The Doctor Witch (The Ward Witches) (16 page)

“
My mother knew and believed that Selby had no magical talents. It was Linda who would vary between the idea that he had magic or was capable of having magic, and that either way, he was evil.”

“
Did Linda make a habit of traveling outside the country?”

“
No. As far as I know, she never did.”

“
Do you know anything about Roger Crowley?”

“
No. I’d never heard the name until Selby brought it up.”

Justin played with the tip of his pen.

“
Are you starting to see some kind of pattern?”

“
Maybe. But it seems more like we’ll need someone from inside to tell us what’s going on or we’ll never really figure it out. All we know right now is that there’s a high chance of more witches dying, and we don’t know why.”

“
I’m sorry,” Skylar said, and patted his forearm. “But I know you’ll figure it out.”

“
Thanks for your belief in me.”

“
That’s what family is for, right?”

He just grinned. “You have any plans for the rest of your day off?”

“
I was thinking I’d go shopping. Leo gave me some extra money and told me specifically to use it on clothes and only clothes or shoes, so I thought I’d do so.”

“
Sounds like fun.”

“
You almost sound like you’d like to join me.”

“
No way; count me out. Besides, I’m too busy right now.”

“
What a man.”

He winked. “Don’t forget it. But if you want a shopping buddy, I’m sure one of the other women would be glad to join you.”

“
Thanks but no thanks. I’ll be fine on my own. If you could just point me to a department store...?”

“
Certainly. And just a hint, Leo’s favorite color is blue.”

“
You’re awesome.”

“
Don’t forget it. Speaking of, are you ready for that party on Wednesday?”

“
Excuse me?”

“
Someone, I think one of Leo’s mentors, is retiring and they’re throwing him a party up at the hospital. I’m pretty sure it’s Wednesday.”

Skylar’s stomach dropped. How could he have something so important coming up and not tell her? Did he not plan to take her? Was he ashamed?

“
Please tell me there’s a legitimate reason why I wouldn’t know about something of this importance.”

“
Uh-oh. Maybe it just slipped his mind. But don’t tell him where you found out, alright?”

“
I’ll try.”

Skylar stormed out of the Coven House with murder on her mind. When she had arrived safely enough back at Ward Manor, she called Dymphna.

“
Hey, I know you’re probably really busy, but do you have a minute?”

“
I’m between big cases, so I’m not as busy as usual. What’s up?”

“
I accidentally found out from Justin that there’s a retirement party or something on Wednesday that Leo never mentioned to me.”

“
Oh god, tell me he didn’t.”

“
Yeah, he did.”

“
In the interest of my dear brother, I’m going to have to say that he might have just forgotten or something.”

“
That’s what Justin said.”

“
Well, we do love Leo, and he I sometimes forgetful.”

“
But you don’t think that’s the case this time, do you? I certainly don’t.”

“
No, I don’t think it is. I know he’s never wanted to involve the rest of the family in his work or his non-Coven friends. But I had really hoped he would wake up and realize that he can’t act like that with you.”

“
I almost want to drive up there and yell at him at work, but I know that’s not a great idea. I don’t want to make things worse.”

“
I’d agree with you there. You need to talk to him, but be sure to be calm and collected when you do it. If you let your emotions rule you, you'll likely say something you don't mean or that can't be taken back. I've been in that situation myself, and I've had clients in the same situation, so I can tell you from experience to do this rationally. Gather your thoughts into a cohesive argument then make your case. Don't let him get away with this.”

“
I will, or rather, I won't.”

“
Do you want me to stay away tonight?”

“
No. I mean, if you hear us getting into this and happen to disappear upstairs, I'm not going to mind. But I'm also going to make an excellent dinner, perhaps to sway things my way, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Besides, I'm sure you didn't eat the lunch I packed you.”

“
Never can find the time. But I'll be there for dinner.”

“
Good.”

183

chapter nine

Skylar texted Leo, asking him if he'd be home for dinner at seven or if she should delay cooking it. Then she got out a piece of paper and started sketching out her thoughts. It took six pieces of paper before she felt good about it. Luckily, Leo texted back to say he'd try to make it by that time. So Skylar made a dinner to be proud of.

She tossed together a Chinese-style shrimp lo mein, and it was finished just as Leo let himself into the Manor. “Smells good,” he said, looking over her shoulder to see what was on the stove. “Lo mein?”

“
It didn't take much to figure out that it's your favorite Chinese dish. Dymphna's note on the takeout menu that said when in doubt order lo mein for Leo.”

184

THE DOCTOR WITCH

“
She's needed that note herself more than once. It's like she's filled her head so full of law that she doesn't have much room for anything else.”

“
Well, tell me if it's as good as take out.”

Leo sat down and got a good forkful of noodles and shrimp. “Even better. You're a great cook.”

“
Thanks.” Skylar ate her own portion, even though she wasn't very hungry. She made small talk over the food, almost trying to see if he'd slip and mention the party. He didn't slip. She cleared the table, and started the dishes soaking in the sink. She'd finish cleaning after Dymphna ate her portion.

Leo leaned back in his chair, crossing his hands over his head. “So do you want to tell me what the problem is?”

“
What?”

“
I'm an air witch. I try not to pry, but when someone's radiating as much emotion as you are, it's hard to miss. You've been hovering between angry, confused, and nervous all evening. I'm wondering if you're going to tell me why.”

“
Let's go up to the bedroom. Dymphna can server herself.”

He didn't question, but just followed her as she marched up the stairs to the room they shared. She really thought this relationship was all working out. The party debacle showed her how wrong she was. Leo sat on the bed, and Skylar began to pace.

“
You know, you had me fooled. I was convinced that you were dedicated to starting a relationship with me. I thought we were going to be partners. I thought you were going to marry me!”

“
Alright, we haven't gone to the state and filed our paperwork. We'll do it tomorrow on my lunch break. Don't freak out on me.”

“
I'm not talking about paperwork. I'm talking about not wanting to be seen with me.” He still looked confused. She'd educate him alright. “You didn't mention that there's a Coven meeting coming up, and you most certainly didn't mention a certain retirement party at work.” He paled and opened his mouth. Skylar didn't want to hear it; she was on a roll. “It sure seems to me like you want to be with me in private, but you're ashamed of me as soon as I leave the house. You don't want to introduce me to your friends, or even to the Coven. Isn't that right?” She'd worked herself into quite a fury by the end of her tirade.

“
It's not like that, Skylar.”

“
Then you'd better tell me what it is like.” She felt her anger simmering, and her magic was rising within her. She worked to tamp it down, but wasn't entirely successful.

“
I've never brought anyone to work events, or even to Coven events. I've never had a girlfriend, per se, just women I was sleeping with.”

“
You're not helping your case.”

“
My point is that you're different. We're magically bonded, which makes you my wife. But that doesn't mean I know how to treat you or what to do with you.”

She warmed to him a little. “Then let's be clear that hiding things from me is not the way to go.”

“
You're right, of course. I didn't mention the Coven meeting or the retirement party.”

“
You didn't mention them because you didn't want me to go.”

“
Sadly, you're right. I don't know... I don't know how to explain you or our relationship.”

“
That hurts.”

“
The people at work know I'm a witch, but it's academic to them. I never mention it or use my powers there. If I showed up with a woman and announce she's my magically bonded wife, that would remind them all that I'm not like them.”

“
So I'm an inconvenience to be explained away? You're really not making me feel any better about this.”

“
I'm sorry, I'm not explaining myself very well.”

“
No, you're really not. I see that you don't want to explain me, but do you really intend to never bring me around your friends? Do I not matter enough to you?”

“
You do matter to me.”

“
Then why can't I meet your friends and coworkers? Why am I only your wife in private?”

“
Let's fix the situation. You matter to me, and you're my wife under any circumstances. The party's in two days. We'll go tomorrow and get married in the eyes of the law during my lunch break. Then when I close the office down at noon tomorrow, I'll come get you and I'll bring you to the retirement party. I'll introduce you as my wife, and I'll be proud to stand beside you. How's that?”

“
That's more like it.”

He stood up and hugged her. “This is all new to me. I'm going to try to be a good husband, I promise.”

She hugged him back. “I think we'll both have to make a lot of adjustments. Just please, don't exclude me from your life.”

“
I won't. You're mine, and I'm yours.” He lowered his mouth to hers. The gentle kiss became more passionate. Skylar was so relieved that the party issue was resolved that she put all her emotions into the kiss. “You know, we are in a bedroom,” he said softly.

In response, she drew back enough to unbutton Leo's shirt and take it and his undershirt off. She kissed his chest, in turn scraping her teeth gently over his nipples. That did it for him, and he picked her up and set her on the bed. Glad to see how much she affected him and elated at how well things had worked out, she nearly giggled. But his intent gaze took that right out of her.

Instead, she slowly removed her own top. She lingered before taking her bra off, giving him a questioning look. He growled and reached to pull it off her himself, but she swatted his hand away. Appeased, though, she undid the clasp and slowly pushed it down her arms. She loved the way his eyes followed her every motion. Finally Skylar shimmied out of her pants and underwear.

Leo shucked his own pants and joined her on the bed, his muscled body covering hers. His mouth claimed hers again, and she had no doubts that she belonged to him, body and soul. And that was just the way she liked it. His hands moved down her sides, playing his thumbs across her nipples. Skylar moaned and threaded her fingers through his hair. She pushed the tie that held it back out of the way, and used the leverage to crush his mouth to hers.

Then she got impatient and thrust her hips up into his. He got the idea and guided himself into her. She moaned, he moaned, and they moaned together. Leo thrust, and she pushed right back. She kissed up his neck to nibble on his ear. That just inflamed him to go harder.

Finally, when he was losing his ability to hold on, he slipped a finger between them and massaged her clit. She screamed out her release, and he followed. Then they fell back together, spent.

When she caught her breath, Skylar suggested that they go down and see if Dymphna had returned. “She helped calm me down earlier,” Skylar explained. “I was really hurt that you would exclude me from events like that.”

“
And you were right to be. I wasn't treating you like the gift you are.”

She blushed. “Thanks.”

They got dressed again and headed downstairs.

“
Delicious dinner,” Dymphna called as she heard them on the stairs. “I guess you've made up.”

Skylar blushed, but Leo responded, “We sure did. She told me my place, and I'm going to make sure to treat her like she should be treated. So we're getting our marriage license tomorrow, and she's going to meet my colleagues as my wife at the party on Wednesday. At the next Coven meeting Friday, I'm going to introduce her to the rest of the Coven as my bond-mate. She deserves to be part of my life, and she will be.”

“
Good to hear it. You going to join me for a movie?”

“
Alright.”

Leo and Skylar sat down on the couch, and he gathered her near to him. She rested her head on his chest and felt content. Now if she could just bring herself to tell him how much she loved him. But she didn't want to endanger what they had if he didn't feel the same way. So she kept quiet. For now.

The next day, Leo couldn't wait for noon. He loved talking to patients and helping them make their dreams come true, but today he was nearly tapping his foot to get through the day. At 11:45, his new secretary tapped the button to let him know Skylar had arrived. When his appointment was done, he came out and wrapped her in a big hug.

“
Missed you. How was class?”

“
The clock didn't move fast enough.”

“
Same here. Let's get going.”

It didn't take long to get the paperwork done. One of Leo's father Drake's legacies was the exception to the waiting period on witches' marriages. If both parties were registered witches, they could be officially married the same day as they filed the paperwork. The law, at least in Massachusetts, recognized that the marriage ceremony, so to speak, had already happened.

Leo felt better for having the official documentation to make Skylar his wife. “I still haven't gotten a ring for you, but I will,” he promised.

“
I know you will. Now get back to the office. I've got to go to the Social Security office now with our marriage license and get my name changed, then over to the DMV to do the same thing.”

“
I like that you're taking my name.”

“
The whole Ward family has been so accepting of me, considering me part of the family as soon as I met you all. My own brother didn't support our relationship, but your family has welcomed me with open arms. It's an honor to be able to carry that name.”

He kissed her. “Well, I'll see you at home.”

“
See you at home.”

The rest of the day seemed to swim by for Leo. He had done it: he had finally taken a wife. He finished his paperwork early, and headed to downtown Boston to pick out a ring. He already felt bad about marrying her without the ring, and he wasn't going to make her wait. Besides, he wanted to see his claim on Skylar glistening on her finger for the world to see.

Leo took his time choosing the perfect ring. He wanted something that would be unique, but not tacky. He finally chose a diamond with two sapphires set on either side. The cashier was surprised when he turned down financing to pay it all upfront. He had the money, and he rarely used it. It might as well go to something really special for Skylar.

He hid the ring in the car before he went in the house, though. Leo planned to give it to her right before the party. He debated within himself whether he should also take that opportunity to confess that he had fallen in love with her or not. He didn't want to push her or make her feel responsible for saying the same, especially if she didn't feel the way he did. Still without deciding, he pulled up to the house.

Before she knew it, Wednesday afternoon arrived. Skylar could feel her heart thumping from nerves. Maybe meeting his colleagues was too soon. Maybe she should have left well enough alone. But she was his wife, and she needed to take ownership of the position. She needed to show Leo's friends and co-workers that she deserved to be a Ward, and that she did it well.

The dress she had bought yesterday afternoon was pretty stunning. It could possibly be considered business casual, but the v shaped neckline plunged a little too low for that description. Not to mention that it was pretty form-fitting, which again would be less than business appropriate. It was bright blue, and she paired it with blue heels.

While she was applying her makeup, Leo entered the room behind her.

“
I thought we were going to meet there,” she objected.

“
I wanted to arrive with you on my arm to let everyone know exactly who you are to me. And I've got something for you.” He produced a ring box.

“
Really?” She asked excitedly. Then she gasped when she saw the ring inside. It was stunning. “Oh Leo!”

“
Do you like it?”

“
I love it! Thank you!” Then she produced her own ring box. “This one's for you.” She felt ill at ease. After so much time at the diner, she didn't have the kind of cash available that Leo did. His ring wasn't nearly as nice as the one she now wore. She blushed as he opened it.

Leo took it out reverently. “Thank you. It means a lot to me that you got me a ring as well.”

“
Just like I am yours, you are mine. I wanted to show that off.”

He kissed her slowly. “Indeed. I want that ring to show the world that you're the woman I love.”

She pulled back and searched his eyes. “You love me?”

“
So much. I didn't expect to, but I do. You don't have to say anything.” She could see what it took for him to say that.

“
But I want to. I love you too. I've been keeping that bottled up because I didn't know if you felt the same.”

“
Look at us: cowards both.”

Skylar smiled. “No reason to be cowards anymore. Just as long as we're together, we won't need to worry about that.”