Chapter 2

• With registration taken care of, the four headed to the cabin. Leena was surprised to see it was actually larger inside than it appeared. Dark and weathered wood on the outside contained a soft cream interior, making the area seem larger. One window at the back and the glass door allowed natural light to brighten the space. She was thankful when she noticed the wooden door to shut at night and they wouldn’t have that “being watched” feeling. There was a set of bunk beds on each side of the room. Well, it wasn’t the Hilton, but it would be dry and reasonably private.
• The four women allowed themselves the luxury of a cabin at events. It was easier than hauling tents and other gear, they had all agreed after their first time sharing a tent. The tent came close to going up in smoke during one silly moment, lighting candles for a ritual.
• Turning again, she noticed the little folding table they always brought was sitting by the door. “Shall we cleanse and protect our little space?” She grinned, because the others were already digging in bags and cases. Mixing beliefs and magic, always proved to be interesting among the four, for you never knew who was going to do what.
• Cora stepped to the table first and placed a small cloth voodoo protection doll in the center, “To protect those who dwell within.” She stood with her eyes closed.
• Kasey opened her hand to sprinkle shiny dust around the table. “A touch of moon dust to see us safe during this full moon.” She joined hands with Cora and waited.
• Rachel stepped up to place a light blue candle on the table, then grinned and held her hand over it. As the wick burst into flames, Rachel smiled. “Blue light to protect us and ours.”
• Leena stepped into the space between Kasey and Rachel and placed an abalone shell onto the table. Smiling at Rachel, she rubbed her hands over the shell letting crushed herbs fall. They began smoking as they settled in the shell. “Lovage to cleanse, purify, and release this space of all negativity.” She clasped hands with the others and smiled.
• The air in the small cabin stirred and swirled lightly, taking the scent of the Lovage throughout. From one hand to the other, through the four, a tingle could be felt.
• Leena dropped her hands and smiled. “At least you kept the snakes and critters at home this time, Cora. I wasn’t ready to hold Kasey still again.”
• Cora laughed in her deep husky way. “I promised not to bring living things after that first time. It’s tempting, but I’ll save you from that fun.” She bundled her jacket up. “I’m heading to see if they need any help in the kitchen before the opening circle. Anyone coming?”
• Rachel picked up her poncho. “I’ll head that way with you. I want to see if they expect any children this time around and if I can help with the kids’ program.”
• Kasey flopped down on a bunk with her notebook. “I’ll be here trying to describe that drive through the stalking forest.”
• Smiling, Leena found her warm cape and headed back to the door. “I’m going to wander. Don’t forget to show up for dinner, Kase.” She grinned when the blonde head didn’t even lift in acknowledgment as the pen in her hand was already flying.
• Ambling around the site, Leena was lost in her own thoughts and almost walked past someone talking to her.
• “You don’t say hello anymore?”
• Leena turned to look up into deep green eyes. “Chris! Sorry, I was in my own little world.” She accepted the hug from the tall, dark-haired man. “I haven’t seen you since Kasey dragged me to your Wiccan church. How long have you been here?” He grinned down at her as she quickly stepped back from him.
• “Got in an hour ago. Wasn’t sure we’d make it over that bridge with the van. But we survived.”
• She followed his gesture to see his usual group of festival buddies. Tall, dark-haired, dark-eyed, brooding Dade. “Dade. Great to see you.” She almost hesitated as he stepped forward for a brief hug.
• “Let her go so she doesn’t forget me!”
• Grinning, she turned to see Steven, with his friendly smile and his chaotic, dark red hair. “Of course, I won’t forget you. How are you?” She hugged him a little longer than the others, because he always felt safe. He was just as big as other two men, but he felt harmless.
• “Do I get hugged, too, or do I have to know you forever and a day?”
• Startled, she turned towards the unknown voice.
• Dade laughed. “Well, you knew her about twelve years ago. If you hadn’t been running around the planet, you might get hugged.”
• She studied the large man. He had to be well over six feet, probably by at least two or more inches. He had a build like a bodybuilder—a very nice build. His blond hair was neat, although with it that short, did it have a choice really? When she stopped at the pale blue eyes, she knew exactly who she was looking at. “Well, Owen Grey, it has been a long time.” She offered a hand.
• He smiled at her and took her hand. “I haven’t seen you since you started high school.” He studied her. “How have you been, Aileena?”
• She wasn’t sure she was comfortable with the way he was looking at her and tried twice to pull her hand free. “I’ve been good. Get tired of the rest of the world? Did Dade drag you here?” She offered a slight smile.
• “Oh, he didn’t drag me. I all but begged to come with him. I’m doing some research for a new book, and this is where I need to be.”
• He unknowingly found her weakness. Books. “Really? I’ve read most of your work, Owen. It always surprises me what comes out of your mind. What are you researching here?” She knew his work was mainly fantasy fiction, but she was uncomfortable knowing that he would be looking for ideas in one of the few places she felt safe.
• “I’ve been toying with the idea of adding some mythology into a book or two. Dade is the one that convinced me that mythology and the many practices of the occult are very misunderstood... so I’m hoping to mix fact with fantasy and come up with a good story.” He watched her relax.
• “Well, I’m sure you’ll make it work.” Giving him a polite smile, she turned back to Steven. “See you at the opening circle?” At his nod, she started to walk away.
• “Leena.” Dade put a hand on her arm to stop her. He lowered his head and voice. “He won’t expose anyone.”
• She stopped and sighed. “No, I guess he wouldn’t, having been friends with you and your family for so long.” She felt guilty at her first impression. “I’ll see you later, Dade.”
• Owen stood with his hands in his pockets and looked at the woman walking away as Dade stepped back over to him. “You didn’t tell me she went from cute to mysteriously sexy, Dade.”
• Dade laughed. “You didn’t ask, bro.” Dade slapped him on the back, “but I’ll tell you, there’s no chance with that one. No one gets close enough to get a chance. She went through a bad marriage and has never been the same since.”
• Owen grinned. “Good thing I came back then. A woman like that shouldn’t be alone.”
• Steven and Chris started laughing from behind them.
• Chris, still chuckling, walked over and patted him on the arm. “Good luck to you then, Owen. You’ll need it. Even more when she has her women swarming around her. Those four together will boil your blood, in every way known to man.” He grinned. “This is why we spend as much time with them as possible.”
• Dade and Steven nodded as they headed back to the van to get the rest of the supplies.