Chapter 1

Rachel sat there in silence, her mind filled with too many thoughts. They had to be bordering on insane, all eight of them to go to a third gathering—knowing the killer was going to be there again. Although unlike the Beltane murders, one had survived the attempt at Solstice. She felt sick to her stomach when she thought of Rhonda barely surviving the attack. Would she be able to go through something like that, and still carry on after? She didn’t know. How Rhonda was managing to not lose her mind since having to hide, she’d never understand. The scars she’d been left with…and knowing your friend died and you survived… Rachel didn’t know if she could ever be as strong as Rhonda.

Cora nudged Rachel’s arm and showed her a text message.

‘Keep in touch. Would be there to help if I could. Blow their minds. Rhonda Rachel snorted. “Easy for her to say she won’t be there.” Remembering the men in the front seat, she grimaced at Cora. “I think it’s so wonderful, a double hand fasting at New Years. I’m so jealous.” She pouted. “I hope they start making babies soon so I can be Aunt Rach and spoil them rotten.”

Dade glanced at her in the mirror. “Most people like to wait until after they’re actually wed before they make those babies, Aunt Rach.”

Steven turned around and leered at her. “I have no problems with children before marriage. Just let me know if you want one of your own, sexy witch. I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.”

Dade snorted. “It amazes me you aren’t black and blue from using those lines, Doc.”

Rachel leaned forward. “I actually could use your help, Steven.” She said it seriously.

Steven’s eyebrows shot up. Both men looked at each other and then he turned back toward her. She kept her voice quiet. “My little foster guy isn’t doing all that well, would you be willing to do a consult when we get back?”

Steven tapped the side of his head and grinned. “You had me dreaming for a second, angel,” he smirked. “I’d be happy to.”

Rachel smiled. “Wonderful. It’s just so sad. To be six and not have the energy to run breaks my heart. The clinic has done a few tests, but nothing shows up. He just keeps getting thinner and weaker. I don’t think they’re really looking.” She rubbed her hands together and studied them for a moment, before looking back up at him. “He had a really bad case of the flu last fall and he’s never really been the same since. You know how crowded the ward homes are… His caregivers have been trying everything.” She glanced to see a sympathetic look on Cora’s face. “I almost didn’t come this weekend, but Ricky told me to go and celebrate for him.” She sniffed and reached into her purse.

Dade gave her a wide-eyed look in the mirror before he glared over at Doc.

Steven turned sideways in the seat to face her. Does she know how much he wanted to hold her? “Do you know anything about his medical or family history?”

Rachel nodded as she played with the edge of her skirt. “His mother was a drug addict, she didn’t want him.”

Steven sighed and unbuckled his seat belt. He knew what the child of a drug addict usually meant. Improper eating, no prenatal care, and the list of illnesses the children suffered from were longer than he wanted to admit. He pushed between the two front seats and half kneeled, half squatted in front of her. He’d worry about being stuck later. “You get him in to see me. Don’t worry about an appointment, just show up whenever it’s good for you.” He caressed her cheek softly. “You know I’ll do anything humanly or otherwise possible for him, don’t you?” For you he added inside his head.

Rachel gave him a shaky smile. “Thank you. I just worry.”

He leaned up and kissed her softly on the lips. “That’s a good trait in a mother, angel, foster or otherwise.” He kissed her again and turned before he pushed his luck too far.

Dade looked at him solemnly. He glanced in the mirror at the women again.

Cora looked over at Rachel, who had turned to look out the window, then peered into the back of the van. “Dade, did you bring your base djembi along?”

Dade’s eyes met hers in the mirror. “That and a couple others, honey. Why do you ask?”

Coralee gave him a sweet smile. The kind of smile he usually had to work really hard to get. “I think I’ll want to hear that one at the Saturday night revel fire.”

He grinned then winked at her. “I would love to play it for you, it makes my mouth water when you dance.” She smiled again but didn’t reply. What are they up to?

Rachel sat turned towards the window. Steven had given her some hope, at least. Between worrying about Ricky and quivering nerves over the plan she and the other women concocted, this was going to be one very long weekend. She watched the fields go by, the crops of corn and beans were deep green and ripening each day. Lammas, the celebration of the first harvest.

Smiling, she looked up at the trees scattered along the road here and there. They were full and green, and looked so alive. The last thought sobered her. Glancing at Steven, she smiled. If anyone could help Ricky, it would be him. Does he know how much his always being there when I need it means to me? Probably not. Steven had been her shoulder to cry on since she was a silly teen, and she hoped she would always have him.

Steven turned to look at Rachel again. The short skirt rode up with her legs crossed, he’d almost dropped a kiss on the witch tattooed on her thigh. He turned back, couldn’t even look at her now without thinking of her witch. Or worse, every time she licked her lips all he pictured was that tongue ring and what she could do with that. Where were all the fairy godmothers when you needed one? He had only one wish, and she was in the back seat.

He rubbed his hand over his brow. Would she hold it against him if her little buddy were as ill as he worried? Warning bells had gone off as soon as she’d told him that he’d never bounced back from the flu.

Catching Dade glancing at him, he sighed. Hopefully it was something simple, a nutritional deficiency, not uncommon for children of addicts, their bodies had complications like that all the time. Shaking himself out of doctor mode, he grinned back at the women.

“So, are we going to need bibs to sop up the drool seeing you all in Leena’s latest outfits?”

Cora grinned at him. “I think that’s the only reason you come along with us, Steven. To see what Leena’s created.”

He bobbed his head in agreement. “That and I love looking around the fire and noticing every male there watching the four of you walk away with us. Does wonders for a man ego.”

Dade was chuckling quietly. “Wouldn’t do much if they knew the truth.”

“Yeah well, that’s privileged information,” Steven mumbled.

Rachel smiled, “It’s a half-truth now if it makes you feel better. Owen and Chris get to be with some of us.”

Steven playfully patted his heart and grinned at her. “You are a nasty witch, angel. Stomping on a man’s dreams like that.” Hearing her laugh made his burden lighter.

Dade leaned forward. “Somewhere on this road between fields, there is a lane we need to be turning down. Call out if you spot anything that looks like that.”

Climbing out of the van Rachel stretched up then bent down to touch her toes. Long nights of sitting in chairs watching Ricky had her stiff and sore. Riding in the not so comfortable van didn’t help. She bolted back up at the whistle behind her.

“You make me glad I’m a man, Rach.”

She turned to grin at Steven and let her eyes slowly appraise his stocky build from head to toe. “You most certainly are a man, Dr. O’Reily.” She stepped over and ran her hand over his large bicep. “How does a Doctor have time to make a body like this?”

He looked down at her hand briefly before looking back at her. She watched his eyes follow her tongue, running across her lower lip. “I work out whenever I’m not working. Let me know if you need to see more, I’d be happy to show you, angel.”

Dade walked up. “Quit before you make her mad.”

Rachel ran her hand down his arm again before stepping away. “Oh, Dade, I don’t know, I might have to take him up on that offer someday.” She flicked her tongue making her piercing stick out before grinning and walking to join the others.

“I want to fall to my knees and beg every time I see that damn stud in her tongue,” Steven whispered when she was far enough away.

Dade nodded. “They do it on purpose to drive men crazy.”

Chris stopped and watched Kasey as she went over to the women. “Do what to drive men crazy?” He asked quietly.

“Get things pierced,” Steven muttered.

Chris grinned. “Works fine too. I can’t think every time Kase has hers showing.”

Dade grunted. “Well, at least you get to appreciate it closely. The rest of us just stand back and dream.”

Chris put an arm around each man’s shoulder as they turned towards everyone. “When it comes to Kasey’s piercing, that’s all you’d better ever think about doing.”

Kasey turned and sent him a look. “Christopher, play nice.”

“Always, sweetheart.” Chris winked at Steven as he hugged her from behind, his hand possessively resting over the little fairy in her belly button.

Rachel looked from Chris to Steven. “Did I miss something? Chris is all puffed out, and you two look like you left your favorite toys at home.”

Steven winked and put an arm around Rachel, slowly pulling her up against him. “I’d smile again if you’d help me forget my lost toy.” He leaned down and nuzzled his face against her neck. She smelled so good.

Rachel laughed and hugged him. “I’ll give it some thought.” She leaned back and looked up at him. “What is up with you today? Normally you sleep the whole time in the car, unless you’re driving, and that’s questionable sometimes, and you’re being a bigger hound dog than usual.”

He ran his hands up and down her sides gently. “I can’t help it. You look so good today, angel.”

Owen cleared his throat. “Would you please hurry up and strike out so we can register and go find the cottage.”

Everyone laughed and patted Steven on the back walking past him towards the small building. Stretching up against him Rachel ran her tongue up his neck and then smiled and followed the others.

“Nasty witch,” he whispered as she walked away.

Justin and Gwen stopped what they were doing as they came through the door. Gwen went around the table to hug everyone. “I’m so happy to see you all!”

Despite her words, the stress of the last few months showed on their faces. How Gwen projected her usual happy energy, Chris had no idea.

He lifted Kasey’s hand and held it out towards Gwen. “Look what I caught.” Kasey leaned back against him.

“Oh! Isn’t that wonderful!” She walked over to them. Hugging Kasey she smiled. “I expect you’re able to keep him in line, dear.”

Kasey blushed. “I have a hard time keeping him in line from time to time, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” Chris pulled her back against him and kissed the top of her head, grinning down at Gwen.

Gwen turned and gave everyone an inquiring look. “Any other engagements?”

A shocked expression crossed Cora’s face. “Is it contagious?”

Gwen smiled and hugged her. “I spoke with Rhonda this morning, she sends her best.” Her look sobered for a moment.

Cora nodded. “Thank you.” She glanced at Rachel and Kasey briefly.

Leena stepped away from Owen. “Is Patrick going to be here this weekend?”

Justin nodded. “He’ll be here in a few hours. He had to wait for someone to replace him at the safe house.”

Chris studied the women and hadn’t missed the looks that passed between them. “Will we be able to see the attendance list later tonight?” Chris asked quietly.

Justin nodded. “I’ll bring it down to the cabin before the opening circle.” He smiled over at his wife. “Gwen has the cabin all ready for you. I’ll take you over to see it when you’re finished here.” Justin kissed Gwen on the cheek and went out the door.

“Sweetheart, could you sign us in? I need a word with Justin before he gets too busy,” Chris asked Kasey.

She nodded. “Sure.”

Chris walked outside and stood beside Justin. “Your lovely wife has been acting funny too, Justin?”

The older man nodded. “Yes sir. They’re up to something and I’ve tried everything I know to find out.”

Chris put his hands in his pockets. “Well, if you catch wind of anything, please pass it on, we’ll do the same.” He glanced at the door and then back. “They’re taking bigger chances and try as we might, we never can seem to stop them.”

Justin slapped him lightly on the shoulder. “Wished I had some couple wisdom for you, but I’m still working it out myself.” He shrugged, “it’s only been forty years, I’m still hoping.”

Chris laughed. “That’s not comforting.” He paused. “We almost lost Kase a few weeks back, she tried to do an astral search and connect to him, I don’t know what they’re planning, but I’m pretty sure we’re not going to like it.”

Justin just nodded as Kasey came out.

“We’re ready for you to lead the way, Justin.”