Page 7 of Wind and Water (Reign of the Witch Queen #2)

He heaves a short laugh and pulls me into a tight hug.

“That may be true, but wanting something and acting on it are two different things, sweet Wren. I’m a man with a mission that includes taking you to an elven portal and into a world filled with danger.

I’d hate to think our acts of passion would alter your decision making. ”

Pushing away, I flop back on the couch. “That’s rich. Eight days ago, you tried to drag me through one of your portals. Now you have morals?”

“I’ll not continue to apologize for that. I’ve already done so. It was a mistake. Now that I know you and your family, I would never force your hand.”

“It’s arrogant of you to think sex with you would be good enough to make me choose danger and possible death.”

“Maybe, but in my mind, it’s that good.” He’s not bragging in the way many men would. He puts his head back and closes his eyes as if it pains him not to follow through with what we started.

I think it would be that good too. Maybe he’s right. This thing between us is scary and intense and should be put on a shelf. “You’re right.”

Letting out a breath, he relaxes. “Thank you. I don’t know if I could say no if you persisted.”

Gratified, I fail at trying not to look smug. “I’m glad to hear I haven’t lost all of my feminine wiles.”

Turning his head without lifting it from the back of the couch, he looks at me, and our songs filter into my mind. “I’ve never wanted anyone or anything more.”

This entire thing is insane. I’m not fanciful.

I make jewelry and sell it. I live on property my great-grandparents bought and passed down through the generations.

Nothing exciting ever happens to me. It took Momma and me two years to save for this crazy trip after she retired, and we are supposed to go home in four days.

Suddenly, I’m considering following an elf through a portal into another world where I’ll probably be killed by a witch queen.

Is all of that because I haven’t been laid in a long time? God, I hope not.

“What happens if you or your brothers fail?”

With a grunt, he adjusts himself. “The witch queen will continue to destroy Domhan until there is only darkness and all light magic is lost.”

“So, she’s a sociopath.” Terrifying, but not the first I’ve heard of. “Once she’s ruined your world, what will she do then?”

His stare is hard, and all the tenderness of a few minutes ago is gone. “Your mother was a teacher of history. What does a conqueror do after they’ve won a war?”

A knot grows in my chest as I consider all the people of this world who destroyed and conquered and what they did once they had “won.” It’s never enough. “They look for other places to conquer.”

He nods and straightens, looking more soldierly.

“There are other worlds. Venora has already taken Arcaina. It is visible from Domhan and was home to an early elven culture. They had not yet advanced to written language and had no magic, but now they are her slaves or shadow demons. She will continue to be a blight wherever she can learn the magic of a world.”

My pulse races. Reaching across, I touch Liam's ear. It feels round, but I know it’s just a glamor. He’s not human. Venora will continue her reign of terror until she’s stopped, like so many who were hungry for power before her. “She’ll come here?”

“It’s possible, and since she will learn of the prophecy, it is likely.” At least he has the grace to look sorry for it.

My mother is sleeping in the next room after a great morning of fun and laughter, and granted, too much whiskey on an empty stomach. My friends in Texas are going about a normal Tuesday of work and family. Earth knows nothing of magic, light or dark. “Shit.”

Liam cocks his head.

“This thing between us, the way I’m drawn to you, is it some magic spell?” It sounds stupid, but I have to ask.

“Not of my making, if that’s your question.” His grin is delicious.

I close the distance between us on the couch and take his hand. Every touch of my skin to his is like the first, and a thrill, like electricity, rushes through me. “I will go with you. I don’t see how I’m of any use in a war, but if my going will save worlds, how can I say no?”

He seems to be waiting for me to say something else, or maybe he thinks he’s hearing things. “You will go through the portal to Domhan?”

“We have a witch to stop, don’t we?” It’s a rare thing to surprise Liam, and I think I like it.

“Indeed, we do. Thank you.” He kisses my hand. “I will protect you with my life.”

The bedroom door crashes open. Momma’s hair is standing out in every direction, and she has a smudge of lipstick across her cheek. Her eyeliner has nearly reached that same cheek. She gives each of us a hard look. “No one is going anywhere without me.”

It’s hard not to laugh. She looks like something out of an old drama movie.

Liam stands. “We weren’t going to leave in the night, Birdie. Even so, this is not a pleasure trip. There are real dangers in Domhan. You’d be safer staying here. Besides, I plan to wait for Wren to agree when she’s, how did you put it, ‘sober as a judge,’ before I accept the offer.”

“What?” I blurt out.

Standing straight and strong as I’d expect from a soldier, he looks at me and shakes his head. “You didn’t think I’d turn down your first offer and accept your second when you’ve had a few drinks, did you? As delightful as the first was, the second is more serious and life changing.”

Momma moans and holds her head. “You two work this out while I finish my nap.”

“Drink more water,” I holler after her.

With a wave, she closes the door.

“I need a walk and some food.” I get up and write Momma a note telling her where I’ve gone.

Liam follows me out. “I’ll join you if you don’t mind?”

We walk along the sidewalk. It’s overcast but not raining.

Summer in Texas is a whole different thing from summer over here.

I’ve only been able to wear shorts once on the entire vacation.

Not that I mind a break from the sweltering heat of home.

If I wanted a tan, I’d have gone to the beach and still probably wouldn’t have managed it with my fair skin.

It’s nice the way he walks beside me without needing to keep up a constant line of chatter. He’s a thoughtful man, which is a first for me. He was right, though, going to confront the witch queen probably shouldn’t be taken lightly. “What will I face when I get to your world?”

He flexes his fingers. “I can’t say for certain. The portal is not pleasant. The one I came through was made by the oracle, so it was fairly mild. I expect the one on the Isle of Skye is from the old gods and will be painful.”

“Any good news?”

He smiles. “It won’t kill you.”

“Well, that’s something. Where will it take us? I mean, will we have long to travel when we get to the other side?”

“It will depend on whether there is danger on the other side. The old gates have light magic that keeps those like Venora and her followers from using them. It was put in place to protect this world. There are other spells on the gates in Domhan to prevent us from portaling into danger.”

“I’m going to take that to mean that you don’t know where we’ll land. What happens if the bad guys find us?” A shiver runs up my spine.

“I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe, but I can’t make any promises. My world is dangerous since the witch queen began her reign.” His gait is stiff.

The pho restaurant on the corner wafts delicious aromas down the street. “Let’s eat here.”

It’s a nice place. Not fancy but clean and with fun Asian decor.

Once we’re seated, and we order some tea, I look at the menu, but I’m preoccupied. “You said that Venora took the white tower thirty years ago. Have you known a Domhan that wasn’t fraught with danger?”

“I have lived thirty-four suns, Wren. I don’t have much memory before we crossed the sea to escape death at her hands.” There’s deep sorrow lining his words.

My heart aches for him and the life he’s had to live. “You could stay here where there is no dark magic.”

“You tempt me more than I’d like to admit, but I have a duty to my people and my family.” He looks at the menu and his eyes widen. “I think you had better do the ordering.”

“It’s noodle soup but better. Whenever I go to Houston or Tyler, I always stop for pho.” I like that he trusts me, even if it’s only to order food.

When the waiter comes back, I order beef pho for both of us and pour tea into the small handleless cups.

Liam sips his tea and smiles. “This is nice. Different from the tea we’ve had with other meals.”

“It comes from the east. Different parts of the Earth have different cultures and foods. This restaurant features food from parts of Asia. I’ll have to get a map and show you.

” Watching him try new things is almost as if I’m trying them for the first time again.

I like it. “You’ve mentioned old gods several times. Who are they, and are there new gods?”

Gaze soft and focused on me, he smiles, slow and sexy as hell. “I think they are called old because they’ve been locked behind the Watcher’s Gate for so long.”

“They had a physical presence in Domhan at some point? Who are they? How many are there?” So many questions rush through my head.

“It has been many years since the Tuatha Dé Danann walked among the elves.” The food arrives and his focus shifts.

“Holy crap,” I blurt out as my mind spins with the familiarity of the mythological gods of Ireland.

The waiter blanches. “Something wrong, madam?”

“No. I’m sorry. It looks wonderful.” I can’t believe his old gods are the ancient Celtic gods. “You mean like Brigid and Morrigan?”

He studies the chopsticks and the spoon. Deciding on the spoon, he sips the soup. “Very good.” Glancing at me, he says, “You know the old gods?”

“We need to find a library.” I pick up the chopsticks and show him how to eat the noodles. The rest of the meal is spent laughing at his attempts.