?” Layla asked.

“You won’t always have to get permission to scratch your back,” Skyla explained. “That must drive you up the wall.”

Layla took a moment to carefully consider her reply. Then she gave it with hot cheeks. “It takes some getting used to, but only because it’s different. My departure yesterday was inconsiderate, and I’m sorry. You guys have turned your lives upside down for me; the least I can do is keep my butt in line.”

“Well I’d be going nutty if I were you,” Brietta said, popping a grape in the air.

Layla smiled as she watched Brietta catch the fruit in her mouth. Then she shrugged. “For the past three years all I’ve done is stay home or wait tables at the diner, so I’m used to going nowhere. At least now I have magic to play with and people to see. It’s definitely an upgrade.”

Everyone within earshot stopped what they were doing and looked at her, their expressions sympathetic and thoughtful as they scanned the air around her.

“I don’t know how you did it,” Skyla concluded. “I’d be lost without my family and magic.”

“I didn’t know any different,” Layla replied, fidgeting with soft grass, “so it was normal, but now that I’ve found this life, I’d have a difficult time living the old one.”

“Good thing you’re here to stay,” Quin cut in.

Alana squealed as she leapt from the blanket, and Layla twisted around, watching Quin pluck the toddler from the air.

“Hello, Alana angel. Are you having a tea party?”

“Yes,” she answered, patting his cheeks. “Do you want tea?”

“Not tonight, my love. Maybe next time.”

“Otay, put me down. I get Skywa tea.”

He obeyed then smiled at Layla. “Did you eat?”

“Yes,” she answered, making sure she didn’t have crumbs on her cloak.

“Good,” he approved, summoning a sandwich from Alana’s tray. “Ready?”

“Sure.”

Layla turned to the tea party attendants, feeling guilty for running off so soon after poking her head from her shell. “Let me know about tomorrow, Bri.”

“Okay. I’ll call you in the morning.”

Layla smiled at Alana and lightly poked her tummy. “Thank you for letting me join your tea party.”

“You’we wewcome,” Alana replied, moving in for a hug, which Layla eagerly accepted.

“See you later, angel.”

“Bye, Waywa.”

Layla said a quick goodbye to the others. Then she accepted Quin’s hand and let him pull her to her feet. He popped the final bite of his sandwich into his mouth, chewing as he ran his gaze from her head to her toes. Then he led her to her grandparents, who swarmed her with hugs and kisses.

After another round of goodbyes, Quin guided Layla into the shadows of her house. “That cloak looks lovely on you,” he said, turning her toward him.

“Thank you,” she replied. “Did you bring me into the shadows just to tell me that?”

“No. I could shout that to the world.”

He opened his mouth, like he was going to make an announcement, and Layla laughed as she covered his lips. “Don’t you dare.”

He grinned and kissed her fingers. “Okay. Not right now.”

“So why are we in the shadows?” she asked.

“This,” he answered, leaning close. His lips met hers for a long kiss. Then he pulled away and scanned her face and aura. “We need to conceal ourselves.”

“Oh. Okay. Don’t let go when you’re invisible.”

“I won’t be letting go. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

He reached around her, carefully pulling her hood over her hair. Then he magically donned his cloak. “Go ahead and conceal yourself.”

She disappeared, both body and aura without hesitation, and Quin’s eyes widened as he searched for shimmers. “That’s amazing, Layla. You’ve nearly mastered concealment in a matter of days.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Your spells are better than mine.”

If he could see her, he’d see she didn’t believe him. “You’re just trying to bolster my confidence,” she accused.

“I’m telling the truth,” he countered, “and I can prove it. Cast your spells on me. Then you’ll see for yourself how well they work.”

“I don’t know how to cast them on others.”

“It’s the same concept as everything else. Just give it a shot, whichever way makes sense, and see if it works.”

Layla watched his face as she plotted her course. Then she let go of his hand and stepped closer. “Ready?”

“Yes.”

She hovered from the ground, but Quin’s gaze stayed in place, ending up on her invisible breasts. She grinned as she inched closer, holding her breath. Then she took his cheeks and dipped her head, passionately kissing his lips. He jolted as he gasped her in. Then he wrapped her in a hug and kissed back.

Layla purred as she worked her magic, sending it through his lips and over his flesh, and he shivered while deepening his kiss.

When she pulled away and opened her eyes, finding nothing but air, she puckered and stretched her fingers out over his invisible face. “It does work well, but I dislike not being able to see you.”

He nuzzled her palm and kissed her wrist. “It’s nearly sundown, so we won’t have to stay this way, but we don’t want to be seen leaving or entering the community.”

“I still don’t like it,” she pouted, tucking her face in his neck. “Can we fly like this?”

He secured his hold and kissed her curls. “That’s a fantastic idea,” he approved, and without another word he shot into the air.