The Beltane Witch (Cloudburst Colorado) (10 page)

The scents of fried food and popcorn hit his nose as soon as they stepped in
side the large squat building. Laughter and high pitched squealing filled the spaces between the heavy beats of the music playing over the PA system and Sabrina directed them over to a table near a central area. Beyond some half-walls people of all ages swirled more or less gracefully over a flat, glossy wooden floor. All seemed to be wearing ugly heeled boots with a set of four wheels attached.

“Okay, let’s go get our skates.” Sabrina helped the girls remove their coats and took Holly’s hand. “What size do you think you wear now, Holly?”

“Seven.”

“C’mon, Darius. I’ll show you how to skate.” Tansy grabbed his hand and pulled him toward a counter where a pimple-faced teen set out the
tan wheeled boots. “What size are your feet?”

“I’m afraid I don’t know, Miss Tansy.”

“I bet they’re really, really big.”

Sabrina looked over her shoulder at them and raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Darius shrugged and followed them to the counter. While Sabrina
paid their entry fee, he helped the girls choose their skates.

Tansy seemed perfectly at ease with the wheeled monstrosities and quickly slipped her feet into them as Sabrina returned to them with an amused smile wreathing her lips. Holly promptly sat down on the floor and pulled off her shoes, but she had trouble keeping the skate close enough to get her foot into it.

“Here, let me help you, Holly.”

Sabrina crouched
beside Darius as he eyed the plethora of roller skates lined up on the counter. His gut told him these were meant for fun, but they resembled torture devices and he couldn’t imagine a reason to wear them.

“What is the purpose of these, pray tell?”

Sabrina laughed. “It’s to go as fast as possible around in circles while trying to keep your balance.” She grinned. “You’re telling me you’ve never done this before?”

“No.” He scowled.

“Mommy, can you tie my skates, please?” Holly raised one foot.

“Sure, honey.” Sabrina winked at Darius. “Just put the skates on your feet.”

“They look ridiculous.”

“Just wait until y
ou’re rolling around in circles.” Sabrina laughed as he gaped at her in horror. “Don’t worry, I’ll be with you.”

“I’m not sur
e—”

“Oh, come on. I thought you were a warrior. Warriors accept any challenge.”

“Not the stupid ones.” His shook his head.

“Stupid warriors or stupid challenges?”

“Challenges.”

Sabrina sighed. “Look at
it this way. It’s an exercise in balance and dexterity. Warriors need practice, right? Think of it like fighting on ice. Your feet will be unstable. Can you keep your balance while rolling, or sliding?” She held up a pair of skates to Darius.

He took the awful
beige, heeled shoes and fit them to his feet, trying to ignore the goad to his pride. Scuffs and scars marred the stiff leather. He took better care of his fine leather boots. With the boots laced tight, he stood, testing his balance. His left foot shot out to the right, and his right foot zipped backwards until he damn near dropped to his knees.

“Whoa!” Sabrina grabbed his wrist and provided a steady anchor. “Easy, there, Skippy. I’ll help you.” She
, too, wore skates, and far more effortlessly than he did.

“How are you able to remain still?”

“See the toe rest on the skates?” She tilted one foot up. “I just point my toe down and it keeps me from rolling.”

Darius tipped his own foot forward and found he’d stopped rolling. “
At least there’s something useful.”

“See? So let’s go have some fun with the kids.”

Sabrina pushed off and gently rolled a little way on the muffling carpet. He followed after her, stumbling and skidding with the uneven footing. Ahead, on the smooth wooden floor, children of all ages slid by in smooth glides.
Surely if they can do this, I can.

“Look, Mom
! I’m flying.” Sabrina’s oldest daughter flew by, her arms extended before her.

“I think you need a
cape, Tansy,” Sabrina called with smile.

Tansy
twirled gracefully, her hands on her hips and skated backwards. “I don’t need to have a cape. I already have wings. See?” She flapped her arms up and down as she rolled along.

“You
’re as fleet as a falcon, Miss Tansy,” Darius said. Sabrina arched her brow and smiled at him. “What?”

“
That was kindly done.” She offered him her hand as she stepped onto the floor.

“She has a
strong spirit. Much like you, Sabrina.” Surprised pleasure flashed through her expression before she turned her face away. Satisfaction filled his chest when her fingers tightened on his.

****

Skating turned out to be a comedy of errors and Darius found it easiest to watch Sabrina and her children from the edges of the rink. He took pleasure in exchanging the hideous skates for his comfortable boots.
Bloody awful things.
Holly and Tansy were masters at the sport and Darius grudgingly admitted admiration for their coordination. Sabrina floated like an angel across the wooden floor and he caught himself gaping like a fool.

Sabrina’s
mahogany brown hair waved behind her in a silken tail, a few wisps escaping the band holding it at the nape of her neck. He knew the softness of those tresses and his fingers ached to trail through them again. When had she become more beautiful than most of the Fae lasses with whom he’d dallied? She didn’t have their willowy physique, her beauty more grounded in an earthy solidity he preferred. He liked her strength and resourcefulness as well as her unwillingness to bow to every one of his wishes. She represented a challenge and it interested him far more than a biddable female.

Watching her laugh with her children struck a chord in his chest and he rubbed a hand ov
er his heart with a groan. An odd mixture of yearning and hope bloomed inside, followed swiftly by fear and despair. When had he started wanting a family? Why did this little witch affect him so strongly? Her very humanity made it impossible for them to be together. He’d outlive her by centuries—he already had—and he had his duty to the Sidhe Summer Court. He couldn’t set it all aside for one human witch.

But the yearning refused to abate when Sabrina and her daughters rolled off the rink’s floor, laughing and chattering about how fast they could go. Sabrina’s eyes sparkled with love and joy
for her children, and Darius wished she’d look at him with such emotions.

Like she did in my dream.
He kept strong control over his wayward cock and hoped his expression remained relaxed and pleasant.

“Mom, can we get some
hot cocoa and cinnamon buns afterwards?” Tansy looked up hopefully as she worked on removing her skates.

“I don’t know.
”

“Pleeeese?” Holly piped up. She tried to jump up and down, but her skates shot her feet out from under her and she toppled backwards with a frightened squeak.

“Steady, Miss Holly.” Darius caught her and cradled her in his arms. A sudden protective instinct gripped him and he squeezed her gently. “It seems wiser to take your skates off first then you may jump.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Holly’s politeness always sur
prised him. He’d never encountered such good-natured children.

We were never
so polite until after Father left.

The old anger tried to rise again, but he stuffed it away. Holly’s and Tansy’s father had run out on them as well and he’d be damned before he left them in the lurch.

What am I thinking? I won’t be here past Beltane.
But he wanted to stay for more than just their mother’s hot body. He wanted to stay to teach them about…
What? What do you know more than Courtly intrigue and manipulation?
He shoved the snarky voice away. He wanted to stay with Sabrina and help her raise her children. He had no idea where the certainty came from, but it left a warm spot in his chest and he smiled as he helped Holly sit down. “Would you like some help with your laces?”

“Yes, please.”

“Very well. Have you learned to tie them yet?”

“No. Mommy ties them for me
’cause I don’t know how.”

“Would you like to learn?”

Holly looked at him for a long moment then nodded. “Okay.”

“Let’s do it using your shoes. Are you right-handed or left?”

“Right.” Holly waved her little palm at him.

“Very well. Sit before me and I shall show you how to tie your shoes.”

Holly settled between his legs as he leaned around her and showed her how to make a loop and wrap it with the other lace. She focused on his hands and practiced a few times, making messy but functional bows.

“Look, Mommy, I can tie my shoes!” Holly jumped up and pointed her toes at her mother.

“That’s wonderful, Holly.”

“Darius showed me how.” The triumph in Holly’s voice
delighted him almost as much as the surprised pleasure on Sabrina’s face. “Thanks, Darius. I’m gonna get my coat.”

He climbed to his feet and brushed off his trousers as Sabrina watched her daughter run off to the table. He liked helping
her family, and an fantastic idea took hold in his chest. He wanted to help them more than just for these few days.

Mayhap I should look into
the abandoned mine site and see if there’s a way to purchase it.

“Thank you.”

Darius blinked in surprise. Had she heard his thoughts? “Sorry?”

Sabrina gestured at Holly chattering with her sister as they zipped up their coats. “For teaching Holly how to tie her shoes
. I really appreciate it, and so does she. So, thank you.”

“
My pleasure, Lady Foxglove.” Not quite as pleasurable as her gratitude, but close. “I’m happy to help.”

She smiled and his heart swelled again, but he resisted the urge to rub his chest. “I’m going to go warm up the car for the drive home.”

“Do you wish me to come with you?” He hoped to have more time alone with her.

“No, I can do it. Please watch over the girls. I’ll be right back.”

“We shall be waiting.”

Her grin
filled him with satisfaction and he hoped he wouldn’t miss it when he left.

Chapter Eight

Sabrina’s breath puffed out in front of her as she hurried across the parking lot. The sun had set while they skated and the air had turned chill. Pleasure and
excitement kept the cold at bay as she paused to pull out her keys. Darius’s simple acts of kindness were slowly winning her over.

It could all be a ruse
.

True, but she’d seen him with the girls when he didn’t know she
watched and he’d been so attentive and kind.
Now if only he could be so real with me…

The parking lot
echoed with voices of people walking to the skating rink and cars creeping across the gravel. Sabrina misjudged the distance to the door of her van and knocked the keys out of her hand. Grumbling, she crouched to retrieve them then screamed as something crashed into the door above her head. She dropped to the ground and scrambled backwards, bruising her hands on the gravel.

A dark shape spun and lunged after her, tackling her legs. Sabrina shrieked and kicked with all her strength, but whoever
held her only tightened his grip. Fear mixed with fury swelled in her gut and she swung one fist at her assailant’s head.

He must have seen it coming because he ducked and it bounced harmlessly off his shoulder.

“Let go of me!” Where were all the people she’d heard? Hadn’t anyone seen him grab her? “Help! Help!”

“Shut up, you stupid slut.
” The man slapped her across the face in an effort to quiet her, but she screamed even louder while dizziness made the world wobble.

“Who are you? Leave me alone.”
Had anyone heard her?
Please, Goddess, send someone
.

“
Quiet, bitch! You should be home minding your children.”

Something
about the voice seemed familiar. She swung her hand at his face again. He dodged and she swept his hat off, exposing his head. The meager street light cast enough of a glow to identify her attacker.

“Marty? What the hell are yo
u doing? Leave me alone, dammit.”

Another blow to her
head caught her broadside. “Your mouth needs to be beaten out of you by your husband. I’m looking forward to doing the job.”

“What are you talking about?” The dizziness had gotten worse and she couldn’t find much coordination, but she struggled and shoved at him even as her strength waned. “I don’t need a husband.”

“Yes, you do. A husband could make sure you’re home safe where you belong.” He pushed her down to the ground with one hand and tore at her jacket with the other. “You should be looking after the children and taking care of the house, not out flaunting your body like a common harlot.”

“Flaunting my body? Are you insane? I just took the kids rollerskating!” She shook her head but the dizziness only worsened. “I don’t need a husband.” She tried to sit up.

“Yes, you do.” Marty slammed her back down just before he found the waistband of her jeans and yanked on them.

“Mommy!”

Tansy’s voice made Marty pause and look up, and Sabrina’s stomach sank. Her children stood wide-eyed a few feet away and she groaned, trying to get up. A furious roar filled the parking lot and another dark shape slammed into Marty, lifting him up and away. Sabrina lay on the ground, the cold, damp gravel seeping into her head, back, and hips, and tried to make sense of what she heard. Marty cried out in cadence to the meaty thuds as someone beat the living daylights out of him, but she didn’t have the energy to look.

“Mommy
, Mommy! Wake up, Mommy.”

Sabrina
opened her eyes to look at her daughters. Both their faces held fear and she tried to smile.

“I’m okay,
ladies. Just a little bruised and dizzy.” She sat up slowly, hoping the world would stop spinning, and gathered her daughters into her arms. Both started to cry and wrapped their arms around her. “Shh, shh, it’s okay. I’m right here.” She wished someone could tell
her
everything would be all right as she squeezed her girls.

M
ay Marty Robinson rot in hell for what he did.

Sabrina tried to look for th
e bastard, but the cars blocked most of her view beyond her daughters’ heads. The dizziness made it difficult to keep her eyes open and she closed them, rocking her children gently. Angry and stern voices sounded off in the background, but she just murmured nonsense to her frightened children, and tried to will away some of the developing pain in her head.

Please, Goddess, just get
us home safe.

She jumped as another body wrapped itself around her and the girls, and she struggled a little until Darius’s familiar scent reached her addled mind.

“Easy, Sabrina, it’s me, Darius.” He cradled them all in his embrace. “Are you all right?”

Sabrina opened her eyes, but had a hard time focusing. “I’m fine.” His lips pursed and she knew she hadn’t convinced him, but he didn’t gainsay her. “I’m just a little battered and bruised, and I really want to go home
.”

“Then home we shall go.”

“He hit her.” Holly’s voice held tears and anger.

“Yes, I know, Miss Holly, but I made him stop.”

“Why did he do that?” Tansy wiped her tears with the back of her hands.

“It doesn’t matter. He won’t be doing it ever again.”

The fury in Darius’s voice made Sabrina shiver. “Did you kill him?”

The rumbling chuckle held no humor. “No, but I wanted to. Lt. Fitzroy of the
Cloudburst Police arrested him and put him in his car after I subdued him. He will not be seeing you for a long time.”

“Good. Never seeing him again would be too soon.” She squeezed her daughters once more. “Help me get up and let’s go home. I’m done being social.”

“Do you need to go to the doctor, Mommy?” Tansy’s lower lip trembled, but no more tears fell.

“No, no, honey, I just need to get home.”

“Maybe she’s right. We could always—”

“No!” Sabrina
almost shook her head, but the pain stopped her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I just really want to get home where we’ll all be safe.”

“I’ll keep you safe, Sabrina.”

She had her doubts. With his upcoming departure, they’d be in the same boat they’d always been. Her alone and the only defense for her children. She thrust the thought away and leaned on him, taking what she could get.

Somehow,
they made it to the van and Holly found the keys in the slushy gravel. Sabrina sighed in gratitude as she settled into the passenger seat while the girls fussed around her, their voices ringing with worry. She wanted to comfort them and tell them everything was all right, but her energy level ebbed low and she couldn’t find the words.

“I love you, Mommy.” Tansy peered into her face, her breath puffing the cold interior.

Oh, dammit, I didn’t turn the heat on.
“I love you, too. Tansy. Don’t worry. It will be okay.”

“Is Darius gonna take us home, now?”

“I hope so.”

“Why aren’t you driving, Mommy?” Holly touched her shoulder.

“Because my head hurts. Get clipped in, now.”

Darius spoke a short time with Lieutenant Fitzroy then climbed into the driver’s seat of the van. Sabrina grasped his arm as he turned the ignition.

“What did he say?”

“Your assailant has been arrested and will be taken to their holding cells. Tomorrow, you’ll need to come down to make a statement against him, but tonight I’m taking you home.”

“Okay, good. Maybe we can have some hot cocoa when we get there.”

“I don’t want hot cocoa. I want some tea.” Tansy leaned forward and rested her hand on Sabrina’s shoulder. Sabrina laid her hand over her daughter’s.

“Sounds very good, Miss Tansy.” Darius threw the van into gear.

Yes, it does.
Sabrina closed her eyes and leaned back against the headrest. Now she just had to make it through Beltane and everything would get back to normal.

****

Darius cursed his clumsiness as he hit another slippery patch in the road and they skidded a little. He had no idea how difficult driving on icy slush could be until now, but he’d be damned before he let Sabrina stay at the roller rink after Marty Robinson attacked her.

Fury flared again and he made sure to slow his motions as the
y turned a corner onto Sabrina’s street. When Darius had seen the bastard on top of Sabrina, he’d thrust the girls at the nearest bystander and launched himself into the fray. He’d been prepared for a real fight, but Marty Robinson had no formal fighting ability and had immediately started whining and crying beneath the force of Darius’s blows.

The mewling blighter
used his weight and strength against a weaker woman, bullying her.
Darius had only stopped from beating him to a pulp when it became obvious Marty couldn’t match his warrior skills. Darius had given him a few injuries of his own. The man would be feeling his decision to attack Sabrina for a long time.

Before he’d let him up, Darius had snarled a warning to leave the Foxgloves alone
. He courted Sabrina now and wouldn’t tolerate anyone poaching on his turf. She and her daughters were under his protection and if the little puke got anywhere near them, the consequences would be far more dire than just a beating. Marty had whimpered his understanding when Darius shook it out of him.

Fortunately,
Lieutenant Henry Fitzroy, an off-duty police officer for Cloudburst, had taken care of the girls while Darius took down Marty. He witnessed the whole event and had no compunction against arresting the stupid bastard. Fitzroy promised to keep an extra eye on the blighter if anyone came to bail him out, but he’d need Sabrina’s statement to hold him longer than twenty-four hours. Darius promised to bring her to the station the next day.

Right now, he just wanted to get his family home where they’d be safe.

They are
not
my family.
But he wanted them to be. He wanted it more than he wanted anything else in his life. Seeing Sabrina fighting an attacker enraged him beyond reason and he’d damn near killed the man for daring to harm his woman.

Darius gritted his teeth against the furious howl wanting to break loose and slid the ungainly van into its place before Sabrina’s garage, praying he wouldn’t crash into the door.
It took him a moment to figure out how to open the garage, but Tansy pointed to the black box on the sun visor. He thanked her and told her to open the door while he helped her mother inside. Holly raced inside to turn on the lights as Tansy held the door wide, and Darius carefully pulled Sabrina out of the van. She’d fallen asleep and his heart leapt at the idea she may be badly injured.

If she is, I’ll kill
the bastard before he makes it out of the jail.

Sabrina moaned as he shifted her into his arms and he kissed her forehead.

“Easy,
acushla
, I’ve got you. We’re home and you’re safe.”

“Head hurts.”

“I know. We’ll fix it soon.”

“Put me to bed?”

“Not right now. I think you have a concussion. Again.”

“Why is everyone hitting my head?”

He chuckled at the plaintive tone in her voice. “I don’t know,
acushla
, but we have to keep you awake for a short time. How about the divan?”

“The di
v—Ugh, just call it the couch, ok?”

Darius kissed her forehead again and set her down on the
couch
before he removed her boots and helped her out of her jacket. He dragged the fleece afghan he’d used as a blanket over her and checked her eyes, losing his smile.

“I think you may have avoided another concussion, but we’ll have to check after I help the girls with supper.”

Sabrina sighed and struggled to get up. “I can do it. Just give me a minute.”

“Peace,
acushla,
you need to rest. I’m happy to make the meal. Just rest.”

“Wait, you can cook?” She eyed him narrowly. “I thought you had servants for
that sort of thing.”

“Only when I’m at Court.” He
winked as he tucked the blanket around her again. “Stay put. I’ll have Tansy bring you some tea.”

Sabrina sighed and settled back into the divan, holding her head away from the back. He suspected she had another bump to add to the one she’d gotten at the coffee shop and his anger flared. How dare
the little bastard touch Sabrina just because she spurned him? Didn’t he know it came down to female choice?

Darius forced himself to calm down as he marshaled the girls into making the evening meal and bring Sabrina tea. Tansy willingly helped, but Holly wanted to stay by her mother’s side and Darius couldn’t blame her.
I want to stay there, too.
And not only for a single evening.

He refused to examine those thoughts and focused on the girls. Sabrina read them a goodnight story on the couch and his heart clenched while watching the girls snuggle with her. He wanted this, wanted it so much he could barely see straight, but he knew his responsibilities lay elsewhere.