The sun had yet to rise when Aedan entered the skies above Oregon Sunday morning, so he couldn’t properly view the thriving terrain he’d heard so much about. He didn’t mind. He had plenty of time to discover its secrets, and a beautiful local to whisper them in his ear.
Shortly after bypassing Portland’s urban glow, Aedan descended into a dark forest of towering timber, landing on an empty lawn.
“Welcome home,” Rhosewen purred, burying her face in his chest. “I hope you’ll like it.”
“As long as you’re here,” he assured, “I’ll love it.”
Once inside, Morrigan showed Aedan to the guestroom. Neither she nor Caitrin had demanded he sleep away from their daughter, but Aedan volunteered, eager to avoid an uncomfortable situation and desperate to make a good impression.
“May I call my parents?” he asked, gesturing toward the phone on the dresser.
“Sure,” Morrigan answered, heading for the door. “But it’s barely six in the morning in Virginia.”
“They won’t mind.”
“Of course they won’t. Join us for a bite to eat when you’re done. Then we’ll get some sleep.”
She left the room, and Aedan picked up the phone, dialing his parents’ number.
“Hello?” Serafin answered.
“Hey, dad. We made it.”
“Good,” Serafin approved, clearing the sleep from his throat.
“Did you find Medea?” Aedan asked.
“No.”
“Damn,” Aedan mumbled, rapping his knuckles on the dresser.
“We told her coven what happened,” Serafin went on, “and you’ll never guess what they said.”
“What?” Aedan asked.
“That she’s been unraveling for a while now,” Serafin answered. “They were wondering how long it would be before she snapped.”
Aedan ran a hand down his face, wishing he’d been there to give Medea’s coven his opinion.
Serafin harrumphed. “I know what you’re thinking. Why the hell didn’t they do something about it? And believe me, I asked.”
“Did they answer?”
“Apparently they tried to cleanse her with gemstones, herbs and some light spell work, but she was resistant and they don’t have anyone committed to healing. Their knowledge on the subject is pitiful.”
“They could have found at least a dozen people willing to help,” Aedan pointed out.
“True, but I think they’re ashamed of her. It seems they were trying to keep it to themselves, hoping she would get better on her own. Obviously not the wisest choice, but I think they realize their mistake.”
“Too damn late.”
“So it would seem,” Serafin agreed. “We waited with her family until nightfall, and we called her parents before bed, but she never came home.”
“This is bad news,” Aedan whispered, glancing at the window. For all they knew, Medea could be creeping into the community.
“I wouldn’t worry too much,” Serafin insisted. “She’s probably hiding out, nursing her cheek and ego. Rhosewen damaged both.”
“That’s why I’m worried,” Aedan countered. “Before, Medea was mad at me. Now she has an excuse to seek revenge on Rose.”
“Good point,” Serafin conceded, “but try not to drive yourself crazy over it. We’ll put out the word that we’re looking for her, and we’ll keep visiting her community. We should hear something in a day or two.”
“Let me know if you do.”
“As soon as I know what she’s up to, you’ll know.”
“Thanks, dad. I’m sorry I put this on you. I hate that I didn’t see this in Medea before getting involved with her.”
A short pause then Serafin spoke. “How involved were you? Did you sleep with her?”
“No. I knew it was a bad idea. Her delusions are based on two dates that ended with a kiss on the hand.”
“I’m relieved you didn’t fuel her fire.”
“Her fire’s already blazing. She needs to be found before she hurts someone.”
“We’ll do everything we can,” Serafin assured.
“Thanks again, dad. I feel awful that you and mom are cleaning up my mess.”
“This isn’t your mess. It’s Medea’s. Now get some sleep. You have a big week ahead of you—learning your way around and getting to know the people.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Tell mom I love her.”
“Will do, son. Goodbye.”
“Bye, dad.”
Aedan hung up the phone with a weighty sigh and a heavy heart. Then he followed the sound of voices to the kitchen. Caitrin sat at the table, reading a piece of paper, and Rhosewen and Morrigan were laughing as they prepared blueberry muffins. When Aedan walked in, everyone paused their tasks and looked up.
Aedan dropped his gaze to the floor, rubbing a hand across the back of his neck as his stomach churned. He’d never felt so guilty or disappointed in himself. “They haven’t found Medea,” he confessed. “She never came home last night. Dad thinks she’s just hiding out for a while, but I think it would be a good idea to let everyone around here know the situation. She knows where you live, and after what she did yesterday, we shouldn’t underestimate her.” He paused, clearing his throat as he found Caitrin’s eyes—blue like the sea, like his daughter’s. “I’m really sorry about this, Caitrin. The last thing I wanted to do was put your family in danger.”
“History’s marred with witches like Medea,” Caitrin countered. “The blame rests on her shoulders alone. We’ll alert our coven and the others nearby, let them know who and what to expect. We’ll know if she gets close.”
“Thanks for your understanding,” Aedan replied.
Caitrin smiled and looked to his paper. “Your sacrifice has allowed Rhosewen to stay with us. Understanding is the least I can give you.”
Sunday afternoon, as Aedan awoke to the realization that the woman he’d been dreaming about was only a shout away, his heart soared. He quickly showered and dressed, then walked downstairs, following Rhosewen’s lovely hum to the kitchen.
She was setting the table for two, but looked up with a beautiful grin that pinched her pink cheeks. “Do you like pancakes?”
“Yes,” he answered, closing the gap between them, “but not as much as I like your smile.” He pulled her into a long and passionate kiss, taking the weight off her wobbly knees by dipping her back. “Can I help?” he asked, pulling her upright.
“Sure,” she breathed. “Fix our coffee while I fill our plates.”
They sat, and Aedan watched her face as he generously added cream and sugar to her coffee, enjoying every second of the simple experience. “Are your parents joining us?” he asked, sliding her cup over.
“No. They went to let everyone know we’re home.”
Aedan added a dash of sugar to his coffee and sipped, thinking about Morrigan and Caitrin telling their family that Rhosewen had dragged a man home and that a deranged witch might follow.
Rhosewen finished filling their plates and began eating, taking several bites before addressing the colors in Aedan’s aura. “I know how you’re feeling, Aedan, and I don’t like it.”
“I’m sorry, Rose,” he replied, shaking his guilty head, “for all of it. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. I hate that my lack of awareness has put you in danger, and I hate that I’ve already made a bad impression on your coven.”
“Medea has put a kink in things,” Rhosewen conceded, “but I’m not going to let her ruin this for me. And as for your concern about my coven—they’re fantastic, Aedan, the most understanding group of people you’ll ever meet. You’ll sweep them off their feet just like you did me.” She set her fork down and reached out, smoothing his frown. “Now stop feeling guilty. I don’t like it.”
She started to drop her hand, but Aedan grabbed it, pressing his lips to her palm. “I love you, Rose, and I’ll do my best not to let Medea ruin this for either of us.”
“Thank you,” she approved. “And I love you, too.” She stabbed another bite. “So, what do you want to do first, see the land or meet the people?”
“Meet the people. We can look at the land along the way.”
“Good idea. I’ll introduce you to the coven first. Then we’ll head to the coast. There are a couple of communities that way.”
“Sounds perfect.” He was easy to please. As long as he had her, he’d go anywhere.
As it turned out, Rhosewen’s coven was fantastic, welcoming Aedan like family. He could tell by their auras that they shared an extraordinary bond, and he fully understood why Rhosewen was so reluctant to leave home. Aedan would miss his old coven, but he was confident the new one would ease the pain.
On their way to the coast, Aedan and Rhosewen detoured to two different communities, where she introduced him to her closest friends. All of them were surprised by the speed and seriousness of the relationship, but supportive just the same, showering Rhosewen with blessings and lighthearted banter.
Once the main introductions were through, Rhosewen led Aedan to Cannon Beach, where they stopped at her aunt’s café for coffee then took their time exploring the nearby coast. Aedan looked forward to discovering the area’s secrets, but for the time being, he was perfectly content with his beautiful tour guide.
They returned home to find dinner being served by Morrigan, who beamed and added two plates to the table. “Will you join us?”
They agreed by taking their seats, so Morrigan smiled and filled their plates. “How was your afternoon?”
“Great,” Rhosewen answered. “I took him to Cannon Beach.”
Morrigan sat, and Caitrin tossed his paperwork aside, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “Thank you, my sweet peach,” he whispered. Then he took a bite and looked at Aedan. “What did you think of Cannon Beach?”
“Beautiful,” Aedan answered. “It might be the perfect place to launch my business.”
“A few of our coven members own shops there,” Caitrin noted. “Our gallery is north of there, in Seaside. What will you do tomorrow while Rhosewen’s at work?”
“I’d like to go with her,” Aedan answered, “join one of her tours around Mount Hood. If she doesn’t mind.”
“I’d love to take you to work with me,” Rhosewen agreed.
“Then it’s a date,” Aedan approved.
Still tired from their long journey, Caitrin and Morrigan went to bed early, but Aedan and Rhosewen stayed downstairs, cuddling on the couch as they flipped through commercial property listings in Cannon Beach. When Aedan caught Rhosewen yawning, he ignored her protests and carried her upstairs, setting her down outside her bedroom door.
“Are you really going to leave?” she asked, puckering up at him.
“I’ll never leave you,” he assured, touching her pout. “But yes, I’m going to the guestroom.”
“Why?” she asked, fidgeting with his shirt buttons.
“Because I don’t want things to be awkward with your parents.”
“Hmm . . .” she hummed, cuddling closer. “That’s noble of you.”
He laughed and kissed her head. “You’re making fun of me.”
“Because you’re holding out on me,” she countered, rubbing her lips over his heart.
Aedan tilted his head back and closed his eyes, taking a relaxing breath. “Not for long,” he assured, pulling her from his chest. Then he softly kissed her lips. “Goodnight, Rose.”
“Night,” she conceded, taking a step back.
Aedan smiled at the ornery twinkle in her eyes. Then he turned and walked away, thinking he really needed to get to work on that house.
When he reached his room, he called his parents, only to find they hadn’t located Medea. Every magician in Virginia had been alerted to the situation, but no one had seen her since Saturday morning.
After hanging up the phone, Aedan replaced his worry about Medea with a crystal clear image of Rhosewen then took a shower—a cold one.
He’d only been lying in bed for a few seconds when there was a soft knock on the door. “Yeah?” he quietly called.
The door opened, and Rhosewen slipped inside, flashing a smile as she clicked the latch into place. Aedan smirked at her stubbornness. Then his breath caught in his chest as she stepped into the moonlight.
She wore a wispy, white nightgown with thin straps and a deep neckline, displaying her slender collarbones and firm cleavage.
Aedan swallowed a lump then slid his gaze down her curvy waist, his lips parting with a reverent sigh. The hem of her gown wafted around her upper thighs, giving him his first full view of her legs, which were even better than he’d imagined, and he’d imagined them perfect.
She walked toward him, her ivory skin glittering with every fluid step. “Were you sleeping?” she whispered, climbing into bed.
Aedan rolled onto his side and propped his head on his hand, scanning her from head to toe. “Nuh-uh.”
She wiggled closer. “I was missing you.”
“What a coincidence,” he whispered, drifting his thumb over her cheek. “I was missing you.”
He wanted to see the rest of her body, the parts hidden beneath the thin nightgown. They called his name, testing his self-control. “You have a fantastic body, Rose. If you’re here to tempt me, mission accomplished.”
His fingertips slid into the V of her gown then flitted to her side, trailing over her hip to her thigh. Goosebumps followed, and she giggled, cuddling closer to his warm body.
“How tempted are you?” she asked.
He returned his fingers to her cheek, tilting her head back to find her eyes. “Very, but I don’t want to push my luck.”
“You’re sweet,” she whispered, searching his gaze, “and I love that about you, but right now, there’s something else I want.”
“I’ll give you the world, Rose.”
“I don’t want the world. I want you to stop being so polite to my parents and start making love to me.”
“Here?” he laughed.
“Now,” she soberly confirmed, wrapping a hand around the back of his neck. Then she pulled him to her mouth, murmuring against his bottom lip. “Don’t you want me?”
He grinned, but then she nibbled and his lungs stuttered. “You’re a siren,” he mumbled, closing his eyes.
“You’re making me work for it,” she pouted.
He pulled away, finding her shiny gaze. “That’s not my intent, Rose. I’ve wanted you from day one.”
“Prove it,” she challenged, sliding one of his hands to her breasts.
He closed his eyes and lightly squeezed. Then he sighed and returned his hand to her face. “I’m not prepared for this.”
“Hmm . . .” she murmured, pressing her hips closer as she kissed his jaw.
Aedan’s heart jolted as his muscles tensed. She was obviously intent on getting her way, and he was lacking the desire to stop her. “Hey,” he whispered, jolting again.
Rhosewen halted her seduction and innocently looked at him. “What?”
“You know what,” he laughed. “You’re very good at this.”
“Not good enough,” she countered.
“Oh yes, my love, very good, better than I anticipated, which means I’m not protected against pregnancy.”
“Oh,” she breathed, shoulders sagging.
Aedan frowned, hating the way it felt to disappoint her. “I can fix it,” he whispered, gently tapping the tip of her nose. “Right now. If you’ll wait for me.”
She dropped her gaze, blushing for the first time since walking in. “Nuh-uh.”
Shocked by her refusal, Aedan tilted his head, eyebrows furrowed as he stroked her flushed cheek. “Have I ruined it?”
“Impossible,” she assured.
“Good,” he sighed, “but I’m still confused. Are we waiting?”
“No.”
Aedan’s lungs expanded as he tried to figure her out, unable to find answers in her aura. “What are you saying, my love?”
Rhosewen knew exactly what she wanted. She’d known the moment she met him. She’d been dreaming about a future with him for eight nights. And she was confident in their relationship, in his love for her. The proof was in his aura every minute of every day; in his eyes every time he looked at her; in his voice every time he spoke to her; and in the way he touched her, constantly and carefully. He gave her everything she needed, yet she yearned for more. She would never get enough of him.
“I’m saying having your baby would make me the most blessed woman in the world,” she confessed. “I’m not in a hurry to have a baby, but I would be thrilled to have your baby anytime. I love everything about the idea. However,” she added, running a forefinger over his lips, “I understand if you’re not ready, and if that’s how you feel, please tell me. I’ll wait as long as you need me to.”
Aedan’s heart was no longer his own, not even a little bit. She’d stolen it. His body rippled with emotion and throbbed with desire as he thought about her having his baby. And their child would be amazing, no less than extraordinary. They could create the perfect family and live the perfect life. They could have it all. Boundless bliss was within their grasp.
Aedan had no idea what he’d done to deserve such blessings, but he certainly wouldn’t toss them aside. “Close your eyes,” he instructed.
Rhosewen bit her lip. “I’ve scared you.”
“No,” he laughed. “I have something for you.”
“Oh,” she breathed, smiling as she closed her eyes.
A few seconds later, he spoke again. “Hold out your hand.”
She obeyed, her smile stretching, and Aedan kissed her grin as he placed her ring in her palm. “I love you,” he whispered. Then he licked her lips and pulled away, instructing her to open her eyes.
“Oh!” she gasped, glancing between his face and the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I’m glad you think so, because you’re my muse.”
“It’s perfect,” she whispered, running a finger across the pale pink stone. “What is this?”
“Zultanite.”
She gasped again, slapping a hand over her mouth. “This is amazing,” she mumbled, shaking her head.
“You deserve nothing less,” he replied, pulling her hand from her mouth. “I want you to have it now, but if you decide to marry me, I’d like it to be your wedding ring.”
She flipped her gaze to his face. “Are you asking?”
“Yes. I know it’s soon, so we can wait if you’d like, but I plan on sticking around as long as you’ll have me.”
“Then yes,” she beamed, “I would love to marry you.”
Aedan was pleasantly surprised by her quick agreement. “Then that’s what you’ll do. When?”
“How about tomorrow?” she suggested, only half-serious.
He laughed and kissed her hand. “How about we talk to our parents tomorrow and see what they think? As soon as we can get everyone together, I’ll give you the wedding of your dreams.”
“You give me too much.”
“I told you I’d give you the world,” he countered.
“You did,” she remembered, taking a closer looking at the ring. Then she gasped again, finding the rose engraved on the gold backing. The bottom of its long stem curved to the left then looped down into cursive letters reading My Love. “You engraved it,” she whispered, running a finger over the miniscule message.
“Of course I did,” he replied. “May I put it on you?”
“Yes,” she agreed, quivering with excitement.
Aedan took the ring from her palm, and she turned her hand over, letting him slip the band on her third finger. “Rhosewen Keely Conn, will you make me the luckiest husband on earth?”
Rhosewen tilted her hand left and right, watching the zultanite glimmer through emotional tears. “Yes,” she answered, smiling up at him. “I want you forever, Aedan.”
“You got me,” he assured, lowering his lips to hers. “Forever.”
They kissed, slow and sweet at first, but as their heartbeats quickened, passion and need took over. For nine days they’d been engulfed by emotions they didn’t understand, experiencing the strongest desire of their lives, struggling with constant temptation. Now they’d unleashed their appetites, and physical urges ran rampant, promising mind-blowing bliss.
Their lips broke apart, and they intently stared at each other, gasping for air as his thumb stroked her quivering lips. “I want you, Rose.”
“Then take me,” she insisted, pressing her body closer.
Incredibly, Aedan’s muscles tightened more than before, and he released her face, casting a spell to ensure no one, particularly the witch and wizard down the hall, would hear what went on in the guestroom.
Aedan’s blood ran hot, his arousal begging for release, but he wouldn’t rush what was sure to be the most amazing moment of his life. He would savor every sight, sound, feel and smell. And he’d do his part to make the experience perfect and memorable, to make every second count more than the one before.
At first, he just looked at her, intensifying their longing as he focused on each of his favorite features—the smoothness and coloring of her skin, her pouty lips and tiny nose, the long eyelashes fluttering around sparkling blue oceans, and the golden spirals framing her perfect face.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered, trailing his fingertips across her forehead. “I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
Mesmerized by his sincerity and tenderness, Rhosewen merely swallowed, unable to speak.
Aedan smiled and leaned closer, lifting the strap of her gown as he kissed her clavicle, and Rhosewen gripped his shoulder, uniquely aroused by the mere touch of his lips. Like most witches, she didn’t shy away from a little promiscuity, so she was no stranger to physical pleasure. But with Aedan, everything was brand new. Every touch seeped deeper, every kiss lingered longer, and every breath promised to take them higher. Hearts thundering, they were closer to heaven than ever before, and the beautiful journey had barely begun.
After tossing her silk gown to the floor, Aedan looked to Rhosewen’s face, searching her wide eyes. “I love you, Rose.”
Rhosewen raised a hand to his cheek, smiling like a temptress getting her way, but emotional tears moistened her lashes, exposing her sweet vulnerability—a gift Aedan was the first to receive, no matter how many flings came before him.
Aedan’s aura pulsed as he touched a thumb to her temple, catching a tear. Then he slid his fingers into her hair as he lowered his lips to hers. Spasms rocked their bodies, shaking the bed as well, and Aedan laughed, squeezing his eyes shut as he took a calming breath.
“This is going to be amazing,” he whispered, finding her gaze. Then he kissed, muffling her breathless reply.
Rhosewen melted into his rhythm, lost in deep emeralds as the rest of the world blurred. Then the world as they knew it flipped upside down.
The moment they joined as one, they adhered together like magnets, electrifying energy tingling their fingers, toes and scalps. Then their lungs emptied as a mystical force lifted them from the bed, suspending them in mid-air. The electricity vibrating their extremities flowed inward—one spine-tingling force colliding with another—and heat exploded throughout their veins, surging from their flesh and brightening the atmosphere. Just as beads of sweat started forming, a wave of cool air rushed over them, followed by a flood of incredibly complete physical, mental and emotional euphoria.
Hearts pounding, they tightened their arms around each other as they drifted to the bed, amazed, stunned and changed. They still held each other’s eyes, but saw each other differently, with perfect clarity. What was once beautiful had reached a magical level, and a shimmery golden light surrounded their vibrating bodies, adding to the radiant glow of their delighted auras.
They’d bonded—every intangible piece of them connected together indefinitely.
“Wow,” Rhosewen exclaimed. “That . . . was . . . amazing.”
Aedan deeply inhaled, nearing a mindless frenzy. Then he slowly exhaled as he took Rhosewen’s luminous cheek in his palm, whispering against her smiling lips. “We’re not done, my love. Not even close.”