Page 15

Chapter 15

Callum didn”t want to wake up, not while there was a warm witch draped over him. But winter’s steely dawn danced over his eyelids, rousing him from sleep. The fresh clean scent of soap mingled with Rowan’s salty sweat tickled his nose. A smile curled his mouth as he remembered the hot shower he’d taken with Rowan before slumber.

Callum dared to open his eyes and greet the day. His muscles were sore, and his skin was still prickling after only one session of rutting. Well two, if he counted sucking Rowan’s cock while they bathed. Yes, that seemed suitable to count.

Rowan lay on him like a ragdoll, cheek smashed against Callum’s chest. His pale skin was radiant, dotted with constellations of freckles from his shoulders down to the cheeks of his ass. When he’d wake, Callum would count every one of them with his tongue. He tightened his arms around his witch, brushing a kiss against his temple before resting his chin on his head.

He couldn’t remember the last time his mind was this blissfully empty, death always whispering in the corners of his skull. But this glorious morning there was just Rowan’s heartbeat. Yes, the trauma never truly disappeared, yet with Rowan it was lighter. Bearable. The world was less frightening while his Witch-boy was with him. Maybe he could regain the part of him that had vanished under the coven’s knife. Perhaps I’m ready to take a step into the light.

Rowan stirred, giving Callum a little nuzzle. He lifted his half-lidded gaze and gave him a sleepy smile. There was a light in Rowan’s eyes, no judgment or pity. Just sweet adoration. Two souls in each other’s arms, enjoying the peace after a good coupling. Callum curled his tail around Rowan’s waist. This beautiful Witch-boy was his. And in turn Rowan owned his heart.

Without a word, Rowan cupped the back of Callum’s head and kissed him with a fury that almost earned him another tumble on the settee. But before Callum could flip him onto his back, he pulled away with a mischievous smile. “Morning.”

“You look well fucked, Witch-boy.” Callum chuckled, smoothing Rowan’s messy locks.

“How else would I look? I can’t feel my legs.” He stretched with a groan, his shoulders popping. “Forty-two is too old for late night fuck fests. Sweet Hecate you almost killed me.”

“Bah, you’re hardly old. Just a witchling by my standards.” Callum swatted his backside with the brush of his tail, enjoying Rowan’s gasp of surprise.

Rowan grabbed his ears, giving them a rub that made Callum purr. “Yeah, but you’re ancient.”

“Ancient plus. I’m nine years Finn’s elder.”

“You don’t look a day over old as hell.” Rowan released his ears. Callum frowned, bumping his hands with his horns and the witch understood the signal, continuing his ear massage.

“So, I pleased you last night?” Callum asked.

“Yes. I am officially wowed.” Rowan pressed his lips to his chest. “Wowie wow wow.”

Callum groaned as a trail of fire was kissed down his belly. “More wowing this time than before?”

“Oh yeah,” Rowan murmured against his skin. “And you’ll wow me again…probably over a log…touching my… log.”

Callum groaned “No, Witch-boy,” he commanded.

“Why? You know I”m a killer in the sack.” Rowan gave him a wink. “Touching your sack.”

“Stop. Now.”

“Oh, come on! I’m a ball…with your balls!” Rowan laughed. “Okay, okay, no more ruining the mood. But I’m a-”

Callum quieted him as he slanted his mouth over his, drinking in the sweetness of his lips. Eventually he relented when Rowan was boneless. “No more puns. That’s an order.”

“Sorry, Cal but I’m a force of nature. Might as well ask the world to stop turning.” Rowan tapped the tip of his nose before administering his affection upon his ears again. All was forgiven in a blink.“Dear Gods these are soft.” He looked to Callum’s tail as it flipped against the settee. “Happy, I take it?”

“How could I not be?” Callum replied. “Cocks were out, and thoroughly taken. Things are grand.”

“Can’t argue.” Rowan rolled onto him, his thighs sliding over his hips. “So why don’t we try for round two, eh?” His eyes fluttered closed as Callum cupped him, giving his groin a firm squeeze.

“Brilliant idea, Witch-boy.”

My Witch-boy.

The glass domed mantle clock chimed and Rowan pulled away to look at it. “It”s eight? Shit!” He slipped from his arms, scrambling for his pajama bottoms that were crumpled under the cushions. “Shit shit shit.”

Callum steadied Rowan was he hopped one leg into his pants. “You’re allowed a late start today.”

Rowan gave a sheepish shrug. “Trust me, I’d rather stay here but I promised my aunts I’d help set up for Krampusnacht.”

Callum scowled. “Ah, that is today, is it?”

Rowan forked his fingers through his hair. “There’s still an open invite to join if you want.”

For the most fleeting of moments, it sounded like a wonderful idea. To join Rowan in a crowd. To hold no fear amongst his kind. But a knot tightened inside his gut, and his hands shook. Damn it all, why can’t I show courage?!

“Never mind.” Rowan took his face in his hands, giving him a tender, although disappointed smile. “How about I come back early, and we spend the rest of the night together? Just me and you and Ivy’s pervert house.”

“But what if I did join you?” Callum blurted. The hope that lit Rowan tightened that anxious knot, and he stammered like a babbling idiot. “Not today. But If I were to join you someday…?”

“I wouldn’t leave your side.” Rowan said. “Hypothetically speaking that is. Doesn’t have to be tonight. Whenever you’re ready.”

Callum wet his lips looking at the crackling fire. “And what if I never am?”

“Then you can live vicariously through my boring stories about giving Tarot readings to tourists.” Rowan raised his chin, gaze fierce and voice as serious as a vow. “Whatever you want, I’ll support it, even if it’s me coming home every night to talk to you.”

Callum’s ears perked. Home. Rowan had never referred to this place as home. It was always Ivy’s house or the warlock’s mansion. “Do you intend to make this place your home?”

Thoughts soared past Rowan in heavy silence; sadness, fear, then the slightest glimpse of… joy? Oh yes, Callum was sure he saw that in the twitch of his Witch-boy’s mouth. “Let’s talk about it, okay?”

“I am open to discussion,” Callum replied eagerly. “I know this is no easy feat for you.”

“You’re right.” Rowan smiled, one that was genuine and spoke of brewing excitement. “But what was it you said? Go big or go home?”

Fire burned inside Callum’s heart, one brighter than he’d ever felt before. By the Goddess, he loved this sweet witch-boy, loved. Not stronger than Orlaith but it was different. Bright. And he would not squander it.

“Off with you.” Callum took Rowan in his arms. “The sooner you go, the sooner you return to me.” He grabbed a healthy handful of the witch’s ass, nipping his lips. “And the sooner I can suckle you and drink you down.”

Rowan quivered. “Sweet Hecate, the way you talk is so fucking hot.”

“You will find it even hotter while I’m buried deep in your ass,” Callum growled. “Now get moving, like my good little Witch-boy.”

Rowan stumbled backwards, waking from his lust filled trance. His laughter was like music. “Yes sir” he kissed Callum’s cheek. “For what it’s worth, I think you’d be a sexy Krampus. And I’ve always wanted to try a little role play.” With a wink he set off, disappearing into the main house.

The wing felt so big with only Callum. The ceiling beams creaked, and he chuckled. “I’m sure you’re very happy now that you finally got what you wanted.” He grinned. “Because I am as well.”

He cupped the talisman around his neck and the sigil flashed, as if in thanks. Gods, he wanted a reprise of last night. Right now, not after nightfall. He found his loincloth and tied it on, following Rowan’s path. If he moved fast enough Callum would catch him on his way to the shower. Then he’d reenact last night’s shenanigans and his witch-boy would run a little late. Callum threw open the door to the hall and collided into Finn, knocking him backwards.

“Dammit! I was just getting the hang of these boots!” Finn cried. He wore an oversized sweater and baggy pants, his horns invisible, save for the slight indentation against his hair. He struggled upright, making his slow way to Callum, the floppy boots on his hooves fighting him with each step. “You look unusually cheerful. Is my Witchling right in believing it finally happened? Did you claim your witch?”

“Indeed!” Callum spread his arms wide and bellowed, “Cocks were out, brother!”

“That is tremendous!” Finn cheered. He applauded as Ivy left their bedroom, blurry eyed and in her night clothes. “Witchling, good news! Your feelings were right!”

Callum thumped his chest. “Cocks were out!”

“I know,” She yawned. “The good sex feels kept waking me up.”

“I’ve proved to my Witch-boy that I’m strong and brave with a massive phallus my brother only wishes he had.” Callum crowed.

“Hey!” Finn gripped his waistband. “My phallus is-!”

Ivy grabbed his trousers before they dropped. “Finn, no!”

“Finn, yes!” Finn answered.

Callum scrunched his nose. “What in the seven hells are you wearing?”

“My human disguise. I’m practicing.” Finn said.

Ivy shook her head. “Out of all the days, Finn. Krampusnacht is the only one you don’t need a disguise.”

“If I’m to go to my first festival amongst the humans and witches, I want to experience it like them,” Finn replied, making his way to Ivy like a toddler running in socks.

Ivy grabbed him before he teetered over. “The streets are covered with snow and ice, and you want to go out there in those boots?”

Finn waggled his eyebrows. “You can hold me all night, Witchling.”

“You weigh a ton!”

Finn clicked his pointed tongue. “Not what you said last night while I was riding you.”

Callum blinked, ignoring Ivy’s blush. “Finn, you’re going too?”

“My Witchling asked me to join her.” Finn shrugged. “I said yes.”

Ivy steered him towards their bedroom “Come on, Goat Boy. Let’s go practice someplace safe.” He didn’t miss the discreet kiss Ivy pressed to Finn’s cheek, or the tender smile she gave him, despite her grumblings.

Callum swallowed his nausea. Finn was going to Krampusnacht. His mate desired it and he could give her what she asked for. Meanwhile Callum cowered in his wing, like a scared fawn. A hum vibrated against his chest. He looked down to the talisman as it pulsed, the sigil lighting in a blue flash.

You’re not alone.

The words were clear in his mind; half in his voice, half in a whisper from the air. He touched the talisman. I’m not alone. I’ll have Rowan. But can I truly do this?

The door downstairs slammed a clatter of footsteps and din of voices following. “Aunt Dahlia?” Aster said. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in town?

“No!” Dahlia cried. “It’s ruined, it’s all ruined! Krampusnacht is cancelled!”

***

Auntie chaos was not what Rowan expected to walk in on after his shower, but it had detonated all over the living room. Dahlia paced a hole in the floor, tall heels clicking like mad. She was dressed for Krampusnacht with her dark hair piled into a messy twist, the rest of her statuesque form draped in red velvet. But the festive attire did nothing for her look of utter despair.

On her heels was Rosemary, a swirl of green and brown skirts, trying to calm Dahlia down but also in a frenzy herself. They talked over each other a mile a minute, Ivy, Finn, and Aster staring at them.

What’s going on?” Rowan quickly buttoned his shirt, running down the stairs to perform damage control. “

“I have no idea. they just burst in and started babbling,” Ivy said.

Aster held out her hands. “Aunt, Lia. Slow down, what’s happening?”

“We’ve been cursed!” Dahlia howled. “The auditorium’s water mains froze last night and broke! The whole place is flooded with ice!”

“And on top of it all, the actor playing Krampus had to cancel.” Rosemary shook her head, gray curls flinging about. “The flu has him on bed rest for the next week, poor thing.”

Dahlia flung herself onto the couch with a dramatic sigh. “It’s dreadful. We’re going to have to cancel! All that hard work flushed down the toilet!”

Rowan shook his head, droplets from his still wet hair dripping onto his shoulders. “Wait, let’s think a moment. The auditorium is down so why don’t we just move it to the shop? Its big enough for the food tables and dancing. And you have that area in the back you use for summer witch teas. We can do the kids events there. We’ll leave now and help you clear out the space, move all the merch and-”

“But what about Krampus?” Dahlia wailed. “We can’t have Krampusnacht without a Krampus!”

“We’ll have to cancel the children’s events. And that is the highlight every year.” Rosemary wrung her hands, taking over pacing duty from Dahlia.

“What if we asked one of the people in the costume contest to take over?” Aster asked.

Rosemary shook her head. “If they are chasing children, it has to be someone we trust, not a stranger.”

Rowan pursed his lips then very cautiously offered, “I could always do it.” He was answered by a loud chorus of groans and cries of Hell no. “I wasn’t thatbad!”

“Yeah, you were. It was like a horror movie,” Aster replied.

“You’re exaggerating,” Rowan said. “I chased them like I was supposed to.”

Dahlia sighed. “Rowan dear, you chased them down the street.”

“They were laughing!” Rowan cried.

“They were screaming,” Ivy muttered. He shot a glare at his twin who shrugged. “Don’t give me that betrayed look, kids had nightmares for months. We still hear people talking about it.”

Fine, maybe Rowan remembered it wrong. Maybe his roar was a little too blood curdling, and maybe the fake fangs he’d worn were a little too realistic. He’d assumed the kids were only hiding because it was a game.

Rowan rubbed the back of his neck. “I got a little too into character.” He swiped his arms through the air as their frantic voices rose again. “Okay, let’s take one problem at a time. We have a place, right? We can get the shop set up. We’ll cross the Krampus issue when we get to it.”

Dahlia threw her hands into the air. “It’s no use! Even though we have a place, the most beloved part of Krampusnacht…well since Rowan left the role…is done!”

Finn rose a hand. “I could perhaps step in. Yes, I’m far too handsome to be Krampus but I’ll do in a pinch.”

Rosemary looked to Dahlia. “He does have horns and hooves. We wouldn’t have to worry about a costume.”

“No,” Callum declared. He stood at the top of the stairs, expression fierce despite his shaking fists. “I’ll do it” His voice trembled but he marched to the living room, a warrior ready for battle.

Rowan rushed to the stairs, ready to shield Callum from the oncoming rush of auntie affection. “Callum…”

“They need help. I can provide.” Callum smirked at Finn. “Far better than my brother.”

“That’s only because I’m too pretty to play the role.” Finn chuckled, capitulating with a sweep of his arm and a proud gleam in his eye. “I gladly yield to you.”

“Are you sure?” Rowan squeezed Callum’s hands. “Because you don’t have to. Not for me or for anyone else.”

“This is not for anyone but me.” There was no doubt there, only cold determination as Callum brushed a whisper of a kiss to Rowan’s forehead. “There’s only one thing I’ve been surer of, Witch-boy and that was wanting you.”

Rowan lit up with a delighted giggle. “Well then, I’ll be right there with you, Big Guy.”

Dahlia and Rosemary swarmed the two and Callum stiffened for the briefest of moments, then he melted under their praise, daring to embrace them for the first time. He snaked an arm around Rowan’s waist, keeping him close while his family chattered. His brave satyr. The toughest bastard on the mountain was going to face his greatest fear. And Rowan would be exactly where he belonged, right by his side.