The Council, A Witch's Memory Read online

  Unfortunately I heard Venna running towards me. “Henry?”

  “What’s wrong?” I cursed my rotten luck as the men forgot their abhorrence to my identity, now intrigued by my Venna.

  And she is my Venna, I decided. She just doesn’t know it yet.

  Fate could kiss my ass. This was my life. My soul.

  Lord, what a time to have that realization.

  She skidded to a halt beside me. “There was something in the bushes by the tree. It kept moving,”

  I looked past her and didn’t see much of anything, except a rabbit. “Don’t worry about it, let’s go.”

  We started for the path and Roger cut us off. He tried to make direct eye contact with her and I felt my temper flare.

  Stupid mind reader.

  I jerked Venna behind me. “I think you have worn out your welcome, Roger. It was nice meeting you, Fin.”

  Fin stuttered nervously, giving Roger’s arm a tug. “N-no, the pleasure is all mine. Roger, let’s go.”

  Roger didn’t move. “You’re awfully protective of your...”

  “Enough!” I snapped, before he could call Venna a witch. I felt her tense up behind me and clutch handfuls of my shirt. I rarely raised my voice around her, however it was necessary. “You will leave. Now.”

  I wanted to beat some sense into Roger. It would only take a second, and no one dared contest the prince. My mother wouldn’t be too happy if I did, and I’d probably scare Venna into never wanting to see me again.

  So I kept my hands on Venna and my powers to myself.

  “Come on, or you’re not going to see Alaska, you’ll be seeing prison bars.” Fin pulled Roger’s arm, leading him deeper into the woods.

  “Let go.” Venna tried to wriggle free of my grasp. She gave my leg a kick, not hard enough to harm me, not that she could. It was merely a warning. “Why are you doing this, Henry?

  “I don’t trust them.” I ground out.

  Once I felt satisfied with the distance Roger and Fin walked I released her. She recoiled as I turned around. It hurt. I felt her pained expression in the pit of my stomach.

  I did not want to lie to her, but unfortunately I had no choice. I couldn’t tell her the truth, or maybe I could… No. Nothing about our encounter with those men was magical. The incident at the lake was clearly the first. This could not be the second. And I didn’t care if it was, the night was still young, and morning was still hours away.

  “Come on, let’s get back to your house.” I wrapped my arm around Venna and got us back on the trail. She seemed to be lost in thought. “Okay?”

  She didn’t answer me.

  “Venna?”

  “Ever since we were children you’ve been there for me. Sometimes I think you feel obligated to be with me, like you have to protect me from something.”

  Her words hit me full force. I’d not thought my actions to be so obvious. I worked hard to hide so much from her. “Venna, maybe once a very long time ago I felt obligated, but I was a stupid kid who didn’t know what he wanted. I’m with you now because I like seeing you, hearing what you have to say”

  “I feel that way, too.” She confessed, blushing.

  If it had been anyone else, some other girl, I would have confessed my feelings blatantly, been more aggressive and forward. But Venna wasn’t just any girl. She deserved every star in the sky. Anything she wanted I’d gladly give her without hesitation, including my heart. Then again, she already had it.

  There were so many things I wanted to say to her, but I couldn’t. Not yet. I had to be patient. I forced a grin. “May I keep you for the night?”

  She nodded, laughing at my choice of words. “How about we watch movies until we fall asleep? But you’ll have to give me back in the morning.”

  “Okay, we’ll grab some stuff from your place, and head back to mine.”

  I wanted to ask her if she’d let me keep her forever.

  But why would she let me keep her if I kept such an enormous secret from her?

  Chapter 10

  If I wasn’t getting over being terrified, I’d be scolding myself for wandering the woods at night. How stupid can someone get?

  I leaned into Henry’s side thinking my number would have been up a long time ago if he wasn’t so vigilant. There were times I wasn’t sure how he managed to show up just when I needed help. Tonight was a prime example. Or maybe it wasn’t. Maybe last year at the State Fair was an even better example. We were coming out of the fun house just as it began to rain. I slipped on the metal walkway that was a good ten feet off the ground, and almost sailed over the side.

  Henry had appeared out of nowhere…except I do remember an odd flash of green light. He’d told me it was the lights overhead on the blinking sign.

  But the sign’s light had been red.

  I’d doubted there was anything he could do to help me when those men showed up. It wasn’t like he could appear out of thin air to save me.

  He was good, but not that good.

  And once again, I was proven wrong.

  “Are you doing alright?” he asked.

  “I’m fine.” I half lied. I was fine now. I hadn’t been before when I was freaking out about the whole, almost drowning, getting hurt in a dream that didn’t feel like a dream thing. And then being alone in the woods and freaking out even more with two strange men…I was just happy to have his company.

  “Really?”

  “Maybe.”

  He hugged me closer and I wondered how he could act as if he liked me more than a friend. “So why the sudden need for my company?”

  I shrugged. “I was alone. The house was too quiet. I guess I just wanted to be with someone.”

  “Someone specific?” laughter filled his voice.

  “I wanted to be with you.” I jabbed him in the ribs and he laughed harder. “Happy?”

  “Elated.” He calmed, and said, “I still think you’re leaving something out.”

  I nodded, looking up at him. “I just couldn’t stop worrying and thinking. My mind has been racing in circles since we were at the lake.”

  He tore his eyes from mine and surveyed our surroundings. “I didn’t want to leave you, but I thought it might help if I did.”

  “It didn’t. I haven’t told Zane what happened, and I am not telling Mara or Jackson. But I can’t not talk to someone about this.”

  “Then you’ll have me for a distraction as long as you want me.”

  I was relieved, but also confused about what had happened. “I still don’t understand what that was. Do you have any ideas?”

  It took him a minute, and it seemed Henry was struggling with answering me. “I do, but I’m not sure I want to share.”

  “Why?”

  “Because it’s pretty far fetched.” He sighed, running a hand through his sandy hair. “I think the best thing would be to put this aside for tonight, and look at it in the morning.”

  Fresh from sleep, clear minds…I could see how that seemed like the smart way to go, but I still wanted to know what he thought it could be. “Come on, tell me.”

  “Venna,” he stopped abruptly and looked down at me. Tension vibrated off of him in heavy waves. His eyes held such emotion and agony, as if this was harder for him than it was for me. “Trust me. I will tell you, but not now. It can’t be now.”

  I was so lost. “I have no idea why you’re so worked up. Why don’t you think I should know?”

  “Please. I need you to leave it be. Trust me. Just for tonight.” He started walking, practically dragging me with him as I dug in my heels. My feet hurt, so I went along. “I have a theory, but I want to be sure before I tell you.”

  I did trust him. And I knew that he wouldn’t keep something from me unless it was for a really good reason. “You’ve got twenty-four hours, and if you don’t share, then I’m going to be mad at you.”

  “Oh, really? Just mad?”

  I swatted his arm. “I mean it.”

  “I believe you. How are your feet?” he a
sked as we reached the garden gate. He held it open for me and we headed into the house.

  “I don’t think I’ll be running a marathon anytime soon.” I said. “Mostly I’m sore…same goes for the bruise on my side.”

  “Then, again I ask, why didn’t you wait for me to come to you?”

  I don’t know…because I was too stubborn? “Hey, I’ve taken a couple aspirin. I’m good for now.”

  We went back to my room, and for the first time I was nervous to have him there. Things were changing between us, and though I welcomed them, they were unfamiliar and scary and very exciting.

  I shrugged out from under his arm, putting a little space between us. Maybe being alone with him all night wasn’t such a good idea. I trusted Henry, but I wasn’t sure if I could trust myself not to pour my heart out like some lovesick puppy. Yes, I was going to tell him my feelings. First I needed to figure out how. “Uh, do you want to go somewhere instead of watching movies?”

  He smiled. “What did you have in mind?”

  “Well, Mara and Jackson will probably be back soon.” They didn’t like having company past eleven, and if I found a way to tell Henry how I felt, I didn’t want to do it with them right down the hall. “So, how about a camp out?”

  “I heard someone in town talking about it.” He sat on my bed, looking very out of place on my frilly, lavender bedding. Mara bought if for me. I didn’t have the heart to tell her it reminded me of an over frosted cupcake.

  “Great,” and now what? I busied myself by getting some stuff together, trying not to look at him. Flashlight…leaving the bathing suit…better sneakers on the feet…

  God, why can’t I just tell him how feel and get it over with!

  “How long will we be gone?” he asked.

  I turned back to look at him. What the hell, here it goes. “All night?”

  “Okay.” He laughed.

  I grabbed a jacket in case I got cold and opened the trunk at the foot of my bed. It was empty. “Zane took my sleeping bag.”

  Henry leaned over the side, looking rather smug. “We can share my sleeping bag.”

  Share the sleeping bag?

  Was he on glue?

  The last thing I needed was to be tortured by having to sleep next to him, zipped up tight in a warm snug space. Somehow I’d end up clinging to him or snuggling in an embarrassing way. He’d want to know why I was wrapped around him like a pretzel.

  Bad, bad idea.

  I wouldn’t go to sleep. We’d stayed up all night before.

  Or, while we were wrapped up in his sleeping bag, I could use the close proximity to tell him exactly how I felt. And if for some reason I couldn’t get the words out, I’d kiss him.

  Problem solved.

  “Venna?” the front door opened and boots clomped down the hall. “Zane?”

  Henry shot off my bed and stood in the center of my room. “Hey, Mr. Hall.”

  A short, portly man in his late sixties stood in the doorway. He had his favorite red suspenders on and a plaid shirt. His hair was white, but his beard was gray. He also had a fondness for Swedish Fish and taffy, which he kept in jars all over the house. Even in the bathroom. “Good to see you, Henry.”

  I smiled. “Where’s Mara?”

  “Oh, she decided to help Minnie close the diner. You know how they like to talk. My ears can’t take much of it.” Jackson raised his bushy white eyebrows. “So, what are you up to?”

  “If it’s alright with you, I’ve asked Venna to come with me to the lake. Zane is already there.”

  He smiled, rocking back on his heels. “Camping? Sounds like fun. Have a good time. When can Mara and I expect you back?”

  I gave him a hug as we left, “Not till late tomorrow. We’re going into the city to Mick’s. Henry wants to get something for his car.”

  “Ah, well have fun, and make sure your brother stays out of trouble.”

  Henry laughed, opening the front door for me. “That’s easier said than done.”

  Chapter 11

  I walked down the drive to the Mustang. As I got into the car, I saw it was stocked rather well for a visit.

  “Henry, were you going to ask me if I wanted to go to the camp out?” I asked as we drove to the same parking lot we’d parked at earlier. It wasn’t well lit, and the hike would be farther since we would be going around the lake.

  “Yes, I ran into Zane in town after I dropped you off at home.”

  What the hell? “No, he can’t have been in town.” I grabbed Henry’s wrist to look at his watch, “Zane left less than an hour ago.”

  “That’s when I saw him.” Henry laughed, and it sounded a little nervous to me. Or maybe I was imagining things.

  “Wait, you walked here.” I gestured to the car. “How did your car get to my house without you?”

  “I was in town, saw Zane, and drove here.” He said. You were on the way to my house, so I walked from your house to find you.

  I let go of his arm and studied him. It wasn’t impossible. “Okay, guess I believe you.”

  “Gee, thanks.” He chuckled, parking the car.

  He took a brown paper bag from behind my seat and it to gave me. A large blue sleeping bag and a backpack followed it, which he carried. I lit our way with my flashlight.

  A trail wound around Lake Cape into a dense line of trees. It wasn’t very smooth, and in most places the terrain proved tricky. Rocks, branches, sometimes holes, dotted the path. The incline always got the best of you in the dark if you weren’t expecting it.

  Minding our steps, we followed the trail to a campsite situated on the top of a hill overlooking Lake Cape. It kept campers safe when it rained. Tents wouldn’t get flooded out in the middle of the night.

  Music beat heavily in the distance, bass pulsing the ground. Voices and laughter signaled the party was in full swing.

  We reached the top and walked into a clearing where three campfires blazed. At least thirty people were mingling around them. The smell of smoke and alcohol permeated the air.

  I raised my eyebrows. “Interesting camp out.”

  Henry frowned as a shirtless boy ran past us with a six-pack of beer. “Yes, very. Why don’t we go somewhere else?”

  I handed him the flashlight and we walked along the outskirts until we spotted Zane sitting on a log. He was a ways away from the party, almost the length of a football field.

  “Why aren’t you with your friends?” I asked once we were within earshot, gesturing to the groups on the other side of the clearing. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to describe how thankful I was that he didn’t hang around the drunken crowd. I wasn’t a drinker. Henry liked to have wine with his parents at dinner. Other than that, neither of us felt the need to imbibe.

  “Those dorks?” Zane snorted. “No way, I get enough time with them in school. The group I associate with has yet to arrive. Besides, I had to claim the most remote spot.”

  “Practicing your command of the English language?” Henry chuckled.

  “Why, yes good sir. Superb isn’t it?” Zane hopped up and sauntered off, “I’ll see you dudes later. I’m huntin’ for firewood.”

  Henry set his things down and rolled another log over, not breaking a sweat.

  It took two or three guys to move them from what I’ve seen…

  Come to think of it, Zane had moved logs before without any help. Were my brother and Henry freakishly strong? Or was it a coincidence?

  “I’m going to find another log. Will you be all right here?” He stopped as if waiting for me to protest.

  “Yes.”

  I set up a proper fire with the wood Zane supplied. He was really fast at finding it too. I placed the wood in a shallow hole and set large rocks around the outside. Henry’s paper bag contained matches. I was glad that he didn’t pride himself on being the Boy Scout type, wanting to rub sticks together and all that silly nonsense. I also found a big bag of marshmallows. He knew what I liked so well.

  My heart skipped.

  No, I w
ouldn’t get moony eyed. I had an objective. Tell Henry how I felt, that’s what I came to do, and by God, if I had to flirt, I would.

  Although, I’d never flirted successfully before. I wasn’t sure how to do it. Mostly I felt like an idiot when I tried. I should have asked Pepper before she left for Georgia. I pulled out my phone and dialed her number.

  She picked up on the third ring. “Hey, it’s my favorite red head in denial. What’s up?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I can hang up.”

  “You won’t. You need me, freckles.” She laughed. “So…how’s it going?”

  “I need help.” I glanced around to make sure I was alone. “How do you flirt?”

  She snorted with laughter. “Oh, God! I’ve got tears running down my face.”

  “Yeah, because I’m so hilarious.” I’m sure there were other people in the world just as inept as me. “Come on, help me out here.”

  “Whew, I’m good, I swear.” She cleared her throat. “So, flirting one-oh-one, taught by Pepper Peterson. It’s very important to make eye contact.”

  “Okay, I can do that.”

  “Maybe flip your hair, or you can tug on a curl. Guys like that sort of stuff.”

  I frowned and swung my hair over my shoulder. “That sounds like something I usually do.”

  “Right, but you have to do it suggestively. With a come hither look.”

  Huh? Normally I flipped my hair to get it out of my face. Now this really wasn’t making any sense. “Got anything better?”

  “Wear a really low cut shirt, drop something, and pick it up slowly.” Was she trying not to laugh at me?

  I smacked my hand against my head. “Be serious.”

  “Hey, I am.” She paused. “I can totally see why my mother thinks I’m a hussy.”

  “You don’t actually do that, do you?” I hoped not.

  “Once, just to see if it worked.” Oh, God.

  “And?”

  “Got an okay date out of it. We just didn’t click.”

  I glanced down at my white t-shirt. The collar was too high.

  Holy, cow. I wasn’t going to consider that!

  “Pepper, do you have anything else in your arsenal?”