My One and Only (Bewitched and Bewildered #10)(8)

Starting with himself Pip introduced everyone giving her a bit of information with each introduction. When he introduced the warrior Micah Sageson, her heart began to race. How? How could this be the man from her dreams? Under the table she squeezed her hands together. Was he her mate? Or did she have a premonition about him warning of something terrible about to happen because of the sickness? Micah looked a bit shell shocked. Had he dreamt of her too? He recovered quickly and winked at her in a conspiratorial fashion. He threaded his hands behind his head and tilted back in the chair watching her closely.

She turned quickly to smile at the sweet youngster. "Thank you Pip, that was wonderful."

He beamed at her. "I just met them too."

Serenity stared. "You've memorized everyone's names that quickly?"

Pip nodded looking proud. "Meryn says I am a genius."

"I'll say," Laelia agreed.

Serenity smiled at the two other familiar faces. "Hello boys."

"Hey Seri!" they said waving.

She had a huge soft spot for Nigel and Neil Morninglory. Between helping to care for the other youngsters at the orphanage and training for their warrior exam, they spent a lot of time at the Water Temple. They seemed to be the only ones who could be around Kendrick without being blasted or turned into small animals. When they were assigned to Noctem Falls she found herself missing them terribly.

"Now that you know everyone. How did you get here?" Kendrick asked.

"Queen Aleksandra found the Healer's Clause in the original spell used to create the city portals. It states that if a portal is opened from within the Water Temple, witches are able to pass through to assist in any type of crisis. She pretty much got us up to speed on what's been happening here. I have to say, I am very impressed with the progress you've made thus far."

Kendrick rubbed his chin. "I'm surprised that the Witch's Council allowed you to come." Serenity winced and looked away. "Please tell me you didn't disobey the Witch's Council to come here?" Kendrick said in a low voice.

Serenity turned back and scowled at one of her oldest friends. Unlike other witches in Storm Keep his poor attitude hadn't affected her in the slightest. She simply ignored it. "Where the hell else would I be? The Water Temple has the largest collection of body magic spells on record. Ever since I took over as temple head I've incorporated healing magic into daily studies. You have yourself to thank for that, by the way. You were a huge influence on me growing up and as I reorganized the Water Temple."

Kendrick threw his arms up in frustration. "I wanted others to know how to heal so everyone would leave me alone, not for you to be prosecuted by those puffed up, self-important muppets."

"Muppets," Meryn repeated snickering.

"Maybe it won't be that bad," she said, not really believing her own words.

"She'll just have to stay here," Micah suggested giving her a saucy wink.

"Leave the poor woman alone Micah," Kendrick groused.

"Never. She's my mate," he announced silencing the table.

Kendrick blinked. "She's what?"

"She's my one and only," Micah said meeting her eyes. There was a peacefulness about him that projected an almost a spiritual contentedness. The way he called her his one and only nearly brought tears to her eyes.

"It's about damn time!" Declan exclaimed pounding Micah on the back. "Congratulations to you both!"

Kendrick's perpetual scowl returned as he looked at her. "Is he right? I know that our mating dreams can be a bit tricky."

She gave a slow nod. "I've been dreaming of him. I just didn't know he'd be here."

"Micah Sageson... isn't he the horrible Lothario here in Noctem Falls?" Radclyffe asked glowering at Micah who blew kisses at him in return.

"Micah flirts all the time, but it's harmless. He's the sweetest guy ever," Meryn said. "He calls me his delicate flower and dewdrop," she added.

Meryn's proclamation had her heart sinking. Maybe her mate's endearment didn't mean anything to him. She felt silly for overreacting. She turned to Rheia and Ellie. "Put us where you need us. If we're going to get in trouble for coming I want to make a difference."

Ellie's eyes lit up in excitement. "What can you guys do to help?"

Laelia and Radclyffe exchanged smiles. Laelia turned to Ellie. "Thanks to Serenity we've gotten so much better at healing. We won't be able to cure anyone, but we can bring down fevers, help with pain, and ease breathing. Our magic helps the body return to a healthy state."

Ellie and Rheia exhaled in relief. Ellie looked to them, tears in her eyes. "Thank goodness! Our medicines are losing their effectiveness by the day. I was terrified of what would happen when they were completely useless. The virus causes a lot of joint pain and I would've hated to see the children suffer."

Radclyffe draped an arm around the back of Laelia's chair. "We know absolutely nothing about science and human medicine, but we do know how to keep the body functioning. Our bodies want to work properly, so it's easy to help things along. It's nowhere near as taxing as trying to eliminate a sickness completely. As long as we have some time to recharge our magic and eat properly we can ensure that none of the children will be in any pain."