Chapter 13 Kaleb
Chapter thirteen
Kaleb
Ocean waves crash against the shore off to our left as we casually drive down the winding highway. The water is a stunning deep blue.
“It’s beautiful,” I say in awe. “I’ve always seen photos, but I never expected to feel so… emotional seeing it.”
“Maybe you’re picking up on my emotions through the bond. As a mer-kraken, the ocean is life. Not only is it beautiful, it’s a piece of my heart. My soul.”
“That makes sense. So, with this bond we have, does that mean you can read my mind?” I ask curiously.
“Not exactly,” he replies, peering over at me with an amused smile.
“We’ll get used to it. But from my understanding, we should be able to control what words are said through the magical link.
Emotions might be harder to hide, but actual images and words are physically sent.
Intentional. Or in the case of high stress emotions, sometimes unintentional. ”
“Is that how you were able to see my vision? Because I sent it to you?”
He nods. “I don’t think I’ve properly thanked you for that.” He pauses, perhaps to find the right words. “By sending me that vision, you saved my life. If it weren’t for you, I might not be here. Thank you, love.”
I swallow hard, some of my insecurities coming to the surface. “You don’t think I caused it, do you?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think so. Witches have lots of different abilities.
While your family is known to have strong premonitions, it doesn’t mean they’ll always come true, but based on our choices, things can easily change in the blink of an eye.
Don’t be scared of your gift; embrace it. It’s a part of you.”
“Do you think I’ll ever be able to control my premonitions and magic?”
He reaches over and squeezes my hand. “I do. Your family and coven are very strong and knowledgeable. When we get to town, I’ll introduce you to someone named Autumn; he’s also a witch, and he’s mated to one of my close friends. He can also help you figure out your magic.”
Darius pauses, glancing at me again. “It’s not going to be a fast thing, Kaleb. Your magic has been suppressed for years. It might take years to fix, but it will get easier over time with all the right people in your life. And I will always be here to help as well.”
I smile, warmth filling my chest, heart, and soul. I believe him. “Thank you, Darius.”
By the time we get to the town’s border, Darius pulls the car over to the side of the road, nervously drumming on the steering wheel.
Now that I’ve been made aware of our bond, I can tell when worry thrums through it.
Whereas before, I might have assumed it was me who was worried, it’s obvious it’s from my determined mer-kraken.
“Darius, what’s going on?” I ask. “Is everything okay?”
“There’s something I need to tell you.”
I cock a curious brow. “Okay, because that doesn’t seem ominous,” I joke.
“It’s about Heart’s Hollow.” Darius shifts around nervously. “Stacy told you it’s a sanctuary town. Did she explain what that means?”
“No.” I ponder his words. “I assume it’s a place for paranormals to take refuge or be safe?”
Darius nods. “Exactly. It doesn’t matter who or what you are.
Everyone is welcome. If there are two species at war, it doesn’t matter.
If there are creatures known to hurt others, it doesn’t matter.
As long as the person entering the town doesn’t actually plan on hurting anyone, the magical wards surrounding the town will let them in. ”
“Okay, that sounds wonderful,” I reply. “So, why do you seem so nervous?”
“Well, you saw my tentacles.”
I open my mouth to reassure him. I love the way he looks in his shifted form, but he beats me to it.
“What I mean is that you will see all types of creatures walking around town openly. Creatures you probably have no idea even existed.”
My jaw falls slack, but excitement thrums through me. “Okay,” I say in a hushed tone. “I’m ready.”
Heart’s Hollow is unlike any town I’ve ever seen in person. Sunlight makes the snow on the ground and rooftops glitter. Winding cobblestone sidewalks decorate the town with pretty pathways between colorful shops. In the center of the town is a beautiful park with a large gazebo in the middle.
“How are the flowers on the gazebo blooming with all this snow?” I ask.
Darius smiles. “Remember the witch I mentioned?”
“Autumn?”
“Make sure you ask him the story behind the gazebo. There are two stories there, actually. One that involves his brother, and the other is related to his fated mate.” Darius’ golden brown eyes swirl with amusement.
“But to answer your question, it’s magic.
Just like the cleared streets and sidewalks. All magic.”
I peer out of the car right as an honest-to-goodness orc crosses the street.
It’s then that I take in all the people chatting and walking around.
While most of them look human to me, I spot one person who looks like a dragon shifter, maybe.
And then a few people who remind me of elves from The Lord of the Rings.
Glancing over my shoulder in the back seat, I see Cleo sitting up in her kitty cat car seat. “We aren’t in Kansas anymore, Cleo,” I joke. She glances up at me and slow-blinks her acknowledgement. Something tells me none of this is new to her.
Darius laughs. “Mind if we stop by my tea shop early?” he asks. “I’d love to show it to you.”
I nod eagerly. Darius’ tea shop is where we agreed to first meet my parents.
They invited me home, but for some reason, that made me really nervous.
I might have grown up there for the first six years of my life, but I don’t remember any of it.
I don’t remember Lyra or Edwin, and while it shouldn’t, it makes me feel guilty.
As if it’s my fault I was taken. I know it isn’t, but I can’t help how I feel.
When Darius offered his shop as neutral ground, I agreed easily. It would be nice to see his shop and the things he’s passionate about before my parents and sister get there.
Darius parks his car in front of a cute peppermint-green shop. My favorite color. I stare at the building for a long moment, heart pounding. “I’ve seen this building before. I’ve drawn it.”
Darius cocks his head in question.
“I’ve had so many dreams about this building, but now I’m thinking they might have been visions. Every time I’ve been here, it was either with an older couple, an auburn-haired man, or a blonde woman.”
I step out of the car and take a better look around.
In my dreams, there was never snow on the sidewalks, but I immediately recognize the buildings.
Across the way is Rook’s Apothecary. Down the street is Bountiful Books.
“Is the bookstore owned by a gorgeous Black man named Daniel?” I ask.
“I think he has a crush on Jenny, the owner of Coffee’s Brew. ”
Darius blinks at me. “Yes. Yes! You’ve had visions of Heart’s Hollow!”
Excitement thrums through our bond.
I nod. “I think this town was always meant to be my home.”
Darius holds the door to his tea shop open for me with a nervous smile. This is important to him. I can practically feel the pride radiating from him. I walk into the cute building and take in all the pretty décor.
Shelves are decorated with brightly colored glass bottles. The shelves are adorned with teacups and teapots. Various scents float around the room from the loose-leaf teas. I get hints of vanilla and citrus.
I place Cleo on the floor, and she walks off to go explore. Now that I know she’s a magical cat and my familiar, I trust she won’t get lost or get into trouble. Arms circle me from behind. I lean back against Darius. “What do you say? Wanna help me decorate our shop with Christmas décor later?”
Our shop.
I nod, stepping out of Darius’ embrace and spinning around. Damn, this place would look amazing with fairy lights and ornaments.
A pretty woman steps out from behind the counter. “Boss! You’re back.”
“Anna,” I say automatically, smiling at her. Her smile brightens, but I can tell she doesn’t recognize me. “Sorry,” I chuckle. “I recognize you from my visions. I don’t think we’ve ever actually met before.”
Anna looks relieved. “Oh, good! I felt bad for a moment. Well then, welcome!”
I blink at her. I just admitted to having visions to some random person, and she treated me like I was completely normal. I really am home.
“Anna, I’d like you to meet my fated mate, Kaleb.”
“Fated mate! Oh, gosh.” Anna throws her arms around me. “Come, tell me everything.”
Darius chuckles. “Will you keep Kaleb company for a few minutes while I do something?”
Anna nods eagerly. “Sure thing, boss.”
Just then, the bell chimes overhead, and a pretty, auburn-haired man walks in.
He’s holding a leash, and I spot a cute little fox at the end.
I instantly know this is Autumn and his familiar, Maple.
Autumn joins us and introduces himself, while I’m buzzing with happiness.
I’ve been having visions of people I know are meant to be my close friends.
“Here you go, love,” Darius says, handing me a drink a few minutes later. “As promised, a Peppermint Potion.”
Grinning, I take the mug and peer at the pretty green drink. It almost looks like a matcha latte. “I thought this was supposed to be a peppermint concoction,” I tease.
Darius shrugs. “I thought it could use a better name.” He leans in close and whispers in my ear. “Its natural properties are supposed to help you feel relaxed and calm. I thought we could share before we meet your parents.”
I nod thankfully. Damn, he’s so thoughtful. I take a sip, and an explosion of taste bursts on my tongue: peppermint, sugar, and cream.
“Oh my gosh,” I gush. “This is delicious! You have to make one of these for me every day!”
Darius’ golden eyes sparkle. “Every day? I can do that.”
The bell chimes overhead again. As soon as I recognize the older couple, I gasp. The couple in my vision are my parents. And standing next to them is the pretty blonde woman who’d been with them. Anya. My sister.
Memories, visions, and dreams flutter through my mind. I don’t know whether it’s because I’m finally seeing them in person, or if it’s magic, but either way, I don’t care.
I remember them!
Mom rushes to my side, pulling both me and Darius into a warm hug. “Oh, my baby!” She holds on desperately. “You’re finally home.”
Dad joins the hug, smiling down at me. “Christmas really has come early.”
Tears fill my eyes, happiness swirling in my heart.