Chapter 87

Wes nodded to whatever Brother Kale was saying, but he wasn’t listening at all. He couldn’t take his eyes off Ann. Was it the atmosphere here at the lake that made her seem so ethereal? There was something to be said about fresh air and nature instead of city concrete and buildings. Right now, she was having a very serious conversation with Leland, and his curiosity was so bad he was barely able to keep his feet where they were.

“Do you think that would help?”

He blinked and looked at his elder. “Which?”

Brother Kale glanced at Ann and then grinned at Wes. “I see you’re distracted, and I do understand why, but if the brothers and I are going to do that, we need to get started.”

Wes rubbed his hand over his face and then shook his head. “I need a recap.”

“It was actually Brother West’s idea.” He nodded. “To put a deterrent cast around the lake so those without magic don’t feel the urge to be here.”

Wes’ mouth dropped open. How had he been so distracted to miss that? “Yes. I think that is a brilliant idea.” He glanced over at Mitch with his uncle and Kat. “Mitch and I could help.” He looked at Leland. “Lee, as well.”

Brother Kale smiled. “That would be wonderful. More of us spread out doing it simultaneously, will ensure a higher success.” He clapped his hands together. “Sunday morning?”

Wes nodded. “Yes. Gather as many of the brothers that are nearby.”

The elder laughed. “They’re all here. None of us would miss this. It’s been our life work—our ancestors as well.” He patted Wes’ arm and then hurried in the other direction. “I must tell them.”

Wes watched him leave and then took a deep breath. This area always felt charged but peaceful at the same time. He loved it here. Bending down, he undid his shoes and then slipped his feet out. Pulling off his socks, he tucked them into his shoes, rolled up his pant cuffs, and then picked them up. He’d lost more than one pair of footwear around this lake over the years, and he wasn’t about to do that again. What Brother Kale said hit home. It wasn’t like he didn’t know what was happening. He did. He’d spent most of his life thinking about it, preparing for it, and now that time was here.

He walked down toward the water, letting his feet sink deep into the sand. He could feel the energy of the earth beneath his feet and couldn’t help but smile. In the city, he could walk for days in his bare feet and never feel a trace of energy because of human progression. He scoffed. Was it really progression? Not for the planet that supported them, it wasn’t.

As he reached the edge of the water, he took a few steps more so the gentle lapping of the water would wash over his feet. A jolt went through him, making him feel like a first-timer all over again. The energy where the water met the sand he stood on was incredible.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and took the fragrance of the water and all the growth in and out of it into his body. It felt like coming home after being away for a long time. If life had ended up differently for him, he never would have left this area. He’d been chosen, or so he’d thought back then, to be one of the three to help the women carrying centuries worth of magic, so he’d accepted his obligation without complaint.

“Isn’t it wonderful?”

Opening his eyes, he looked to see Ann standing beside him. She was smiling. Glancing at her feet, he saw she’d pulled her skirt up and was standing in the water barefoot.

“It is. I miss it when I’m not here.”

“I can see why. I’ve never felt something so pure and unaltered in my entire life.”

He grinned. “Yes. Unaltered, that’s the right word.” He motioned around them. “The Brotherhood buying as much as they could around the lake has ensured it wasn’t paved over.”

“I’m glad they did.” She looked at him, her eyes sparkling. “Brother Kale says they rent the properties to other members.” She wrinkled up her nose. “Do you think I’d qualify as one?”

Wes chuckled. “I think you are one of the reasons the Brotherhood even exists, so yes, I’m sure you do.” She was so beautiful standing there. The setting sunlight reflecting off the water made her skin shine. A gentle breeze teased her hair, and he wanted to reach out and touch it.

“Good. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, but I need somewhere I can go to recharge.”

His brows went up. “I was just thinking that if I hadn’t been one of the men to watch over the three of you, I never would have left here.”

She looked surprised. “You blend so well in city life.”

He snorted. “Yes, of practice.” He waved his hand toward the lake. “But this will always be home.”

“Mmm.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning, I’m very happy to hear that, and I’m not sure why.” She smiled and held out her hand. “Hand me your shoes.”

He looked at them and then gave them to her. She turned and tossed them away from the water.

With an amused look on her face, she looked him up and down. “How in love are you with that crisp-cut suit?”

Wes looked at it. It wasn’t his most expensive, but the fit was perfect. “Slightly, I’d say.”

“Too bad.” She took a few steps further into the wash of the lake.

“Why?” He looked down to see he was at the top of where he’d rolled his pant cuffs.

“I wanted to hold your hand and walk out a bit further.” She gave him a daring smile over her shoulder. “Wash some of the city off you.”

Wes shrugged out of his jacket, balled it up, and then tucked it in the direction his shoes had been tossed. Unbuttoning his sleeves, he shoved them up and started to take a step. Pausing, he pulled his phone and wallet out of his pants and then threw them toward his jacket. She smiled and held her hand out. He didn’t hesitate to take it. Who was he kidding? He’d follow her into a volcano if that was what she wanted.

As soon as their fingers entwined, his magic moved to lock with hers. He heard he gasp, but she didn’t stop moving. It wasn’t a good idea, he knew that, to be close to her while they were here, but nothing short of cutting off his hand was going to have him let go.

She stopped when the water was to his hips. Looking down at her, he saw it was to her waist. Her hair was trailing in the water behind her, and he had to wonder if she even cared. She was smiling and had never looked so carefree in all the time he’d known her.

Ann extended her other arm to run her hand along the water from her side to in front of her. The water rippled in response to her touch. Smiling, Wes, did the same with his free hand. The small waves they created crashed together in the middle, causing the water to spray up and splash them.

When was the last time he’d done something so basic as connect with an element? His entire adulthood had been complex spells and casts in preparation to help the women succeed.

Ann laughed softly and lifted her hand in front of her. Water droplets followed. With a beaming smile, she flicked her hand, and the drops rose up and then rained down on them.

Wes chuckled and did what she had done. The second time he lifted his hand, she moved hers to match. They were making it rain only on themselves. Forgotten were his suit pants, the worry of what was to come and the unknown of what came after. At this moment, right now, he felt the weight of years of stress being washed away as the lake water ran down his face.

He watched Ann run the edge of her hand along the water until it was across from their clasped hands. He wasn’t sure what she was doing, but he mimicked her move until their hands touched in front of them. She bit her lip, her eyes blazed with mischief, and he was completely enamored with her in this moment. As she lifted her hand, he held his palm against hers. A thin wall of water rose up in front of them; it looked like a shimmering glass wall. It was wonderful. He could find no words to describe the feelings it gave him.

The wall suddenly moved as a wind pushed it, and it splashed up against them. Sputtering from inhaling the water, Wes turned and looked behind them to see Teegan standing in the shallow wash on the shore. She was smiling. Leland was beside her, laughing.

“Well.” Ann released his hand. “I think that needs retaliation, don’t you?”

He wiped the water off his face and nodded. “I do.” He turned to see Leland was still laughing. “I think you should lead this.”

She shrugged. “Seems to be my strong point.” She turned and took a few steps. “Might want to stay behind me, I need space for this.”

“Not a problem.” He stepped so he was behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “A little boost.”

“Mmm. Perfect.” She took a deep breath and then ran her hands along the water from behind her until they were in front of her. From where he stood, he could see the water gathering for her touch, like it was part of her.

Moving with speed that amazed him, a wave traveled toward the shore, it grew in height the closer it got. He could see the ‘oh shit’ look on Leland’s face, but Teegan widened her stance and raised her hands.

When it was a few feet from them, it was six feet tall. Just when he thought he would splash right over them, it stopped moving and was a sheet of water standing still.

“Little more boost,” Ann whispered.

Wes grinned and focused on connecting with her beyond their magic attraction.

“Perfect.”

He watched the water advance closer to Teegan and then saw Leland step to stand behind her and do what Wes was, placing his hands on her shoulders.

“You got this.” He leaned down and whispered close to her ear. “Lift it without pause so it’s over them before Teegan can adjust.”

“I like your thinking, Mr. Long.” Her tone was flat with the concentration. “First, I need her to think she’s gaining ground.” She murmured.

Wes watched the water as it moved away from Teegan. He was just about to tell her now when it shot up in the air to become a flat sheet above them, and then Ann slapped her hands on the water. The wall was released, and it fell on top of them.

The shocked look on both of their faces was the best thing he’d seen in his entire life. Wrapping his arms around her, he leaned down and kissed the side of her neck. “That was amazing. You are amazing.”

She hugged his arms around his waist. “I’ve spent so long hiding this, and now that it’s free, I don’t think I can stop using it.”

He chuckled. “Don’t. You are breathtaking when you’re being your true self, Ann.” Loosening his hold on her, he sighed. “I need a hot shower now.” He shivered. “I didn’t realize how cold this was until the fun ended.”

She turned around and looked at him. “It is a little chilly but worth it.”

Taking her hand, they started walking toward the shore. Kat and Mitch were applauding. Right beside them were his uncle and Brother Kale. If their smiles were any wider, he feared their faces would split to accommodate it.

Teegan was laughing. She pointed at Ann. “You let me think I was winning.”

Ann laughed, and it sent joy through Wes’ entire being.

Leland was wringing his suit jacket out. His gaze flicked to Wes, but he wasn’t even upset about it, he looked amused.

Kat came running over when they were on dry land again. “That was something, guys.” She looked so excited and spun around and looked at Teegan. “We are so ready for this.” She bobbed her head, and the wake of chaotic curls followed her movement.

“I believe she’s right.” Brother Archer came over. “My suggestion is—” He smiled. “—first go get dry and warm, and then take the night and the better part of tomorrow to just relax.”

“Relax?” Brother Kale looked concerned. “They should…”

“They should just take some time for themselves, refresh their energy, and enjoy life.” Brother Archer interrupted.

“Yes. Yes. I see what you’re saying.” Brother Kale nodded.

“He’s not wrong.” Leland flipped his wet hair back from his face. “I can guarantee that the other three are going to be doing casts over and over…”

“Draining their energy.” Wes smiled.

Mitch hugged Kat against his side. “Enjoying life is the best way to remember what you’re battling for when Sunday night gets here.”

Kat laughed. “I always enjoy life.”

Teegan rolled her eyes at her. “We’re not all built like you, Kat. Some of us stress over things.”

Kat shrugged. “I am the way I am.”

“And I’m grateful for that.” Mitch hugged her tighter.

“Brother West is going to have a small bonfire over by his cabin. He’s invited all of you.” Brother Kale glanced at Brother Archer. “Some of the others are bringing dinner.”

“Food.” Kat grinned. “That sounds good.” She turned around and hopped up on Mitch, wrapping her legs around his waist. She pulled his glasses off his face and put them on her own head, the curls swallowing up the lenses of them. “Do you know where this bonfire will be?” She asked him. He nodded. “Cool. We’ll see you guys in a while.”

Wes watched Mitch navigate the path and then looked at Ann. “I hope you ladies weren’t sharing a room.”

Teegan snorted. “No. Who could sleep with Kat in the room.” She smiled at Leland. “Brother Kale gave us separate rooms.”

Brother Kale smiled. “You’ll know the way. They were your old rooms.”

Leland groaned. “I’d hoped never to step in there again.”

Teegan nudged him with her elbow. “I wondered if the LM carved in the top of the doorframe was your LM.”

Leland smiled. “It is.”

Ann looked at Wes. “You didn’t carve your initials anywhere.”

Wes shook his head. “I tried to spend as little time in there as possible.”

“Brother Long spent much of his time outdoors.” Brother Kale clasped his hands in front of him. “It was always a chore to make sure none of the books he had were drowned or lost in the bush.”

Wes grinned. “I think better outside.”

Leland snorted but didn’t say anything. Wes glared at him. He knew better than to tell his secrets from when they were stuck here five months of every year until they were old enough to go away to school.

Leland cleared his throat. “We should go get dried off.” he held his hand out to Teegan.

“Yes.” She took his hand, and they hurried toward the path.

“I set up the room beside Miss Walters.” Brother Kale smiled at Wes. “We’ll see you at dinner.” The older Brothers started walking along the shore, making Wes wonder where they were staying. not that he was complaining. Living under the same roof with them wasn’t something he wanted to relive again at any time in this life.

Ann shivered. “I’m going to grab a shower if there’s still one empty.”

Wes motioned for her to walk. “If you go to the bathroom beside the office area, it has a separate water heater.”

“Oh. Nice. Does Leland know that?”

Wes shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He pointed to the area where they parked. “I just have to grab my bag.”

“I’ll save some hot water for you.” She hurried toward the large house, sitting back in the bush. Wes sighed. he’d hoped to speak to Brother Kale about the small cabin just off the shore, but if Ann was staying at the house, he’d suffer a few nights there.

The building was filled with those memories you didn’t want to remember from your teen years. The kind that was from scoldings, embarrassing moments, and hours of boredom because of rules. He and Leland probably held the record for the most times they got in trouble. With a groan, he spun around and went back to get the things they’d tossed in the sand.