Chapter 1
The autumn colors covering the trees were rustling in the wind. The breeze was cool causing the fire to dim slightly as gusts passed by. I sat near the fire outside my Tennessee home after a stressful day at my metaphysical store. I have lived in the town for ten years, owning the store for the last seven.
My oldest daughter, Helga, had been helping for the last few years after school and on the weekends. Learning by my side, hoping one day to take over the business our family built. Ingrid, my second daughter, just recently began to take on more responsibilities allowing Helga to focus more on community outreach and marketing.
Helga and Ingrid said their goodnights before heading into the house; leaving me alone to watch the flames dance around in the wind. As a witch and nature lover, I enjoy the elements. Nature was the one part of life that was always reliable, yet ever changing.
I laid on my back staring at the stars for a moment before closing my eyes. I was feeling overwhelmed lately. I could feel my body relaxing as the cool breeze floated through the air. I closed my eyes, regulating my breathing, beginning to relax. Out of nowhere, my nose was filled with cedar.
The strength was overwhelming, my eyes shot open looking around. Most of the trees nearby were oak. My body instantly relaxed. I took another breath; I was let down when it wasn’t as strong. I felt an ache in my chest.
My body began to tingle. My skin was covered in goosebumps, singing. Intrigued, I tried to focus more on it. As it grew stronger, I slid my hands over my thighs, enjoying the sensation. Drifting my hands upward applying slight pressure, they relaxed comfortably on my lower stomach.
It filled with butterflies and anticipation. Knowing I was alone, clearly aroused. My hand drifted lower, sliding beneath my panties. My other hand found my breast gently massaging in sync. As my mind wondered thinking of the ultimate lover, desperate to please, I found myself wanting more.
I was unsure what brought on this sudden arousal, not caring much. A small moan left my lips before a twig snapped and a huff came from the tree line. I shot upright looking around.
I was really hoping to see a fox or bear, not a person. My eyes finally fell on a pair of eyes surrounded by a large grouping of bushes. Instantly I knew it was animal and not human.
“Oh hey,” I said softly, relieved. “I’m Astrid, what’s your name?” I said with a smile and small laugh. “Want to make the first move?” I said to what seemed to be a large dog.
He stepped backwards into the bush; I could no longer see his eyes. I pushed myself into a better position on one knee, just in case this went sideways. After a moment nothing happened.
“Did you leave?” I asked into the darkness.
The random animal’s rejection stung at my heart. I sat back down on the blanket and sighed. As I leaned back, I heard someone clear their throat as they approached.
With stealth, I grabbed my knife from my boot and hid it in my hand. We didn’t usually have to many problems with strangers around here, but I wasn’t taking any chances.
“Pretty sure that is far enough, you’re on private property.” I warned. “You missin a dog?” I said immediately.
“No, no dog.” The expanding shadow said in a deep voice, sounding offended.
A wave of cedar once again filled my senses. My body covered in goosebumps stronger than before. My ears perked up wanting to hear his voice again, it was unlike anything I had heard before. When my mind finally processed his words, I grew concerned.
“What the hell are you doing out here then?” I demanded, forcing the truth from him with my abilities.
When he didn’t answer I grew angry. I used my abilities to search his emotions, his intent was pure. I haven’t met many people that could deflect my powers, though I tried not to use them frequently. It was difficult to get a true reading on him.
“Listen buddy, I don’t know what you’re doing here, but do yourself a favor, rethink it.” I said sternly.
“I am not going to hurt you.” His beautiful voice sang.
I grunted, “I know you won’t, that doesn’t mean you won’t try.”
The 6’5 man stepped into my view, the shadows still lightly covering him. He reminded me of a Roman god, I wanted to see him in a toga. My eyes darting across his entire body trying to see as much as possible. His hazel eyes almost glowing, the center a beautiful gold. His shoulders were broad, his shirt… was missing?
“Um… Where is your shirt?” I said trying not to blush.
The heat coursing through my body was unique. My body never reacted this way to anyone I laid eyes on. I found myself staring at his chest trying to make out the tattoos. I diverted my eyes quickly.
“Hello?” I said impatiently.
“You don’t know me, but I have been searching for you.” He said sweetly. “For 10 years.”
I took a step backwards trying to decide what to do. I could run, but my body didn’t want to comply. If this guy is looking for me, better not to lead him back to the house, I thought. If you’re going to kill me, please, just please, let me ride you like a cowgirl first.
The thought making my cheeks heat up as I blushed. I felt my center begin to soak my panties. The tall man gorgeous man cleared his throat. I wondered for a moment if he somehow knew the effects he was having on my body.
“If you’re going to kill me, we might as well sit first so you may explain why.” I replied defeated.
“I would never hurt you; I am here to protect you.” He said offended.
“Pretty sure that is what most crazy serial rapist/ killers say.” I said bluntly.
He didn’t respond. I thought I heard some type of growl come from his chest, but it was faint. The wind had picked up slightly with my apprehension rising. My affinity beginning to protect me.
I was a rare witch that had an affinity for each element. I was told there was only 1 every couple hundred years or so. Air and fire were my strongest. Water was close to being the most enjoyed.
As I centered myself, I could sense his emotions rolling off him. There was no dishonesty, or any murderous feelings, at least towards me. The wind died down slightly as I gained composure.
“Okay, that last one was uncalled for, but let’s be frank, this has horror movie written all over it. And you are barley saying anything.” I pointed out calmly.
“It does.” He shrugged taking a seat.
I kept the knife hidden as we sat a few feet from each other. I was feeling calm, not stupid. He picked up a crystal with runes on it. He must have dropped it. His emotions dimmed away. I was chewing on my lip as questions flooded my mind.
“Want to tell me why you needed to find me?” I finally asked.
“Because you are the part that makes me whole.” He said purely.
“My name is Alexander. My family calls me Lex, you, Astrid, are my mate.”
