Witches (Runes series Book 6) (36 page)

“Just a second, Eirik. No crying,” Mom scolded even though her eyes said she’d shed a few. “You don’t want to ruin your makeup.” After a few more pictures, she adjusted my veil, kissed Dad, and whispered, “If you need me, Tristan…”

“No, my love. I’m fulfilling a promise I made to myself the day she was born. Go. We’ll be okay.” He patted my hand for emphasis. “Won’t we, pumpkin?”

I nodded.

He walked slowly and I adjusted my steps to accommodate him. Every few steps, I could feel tremors shoot through him. I wanted to ask if he wanted the wheelchair, but the words he’d spoken and the determination in his eyes told me this was one walk he planned to complete.

It seemed like forever before we left the foyer and entered a small chapel brimming with people. Who were these people?

Even as the question flitted in my head, I recognized them. Witches who’d fought beside us against the Immortal Warlocks and survived. Rita and Gina sat by their mother and waved when our eyes met. Bash and the twins. Their father was missing and I couldn’t remember whether he had died the night of the battle. But it seemed like everyone who’d survived that night was here. Had someone issued a Call?

“Dad, these people…” Of course, he wouldn’t know.

“Friends of Eirik’s,” he said. “He said they were here for your protection.”

They had lost friends and family, yet they’d come from all corners of the globe to stand by me again, ready to defend me if there was an attack. I saw it in their eyes. I was one of them.

Fighting tears, my eyes followed the rose petals to the arch decorated with lace and flowers and found Torin. He looked handsome in a tux, the brilliance of his sapphire blue eyes taking my breath away. I was going to love this man with every breath in me. It didn’t matter whether we had a year or centuries.

Andris stood beside him and to the left of Hawk and Femi while Ingrid was to the right. I supported Dad’s weight up the steps, and past the flowers and petals forming a circle around the arch. Someone had created an opening for us to walk through. When Mom whisked him to their seats, Ingrid pushed the flowers and the petals back to complete the circle. My eyes stayed on Dad for a few minutes until he smiled. That walk had been too much for him.

Hawk cleared his throat.

“Friends, family, Witches, Immortals, and Valkyries. The day when two souls finally unite to become one is a day of celebration. It is a day of laughter and joy. A day to thank the ancestors, the gods, and Mother Earth for clearing the path that led to this moment. It takes some of us a lifetime to find the one, our soul mate.” He glanced at Femi and I could swear he faltered before taking the silk rope from the tray she was carrying. “But once we do, we must learn to love and cherish them. Clasp your hands,” he said. “Torin and Raine, are you ready with your vows?”

I hadn’t come prepared, but I knew what I had to say. I grinned and nodded.
 
Torin smiled as though he knew I wanted to go first.

“Torin, I didn’t know it was possible to find someone like you. You love me for who I am, not what I am. You’ve taught me that it’s okay to walk on my own, yet you’re always there to carry me when I can’t. You’ve taught me it’s okay to run, stumble, and fall, and pick myself up because a fall is nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve taught me it’s okay to fly because the sky is the limit and you’ll catch me if I fall. You inspire me, challenge me, and celebrate me. You are the first man I’ve ever loved and you will be the last man I’ll ever love. You are my one and only true love, and I promise I will love you for eternity.”

Hawk draped the silk rope around our wrists and picked up the second one.

Torin looked into my eyes as he started to speak, his voice sure, his words sincere. “Raine Cooper, from the moment you opened your door and our eyes met for the first time, I knew I had reached the end of my quest, yet I didn’t even know what I was searching for. I just knew you were the one, my omega. Where there was cold, you’ve brought warmth. Where there was sadness, you’ve brought happiness. Where there was pain, you’ve brought relief. Where there was darkness, you’ve brought light. You know me better than anyone, my fears, my shortcomings, my habits, yet you still love me. My vows to you are a privilege because I get to laugh with you, cry with you, walk with you, run with you, and fight with you for the rest of our lives. I promise to be patient. Most of the time,” he added, smiling. “I promise to be faithful, respectful, attentive, and to become even a better man for you. I promise to celebrate your triumphs and step back so you can shine like the star you are, but I’ll always be there when you need me. My shoulders are yours to cry on and to carry your burdens. My body is the shield that blocks the blows that might harm you and yours to do with as you wish. My hopes and dreams will always start and end with you. Yours will be the name I cry when I’m in need. Your eyes are the balm I seek when I’m in pain. And your soul is the beacon that my soul searches for when I’m lost. I will love you fiercely, tenderly, and passionately. And when we have children, I promise to be the best father a child could ever want. For you, Raine Cooper, deserve the best and I plan to give it you. You are my one and only true love, and I promise I will love you for eternity.”

I was crying by the time he finished. I didn’t hear the rest of the words Hawk and Femi said as they wrapped the ropes around our wrists and tied the knot that made us one. I had no idea what tradition we were following. Mom’s Celtic handfasting ceremony, or a Native American ceremony, or an Ancient Egyptian marriage. They tied the knots several times.

Then Andris and Ingrid brought the rings, and both Hawk and Femi blessed the rings, invoking the elements, the four directions and the blessing that came with them. They talked about the ribbons and the knots and what they symbolized.

At last, Andris pulled out an artavus and started etching a rune on Torin’s cheek. “To seal the bond, I give you the binding rune of love intertwined with Raine’s rune.”

I had a rune? Torin’s eyes didn’t leave mine. He didn’t even flinch. The rune glowed. Then it was my turn as Ingrid took my chin and whispered, “Engage your pain runes.” She added louder, “To seal the bond, I give you the binding rune of love intertwined with Torin’s rune.” My cheeks tingled.

They stepped back, then Hawk ended the ceremony with, “You may now kiss the bride.”

The kiss went on forever, and the applause that followed had me hiding my face in Torin’s chest. “You’re mine now, Freckles,” Torin whispered.

Some of the Witches started to sing. Others played instruments. A few shouted something about sending positive energy our way as we left the room. Mom and Dad, I noticed, had disappeared. Eirik took more pictures until I insisted he should be in them.

“You have to go now,” Torin said.

“Yes, we do,” Ingrid said, glancing at her watch. She grabbed my hand. “The period will be ending soon.”

I didn’t want to go yet. I yanked my hand from hers and ran back to Torin for another kiss. We clung to each other.

“Remember, no one can know about this,” he whispered.

“I know.” I left his arms reluctantly, turned, and hugged Eirik. “Thank you for coming and bringing all of these people.”

He winked. “That’s what brothers are for. And if you ever need them for anything, just send Onyx to find me.”

I nodded, gathered my dress, and ran up the stairs. At the top, I paused and waved to the people below before following Ingrid. I changed while peering out the window at a beautiful landscape with lawn fountains and gorgeous gardens.

“We gotta go!” Ingrid yelled. I was ready.

We opened a portal into the upstairs bathroom at school. My rings were once again hanging around my neck. Just as well. The moment we stepped into the bathroom, I felt traces of the Norns. They must know how often we used this bathroom. Whether they knew it or not, I had made my choice. All that remained was appearing before the Valkyrie Council when I turned eighteen and challenging whatever ace they had up their sleeves.

We left the bathroom and bumped into Cora. Dang!

“Hey. Where are you guys coming from?” Cora asked, studying our faces suspiciously. “Don’t tell me you ditched class and went somewhere fun without me.” She peered at me. “Are you wearing makeup?”

My face warmed. “We went makeup shopping at the mall. The lady tried some on me,” I fibbed and sighed. More lies.

“She’s good. You look amazing. What’s the brand? What shop?”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” Ingrid interrupted, slipping an arm around Cora’s. “Excuse us, Raine. See you at the mansion at lunch.” She winked and I knew she was deliberately detaining Cora while I escaped. Cora would have noticed my hair.

I didn’t look back.

The Norns’ presence lingered. Any second, I expected them to float through the walls like ghosts and grab me. I made it to class without seeing them, but I was tense throughout the whole hour.

I called home as soon as the class ended. Femi picked up the phone after one ring.

“How’s Dad doing?”

“Not good. I know this is not the day for sad news, but he has slipped into a coma.”

My heart squeezed even though I’d known the wedding had put a strain on his frail body. At least, he’d been there for my greatest moment. “Do you want me to come home?”

“What can you do, doll? I’m keeping him comfortable. Lavania is expecting you.”

I started upstairs when Beau called my name. “Sorry about yesterday,” I said as he and his friends drew closer.

“It’s okay. Torin fixed my ride. The dude needs to start his own shop. He and I also went over the last two questions, so I’m good. I owe you one.”

“Extra-large caramel Frappuccino?” I asked.

He chuckled. “Got it.”

Cora, Ingrid, and Blaine were waiting for me by the bathroom when I got upstairs. Lavania was in the foyer of the mansion in one of her trademark long gowns when we arrived.

“Oh, I missed you, girls,” Lavania said, giving us hugs. “I have so much to tell you. Come here, Blaine,” she added when Blaine kept his distance.

“Nice to have you back, Lavania,” he said without moving.

Lavania chuckled, walked to where he stood, and gave him a hug anyway. “As long as you live in this house, you put up with my idiosyncrasies. Where are my boys?”

“StubHub Center,” Blaine said, extricating himself from her arms.

“Oh no, not one of the teams,” Lavania said. “They’re so young. Come along. I brought pastries for lunch.” She led the way to the kitchen. Mrs. Willow wasn’t around, which meant she was either out grocery shopping or running other errands for Lavania.

Once we sat, Lavania took a stool next to mine and asked, “How are you holding up, dear?”

“Fine,” I said and wondered if Femi had told her about the wedding. I tried to redirect the conversation to the meat-filled pastries before she blurted out something. “These are really good.”

“Thank you. I stopped by to see your father. I didn’t know he’d slipped into a coma.”

“He’s not been lucid since yesterday,” I fibbed. I didn’t know whether she knew about the wedding or not. “I don’t think he’s going to come out of this one.” The conversation stayed on Dad, until Lavania changed the subject to Asgard.

As we headed back to school, Lavania gave me a longer hug and whispered, “Congratulations. You two are perfect for each other.”

I grinned. “Thanks.”

The rest of the day was perfect. Blaine stayed with me when we went back to school, while Ingrid and Cora went ahead. It was obvious he wanted to talk.

“S’up?” I asked.

“You and Cora are going dress shopping this afternoon?”

“Yeah, for her prom dress. Why?”

“Can we tag along?”

I shook my head in confusion. “Why?”

“Echo stopped by the mansion this morning. Cora was attacked last night by a dark soul. We’re to keep an eye on her just in case.”

I shrugged. But I was worried. “I don’t mind, but she might.”

“I can deal with her,” he said. “Just wanted to give you a heads up.” Funny how I used to think he was the hottest guy in school. He and Beau, one preppy and wealthy, the other dirt poor and dressed like he slept in his clothes, yet girls had drooled over both of them. The difference between them was Blaine always stayed faithful to his girlfriend while Beau did his bee dance—circle, sting, and fly away.

Speak of the devil. He was waiting outside my class with a caramel Frappuccino. He’d probably spent all the money he had. “You know that I was only kidding.”

“I don’t play, except when it comes to…” his voice trailed off as he stared after three girls who’d just walked by.

“Later Beau, and good luck with the test.”

“Thanks.”

~*~

I was finishing band when the Norns entered the room. Seriously?

I took my time putting away my oboe, and then locked the door after the room became empty. I didn’t speak, just waited to see what they were going to say. It wasn’t often I saw them twice in one day.

“Did you do it?” Marj asked.

“Do what?” I asked warily, gripping the handle of my oboe case even tighter.

“Don’t waste our time, Lorraine,” she snarled. “You know what you threatened to do yesterday.”

Wait. This wasn’t about my wedding? Could it be possible they didn’t know? “I threaten a lot of things when I talk to you guys. It’s the only language you understand.”

“You’ve become so insolent,” Jeannette said.

I’d better watch it or they’d become suspicious. “Honestly, I don’t remember.”

“You threatened to choose a different side, like Maliina did. We can’t let you do that.”

Relief was sweet. No wonder they were here. I’d scared them. “I was just letting you know that I have options.” I stood. “Leave me alone, and I’ll stay away from them. All I want is to help people. Not control destinies.”

“But you are changing their destinies,” Catie cut in. “We explained everything to you already.”

“There’s nothing I can do about that. I can’t live in a bubble.” But I could live in a castle in a small village surrounded by trees. I smiled and skirted around them. They turned to watch me with their ancient, wise eyes. They didn’t detain me or speak, and I wasn’t sure if that was good or bad.

I hurried out of the building and found Blaine and Ingrid by Blaine’s car. “Cora’s not out yet?”

“She’s probably talking to the soul she’s helping.”

When she joined us, Cora wasn’t amused that Echo had stopped by the mansion and now Blaine and Ingrid were babysitting her, but she couldn’t stop the Immortals. They followed us downtown while Cora talked about quitting the business of helping souls.

“A dark soul attacked me,” she said.

“I know, but Echo said it will never happen again.”

“And how will my all-powerful and all-knowing boyfriend guarantee that? He can’t be with me all the time.”

“You have us too, Cora,” I said, rubbing her arm. “You love helping souls find closure. Don’t let the dark souls stop you from doing that. Just like I won’t let the Norns stop me from doing what’s right.”

She started the car and we eased out of the parking lot. Blaine and Ingrid followed closely behind. Cora talked about her soul problems, but my mind was in England reliving my wedding, Torin’s vows, imagining my life in the castle. We found a spot to park near Angie’s Boutique and waited for Blaine and Ingrid to catch up with us before we went into the shop.

Conversations swirled around me, but I was back at my wedding. I kept playing with my rings underneath my top, until Ingrid shot me a warning glance and shook her head. Even Blaine chuckled when he caught me staring into space. But I must have made appropriate responses to Cora’s questions because she didn’t suspect a thing.

I helped her choose a prom dress and accessories. I usually shopped here too, but Mom had bought my outfit online this time. While I helped Cora out of her dress in the changing room, scuffles and shouts came from the other side of the door and I reached for my artavus. I created a portal and could see inside the store and the sales girl sitting at the counter. Ingrid and Blaine were missing.

“Outside,” Cora said, and I followed the direction of her eyes. Rhys.

We joined them.

I noticed the way Ingrid stared at Rhys as though seeing him for the first time. Those violet eyes and dimples were totally irresistible. He was looking for Echo.

“He’s not here,” Cora said.

“I can see that. Could you tell him he and I need to talk?”

“Why?” Cora asked, not ready to trust him yet. He didn’t indicate that he’d met me or Ingrid, but he couldn’t take his eyes off Ingrid and neither could she from him.

“The dark souls are restless, and quite a number of them are headed this way,” he explained.

Cora swallowed. “How do you know?”

“We reaped a few not far from here. Dark souls are loners by nature and territorial. We saw a group of them. If they’re coming here because of you, Echo is going to need help dealing with them.”

“Are you offering to help us?” Cora asked, taking the question from my mouth.

“Yes. It’s time to bury the past.” This time, Rhys glanced at me.

“So this has nothing to do with Dev and the fact that you guys want him?” Cora asked.

“No, but chances are the dark souls followed him here. Dev tended to act without thinking, and I’m sure that hasn’t changed.”

Cora sighed. “Okay, I’ll talk to Echo. How will he contact you?”

“He knows where we hang out.” Again he glanced at Ingrid before walking away.

Ingrid’s eyes followed him. I was going to tease her about him. For now, I focused on Cora. She was spooked by the news about dark souls. After fighting
Draugar
and possessed black bears, dark souls didn’t bother me. As long as I had my dagger, I could just suck them up and dump them at Crypt.

Ingrid and Blaine were almost at his car when I realized something. As soon as they got home, she would tell Lavania what Rhys had just told us. “Don’t drop me off at my place,” I told Cora. “Let’s stop at the mansion and talk to Lavania. I’d rather she hear what’s going on from you rather than me, or someone else.”

I texted Ingrid and explained my plans, then added, “That Rhys is sure hot.”

She sent an emoji of a sweating cartoon.

I laughed. “Did you see how the Grimnir, uh, Rhys couldn’t take his eyes off Ingrid?” I asked, looked up, and caught Cora’s expression. She glared at me. “Yeah, I know, we have enough to worry about without thinking about romance. But peaceful moments are meant to be enjoyed. Worrying about what might happen will only paralyze us. Torin often says we shouldn’t let our enemies dictate how we behave. Let them come and think we’re not prepared, until they attack and realize we are way ahead of the game.”

She sighed and gripped my hand. “Thank you. I needed to hear that. Oh crap. I can’t believe I forgot to ask Rhys about Maliina.”

“I’m sure Echo would know if she’s on Torture Island or not,” I said.

Cora frowned. “I don’t know. Remember, he never left my side after the battle, and when I recovered, he left with Eirik. The other Grimnirs were envious of his reaping record and hated him. Maliina could have escaped them, and they wouldn’t have bothered to tell him.”

Now Cora was beginning to have me worried. “Did you feel anything that could connect the dark soul that attacked you to her?”

“You mean other than the pure evil spewing from her core? No.”

I felt a little sick. I’d just threatened to follow in Maliina’s footsteps if the Norns didn’t leave me alone. She was a vindictive bitch and was once in league with evil Norns. If she was back, chances were she was working with them again. Could she be after me or were the evil Norns the ones I should be worried about now?

~*~

Cora explained everything to Lavania. Then Andris and my husband arrived, and I lost track of who was saying what. My husband. I loved the sound of that. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

He inched his way to my side, sat on a stool and pulled me onto his lap. While the others discussed dark souls and the possibility that Maliina was back, he stroked my arm and whispered naughty things in my ear. It was a wonder I wasn’t a puddle on the floor.

“You’re not coaching this evening?” I asked.

“Nope. The assistants are in charge today.” He ran the tip of his fingers up and down the palm of my hand. I always loved that. His other hand rested around my waist, his thumb slowly working its way under my shirt. Luckily, the counter blocked us from the others’ prying eyes, except Andris’. He threw us mocking glances and smirked.

“Want to get out of here, Mrs. St. James?” Torin whispered in my ear.

My entire body flushed. I turned my head to glare at him and caught the naughty gleam in his eyes. Our lips were only a few inches apart. All I had to do was lean forward. Yes, I wanted to leave, but we couldn’t. Cora would think we didn’t care about her. Rhys shouldn’t have told her about the dark souls.