Page 34 of Hallows End
“Of course, I did. It’s already on my altar. I changed it out for the season, and it’s all ready to go for All Hallows’ Eve.”
“You’d change it out in July if you could,” Lorelei says with a smile.
“Hey, some people leave their Christmas trees up all year.” Breena shrugs. “I’m no different when it comes to Samhain. Okay, let’s start on the incense.”
But before we can get started, the broom by the front door falls with a loudthwack.
We jump and frown at it. We always leave a broom by the front door, upside down, to keep the evil spirits at bay.
“Company’s coming,” Lorelei mutters as Breena stands to pick up the broom. Before she can do it, the front door flies open, and wind whips through the cottage, snuffing all the candles.
Immediately, the three of us join hands and begin to chant.
You are not welcome here. You’ve not been invited.
Take your leave; all evil has been smited.
Nothing that does not serve us may stay.
Only love, joy, and light come through the doorway.
Our power builds as we chant the simple spell over and over again until the wind dies, and the door slams closed once more.
With our hands still clasped, we look at each other, unnerved.
“Like you said, Breen,” Lorelei says at last, “the veil is thin, and this is Salem. Shit’s about to start happening, and we’re always targeted because of our magic.”
“You’re right,” I agree and feel the tattoo on my neck pulse, ready to defend against any attack. “And we have our wards.”
“I say we make the protection jars first,” Breena suggests. “I also have pendants that we can make into tiny protection jars to wear at all times.”
“I stopped at Giles’s store and bought extra tourmaline,” Lorelei says. “We’ll spell them and keep them on us, as well.”
“I’ll make some for Jonas, too,” I murmur, thinking of the man I’m quickly falling in love with. “He should have the added protection, given that he moves between worlds.”
“Agreed.” Breena nods once and then walks to the door to pick up the broom, setting it back in place. “Let’s get started.”
The three of us worked well into the evening. When I got home, Nera wasn’t entirely happy with me. But the two of us are settled in now, having eaten dinner and taken care of business outside in the rain.
I know that Jonas will come to me tonight. He’s been here every night since my and Nera’s horrifying experience during our walk. He spends most days in Hallows End, but without fail, he comes to me.
Though despite being so attracted to him I can hardly see straight, we haven’t made love.
By the time we fall into bed each night, we’re exhausted, and I know that we both have a lot on our minds. Not to mention, something always inevitably interrupts us.
But tonight isthenight. I’ve given Nera a stern talking to, and he knows to leave us be for the night unless there’s an emergency.
I’ve just changed into a sheer, nude nightgown and pulled on the flowy green robe when I feel Jonas cross the bridge.
My body breaks out in goose bumps, and every nerve ending in me awakens.
With an excited little dance, I run for the back door, down the steps, and through the garden. When I meet up with Jonas in the woods, I launch myself into his arms and kiss him like my life depends on it.
His hands grip my butt as my arms and legs wrap around him, and he continues to walk to my house as he ravages my mouth.
“I want you,” I whisper against his lips. Jonas grins, gets me through the back door, and then pins me against it when it’s closed. It drives mewild.
“It’s going to be fast,” he says, apology hanging in his voice.