Rescued (Book One of the Silver Wood Coven Series): A Witch and Warlock Romance Novel by Hazel Hunter Page B

over and patted the empty space on the bench. “Sit, sit.”
    Erica perched beside him, smiling as her brother wrapped an arm around her shoulders. All around them tiny fireflies winked on and off like blinking eyes, thanks to the warming spell that kept the garden protected from the harsh temperatures of November.
    “Aileen can’t sleep because her mate is restless. What’s your complaint?”
    “I have more than one,” Ewan said. “Troy and Abel, Troy and Wilson, Troy and Aileen, and of course Troy and this untutored witch with no memory.” He winked at her. “Troy always seems to be involved in my worries. Perhaps we should send him back to the Magus Corps.”
    “You worry too much about everyone.” Erica knew her brother was very sensitive to the moods of other Wiccans, and often became distressed when there were conflicts within the coven. “What do you think of Summer?”
    “She’s kind and lovely, and the dogs adore her. That’s good enough for me,” he said with a chuckle. “But then, so does Troy. I would not deny the boy his chance to take a mate, but if they choose to stay…”
    Erica made a face. “Abel will begin pressuring Troy to take his place as coven leader, which Wilson will hate, and Summer will not understand., and ultimately will drive away Troy and put us back to where we were, on either side of this rift.”
    “I’m not on anyone’s side. Those two are so alike they will be butting heads for eternity,” Ewan said, and gave her a shrewd look. “Best you stay out of it, Sister. I know you love Troy like a son, but you need to attend to our lineage.”
    Not this again, Erica thought. “We can talk about it another time.”
    “Wait, wait. I’ve printed out profiles for some new prospects for you to consider.” He reached into the front pocket of his overalls and removed a stack of folded printer paper, which he pushed into her hands. “All are Wiccans, in good standing with their covens, and all in need of a fertile mate. All will be attending our gathering, and some are actually quite handsome, too.”
    Erica kept her expression bland. She and Abel had been casual lovers for years, but she had insisted on them keeping it concealed from her brother and the rest of the coven. After having a prophetic nightmare about seeing the High Priest butchered during a bonding ceremony with her, Erica also refused Abel’s many requests to formally mate.  
    “Brother, as I’ve told you, I’m quite happy being single and childless,” she lied.  
    “Doesn’t hurt to look, does it?” Ewan patted her hands. “You might find a man with whom you can finally be happy.”
    “I am too old and set in my ways now, my dear.” Before he could begin another argument over the matter she kissed his cheek. “When you run out of stars to count you should try the lightning bugs. Good-night.”    
    Erica retreated to her rooms to bathe and prepare for bed, but when she emerged from the bath she found Abel stretched out naked on her bed and looking through the profiles Ewan had given her.  
    “I thought you were going to wait in your rooms for me.”
    “I grew tired of waiting. Ewan is still matchmaking, I see.” He tossed aside the paper and reached for her, drawing her down beside him. “I locked the door this time.”
    “We must be quiet.” Erica switched off the lights before she unbelted her robe and pulled it off, draping it over the foot board. “Aileen and Wilson are just down the hall.”
    “Mate with me,” Abel said as he rolled on top of her, “and we won’t have to sneak around anymore.”
    Erica’s temper suddenly flared up. “I don’t want to be a mate, or a mother, or anything but myself.” She wrapped her legs around him. “Now, either pleasure me, or go back to your own room.”
    Even in the darkness she could see the slow smile that stretched across Abel’s face as he pressed into her. He rubbed her soft nipples, teasing them to hardness before using his tongue