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

full. What’s the problem?”
    “Oh, you know, the part about how we do it. Sky clad, which she tells me means we all get naked and go outside, at night, in the woods. This would be the same woods where the bears and snakes and tigers live.”
    Troy chuckled. “There are no bears or tigers on the mountain, and the snakes are hibernating.”
    “So then I’m safe courting hypothermia by stripping down in front of a dozen guys,” she said, nodding. “Assuming my curse doesn’t decide to kick in. If it does, then we’re going to have a problem. Or an orgy.”
    “Summer, the body ward I cast over you is working fine. No one is going to be affected by the curse––and it’s clothing optional. You can opt to go naked, or opt not to.” He saw where she was staring and quickly pulled his shirt back on. “Joining the ritual circle now will be a lot easier than when the covens gather for Winter Solstice. Then you’re talking about three hundred guys, most of whom will be celebrating in the nude for at least three or four nights that week.”
    She rubbed her forehead and looked up at the sky.
    “Why can’t Wiccans celebrate another way? What’s wrong with sitting around the fireplace and drinking hot cocoa and swapping ghost stories?”
    “Nothing, but that’s what humans do. We’re not human, and our rituals date back centuries before secular religion got everyone uptight about nudity.” He gave her a sympathetic look. “If you feel that uncomfortable, I’m sure Abel will excuse you from the circle.”
    “Oh, no.” She held up her slim hands. “Your father has already informed me that I’m not excused from anything, ever. To be a proper witch I have to grow my own herbs, mix my own potions, cast my own runes, and take part in all the rituals. Even that one with the disgusting green stuff Erica smeared all over my face.”  
    He thought for a minute. “That wasn’t a ritual. That was a cleansing.”
    “What did it clean? Do you know how long it took me to get that gunk off my face? I was about to borrow some sandpaper from Wilson.” She sighed and hunkered down to scratch one of the retrievers behind his ears, which instantly drew all the dogs over to her. “Okay, okay, be patient, you guys. I only have two hands.”
    Troy watched the dogs rubbing and nuzzling themselves against her in their collective bid for attention, and silently wished he was covered with fur and walked on all fours. Sleeping on the couch in their rooms was uncomfortable enough, but knowing one door was all that stood between him and Summer in a bed, kept him tossing and turning most nights.      
    Once all the dogs were piled around her, Summer sighed happily.
    “I love dogs. They never give you the evil eye for screwing up witch stuff. Are you going to be chopping wood for the rest of the afternoon?”
    “No, I’m finished.” He crouched down beside her. “Do you want to do some gardening?”
    “Been there, weeded that. Also, Erica kind of kicked me off garden duty today.” Her shoulders slumped. “How was I supposed to know dandelions aren’t weeds? They are to humans. And how come Wiccan use them to make salads and wine, anyway? Can’t you people just grow lettuce and grapes, like everyone else?”
    Troy bit back a laugh. “I think you need a Wicca break.”
    “Oh, boy, you would not believe how much.” Summer perked right up. “Can we go for a hike, or a supply run into town, or let me emigrate to Australia?”
    “We’ll take a drive over to my place. I’ve been meaning to get over there and make sure it’s ready for winter so my father doesn’t have to.” He stood, and waited for her to do the same before he nodded at the pavilion. “Get a jacket and some good walking shoes. I’ll let Erica know we’re going.”
    Summer grinned like a girl and hurried back inside, while Troy headed for the kitchen where Erica was washing dishes.
    “Your green witch has a black thumb,” the High Priestess grumbled as