Rae Rivers - The Keepers - Archer

Sienna felt Archer withdraw, even though he hadn’t moved.

Thanks to Ethan’s stark reminder, the curse that kept her and Archer apart two years ago would continue to keep them apart.

“Ethan, this is none of your business,” Archer said, whirling around to face his brother.

“When it comes to Sienna, everything about her is my business.”

“Not this.”

Ethan took three strides and stood in front of his brother. “You’re her Keeper, Archer, and you don’t want to mess with a bunch of dead witches.” He jabbed a finger into Archer’s chest. “Besides, she’s no match for your physical strength. You could hurt her.”

“Ethan, stop it,” Sienna said softly.

Ethan whirled to face her. “If he doesn’t control himself, Sienna, he’ll hurt you.”

“Oh, please,” she scoffed. “Archer’s the poster boy for control. You really think he’s going to hurt me?”

Ethan’s expression eased. “Playing with fire equals getting burned. Not a good idea.”

“We’re not children, Ethan, so back off.”

Ethan glanced at them both and then nodded. “Fine. You two figure it out. But when the dead Aunty Hilda’s come seeking punishment, don’t come knocking on my door for help.” He walked to the liquor cabinet, pulled out two glasses, and poured Bourbon into both. He handed Archer a glass. “Drink up, brother. You look like you need one.”

Archer’s jaw flexed. “Get out of here, Ethan.”

Ethan tossed back the whiskey, refilled the glass, and headed for the door. “You guys need to figure this shit out before someone gets hurt,” he threw over his shoulder as he left.

Archer was frowning when he turned back to Sienna. “Are you okay?”

She nodded and slid off the counter, trying to keep herself from blushing at the thought of the hot, needy kiss they’d shared moments ago. Had Ethan not interrupted them, she would easily have forgotten the rules set by The Circle and given Archer free reign on her.

Wow.

Archer reached for her but she stopped him with a shake of the head. “Ethan’s right, Archer. The Circle will be spitting cobras if we take this further.”

“Sienna.”

They fell silent, the undeniable truth adding distance between them even though neither one of them had moved.

Anger flooded through her, and Sienna choked back a scream. There had once been a time when her destiny and Beckham heritage had felt like an honour, now felt like an annoying burden she simply couldn’t shake.

And right now, despite their best intentions, she hated The Circle with everything in her.

Inhaling softly, she lifted her chin in quiet determination, trying to calm the resentment inside. “It’s late. We should get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”

Archer lifted a brow. “You have plans?”

“Yes.” She pushed past him and moved toward the door. “I know it’s a long trip back to New York but I need to sort out a few things at my apartment and pack a few bags. I’m happy to make the trip alone but I’m assuming you’ll want to tag along.”

“I’ll come with you, Sienna.”

She nodded, never having doubted otherwise, and stopped at the doorway to frown at the shattered lamp on the floor. When had that happened?

Her breath caught as memories of Archer’s kiss clouded her mind, but she was quick to push them away. She looked back at Archer and blushed when she saw his lip curl into a slight grin. He would be able to sense her quick flush of excitement sparked by the memory of their kiss and judging by his grin, he found brief amusement in her reaction to the memory. “Stop it,” she said, jabbing a finger in Archer’s direction.

“Stop what?”

“I want my damn necklace.”

“But this is way more fun.”

“For you maybe. I’m going to bed.”

“You haven’t eaten yet.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Lucky you.” A sexy gleam entered his eyes and a silly grin played on his lips. “Because unlike you, I am hungry, Sienna, but it’s not food I’m after.”

Sienna gaped at him for a second, spun around, and fled to her room.

The dream had Sienna bolting out of bed with a soft cry. Heart pounding and gasping choppy breaths of air, she whirled around in the darkness and blinked rapidly in an effort to calm the frenzy of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

Breathe. Breathe.

The night times were the worst, as she had no control over the memories that sparked the vicious nightmares.

Someone had once told her that time healed all wounds. Bull. Wide-awake and restless, Sienna pulled on a cardigan to ward off the cool night air, and silently made her way toward the kitchen. She doubted tea would do much to calm the fierceness that lurked inside, but it would give her something to do.

The spacious kitchen was in darkness and she left it that way, needing the blackness to smother her thoughts.

Sienna filled the kettle with water and turned it on. While waiting for it to boil, she strolled outside to the undercover patio that led onto the pool area. It was still dark but the garden lights illuminated the patio and the pool with a soft glow that comforted her. The patio consisted of a fireplace, several comfortable couches, a table with several chairs, and a breathtaking view of the estate’s back garden. It was homely, immaculate, and a popular gathering spot for the Bennett brothers. The bright blue light inside the pool added a cool inviting feel to the water.

Of all the brothers, Archer had always been the lover of water. Not surprising considering his connection with it.

She envied the natural connection her Keepers had to their elemental powers. When channelling their powers, they exerted such confidence and control, something totally foreign to her. Archer could do things with water and manipulate the droplets in a way that never failed to amaze her, Declan could wield fire with impressive ease, and Ethan handled the wind as though it were child’s play.

You’re a Beckham witch, Sienna, so start acting like one.

Archer’s words came to mind, stirring the emotions she’d avoided until now. Although he hadn’t elaborated, she’d known what he’d meant. She’d spent years watching her mother and grandmother in witch mode and she’d learned from an early age that Beckham witches were fighters. They were strong and they fought for what they believed in. They were kind, loving, respected, often feared, and lived their lives to maintain order. They weren’t afraid of their powers and embraced it as a gifts, using their magic to make the world a better, safer place.

An instant flush broke out through Sienna as shame trickled through her. She closed her eyes and allowed the truth to sink in.

She’d spent the last two years being everything a Beckham witch wasn’t.

Sienna opened her eyes and stared at the water for a long while before moving silently toward it. Maybe, just maybe, if she acted like a powerful, confident Beckham witch, she might actually start to feel like one. She was reaching but there had to be something better than the anguish and fear that had been her permanent sorrow buddies for the last few years.

A small whirlwind of energy began to quiver inside her, a gentle fluttering that symbolized hope. The awakening of her powers?

There was only one way to find out.

With careful ease, her heart pounding against her ribcage, Sienna quietly raised her arms toward the pool and gave way to the trance that usually took over when channelling her powers.

The water swirled inside the pool, slowly and softly at first. Once she’d gathered momentum, she raised her arms slightly. A low wall of water followed suit, hovering quietly above the pool before collapsing with a loud splash. Two attempts later, Sienna was ready to scream with annoyance.