Chapter Eight
Wanda
You’re being very naughty.
Why do you say that? Wanda’s trees whispered back, sounding amused.
You know what you’re doing. I… Wanda couldn’t say it. Didn’t know how to express how she felt about the presence of Christa in her nightly trysts with her trees. They had always loved to touch her, and she had found deep, immeasurable pleasure in their affection. But what was happening now was so different. It felt more… intense.
I don’t need you to give me the words. I know my own mind.
What you know is fear.
The whispered words were the truth, there was no denying it when she hardly ever left her trees. She needed to be close to them and she understood their additional need to touch her so intimately. Renewing their bond much more than they had in the beginning.
Except, the touching had turned to…
We connected to her, as did you. Her body pressed against our branches, our leaves, her essence combining with ours. You sealed the bond when you touched her. Together, the bond formed because her heart is pure. It’s why she sees you… all of you.
She’s a demon.
Yes, she is, and she holds a blissful connection to us. To you. She needs us.
Wanda’s temples throbbed with how her trees pressed the truth upon her. She accepted the truth, she couldn’t deny it. That, however, didn’t release her from the fear of how the demons had come into the forest because of her brother's bond with a demon. They had been mistaken and took her. Hurt her.
Dakata had enemies, did it not stand to reason that his sister had the same enemies? She knew Christa worked for Dakata’s business, the same one that the demon had ranted about. Wanda knew she would not survive another visit to the demon realm.
What would that do to her demon? Hurt Christa? Wanda would never want that to happen… ever.
She kept that thought to herself. What if Christa wants us to go to the realm? Visit with her family? Wanda knew in her heart she would do anything to please Christa if she let her fully into her heart, her world.
She’s already a part of our world. She watches us. You know this. She yearns for you. Needs us to survive. Listen to us. If you have questions, ask her.
How do I do that?
The branches swayed and sounded like they were giggling at her. She is with Silas. Go see her.
Wanda’s trees opened, and she smelled the fragrant night air, full of promise after the day of sunshine. Flowers and plants offered their abundance to the night, while stars scattered the night sky and surrounded the moon.
The beauty of the night enthralled as it always did, and Wanda sat to admire it.
Branches nudged her gently out of the trees, and when her bare feet touched the ground, she got another little nudge in the direction of Silas’s tree.
Go, talk to her.
Wanda didn’t see herself as brave or daring, and this situation appeared to call for her to be both. What did one say to a demon when their last encounter had her pushing her away?
What did one say after that?
She sighed and followed the path, minding the plants and stepping carefully around the stones.
She had no call, as yet, to talk to Dakata. Would he think it odd, her turning up at Silas’s door late at night? Silas wouldn’t, but Wanda knew the demon had made the forest his home.
Would the stunning creature who wore tall heels and silk be happy living within her trees? Wanda couldn’t see how.
She let those things worry her instead of the gnawing fear that came unheralded as she got further away from her trees.
We are fine.
That may be so, but Wanda was not. She paused and pressed her head against an old tree, seeking comfort as her lungs burned from the lack of air.
She felt Dougal’s presence before he spoke. “What’s this, lass?”
Wanda reached out a hand, and Dougal took it. “I… Dougal,” she cried. “I can’t do it. My trees, they have accepted her. They have bonded and they are struggling with their need to connect to her in… other ways.”
She didn’t look at him, not with her skin flushing hot at being so frank, despite the darkness.
“They’ll wait until you can. As will your demon.”
Wanda glanced towards the large man standing motionless at her side. “How do you know?”
He chuckled. “I know a great many things, lass. You need to have faith in that bravery and daring that you think you don’t have. You do, and when you are ready, you will allow them to reveal themselves.”
Hope flared to life, much like the plants at the touch of a hand to encourage them to find the light. “Do you think so?”
“I do.” He pressed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Do you wish me to walk you to Silas’s for a visit? I can stay outside and wait to walk you home.”
She hesitated, a buzz of excitement running through her at the thought of seeing Christa. I can do this. “Would you mind?”
His shoulders moved under his large coat of many pockets. “Of course not.”
They walked side by side, Dougal offering her a small flask that held his homemade cider. “A little courage.”
Wanda took it and had more than a sip, feeling a warmth spread from her stomach to her limbs and finally her head. With it came a relaxed feeling that she had been lacking, except after she found release with her trees. She nodded her thanks to Dougal.
“Careful, lass.” Dougal’s chuckle was a rumble as he took the flask back when she went to take another sip.
Silas’s door opened before Wanda could knock and there stood Christa.
Long, flowing black hair gleamed in the moonlight. Lush curves covered in silk that clung to firm breasts left Wanda’s body reacting much as it did at the touch of her trees. Christa was so much taller than Wanda, she had to tilt her head back to look into her eyes. Emotions, too many to consider what they all meant, flitted over her beautiful face. But there were stains on her cheeks that looked like tears. The cider made Wanda loose-limbed and maybe just a little braver.
“Hello,” she whispered shyly, dipping her gaze when her nipples budded at the slow, sultry smile that appeared on Christa’s face. The fear, for now, didn’t come. Wanda wondered if her body had other things to focus on, like Christa’s alluring presence.
“Hello Wanda, this is a lovely surprise… did you come…” Christa sighed and said no more, making Wanda want to ask her to finish as she searched her gaze.
Behind Christa, Silas appeared, concern clear in his furrowed brow. “Wanda,” Silas murmured, slipping past Christa to kiss her warm cheek. “Are you well?”
She got up onto her tiptoes to kiss Silas’s cheek, feeling the weight of Christa’s gaze. “I am. I thought I’d pay you a visit, as it is such a lovely night.” She glanced at Dougal, who stood silently watching, and gave him a warm smile. “And I have such a wonderful escort to keep me safe.”
She knew the moment the words left her lips they were a mistake, because she had allowed some of the fear to come through.
“It was wonderful to see you again, Wanda.” Christa’s smile held pain before she could remove it. “I’ve taken up enough of your time.” Christa nodded at everyone and, a moment later, was gone. Only her scent lingered in the air.
Wanda’s shoulders slumped. “Why did I have to say that?” she moaned.
“Do you want to tell me what you mean by that?” Silas asked, but Wanda knew her brother.
“You know.”
He stroked a gentle hand down her arm and took her hand. “Come inside. It seems it’s a night for visitors. I’ll make you a pot of tea. Then you can tell me all about what’s on your mind.”