Indigo Spell (30 page)

His hands curled into fists, the urge to hit something, anything, strong. “I did not ask Tess.”

“You are not accustomed to asking a woman’s permission before you make a move, Jaxon.”

He unfurled his hands to rest them on the back of the chair he’d recently occupied. “That is not a good enough reason for her.”

“You have a lot on your mind right now. Perhaps this is not the best time to be focusing on this. Your father has asked to see you. Go to him and maybe I shall have a little chat with your wife.”

Pivoting, he fixed his mother with a compelling gaze. “Do not frighten her any more than she already is.”

“She needs a woman to talk to.”

“She needs her life back.” Could his mother see the fear in his eyes? Did she know how frightened he was at the thought of losing his wife? And he knew his actions could very well push Tess so far away from him, he’d never get her back. She might be here with him in body but not in spirit.

Charlemaine joined her son at the door. “This is her life now.”

“I am beginning to have my doubts about that.”

“What is done is done.” She leaned up for a hug, an unusual show of affection. “Tess will grow and she will learn. Until then she will need your love and compassion.”

Jaxon muttered something unintelligible below his breath but managed to bestow a smile upon his mother. “I am not sure she will speak with you but you are welcome to try.”

“Your wife is a lot stronger than you give her credit for. Besides, I might have just the thing to take her mind off her new way of life.” Charlemaine winked and disappeared before Jaxon could give voice to his concerns.

* * * * *

Tess had traversed the area of the bedroom at least ten times when her mother-in-law put in an appearance.

“Charlemaine, I’m not surprised to see you here.” She didn’t stop pacing.

The female wizard smiled. “Jaxon has spoken with me about your concerns.”

“Concerns. Is that what he called them?”
Bastard.

“That was my word actually.”

“Well, you couldn’t be more off-base. What I have aren’t concerns. I have fears. But right now I have anger. A whole lot of anger. And if I could get my hands around your son’s neck, I’d test this whole immortality deal.”

Charlemaine chuckled and patted the edge of the mattress. “We should sit down and have a little talk.”

“If you’re here to convince me that your son was only doing what was best for me, please don’t waste your time. I’m not interested in hearing how the weight of the world rests on Jaxon’s shoulders or how he did what he did because he loved me. That’s an insult. He should’ve had the courtesy to talk to me first, to find out how erasing my friends’ memories would affect me.”

“I agree.”

“And furthermore, he had no business—” Tess brought herself to a halt. Words and footsteps ceased. “Excuse me?”

“I agree with you. Jaxon should have discussed the matter with you first. Unfortunately my son is not accustomed to having his actions questioned or having to offer any explanations beforehand. He has always been able to do what he wants when he wants to do it. You see,” Charlemaine patted the bed once more, waited until Tess walked toward her and sat down, “as much as this is new to you, it is also new to your husband. While you are adjusting to our ways, he is growing accustomed to having a woman in his life…a woman who refuses to be controlled.”

“That doesn’t make what he did right.”

“No, it does not but unfortunately if you expect an apology, it is not going to happen. I have been married to a wizard for centuries now and he is not any more eager to admit his mistakes than his son is.” Charlemaine crossed her legs, drew her robe closer around her knees. “I do remember the one time Jensen felt the need to apologize.” Her eyes carried the wistful memory. “He prevented me from seeing my parents simply because he was afraid I would leave with them. We had not been married long and I was miserable. I can tell by the look in your eyes you find that shocking.” She placed her hand atop Tess’. “My dear, you are not the only wife of a wizard who has had difficulty adapting.”

“But you’re a wizard too.”

“That is true but Jensen and I are from two different guilds of wizards. While Jensen was raised here, I lived in another realm. Had my father not come to Mystique to assist in an uprising, I probably never would have met my husband. My parents would have liked that.” Her eyes crinkled with her smile. “They have never cared for him, only because he is obstinate, overbearing and well, a lot like my father.”

Tess felt some of the tension slipping from her shoulders. She wanted to grab for it, hold it tightly to her. She didn’t want to relax. Relaxation signified acceptance and she couldn’t accept how her life had been planned, shaped and changed without her consent. “It would appear that Jaxon is a lot like his father.”

Charlemaine chuckled. “He would not see it but, yes, he is. They almost came to battle once. Did my son tell you?”

Tess tucked her legs beneath her, entranced in spite of her wariness. “No.”

“I would not imagine he would volunteer that information. Jaxon keeps that part of his life secret. A long time ago, my son had visions of ultimate control. He was young and foolish. He wanted to use his powers to benefit himself. When a wizard turns, gives into the dark forces of magic, he can become a terrifying opponent. Jaxon had lived with the wizards, knew their ways, their thoughts even. Even at a young age, he was powerful. It is possible that had Falcon not intervened, my son would have been lost to us but, more importantly, the Assembly could have been destroyed.”

“So Falcon saved him.”

“In a manner of speaking. In reality, Jaxon had to save himself. He had to accept what he was, just as you have to accept it now. Acceptance is not made easier because we are wizards, Tess. Sometimes it is even more difficult to accept that with all of our power and knowledge we are not our own. Unlike the witches you have seen, we use our magic to make the world a better place. We cannot strive for control of the universe. Our magic is a gift, one we must cherish. We nourish the good in our souls and pray the evil does not overtake us. It is a daily struggle, helped by love.” Charlemaine shifted on the bed to face her. “I have looked into my son’s eyes and seen the depth of love he carries for you. Do not take it lightly. His love will require much sacrifice on his part as well as yours. He must accept your limitations as you must accept his achievements.”

Tess let out the breath she held. “I’m not sure I know how to do that.” Admitting her weakness was the easy part. Facing her life with a wizard and all the changes involved, well, that was another matter. She’d need strength she wasn’t so sure she had.

“Of course not. That is why I am here. Just consider me an ally. Now,” Charlemaine stood, “come with me.”

Tess didn’t move. “I can’t leave the room.”

“Nonsense.” Charlemaine pulled Tess to her feet and with an impish grin, snapped her fingers.

A labyrinth of walls and corridors, the citadel astounded Tess as she moved through its intricate tunnels with her mother-in-law. She heard the whispers of music, the crash of thunder and the chime of a clock. Her footsteps rang hollowly against the concrete floors. Gray walls surrounded her, prevented even a sliver of sunlight from grazing the path ahead. Would there be sunlight above the Milky Way?

Tess’ head swam as the halls gave way to a majestic room shaped like an octagon. Walls of pure gold melded into floors of diamond. The beautiful strains of a violin drifted from an unknown location. A feeling of peace washed over her as she stood in the center, her eyes round, her heart pounding in her chest.

“It’s beautiful. What is it?”

Charlemaine wrapped an arm around her shoulders, held her close. “It is called the Serenity Chamber. We come here when the world outside has taken us by storm. Even wizards need a place to relax.” She wiggled her fingers and produced a plush sofa with overstuffed pillows. “With the loss of your old life comes the beginning of your new life. Changes are not always negative.” She held out a hand and directed Tess toward the sofa. “Sit. Let the tranquility help you to put your thoughts in order. Inner turmoil can lead to outer dissent.”

“Am I being hypnotized?” Tess wondered aloud.

Charlemaine laughed, a light tinkling sound. “No. You have just begun the first stage of your journey into our world. Here is where we begin to introduce you to the knowledge and wisdom you lack.”

Her mother-in-law’s voice echoed. Tess’ head snapped up and she found herself alone. Sinking back against the cushions of the sofa, she closed her eyes. She imagined she would have to get used to being alone. It seemed Jaxon was always disappearing.

* * * * *

The bitterness of defeat coated her tongue. Athena didn’t like defeat and yet she faced it more frequently nowadays. The wizards were a wily bunch. They’d taken shelter in the citadel, an impenetrable tower that housed the secrets of the Assembly. She ached to see inside its hallowed walls, to glimpse the power within. To hold in her hands a sampling of that power. She thirsted after the supremacy the wizards held and cursed their stupidity. How could they not see what they could be? She saw. She saw it all. And she wanted it even if for just a day. Ultimate control was an aphrodisiac and she wanted to taste the thrill. She would have that chance. She vowed it before the Fates.

Her hand unfurled. A tiny black stone glistened in the center of her palm and she smiled, held it close to her lips with a whisper. The ancient curse burst from her lips, sealing the fate of the child to come.

* * * * *

The soft touch stirred her awake, inducing Tess to open her eyes. In the glow of the light bouncing off the golden walls, Jaxon knelt by her side. His hand cupped her cheek, held her skin against his palm. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

She searched her memory. Wasn’t she supposed to be angry with him? For the life of her, she couldn’t think why. Instead she gave into the demands of her body and drew his head down for a leisurely kiss. When Jaxon pulled back, she caught the startled look on his face. “You were expecting more anger.”

He slid his hand to her wrist, lifted her hand to his lips. He patiently kissed each knuckle while she shivered. “The thought crossed my mind, yes.”

“I waste my energy being angry with you.” Tess stroked his hair, sifted it through her fingers. The thick, silky strands curled around her digits. “I miss us, Jaxon.”

He lifted his head, blinked at her. “We’re still okay.”

“But for how much longer? I feel like our world is spinning out of control. Not this world that we’re living in now but the world we have when we’re together. All of this scares me. You scare me. I don’t want to lose you but then I’m afraid to stay with you.” She closed her eyes and attempted to reach the tranquility she’d found for a brief moment.

Jaxon ran his thumb along her lower lip. “You’re afraid of the unknown. Once you start learning more, you’ll understand what you can’t see doesn’t necessarily mean danger.”

“You’re spending too much of your time worrying about me. You’re going to make a mistake.”

“I don’t make mistakes.”

“And apparently I don’t make babies.” She winced and tried to retract the words. “Never mind. I shouldn’t have said that.”

He stood, moved her feet out of the way to sit down beside her. “Is that what you’re worried about?”

“It’s crossed my mind. I’m over thirty and some women have difficulty getting pregnant past thirty.”

“You’re not some women. Now come here.” He coaxed her into his arms, settled her head on his chest. His hands began to move up and down her spine in slow, rhythmic strokes. “You need to stop worrying.”