Chapter 13
VALEN
A scream rips out of Ava when she opens the door and the dog rushes at her. Initially, I think it’s initially in fear, but I quickly realize she’s squealing in excitement. She throws her bags down and scoops up the Pomeranian.
“Who are you?” Ava flips him over in her arms and holds him like a baby. “You sweet, perfect angel,” she coos while the dog’s tail wags a mile a minute. She looks to me for answers, and I slowly walk over.
“This is supposedly my familiar,” I respond, dumbfounded, and let my fingers graze the top of the tiny dog’s head. “I’ve heard of familiars before, but didn’t realize I’d have one or that Midnight is Zavier’s.” I tickle his furry belly.
“What’s a familiar?” she asks distractedly while she eats up the kisses the puffball gives her. His little pink tongue darts around her cheek and is an adorable sight.
“To my knowledge they’re a guide for supernaturals.
They’re not restricted to any particular kind of being, but witches can communicate with them via emotions.
” I huff a laugh thinking of Zavier’s horror-stricken face when the witch told him his cat hates his name.
Not that he chose it. Fate somehow sent him to Celine’s father, knowing it would all work out.
“They don’t tell you what to do or where to go exactly, but they can show you you’re on the right path in life and provide support.
” Glancing at Ava, I realize that if I hadn’t gone to Jade, I wouldn’t have found my familiar.
“He’s like an emotional support Pom, isn’t he?” Ava freezes. “Oh my God, that’s it!” She holds him out in front of her while his little feet dangle and looks in his eyes. He sticks his tongue out and swipes her nose, pulling a giggle from her.
“What?” I tilt my head in question.
“His name! He’s a little cheerful puffball, so it only makes sense to call him Pom Pom.” Ava states proudly, and the dog yips in excitement. “See? He loves it.”
He squirms in her arms until she lets him down. Then he runs over to me. Sitting perfectly between my legs, he looks up expectantly, so I scoop him up, and he curls into my arms.
“Is your name Pom Pom?” I ask out loud. The dog yips once more before drowning me in kisses. A laugh bubbles out of my chest, and I can’t help the swell of emotion that comes over me in that moment. It’s been a long time since I had something to care about, and now I have Ava and my familiar.
Ava watches us with a content expression, and I hand Pom Pom to her once more. He settles against her chest, tail still wagging and tongue lolling out the side of his mouth.
“You said witches can feel their emotions? Why can’t I feel his?” She frowns once she processes what I previously said.
“I’m sure it will come in time. Once you’ve practiced and have fully tapped into your power,” I reason, hating the downward pull of her lips. “You’ve thought you were human up until now. Your magic is inside you but has not been unlocked yet.”
“How do I access it is the question,” Ava muses and tosses her pink hair over her shoulder when Pom Pom tries to chew on it.
“I have a solution.” I sit on the couch and cross a leg over my knee.
Ava sits beside me and plops Pom Pom down in the middle of us.
He immediately starts gnawing on the pillow fringe.
“I located a witch named Jade. She’s going to come here this weekend to help you learn more about your heritage and hopefully guide you to begin to tap into your power.
” I stroke the Pomeranian’s back and marvel at his soft fur.
“I wish this was something I could help you with, but you need another witch.”
“Really?” Ava turns to me excitedly. “You found a witch for me to talk to?” Hope sparkles in her light blue eyes, and I smile, knowing I’m the one who put it there.
“I did. I vetted her to make sure she will not harm you.”
Silence descends between us, and I lose myself in her cerulean depths before she launches herself at me.
For a moment I stiffen, but then I grab her and haul her into my lap before Pom Pom gets crushed by her enthusiastic hug.
Her viselike grip isn’t unwelcome. I continue to be amazed by how at ease I am with her touch.
The bond hums in contentment at our touch.
My Ava.
My mate.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” Ava sputters out and attempts to pull away. “I didn’t mean to maul you like that. I know touch isn’t your favorite thing.”
“Shh,” I hush her and pull her tighter against me.
Ava melts against my chest when she realizes I’m not going to throw her off and lets out a deep sigh.
“You smell good.” She moans, and my cock jerks in my pants.
Ava is temptation incarnate, and it is getting harder to ignore our pull. Nuzzling her neck, I take a whiff of her scent and place the softest kiss at her throat. The blood rushing there is intoxicating, and I hear every whoosh as it travels through her body.
“Thank you for helping me. This is all new to you too, and yet you continue to go out of your way to help me.” Lithe fingers comb through the hair at the nape of my neck, and I press into her hand, seeking more of her touch and comfort.
“Of course, Starlight.” I use the nickname that fits her perfectly. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”
She gives a soft, understanding smile. “Never.”
I smell Jade before she knocks on the front door. Breezing over, I open it before her fist makes contact. She jumps slightly at my appearance but is otherwise unaffected by me.
“I hate when you vamps do that shit.” Jade strolls past me and makes herself at home when she drops her gargantuan tote bag down on the kitchen table.
Wearing a hoodie and skinny jeans with a sleek ponytail, Jade looks unassuming. I can sense she’s powerful and hope she can help Ava like she says she can.
Ava stands up from her spot at the island and nervously approaches the witch.
Normally quite the extrovert, Ava isn’t one to be nervous about anything, but I can tell from her erratic aura that she is now.
I know the whole witch thing has her on edge since she doesn’t know what to expect or how to tap into her powers.
“Hi, I’m Ava.” She puts out a hand for Jade.
“Jade,” she replies and gives a firm shake.
Ava rubs her palms down her jeans and looks at Jade expectantly.
“Relax.” Jade softens and guides her over to the living room. “I’m not going to bite. We’ll take it easy, and I’ll answer any questions you have.”
Another knock on the door has me rolling my eyes. This time it’s Zavier. He’s like an overexcited golden retriever, and I can only take his energy for so long.
Celine pokes her head up from over his shoulder to look in.
“So, how’s it going?” Zavier rocks on his heels and smirks.
“We don’t mean to interrupt.” Celine winces as they slip into the kitchen with me.
“Yeah, we do,” Zavier says bluntly.
Celine watches the two witches, and Ava smiles gently at her when they make eye contact.
“Jade just got here, as I’m sure you know.” I glare at Zav, who knows better. “Ava’s really nervous, which is not like her,” I admit.
The pink-haired beauty shoots daggers my way, but I ignore them.
Pom Pom darts in from the bedroom and barks in excitement at the new people for him to meet.
Celine squeals much like Ava did when she first met him and picks him up.
“Is this Pom Pom?” she asks and holds him to her chest. “I’ve heard all about you. You’re even more handsome in person, aren’t you?” Celine coos at him. I guess Ava’s already filled her in about my familiar.
“How could you cheat on Midnight like this?” Zav covers the dog’s ears and sticks his tongue out at me. “My familiar is better than yours.”
I notice Jade glaring our way and Ava’s eyes darting between us all.
“Can you be quiet over there? We’re trying to work,” Jade huffs.
“Sorry.” Celine apologizes with a sheepish smile and sets Pom Pom down.
Jade turns back to Ava and has her hold her hands on top of hers. “Now breathe deeply in and out. Picture a fiery ball at your core pulsing in time with your heartbeat.”
The three of us watch enraptured while Jade takes Ava through her exercise.
“Do you feel it?” Jade asks.
Ava’s features twist up in frustration. “No.”
“It’s okay. Just keep doing that while I try to nudge your magic with mine.
Sometimes we can kickstart each other’s powers when they need to be activated or replenished.
” Jade furrows her brow in concentration.
“I feel it, but it’s buried deep. Keep breathing and imagine yourself reaching out to me from your core. ”
The energy in the room feels like it drops and is funneling into the two witches. It’s an odd sensation that prickles along my skin.
“Whoa.” Zav marvels while stroking Pom Pom, who mysteriously appeared in his hands while I wasn’t looking. “Go, Ava! You can do it!”
I smack him, wanting to keep it silent for Ava, but it riles up Pom Pom, who starts barking like crazy, almost as if he’s encouraging her too.
“Ugh.” Celine holds her head in her hand at the disruptive chaos, and I feel frustration bubbling in my chest.
“So close, Ava, keep pushing,” Jade encourages.
The pressure in the room begins to feel stifling, and Zav’s cheering and the barking must get to Ava. The lights in the room burst, glass shattering everywhere and everything rattles. Celine yelps and Pom Pom whimpers.
“I can’t do this!” Ava shouts, throwing her hands off Jade’s.
A lone tear streaks down her cheek and something inside me snaps.
“Everyone out!” I growl.
“What?” Zav asks incredulously.
“Get the fuck out,” I reply, enunciating every word. “My mate is nervous and overwhelmed and you’re not helping. Out.” My chest rumbles in warning, and he takes the hint.
Even though I’d never hurt Celine, having her right next to me is a red flag to him, and he quickly ushers her out into the hall. I hear a whispered apology from her.
I try to control my breathing. Seeing Ava like that awoke a primal part of me I didn’t realize I had. Seeing her upset is too much to bear.
“Take care of her,” I warn Jade and see myself out with the others.