Chapter Sixteen

Layla steeled herself for the meet and greet as she washed her hands, but her knees remained weak when she walked to the hallway.

Quin straightened from the wall, and his aura swallowed her – emerald ribbons floating through forest green rivers.

“Stop worrying about me,” she insisted. “I’ll be fine.”

“You’re nervous.”

“Yes, and I’m sure I’ll spend the entire night blushing, but I can’t help it and neither can you.”

He slid his hand under her hair and took the back of her neck, tilting her face up. “Your blush is beautiful.”

His mouth found hers, and her heart jolted as her bottom lip trembled around a whoosh of air.

“There’s that beautiful blush now,” he added, sliding his lips to her cheek.

Sensitive nerve endings twitched and tickled, and an embarrassing laugh burst from her mouth into his chin. His lips paused on the tip of her nose, curving toward deep dimples. Then he dipped her into a passionate kiss.

When he pulled her upright, she rested her forehead to his chest while trying to catch her breath. “If you keep doing stuff like that, I’ll never make it onto the lawn.”

“We can cancel dinner and stay inside,” he offered, slipping his fingers beneath the shoulder of her shirt.

“Yeah right,” she smirked. “Disappointing my grandparents like that is not an option. Daleen and Morrigan glowed like the sun when I agreed to this.”

He abandoned her shirt and stepped back. “Then you’re ready?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” 

Taking her hand, he led her to the front door; and while she found comfort in his warm palm, her heart rate was on the rise.

“Your fingers are going to fall off if you don’t give them some blood,” he advised, touching the inside of her wrist.

She looked at the hand clutching his, finding white fingers. “Sorry.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he pressed.

“Yeah,” she insisted, trying to steady her lungs. “It’s going to be great, right?”

“Right,” he confirmed, offering a reassuring smile.

Layla took a deep breath as he reached out. Then she slowly exhaled as he opened the door. He gave her a nudge onto the porch, and her lungs refilled with a gasp as she stumbled to a standstill, pausing on the fringe of a scene that transcended the most fantastic fairy tales.

Surrounded by gorgeous houses and majestic trees, twenty-six glowing magicians mingled on the lawn, their happy voices and cheerful laughter filling the clearing with music so serene it soothed the soul. Wearing dresses or skirts and beaming with unmistakable confidence, the women moved like liquid among muscular men, who anticipated every turn of the feminine current with attitudes as laidback as their carefree clothes. Exuding an air of charisma, mystery and magnetism, not one of them wore shoes, and every move their active bodies made was executed with calm grace. 

Layla found her grandparents, easily picking them out by their bonded lights, which shone a little brighter than the rest of the emblazoned hazes. She smiled and waved at them, and they beamed as they waved back.

Layla scanned the lawn, looking for another set of bonded lights, but she couldn’t find them. “Where are your parents?” she asked.

“Dad’s next to Caitrin,” Quin answered, “and mom’s the blond by the dinner table. Their bonded lights are dulled by the distance between them.”

Layla looked for his dad first, and immediately made eye contact.

Damn. She quickly dropped her gaze as her stomach flipped and her cheeks burned. She didn’t expect him to be watching. Now she felt rude because she couldn’t look back. Instead, she looked for Quin’s mom, who was also watching. Damn.

Layla swallowed a lump and looked down, struggling to catch the breath they’d stolen with their curious stares. She didn’t blame them for their intrigue. Aside from the obvious reasons everyone else had, they probably wanted to know what had kept their son so busy over the weekend. Layla truly hoped they weren’t already disappointed by what they’d seen. 

A loud laugh grabbed her attention and she looked up, watching three people zoom into the air, halt, then take off again, racing one another around the clearing. Their details diminished as they picked up speed, turning into colorful blurs, which soared two laps before pulling upright.

As the trio turned and descended to earth, Layla realized two of them were her cousins who worked at Cinnia’s café – Brietta and Banning. The third was an unknown witch around Banning’s age – seventeen.

Layla smiled as she watched them cross the lawn. Then she noticed they were headed her way and grew antsy. Quin stretched his fingers, carefully entwining them with hers, and she squeezed, glad she had someone holding her in place when she was so tempted to run.

Banning reached the rose garden and quickened his pace, half-jumping half-flying onto the porch. Layla blinked, but stood firm, unsurprised by the enthusiastic approach.

“Hey, Layla,” he greeted, a rambunctious ring to his fully matured voice.

Comforted by his youthful attitude, Layla smiled. “Hi, Bann.”

“You look nice,” he offered.

“Thanks,” she returned, cheeks growing warm.

He flashed a bright smile then flipped his baby blues to Quin. “Who won? Bri thinks she’s the goddess of the skies and beat us by a mile… Ow!” He shook his hand and glanced over his shoulder. “Dang, sis.”

Nearly as hyper as her brother, Brietta bounded onto the porch and grabbed his hand. “That’s what you get for telling lies,” she scolded, but it sounded more like a song. She examined his palm then threw it down. “I didn’t hurt you. It was a teeny, tiny shock. Hi, Layla. It’s good to see you again.”

“You, too,” Layla offered, mesmerized by Brietta’s multicolored, green eyes, just like the first time she’d seen them. She’d been in line at Cinnia’s Café in Cannon Beach – following the trail of breadcrumbs her dad left her – when she’d come face-to-face with her first witch. “Should I call you Bri or Brietta?”

“Either way. Sorry about the weird looks at the café the other night. I was shocked and really confused.”

“I know the feeling,” Layla quipped.

Brietta laughed, loudly and beautifully. “I bet. Anyway, we’re glad you’re here.” She wrinkled her nose and elbowed Banning in the ribs. “I need some competition in the air. Bann’s falling behind.”

“You’re full of it,” Banning argued, ruffling her blond hair. “Tell her, Quin. Deflate this huge head of hers.”

“Can’t do it,” Quin refused. “It wasn’t by a mile, but there’s no doubt she won.”

“Ha,” Brietta taunted.

Banning scowled and pulled her into a headlock. “Quin and Layla need to fly up there and serve you some humble pie.”

He let go, and Brietta came up laughing. “Quin doesn’t count, but I might have a chance against the newbie. What do you say, Layla? Wanna race?”

“Oh,” Layla mumbled, stomach somersaulting. She didn’t think she could make herself fly in front of all these people if her life depended on it. 

She was about to stutter a lame refusal when Quin cut in. “Not right now, Bri, but soon enough, so start practicing humble defeat.”

“Tough to do when I’m racing slowpoke,” Brietta replied, jabbing her brother again.

“Don’t forget Sky,” Quin countered, nodding toward the witch on the stairs. “I think she’s found her wings.”

At the mention of her name, the witch leapt onto the porch. “Thanks, Quin.” She turned toward Layla, smiling as she held out a hand. “Hi, Layla. I’m Skyla Mochrie – Quin’s cousin.”

Skyla, of course, was very pretty, the kind of girl all the boys want to date but can’t find the guts to ask out. Alternating between soft spirals and smooth strands, her hair looked like a waterfall of cinnamon and sugar, but her most noticeable feature was her inky blue eyes. Almond shaped and framed by long, glittering lashes, they were huge, like an endless night sky.

“It’s nice to meet you, Skyla,” Layla returned, shifting her attention to the birds on her shoulders. Both had bright yellow heads, but one had a lime-green body while the other was turquoise.

“Call me Sky,” she insisted. “These are my parakeets – Blue and LaLa.”

“They’re beautiful,” Layla mumbled, in awe of their tame nature.

“Thank you,” Skyla replied. Then she looked at Quin and pointed a thumb at Brietta and Banning. “So you think I have a chance against these two?”

“Bann needs to worry,” Quin answered, “but catching Bri will take some work.”

“Come on, man,” Banning argued. “Us guys have to stick together against these pixies.”

“Not this time,” Quin countered. “Sky was less than a foot behind you.”

“That’s because I carry more weight,” Banning claimed.

Skyla giggled and poked his hard stomach. “Yeah you do, fatty.”

In a flash of movement, Banning grabbed Skyla around the waist and tucked her under his arm. “Rematch time,” he challenged, shooting off the porch.

Brietta laughed at Skyla’s flailing legs then turned back to Layla. “Sure you don’t want to join?”

“It looks like fun,” Layla replied, “but I need more practice before joining a race. Besides, I still have a lot of people to meet before dinner.”

“I guess you do. That’s okay. We have plenty of time. I’m excited you’re here. Sky’s great, but she’s still in school. It will be nice having a witch my age around.”

“You’re eighteen?”

“Yeah, so we should have lots in common. We’ll have to hang out soon.”

“Definitely,” Layla agreed.

Brietta grinned then glanced over her shoulder. “Guess I’ll let you get on with it. See you in a bit.” She flipped backward off the porch, landing on the walkway for a split second. Then she shot into the air, joining Banning and Skyla for another race.

Layla laughed at her sprightly exit then smiled at Quin. “They seem like fun.”

“They are,” he confirmed. “Are you ready to meet the others?”

“Sure. Let’s see my grandparents first then go from there.”

“Good plan,” he agreed, leading her down the stairs.

As they approached Layla’s grandparents, the four of them stood and walked forward, accompanied by a fat, silver cat and a droopy basset hound. 

“Hi, sweetie,” Morrigan beamed, pulling Layla into a hug. “You look lovely this evening.”

“Thank you,” Layla replied, turning toward Daleen, who also pulled her in.

“I’m so excited for you,” Daleen whispered. “This night is going to be so special.”

Layla smiled at her then moved to her grandfathers, standing up straight as she glanced between them. Not until she was within their reach did it occur to her how much she’d missed them.

“Hey,” she greeted, “I missed you guys today.”

Caitrin stepped forward and wrapped her in strong arms. “We missed you, too, sweetheart. Morrigan tells me you’re the most amazing witch she’s ever seen. I hear you made hard things look simple.”

“Morrigan’s opinion is biased, but I think I did okay.”

“From what I hear, okay doesn’t cut it.”

“Of course it doesn’t,” Serafin agreed.

Layla turned and wrapped Serafin’s waist in a tight hug. “Your opinion is biased, too.”

“Yes it is,” he confessed, giving her a gentle squeeze.

He let go, and Morrigan stepped forward, taking Layla’s shoulders. “Let me introduce you to some of our coven members.”

“Okay,” Layla agreed, gluing her smile in place.

They faced the nearby chairs, and Morrigan pointed to the first person on the left. “This is Kemble Kavanagh – Quinlan’s dad.”

Kemble stood and stepped forward, smiling as his warm hand enveloped Layla’s. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Layla. We’ve been waiting a long time for the opportunity.”

Not only did Layla recognize Kemble from her parents’ memories, but by his similarities to his son – dark hair, dark eyes, and fetching dimples.

“I feel like I’ve already met you,” she confessed. “I saw you in my parents’ memories.”

“I’m honored,” Kemble replied, intently searching her face. Then he glanced at Caitrin. “She is a little piece of Rhosewen, isn’t she?”

“More than a little,” Caitrin confirmed.

“Rhosewen was a special witch,” Kemble added, finding Layla’s eyes. “We’re blessed to have her daughter with us at last.”

“I feel blessed to be here,” Layla replied, and she meant it. She remained nervous, but her heart filled with wonder and warmth as she looked into eyes that witnessed so much of her mom’s life.

“I’ll let you move on to the others,” Kemble offered, “before their patience runs dry.”

“I should get on with it,” she agreed. “Or we’ll be here until morning. There are literally dozens of you.” 

Several people laughed, and Kemble gently squeezed her shoulder. “There’s always room for more, particularly one as lovely as you. Welcome home, dear.”

“Thanks, Kemble. It’s good to be here.”

From there Morrigan introduced Layla to six wizards related to Quin – his grandpa and great grandpa, his uncle and great uncle, and two cousins. One of the cousins had two wooly dogs at his feet, and Quin’s great grandpa Catigern had a hawk on his shoulder.

The wizards remained in their chairs, but they reached out with friendly smiles, and Layla memorized their names and faces as she politely shook their hands. Remembering how they were related, however, was something that would take experience… and perhaps a little study time with a written family tree.

Layla greeted the dogs last, happily rubbing their furry heads. Then Morrigan took her shoulders and turned her around. Four people stood at once, and Layla took a stumbling step back, but Morrigan’s dainty grip tightened and propelled her forward.

“These fine witches and wizards are actually related to you,” Morrigan revealed, pointing to the woman on the left. “That’s Caitrin’s sister Cinnia, and her husband Arlen Giles; and that’s their daughter Enid, and her husband Kearny Gilmore. Enid and Kearny are Brietta and Banning’s parents.”

Cinnia was the first to react, moving forward with shiny, turquoise eyes and a wistful smile. “Welcome,” she greeted, pulling Layla into a hug.

“Oh,” Layla breathed, shivering as tingles ran from Cinnia’s arms into hers. Goose bumps stretched from her wrists to her shoulders, but she didn’t mention the odd occurrence. Instead, she hugged her great aunt back because it seemed like the right thing to do.

“It’s so good to finally meet you,” Cinnia said, stepping away to get a better look.

“You, too,” Layla returned. “Now I can thank you.” 

“Whatever for?”

“Coffee. You’ve been supplying me with amazing coffee.”

Cinnia laughed, loudly and beautifully like Brietta. “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I hear you have quite the weakness for coffee.”

“Particularly yours. It’s the best I’ve had.”

“Well anytime you need a jolt, just let me know.”

“I don’t think you understand what you’re getting yourself into,” Layla warned.

“I’d be delighted to find out,” Cinnia gushed, blindly reaching behind her. “Isn’t she wonderful, Arlen?”

“We knew she would be,” Arlen agreed, stepping forward for a hug, which Layla accepted with reasonable comfort. “We’re glad you’re here,” he added. “It’s always a joy to welcome a new member. With you, the joy is tenfold.”

“Hear, hear,” Cinnia advocated.

“Thanks,” Layla replied, cheeks growing warm.

“My turn,” Enid insisted, moving in for a hug, and it sent another tingle through Layla’s blood.

“Welcome,” Enid whispered. “We’ve missed you so much.”

When Enid leaned back, Layla found tears illuminating her multicolored eyes – steel gray lines bursting from her pupils like sunbeams over a powder blue background. Struck dumb by them, Layla didn’t notice Kearny’s approach until he spoke.

“You look a lot like your parents,” he observed. “A blessed reminder of lost loved ones.”

Layla found his eyes, which were also multicolored – forest green infused with pastel green swirls. “I can say the same,” she noted. “I saw you in the memories. You and my dad were close.”

Kearny smiled and gave a nod. “Until Rhosewen swept him away.”

“A trick her cousin quickly learned,” Layla noted, motioning toward Enid.

“Indeed,” Kearny laughed, wrapping his arm around Enid’s shoulders. “Attending your dad’s wedding is the smartest decision I ever made. With your return, I reap yet another reward.”

“The reward is mine,” Layla insisted.

Morrigan stepped forward and took Layla’s hand. “These four and Brietta and Banning are your immediate family, but after tonight, you’ll call this entire coven family. If you ever need anything, we’re here to help, and we want you to ask.”

Layla scanned the eleven people she’d just met, trying to ignore her warm cheeks. “That’s kind of everyone. I’m delighted to have such a big family.”

“Your delight is important to us,” Caitrin asserted.

Morrigan leaned close, hugging Layla as she whispered in her ear. “Need a break?”

Layla shook her head no, so Morrigan stepped away and found Quin. “Would you like to introduce her to the others, Quinlan?”

“I’d be honored,” he agreed, moving to Layla’s side. “If she’ll let me.”

Layla looked over, wondering why he threw that last part in. “Sure,” she agreed, curbing her sarcasm.

“Ready?” he asked.

Layla took his hand then turned to the others. “See you guys at dinner.”

They waved goodbye, and Quin led her away, steering her toward a huge wooden table.

After several silent steps, she looked up. “Why did you say that?”

“Say what?”

“If she’ll let me. You know better.”

He scanned the air around her then found her eyes. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable by being overly friendly or presumptuous around the others.”

Layla sighed and shook her head. “You can’t save me from embarrassment, Quin. It’s inevitable, so don’t tiptoe around me. I’m not saying you should pick me up and carry me, but you don’t have to pretend to be something you’re not.”

He smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “So this is okay?” 

“If it’s okay with you, it’s more than okay with me.”

He squeezed and kissed the top of her head. “How about that?”

“It’s nice. I was already missing your touch. You’ve been spoiling me.”

He pulled her hand to his lips, running kisses from her fingers to her wrist. “We could take a break and slip inside. I could touch you all over.”

Heat from both embarrassment and desire rushed Layla’s veins. “Tempting, but maybe later.”

“That’s an offer I can’t refuse,” he approved, raising his eyebrows.

Layla timidly smiled, body flaming inside and out. “I still don’t see what you get out of the deal.”

He lifted their hands and gave her bottom lip a tug. “Then you’ll have to look closer next time.”

She hadn’t looked at all the last time. She’d closed her eyes when her shirt disappeared, and they didn’t open again until Quin stirred her from her dreams… dreams of him. 

“We’re almost to my mom,” he said, bringing her to a halt. “Would you like a chance to lighten your blush?”

“Yes,” Layla mumbled, dropping her gaze to the ground. “Thanks for the warning.”

He released her shoulders and touched her warm cheek. “Sure, but your worry is unnecessary. You’ll charm my mom as effortlessly as you charmed the others.”

“Charmed?” she smirked. “Right. If that’s what you want to call it.”

“I call it like I see it, and you’d see it, too, if you’d brave a glance at their auras. You leave a lasting impression, a lovely impression; there’s no reason to be embarrassed about it.”

Layla looked at the group she’d just met and was rewarded with beautiful hazes filled with pink love, silver excitement, and her eye color. “You have a wonderful family,” she whispered, turning back to Quin. “It sheds light on why you’re so considerate. You’ve been raised by lovely people.”

“And you’re about to meet the loveliest of them all,” he noted, leading her forward. “In my opinion anyway.”

Layla looked forward as Quin released her hand and approached his mom, who had her back to them.

“Time for a break,” he suggested.

Her aura swelled as she spun around, wrapping his waist in a tight hug. “I felt my heart sigh, but I thought it was your dad.”

“Disappointed?”

“You know better,” she replied, patting his chest. Then they both turned toward Layla.

“This is Cordelia,” he announced, “one of the sweetest witches you’ll ever meet.”

The resemblances between mother and son were clear. Cordelia laid claim to Quin’s wavy hair, bronze skin, long lashes, and full lips. But her platinum hair and lilac eyes, which were more pink than purple, set her apart from the rest of the family.

Two cats – one orange, one black – weaved through her legs until she ushered them aside and approached Layla. “It’s so wonderful to finally meet you,” she greeted, pulling her into a hug. “We’ve waited far too long.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” Layla returned, “but it doesn’t really feel like the first time. I saw you in my mom’s memories.”

“You did?”

“Yes. She was getting ready for her wedding, and you were feeding a tiny, baby Quinlan.”

Cordelia’s expression turned wistful and quite lovely. “I remember… very clearly.” She cleared her throat and returned to the present. “We miss your mom around here, but it soothes the soul to finally have her daughter home.”

“I’m happy to be here. Your family’s amazing.”

“Our family,” Cordelia corrected.

“Right,” Layla laughed. “I’m part of it now.”

“And for that,” Cordelia replied, fiddling with an onyx curl, “we’re blessed.” She dropped the hair and took Layla’s cheek, watching her eyes for several seconds. Then she returned to Quin and slipped one arm around his waist. “Right, Quinlan?”

“Beyond blessed,” he agreed.

Cordelia looked from his face to his aura, then back to Layla. “Has my baby boy been treating you well?”

Layla’s cheeks caught fire, and she wished she could lighten her aura without concentrating so damn hard. The haze had to be giving away more than she wanted it to. “Yes,” she answered. “Quin’s been wonderful. You raised an amazing son.”

“Thank you,” Cordelia gushed, her aura pulsing with love. “I’m glad he’s been taking proper care of you.”

Layla couldn’t help but think about some of the things Quin had done to her, and a lump seized her throat as her palms grew clammy. She glanced at him, and he winked, somehow melting her heart while spiking her embarrassment. “I’m lucky Quin came along when he did,” she managed… barely.

“I’m glad he could help,” Cordelia replied, standing on her toes to kiss his cheek. “You guys better move on before dinner’s announced. We’ll get to know each other better soon, Layla.”

“I look forward to it,” Layla agreed, and she did. She just wished she could do it without flaming cheeks.

Quin took her hand, leading her to the other end of the table, and she silently stared at the ground until they were out of Cordelia’s earshot. “Was I terribly obvious?” she whispered.

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “A little, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“Oh god,” she breathed, turning her blazing face into his side. If he said a little, it had been a lot, which meant Cordelia knew exactly how much the new girl felt for her son and what kind of feelings they were.

“It’s okay,” Quin insisted, coming to a standstill.

“No,” Layla squeaked, fighting hot tears. “It’s humiliating.” Bursting into sobs on her new family’s lawn wasn’t an option she was willing to accept, so she kept her face buried in his side as she took deep breaths.

Quin turned and wrapped his other arm around her. “Do you want to go inside for a while?”

“No. That would make it worse. I’d never be able to come back out.” 

“I’m sorry, Layla. I hate that I made this harder on you.”

“It’s not your fault. You’ve been wonderful, and I don’t regret what we’ve done. I just don’t like that my aura broadcasted it to your mom. I’ll be better in a minute . . . I hope.” She thought she might have control over the tears, but knew her face remained mortified.

Quin rubbed her back and kissed her head. “Take all the time you need.”

“Is everyone staring at me?”

“Only your grandparents. They’re worried about you.”

“Will you do that mind thing and tell them I’m okay? Tell them I asked you to.”

His lips left her hair, then returned a few seconds later. “They want you to know it’s okay to take a break.”

“No,” she refused. “I’ll just have to deal with the embarrassment. It’s not like the family’s causing it. It’s my problem. A problem I can’t fix or run away from.”

“It will get better,” he assured, “once you get familiar with us and your aura. Eventually, you’ll start accepting your feelings, because you’ll realize we accept them. My mom doesn’t think anything bad about you. She already adores you.”

“How do you know?”

“Her aura. You’re written all over it.”

“You’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”

“I am saying it to make you feel better, but only because it’s true. She already loves you because you’re Rhosewen’s daughter. Meeting you merely sealed the deal. And it certainly doesn’t hurt your case that I’ve been walking on air for three days.”

“Oh,” Layla breathed, heart and belly fluttering.

“See?” he encouraged. “Accepting how you feel will make things easier. Everyone here is exposed, and we all have feelings we’re ashamed of, but rather than judge each other for what we see, we use the knowledge to support the people we love. Once you get used to living this way, you’ll start to appreciate the intimacy auras provide.”

“I hope so, because this sucks.”

“I can tell. Will you look at me? Your grandparents are the only ones watching.” 

After a deep breath, she met his stare, and he took her cheeks in his palms. “You’re beautiful, Layla, inside and out. Not one person here would disagree with that.”

“They probably think I’m an immature fool.”

“No they don’t. We understand you’re not used to your aura. If anything, they’re sorry you’re going through this.”

“I don’t want them feeling sorry for me either.”

“I know you don’t, but it’s part of the deal. When you have this many people who care about you, you have to accept their love as well as their sympathies. If they felt the way you do, would you be able to blow it off?”

“No, and I see your point.”

“Good, because that’s a big part of what you’re getting yourself into. We don’t pull away from each other around here. If we need something, someone’s willing to provide. It’s a wonderful advantage, and it makes a lot more sense to accept it than to push it away.”

“I want to accept it. I don’t know why it’s so hard.”

“Because it’s unfamiliar. Besides never having to deal with your aura, you’ve been alone for a year. It will take more than a few days to adjust to our way of life.”

“I guess.”

“In the meantime,” he added, “try to stop worrying about what we think of you. You’re not on trial, and we’re not a jury. This is your family, and they’re going to love you no matter what your aura looks like.”

“I’ll try,” she agreed. “But my face will stay red.”

“We’ll see,” he replied, tugging on her pout. “Are you ready to meet the rest of them?”

She took a deep breath then gave a nod. “Lead the way.” 

He did, and she offered her grandparents a wave to let them know she was okay. They smiled and waved back, but Layla figured they would watch her until they were sure she was comfortable with her surroundings.

“Quinlan,” a woman greeted, and Layla looked forward as Quin released her hand.

Tall and extremely graceful, the approaching woman had long, black hair; an angular face housing mint green eyes; and wide set lips framed by deep dimples.

Layla knew right away she was closely related to Quin. Then her suspicions were confirmed when Quin greeted the woman with a hug. “Hey, Grandma.”

 The woman fiercely squeezed his waist. Then she took his biceps and scanned his face. “I haven’t seen you in two days. You look different.”

“I’m taller,” he joked.

“That must be it,” she laughed.

They turned their dimples on Layla, who donned her most polite smile and gave a small wave. “Hi.”

“This is my grandma Rhiannon,” Quin revealed.

“And you, my dear,” Rhiannon said, leaving her grandson behind, “need no introduction.” She took Layla’s shoulders and kissed her forehead. “Welcome home, Layla. It’s so good to finally meet you.”

“You, too,” Layla returned. “You have a lovely family.”

“We sure do. Come meet a few more.”

They approached three women, and Rhiannon introduced her sister-in-law and niece at the same time. Layla shook their hands, admiring their flaming red curls and purple eyes. Then she turned toward the third witch, a woman with cinnamon hair and amber eyes.

“And this is my daughter,” Rhiannon announced. “Karena Mochrie.”

“The owner of the inn,” Layla recalled, reaching for her hand. “Your rooms are amazing.”

“Thank you,” Karena returned. “You’re welcome to stay anytime. It’s a family perk.”

“One of many,” Layla noted.

“Dinner’s almost ready,” Rhiannon cut in, “so you better finish up the introductions. We’ll all be good friends soon.”

“I look forward to it,” Layla replied, waving as she took Quin’s hand. Then she was steered in the opposite direction, heading for the only coven members she hadn’t met – one woman and two children.

The woman sat on the ground, along with Banning, Brietta and Skyla; and the kids were on the move, playing between the grownups and a furry pile of animals, which included two golden retriever puppies and a fluffy white lamb.

As Layla and Quin drew nearer, a little girl with strawberry-blond curls ran toward them on teeny yet speedy legs, her steps light and hyper like a pixie. Extremely bright and mostly white, her aura had a few indistinct ribbons of color swimming through a wispy river of love.

“Qwinwin!” she squealed, jumping from several feet away.

Layla’s heart lurched as Quin reached up, grabbing the child by her waist and pulling her to his chest. “That was a good leap,” he praised, calm as ever. “You almost pulled me up there with you.”

Her round cheeks pinched with a grin as her royal purple eyes sparkled. “I’ve been pwacticing.”

“I can tell,” Quin replied. “Pretty soon you’ll out-fly Bann.”

“That’s what Bwietta said.” 

Quin laughed then looked at Layla. “This little angel is my cousin – Alana Driscol. She recently turned two. Didn’t you?”

“Yes,” Alana confirmed, holding up two tiny fingers. “I tunned two.”

Layla already loved the precious, little girl. It had to be true. That was the only explanation for the rapid swelling of her heart; for the quick shift in emotion that rattled her chest. “Two is a special age,” she noted.

“How ode awe you?” the toddler asked, reaching for Layla’s cheek.

“Eighteen,” Layla answered.

“Eighteen is a pwetty age,” Alana offered. “I wike you’we eyes.” 

“Thank you. You have pretty eyes, too.”

“They’we puple.”

“Yes. A very pretty shade of purple.”

“So you’we Waywa, huh?”

“Yes I am.”

Alana looked at Quin with raised eyebrows and a proud pucker. “We wuv Waywa.”

“Yes we do,” he confirmed.

“Wiw you stay?” Alana asked.

“I would love to stay,” Layla answered. Then she spared Quin a glance before returning her gaze to Alana. “I’ve never seen such a beautiful baby. She’s adorable.”

“And she knows it,” he replied. “She’s the youngest in the coven, and she and her brother are the only children, so they’re rotten.” He nudged the angelic child with his nose. “Aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Alana confessed. “Spoiwed wottin.”

“No,” Layla breathed. “You’re wonderful.”

In awe of the child, she couldn’t look away, but Alana was more fascinated with Quin’s attention. Taking his cheeks in her little palms, she forced him to meet her stare.

“Can we go for a ride in a wittel while?”

“Sure,” he agreed.

Alana flashed a smug smile at Layla. “Qwinwin’s my favewit to wide with.”

Layla wanted to hold her, but settled for staring at her. “And why is Quinlan your favorite?”

“Because he’s the fastest.”

“That sounds like fun.”

“The funnest!”

Layla laughed as she raised a hand to her expanding heart. “I’d love to see you fly sometime.”

“You can watch when Qwinwin takes me,” Alana offered. Then she kissed one of his dimples. “Otay, put me down.”

Quin kissed her forehead then lowered her feet to the ground, and she skipped after one of Skyla’s birds.

“I’ve never seen anything like her,” Layla whispered, raptly watching her go. “Are all magical babies that smart?”

“Yes,” he answered, “if they’re reaching their potential. We’re blessed with extraordinary concentration and memory.”

“Oh yeah. Well are they all that beautiful?”

Quin laughed as he urged her forward, and she forced her attention to the other child, who was older and rowdier than Alana. He was somersaulting in mid-air – dodging Banning’s grasping hands while trying to catch the bubbles shooting from Brietta’s fingertips – but when he noticed Quin’s approach, he froze mid-flip, upside down. Both of them cocked an eyebrow as their eyes briefly met. Then the boy shot toward Quin like missile.

Quin released Layla’s hand, but not to gently pluck the boy from the air. Instead, he braced himself, grunting as the child slammed into his chest. Without so much as a step backward, Quin laughed and flung the boy over his shoulder. “You almost got me,” he lied, tickling his calves. Then he spun him around and placed his feet on the ground. “This is Brayden – Alana’s older brother. He’s five and full of fire, so watch him.” He ruffled Brayden’s fine, red hair. “This is Layla.”

Acting very mature for a five-year-old, Brayden looked up with bright eyes that were several shades of brown and purple, and cordially stretched out a hand. “Hi, Layla. It’s nice to meet you.” 

Layla returned his smile and shook his little hand. “It’s nice to meet you, too, Brayden.”

As soon as she let go, his maturity melted away, and he maneuvered his head from Quin’s grasp and soared onto his back. Wrapping both arms around his target’s neck, he pulled and squeezed with purpose, but Quin wasn’t fazed.

“You’re getting strong,” he humored him, “but you have a long way to go before you’ll take me down.” 

After one more fruitless tug, Brayden flipped to the ground. “I got Bann yesterday.”

Quin laughed as he glanced at Banning, who shrugged as he gave an excuse. “The little squirt caught me off guard.”

“Did not,” Brayden argued. “I’m just getting stronger than you.”

“Is that so?” Banning asked, jumping to his feet and moving away from the witches. “Give it a go then, muscle man.”

He didn’t have to wait long before Brayden shot toward him. Then he pretended to struggle as they wrestled on the ground and in the air.

Layla keenly watched, amused and slightly shocked. Then Quin diverted her attention by nudging her toward a woman with pale yellow eyes and honey hair.

“This is Selena Driscol,” he revealed, “Alana and Brayden’s mom.” 

“You have lovely children,” Layla offered, reaching for Selena’s outstretched hand. 

“They’re rotten,” Selena countered, “but thank you.” 

“Waywa wants to see me fwy,” Alana announced, playing with her mom’s hair.

“She’ll get to see you do more than that,” Selena returned. “She’ll be here for a long time.”

Quin squeezed Layla’s shoulder and motioned to the ground. “Do you want to sit?”

“Sure,” she agreed, seating herself next to Alana, who abandoned her mom’s hair to play with Layla’s.

“I wike youw haiwr,” she said. “It’s curwy wike mine.”

“Your curls are beautiful,” Layla replied, watching the ringlets reflect the sun. She wanted to take Alana in her arms and cover her in sweet kisses, but she somehow refrained from smothering a child she barely knew.

“I wish it was long wike youwrs,” Alana added.

“It will be someday,” Layla assured.

“That’s what mommy says,” Alana pouted. “I asked if I could use magic on it, but she said I’d apweciate it more if I gwow it.”

“That makes sense,” Layla approved. “If you want long hair, someday you’ll have it, and it will be natural and beautiful, something you can take pride in.”

“Natuwal and beautiful,” Alana repeated. Then she turned her attention to the curl she held, watching it as though it were deeply interesting.

“What do you think about your magic, Layla?” Brietta asked.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Layla answered, still staring at the toddler, “but there’s a lot I don’t know.”

“Sure,” Brietta conceded, “but we can help with that. I’d love to watch you learn. Your situation fascinates me – to grow up hexless when you’re one of the most powerful magicians in the world, maybe even the most powerful.” She paused and shook her head. “It’s going to be crazy. You’ll be learning some wild stuff really quickly. Who knows what that’s like?”

Layla cheeks burned as insecurities crept in, threatening to suffocate the comfort she’d found in the children. Quin took her hand, giving it a squeeze, and she smiled at him before finding Brietta. “I don’t know what it’s going to be like either, Bri. I’m sure I’ll be as amazed as anyone.”

Brietta’s grin widened. “Do you want to show us what you’ve learned so far?”

“Give it a break,” Quin scolded.

Brietta frowned at him then guiltily bowed her head. “Sorry, Layla.”

“Don’t be,” Layla insisted, glancing at Quin. “She has a right to ask.” 

“You don’t have to prove anything to us,” he insisted. “Just tell Bri no if you don’t feel like performing her tricks. She’s well-intentioned, but she’s pushy and tends to suck on her foot.”

Brietta summoned a pine cone and chucked it at him, but it burst into flames halfway there, turning to ash then catching the breeze.

“Nice try,” he laughed.

Brietta huffed and stuck her tongue out at him. Then she smiled at Layla. “He’s right. You don’t have to prove anything to us. And if I get too pushy, which I sometimes do, just tell me to shove off. But if you don’t want to show us, would you like to tell us?”

“Sure,” Layla agreed. “I’ve done several little things, like heating up coffee and cleaning the dishes, and I got to play with fire the day I found out about everything. Then today I learned to fly, conceal myself, and lighten my aura . . .”

“Nuh-uh,” Brietta interrupted. “You can already lighten your aura?”

“A little, according to Daleen and Morrigan.”

“That’s amazing,” Selena commended. 

“Yeah it is,” Brietta added. “I can’t lighten mine. It barely makes a difference when I try. Will you show us?”

“Um . . . sure,” Layla agreed, “but I don’t know how well I’ll do under pressure.”

“Don’t feel pressured,” Quin insisted. “If it doesn’t work, you’ll be no worse off than Bri.” He smiled and winked at Brietta, who stuck her tongue out again.

Layla laughed at their banter then closed her eyes, trying to vacuum her emotions. A full, unpredictable feeling squeezed her insides, and she figured it must be working, but then a chorus of gasps snapped her concentration.

She looked around, finding Brietta, Skyla and Selena staring at her with wide eyes and open mouths. “I guess it worked?” she asked, looking at Quin.

“Yes,” he answered, “and it’s improved since you showed me earlier.”

“Really? That’s fantastic.”

He smiled and kissed her cheek. “Yes it is.”

“That was very impressive,” Selena noted. 

“Yeah it was,” Skyla agreed. 

“There have been times that trick would have saved my butt,” Brietta added. “May we see your concealment spell?”

“Sure,” Layla answered. Then she closed her eyes, attempting to blend in like an extraordinary chameleon.

“Come back,” Alana pleaded, and Layla immediately ceased her efforts to disappear.

“Thank you,” Alana sighed. “I want to pway with youw haiwr some more.”

Layla grinned at the toddler, forgetting all about the magic she’d performed. “You can play with my hair all you want, sweetie.”

Alana’s face and aura brightened. Then she sat in Layla’s lap and wrapped a long spiral around her fingers.

Layla tentatively lifted a hand then gently ran her fingers through the toddler’s silky locks. “Is it okay if I play with your hair?” 

“Yes,” Alana agreed. “It feews good.” 

Enraptured by the child, Layla felt utterly peaceful sitting that way, like she’d found a piece of her herself she didn’t know was missing, like something foreign yet necessary had adhered to her heart.

“Looks like Alana has more than your hair wrapped around her fingers,” Selena teased.

“Is that okay?” Layla asked, quickly looking up.

“Of course,” Selena laughed. “She has everyone wrapped around her fingers.”

“I can see why. She’s adorable.”

“Yes, but let her get away with too much, and she’ll use you to her advantage. She’s a clever, little witch.”

Alana looked up with sparkling eyes and an ornery grin. “I’m a cwever, wittle witch.”

Layla laughed, once again yearning to smother the baby in kisses. “Well if you ever feel like wrapping me around your fingers, just let me know.”

“Otay,” Alana beamed, grabbing another spiral.

“Looks like you’ve met our littlest angel,” a voice rang out.

Layla looked up, finding Morrigan floating toward them.

“I have,” Layla answered, “and she’s too cute for words.”

Morrigan knelt and tapped the toddler’s nose. “What do you think, Alana? Do you like our newest member?”

“I wuv Waywa,” Alana corrected. “She said I could wap hewr awound my fingews.”

“Of course she did,” Morrigan laughed, straightening as she held out her hands. “Ready for dinner?”

“Yes,” Alana answered, soaring into her arms, and Layla’s heart sighed as she watched them turn toward the table.

The others got to their feet to follow, but Quin stayed seated, taking his turn with Layla’s hair. “I guess you like children?”

“I’ve never been around one long enough to know,” she answered, tearing her gaze from Alana, “but if they’re anything like her, yes I do.” 

He smiled, and Layla couldn’t help but watch his lips, awash with a powerful urge to be in his arms. She glanced at the family then scooted closer, and he wasted no time wrapping her in a hug.

“I like that,” he said.

“What?” she asked.

“You leaning on me,” he answered. “I know it’s hard for you.”

“It’s getting easier.”

“I can tell.”

“I’m sure you can. You pay very close attention to me.”

“Does that bother you?”

“No, but I worry I’m keeping you from things you’d normally do. I don’t want you putting your life on hold for me.”

Too late, Quin thought, burying his face in her hair. She’d already taken center stage in his life, blurring everything around her, constantly distracting him from the rest of the world. She’d grabbed him the moment he laid eyes on her; now nothing else compared. When he wasn’t with her, he was thinking about her, his stomach and chest restless until he returned to her. He couldn’t imagine going on with life the way he used to. It would be an extremely unpleasant experience to try. 

“Don’t worry about me,” he insisted, tightening his hug. “I’m not missing anything.”

After a long, indulgent moment, he pulled his face from her curls and scanned her aura. “Do you feel more comfortable now that you’ve met everyone?”

“Yes, but the embarrassment will return. It’s inevitable.”

“It’s okay if it does. It won’t change anything besides the color of your cheeks.”

“And their temperature,” she added, smiling up at him. 

He glanced at the table, then back. “May I kiss you? No one’s looking.”

“Yes,” she agreed, and he leaned in, barely touching his lips to hers.

“I’ll give you a better one later,” he promised.

“I’ll hold you to it,” she countered.

He stole another quick kiss then slid his arm under her knees. “Ready for me to carry you to dinner?”

“No,” she blurted, clutching his shirt. Then she got the joke and relaxed. “You’re a funny, funny guy, Quin.”

“I like teasing you,” he confessed.

“I know,” she whispered, laying her cheek to his heart. “I like it, too.”