Curvy Like A Witch (3 page)

“Let them see,” I said. It thrilled me
to be pleasured that way, appealing to some inner rebellion against
my dour daily life. Yes, let them watch. Demons and vampires and
drunken college boys. Let them see me in my ecstasy and be jealous
of the creature providing it. I had never felt so strong as I did
with my nipples to the glass, hammering the beat of nature. No
power given by the craft could match this. As I screamed his name
it was with a twinge of regret for the reflection of the clock in
the kitchen told the true hour and I knew this would be the last
time.

After, he rested his head on my
breasts. I kissed his dark hair. “It is time.”

He raised his head. His eyes were
nearly sorrowful. “I know.” He ran his hands down the curvy lengths
of my body and whistled low.

“What?” I asked.

Draco shook his head. “I was just
thinking what a waste it was. This luscious body was meant to be
savored, not hidden.”

I swallowed hard. I knew
what he was offering me, but it was impossible.
I am a witch. I will return.
“Draco,
I-“

“No,” he said firmly. “It doesn’t need
to be said.” He located his jeans and pulled them on, averting his
head as I slipped my gown on. I began tying the cloak around my
neck when he took the strings from my hand and tied them together.
“There.” He grinned ruefully. “Now you’re in the same condition you
were in when I found you.”

I had desired a night which I could
look to for the next 364 days to quiet the primal longing
instinctive to every mammal on earth. Unbelievably, I had found it
with a werewolf. But far from stilling those base urges, I had
awakened. I knew I would yearn to be touched every one of those
nights with even fiercer urgency.

Draco was silent as he drove. I
wondered if we would speak again before the end. The clock on the
dashboard read 11:55 pm. He drove quickly. I was tense. If we
wished it, he could end the dispute over my job-induced chastity.
One moment past midnight would banish me from the craft, from the
sisters, from Phoenix House. I tried to believe that wasn’t what I
wanted.

Then there we were. A light shone on
the small pentagram above the grand entry to Phoenix House. A
handful of dark shapes flitted up the steps and disappeared inside
as the last of the witches returned.

Well, nearly the last
witch.

The clock read 11:59. Draco stared
mutely ahead. He seemed to be only awaiting my departure. I did not
have words. It would not be suitable for me to see him again.
Halloween was only for one night. I opened the door and stepped out
onto the curb.

I was nearly at the door when I heard
him call. “Celeste.” I turned. He leaned out of the car, looking
exactly as he did when we met. He winked. “I’ll see you next
year.”

Mother Alma was awaiting me. Her smile
was thin. “Miss Celeste.”

I walked past her and began to climb
the long stairway. “I am a witch. And I have returned.”