~ Chapter Seventeen ~ #2
He grumbled at the thought of getting up and making his way to the bathroom.
He would’ve quickly showered and rushed out of the house to spend time with Lutin, but he had things he needed to do and items he wanted to research.
Based on his conversation with the Twins, he wanted to see if Max had any information on other Elemental Witches in the area that he might reach out to.
Plus, there were those Witches that Lutin had mentioned, but he couldn’t remember their names.
He’d have to ask him later. Anyway, he doubted he could search the internet for something, but given the little he knew, perhaps he could.
A knock at the cabin door called his attention away and he glanced at his phone.
It wasn’t noon yet, and he wouldn’t have to leave for a little while.
He smiled at the thought of it being Lutin.
He made his way to the front door and opened it, expecting to see Lutin, antlers and all.
Instead he saw Lutin and Blaise, both in their human form.
“Hey there,” Regan said and stepped to the side. “Is everything okay?”
“I wanted to talk to you,” Blaise said as both men walked into the house.
“Did I do something wrong?” Regan pointed to the living room. “Did you want something to drink?”
“No, thank you,” Blaise said as he made his way to the sofa and took a seat.
“I’m fine.” Lutin beamed and walked over and sat down.
It was odd seeing Lutin in his human form. He had grown so used to seeing him as a Fae. Regardless, the man was still attractive and his stomach fluttered at the sight of him. Regan sat in one of the chairs.
“We got Martin and Drew taken care of,” Blaise started.
“Great.” The relief poured out of Regan.
“However,” Blaise continued, “they now know about you and know you are connected in some way to Lutin.”
“So?”
“That can put you in danger.” Lutin’s lips dropped. “I didn’t think letting them know you were a neighbor was a big deal. And I never mentioned your name.”
Regan leaned back in his chair and sighed, running his hand over his mouth before speaking. “But they saw me. And know I live close to your cottage. And this cabin is walking distance.”
Blaise nodded. “And that puts you in danger.”
“Okay, so I don’t come to the cabin for a while.” Regan shrugged. “Martin and Drew are the only ones who saw me and if I stay away from this place, then there shouldn’t be an issue. Right?”
“We hope,” Lutin said.
“You are still coming into your abilities and your power. Yes, you have some skill and some talent, but?—”
“I’m still a baby,” Regan huffed.
“Exactly.” Blaise shifted on the sofa.
“I spoke with the Twins,” Regan started. “They suggested that I find other Elemental Witches and talk to them. That they might be able to help me learn and train. They also gave me this.” He held up his wrist, showing off the bracelet.
Blaise laughed. “You weren’t kidding when you said they were smart, Nubs.”
Lutin huffed.
“What do you mean?” Regan asked, lowering his hand.
“What do you know about the gift?”
“They told me the charm would help me reach their elements and that no one could take it from me. Why?”
“It’s also a protection charm.” Lutin leaned forward. “An Elemental protection charm is one of the best magical charms you can find.”
“Oh.” Regan nodded, playing with the bracelet.
“Clearly they’re impressed by you and want to keep you safe,” Blaise added. “Which is all good.”
“I also have some contacts who might be able to instruct you,” Lutin offered.
Blaise ran a hand over his forehead, frowning. “I’m really sorry about all this.”
“Well, I won’t lie.” Regan sank back in his chair. “I’m not excited about being on some Troll hit list, but what’s done is done. Now all I can do is be prepared.”
“To that end”—Lutin adjusted, moving closer to Regan—“we think you should retire from your work and maybe leave the area for a while.”
“What?”
“Regan.” Blaise’s tone was calm, each word coming out slowly and concisely. “There’re a lot of Trolls here in Northern California, all the mountains and foothills. It’s a popular location.”
“But my whole life is here,” Regan protested. “Look, I appreciate the concern, but I’m not giving up my life to go into hiding. No.”
“I told you.” Lutin shifted his focus back to Blaise.
Blaise exhaled, a frown growing across his lips. “But we can’t always protect you. Can you at least consider leaving your job?”
Regan thought a moment. He enjoyed his work, but he wouldn’t lie—some of the work was getting harder to perform. He wasn’t fifty yet and still felt young, but there were days where his body protested. “You’re asking a lot, but?—”
“At least think about it,” Lutin interjected. “It’ll give you time to work with some Elemental Witches and to come into the community. Maybe you can go into business for yourself, work for people who you know and trust.”
“Maybe. But this is a lot to think on.”
“You don’t have to decide at this moment,” Lutin added.
“But please, at the very least, get what you need from the cabin.” Blaise pointed around the space. “And close up the place for at least six months, or better yet, a year.”
“Would that be enough time?”
“Trolls are quick to anger and even quicker at moving on to their next grudge.” Blaise offered. “I think if you give it time, they will move on to some new annoyance.”
Regan glanced around. He was starting to think of this place as a second home and enjoyed coming here, but given the state of things, he didn’t want to get caught up in a Troll grudge. “Fine.”
Blaise smiled for the first time. “Good.” He leaned back. “Now that we have that out of the way, tell me, what’re your intentions with my nephew, Nubs?”
“Blaise,” Lutin barked.
Regan’s neck and cheeks warmed.
“I’m serious.” Blaise’s smile dropped into a frown. “I want to understand the nature and intentions of someone I’m going to have to look after and protect, at least in the short term. Especially, and please don’t take this the wrong way, but an Elemental Witch.”
Lutin crossed his arms and shook his head, annoyance dripping from his expression, but not a word of protest.
“Well”—Regan cleared his throat—“I like him and I enjoy his company.”
“And?”
“And what? There isn’t much more I can say on the matter. I’m not a child and I refuse to be rushed into anything. I want to continue to spend time with Lutin and get to know him.”
Blaise cracked his neck. “As long as this isn’t a one night, or one week, stand.”
“Do I have a say in this?” Lutin huffed as irritation poured from his words.
“No,” Blaise countered without even looking at Lutin. “But you’re both adults, and you did save my nephew, so that’s something.”
“I would think that’s a pretty big something,” Lutin countered with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes. Yes, it is.” Blaise stood and moved to the front door. “Let’s get everything settled here. I want to walk the grounds and do some enchanting of your land. You and Lutin can get you packed up, then we can get you to your home safe and sound.” He opened the door and headed out.
Regan glanced around the living room before his gaze landed on Lutin. “Do you think it’ll be alright?”
Lutin reached out and took hold of Regan’s hand. “It’ll be fine. Blaise is a worrier, and despite his roughness, he’s a man of his word and will do everything to help you.” He chuckled. “Plus, I think he likes you.”
“Really?”
“He did hit on you at the bar that night, so he might be a bit jealous that we… well, that we hooked up.”
“No matter what, I really appreciate everything that has happened and I’m happy we hooked up as well.”
Lutin beamed. “Come on—let’s get you sorted.”
Over the next hour, they got the cabin secured and all of Max’s books and papers packed up.
Regan stood, taking the cabin and the space in.
So much had changed in such a short amount of time, and for the first time in a long time, he was excited about his future, despite what might lay ahead for him and perhaps Lutin.
A whole new universe opened up to him and he couldn’t wait to start exploring all the new world had to offer.
He didn’t know what lay ahead, but instead of hiding and wallowing in the past, Regan was finally ready to move on.
He stepped over the threshold. Lutin and Blaise were talking by his Jeep.
There was a meow at his feet. The black cat with the white moon shape on its side rubbed itself against his leg.
“Well, hello kitty,” Regan said. The cat peeked up at him, then meowed one more time before strolling off into the plants next to the front wall of the cabin.
At least I know the cat will keep the rodents under control… well, maybe.
With a click of the cabin’s light switch, the glow of the space blinked out.
He closed the door and pulled it secure.
Turning the key in the lock, a click echoed around the vestibule as he stepped away.
He let out a gentle sigh; he was closing one chapter and moving to the next.
He glanced over at Lutin, taking in the sight of the man waiting for him, warmth filling every part of him as the flutter of butterflies returned to his stomach. Where would he end up?
“You ready to go?” Lutin watched Regan, a smile blooming on his lips.
With one more look around the cabin and the grounds, Regan nodded. “I think so. Just taking the cabin and the surroundings in one more time.”
I can’t wait to see what comes next.
The End