Of Witches and Warlocks: The Complete Series

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

When we awakened the next morning, it was back to business as usual. The warm and fuzzy holiday memories in our heads were placed on the back burner as the coven met together to form a plan.

The first thing on the agenda was a complete circle which was held over Vance. He was suffering from serious withdrawals this morning that had everyone very concerned about his wellbeing.

Grandma was working over him as he lay on his bed curled up in a ball, dressed only in a pair of long gym shorts, while he fought the spasms wracking his body. His eyes seemed even more bloodshot than usual as Grandma passed smoking herbs up and down, while reciting an incantation.

When she was finished speaking, I quietly brought up my concern.

"He seems much worse while we're performing these rituals," I complained, feeling upset about his reaction.

"The two kinds of magic are warring against each other in his system," Grandma explained softly. "Try not to let it worry you. Right now, we need your positive energy to help him."

I wanted to beg her to stop, but I also knew she wouldn't be doing anything intentionally to hurt him. As it turned out, his withdrawal phase lasted a much shorter amount of time, though it was more painful.

I hadn't been able to help crying softly as I watched. He hadn't screamed out or even made a sound, but I heard the torture in his mind through our link. It had been excruciating for him.

When the worst had passed, the coven released the circle, and one by one the members slowly filtered out of the room. After they were all gone, I closed the door behind them and lay down, wrapping my arms around him.

He was damp with perspiration, as if he had finished a really hard workout. He didn't speak for a while—he just lay there and rested, but his eyes never left mine. Lifting my hand, I brushed some of the sweaty hair off his forehead, away from his face, letting my fingers trail slowly down over his sculpted features.

"I'm okay," he said finally, and I heard the exhaustion in his voice.

"I want this to be over," I replied, snuggling up closer and nuzzling my nose under his chin. He lifted it a slightly, and I placed a kiss against his neck. "I'm sorry, but I don't like these treatments."

"They're helping to some extent," he said, as he slowly traced circles on my back. "I go through it all a lot faster than usual."

"It breaks my heart to watch it."

"You don't have to stay if you don't want to. Just wait outside until it's finished."

"No. The coven's magic is weaker without me. Besides, I want to be with you whenever you need me."

"Thanks," he said with a small smile, as he ran his hand against the arm I had draped over him. "I appreciate it."

He rolled away onto his back, turning his head so he could look at me. I propped up on my elbow, so I could lean over him and gave him a tiny peck on the lips. He smiled back softly as he ran his hand over my hair.

"I should probably go get in the shower now," he said, looking regretfully at me. "I don't want to keep everyone waiting."

"All right," I replied, taking my cue for dismissal, rolling off the bed to walk toward the door. "Call me if you need me."

"I always need you," he answered with a slight laugh as he sat up on the edge of the bed.

"You know what I mean," I said, smiling as I slipped out the door, not missing the playful wink he sent my direction.