Timeless Trilogy, Book Two, Spellbound

By Tallulah Grace

What would you do if you discovered that you’re a witch? Not just any witch, but a powerful enchantress descended from a line of impressive magickal healers. Roni Myers, beautiful, talented and passionate about finding natural remedies from herbal mixtures hides her lack of self-confidence behind a charming, gregarious façade.
Follow Roni’s journey as she learns secrets that she never before imagined were possible and finds love in the most unexpected place.
Can she learn to trust the magick of her birthright before evil claims it as its own? Will she open her mind and her spirit to the power of three in time to save her legacy and her life? Acceptance, faith and love are the keys to her salvation, if she can only believe.

The Timeless Trilogy heroines, Kristina, Veronica and Cassandra, each deal with paranormal abilities as they discover and rediscover eternal love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kalyko Creations
• Release date: Jul 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465824431

Tallulah Grace

Raised in the foothills of the mystical Blue Ridge Mountains, I attribute my love of beautiful landscapes and fascination with all things paranormal to my environment. The settings and characters in my novels reflect my appreciation for natural beauty as well as a desire to explore the what-if’s of things unseen. Throw in a degree in Psychology paired with a strong interest in the workings of the criminally insane mind and you have a breeding ground for a psychological thriller.Becoming an author was not a conscious decision; I've always been a writer. Channeling a passion for story-telling into my livelihood required a giant leap of faith, one that I'll never regret as I truly love what I do.When I'm not writing, I enjoy antiquing, bead-weaving and sharing time with my incredible daughter and our two spoiled-rotten cats.

Book preview

Timeless Trilogy

Book Two

Spellbound

By Tallulah Grace

Smashwords Edition

Timeless Trilogy

A compilation consisting of the following three novels:

Fate

Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

Spellbound

Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

Destiny

Copyright 2011 Tallulah Grace

All rights reserved. No part of this book or any book in the series may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying or any other information storage and retrieval system without prior, written permission of the Author.

The characters and events in the Timeless Trilogy are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

Contents

Chapter One 3

Chapter Two 9

Chapter Three 15

Chapter Four 19

Chapter Five 23

Chapter Six 29

Chapter Seven 34

Chapter Eight 43

Chapter Nine 49

Chapter Ten 53

Chapter Eleven 58

Chapter Twelve 70

Chapter Thirteen 82

Chapter Fourteen 94

Chapter Fifteen 111

Chapter Sixteen 124

Chapter Seventeen 129

Chapter Eighteen 138

Chapter Nineteen 149

Chapter One

That’s a wrap, thanks everyone. The sounds of applause resonated through the small studio. Roni didn’t think she would ever get used to it. She continued to stand behind the on-set kitchen counter, smiling into the sea of strangers beaming back at her.

At her. Veronica Myers. All of these people were clapping for something she had done. Her. Little Roni Myers from Nowheresville, Tennessee, who was once too shy to speak in a room occupied by more than three people, had just held a group of fifty or so captivated for over an hour.

The audience responses to Roni’s weekly show always surprised her. As she demonstrated how to blend this herb with that one, or how to use the various concoctions she created, she became lost in the process. It was almost as if someone else took over for the length of the show, interacting with the audience like an accomplished pro. It was only at the end, when the applause started, that she came back to herself and realized the impact that her passion had on those around her.

Outwardly, she’d left the shy little girl from Tennessee behind long ago. Only her two best friends, Kris Collins and Cassie Locke, suspected that the savvy, tough-as-nails persona Roni presented to the world covered a jumble of inhibitions and insecurities. Kris and Cassie knew her better than anyone, but even they didn’t know what a mess she really was.

Kris joined her now, the ever-present clipboard in hand, standing by with silent support as Roni shook hands, accepted thanks and generally schmoozed with fans who apparently didn’t want to leave. It was like this after every show. At first, the audience consisted of paid-for participants. After the first two shows aired, they were bombarded with requests for tickets. Kris had to hire someone just to manage communications.

This was their seventh show and local requests for tickets and interviews had snowballed into regional interest. Taping the show with a live audience was Kris’s idea, rather, the entire show was Kris’s idea, and it was going over like gangbusters. Roni still had trouble fathoming how much her life had changed in the few short weeks since they began this roller coaster ride. Only four of the shows had aired in a regional slot on a cable network, but there was no doubt that they were a hit.

As the stragglers began to disperse, Roni felt the ache in her cheeks from smiling so much. Thank God this is the last one of the day, she thought, as she surreptitiously leaned more heavily against the countertop.

Kris must have recognized her exhaustion and stepped in to gracefully usher the few remaining fans out of the studio. As the door closed behind them, Roni slipped off the 6-inch heels that had been torturing her feet for the past few hours and let out a long sigh of relief.

That was the best one yet, Kris remarked as she came back to the set. You amaze me every time you do this. Roni’s smile of gratitude quickly turned into a grimace as her achy facial muscles protested. Turning to the crew, still busy packing things up for the night, Kris continued, Thanks, guys. I’m taking Roni out of here. Good job today. She reached down, scooped up Roni’s shoes and led her to the small dressing room behind the kitchen set. Roni immediately slid into her favorite flip-flops.

Kris went to the fridge and snagged a soda for Roni and a bottle of water for herself. Wanna rest awhile here, or head on home?

Home. Technically, Roni still lived in Atlanta, but she had been staying at Cassie’s house in Charleston on the weekends they taped the show.

The first four episodes, taped over a month ago, took five days to complete. They had hoped to fit the shootings into one weekend each month, two back-to-back shows each day, but Kris saw how much the process took out of Roni and decided to alter the schedule. They were still on track with the network, but it was time for a change. Roni needed to be in Charleston full time. Kris knew that this was not the moment to discuss a move with Roni; she looked like she would tilt over in a good wind.

Why don’t you and Cassie come over for brunch tomorrow? Nick would love to see you, and I need your opinion on a few wedding details. Kris was still getting used to the idea of marriage. Not marriage, but a wedding. If it was up to her, they would have a quiet ceremony on the beach in front of their home. Nick was the one who wanted the whole shebang. Besides, you still haven’t met Dylan. He’s back in town and it’s time for you two to connect.

Sounds good, Roni yawned as she let Kris lead her to the car. Should I plan to cook?

No, silly. You plan to relax. You deserve it. Nick can cook. Kris grinned at Roni’s obvious relief, Kris was not known for her culinary skills.

I have to say, the man knows his way around a kitchen. Roni felt the caffeine from the soda start to kick in as she opened the car door and waited for the steamy interior to cool down a little. Warming to her topic, she continued, From the dreamy look you wear most of the time, I’d say that’s not the only thing he knows his way around. She grinned as Kris blushed.

Yeah, well, what can I say? He’s very talented. Kris’s blush deepened as she thought about Nick’s text from a moment ago. She couldn’t wait to get home.

You are such a goner Roni laughed. But you know I couldn’t be happier for you, right? It was true, Roni was thrilled for Kris, but she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. A stable relationship was as foreign to her as a Dubai sunset. No matter how many men she dated, she always managed to find the losers, regardless of how well they were packaged.

I know, Kris knew that Roni secretly dreamed of what Kris had so recently found. If it can happen for me, it can happen for you, she continued softly.

Yeah, right. You know I don’t have time for a man. I’m too busy letting you make me a star. She batted her eyelashes and struck a pose. Kris laughed.

You’re already a star; you just don’t know it yet. She slid inside her own car, turned on the ignition and opened the top. Late May in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina was humid and sultry, but nothing like the heat wave yet to come. Say hi to Cass for me. See you tomorrow, let’s say around eleven.

Eleven’s good. Say hi to Nick. Roni waved at Kris as she pulled away. Starting her own car, she turned the air conditioning on full blast and sat for a few minutes, enjoying the stillness. Letting her head fall back, she closed her eyes and allowed the mask to drop for the first time today. The weariness from being ‘on’ nearly every moment for the past month seeped into her bones. Something had to give, she couldn’t keep this up. Maybe it’s time to leave Atlanta and move to Charleston, she thought.

The tap on the passenger side window startled her. She jumped in her seat and reflexively turned her head towards the invasion.

A pair of rich brown eyes the color of mahogany met hers; their intensity did not fit the stranger’s casual smile. Wait a minute, he looked familiar, she thought. Was he in the audience today? Surely I would have remembered that face. She quickly scanned his features, taking note of the chiseled chin, elegant nose and high cheekbones. His honey colored hair was a tad too long, but seemed to go with the face. She pasted on a smile and raised her eyebrows.

Excuse me, Miss Myers, I’m sorry to bother you, but you have a flat. He pointed towards the back tire on the passenger side. No wonder neither she nor Kris had noticed it. Glancing around the empty parking lot, she felt a little uneasy getting out of the car. Don’t be stupid, she told herself, it’s broad daylight and there are people across the street. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to get the pepper spray. She started digging in her purse.

The stranger seemed to sense her hesitancy, and accurately guessed the reasons behind it. If you pop the trunk, I can change it for you. You can stay in the car. He smiled winningly, trying to put her at ease.

Roni sat for another minute, staring at the man still leaning down to look at her through the window. Hell, she thought, don’t be such a wuss. Abandoning her search for the pepper spray, she popped the trunk, opened the door and stepped back out into the muggy sunshine.

Thanks, that’s very kind of you, but I can call AAA. As she spoke, she realized that the stranger had called her by name. She stopped as she reached the back of the car; he had straightened, but still hadn’t moved from the front passenger door. How do you know my name? Roni asked as she slowly moved back towards the driver side door, intending to retrieve her purse, phone and pepper spray.

I was fortunate enough to get a ticket for your show today. Great job, by the way. He smiled again, noticing how Roni relaxed as he explained himself.

Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed it. But really, I can call someone to fix the tire. You don’t have to trouble yourself.

It’s no trouble, I’m already here. It will only take a few minutes. Still, he made no move towards the trunk, waiting for Roni to acquiesce. She studied him for a few more minutes.

Okay, thanks, if you’re sure you don’t mind. She grabbed her purse, but stayed near the front of the car. Can I help?

No need, I’ve got it. He busied himself removing the jack and the spare. Roni waited until he’d settled on the ground and began removing the lug nuts before she walked around to watch.

I guess I’m lucky it went flat in the parking lot, and not on the bridge. She watched as the muscles beneath his casual knit shirt strained against the wrench. It wasn’t a bad view.

I would say so. He felt her eyes on him, but didn’t look up. She was warming to him, but the skittishness was still there. He recognized it, understood it and prepared to be patient. So what made you become an herbalist? It was a casual question, but he was very interested in the answer.

Roni was used to the question, but for some reason, couldn’t give the prepared and well-rehearsed answer. She surprised herself by telling the stranger the truth. My grandmother taught me about medicinal herbs as a child. For her, it was a way of life. Her remedies were the only type of medicine most of our neighbors could afford. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Roni cringed. Kris and Cassie didn’t even know about her grandmother. They knew she had grown up poor in the hills of Tennessee, but that was about it. Roni rarely talked about her past. When she did, it was always a glossy version created with a smattering of truth and a whole lot of imagination.

The stranger didn’t seem surprised at her revelation. My grandmother was an herbalist, too. Only they didn’t call it that back in those days. Most people called her a witch doctor. He dropped the phrase as if it was nothing. Roni felt the slam of a long-forgotten memory. Gran, chanting quietly as she stirred something that was simmering in a large, black pot. The image flashed before her as clear as a bell. She pushed it back, but it didn’t go easily.

Well, that’s a new one. My gran was just a sweet lady who helped her neighbors, she lied. Nothing witchy about it. Roni was so accustomed to suppressing her authentic self, that the lies had become her truth. The stranger looked up at her and she felt a jolt as their eyes met. For a brief second, it was as if he could see through to her soul.

He nodded slightly, and then returned his attention to the tire. He’d never met such a repressed spirit covering such a massive talent. He doubted that she had a clue as to her power. Almost finished here. He said as he tightened the nuts on the spare. Make sure that you get this replaced soon. You shouldn’t drive around on a spare for too long.

Thanks, I will. Roni watched as he deftly lifted the trashed tire into the trunk. Noticing his dirty hands, she once again started digging in her purse, this time for a cleaning wipe. She found the packet right away and moved towards him. He waited for her to come to him.

Thanks, he said as he took the packet from her, careful not to touch her. It was too soon for her to know him.

I really appreciate this, Mr. ……. Roni let the question hang in the air.

Alexander Kale, at your service. He smiled and made a point of cleaning his hands, so he wouldn’t have to shake hers. My friends call me Xander.

Okay, Xander, can I at least pay you for your services?

He looked slightly offended, but kept the smile. Of course not. Consider it repayment for such an enlightening show. I plan to experiment with some of your remedies. It’s a hobby of mine. He started to move away from the car. I have tickets to next weekend’s show and I’m already looking forward to it. He motioned to the tire. Be careful, and remember to get that changed. Good afternoon.

I will, thanks again. And ‘good afternoon’ to you, too. Roni thought to his retreating back. That was odd; he left almost as quickly as he had appeared. Lucky for me, though. At least I didn’t have to wait around on AAA. She started the car, appreciating the promise of a cool ride. She turned right and headed towards Charleston.

Chapter Two

Why not give notice already? Your book’s doing well and the show’s obviously a hit. You can live with me indefinitely, so there’s no rent to worry about. Take the plunge, Roni, move to Charleston. Cassie veered onto the cable suspension bridge spanning the Cooper River that led them toward Sullivan’s Island.

Can we please not talk about taking plunges while we’re climbing this bridge? It’s beautiful, but a little too high to suit me. Roni was holding onto the pull strap above the passenger door as if it were a lifeline.

Relax and enjoy the scenery. You should learn to appreciate this bridge for the work of art it truly is. Cassie accelerated as they crested the top. Just look at the waterway and be grateful we’re not crossing the old bridge. Talk about scary. Cassie assumed Roni wasn’t ready to discuss moving from Atlanta, so she changed the subject. Did Kris say that Dylan would be joining us?

Yes, apparently he’s back from wherever he’s been the last few weeks. The way you guys talk about him, I feel like I already know him.

He’s pretty great. Easy on the eyes, too. Cassie glanced over at Roni. She knew that Kris had an ulterior motive for getting Roni and Dylan together.

You and Kris are about as subtle as a freight train. I know you’re hoping the sparks will fly. How did you miss the fix-up? You’re here more than I am.

I’m sure she had that in mind in the beginning, but it didn’t take. I love Dylan like a brother. Cassie didn’t elaborate on the reasons why she didn’t even give Dylan a chance. Roni wasn’t very open-minded about reincarnation; they had walked this road before. Cassie preferred to keep her dreams of Nathanial to herself. They weren’t even dreams, really, more like memories. She shook her head and tried to put him out of her mind.

So what’s wrong with him?

Nothing. He really is one of the good guys. And you know how he tried to help Kris.

I know that Kris helped herself. He showed up after she had already shot the creep, basically doing his job. Both women shuddered as they recalled Kris’s too recent and too scary ordeal with a stalking serial killer.

"That’s not really fair. He and Jerry did the best they could. And they would have saved Kris, if she didn’t have a gun. They were