Page 2 of Because You're Mine
Once he had my preference, the waitress came back to the table to take more orders and check on us before bringing out the food. As he spoke to her, I fought the urge to stare. Hisenergy was so demanding and intimidating as hell. Donovan was the definition of tall, dark, and handsome. His broad chest and muscular arms were the result of his being in the gym as much as his girlfriend. He was the owner of a very successful clothing line and used his fortune to give my girl the world. Janelle was living her dreams as a businessperson before she met him, but for the past two years, her life has gotten softer.
I wanted that life for myself one day.
“Oh, baby! Come dance with me.” Janelle clapped before jumping to her feet, grabbing his hand in the process. “You know this is my song!”
Chuckling lowly, he obliged her request as she all but dragged him to the dance floor. Once in the midst of the other patrons, she threw her arms around his neck as he pulled her as close as he could. My eyes were trained on them as I placed the hookah tip to my lips, taking a deep pull as I watched them sway to the music and serenade each other.
“They’re so damn cute.” I heard Abby gush from beside me. “I can’t wait to have a man look at me the way he looks at her.”
Hearing her say that, I zoned in on the way his eyes shone with so much love and admiration as he stared down at my best friend. Where she released, he was right there to inhale. I watched his hands drop to her firm ass, squeezing it as he pulled her into a kiss. The way they sensually devoured each other made me warm all over. Pulling more of the hookah smoke in, I couldn’t take my eyes away if I tried.
“Mesmerizing, isn’t it?” I dragged my eyes over to Ashley as she smirked. Her eyes were trained on me as she pulled hard and inhaled the fruity smoke. “True love is a beautiful thing.”
The song ended, and I watched them still wrapped in each other’s arms, probably whispering sweet nothings. On their way back over, I diverted my eyes and found Ash’s were still on me.Picking up my shot, I held it toward her before throwing it back. I relished in the burn, hoping it would soothe the feelings within.
“Indeed, it is Ash,” I stated as Janelle and Donovan reclaimed their seat at the table. The feelings I tried to suppress were clawing their way up, scraping away at my insides. Tonight was proving to be weird, the kind of weird that made my magic restless. If I held my breath any longer in hopes of the feeling going away, I was afraid it would start breathing for me. Exhaling to keepmeaway from me, I threw back another shot. “Indeed, it is.”
“My mind is like glass,sharp and clear; my light shines bright, I have no fear.”
With my morning tea in hand, I sit in the middle of my small field and meditate to start my day. I take my practices seriously, and each day begins with me stepping outside to absorb the earth’s light. Sipping my drink, I throw my head back to soak in the sun’s rays. The blood in my veins flows just as warm, a clear indication that I was on the right track. Fall is in the air, and so is the smell of a potential rain shower. The low hums of the birds flying and chirping about sing to me a promise of today being one of clarity and understanding.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
In.
Out.
The breaths feel intense, but they have to be to ease my mind and clear any fog or doubt that wants to seep in. Sleep didn’t come easily last night. My mind became a playground of voices, but I refuse to let them set the tone for my day. Once I find the clarity I seek, everything will fall into place.
Being the last descendant of the Winsor Witches has been a blessing and a curse. I’ve been shunned by my family because of my practices and beliefs, but I have no regrets. In return, my magic grew by the minute and continues to do so as I choose to honor myself and the legacy before me. Although life has not granted me all I could command for myself with the snap of my fingers, I believe in divine timing, so I wait. However, last night’s dream was indicative of what’s to come, and I felt the excitement mixed with worry about the unknown.
Love is upon you, looking you right in the face. Be ready to receive it while it fills you.
Thinking about the man’s voice from my dreams last night sent chills down my spine. It was so familiar, yet unrecognizable. I didn’t stress it too much because I know, in due time, it will be revealed to me.
After completing my morning routine, I slowly rose from my meditation grounds. Stepping off my blanket, my feet sank into the wet soil from the morning dew. With my head held high, each step I took rooted me, making me one with the ground.
"Open,” I commanded firmly, and watched the back porch door swing. The hinges of the door creaked just as loudly as the planks groaned with each step I took. “Shut.”
Hearing it close softly behind me, I set my teacup onto the kitchen counter. Clapping twice, I stepped back in admiration and watched as all of the curtains and blinds opened on their own, letting the sun’s natural light beam through my little cabin. Inhaling deeply, I closed my eyes, balling my fists close as Ilevitated from the ground. A slow grin formed on my face as I began to float slowly through the house. The smell of pine and incense met me at every turn—the air alive with crackling energy, causing my skin to prickle.
As I drifted to the middle of my small living room, I took a moment to take it in. Everything about me screamed witch. From the isolated cabin in the woods to the big black cauldron in the middle of my kitchen floor. Hell, even my name, which was one thing I thanked my mother for. One day, I will be able to live my truth in peace without facing ridicule. As I floated down the narrow hallway, I could hear my cellphone ringing in the distance. Lowering to the ground in front of my nightstand, I smirked at the sight of Janelle’s face flashing on my screen.
“Sister…” I hummed as the phone connected, pushing my loose curls from my face. “How are you doing today? Let me guess. Smiling for the cameras?”
When Janelle and I met in middle school, I refrained from telling her about my abilities with magic. While many knew of my family’s history, she didn’t let what others said about me deter her from being nice to me. Over the years, our friendship has blossomed because of how we cheer each other on. I love her so much, and I wouldn’t dare risk our friendship by telling her the rumors were true and I am indeed a witch who dabbled in magic.
“Hey, sis.” I could hear the smile in her voice as she greeted me. “Today is actually an off day, so I’m trying to get some things done. I know it’s early, but I wanted to stop by and see you while I was out. Am I disturbing you?”
Looking around my space, I frowned at the clutter that was in disarray. With the wave of my hand, I watched as everything returned to its rightful place throughout my home. “No, not at all. I just finished meditating, so I’m not busy anymore. I have some things I need to get from the city later, but that’s later.Come on by… You know Ialwayshave time for you. See you when you get here.”
After disconnecting the call, I went into my bathroom to freshen up. Janelle is the only one who didn’t make jokes when it came to my living in a cabin in the deep woods, so I didn’t mind her being in my space at all. Not to mention, her light and energy were always a cleanser of sorts to my home. It was like oil and water when her energy met mine—co-existing but never mixing.
Leaving my bedroom, I made my way across the hall to a cozy closet that I called “The Spell Nook.” As I stepped inside, a slight breeze swept past me, blowing my hair in the process. A gentle welcome is all I needed because I knew the power these four walls held. While my home was my sanctuary, this closet was sacred. I smiled as I walked further into the space, toward my spell book located on the wooden podium.
“You and I are going to have a little fun later.” Dragging my finger across the cover, I closed my eyes, saying a short chant with promises of what the day would entail.
Knock. Knock.
