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Now for forward movement.
“How do I fly?”
Braden frowned slightly. “It’s been a long time since I even thought about it. I’m trying to remember back to when I first acquired the ability. I know I slammed into a few walls and trees when I was first learning.” He was silent for a moment, then added, “It’s a matter of the will. Focus on your destination then see yourself moving there. Like all the way to the opposite wall, near the writing desk.”
She was able, though with some difficulty, to pivot midair and face the desk. She forced herself to calm down then focused on the far wall. As she did, her body simply began to move. Smooth and seamless.
She made the short trip back and forth a few times then sped up. “I can’t believe this, Braden. And all because I smelled some mint.”
“I can’t say I understand why the scent of anything would ignite your abilities. But I think I’d recommend you keep mint with you at all times.” Sheba pushed away from him slightly and he set her back on the worktable.
She glanced at the stone stairs then headed to the bottom step. She began her ascent, but took it slow. She made it easily all the way to the top, then descended. Thinking it might make for the best practice possible, she went up and down at least a dozen times then increased her speed once more.
When she was navigating the stairs without incident, Braden called out, “I can’t believe you can do that? I would have hit the wall, lost my flight completely then tumbled to the bottom.”
She rushed over to Braden and grabbed him up in a big hug. She even used levitation to hold herself in place.
He returned the favor and wrapped his arms around her. “You’re doing great.”
Sheba meowed her approval.
“Thank you for this.” She couldn’t seem to let go. If nothing else, he’d brought her this gift. She’d have more options now, if things went south whether during her rescues in the desert or at Veyda’s prison. She’d be able to shoot straight up into the night sky and make her escape.
She realized how much she’d lived in fear of getting caught again, by Veyda or anyone else. Rightfully so, given all that had happened to her within two weeks of her arrival in Five Bridges.
When she drew back, she dropped slowly to the stone floor and forced herself to take a few deep breaths. She lifted the pouch of mint to her nose.
She repeated the earlier process of smelling the herb and letting it work its magic through her system. This time, she focused on her left hand. Her recent recollection of her rage-filled attack on all the witches, made it clear she’d used her left hand to release the destructive energy, her witch’s killing power.
She lifted her hand again and held it out.
Sheba meowed once more.
When Maeve turned around to look at her, Sheba stared at her for a moment, leaped from the table then disappeared up the stairwell.
She glanced at Braden. “Maybe you should stand away from me for whatever is about to happen. Although, I might need you to anchor me for this.”
Braden moved to position himself just behind her left shoulder, then settled his hand on her waist. Stupid tears sprang to her eyes. She’d been alone for a long time. It was strange and wonderful to have the kind of support he was providing.
Frank had been that way.
She strove to remind herself that Braden was a wolf hunting down the witches who had killed his wife. She knew him by now, the level of his stubbornness. The man had nothing to offer anyone. He’d even left his pack to pursue justice. He wouldn’t rest until he settled the score once and for all.
But for half a second, she wished it was otherwise.
Chapter Five
Braden restrained himself as best he could. But something about the last few minutes had elevated his senses.
He had his hand planted on Maeve’s right hip and her scent teased his nostrils. Her excitement about learning to levitate had reached inside his wolf and stroked him.
He’d been separated from his pack for a year-and-a-half. With her alpha capacity, a sudden need to be bonded to her had taken hold of him. He kept arching his neck. He wanted to howl, to run, to chase her through the Savage forest and bring her to earth.
She was becoming something fierce and powerful. The alpha in him responded to the forces racing through her and rising to the surface. Wolves more than any other alter species responded to power.
He leaned in close. “Show me what you’ve got.” He couldn’t keep the growl from his throat. He slid his free hand down her extended left arm. Heat rose on her skin.
“I’m ready.”
