Witches (Runes series Book 6) (31 page)

Should I cancel tonight? Tell him there will be no more tutoring?

Even as the questions flashed in my head, I knew I could not abandon him. What had the hags said? Whatever I did, however insignificant, changed destinies. I didn’t buy it.

“Hey, Raine,” Beau said when I reached him. “So you play the oboe?”

Yeah, Einstein. I gave him a side glance. “No, just carrying it for show.”

He chuckled. “I play guitar.”

“I don’t recall seeing…”—one in your room—“or hearing that you play. Are you any good? And please don’t say your dream is to be a rock star, because a professional baseball player is perfect.”

He laughed. “You’re weird.”

You have no idea. “See you.”

He frowned. “You okay?”

I pretended to think about it. “Yeah. Later.” I wondered when I was supposed to erase memories. I hoped it was after I finished helping Beau. He would forget I had ever tutored him. What fillers would I use?

Sonya and Kicker were at the front of the school when I left the building. “Look who’s waiting for you,” Kicker said and pointed. Torin was at the curb.

He was cutting across the street before the door closed behind me. Someone called my name, but my focus was on Torin. I ran the last few steps and jumped into his arms. The tears threatened to fall.

He scooped me up, and I buried my face in his neck. Last week when he’d carried me away from Beau, I’d felt a little embarrassed. This time, I didn’t care. By the time I was done with this school, they wouldn’t remember any of this anyway.

Andris approached us and asked, “What happened?”

“Something,” Torin said. He sat me on the bike, pushed my hair out of the way, and looked into my eyes. “Whatever it is, I’ll fix it.”

The vow was meaningless because I knew he couldn’t fix this, but I loved him for saying it. He said something to Andris, and then he snapped my helmet on.

“Engage your speed runes,” he whispered over his shoulder. I wrapped my arms around him, rested my head on his back, and closed my eyes.

When he slowed down, we were exiting I-84 and pulling up into the parking lot of our favorite spot: Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Oregon. This was the place Torin first confessed to me what he was.

“Do you want to go inside for a bite first?” Torin asked. We visited the falls and ate at the lodge so often that the staff knew us by name.

I shook my head. He didn’t ask what had happened at school, and I didn’t ask how he’d known. I didn’t bother asking him anymore, just accepted that he knew when I needed him.

His hand was firm and warm, infusing me with confidence. We took the underpass and walked past the lodge. The forestry workers were still at their tables explaining Colombia Gorge National Park and its animals. We’d heard all this before and didn’t stop to play tourist. We went up the walkway and didn’t stop at the first viewing area, either. It was crowded, the view of the falls spectacular. As usual, the water flow seemed heavier in the spring than summer or fall.

We continued up the steps and hiked the steep climb to the bridge.
 
At the top, we stood by the rail and stared at the waterfalls. Torin wrapped his arms around me, his cheek pressed against my temple. He still didn’t speak. His patience never failed to amaze me.

For a moment, I just rested in the cocoon of his warmth. His love. The crashing sound of the waterfalls was soothing. I savored the moment.

“Let’s run away,” I said.

He smiled. I knew he did because his lips moved against my temple. “To where?”

“England. You have land there, right? Or we could hide at any one of the homes owned by the present Earl of Worthington. Maybe the Norns might not look for us there.”

He chuckled this time. “Noblemen don’t own a lot of places anymore. The upkeep and taxes are a killer, but uh, I own a place.”

We’d never discussed what he owned. I turned to look at his face. “Where?”

“England.”

“Is it nice?”

He nodded. “It’s adequate.”

“Isolated?”

“Very.”

If I stopped living around people, I wouldn’t influence them. “Can we go there?”

He chuckled. “Now?”

“Yes. We could create a portal in the elevator of the lodge or the bathroom. Or head up there.” I pointed at the top of the first waterfall. Not so many people made the trek this late in the day. My watch said it was almost four. “And create one once we’re at the top and away from people.”

He looked at my watch and shook his head. “I think the house can wait for another day. It’s around midnight, and the people house sitting it are in bed.”

I pouted. “When can I see it?”

He stroked my cheek, his eyes serious. “Soon. Are you ready to go back or maybe go in the lodge?”

I looked around. There were not as many people down at the first viewing area anymore. The lodge was probably packed. “Let’s get something to drink, then go home and talk.”

We took our time going back down, stopped by the lodge for lattés, and headed back to the parking lot. We threw away our cups, hopped on the bike, and headed home.

Five minutes later, he closed the garage door behind us and led me straight to the family room couch. He gripped my hands, pressed them to his lips, then stared straight into my eyes. “Are you ready?”

I nodded. I blew out a breath and started to talk, not leaving anything out. My eyes stayed locked with his, drawing strength from the love in his eyes. A few times, my voice trembled to a stop, but he steadied me with a nod, a squeeze of my hands. When I finished, I waited for his verdict. He always knew what to say to make my pain and problems go away.

“They are manipulating you, luv. They don’t know what my father told us. That you can choose. And yes, I know we have no reason to trust him, but he’s right this time. Don’t cry,” he added, wiping my cheeks. “How do I know? Because I got it from reliable sources that you have a choice.”

The tears kept flowing. “Who?”

“Eirik. In a few days, you’ll get a chance to do that.”

I blinked. “I will?”

“Yes. And I’ll be there with you every step of the way, because there’s no way I’m letting those hags take you away from me. Never.” He pressed his finger to my lips. “Don’t ask me to explain. Just trust me. Okay?”

I nodded. “Okay.”

He pulled me into his arms and stretched out on the couch. He wiped the wetness from under my eyes. “One day I’ll make them pay for every tear you’ve shed.”

He said the nicest things, and I was a sucker because I loved hearing them even though I knew they were impossible. No one could make the Norns pay. They were the weavers of destiny. On the other hand, maybe he could wreak havoc on their senile butts during the end of the world, mother of all battles: Ragnarok.

“I’ll cheer for you when you do,” I said and Torin chuckled. Then I saw the time and sat up. “Shouldn’t you be at practice right now?”

“Nope. No practice today. They deserved a break. The teacher I was subbing for is also back, so I’m done teaching.” He removed my jacket. It was one of the few things we’d bought over the weekend and had the smell of new leather. He threw it aside as though he hadn’t spent a fortune on it, then ran a hand along my shoulders. “You’re tense.”

“I know. I couldn’t relax today at school. I swore to have a long bath when I got home, your surprise was better.” I rotated my neck and lowered my chin to my chest as he worked the knotted muscles. He changed positions and worked on my feet. I hated my toes being touched, but his touch was more sensual. He moved to my calves and kept going…

After thirty minutes, I jumped up. If I wanted to accomplish anything before dinner and Beau, I had to leave. “Homework.”

“Chicken,” he said.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” But I was running. His laughter followed me all the way through the portal.

Onyx was waiting when I arrived.
Where have you been?

“Nice to see you too, Onyx.” I put my backpack on the desk, dropped my shoes in the closet, and changed the shirt I’d worn to school.

Goddess Freya wants to see you,
Onyx said, watching my every movement.

“What? Why?”

I don’t know. Don’t meet with her.

She sounded worried. I studied her. “Why not?”

She wants something, and she won’t care if you get hurt.

“Oh. Is that concern for me I hear?”

This is not funny.

“I know. Don’t worry.” I rubbed her head. “I’m not going anywhere, except downstairs to get water, then I’m coming right back here to work on my magic.”

Despite my words she followed me downstairs, watched as I got bottled water, and was right behind me when I checked on Dad. He was still not doing great. Mom wasn’t back yet, and Femi was around somewhere.

“Why are you following me around?” I finally asked when Onyx followed me back upstairs.

Making sure you don’t go anywhere without me.

“Believe me, the last thing I need is another conversation with a deity. The one I had with the Norns was enough.”

Her ears twitched.
Norns? Where?

“At school today. Nothing I couldn’t handle.” I sat cross-legged in front of the mirror and Onyx, nosey and refusing to be ignored, climbed into my lap. “But I’m not letting anyone force me to do things I don’t want to do.”

Like what?

I closed my eyes and worked on controlling my magic. “Like talking to you right now when I’m channeling my powers. Shhh.”

For an hour, I worked on creating various illusions while Onyx watched without saying a word. I was impressed. I started with those closest to me: Torin, my parents, and Andris, then Femi, Cora, Ingrid. I moved to those I knew at school and in town. Finally I pulled images of various people from my favorite TV series.

Who’s that?
Onyx asked.

“I said no talking. You’re messing with my concentration.”

Well, excuse me! You’ll have to learn to change while you’re talking, running or fighting. Scared or panicking. Multitasking is how a witch survives. He’s hot. Who is he?

I grinned at my reflection and flashed a cocky smile. “That’s Dean Winchester, demon hunter, owner of a family business. I sound just like him too.”

Oh, fictitious character.

I let my jaw drop and faked outrage. “Shut up! I thought he was real. He even likes Taylor Swift’s song.”

Onyx smirked. Or maybe it was a snarl but the sound that accompanied it was definitely a snicker.
And that one?
she asked when I changed.

“His brother, Sammy.”

He’s hotter.

I glared at the cat. “Take that back or I’m kicking you off my lap. In this house, Dean is the hottest guy and if you don’t like it I’m—”

Torin is the hottest, daufi,
she shot back, stressing the word is.

“Nice comeback.”

Thank you.

“And you’re right. Torin is hotter than all of them put together. And FYI, I don’t like being called
daufi
because I’m not stupid.” I lifted her off my lap. “Go and see if Mom’s back.”

She took her time, and it was another thirty minutes until Mom knocked on my door. She watched me for a few minutes, smiling. We exchanged a grin when I shifted seamlessly into her.

“One week and you can do that so easily,” she said, offering me her hand. She didn’t let go once I stood. “I got word that Freya wants to see you.”

I wiggled my hand out of hers. “I know, but I can’t. Not now. I have so much going on.” I could feel her eyes on me. “Maybe next week.”

“Okay. I’ll let her know. What’s going on?”

I put some distance between us, then turned and faced her. “If I tell you something, will you promise not to tell her?”

Mom’s green eyes clouded. “Honey, of course. She might be my protector, but you are my daughter. You come first.”

“Promise?”

She pulled out the chair from under my computer desk and sat, then indicated the bed. Her expression was serious. “If it makes you feel better. I promise that whatever you tell me stays between us.”

I sat, feeling a little guilty for doubting her loyalty. “I know you once trained under Norns and chose to leave them. What I don’t know is how you did it.”

“Oh, honey. Your situation is completely different from mine. I was first a Valkyrie, then was handpicked with a bunch of others girls to join the Norns. You, on the other hand, are special. You’re going to foresee the exact moment Ragnarok starts and announce it to—”

“Mom, I know all that,” I said, raising my hands. “I need to know what you did to make them back off. You see, the Norns visited me at school today and they said…”

By the time I finished talking she was pacing and calling them all sorts of names. I got up and gripped her arms. “It’s okay, Mom. They don’t scare me anymore. Even when they appear in their true forms, I’m not scared of them. Intimidated, yes. But not scared. I have you and Torin, and all the Immortals around here who—”

“Would die to protect you,” Mom finished and pulled me into her arms. She stroked my hair. I knew she was fighting tears and I was a sympathetic crier. “You sound so brave sometimes I forget you’re only a child.” She leaned back, and I was surprised when there were no tears in her eyes. She wiped the wetness from my cheeks. “I petitioned the Valkyrie Council, and Freya fought for me to marry your father. That might not work for you because you’re not a Valkyrie, but we will fight for you to follow your own destiny and not be the Norns’ puppet.” Her eyes gleamed with determination.

I nodded. “But what if they hurt those I’m helping?”

“Empty threats made to scare you,” she retorted. “This is just another attempt to manipulate you.”

“Is it true that whatever they do changes people’s destinies? A smile, a nod, a pat on the back?”

“Hogwash. They must think you and I don’t talk. I don’t recall that being taught in Nornsgard. Remember, you’re not one of them. Therefore, their laws don’t apply to you. You’re also not a Valkyrie, so our laws don’t apply to you either. You’re an Immortal bound by earthly laws.”

I had a feeling Mom was trying to tell me something, but I wasn’t getting it.

“Have you talked to Torin?” she asked.

“Yes. He told me to ignore them. That they were trying to manipulate me.”

“Exactly.” Her eyes went to the window as though searching for someone.

I followed her glance. In spring, the sun didn’t set until after eight, so there was still daylight. The leaves on the trees in our cul-de-sac waved gently in the evening breeze, reminding me of the forest.

“Are you tutoring Beau this evening?”

“Yes, which means I have to do my homework now. Thanks for listening, Mom.” I gave her another hug, and then took the chair she’d vacated and rolled it to my desk. “I feel better now that you know everything.” I threw a smile over my shoulder. “Oh, you should have seen the forest when I was done with it last weekend. The trees danced.”