chapter 2

Catriona

      Once the service ended, we proceeded back to our home. At sunset, Aileen would be laid to rest on the edge of our land under the old beautiful Ash tree. Technically this tree was in the meeting point for the four families’ land. In the center of it all, growing it up, we called it our very own Fairy tree. From the old ways, it would have Aileen close to the magic of the wee folk who would watch over her body, bless her spirit, and ferry her into the next life. If it was the cauldron’s desire, she would someday return in another form. I suppose it was utter nonsense. We had one life to live. Once chance to get everything we wanted and to get it right. I suppose when looking at the possibility of damnation or salvation, or a chance to live a thousand lifetimes, I would choose the latter.

I was always a fool who believed in magic. At seventeen, I should have grown out of it though dad encouraged it while Mama shook her head and crossed herself at the mere mention of any of the old ways. If there was a spell or ritual to right wrongs of the world, including my sister’s death, I would do it. Beltane was two days away. Maybe one of the spirits would lead me and give me the answers I so desperately sought. Maybe, Aileen, herself, would cross the veil and tell me what I needed to know.

I know I should be focused on the ritual in front of me, but I couldn’t help that my ridiculous heels were sinking into the soft earth. I was expected to walk and lay flowers, but at the rate, I was sinking; I would walk straight out of my shoes and topple into the grave with her. I looked around at all the people assessing how much embarrassment and shame was possible. No doubt, it would be a lot. As I scanned the crowd, I saw all familiar faces except for a huddle of three men. One was the man from years ago. That was nice of the university, but then again, they probably wanted to make sure my parents wouldn’t take legal actions against them. I was trying to figure out the men he was with.

The other two men were handsome. One had dark, unruly hair with a robust large frame, and slight dark stubble. His suit seemed to barely contain his body, which I knew was ripped with muscles, but not the kind from the gym. Like my father and the boys, it was from labor. The second was blonde with bronze skin, and a clean shave. He looked like a Viking. Tall, broad, and commanding. How did my sister know them? Or maybe they were old friends of the family, all I know is that I had never seen them before, but they felt familiar. It was an extraordinarily strange feeling.

Words were said, Dad held onto Mama, and Finn held on to me as we dropped flowers, and then once the dirt would settle, we would say our own goodbyes and drop a stone. I was so grateful he never let go. I noticed as we walked the lit path to our home, the three strangers didn’t take their eyes off me. The older man glared, while the blonde stifled a grin holding back his soldier friend. The dark-haired one was a soldier, I’d decided, tightened his jaw and locked eyes with mine. It felt wrong.

Clouds began to roll into the night sky. It was going to pour down and snuff out every light back to the house. For tonight’s ceremony, we used torches and fire. It would be pitch black if the waters came as I imagined. One fat drop landed on my cheek. I would have thought it a tear if it had not been cold. Droplets started one by one. Finn took off his jacket and began to cover me with it. I pulled him under with me to try and protect him from the storm as well. Halfway to the house, I was royally screwed. My expensive high heels were trying to keep me firmly planted in the ground until I couldn’t move. I was almost ankle-deep in mud, and the coat was useless. I was soaked. My tight black and lace dress stuck to my body. On instinct, Finn dropped his coat to the ground and scooped me up. Carrying me bridal style, we continued our journey. If it weren’t the worst timing in history, I would have liked to enjoy his warm hard body so close to mine. I wasn’t a petite girl. I had curves. He didn’t seem to notice and didn’t even have shortness of breath as we trekked through the cold rain. I was impressed.

“Are you ok?”

“Cat, are you questioning my strength.”

Leaning my face closer to his ear, I whispered, “I wouldn’t dream of it. You know I’ve always been told I needed protecting.” I felt him shiver.

“And what fool, pray tell, imparted that nugget of wisdom?” He stopped walking momentarily to scowl and look at me.

“Red.” Our walk continued.

“He’s full of shite. I have no doubt you would have stepped straight out of those heels and taken off in a full run to the house. No-one needed to save you. I’m just helping. Besides,” he paused, “I doubt your parents would let me stay on your floor anymore. The time for drinking and remembrance is over, and all eyes will be on you now. You are prepared for that. Aren’t you, Cat? It’s going to be hard. I doubt your parents will let you out of sight. It’s beyond horrific what was done to Aileen, but none of us will allow the same fate for you.” He ground and spit the last words out.

“You haven’t left me this past week, have you?” I paused, and except for a moment to shower or eat, I was by his side. “Finn, you’ve never left me?”

“No, and I never will.” I had never heard such conviction and strength. I felt something surge through me at the same time as the lightning struck, and I had my first kiss. I slid down Finn’s body as he wrapped his arms around me held me close. His lips were warm and in sharp contrast to the cold rain beating down us. Even with my eyes closed, the rapid beating of my heart, the gentle tongue slipping through my lips, and slowly caressing my own, I saw the fire from the corner of my eye.

The best moment of my life was shattered by the lighting of the sky, the fire of an old tree, and the boom of thunder. Either someone was applauding our union, or they were very displeased. Fear ran through us both, but we couldn’t help but smile. The rain would put the fire out, and we had been missing far too long. My parents and everyone else would start getting worried.