Chapter 3

• As dusk started to fall, the drums began to chant. They spoke to the Earth and called to the souls who felt their meaning. At larger events, there would be as many as sixty drummers. Being a smaller gathering, there were a few more than twenty. But their purpose was still to call to the attendants and make ready for the circle. Some call it a ritual, others a celebration.
• People responded to the rhythm from all directions. Owen stood to the side of Dade and Chris were drumming, and watched the women’s cabin. As they came into sight, his heart stuttered and his breath hissed out. The guys hadn’t been joking.
• The four women began walking toward the circle.
• He was sure it was a trick of the setting sun, but they appeared to glow as they walked. Their brightly colored outfits floated around them, seeming to be part of the quiet breeze, giving them the appearance of floating. Noting each woman in as much detail as memory would allow, he hoped he could use this imagery in his writing.
• The short, curvy blonde with shy eyes walked with a confident glide. Atop her helter-skelter blonde spikes was a halo of flowers and ribbons trailing down.
• Next to her, a dark-eyed woman with bright flowers contrasted with her midnight black hair. Her smile, he noted would make any male ache.
• The woman walking, actually gliding gracefully, beside her had to be close to six feet tall. She was a walking epitome of feminine grace and beauty. Her dark complexion and deep red curls made a man’s mind think of things that heated his blood and played with his soul.
• His eyes moved to the only one of the women he knew, and his heart tripped once more. Her long, shiny brown hair reached past her waist and flowed around her like a cape. With each step the ribbons from her halo twisted and played in the tresses. Oh how he wanted to be those ribbons Leena’s smile made him wish he knew what she was thinking. She was obviously very happy and content with the company, and he imagined the event about to take place pleased her as well.
• Steven patted him on the back. “Tried to warn you.” He pushed him toward the drummers. “Stick with the drummers, and you’ll be close to them. The drums call to them more than most.”
• Nodding, Owen looked over to the drummers and met Dade’s eyes. His friend’s grin was saying, “Told ya so.”
• As the women reached the circle, Dade caught Leena’s attention and motioned for her to come to him. She did, smiling as she worked her way through the drummers. Owen watched her lean down to Dade, noting that his friend didn’t miss a beat on his drum.
• She lifted her head and looked quickly over to Owen, staring at him for a moment, and then nodded down to Dade. Reaching up she pulled a flower from her halo and stuck it in the cords of Dade’s drum, much to his friend’s pleasure judging by the smile on his face, and then she walked back over to her friends. Owen watched for a moment more as she spoke quietly to the other women and they turned and started toward where he and Steven were standing.
• His blue eyes jerked to Dade, a devious grin on his face. He’d never been a nervous man, but watching those four women with the swaying hips glide toward him, he felt a nervous buzz in his veins.
• “Steven!” Kasey shrieked as she launched herself into his arms. She grinned at Owen while she hugged Steven. “I’m Kasey.”
• He couldn’t help grinning down at the blonde woman pulling herself out of the other man’s arms. “Owen Grey.” He started to extend a hand then was surprised when the woman he thought had shy eyes hugged him tightly.
• “The author?” She stepped back and looked up at him.
• “Yes.”
• She grinned again, “You just became my new best friend!”
• The dark-haired woman pulled her back. “You will have to ignore my silly friend. She broke out the mead earlier than normal.” She studied him for a minute. “I’m Rachel.” She hugged him and grinned again, it made his blood flow faster. Then she stepped back and leaned closer to Steven. “How’s life, Doc?” He received a brief hug.
• Steven winked at her, not minding the nickname. He was, in fact, a doctor of pediatrics. “Great, Rach.”
• Owen wasn’t sure whether to smile or faint when the tall, dark woman wrapped her arms around him. “I’m Cora. Nice you could be here.”
• “Thanks. Although I have no idea what’s going on, or going to happen.”
• Leena laughed. “Yes, we know. Dade asked if we’d keep an eye on you and keep you out of trouble while he’s busy. Of course we can probably answer any questions you can come up with.”
• He smiled. “Awesome. Okay, first question?” No one spoke. “Why don’t you four have very large, protective males guarding you?”
• Cora laughed a husky laugh. “Oh, I like this one.” She gave him a warm smile, “I have a question for you, Mr. Grey.” She waited until she had his full attention. “You’ve known Dade a long time... so do you believe in magic? Real magic?”
• Everyone, including Steven, turned and waited for his answer.
• Owen cleared his throat. “I’ve been friends with Dade since we were about six, and, yes, I believe anything is possible.” Not one responded, and he grinned. “Having been at his family home more than my own growing up, I’ve seen more than I could ever explain. Does that help?”
• Smiles flashed at him from the women. Leena stepped beside him. “It does. We’re very careful with whom we trust. Our beliefs and magic are very guarded. We will trust you, because Dade has asked it of us. Don’t abuse that.”
• He felt his nerves settle. “Fair enough. I give you an open mind to fill, ladies.” He grinned and put his arm casually around Leena’s shoulder, noticing that she tensed at the contact. “Now, how about giving me a wee preview on what to expect? I feel like the only person here that doesn’t know what’s going on.”
• Leena was tense, he could see the emotions flash through her eyes and was about to release her when she relaxed and smiled up at him.
• “I guess that makes you today’s sacrifice then.” When he tensed, she laughed. “I’m kidding, Owen. We’re going to begin the rite for May Eve, or Beltane. Tonight we dance and celebrate the coming fertile season, and the men will set up the maypole for the morning.” She grinned. “You’ve heard of dancing around the maypole, haven’t you?”
• He shrugged, “Always thought it was just a saying. It is real?”
• She nodded. “It is. I’m sure you’ll have more questions, but why don’t you just relax, observe, and enjoy?” She moved to take her place in the center of the circle, waiting for the drumming to escalate again.
• Owen tried to listen to everyone around him, but wasn’t able to focus on any one conversation as the drums grew louder and faster. He could feel the beat inside his chest, and it made him light-headed, but he enjoyed it all the same. He felt Steven step beside him.