The Ring: Earth Angel, #2

Chapter One

Nineteen Years Ago—Virginia

The moist grass reflected the sunlight filtering through a partly cloudy sky, and Aedan lounged on his coven’s lawn, celebrating his nineteenth birthday. He was surrounded by family, friends and the girl he’d been dating—Medea Blair of the Blair/Casey community, located about two hundred miles away.

A pretty witch with a sociable personality, Medea was used to attention from men, and she’d held Aedan’s for two dates, both of which ended with a polite kiss on her hand. Most wizards would have sealed the deal at that point, if not sooner, but Aedan was restless when it came to women and only stopped to savor them on occasion, usually finding they weren’t the flavor he was looking for.

No, he didn’t intend to ask Medea out a third time, let alone seal the deal, so when she invited herself to his birthday party, he only agreed out of politeness. As he watched her cozy up to his family, he regretted his consent. It was time to cut her loose.

He scanned the straw colored highlights in her shoulder-length brown hair then slid his gaze down her slender cheeks, watching her defined lips chat with one of his friends. Her eyes were like warm honey—amber in the dark, yellow in the light. And it was that alone that led to their first date. Aedan was confident it would lead her to another, but with a different wizard.

When Medea caught Aedan watching her, she beamed, apparently misjudging his stare for one of fondness. Are you enjoying your party? she asked, scooting closer.

Yes, he answered, looking away. You?

I always enjoy myself when I’m with you.

Aedan’s stomach churned and tightened. I’m glad you’re having a good time.

We should fly to the beach when the party ends, she suggested. Just you and me.

Aedan watched a bird soar through the clearing as he considered his response. I doubt we’ll have time. You know how these things go. It could be dawn before the last man falls over.

Yeah, she laughed. I guess you’re right. How about tomorrow? I could stay the night.

Aedan hated lying, but unless he wanted to cause a scene, there was no way around it. Hopefully his aura wouldn’t give him away. I’m busy tomorrow.

Medea’s expression fell then brightened. How about Sunday?

I don’t know what’s going on Sunday, Aedan dodged. We’ll have to wait and see.

Medea slid her fingers to his hair, and the knot in his stomach squirmed. I need a refill, he mumbled, jumping to his feet. Then he walked away, not giving her a chance to invite herself along.

Aedan avoided Medea the rest of the evening, but she noticed and stuck close, growing increasingly worried with every evasive move he made. By the time the party wound down, she was practically attached to him, and her eyes were pleading loud enough for anyone to hear.

In contrast to his eighteenth birthday party, Aedan stayed sober, determined to keep his common sense. It would be an unpleasant experience—waking up the following morning with her raptly staring at him. And it would only make the inevitable let down more difficult.

When the lawn emptied of everyone save for the two of them, Aedan threw Medea a weary glance then began clearing a table, wondering how much longer she could hold her tongue.

Not long. What’s going on, Aedan? she demanded. You’ve been avoiding me all evening. Even now that there’s no one around, you’re blowing me off.

Aedan took a deep breath and turned, finding her worried face. This time a lie would be unnecessary. Let’s sit, Medea. We need to talk.

I don’t want to sit, she refused. Tell me what’s going on.

Okay. You’re a lovely witch, but I can’t return your feelings for me. It’s time to move on.

You’re breaking up with me? she blurted, honey eyes burning bright gold.

We’re not together, he countered. We went on two dates to get to know each other better.

I thought you had a good time, she huffed.

I did. That’s why there was a second date, but there won’t be a third. I like you, but not that way. It’s time to move on.

She pouted for a moment then relaxed, closing the gap between them. You’re fooling yourself, she challenged, tucking her fingers in his waistband, trying to pretend you can’t be tamed, but you’re not fooling me. Tell you what, she added, licking her lips and wiggling her fingers, keep your wild ways; just let me get closer to the beast. If you’ll give me a chance, I’ll show you how fun a third date can be.

I won’t take advantage of your feelings for me, he refused.

What if I said I didn’t mind? she countered.

He swallowed, undeniably tempted to allow himself a birthday romp on the lawn. I would know better, he resisted, steeling his resolve.

Medea’s smile fell as her forehead furrowed. You need time to think about it, she decided, pulling her hand away. I’ll see you later. She glared at him for another moment then shot into the air.

Aedan watched her go, surprised and concerned by the intensity of her disappointment. Then he sighed and grabbed a jug of wine off the beverage table, magically popping the cork as he headed inside.

Aedan didn’t see or hear from Medea for two months, so his worry and guilt ebbed, but then she returned, bringing anxiety with her.

Aedan was in the coven’s barn, grooming his horse, when Medea appeared in the doorway, twirling a piece of straw. Hi, Aedan.

Aedan recognized her voice and halted, taking a moment to smooth his annoyed expression before looking over. Medea. What brings you here?

She dropped the straw and walked forward. You.

What about me? he asked, resuming his chore.

Don’t play dumb, Aedan. You know why I’m here.

Why don’t you explain? Just in case.

I came to see if you’ve reconsidered, she confessed. Have you thought about my offer?

No.

Why don’t you look at me when you lie to me?

Aedan stopped what he was doing and faced her. I’m not lying.

Then you’re in denial.

No. I’m not interested and I never will be. Give yourself a break and find someone who is.

His rejection floated in one ear and out the other as she took a quick step toward him.

You’re a fool, Aedan. You won’t even give me a chance.

You can call me whatever you want, but you need to do it elsewhere. She still didn’t move, so he expounded. I’m telling you to leave.

Her eyes narrowed as her nostrils flared, but she eventually relaxed and tilted her chin up. I see you need more time, but don’t worry, I’ll be back. Then she spun around, whistling as she strolled from the barn.

Damn, Aedan cursed, turning back to his horse.

Medea clearly hadn’t moved on, and he feared things would only get worse.

Like before, Medea kept her distance longer than Aedan expected her to. It had been a month since the unpleasant scene in the barn, and he hadn’t seen or heard from her. He didn’t dare hope she’d moved on to a different conquest; that might jinx her absence.

His mood was as fair as the weather—sunny with a cool breeze—and he was on his way to a neighboring magical community for a party. He landed outside the lawn, walked in then scanned the large crowd, spotting a few friends lounging on a hillside.

As he headed their way, Medea lithely stepped into his path, flashing a smile that would have looked coy had she a demure bone in her body.

Are you enjoying the party? she asked.

One would never know their last meeting ended with his cruel yet necessary rejection. I just got here, he answered, looking away.

You can sit with us, she offered, pulling on his hand.

Aedan met her stare and flexed his arm, but he didn’t say anything. Words, no matter how they were delivered, flew over her head.

Her expression pinched then smoothed, and she willingly released him. You are stubborn, Aedan, but I like that about you.

Aedan watched her aura for a moment then sighed, maneuvering around her and walking away. He considered looking back, but didn’t want to give her the satisfaction, so he kept his eyes on the ground, hoping she wouldn’t follow.

As he neared his friends, he looked up, and his agile steps faltered, forcing him to pause.

Literally breathtaking, the stranger before him was more beautiful than the moon and sun combined. The stars and planets had nothing on her. Her thick, golden hair spiraled past her slender waist, and she wore a pale pink gown that clung elegantly to her svelte body. She moved like fluid, her flawless skin glittering like the surface of a sun-kissed sea. And her aura… it was the most magnificent he’d seen—more colors than he could count swimming with glittering strips of silver, gleefully vibrating, enthusiastically swirling. He had to know her. The sparkling beauty before him was the one thing missing from his blessed life.

As he approached, she turned, looking at him with eyes so blue he could swim in them, drown in them, and he forgot how to breathe as his heart raced. Hi, he greeted, unsure how he’d managed it.

With that one word, Rhosewen’s heart hammered against her ribs, lurching toward the most exquisite boy she’d ever seen. Tall, dark and handsome with a lively aura boasting distinct and resplendent colors, he bathed her in both shadow and luminous light. She had to tilt her head back to observe his face, finding first the sun glinting off his straight, black hair, then his emerald gaze, which seemed to bore into her soul.

She took a deep breath to steady herself, truly hoping he wouldn’t notice. Then she lightly cleared her throat. Hello.

So, Aedan thought, his gaze unwavering, that’s what an angel sounds like.

One of Aedan friends, a lifelong acquaintance named Keith Ballard, attempted to gain his attention. Hey, Aedan. Just get here?

About five minutes ago, Aedan answered, keeping his eyes on the golden stranger.

Keith must have noticed the exchange, because he promptly introduced them. This is Rhosewen—my cousin from Oregon. That’s Aedan—a fellow Virginian.

Rhosewen smiled, wreaking further havoc on Aedan’s heart.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, she said, sending fantastic chills across his flesh.

The pleasure’s all mine, Aedan returned, taking her extended hand, but he didn’t shake it; he pulled it to his lips, brushing a kiss across slender knuckles. He knew others were watching, but didn’t care. He couldn’t look away from her. Her ivory skin had flooded with color, intensifying her radiance.

A shiver ran from Rhosewen’s fingers to her spine, and her knees trembled. She’d never had such a strong reaction to a guy and struggled to maintain composure. Her heart thumped so hard and fast, the thick material of her satin dress noticeably fluttered.

Aedan didn’t want to let her go, but feared he was embarrassing her, so he let her fingers slide away. I’m going to find the wine, he said. Will you join me? He wanted to get her away from prying eyes, so he could learn more about her, everything about her.

Rhosewen glanced at Keith, who merely shrugged, so she turned back with a smile. Sure.

Aedan offered his arm, and Rhosewen accepted, letting him lead her along the outskirts of the crowd.

What’s your last name, Rhosewen?

Conn, she answered. Yours?

Donnelly.

Aedan spotted the beverage table and aimed a palm at it, summoning two glasses of wine, which soon floated into their hands.

I want to get to know you, Rhosewen Conn. Will you sit with me?

Yes, she agreed. As long as you reciprocate.

Aedan smiled and led her to an empty spot on the hillside, letting her get comfortable before jumping to the point. What would you like to know?

I get to go first?

Sure.