Free The Beltane Witch (Cloudburst Colorado) by Siobhan Muir Page A

please ya.” Each new iteration of his voice sent Holly into fits of giggles and Sabrina chuckled along with her.
    “See? He’s funny, Mommy.”
    “Yes, he is, but looks aren’t everything.”
    Darius gasped in dramatic horror, setting Holly off again.
    “Fine. Perhaps I shall just go chop more wood for the fire.” He raised his chin and stomped toward the doorway, winking at Sabrina as he passed.
    Her face heated and she wondered how he knew what she’d been thinking of earlier. She sat down on the bed and kissed her daughter goodnight, tucking the blankets around her shoulders.
    “Mommy?”
    “Yes, Holly.”
    “I like Darius. He’s fun.” Holly smiled and wiggled deeper into her covers. “I wish he could stay.”
    Me, too. “I like Darius, too. Get some sleep. I love you.”
    “Love you, too, Mommy.”
    Sabrina switched off the lights and closed the door most of the way, her mind churning over her houseguest. Wishing him to stay is ridiculous. He’s a player, a charmer, and temporary. Reality stuck its barbs firmly into her happy bubble and she retreated to the kitchen to brew some tea. Maybe an electric tea .
    Darius sat at the table, his hands wrapped around a steaming mug and his expression far away. Sabrina thought she saw sorrow in his eyes, but his face smoothed into a smile when he caught sight of her.
    “Are they abed?”
    “Yes, finally.” Sabrina pointed at the second mug on the table. “Is that for me?”
    “Yes, I thought you’d like it.” Darius gestured to the chair beside him at the table. “Come sit for awhile, Sabrina.”
    “Thank you.” She took the chair and ran her hands through her hair as she inhaled the sweet scent of peppermint tea. “Peppermint. Perfect for a trying-to-be spring night. And my favorite.”
    “Is it?” He offered his charming smile. “I’ve always liked its soothing qualities. I’m glad to know I chose well.”
    “You’ve been a great help today. Thanks.”
    “My pleasure.”
    “Yeah, right.” Sabrina snorted.
    “No, truly, Sabrina. I enjoyed decorating with your children and you. It’s been a long time since I’ve prepared for Beltane in such a simple way.” When she raised an eyebrow, he added hastily, “I mean not for the Court. Like we used to at my home, with my mother and brothers.”
    “You have family?” Sabrina sipped her tea and let the mint soothe her.
    Sadness briefly flashed across his face. “I no longer see them very much, but my brother still holds our estates outside of the Fae city of Na’ersindel.” He shrugged. “We have drifted apart with the death of my mother several decades ago.”
    “I’m sorry, Darius.”
    He dismissed it with a wave. “No matter. It’s in the past. Today has been a good day. Thank you for including me.”
    Sabrina chuckled. “Well, I couldn’t exactly exclude you when I didn’t feel very well this morning. And there’s no way I could’ve chopped the wood with my head pounding.”
    “Speaking of which, how are you feeling now?”
    “I’m fine. I think the swelling’s gone down, too.”
    “Let me see.”
    He rose and stepped behind her, his hands sliding over her scalp as he searched for the lump. She hissed when he hit a tender spot and he murmured an apology, tucking her hair behind her ears. She allowed herself to enjoy the tender gesture.
    “It is much reduced,” he agreed, but remained behind her with his warm hands on her shoulders. “I’m relieved you’re all right.”
    “Me, too.” Sabrina closed her eyes as his fingers caressed her shoulder muscles. “Ooohhhh, that feels great.”
    “Why are your shoulders so stiff, Sabrina?”
    “Maybe it’s because I’m a single mom in a dead-end job trying to make ends meet and periodically accosted by determined men with conflicting beliefs.” She shrugged. “Just a theory, of course.”
    His seductive chuckle rumbled behind her. “Oh, is that all?”
    His understanding of her sarcasm startled a laugh out of her. “Yes,