The Witch's Spark Read online

  Chapter 11

  When I got inside my apartment, I set Storm down. “We need to get you kitty stuff.” She cautiously smelled the ground around my feet. “But I have a lunch date with my sister. Do you think you’ll be okay for a couple of hours?”

  Storm looked up at me. “Mew”

  “Oh dear, you must be hungry.” I grabbed a shallow bowl from the kitchen and poured milk into it.

  The moment I set the dish down on the ground, Storm pounced over and lapped away. While she drank, I pulled out the small box I’d carried the plants in earlier this morning, lined it with a plastic bag, and dumped in some potting soil.

  “Your temporary toilet, but don’t think it’s okay to use the pots with plants for your bathroom. I’ll get you a real cat box later today.”

  Storm ignored me. I fished pieces of chicken from the soup mom had brought me two days before and put them on a plate.

  “Got to go. I’ll be back soon.” I kissed the top of her head and hoped I wasn’t allergic to cats.

  I’d never had pets before, but I was pretty sure they didn’t make themselves at home so quickly in a new place the way Storm had.

  Thirty minutes later, I met Stella at the café next to the glass museum where she worked.

  “Mom was completely elated last night after having dinner with you.” Stella leaned in after ordering her usual salad with no dressing. “You totally made her day.”

  “We had a good time,” I lied. Mom may have had a good time, but I had only endured the evening. But who cares, I have a kitten in my house.

  Stella smiled. “Thank you, she needed that.”

  I nodded. Will Storm be okay without me?

  “How are you feeling?” Stella rested her hands on the table.

  “Good.” Of course, she will, she’s managed thus far without me.

  “Good?” She raised an eyebrow. “You were just in the ICU last week. I can’t believe you took all of your midterms on Saturday. Are you crazy?”

  I shrugged. “Probably.”

  “Have you gotten the results yet?”

  “It’s only Monday.” Although, Professor Perry gave me his results an hour ago. My mind wandered in that direction.

  “You mean Professor Yummy Pants hasn’t called you?” Stella winked.

  “What? Why would he call me?” When he can just show up.

  “He gave you a ride home the other day in his sexy sports car, and he was so concerned for you while you were in the hospital.” She pursed her lips.

  “Stella.” I lowered my voice and glanced around for evidence of anyone paying attention to our conversation. “He’s my professor.” And has been making himself a little too friendly as of late.

  “So? He’s still good-looking. You should totally go out with him if he asks you.” Stella sipped her ice water.

  “Oh, no. He’s way too old for me and let me repeat… He’s my professor. It’s completely inappropriate.” What do I need to buy my kitten?

  “So?” She shrugged

  “I have him next quarter.” Kitty litter, kitten food, a collar…

  “Or wait until spring break. You should call him up, ask about your grades, and then slip in a ‘let’s grab some lunch and talk about your next class’.”

  My cheeks burned at the thought. “Hell no. Anyway, let’s talk about you. Gone on any dates lately?” Stella loved to talk about her love life—mine too, apparently. I should probably buy some flea shampoo. Storm will need a bath.

  “None lately, but hey, you could hook me up with your professor if you don’t want to date him.”

  Earth, please open now and swallow me whole.

  Instead, the next best thing happened—the server brought my salmon sandwich and Stella’s salad.

  An hour later, my sister and I said goodbye. Stella went back to work, and I wandered around the Space Needle area, making a mental list of what I needed to pick up at the pet store. I found a bench by the International Fountain and sat down.

  The skies above threatened rain again, but not a drop had fallen yet. Hordes of selfie-taking tourists converged on the concave area surrounding the spherical water feature. I heard many different languages being spoken.

  This was one of the things I loved about living in Seattle—diversity. While I had never traveled outside my country’s borders, when I moved downtown, I felt like I had moved into an international hub of activity. The energy exhilarated my spirit after living in the boring suburbs all my life. People going about their day inspired me to move forward and follow my life’s path, wherever it may lead.

  I scanned the crowd, taking in the kaleidoscope of colors before me. Humans were truly magnificent beings. The display of emotions was incredible, ranging from the sadness of the older man sitting alone to the west of me, to the pure joy of a young family with toddlers, splashing in the shallow pool surrounding the fountain even in the fifty-degree weather.

  Proper Pacific Northwest kids.

  Romance also permeated the spring air, as couples displayed affection through kisses or holding hands. I felt myself smiling. Maybe someday I would get lucky and find someone who’d want to hold my hand.

  But I wouldn’t hold my breath.

  No one wanted a girl with a weak heart and a fragile body. It wasn’t a matter of self-confidence or worth, but of realistic expectation. But hey, I had a kitten. Which meant I needed to get to the pet store and head home soon.

  As I stood up, my gaze drifted over to a dark figure on the opposite side of the fountain, standing under one of the big trees. There he is again. I thought he wasn’t going to come around me. In a city of millions, how is it that I keep running into him. Then I remembered.

  My notebook.

  I hurried around the circle toward him as fast as I could without getting too breathless.

  “Don’t you dare move,” I muttered as I made my way to his location.

  He stood as still as a statue and watched me through those stupid silver-toned shades.

  “Thought you were going to stay away from me,” I said as I got closer.

  “I can’t seem to follow my better judgement when it comes to you.”

  “Well, how about this? You were on the bus two weeks ago when I fell and cracked my head open. Then you collected my papers and books that had flown out of my hands. What did you do with them?”

  “The water they fell into ruined them.” He stepped closer.

  I pulled the zipper of my coat higher, as the air felt more chilled than it had a moment ago. Maybe it was just my imagination, but I could feel my cross vibrating against my chest.

  “I need them back, please tell me you didn’t throw them away. And can you please take those stupid glasses off?” I motioned to his face.

  “I threw nothing away.” He slid the shades off.

  “Good.” I glanced around the park and then back at him. When our eyes met, I forgot for a second what I wanted to say next, as I lost myself in the deep, dark orbs that seemed to pull me in. “I, uh, want them back. You’d better give them back. Right now. Or… or I will report you to the police.”

  “Oh?” His lips curled in amusement. “We don’t want to involve the authorities now, do we?”

  I swallowed hard. “I’d rather not.”

  “Good, meet me for coffee tomorrow morning at Café Insomnia… say, eight.”

  My jaw dropped. “Are you asking me out on a date?” Why Café Insomnia?

  His smirk turned into a smile. “Perhaps. If you want it to be a date, that can be arranged.”

  “Fine. Café Insomnia it is.” My heart picked up its pace. “Seven-thirty, don’t be late.”

  He leaned in until his face was inches from mine. “Seven-thirty sharp. I wouldn’t want to miss our first… date.”

  “One more thing.” My heart beat so fast, I thought I might pass out right there at his feet. “What is your name?”

  His face steeled, smile vanishing. Even his black eyes seemed to darken for a moment, and then his lips and c
heeks softened.

  He bowed his head next to my left ear. “It’s Traian.”

  The air froze inside my chest.

  Chapter 12

  “Breathe,” Traian said.

  I inhaled abruptly and pulled the collar of my coat higher. “Okay. See you tomorrow.” I turned to leave, but his hand stopped me.

  “What is your name?” he asked.

  I rolled my eyes. “Really? You have my notebook, which has my name on it.”

  “Yes, but how do I know it belongs to you? What if you stole it?”

  “I don’t steal. But what would a stalker like you know?” I swatted his hand off me. I took two steps away and then turned around. “Oh, if you insist. Everly.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Everly.” He bowed slightly.

  “What is wrong with you?” I glanced around us to see if anyone noticed.

  Traian just stared at me.

  “Oh, never mind. See you tomorrow. Don’t forget my notebook.” I waved and hurried away.

  What the hell?

  I’d been dreaming about this guy and I knew his name. How is that possible?

  It didn’t matter, I needed to get to the pet store and go home soon. I’d already been gone too long. Maybe I should go home and check on her first before I buy anything. After going back and forth for a couple of minutes, I jumped on the bus headed to my end of town.

  When I walked into my apartment, I half expected to find the place trashed, but all was in order except for a small, fresh turd in the temporary cat box and the empty dishes on the floor.

  “Storm?” I called.

  “Mew.” The sound came from above me.

  From the loft railing, a little furry head poked out.

  “There you are.” A huge weight lifted off my chest, but then she jumped.

  I froze, not knowing what to do. Like a skilled acrobat, she landed on my shoulder with a soft thump. No claws. The level of precision stumped me.

  Not even missing a beat, Storm snuggled under my coat, as she had done earlier.

  “Well, I guess you’re coming to the pet store with me,” I finally said when I found my voice again.

  Three blocks down from my apartment was a cute little pet shop. Storm stayed hidden as I walked, occasionally hissing at passing pedestrians. I rounded the corner and stopped when I saw a flash of red. The woman from this morning stood on the opposite side of the street, looking straight at me. A bus went by, and she disappeared.

  What the hell? Am I imagining things?

  I shook myself and hurried into the store. The bell dinged as I walked in.

  An older Asian man stood behind the counter.

  “Can I help you?” he asked.

  “Yes, I have a new kitten and need to get supplies for her,” I replied.

  When he approached me, Storm hissed at him.

  “Oh, you brought her.” He laughed. When he reached out to peek under my coat collar, a grey paw slapped his finger, leaving two red lines. “Feisty.” He took a step back.

  We walked around the store, filling a basket with things I needed.

  “I have some special shampoo for kittens in the back. Let me get it,” he said before stepping through the ‘employees only’ door.

  I coughed. Dammit. I really hope I’m not allergic.

  I found my inhaler and took two puffs. I turned around to explore the store more and saw Traian standing less than three feet away. I expected Storm to hiss at him like she had at the shop guy and Mr. Perry, but she didn’t.

  I glanced around… Not a single soul in sight. I hadn’t heard the door ding either.

  “What,” I lowered my voice, “are you doing here?”

  “I had to see you again.”

  “Did you follow me here?”

  He nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  “Why do you keep following me?” I whispered.

  “I don’t know.” He stepped forward until we were almost toe to toe. “I will leave you, if that is what you want.”

  I rolled my eyes. “It’s kind of creepy, you know?”

  “Refreshing to hear.”

  “That’s not a compliment,” I said. “You’re so strange.”

  “I hope you can see past that.” He tilted his head and held his hand out near my shoulder.

  A second later, Storm peeked her head out. She smelled his finger and then went back to her hiding spot.

  “She likes you.”

  “Odd.”

  “Whatever.” I shifted the handbasket full of feline paraphernalia.

  “I couldn’t wait until tomorrow.” Traian took the basket from my hand.

  “What are you doing?” I went to take my basket back, but he moved it out of my reach.

  “Can’t a gentleman help a lady?”

  I sighed. “Did I ask for help?”

  Traian ignored me and turned toward the register. He placed the basket on the counter along with a fifty-dollar bill.

  “I can pay for my own stuff,” I protested and reached to take back my basket.

  “You really ought to let people do nice things for you.” He took my hand. “Not all kind gestures have strings attached.”

  Whatever I was about to say next got lost somewhere in my throat. His hand felt cool, yet heat radiated across my skin from our contact. A buzzing sensation traveled up my arm. My body froze. I dared not breathe.

  “What are you?” Traian whispered, with intensity in his eyes.

  “I could ask—” I shuddered “—the same thing.” What does he mean by that? ‘What am I’?

  His hand squeezed mine. “Can we spend the day together?”

  I gave a short nod. “I have to take her home.”

  He let go of my hand.

  I exhaled and looked up at him. “You are welcome to come over.” Are you crazy? He’s a stranger! A stalker!

  At that moment, Storm jumped out of my coat and landed in Traian’s palm. She head-butted him and burst into purrs.

  Then she turned her blue eyes on me.

  “Mew.” She settled into his palm.

  Traian’s eyes widened. “This is a first.”

  I suppose if Storm approves of him…

  The Asian man returned with a bottle in his hand and took the fifty. He bagged the merchandise and handed me the change. Not once did he look at Traian or even notice him.

  Traian didn’t seem bothered by this, either.

  Traian followed me home with Storm in one hand and the bag of kitty things in the other, but when we reached the front entrance of my apartment building, he hesitated.

  “You stalk me all over the city, but don’t want to come inside.” I shook my head. “What is wrong with you?”

  He glanced around before meeting my gaze. “Are you sure you want me to come in?”

  “Ugh.” I sighed. “I invited you, didn’t I?”

  “You said I was welcome to come over, but you didn’t specify where ‘over’ was.”

  “For real?” I blinked. “Do I really need to spell it out for you?”

  Traian met my questions with a solid, challenging stare.

  With arms crossed over my chest, I pursed my lips. When I didn’t give in, he held his hand to my shoulder. Storm stepped off his palm and curled up under my coat. He set the bag of purchases down by the locked door and stepped back.

  “Oh, for goodness’ sake!” I tossed my arms in the air. “I’m inviting you into my apartment, will you do me the great honor and accept my invitation?” Sarcasm wasn’t my strong suit, but I’d reached the end of my patience.

  In an instant, Traian stood right in front of me, his face inches from mine. “Be careful who you invite into your home. While I wish you no harm or ill-will, I cannot speak for the rest of my kind.”

  The air between us seemed to drop in temperature, but my skin grew warm—from being so close to him.

  When I said nothing, he continued. “And the great honor is mine to accept your invitation.” His cool hand touched my cheek before reaching down and gr
abbing the shopping bag off the ground. He waited patiently for me to figure out what the heck just happened and unlock the door.

  We rode the elevator to the fifth floor in silence, but when we reached my apartment door, he hesitated again.

  “Do I need to invite you a third time?” I glared at him.

  As soon as I opened the door, Storm leaped out of my coat, landing on all fours, and scurried off into the living room. Traian closed the door behind me and turned the lock.

  “This place is stunning,” he whispered.

  I watched him take in the mini jungle that was my living room, and couldn’t help smile at his appreciation of my indoor garden. I think plants really liked my apartment because everything I’d brought in flourished and grew as if on steroids. My newest additions seemed to be much happier already too. I knew the fertilizer I made was awesome, but I believed the combination of the air, light, and the amount of humidity inside provided the right environment.

  “What can I say? I like plants.” I shrugged and took the bag from him. “You can hang your coat here.” I pointed to an empty hook next to where I had hung my jacket.

  “You have an affinity for life, that is certain,” Traian muttered as he moved into the center of my living room, keeping his black trench coat on. “After we get your familiar settled, do you mind if I take you out for a picnic dinner?”

  I glanced out of one of the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking at the sky. “Are you sure? There are a lot of grey clouds out there.”

  “It will be sunny in about two hours.”

  “How do you possibly know this?”

  “Weather app.” He held up his phone.

  Just then, Storm attacked his feet in a playful fashion. When Traian reached down to pet her, the kitten dove under the couch. He sat down next to where she had disappeared and waited. A few moments later, she came out and loud purrs filled the living room air.

  While Traian entertained the kitten, I unpacked all the items I’d purchased for her. I placed the bowls for her water and food at the far end of the kitchen. As if she’d been expecting me to do this, Storm pounced over and took a long drink. In the bathroom, I set up her litter box. That’s when the dust did me in and a fit of coughing overcame me.