Page 42 of Magic and Medicine

Somehow, Sara had accomplished the impossible, giving me access to the portion of my godhood tied into the Nether’s creation and maintenance. Disbelief threatened to overwhelm me when I pondered how she did it. I understood now why Soul Shepherds were so sought after and tethered to the god that found them, willingly or not. I didn’t ask for it, and I never would, even if I’d believed it was possible, but Sara’s touch led me to the source. It was clearly an instinctive act, and the love that shone within her eyes eased the pressure squeezing my ribs. She wanted this. The reminiscence made me smile, washing away the doubts but not my worries.

I didn’t like that I couldn’t explain the experience. Was it because we made love? Love, because I could not call this unearthly experience fucking. It was love, but did she free the stag because I claimed her or was physical contact enough? Despite my resistance, I couldn’t help it, and she accepted my claim, not just with words, but with her heart. I hadn’t planned it; Sara was mortal, and when my resolve crumbled, I begged her to send me away. Now, we were tied by magic older than time, and I had to find a way of keeping her with me forever. What if she refuses? The errant thought whispered that my stubborn woman would reject any such gift. Even worse was the worry that someone more powerful than me would try to take her away and force her to use her magic.

The vital energy coursing through my veins, rejuvenating me with every heartbeat, was sweeter than any drug. I worried how I’d feel when it disappeared because this incredible moment couldn’t possibly last. It was the hope that undid me. As I looked down, brushing the tousled hair from Sara’s face, I studied the living tattoos on my body, their pulse not following the beat of my heart but the woman’s I held close. My stubborn little minx who was overjoyed that I now had antlers and was fascinated that I could transform into a wolf.

Naughty reindeer. Only Sara could make such a joke without an ounce of fear. Should I tell you how much your acceptance means to me? I thought, trailing my fingers on the soft skin of her back. Maybe I should, but not yet. I didn’t want to burden her with the knowledge that she made her decision without knowing all the consequences.

I should have stopped and talked to her before making my claim. Then, I wouldn’t feel like such a bastard for tricking her into this situation, but the last month had taken a heavy toll, and my decision-making was erratic at best. My inability to avoid Sara, leading to this moment, was a prime example. One thing was certain, however. Magic or not, she was an exceptional woman that I had learned to cherish, and I would protect and love my Firefly no matter what happened.

Sara accepted me without trying to become the reason for my existence. I’d long since abandoned hope of finding a partner, an equal, someone who could look me in the eye, unafraid of the raging beast. Then Sara entered my life, a tornado of courage and strength, protecting Adam when she stood no chance against me, and I knew my life would never be the same.

Unable to resist, I leaned down, kissing Sara’s forehead, smiling as she sighed, still deeply asleep, and carefully eased her to the side, avoiding the evidence of our late-night activities. Another smile graced my lips as I stood up, remembering her embarrassment at the aftermath of our lovemaking, but it swiftly disappeared as I focused on my reason for abandoning my lover’s arms. No one could take what’s mine. She could leave me if she chose to, but woe betide any poor bastard who thought they could lay a hand on my woman and live. It was time to track down whoever thought they could attack my woman with impunity.

My hands curl into fists as the image of Sara writhing in silent agony flashed before my eyes. Whoever attacked her like that meant for me to see her pain, keeping Sara alive long past the time it would take for the spell to kill her. This was a challenge, a show of power, the reminder they could take her… Fuck! If I let them! My hands balled into first when the cruel smile ghosted on my lips because, thanks to the very woman they’d assaulted, I could show them what real power looked like.

I grabbed a pair of sweatpants from the drawer before heading to the kitchen. Michal was already there, frying bacon next to a mound of scrambled eggs.

‘Here, something to replenish your energy after last night. I ordered cinnamon rolls for Sara. The delivery should arrive soon. Will you be returning later, or will you be sticking your head back up your arse?’ The disapproval in his voice felt almost physical, and if not for the years of service, I would have thought this old shifter was challenging me.

‘I’m coming home. Sara and I came to an understanding.’

‘Twice from the sounds of it. What sort of understanding?’

‘That she is mine, and I will never let her go,’ I said, casually putting a piece of the greasy meat in my mouth. Even saying that out loud felt good, and my smile returned as I ate.

‘You’re mated?’ he asked, using the shifter term.

‘Yes.’ I didn’t want to be ambiguous and kept eye contact with Michal as he frowned.

‘And she accepted it, knowing what that means?’

Trust him to ask the one question I wished to avoid. My face must have betrayed the answer because my assistant sighed and shook his head.

‘Took you long enough, but you should have told her, trusted her with the information. I doubt it would have changed Sara’s answer, but when she finds out you hid this?’ With a disappointed look, the shifter shook his head. ‘You shouldn’t have left her in the first place. She was scared, overwhelmed by her new reality, and you just left her running away like a coward. You’re better than this, Boss; what’s going on?’

I looked at Michal, wondering what had happened to my quiet, loyal assistant for him to question me like this. He must have felt the weight of my displeasure, turning around to busy himself in the kitchen, but I could hear him mutter, ‘It just wasn’t right.’

Then it hit me. He was protective of Sara, and even though it was shocking, that fact encouraged me to offer an explanation.

‘You’re right. I know how badly I fucked up, but thankfully, I have you and Sara to tell me. With the claiming, it… again, you are right, but the ability to think rationally went out the window the moment I saw her so close to death. Everything that happened was consensual. I even confessed that I was the biggest idiot for what I’d done before. Sara graciously forgave my stupidity and….’

I stopped momentarily, lowering my eyes as I gathered the courage to admit the next part. ‘The only reason I tried staying away was to avoid pulling Sara further into our world, giving her the choice to leaveifshewished, but once we’d cleared the air, She chose to be with me, and I could not deny her.’

I could see Michal had more questions, but my phone rang, and, seeing the caller ID, I answered. Adam’s voice assaulted my ear with an unusual screech. ‘Just tell me your doctor is all right before this harpy rips my head off.’

‘What?’

‘The woman you told me to protect, Nina. She won’t shut up. So tell me Sara is fine, or better yet, tell her yourself, or I’ll dump her on your doorstep because you’re not paying me enough to handle this. Ouch! What was that for?’ I heard the slap and a furious female voice telling him to get Sara on the phone.

‘Fine, bring her here. We are having breakfast, so you might as well join us.’

I heard more muffled words than a deep, relieved exhale. ‘Perfect, we’ll be there in thirty minutes.’ Adam said, disconnecting, and I smiled, looking at Michal.

‘Would you prepare two more plates? We have guests coming.’

His disgruntled complaining followed me to the bathroom as I dressed, hoping my home and I would be acceptable to Sara’s friend.

The sound of tyres ploughing a furrow in my gravel drive announced our guests’ arrival, but Michal could not open the door in time to prevent Adam from crashing through it and marching wordlessly into the kitchen.

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