| Author's Note: many things are explained in this chapter about the four elements and what happened to them years before. I based the story line loosely around Nora Roberts Three Sisters Island Trilogy(I highly recommend those books) but mainly Charmed(I also recommend watching that show, its great!), just to let you all know. Also, I basically made up the way they cast spells, the way they conjure there magic, and what they each posess. I did a bit of research on the Wiccan way of life, but not too much since this is kind of my own style. And also, if you know anything about Ireland then you'll know faerie stories are told there, but my stories will be different from them. You'll see in the future what I mean. In this chapter each of the others(Amy Mina and Serena's)men are mentioned or hinted at. Pick up the hints and you'll be able to figure out who each of them are. So please read and review! ***** ~Earth~ Here, on earth these emerald eyes, Spirit and growth reach to the skies, Forest and Mountain inside of me, Star of the North I call to thee, Spirits Green and Night of my birth, Come to me, For I am Earth. by: SailorPerfect c 2002 ***** Beyond the Emerald Earth Chapter 2 Lita woke the next morning in her room, confused for a moment because she was shivering under the thick blankets. Yesterday morning she'd woken in Acapulco, with the warm air blowing through the doors she'd left open from the balcony, happy and satisfied next to Mr. Muscles, the man from the pool. They'd had some memorable moments together, she thought with a lazy smile. But she wasn't in Acapulco anymore, she was in Ireland. Mayo, Ireland. In a land where everything seemed so familair, in a place that had seemed to settle something inside her like no other place in the world ever had. She'd done her share of traveling. Wherever her next plot for a murder would take place, she would go to get a feel for the country and the people. But no matter where she'd gone she'd been restless, bored, and with a feeling of wanting to leave before she was even settled. It worried her that she was happy here, in a place where you didn't see civilization for miles. She rose, showered and dressed, then went downstairs, where Raye had made breakfast and left it out for them. By the looks of it, the others had bee up and into it and left very little for her. But since breakfast wasn't her meal, she settled for a cup of tea that she gulped before heading out to the front yard. Raye, Mina, Amy, and Serena all stood outside, looking out across the countryside, each one looking beautiful in warm clothes they'd donned. Raye was speaking of the small town nearby, where her husband owned the hotel and went everyday. She spotted Lita, smiled, and motioned her over to them. "My father owns the local pub also."she was saying as Lita approached."He loves running it, he does. I never had a care for it. I've waitressed there my entire life, but its to belong to my brother, who isn't here now." "Where is he?"Mina asked, pushing at her long, blonde hair when the wind blew it in her face. "In New York, with some cousins of ours. He's been there for two months now, visiting and getting a feel for city life."Raye studied Mina, who was still pushing at her hair."He'll return one day soon, I know it." "Well enough talk, lets go take a look around."Lita spoke up, curious to see this place of limitless land."You say we lived here, tell is where we lived and why we left." They began to walk, Raye heading for the town two miles away with them beside her."Are you sure your wanting to know?" "I think I'm ready."Lita snapped back, shoving her hands into her pockets. "Well then."Raye decided to begin with Lita, since she would have to face what was inside her and what was coming very, very soon."Its like I told you all yesterday. You were like sisters, you shared magic and history, shared happiness and your sorrows. But the day came when the fear of what you each were came, and the suspicion of everyone who lived here. It happened to each of you, one by one." She looked at Lita, who's green eyes were riveted on hers."You had a husband who loved you and who you loved, and a child. You were happy and content."she was quiet a moment, knowing that in telling Lita her past, several emotions would come to the surface with them."But then the fear came and some things can't be explained. It can never be known whats inside the heart of a man, and what pain comes with terror. He pushed you away from him, and from your child. He forced you to leave them both because he felt you were a threat to your child." Lita had almost known what she'd been going to say before she said it. Even though she'd never known, somehow she always had."It sounds like I had a nice past." "Your husband left to fight a war."Raye looked at Mina, who was no longer pushing at her hair, but letting it blow wildly around her."And he never returned. Some believed he didn't come back for fear of you and what you were, others believed he was wounded and died on his way back to you. The day he didn't come back was the day something inside you died as well." She turned to Amy, who knew before she spoke her story was next."You married for love as well and were happy and content. But when the fear came, you were suspected more then the others and because of this, your husband stepped in front of you and took the blame. He saved your life by giving his. His death, his sacrifice, took away from you like nothing or no one ever could." She watched Amy look away before turning to Serena."And the last."she made sure to look at her, watch her reaction."You fell in love with a man, deeply in love, but had only moments of time with him. He never told you who he was, never told you where he came from, only came to you, loved you, and left. When the fear of your sisters came and you watched people begin to die for something they weren't, you grew suspicious of the man you loved, suspicious because he never told you who he was and because he knew what you were. Mistrust that he could give you and your sisters away, and bitter fury that he never trusted you to tell you why he would never stay or marry you."she looked back at the bumpy road they had ahead of them, squinted at the sun that shone like a jewel."You all met on that beach, cast your spell, and vowed to return to each other again one day." They were quiet, absorbing what she had said."And you? What do you have to do with this?" Raye smiled at Lita's obvious suspicion."I've been the one to remain, the one to bring you all back." Lita didn't like what she had heard, didn't want to believe it was true."I hope you don't mind my saying this is a bunch of bull." "I don't mind. The truth is, I'd be surprised if you believed me without question."they came over the hill they'd been climbing, the town coming into view."There it is. You'll be meeting several people who've been curious to see all of you." "Its very nice."Amy commented, watching as people who walked about outside stopped to stare."And I can see we'll be creating quite a stir." "Oh yes, there's no doubt of that."Raye waved cheerfully to people staring at them, walked toward the pub."This is where I grew up most of my life."she opened the door and stepped back to let them in. The air inside was thick with laughter, the scent of ale, and the sound of the heavy, irish accent. The moment the women came through the doors everyone stopped to stare at them, seeing four legends standing uncertainly near the doorway. Raye knew what they all saw and was determined not to have the four of them find out exactly what they represented to the people here yet. She strode to the bar, leaned over it to kiss her father on the cheek."Hi Da." "Little Raye, I see you've brought your friends."Connor Brady, a tall, powerfully built man with thick, white hair and laughing blue eyes studied the four women, stopped and surveyed Mina longer."Will you be introducing me to these beautiful women?" "Da, this is Lita, Mina, Amy, and Serena."she motioned to each one as she said there names."They'll be staying with Jack and I for a bit." He nodded to each of them, leaned on the counter as he drew the makings of a guiness and winked at Mina."You look lost darling." Mina had been glancing about, her blue eyes wide, her hair in wild disray. It took her a moment to realize he was speaking to her."Oh! No, no I'm not lost."she laughed a bit, smiled at him and had his heart falling neatly at her feet."I'm actually very overwhelmed by all this." "Is that the truth? I take it you've never visited Ireland before then?"he finished the order, gave it to his customer for the coin."Its welcome you are here." "Have a seat Mina, I think my father's taken with you."Raye pulled out a seat at the bar, held it while Mina sat."Don't you listen to any promises he makes either, the man's a known heartbreaker. Come along with me now."she said to Serena, Amy, and Lita."We'll find us a table and relax. If your hungry or thirsty, Clara will take your order." "Its so rustic."Amy whispered as they sat around an empty table, unaware of the older woman and man approaching them, staring at her."So different from anything I've ever seen. I-"she stopped, watching the woman with short, blonde hair and the man with dark hair and eyes come toward them."I think there's someone looking for you Raye." Raye turned and saw them, knew they weren't there for her."Ah yes, this is Bridget and Angus Byrne. They-" "We've come to introduce ourselves to this fine young lady."Bridget said, her clear eyes on Amy."And to sweep her away for a word. You don't mind, do you Raye? Of course not. Come along and have a drink with my husband and I." Amy, a little surprised, stood and took the older woman's hand."All right."she walked away with them, glancing back and smiling nervously at them over her shoulder. Lita tapped her fingers on the table to the rhthym of the music, watching a young boy play heatedly on some sort of drum."Thats a nice drum that kids playing there." Raye rolled her eyes."Its a bodhran, not a drum, and beautiful too. See the design there? Its a Celtic cross. Aiden has a way with the bodhran, he does." "What about the instrument the cute guys playing there?"Serena motioned to an older man, who had been trying to catch her eye since they'd come into the pub. "Ah, the Uilleann Pipes. A fine sound, isn't it?"Raye noticed the heated looks passing between them."Would you be wanting me to introduce you to Declan then?" Serena shook her head, laughed."No. He'll come to me." Lita glanced over at Mina, who laughed over something Raye's father was telling her."I don't think your Mom's going to like your Dad hitting on Mina." "She would have thought it amusing, if she were here. My mother died several years ago, when I was but a girl."Raye watched Lita's fingers still."Don't apologize, please. I remember only a few things of her, but good memories they are. As for my Da and Mina."she smiled fondly at them."They've felt a connection from another life perhaps." Serena shook her head, her silvery hair pulled back into a pony tail."This is all way too wierd. Especially those stories you told us of our past. I don't know about accepting all this." "You've all the time in the world to accept, or reject."she checked her watch, glanced up as the doors to the pub opened."He's prompt, I see." Lita glanced over at what Raye was now looking at, watched a tall man step inside, a man with thick, bronzed hair that shone darkly in the pub lights and golden eyes. He was dressed in a black coat and black trousers that reeked of money, his dark brows drawn together, sharp cheekbones and a strong jaw, with surprisingly sensual lips. He looked rich and pampered, like the type used to knowing he owned what he had and could obtain anything he wanted. She immediately felt a dark response to him inside. She watched him walk to the bar, looking out of place and lost."I think perhaps I'll go see what he's about."Raye stood and walked over to him. Serena turned to see what Lita was staring at, her eyes bugging at the site of him."Wow. Not bad, not bad at all."she glanced back at Lita, saw the glint in her green eyes."You know him?" "No. What makes you say that?"she watched Raye smile at him, begin to speak to him. "Just the look in your eye."she shrugged, watched Raye and the gorgoues hunk make there way over to them."Here he comes." "This is Kenneth Moore."Raye said to them, watching Serena flash a quick, flirtatious smile."This is Serena Lyons." Ken was amazed at how absolutely beautiful she was, smiling down at her."Its a pleasure." "Pleasure's all mine."Serena purred, deliberately flirting to provoke Lita."No one mentioned Ireland was full of handsome, strong men." "Well surprise."he switched his attention to Lita, watched her turn slowly and face him with the most exotic, sexy face and body he'd ever seen on a woman. He didn't think he could see, could speak, as her burning green eyes seemed to fill his vision. "Lita Flanagan."she held out her hand, watched those molten, golden eyes remain riveted on her."Something wrong?" "I....no."swallowing hard, he took her hand, raised it to his lips and kissed it to Serena and Raye's delight."Your an amazingly beautiful woman, Miss Flanagan." Annoyed, Lita jerked her hand back."Thanks. Raye, where's that waitress? I'm just a tad hungry here." Raye sat back down."Have a seat, Ken. We've just arrived ourselves here."she motioned to Clara, who took the signal and began to make her way through the maze of tables. "Thanks."his eyes were still on Lita, who was pointedly ignoring him."So Lita, are you the murder-mystery writer?" She turned and looked down her nose at him. Usually when she felt an immediate attraction for such a gorgeous man she acted on it, but for some reason she couldn't get past an anger inside that had come the moment she'd looked at him."Yea thats me." "I've read all your books. Very interesting the way you put a mystery together."he couldn't seem to tear his eyes from her, at the sharp green eyes, the slashing killer brows, the tempting lips that were now thinning into a straight line."But I'm sure you hear that all the time." She flicked a glance at him, away."Yea I do."she blew out an annoyed breath when the waitress Clara finally got to them."Its about time. I feel like we've been waiting for days. At least thats one thing that reminds me of home, the slow ass waitresses'." Raye watched Clara's light eyes fill with hurt. The girl was knew and was working as hard as she could, but Raye knew Lita was right."I'll be helping you then Clara. Peak hours rounding and you'll be needing it."she stood, nodded to them."Order what you will, I'll be working if you need me. When your done, take a walk around the country and come back here whenever you like. We'll head home together later tonight."she headed for the kitchen. Ken shook his head at Lita's sharp tongue, still admiring her looks."Whats on the menu today?" Clara smiled at him, a young girl of twenty who immediately felt a flutter in her heart at the sight of such a handsome man."Gammon steaks with whiskey sauce, Watercress soup, and some of our own Irish Apple Cake. I'd recommend the soup, people have been taken with it." Serena studied how entranced Ken was with Lita and decided to back off for a bit."I think I'll just take a walk."she stood, smiled at Lita's fierce glare."I'll be back later." As she sauntered away, several male eyes followed, as well as Clara's envious gaze."I've never seen a more beautiful woman in my life." Lita snorted."Whatever. I'll have a steak, well done, and the Watercress soup. With a beer." "And for you?"she was back to admiring Ken, who tore his eyes from Lita to smile at the girl. "I'll have the same please."once she was gone he turned back to her."I know we just met, but why do I get the impression you don't like me already?" She huffed out a breath, speared him with a look."Whats a city boy like you doing here?" "This is where my family comes from. I've been here before, just not for years."he cocked his head, smiled slow and with enough sensuality to have Lita's insides tightening."Besides, I could ask you the same thing." She tossed her hair, unaware of how the simple act had his mouth watering."Writing a new book and I wanted to get a feel for the setting. And I was invited here too." "Raye told me." "Do you two know each other?" "We remember each other from my last visit, years ago. Ten years, to be exact. She was dating Jack at the time and already in love."he smiled over at Raye, who now wore an apron and stood holding a tray at a table nearby, speaking with a family and laughing."We were friends before that as well over the years. I've known her basically all my life." Lita liked the sound of his voice, smooth, cultered, and undeniably sexy."I just met her yesterday." He glanced back at her, brows raised."Really? She spoke of you as if you were an old friend. Then again, Raye's always been able to accept people very quickly."his eyes took a slow survey of her, her snug fitting jeans and green turtleneck that seemed to bring out her eyes, the wild hair that hung loosely about her shoulders."I'm glad I came when I did. Any sooner and I would have missed you." And he knew, in that moment, what had been calling him back. Clara came with there drinks, putting them on the table and lingering enough to flirt with Ken."Are you from New York, then?" He turned his attention to her, blissfully unaware of the growing crush the girl had developed on him."Yes, I am." "Grand city, that. I've always wished to have a visit myself."young or not, she was a woman who had experience in flirting, using that now as she trailed a finger along his arm."Perhaps I could show you around while your with us here." He glanced at Lita, who was sipping her pint and ignoring the exchange altogether."I know my way around. I was actually going to invite Lita for a tour. I remember a few things, here and there." He didn't see Clara's face fall."Aye, thats a good idea. I'll be back later with your food then."still hoping to catch his attention, she walked away, swinging her hips suggestively as she went. He didn't so much as glance at her departing back."How about it? I could show you around." "She was hoping to show you around herself, and let you into her pants after."Lita remarked, amused because a man a few tables away was trying to catch her eye. He stiffened, both by the remark and by the man she was currently smiling at."You have a way with words Lita, a very rude way with words."she turned slowly to look at him."You shouldn't talk about that girl that way." "Don't tell me what I should or shouldn't do. You don't even know me."she snapped, then relented, realizing she was acting like an unreasonable bitch."All right, fine. That was pretty crude. But she was flirting with you and putting her back into it, not that you noticed." "I was too busy flirting with you and putting my back into that."he reached across the table and took her hand, darkly pleased when the man who had been eyeing her saw the act and backed off."Perhaps after our first lunch together we could take a walk around." She looked down at the large hand that rested lightly over hers."We'll see how I feel." Raye came over just as Ken opened his mouth to reply, smiled and fisted a hand on her hip, the tray she carried tucked under her arm."How are you two getting along then?" "I'm taking Lita for a walk after our lunch."he replied, watching Lita's green eyes narrow. "That has yet to be seen pal."she shot at him. Raye laughed."Ken's a handsome rogue Lita, and has already set some hearts to fluttering."she looked meaningfully at Clara, who was unloading an order to a family nearby, but casting glances at Ken under her lash's."You'd be smart to catch him up before anyone else does."and what that said, left them to take an order. Ken couldn't help the grin that came, even when Lita glowered at Raye's back."She's right. I'm a hard find." "Yea right."she watched Jack walk through the pub doors, dressed in a button up shirt he had rolled up to his forearms, his arms strong and tanned beneathe them."Now thats a catch."she nodded toward him as he walked up behind Raye and caught her in an embrace, everyone in the pub looking on. Ken turned and looked at them."Jack's a good man. He always has been." "I believe it. The guys gorgeous and completely in love with her."because Ken's hand was making her own become damp, she pulled it out from under his."Why don't you ask the waitress for a walk?" "Because its not the waitress I'm interested in."he wanted to reach out and brush at her hair, at that wild hair that seemed to beg for his attention, but Clara came bearing there food. She layed it down on the table, brushed against Ken purposefully."Enjoy your lunch then and if your needing anything else, you've only to shout my name." "And I bet you'll hear it, seeing as how fast you work."Lita bit out, cutting into her steak and aiming a daring look at the girl. Clara stiffened, taking her hand away from Ken's shoulder."I apologize for the wait, but I'm new yet. I've only been doing this for a week now." "Excuses don't get the job done."she chewed on the steak, amazed at how delicious it was. "Your doing fine."Ken reassured, then paled when she dimpled and put her hand cozily on his shoulder once again."I think that family over there wants there order taken."he pointed out, hoping to make her leave. She glanced over her shoulder, noted he was right."That they do. Enjoy your meal and I'll hope to see you in here again, my handsome american." When she was gone, Ken let out a long breath."Ok, so you were right on that one." "Men are idiots and can't see whats right in front of them."Lita said matter of factly, taking a drink from her pint. "Thats not true. I'm seeing you and your right in front of me. "he winked at her when she looked at him."I hope your not seeing anyone, otherwise I'll have to give him a run for his money." She stopped eating, put her knife and fork down to slap her hands on the table and lean across it toward him."No I'm not seeing anyone, but I WAS sleeping with someone just two days ago."she said sweetly. He cocked a brow."I think 'was' is the main word. And if you can say that easily that you were sleeping with him, that means he didn't mean anything to you."he sipped his pint, watched her over the rim."Which gives me the advantage after all." "Listen stud, if I want you then I'll have you. If I don't, then....."she picked up her knife and fork and began cutting neatly into her steak again."Then you won't mean shit to me." "Thats interesting. Thats really interesting. I'm going to have a hell of a time putting that to the test."and going back to his meal, he didn't see her cast a curious look at him. Once they were done she reluctantly agreed to the walk he had bothered her on most of the meal, going to Raye first and telling her she would be back later. With a smug smile, she had nodded, wishing them well, with Jack grinning widely behind the bar as he worked the taps beside Connor. Tossing her hair at them, she had strode out of the pub. They started out walking out of the small town, Lita keeping a safe distance from him."So what do you do for a living?"she asked grudgingly, shoving her hands into her pockets. He didn't reach for her, knowing she would pull back if he did. So instead he tucked his hands into his coat pockets."I took over for my father, although he still helps me out with our business from time to time. Now he's more interested in spending time with my mother and going on cruises or going up to our cabin in the alps." She stopped walking to stare at him."Cabin in the alps? Wait a minute, wait a minute. New York, Kenneth Moore.....Moore Enterprises?!" He nodded, basked in her shock and his own pride in his legacy."Thats right." "Holy shit. I didn't know.....I mean, I could tell you were a rich boy, but I didn't think you were THAT rich."it was a huge shock to her, not that it changed her thoughts or feelings toward him. She had tons of money herself, but still...."So you build all those really cool malls, theatres, hotels, and stuff like that?" He made sure to sidetrack a dip in the road, taking it as an opportunity to move closer to her."Yup. All the cool stuff. Impressed?" She sniffed."It just means your loaded." "Extremely loaded."when she laughed he took her hand, pulling them both to a stop over a hill, Ballintubber Abbey sitting mysteriously in the distance."Do that again." His bronzed hair was wind blown, his golden eyes glinting in the sun as he looked down at her, his expression completely serious. The intensity of his eyes was frightening, as well as the feeling that they had done this before, in that very spot."Do what?"she asked quietly. "Your laugh. It seems as if I've been waiting years, hundreds, to hear it."he brought his free hand up and brushed it across her cheek, mesmorized by the swirling green of her eyes."Don't you feel the same way?" She could feel herself melting inside and that alone made her take a safe step back from him. No man had ever made her feel that."No, not really. Look, your kind of freaking me out." He dropped his hand back to his side since she'd backed away."Freaking you out because you know exactly what I'm talking about?"before she could snap at him he shook his head, removed his coat and draped it around her shoulders before she could protest."Go ahead and take it. Your cold." "If this is some sort of white knight move, those don't work on me. But it doesn't mean I won't take your coat."she pushed her arms into it, decided to go along with the change of subject neatly."Whats that over there?"she pointed toward the distant shadow of the abbey. He turned and squinted against the sun, deciding to let the subject pass. For now."Oh, Ballintubber Abbey. Its the only royal abbey remaining in Ireland and its over 780 years old."they began walking toward it again. "Wow. Thats pretty cool. You don't have to pay to get in do you?" He turned and gave her a disgusted look."Its not like america here, where you have to pay for everything. The Irish are a people who thrive on tradition, on the old ways, although they've modernized there way of living considerably. If a histoical monument stands, then its welcome to anyone, no matter who they are." "Touchy guy, aren't you? Anyway, you can't blame me for asking. I AM used to paying for everything." "That just makes it even sadder."he watched the wind blow her hair softly about her shoulders, watched her toss it back and spoke without thinking."God your gorgeous." Enjoying him, she angled her head, cocked one of those killer brows at him."I think I may consider you after all." "It doesn't matter, I would have brought you around either way." "Now I like that."she stopped walking to move close to him, put a hand on his chest and let it slide down the crisp shirt he wore."I like confidence in a man. Makes me want to get dirty." "Honey, I've got enough confidence for ten men."his arm was up and around her, drawing her up tightly against his chest."Feeling dirty?" Annoyed, she shoved at him."If I want your hands on me, then I'll tell you. Otherwise, keep them off." "Your only delaying the inevitable." They strolled near the Abbey, but Lita shook her head when he asked if she wanted to go inside. So instead he led her back toward the beach, where the sun was setting slowly, the sky in a rage of colors. "Time flew by faster then I realized today."she remarked, huddling inside his coat against the onslaught of the wind. "Thats how it is here. You don't need clocks or schedules to go by."he sighed deeply, closed his eyes and drew in the sensation of peace filling him. He'd never felt so at ease in his life, unburdened by the demands of his company that plagued him daily. He sensed she had to do with that. "I've never had that. Living day by day without schedules, I mean."just the idea made her shudder."I need to always be doing something. I can't just sit around and let everything fly by." "Thats an....interesting way of looking at it."he studied her."Would you have dinner with me tonight?" She slid him a look."No."she said flatly and without hesitation. He took a moment to gather his pride and currently bruised ego."Are you busy?" "Thats none of your business."she spoke pleasantly, aware he was now staring at her intently. "Fine. Tomorrow night then." "No."chuckling, she took off his coat and handed it back to him, even when the fierce icy wind made her shiver."I'll see you around."she turned and began walking up the beach, back the way they had come. He struggled with himself, the ferocity of wanting to follow her nearly overwhelming him."I'll come to you."he called out to her. She merely waved absently at him in response. When she got back to the pub, she opened the doors and was greeted by the blasting of music, and by the sight of several dozens of people dancing, drinking, singing, and eating merrily inside. The tables that had been only half full when she left were now packed, bodies pushing together, cups clinking loudly in toasts. Some were tourists, most were Irishmen coming in for a pint and a good time after putting in a hard day. She spotted Mina behind the bar, taking orders and filling them. Completely taken back, she pushed through the crowd and shoved a place in front of the bar, waiting for her to look up and see her. "I didn't know you were a bartender."Lita shouted over the noise, watching her easily build a guiness. Mina shrugged, her long blonde hair floating carelessly down her back."I'm not, but I'm a quick learner. Connor taught me while you took a walk with that guy."she handed the order over, took the coin for it and began another set."Nice looking guy too." She shrugged, spotting Connor toward the middle of the bar, Jack at the other far end."Its busy, isn't it?" "It is. Connor warned me it would be, but I wanted to work."her eyes, a brilliant blue in the pub lights, took a quick survey of her."You look different." She shifted uncomfortably."We barely met yesterday and your already telling me I look different?" "I believe some of what Raye told us and I feel already like I've known you guys for a much longer period of time then just two days. Don't you?" "Not really, I mean, this is just to wierd. I don't see how any of us could have power or something." "We'll see about that. Amy and I talked earlier and we want to test that out tonight. After closing of course. Raye's willing to help, although she warned us she doesn't posess any power herself. I say knowledge IS power, right?" "Your such a nerd."and roared with laughter when Mina tripped over a rag she had dropped earlier on the floor, dropping a guiness she had just finished making. Lita expected Connor to grow angry and tell her she was fired or something, but he merely smiled indulgantly, walked over and began picking up the mess."Mind my end of the bar, darling."was all he said. Mina did so until he was done, smiling adoringly at him when he kissed her cheek before returning to his end."He's great, isn't he? And thats the fourth one tonight too." Lita gaped."The fourth one? Are you serious? Shit, your lucky the guy hasn't tossed you out the door yet." "He wouldn't do that. He's really a great guy." Lita watched her re-build the guiness, ran her tongue around her teeth."Kinda old for you to be hooking up with though, don't you think?" Mina almost dropped the cup again, managed to catch it on time."What are you talking about?"when Lita merely stared at her she turned red, fumbling for words."Oh. No, no, its not like that. I just....we just.....well, we just clicked, thats all." "Clicked. Right."she glanced over her shoulder, spotted Amy sitting at a table with the woman and man who had taken her earlier."Whats the deal with Amy and that old couple?" "I'm not sure. They adore her, which is a surprise since they hardly met hours ago."when Lita lifted a brow and glanced meaningfully at Connor, Mina flushed again."Ok, so its not that wierd. Anyway, they've been talking with her all afternoon. They left only for a little while to go home and take the call they said there son made to them every friday at the same time. Amy says there really proud of him, that he's an art dealer or something. I'm not sure, I don't really remember. I think she said his name's Gregory Byrne or something close to that." "Gregory Byrne? He owns Byrne Galleries."Lita studied the couple, impressed."Thats a hell of a kid they got there." "Anyway, Serena got back a little before you. She's on edge though. I think something happened while she was out walking. I didn't ask because she snarled at me when I just said hi to her." "She's high maintenance."Lita tapped her fingers on the counter a moment."Where is she?" "Over there, flirting with some guy. Talk to her, will you?" "I don't see how I could help, I hardly know her."when Mina merely stared at her, she hissed out a breath."Fine. I'll see what I can do." Muttering under her breath, she elbowed her way through the crowd of people, halted once by a tall, handsome man who asked her for a dance. Shaking her head, she continued on, finding Serena in the corner with the man who had been playing in the band earlier, the one who had been admiring her. "Hey, come outside for a minute."she shouted to her over the beat of the music and bodies. Serena tossed her hair."No, I'm fine here. Declan and I are getting to know one another."she smiled seductively at him. Lita rolled her eyes, reaching out and gripping her arm."Outside. Now."and proceeded to drag her out. The moment they stepped outside into the moonlit night, Serena began to shout."Whats your problem? I told you I was fine where I was!" "And I don't care. Whats eating you anyway? Mina said you've been acting like a bitch since you got back."she said the lie without guilt, knowing thats what Mina had meant even if she hadn't said it out loud. "Mina doesn't even know me, so how would she know if I was acting like a bitch?!" Lita calmly studied her nails."Beats me, but I guess she was right. Your throwing a first class tantrum." Serena whirled away, stomped off a few paces, then stomped back."Whats with this country anyway? And whats with all of us?! I don't know any of you, I just met all of you yesterday!" "Same goes. Look Serena, I'm not too sure whats going on either. I can't answer that for you. Mina and Amy seemed to have accepted the whole thing really easily, but that doesn't mean I have either." Serena stopped pacing to stare at her, eyes that Lita could swear seemed to smoke in the night."I don't know why, but I feel like I can tell you what happened this afternoon to me." Lita cocked her head."Do you? Well, I don't know why either. Why don't we start there." "It sounds as if I'm not the only bitch around here." "Your stalling." Disgusted, Serena gave up."Fine. I went for a walk, over that way."she waved absently in the direction she had gone."I don't know why, but I felt as if I knew where I was headed. It was so wierd. Anyway, I walked for a while, went farther then I'd planned, and I came to this hill, this hill in the land. It wasn't special or anything, but then it was. I can't explain it, I don't even really understand it myself." "What happened then?" "I stopped and didn't walk anymore. I couldn't. I felt like I should stay, just stay where I was. So I stood there for a minute and then I heard it."she paused for a moment, looking up at the night sky as she remembered."This music. It was coming from a flute I think, and it was so beautiful. So sad, yet so beautiful. I'd never heard anything like it in my life."she shook herself."So I looked around to see if I could find who was playing it, cause you know flute's don't just play out in the middle of nowhere unless someone's playing them." "So did you find who was playing it?" "I was about to go look when I saw this man come walking over the hill. He had his back to me so he didn't see me. He was....gorgeous Lita. Aboslutely, positively gorgeous. I'm not kidding, he was the most beautiful man I'd ever seen in my life. He was tall, with these broad, strong shoulders, and a large body. I could only see him from a distance, but I could still tell he was built, and I mean BUILT. He had black hair, really dark hair."she was quiet a moment."Then it was like he...sensed me or something. He stopped walking, he turned slowly, and looked at me, right at me. His eyes were blue, almost black, and he seemed to get really pissed when he saw me." "He didn't do anything to you, did he?" "No, no. He just seemed pissed, but he didn't even move to come over to me. Just stared at me with those eyes of his. Then I swear, and I mean I swear, he spoke to me. We were a good twenty feet apart and I swear I heard him talk to me." "What did he say?" Serena looked away, back toward the distant hill she had visited earlier that day."He said 'so you've come back.' Thats it. Just that. But thats not possible, right? It was almost as if he spoke to my mind, said it inside of me." Lita rubbed the back of her neck a moment."Thats wierd." "It was even wierder when he was gone after that. Just gone. Like he disappeared. I keep replaying it in my mind, keep thinking, did I miss something? Did he make a run for it and I didn't see? But thats just not possible."she shut her eyes a moment."After that I came back and I was so unreasonably mad. I couldn't help it. I was SO mad. He did that and I don't even understand why. I don't even know this guy." "I'm beginning to think maybe we should take what Raye's telling us seriously. Maybe he has to do with your past or something. Why else would he say that?" "I don't know."she sighed deeply."I feel better now. I didn't realize talking about it would help." "I'm glad it did." Serena looked at her then, really looked at her."You look different." Lita rolled her eyes."What, do I have a sign promoting it or something?" "I'm assuming Mr. Hunk did this. He's really a good catch Lita." "Better then the guy you saw this afternoon?" "No, oh no. No way. No guys better then the guy I saw this afternoon."she laughed at Lita's glower."Oh come on. Whats up your ass?" "Just like wierdo mysterio guy got you unreasonably pissed today, so did Ken. I don't know what it is, he just gets me on edge. Like I can't trust him, no matter what he says."she ran a hand through her hair, frustrated."I am attracted to him, no doubt about that, but I can't get past this anger I have." "I think your right Lita. We should listen to what Raye has to say." It was after midnight when the five women, Connor, and Jack finished cleaning up the pub. Raye had insisted they didn't have to, but they'd pitched in anyway. Jack drove them home in there Range Rover, coming to a stop in front of there large, two story home. He got out and had a few words with Raye, listening as she told him something. After a moment he nodded, kissing her gently before going into the house alone. She turned to the four of them."Are you all ready then?" "I don't see how you can ever be ready to do this, but lets go try."Lita muttered, the four of them walking behind the house to where the beach was. "Its dark out here. Are you sure we'll be able to do this, much less see what were doing?"Amy asked, the waves crashing behind them. "We've the light from the moon and Serena's strength."Raye motioned to a small stack of logs piled neatly on the beach."I left these here this morning, hoping I'd convince you all to come." Serena held up a finger."Excuse me, but what about my strength?" "Light the fire."Raye said simply, grinning when Serena gaped. "Light the fire?! Are you serious? I don't know how!"she took a step back from the logs. "Concentrate. You've no need to chant a spell. Imagen the fire coming to life." "I don't think I can." "Then there's no harm in trying." Because the four of them were staring at her, she attempted a moment in trying to light, imagening it springing up. But when nothing happened, Lita snorted with laughter. "Thats a real nice fire you got going there champ." Serena's eyes blazed."Why don't YOU try it? Its not as easy as it looks, especially when you've never known about it your entire life!"as she shouted, she'd turned her back to the logs and the others watched as it roared to life behind her, shooting well into the sky. She saw there eyes widen, turned to look, and stumbled back. Raye managed to speak beyond the shock coating her throat."Control it. You must control it!" The fire rose higher, causing them to back away from its heat."I can't."Serena whispered, the flames dancing in her eyes."I don't know how." "You do. Remember."Raye spoke ruthlessly, gripping Serena's arm and forcing her to look at what she had created. She stared at it, could swear she saw images through it, scenes of herself and Lita dancing around it, Mina, Amy, and Raye looking on. She saw them all laughing together, saw them all crying with heartache and pain with one another. And then, saw herself, taking control of what was inside. She reached deep inside, into memories and untapped power she had long since foresaken in another life, and controlled what she was. They all watched the fire lower, hiss and spark, then calm into a small glow. Serena blew out a long breath, shut her eyes a moment against the images she still saw. "What is it? What do you see?"Raye asked quietly. "Us. All of us. But different."she shook her head, her silvery hair looking almost red in the light from the fire."More powerful. Happy at first, then angry." "It always was one of your gifts."Raye rubbed a hand down Serena's back, smiled when her eyes snapped up to hers."The gift of sight." "I've never seen anything before." "Haven't you? Have you never seen images in a fire, any fire?" She had, but had always turned from them. She didn't realize it until that moment."Its just too.....wierd." "Its inside you. Look at what you created, and controlled."Raye gestured to the fire."You and Lita were always the one's to have the hardest time controlling it." "So now what?"Lita snapped, impatient."Do we just stand here and 'oh' and 'ah' over that fire? Or are we going to get to work?" "Calm yourself, Lita. Magic takes its time." "And waits for those who can control it, and respect it."Amy whispered."Its odd, but somehow I've always known that. Just like I've always known that even though people are born with power, they must accept its responsibilites." "And the law we lived by."Mina added."Bring harm to none. We lived by it and never hurt anyone, except ourselves." "HOW can you guys remember that? How?! I don't remember shit, I don't remember anything. I don't remember this guy I was married too and supposedly loved so much, I don't remember this life I had with him!"Lita shouted, pacing. "But you do remember the anger it left in you. You were ever a fiery one Lita, raging with emotions that no one could control. When he hurt you, it unleashed something in you that was almost violent. Not even you could hold it back, could make it stop."Raye put a hand on her arm, halting her pacing."Please. Just listen to me, then let yourself try." She vibrated with an anger she didn't recognize, an anger she'd had all her life. Struggling for calm, she blew out a breath."Fine. Ok. I'm sorry, go ahead." Raye nodded, stepped back from her."Magic exists in each of you, magic waits. Its waited quietly for hundreds of years, waited for its mistresses to return. Now that you have, it needs that final union. It craves the power you gave it, and the love and nourishment. When the four of you stood on this beach, you cast your spell that you would return to one another when the time was right. Well, the time is now right." Amy shook her head."I don't understand. I mean, I do, but what are we supposed to do?" "You must embrace it together. Stand with one another and call to it, accept it into your being completely. When you do, the circle will have been fullfilled and your destinies will begin." Lita held up a hand."Wait a damn minute. What destinies? I plan my own destiny, I plan my own future, so I sure as hell hope your not saying that the moment I go witchy someone else is going to take over." Raye sighed heavily."Thats not the way it works. You must trust me." "I trust you."Mina said quietly. Amy nodded."So do I." Serena was still gazing into the fire."I think I can do it." Not to be outdone, Lita sucked in her breath."All right. Fine." "You remember what to do. Now do it."Raye backed away from them, watched them circle the fire and slowly, reluctantly join hands. "Serena was always the one to begin a spell, and the one to close it."Raye told them as the wind picked up, the waves beginning to crash almost violently behind them. "Well, um. Christ, here goes."the words were on the tip of Serena's tongue, waiting as they had been for many years. Lifting her arms high, she felt the power tingle down, watched the stars above begin to glow."The circle diminished, the circle held us all, and here we return, ready to meet our call." Lita could hear it, could swear she heard the rumbling call of the earth as she too lifted her arms. Even as the fear came, so did the acceptance, and the feeling that her life had been leading up to this one moment."I summon the powers of Earth, cave of darkness, standing alone, the celebration of flesh and bone. The power of silence, rumbling call from the moment of my birth, come to me now, for I am Earth." Amy felt the wind tease the short cap of her hair, felt it circle her madly and reach toward the skies just as she lifted her arms."I summon the powers of Air, windswept meadow, breath of life, fantastic torrent removing strife. With clarity and the hail of cold, powers of the sky, here I hold." Mina could hear the echo of the waves inside of herself as she mirrored her sisters stance, deep in her being, and knew it called to her, like a lover long lost."I summon the powers of Water, rushing stream, vast, dark ocean, poetry of the soul in motion. With intuition, feeling, the power you give this daughter, come to me, I am Water." Serena threw her head back, felt the ripple of power already slithering over her, the fire building."I summon the powers of Fire, blazing flame, crackling fire, the quickened pulse of hearts desire. With energy, will, and heat, powers of mine, here I meet."she could feel it, really feel it, growing steadily inside, rising with the power consuming her. Gripping hands as the land screamed around them, they spoke together, shouting to be heard over the storm they'd built."As above, so below. As within, so without. Four stars in this place be, combined to call the fifth to me! Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, the power of our lives, we call to you now, the elements five!" Lightening split the sky and the earth trembled beneathe them, the waves overflowing behind them, the air surrounding them, the fire Serena had created rising high toward the dark sky. Power finally met, power finally came. And was absorbed by each of them. She still didn't know what to think, what to FEEL. God, she had felt too much on that beach, taken so much into her being she wasn't sure she would have been able to control it. The power had been inside her all her life, she knew that now, but it had been lying dormant, awakening only in small moments. Lita finally understood that that vow there ancestors had made had been for them to meet, for them to come together again, but also that until they did, the magic inside them wouldn't be freed. The vow had been powerful, must have been powerful to be able to hold for so long and to deny the elements they each had. After they'd formed the circle, Serena had closed it, the four of them dazed with the power there bodies had just taken. Understanding, Raye had briskly put out the fire, then led them back to the house, seeing each of them to there rooms. She sat alone on her bed now, still dazed and knocked back from what had just happened. She had called Earth. She had actually called to magic inside her. It was so hard to believe, but what was worse was that she could so easily accept it. And just as she knew a part of her had just been opened, she also knew that the past part of her life would come full force now. She would remember, and she would have to deal with it. She could already feel the pain and heartache she had experienced, and the anger, the vengeance it had left in her. Pressing her hands to her eyes, she undressed and turned the light off, settling under the covers. For now, all she wanted to do was sleep. The next morning she woke late, with the sun shining brilliantly through her window. Groaning, she rubbed her eyes and wondered how she could have slept in so late. Then again, after everything that had happened last night, she was surprised she hadn't slept longer. Not wasting any more time she rose, took a quick shower, dressed and went downstairs. She found Raye outside, tending to her garden, the house and land quiet around her. She went outside and joined her."Hey. I can't believe I slept so late." "Your body needed the rest. And its not just yours that was needin the rest. The others haven't risen yet either."she peered up at Lita, her dark eyes assessing."Aye, I can see it." "See what?"she ran her hand over her hair self conciously. "Your different now. You were different yesterday, after meeting with your Ken, but now the change is absolute. Things will begin with you from here on."she returned to her gardening. Lita stood still for a moment."What the hell are you talking about? And he is NOT my Ken!" Raye chuckled."You've forgotten what you and your sisters cast a spell for so long ago." She was about to reply, snap back, when the thought struck."We cast a spell to return, and to....."her voice drifted off. "And to meet the men each of you had lost."Raye stopped, dusted off her jeans, and stood to look at Lita."The spell has worked, it held and brought you back. Now its up to all of you to accept the rest." "I thought I made it clear I didn't believe in destiny. And just because some psycho ancestor of mine cast a spell doesn't mean I'm going to follow through with it!" Raye patted her arm sympathetically."Hard headed and extremely proud. Well, believe what you like, but in your heart you know the truth." When Raye bent and went back to her garden, Lita jammed her hands into her jean pockets."Why is this so easy for you?" "I've waited for all of you my entire life."was her quiet reply."I suppose knowing you all would come helped me accept it easily."she set aside a dead rose, continued with her work. Impatient, but knowing she was right, Lita knelt next to Raye and picked up the dead rose. Raye stopped to look at her, watched her cup her hands around the rose for a moment, then open them to reveal it, alive and beautiful as it had once been."So you've accepted whats inside you then."she took the rose when Lita handed it to her. "I've accepted that last night I called something that I'd craved all my life, and something that had waited for me as well. I've accepted that its inside me, but I sure as hell won't accept this destiny shit thats supposed to come along with it." When Lita, Amy, and Mina joined them, they took a walk, Raye waving them away as she remained kneeling at her garden. As they walked they remained silent, going over small hills and bumpy roads until Amy finally spoke."I don't think I'm going back." "What do you mean?"Lita asked sharply. "Home. Back to Conneticut. I can't, not after being here. I was never really happy teaching anyway."she commented quietly, her short cap of hair ruffled gently by the wind."I feel like this is my home, where I belong." "Ok, hold up. We've been here a total of three days and your already talking crazy talk."Lita shook her head."Must be something in the water." "No, I'm not joking. I really do want to stay. I was the Head of the Arts and Science department at Yale, and all I ever taught was science. I have a degree in art and I never used it. Well, only in private anyway."she turned to them, her usually calm eyes bright."I want to open a store, an art store where you can buy works of art of any kind. I want to paint, to open up that part of me that never had a chance." "And why didn't you ever give it a chance?"Serena asked. "Mostly for my parents. There both professors, you see, and the best there is. They teach at Princeton though." "Man, brains really runs in your family." Amy laughed at Lita's comment."Yea they do. But I'm so tired of using them for what I should, I want to use them for what I want too." "I think thats a great idea."Mina nodded, pleased."The store and everything. If your sure thats what you want." "I'm sure. I've saved some money over the years so I should have enough. Money isn't the problem anyway, its speaking with my parents about it that is. They'll object and they'll point out every flaw in the plan, try and make me see there way."she sighed for a moment, then shook herself, smiling brightly at them."But it won't change my mind. I'm doing this, I just need to talk to Raye and find somewhere to do this. I saw a space in town that was empty and up for sale." Lita laughed."Move fast, don't you?" Amy flushed, nodded."Well yes. But I am serious about this." "Thats good. I'm happy for you."Mina beamed at her, shoving at her hair as the wind blew it against her. Mina and Amy returned to go back and have Raye go with them to town to look into the space in town, Lita and Serena remaining behind. They walked silently, Serena leading the way, until she stopped abruptly, turning to look at Lita. Lita noticed her intense stare and stopped walking as well."What?" "Do you hear it?"she asked, her smoky eyes beginning to dart about, searching. Lita watched her, spoke carefully."No. Um....you ok?" "The flute. This is where I came yesterday and heard it, this is where its playing yet again! Don't you hear it?!"she was becoming desperate, pacing about, her voice rising. Normally Lita would have let her flip out, let her shout about, but things had changed in the past three days and she knew she wasn't the same anymore."Serena, stop it. Come on, were going back."she gripped her arm and began to pull her. "Why can I hear it? Why does it break my heart?"she whispered it as Lita dragged her away, neither of them noticing the tall, dark man that watched from the top of the hill, his eyes sad. They made it back to Raye's home, but not finding them there, went into town and searched out Raye in the pub, where she sat while Amy and Mina negotiated for the space across from the pub. Taking the signal from Lita, she followed them outside. "What is it?"Raye asked, shutting the pub door behind her. "Somethings wrong, and I mean wrong. Serena hears this flute play over that way by some hill, but I didn't hear it. Its really bothering her."Lita explained, unnoticing of how protective she already was of her. Raye looked at Serena, saw the misery there."A flute? Is it a sad tune?" Serena's eyes flashed up to hers."Yes! Its sad, very sad, almost as if someone's heart is broken and its coming from deep inside. Have you heard it?" Raye studied her a moment."No, I've not heard it, but I've heard of the legends. Pucks flute is what you've heard. Though only a select few have had the honor of hearing it. He doesn't allow just anyone to hear it."she smoothed a hand down Serena's silvery hair."Did it make you sad?" "Yes. How can anyone hear it and NOT be sad? It seemed to me like it was playing for him though."she whispered this quietly. Raye's attention sharpened, her eyes narrowing."Him?" "Some guy I saw walking over the hill. He was really hot, no, gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous."she shook herself."Almost etheral. Well, etheral, but wicked. Like only someone with power could have such looks." Raye was silent."You've probably seen some local farmer, thats all. They tend to walk the hills, wander about." "A farmer that hot? Wow, Ireland sure knows how to grow them."Serena shook her head."Anyway, lets go inside. I'd like a drink." "Go on, go ahead."Raye remained behind when Lita and Serena went inside, standing quietly outside the pub, feeling the icy wind of her home blow suddenly fiercely around her. Scowling because she recognized the warning, she snapped,"I've not said a thing to her and you can be sure I'll hold my tongue. Until her time comes, that is. Have a care with what tunes your Puck plays. She might recognize one sooner then should be."and tossing her hair, strode inside, slamming the door behind her. Ken settled nicely into his cottage, where it sat quietly on a small hill, one mile from town. He'd had it aired out before he came, cleaned, and the phone system reactivated. Years before he'd built in an electric stove, upgraded the other appliances in the home, and basically turned it into a home where he could live for months and maintain some sort of sanity. There were three rooms in the cottage, with one downstairs, his office, where he kept his PC, hooked up modem, fax, printer, stereo system, all put neatly together on his desk. The room was completely set up for his work, whereas one upstairs was his bedroom, containing a large, king sized bed he'd bought specially, and the other room where he worked out, keeping his weights and bench presses. The cottage contained two bathrooms, one downstairs and another upstairs as well, both re-made by him also into a deep green that matched with the theme of the house. All in all, the cottage was extremely well equipped with state of the art equipment. Anyone walking in would immediately feel the class of the home, and the money that seemed to reek from it. He'd woken that morning early, been on the phone, returning messages to his secretary, going over memos that needed to be sent out, and the status of the latest theatre being built in New York. He'd been overseeing the construction before he came, had even put in some manuel labor beside his men, enjoying the fact that they hadn't known he was the boss, but one of them. After speaking briefly with his supervisor on the sight, he felt he was ready to go out and see Lita once again. If he didn't find her in town as he hoped, then he would just have to go to Raye's home looking for her. He'd allowed her to leave him yesterday, walk away without even a backward glance to him, but not again. Things wouldn't be so easy for either of them from here on. He knew it, could feel it. Last night, while he'd been sleeping, he'd dreamt of her, standing beneathe the twinkling stars and radiant moon, her arms high and her green eyes bright, Serena and two other women he didn't recognize standing around her. She'd been shouting, chanting, reaching to join hands with them as a storm had gathered and blown fiercely around them. And as he'd watched, her eyes had glowed, opening memories inside him he hadn't known were there. He'd woken, sat up breathless in bed, as the wind howled outside his window and trees beat mercilessly against the cottage. He'd seen in an instant a flash, of her so beautiful, but different, older, her features rounder and softer, holding a baby in her arms. She'd been laughing down at him, touching his golden hair, then had looked up, right up into his eyes. And the image had faded, leaving him in a room darkened by the night with the only the sounds of the storm outside. He'd known immediately that it had been a memory, not a sight into the future. But it had still confused him, left him restless for a large part of the night. Picking up his jacket, he slipped into it, grabbing his keys up from the kitchen counter and heading outside. He knew he could easily walk to town, but he chose to drive this time, slipping into his shiny explorer and driving the small bit. Once he'd parked and stepped out, he was almost sure he would find Lita here. He hadn't realized how much of the afternoon he'd taken up doing his work at the cottage, now noticing how the sun was just beginning to descend. Rubbing at the back of his neck, he walked to the pub doors and pushed through. It was already full, already lively and filled with music and laughter. Tables were full of people drinking and eating, musicians playing there lively music while people danced to it merrily. His eyes searched through the crowd, noting several female eyes trained on him as he looked. But the one's he most wanted to be admiring him were currently fixed on a man who was busy flirting with her. The anger and possesiveness was quick to come, but also the calm he was known for. Keeping a tight reign on the jealousy boiling through him, he walked through the crowd and to there table, immediately recieving there attention. Lita looked up at him, studied the intriguing gold eyes that were currently showing mild interest."Hey Ken." "Lita. Are you going to introduce me to your friend?" "Oh this is Duncan. Duncan, Ken."she watched with some amusement as the men measured each other."You gonna sit Ken, or stand there all night?" "If I saw a chair I could sit on I would."annoyed because she was smiling at him as if she knew exactly how he felt, he decided to retreat. For now."I think I'll go to the bar and get a drink."nodding to them, he turned and made his way over. He got there, found a spot to lean on, then took pleasure in watching a lovely blonde work quickly and efficiently, if not a bit clumsily."Could I get a pint?"he shouted to her, watching as she looked up while building a guiness. "Sure you can, just give me a sec. Ken right? Ken Moore? I'm Mina Ryan."she smiled shyly, dimples flashing."Why aren't you with Lita?" "I find I enjoy watching beautiful blonde's work the taps much better."at her flush, he laughed."She's with some guy. Duncan." She heard the snarl in his tone and secretly smiled."So why aren't you over there giving this Duncan a run for his money?" "Thought about it and I'm still considering it. Maybe I will, maybe I won't."when she slid the pint in front of him he picked it up, took a drink."Why should I?" Because his tone had turned sulking, she spoke sharply."Unless you want her to take you seriously you have to fight. Or you can look like some simpering guy and let her have her fun with Duncan." Finishing his pint quickly, he slammed the glass down."I'm no simpering guy, I'll tell you that."turning, he marched back over to the table they sat at, where she was already leaning closer to him invitingly."Lita, lets dance."and gripping her arm, propelled her into the dance floor. He had her in his arms, held her there while moving the two of them as, almost as if on cue, the song turned slow, romantic."Nice. I think fate's on my side tonight." She slapped a hand on his chest, felt desire ripple through her when she felt the strength, the power beneathe."You got a lot of nerve." "It takes some to be able to get through to you."he shot back, pleased when her mouth fell open."So how about for now we just enjoy this?" "I don't do slow dances buster." "Sure you do. Your doing fine and with me to guide you, you'll do even better."he let his hand wander down to the small of her back."You feel good. Smell good too."he leaned down, sniffed at her neck. "Keep your hands at a respectable place."she warned even as she struggled not to arch like a cat into his hand. "They look nice together."Serena commented to Mina as she and Amy made it to the bar and stood, the three women watching them."He's so golden and she's so dark." "Very good looking as a couple. But I have a feeling she wouldn't like hearing that."Amy tilted her head, smiled warmly."And it seems as if he knows how to handle her." "Past experience, perhaps."Raye said as she joined them, a tray tucked beneathe her arm."Memories from another life." The three turned to stare at her."What?"Mina asked increduously. Raye laughed, her dark eyes dancing."There's destiny and magic here. Watch as it begins." And they watched, his golden eyes soft and dreamy, as Ken bent and nuzzled gently at Lita's neck. Stay tuned for chapter 3~sailorperfect@yahoo.com |