CoDC II Coven of Dixon Cliff II

By Cheryl L. Hyde

Sexy witches from an alternate time direction discover what they thought was their destiny maybe isn't.

 

The Coven of Dixon Cliff (CoDC) series is a fun, slightly science fiction and alien influenced tale about a normal group of friends who find their lives suddenly turned upside down and then flipped around again. These sexy and somewhat wild witches from an alternate time direction discover what they thought was their destiny maybe isn't.

 

Have you ever had your life planned out, only to discover what you thought was your destiny maybe isn't? Or maybe it still is, but another destiny, a dual-destiny, presents itself. Max and Kaylie, Cassy and Ayla live typical SoCal lives until a dormant alien DNA activates in their blood and flips their lives upside down. To escape an impending Earth apocalypse, they and others like them, travel to a different time direction and an island utopia, Muria.

 

Cassy, Ayla, and Max have returned to post-chaos Earth to help friends resurrect the Coven of Dixon Cliff and guide its new High Priestess, Mona, to greatness. The turn of a tarot card has many believing the group will unite all witches and Wiccans, freeing them from growing oppression. A struggling young follower, Mona, becomes the driving force and High Priestess behind the resurrection of the once great Coven of Dixon Cliff circle. As her powers grow so does her love for the one who truly believed in her and Max inadvertently becomes her High Priest. But Mona wants more, much more.

 

When Kaylie, Princess of Muria, visits the alternate time direction she discovers her Prince is now Mona's High Priest. Awkward. Max's celebratory toast, at the magical Dixon Estate—"To the lovely island princess joining us tonight, may all our destinies be forever entwined, in love and magic, now and always,"—changes the proclaimed future, entangling all in the midst of a dual destiny in two separate, yet entwined, time directions.

 

Does Kaylie have a place in this alternate time direction?

Will she choose to return to the utopia-island-paradise of Muria?

What about Max—Will he stay with Princess Kaylie or fall under High Priestess Mona's spell?

Will Mona use her magical powers to encourage Max to stay with her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whisper Publications
• Release date: Aug 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9781950598120

Cheryl L. Hyde

I make my home in the beautiful state of Colorado backed up against the Rocky Mountains. I live with my husband Anthony, and my rescue Blue Front Amazon parrot, Riley. I enjoy traveling, writing, painting, fitness, nature, visiting with friends, curling up with a good book, and the awesomeness of every day.Each new day is a blessing to be treasured!One of the greatest joys of writing is losing myself in the story—I may begin the story, but soon it is writing itself—sometimes taking me on a totally different journey than originally imagined. I find myself on a magical ride to new places, or reliving and reinventing places I've visited.I hope you enjoy my stories and please feel free to connect with me. I love to hear from my readers and fans. I feel very lucky to have connected with and made so many friends in this very special world we live.Through social media, especially my Twitter Tribe and Writers Community, I am blessed with a multitude of caring and wonderful friends who support me in so many ways—you are awesome!It is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank my readers and fans around the world. I feel extremely honored to be a part of your reading list.Visit me on Twitter at: @Cheryl_L_Hyde

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Copyright © 2019 Cheryl L. Hyde

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-950598-12-0 eBook

ISBN: 978-1-950598-11-3 paperback 5x8 format

Whisper Publications UNITED STATES

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Cover photo by Rana Sawalha on Unsplash

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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This novel is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted material, as this violates author’s rights. If you would like to share the eBook version with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, settings, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, names, business establishments, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Connect with Cheryl L. Hyde

Visit me on Twitter.com at: @Cheryl_L_Hyde

Chapter 01 Reluctant

AYLA and I are thinking about staying here, or now, or whatever timeframe this is called, Cassy shares openly with Max, and Ayla nods in agreement. "There’s really not much more we can contribute to our other world and Mona, although scary powerful, is not mature enough to deal with our collective departure. She’ll feel abandoned and might act out. She thinks we are visiting from Maui, Max. Maybe you could travel home, stay a few days then return for a final goodbye. While you’re gone, we’ll find her a new boyfriend."

Or girlfriend, Ayla giggles. Cassy nods in agreement.

I am not her boyfriend, Max protests.

She thinks you are. In fact, she sees you as a couple. The joining at the Dark Moon Ceremony was more than symbolic for her. It was real. She wanted it to be real and you accepted her overture.

Yes. Representing the God and Goddess, the chalice and athame were... Max trails off not sure what to say.

"The two of you created magic and that magic was felt by everyone, which is the whole idea of the ceremony. Come on, Max. You had...mind sex."

It was so damn hot! Ayla blurts.

Max and Cassy whip their heads in her direction. Max opens then closes his mouth.

Shrugging, Ayla makes no apology.

Oh, God! Please tell me what I felt, what I thought was not mind shared with you, Max looks pleadingly at Cassy, embarrassed.

Yep! Me, Ayla, Cordelia, probably Clara Beth, though I'm not sure she totally understands everything you shared or felt. But... she trails off then adds, We think several of the initiates can also mind share, so...

You are rambunctious when turned on, Ayla quips, grinning.

Oh, God, Max repeats, shrinking into himself. It was fantasy sex. An artful illusion. Nothing more. Simply pretending, he mumbles.

Do you remember what Cordelia told Terra about pretending and magic? Cassy asks gently.

That magic is not pretend, it is real, Max replies. Oh, God! Should I apologize?

No! Cassy and Ayla exclaim loudly. And, if you two talk or mind share about it, you need to assure her it was nothing less than magical and special!

Max looks from one to the other for several seconds before speaking. Mona always pushed the boundaries whenever we danced. I thought it was just part of the show, the performance. The night of the Dark Moon ceremony, she either couldn't or didn't want to limit the experience, Max laments.

So you’re saying it was Mona’s fault, Cassy mocks, cynically.

Yes. No!

Cassy rolls her eyes and huffs.

Max realizes how what he just said must sound. That is not what I meant. Stop putting words in my mouth, he says, looking and sounding dejected.

Ayla takes pity and asks in a sensitive voice, Do you love her, compelling Max to answer truthfully.

"I do, but not in that way. I’m not in love with Mona. I got caught up, lost in the moment—in the ceremony, Max defends. Should I tell Kaylie?"

No! the women say in unison.

What are you thinking or are you thinking at all? Ayla challenges.

"Okay. You get a free pass on this one, but no more getting lost in the moment," Cassy asserts.

Max clears his throat noisily, planning to return the conversation to Cassy and Ayla's plans to remain in this time space. A part of me really wants to stay here, also, but I have a different destiny.

Isn't this, she gestures with wide arms, now also a part of your destiny? Ayla queries. Isn't it possible to have dual destinies?

Max stops walking, places three fingers against his temple, and closes his eyes for a moment. He breathes in and out slowly. A paradox, he mutters thoughtfully.

We could alternate! Ayla suddenly exclaims. Live in one destiny one week and the other one the next week.

Max shakes his head, smiling sadly. I love your idea, as well as your outside of the box thinking, but this time direction and ours are not parallel. Travel between the two will become increasingly difficult, if not impossible. Besides, traveling between the two time directions on a regular basis is not smiled upon. He continues to point out that no matter which place the two of them decide to live, they are still together. I am separated from my one true love while I am here.

Kaylie could come here and live with us, Ayla suggests.

Max ponders the suggestion. I’m not sure that is possible. She and I belong... We are part of the collective destiny of an entire race. More importantly, we are their leaders. We have obligations. We can't just decide to live somewhere else. At least, I don't think we can, he says thoughtfully.

Not one to give up easily, Ayla continues, You helped lead thousands of people to utopia, Max. What else are you and Kaylie expected to do? Likeminded people are living in harmony. There is no crime, no hunger, no abuse, and no pollution. I hate to point out the obvious, but you and Kaylie are more like the host and hostess of a big never-ending party than the prince and princess—leaders—of an entire civilization. The worst thing that ever happens on Muria is trying to decide which picnic or orgy to go to.

We have orgies?

Ayla gives him a get serious look. When Kaylie gets here, we can all sit down and talk about everything.

A quick intake of breath from Cassy has Ayla slapping her hand over her mouth. Oops.

Kaylie is coming? Here? When? Why?

It was supposed to be a big surprise, Cassy interjects, lifting an eyebrow and tilting her head sideways, giving Ayla a look. She is arriving sometime today, we think.

Max is stunned. Today? He stares at the two women. I should do something special.

Cordelia has dinner all planned out and everyone's invited.

Cordelia knows? Max asks incredulously. Who else knows? Wait, everyone?

Cassy nods. Terra, Paige, Mona, Clara Beth, Ayla, and me. Not the whole Coven or anything.

Mona? Max mumbles. Is that wise?

Ayla can't help it and begins to snicker. It’s Cordelia's idea. We told her we were spending the night at the apartment because a close friend from Maui was coming to visit. She insisted our friend stay at the estate with us. She shrugs and grins. We couldn't very well refuse her summons, now could we? Her grin broadens and her snicker becomes giggles then a loud guffaw as she envisions Max introducing his wife to his new girlfriend. You are so not getting laid tonight! she announces.

For the sake of the Coven, maybe we should keep the fact that Kaylie and I are married a secret—at least for tonight. I mean, everything is going so well, I don't want to jinx it or anything.

Cassy glares at Max with a fierce look of annoyance. The annoyance quickly mixes with a look of reasoning flitting across her face. I can't believe I am saying this, but you may be right. In fact, you probably are right. For the well being of the Coven, and the good of all, we will keep that little detail to ourselves—for now. After all, we managed to keep secret the fact that you are a prince in another world. How hard can it be to keep the fact that Kaylie is your wife a secret? We should be able to pull this off with no problem. Cordelia strongly suspects we are not being totally honest with her, but it doesn't seem to bother her overly much.

Maybe she knows, Ayla suggests.

Cassy shakes her head and continues, You and Kaylie have excellent control over your mind share abilities. But Mona could easily share thoughts that Kaylie may not appreciate hearing or seeing.

Max draws quiet, thinking, before professing, It was necessary action for the success of the mission.

Cassy rolls her eyes dramatically then suggests they walk as far as the Ice Cream Shack. Max is buying, then we'll return to Dixon Cliff.

They stroll onward and the conversation continues, exploring the impact on each world if Cassy and Ayla stay in this time direction. The benefit to the Coven is obvious, the impact on the utopia they helped create is a bit more elusive.

As they lick and lap their icy, creamy delights under the thatched overhang, a group of young women approach. You're Max, aren't you? one asks with total confidence. You're the leader of the Dixon Cliff Coven.

I am one of the leaders, yes, he replies, wondering what they want.

We want to join your coven. All of us! She spreads her arm encircling the group. Hopeful faces and eyes light in anticipation as bright smiles spread and heads bob up and down in affirmation.

Cassy eyes the group. You seem as though you are already somewhat organized. You could probably join as an affiliate group, she offers pleasantly.

How long have you been practicing? Ayla asks.

Not long, she answers dismissively, not bothering to even look at Cassy or Ayla. She maintains eye contact and steps closer to Max as she literally purrs, People say you are very powerful. She floats her eyes over his body slowly and deliberately from head to toe and back up, pausing midway, barely resisting the urge to touch him.

The Coven is powerful, he whispers.

She stares into his eyes, People say you read minds. Do you?

Max holds her gaze, never blinking. Sometimes, Ellie, he replies smoothly. Normally, I refrain unless invited. You're a dancer, right?

You know my name, she says in awe.

Cassy purposefully steps in front of Max. We’ll meet you and your friends at the pier tomorrow around five. We can talk more then. We have a dinner to go to now, she says dismissively and gives Max a shove.

A short distance up the boardwalk, she shoves him again. This time not as gently as the first time. You were flirting with her! Two minutes before you were worried about Kaylie and Mona meeting each other. Now you're flirting with Ellie, she accuses, stretching the girl's name out sarcastically. How the hell did you know her name? Can she mind share?

Max shakes his head slowly. No. Three of them have matching t-shirts, each with a shooting star logo. Their names are printed under the logo. The shirts indicate a team or maybe a club, he says offhandedly. Her walk is defined—practiced—and she has good muscle tone, but not like you get with track or gymnastics. Very fluid and graceful, he grins. No mind share, just basic carnival huckster observation. I guess I got lost in the moment, he finishes.

Nuh-uh. You already used that excuse today.

Max considers continuing the conversation but as he watches the sun drifting casually down to the waves, his mind goes to Kaylie and the fact he is going to see her tonight. His blood starts to heat and settle low in his groin. Will you guys run interference tonight so I can have some alone time with Kaylie?

Cassy and Ayla exchange a look before answering. Sure, they say as one.

You entertained Mona enough times for our benefit, we sort of owe you one or a few, Ayla adds.

Ahh, Max exhales. The good old days of naivety and simplicity. Mona was happy with my arm around her and pizza was a feast. Now, Cordelia provides a culinary adventure at every meal and Mona insists on having her hand up my shirt or in other places every chance she gets, Max laments.

Ya, the good old days, Cassy counters. Asylums, sieges, kidnappings, assaults, she sighs.

"We should probably not mention those 'good old days' things to Kaylie, either."

Cordelia loves to tell stories so I imagine most of this will reveal itself at dinner. Speaking of which, we better get a move on or we'll be late.

As they head back to Dixon Cliff, the three decide showers are in order. It is not that they are especially dirty, but a day at the beach with the blazing sun, sand, and salty air has definitely left its brand. They pick up the pace slightly.

Chapter 02 Surprise

APPROACHING Dixon Cliff, the trio finds the estate to be uniquely quiet. Paige and Terra are lounging by the pool, reading their latest smut novels. Paige looks up as they approach and reports that Clara Beth's great gran stopped by to pick up Clara Beth, Mona, and Cordelia for lunch and some serious girl shopping. She quickly returns to her novel, blushing slightly as she resumes reading.

Cassy and Ayla share a knowing grin and continue to the pool house for their showers. Max is following close behind, pretending not to have seen the title of Paige's novel. The practice of showering together seems to have become the mission norm for the three. The large ornate tile room with its multiple showerheads leaves adequate room for plenty of privacy.

Leaving his clothing in a jumbled heap inside the arched entryway, Max chooses the first showerhead. He has almost mastered the fine art of turning the ornate dual porcelain knobs simultaneously to create a flow that is neither too hot nor too cold.

Cassy and Ayla share a showerhead in the opposite corner of the balneae. They begin spreading slick shower gel over each other's body, making copious amounts of bubbles and creating fires of frisson.

Kaylie joins the time dimension Max, Cassy, and Ayla are in with ease, however finding the Dixon Estate is proving to be much more difficult. She receives detailed directions from a friendly-looking couple.

Are you a witch? the female asks.

No. Why?

Only initiated witches of the Coven of Dixon Cliff are allowed inside the estate walls. They continue on their way, leaving Kaylie to wonder what that means.

That is most interesting, she thinks to herself. Smiling, she tries to imagine her husband as a witch, but can't.

As Kaylie approaches the large, rather imposing and definitely impressive estate, the front gates glide open welcoming her. Kaylie assumes she simply activated an electric eye and continues to follow the winding stone path as it makes its way through the estate.

She stops and takes a moment to drink in the sheer, unparalleled beauty of the Dixon Estate, as well as the fabulous mansion sitting atop a small rise. Breathtaking. Peaceful. And, more than just a little daunting, she thinks. I hope this is the right place.

Looking around she sees a glistening pool and strolls in its direction. Advancing, she sees two young women lying beside it, catching some rays. They are reading and do not notice her approach.

Hello! Excuse me, she leads. My name is Kaylie and I am looking for Max, Cassy, or Ayla.

One of the young women looks up from her book and eyes Kaylie. She lazily points toward the pool house. They’re in there taking showers.

Thank you, Kaylie answers softly, a bit confused. I’ll just wander on and find them. By myself, she thinks.

The anticipation of seeing her lover and her friends has Kaylie quickening her pace. Stepping inside the door, she finds a scattering of male and female clothing and steam rolling out of an arched open walkway. Her mind immediately visualizes the hunky male body she has not seen for far too many days. Shower sex is always fun!

She looks around and decides to surprise her husband. Quickly stripping and adding her clothes to the pile, she slides into the shower area. She immediately recognizes that high, firm butt glistening in the steam.

Max has his back to the entrance and is absorbed in shampooing his hair, making him an easy target. She settles one hand on his buttock before deftly sliding it around his hip, tickling a spot just below his hipbone.

He knows this move well. Smiling, he turns and quickly pulls Kaylie into the shower pressing his body tightly to hers. His lips seek and find hers, igniting into a hot, greedy, all consuming, and possessive kiss under the pulsating shower spray. Kaylie's arms snake around his neck, holding him closely. The heat of their bodies increase the steam coming from the water.

Cassy and Ayla stare as the surprise unfolds, certain Kaylie is unaware of their presence. They watch intently as the couple share romantic, blood-heating kisses, soft cuddles, and passionate caresses. It seems as if hands are moving everywhere at once.

That is so hot! Ayla muses quietly, unable to take her eyes off her friends.

Cassy, too, is staring. Finally, she shakes her head as if waking from a trance. We should probably leave them alone. Cassy whispers, lacking the conviction to back her words.

Yeah, probably, Ayla whispers, making no move to leave.

Max is trying to go slowly and enjoy the moment, but his passion for Kaylie is overwhelming. He cups a firm, rounded butt cheek in either hand and smoothly lifts Kaylie upward. As she feels her feet leave the ornate tile floor, she wraps her legs around his waist.

Okay, we gotta go. Now! Cassy orders, grabbing Ayla by the hand and dragging her out of the shower.

It was just getting good, Ayla pouts.

They towel off, drying each other's backs. Ayla glances out the beveled glass window and tenses.

Holy Moly! Mona! she yelps.

What? Cassy asks, trying to see around Ayla. Could you be a little quieter?

Moly Mona! Holy Mona! Mona, Mona! Mona is here! Ayla points excitedly, trying to keep her voice below an all out yell.

What? No! Cassy squeals. "We have to separate the lovebirds. She slips into the shower and tries artfully to gain Max's attention, but to no avail. He is totally absorbed in his wife. Deciding that action is required, she shields her eyes and reaches around the couple. Finding the hot water faucet, she turns it off and icy cold water rains over Max and Kaylie.

It seems to take an eternity before they realize the water has changed. Max yelps. What the hell happened to the hot water? he demands as he sees Cassy.

I turned it off. Mona is here!

Where? He looks around, his eyes wide.

Just outside.

Hi Cassy, Kaylie smiles. Who’s Mona? she asks, her legs still tightly wrapped around her husband.

Max gives Kaylie a quick, apologetic kiss and sets her down. He begins explaining that no one knows he’s married or a prince or from another world. Kaylie is staring at him, confusion blurring her face.

Same goes for Cassy and Ayla, he adds. Everyone here thinks we are simply visiting from Maui.

Okay, but...

Just play along and I’ll explain everything to you later. Please? Max pleads.

Kaylie relents. But I want to know what’s going on.

Max nods. Oh, there is one other thing. Mona is very comfortable expressing herself in an overtly sexy and physical manner.

Expressing herself, how?

Max ignores the question. There is one other thing I think you should probably know before you meet her. Mona is the High Priestess of the Coven of Dixon Cliff and I am kind of the High Priest. For the time being, he quickly adds, catching Kaylie's frown and glinting eyes. Oh, and Mona can mind share, he finishes.

Kaylie’s glaring at him, steam hissing out her ears. Cassy’s attempting to speed things along, as Ayla has signaled trouble is coming their way.

Max pulls his beautiful, naked wife into the hallway, haphazardly drying her as he goes. They stop in front of the collection of leisurewear Cordelia proudly offers to her guests. Kaylie looks at Max questioningly.

Pick something. Anything you like. It will be your size and fit you perfectly.

What? I have my own clothes. Kaylie is still in shock at the happenings of the past few minutes.

I'll explain later, he says, giving her a quick kiss on her nose. As he has been talking, Max has been pulling on clothes and is dressed and ready to leave.

Kaylie looks over the various collections and finds comfy bottoms and a really cute, lacy silk camisole, but is having trouble selecting the perfect top.

Max decides that now would be a good time to mention one other little thing. If Mona makes a reference to us 'sleeping together' if means simply sleeping. No sex. When she first came to us, she was a frightened, frail, little waif living by herself with no home, food, money, or other essentials. We extended our friendship and offered her aid and comfort. But, I promise you sex was never on the table.

Kaylie feels a swelling of pride for her husband's altruistic act of kindness. She and Max follow Ayla and Cassy into the garden area. As they approach, Kaylie grabs Max's arm and pulls him back.

Max, wait. I didn’t know so many people would be here. I don’t want to appear totally lost when we get to them. I can figure out who Cordelia is, she says looking Cordelia’s way. But who are the others?

Terra and Paige are closest to the pool. Paige has the longer hair.

Okay. I saw them as I arrived.

Mona is the one with the dark hair, he says trying to be nonchalant, but totally missing his intent. Clara Beth is standing next to her and looks rather like a schoolgirl.

She is beautiful, Max. That hair is amazing! And those gleaming eyes are very exotic. Tight, little body...that you slept with. She is hardly a waif, she accuses.

Slept together, not with, Max corrects, accentuating the word slept. She did not always look like she does now. The first night she cuddled into me, she was so cold. She just wanted to be held and that's all I did.

The first night? Kaylie questions weakly, arching an elegant brow.

Mona walks over to meet the four as they approach the garden area. Max turns to introduce Kaylie and as he does, Mona deftly plants a kiss on the side of his neck and intimately weaves three fingers into