Caught up in You: Wartime Druid Saga, #2

By Shawn McGee

 

Corey Norwood is a druid with extraordinary abilities, but his real superpower is getting caught up in complicated relationships. While battling sinister supernatural forces, he must navigate the entanglements of his team, which includes ex-girlfriend Rebecca, best friend and fighting partner Rachel, and current girlfriend Nicole.

 

When Nicole reveals she's pregnant, Corey doubts his ability to be a father. But he has little time for insecurities as their war against a malevolent church intensifies. After a bold plan fails catastrophically, injuring his friends, Corey questions his leadership. However, the discovery of a magical realm renews his drive to master his powers. With Nicole's emergence as a resilient leader, their connection deepens.

 

Corey's next confrontation with the church will push him and his team to their limits. At stake is not just their lives, but the fate of the world. Corey must fight to protect those he loves while unraveling secrets that point to a dark prophecy. Will his relationships give him the strength he needs, or will they be his undoing?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Assetstor
• Release date: Jun 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215530115

Shawn McGee

Shawn McGee writes fantasy and is an IT professional with hobbies in mathematics and gaming. Along with his current series he is writing a new gaming system. Please this book as reviews are the life blood of independent writers. You can join Shawn's discord channel, join his email list, and find out all the book information at https://worldofgeoe.com

Book preview

Chapter 1—The Patio

Jumping dogs surrounded me as Tiberius sailed above me with his wings spread, and life was good. I am currently unattached and free from responsibilities, even as the impending battle to save Earth and my future as a druid leader looms ahead.

My bare feet sank into the damp earth as Rachel squirted me with the hose. The neighborhood dogs frolicked in the water flow with their joyful barks filling the late November air. Water fights in forty-five-degree temperature would irritate most people. However, Earth Power coursed through my veins, keeping my body temperature just right. My front yard had my car and two vehicles parked in it for washing. My competition orange Mustang and our two new motorcycles were ready for wax.

Leaping over Rachel’s bike, I tackled her to the ground, reveling in the physical connection we share. Not just any girl could handle such playful roughhousing, but Rachel is different. Strong as I am, she has trained me in martial arts, and together, we are an unstoppable team. Some might call us codependent with abandonment issues, but to us, we are inseparable. Laughter bubbles from Rachel’s lips as I aimed the hose at the side of her bathing suit, causing her to shriek with delight.

The dozen dogs and even a few neighborhood cats join in our water-soaked escapades, bounding around us in joy. Rachel pushed me off, her teeth chattering from the cold. I’m freezing, she exclaimed, her laughter ringing in the air. You need to create a circle now!

While she ran to turn off the water, I drew a circle in the grass. As a druid, circles were my primary source of power. As the Druid of the Spring Fey Court, their connection to the Fey Realm was even stronger. Rachel, in her role as the Bard of the Spring Fey Court, can use my circles without initiating them.

After retrieving a spare honeysuckle twig from my trunk, I created a six-foot diameter circle and a slightly larger one from the same center point. Though it was a chilly Georgia winter, my grass was vibrant green, and my southern elderberry trees bloomed early from my presence. I dared not initiate it with my power as sensors would pick it up, and the enemy would know where I lived.

Before long, my circle pulsed with power, warming the ground beneath us. My uninitiated circle containing magic still caught me off guard. The sunny sky and the earth’s warmth evoke the spirit of spring, casting a radiant smile across Rachel’s face. She practiced her minor powers, and no longer needed overt gestures or expressions.

Rachel and I are Realized, part of a select few who possess the spark and wield magic that normal people deem extraordinary. She specialized in the arts of the bard, while I, as a druid, draw strength from the Earth itself.

We dried off, and I cast Local Nature, a minor spell from my Earth Domain, allowing the spell to cleanse the front lawn of any remnants of soap or impurities.

Rebecca’s red convertible pulled into the driveway, its top sheltering her from the sun’s rays on this perfect day. The others didn’t have protection from the elements and considered forty degrees Fahrenheit cold. Three women emerged from the car, each bringing their energy to our fun scene.

Rebecca, the beautiful blonde who ended our relationship a few months prior, exuded elegance. Her golden hair cascaded around her face as she teased me. Parking cars on the grass, Corey? You are still high class.

Although I’m not high class, Rebecca hails from Old Virginia money, lending her an air of refined sophistication.

Madison, who used to look bohemian, now has a more conventional look, follows her. Recent events have affected her, a residual effect of our demon rescue mission from the previous week.

Finally, Nicole joined the group. We dated for a hot minute last week. Rachel, ever the optimist, still encouraged us to give it another try.

Rebecca’s gaze fell upon us, her laughter filling the air. What are you two up to? she exclaimed.

Sis, did you forget to mention the girl’s only meeting in Corey’s bedroom? Nicole joined in the laughter, her bronze highlights catching the sunlight with a mesmerizing glow. I tried not to let my eyes linger too long.

Oh, Corey, Rachel chimed in, her voice brimming with mirth. There’s a girl’s only meeting in your bedroom before our group gathering. She grabbed a towel and finished drying, her voice carried to the others. I told him.

Unable to contain myself, I joked, Well, if you four are taking over my bedroom, I’m calling it the Hot Girl’s Club! We laughed and joked like we were back in high school.

Everyone says you’re too big for your britches, and you prove it every time I see you, said Madison.

Pigskin! My next-door neighbor called for his dog.

With a simple mental command, I urged the dogs and cats to return home, avoiding any potential trouble. They all scampered away, their excited tails wagging as they ran home.

The four women made their way into my house as I moved the motorcycles and my car into the carport, preparing for our impending team meeting. Rebecca’s dirty red Audi appeared out of place next to my clean GT Mustang. I pulled the hose toward her car, ready to wash away its accumulated dirt, but Miles and Trish interrupted my actions.

Miles, with his red GT Mustang, had convinced Trish that they didn’t need to trade both their cars for SUVs. The couple had faced their fair share of challenges since Trish became pregnant, but their resilience impressed me.

I waved and greeted Trish, unable to resist a playful remark. Hey, Trish, you’re late for the Hot Girl’s Club meeting in my bedroom.

She chuckled, cradling her growing baby bump. Do I still count with this tummy?

I smirked. You’re hot enough for two!

Her laughter filled the air as she waddled toward the front door, Miles joining in the merriment.

Nathan and Wesley arrive in Nathan’s new white Beemer, a testament to Preacher Jon’s insistence that we upgrade our vehicles. Wesley still looked shook from yesterday’s gargoyle incident. I offered a warm smile, hoping to bring some comfort to him.

WE FOUR GUYS STROLLED back to my patio in the backyard, a realm unto itself where camaraderie and secrets intertwined like ancient vines. Sausage party on the patio! I jested.

We don’t get a lot of these, Nathan remarked, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Miles glanced around, admiring the landscaping I had crafted in the past week. Dude, you’ve done some work here. The patio and grass look great.

Grinning, I gestured towards the expanse before us. My patio, a circular island, surrounded by a strip of grass fifteen feet wide that curved along the side of the house, was our common hangout, even in winter. Beyond that, the backyard kept its natural woodland, a place of untamed beauty in the heart of the Southeast.

It’s the first time I’ve had since Spring, I said with a sigh. The last three months had been grueling, a relentless trial we should not have had to endure, but life seldom cared for our preferences. Instead of focusing on my problems, I found solace in keeping busy with any task that came my way. From lawn work to bulking up, I filled my days to escape, confronting the weight of unresolved matters.

I vaulted over the new rock wall that adorned my patio, replenishing the dwindling stack of wood next to the firepit. A black metal screen contained the dancing sparks, ensuring a safe and mesmerizing spectacle. I settled into one of my Adirondack chairs, facing the crafted wilderness inside my fence. Don Juan climbing roses adorned the wooden barrier, concealing it from the outside world, a private sanctuary of blooms.

With the sun gracing us, the temperature hovered just above forty degrees. Earth Power coursed through me, allowing me to tolerate the chill, but if company was to join, the firepit needed to warm the patio stones. The patio thermometer reported a comfortable sixty-five degrees.

Wesley positioned himself near the firepit, while Nathan prepared my grill with skill and precision. They spent their high school years as Matheletes, with impressive intellects and academic degrees, where my own talents were scarce. I knew where my strengths lay—love and combat, emotions and actions.

Miles seated himself beside Wesley. Hey, Wesley, Corey told me you experienced your first gargoyle banishing. How did it go?

Wesley’s response was hesitant, but he muttered, Fine. He appeared pale and withdrawn, the memory of the event still haunting him. The sight of an eight-foot-tall gargoyle with granite skin, razors for teeth, and three arms with foot-long claws lunging towards Wesley, threatening to escape and tear him apart, left him disturbed. I had been bored and didn’t notice he cowered and shook until I asked him if he enjoyed the show. It’s not like I didn’t have it under control.

Hey, Wesley. Rachel is with the Hot Girl’s Club in my bedroom. She’s eager to see you, I mentioned, hoping to bring some cheer into his troubled heart. He and Rachel were newly dating, navigating it together.

If you’re out here, claiming a bunch of hot girls are in your bedroom doesn’t earn you any credits, Nathan teased, turning his attention to the grill.

Wesley’s voice trembled as he spoke again, revealing a gift that seemed more like a curse. I—I know when everyone dies.

The revelation was chilling. Attempting to lighten the mood, I reassured him, Dude, it’s the first sign of your power manifesting. It’ll be exciting to see how you become fully Realized!

But his unease persisted. You die December nineteenth. Wesley shuddered, as if the weight of such knowledge pressed down on his shoulders. Everyone else except Rebecca is over ten years out, and she is December nineteenth too. Priests blast you with blue magic, while a man in a red shirt holds Rebecca, and another in a suit slashes her throat.

I knew who Red Shirt and Suit were and the fact they still lived was a worry for Rebecca and I. But now was not the time to think of me. I attempted to console him with a hint of humor. No worries, I have Suit and Red Shirt’s number.

Her death gurgle is so real. Wesley’s torment persisted.

Nice. Do you want your burger medium? asked Nathan. He pulled out a five-pound package of ground bison.

Corey, you’re screaming how much you love her while crawling to reach her until your skin melts. He started shaking again.

This was disturbing. Church magicians used blue lightning magic. When it hit you, it was like your skin caught fire and someone tried to put it out with a hammer. More disturbing was I still loved Rebecca, though I hid it well. I appreciated Nathan being on the ball and making Wesley comfortable with his new power. My feelings for Rebecca and Nicole were two of the items I hadn’t dealt with this week.

Wesley cried out, I can see alternatives to change this. If you walk back to the bedroom, you and Rebecca change dates to over a dozen choices, he said.

Before I could offer further solace, Rachel’s voice floated through the sliding glass door, calling me to join the gathering inside.

Swaggering playfully, I added, Looks like Rachel saved my life.

Nathan made a joke that he would still be afraid to join to the women, which caused us all to laugh.

He would know, since two of them were his sisters. Despite being cousins, they were raised as siblings from birth.

Chapter 2—The Ladies

As I passed through the sliding door, Rachel caught my hand, and we skipped like carefree children. In that simple touch, I felt a connection that completed me. Her joy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but join in her laughter. Our intense upper body workout this morning was long forgotten in the fun we had all day.

The ladies gathered inside the bedroom, sitting on my king-sized bed. Rebecca occupied her familiar spot, looking incredible in her tucked tan skirt. Rachel jumped up and sat next to her sister. Despite all the complex relationships and shared history, their bond was unbreakable.

Rachel wore jeans and a t-shirt, while Nicole dressed up to appear more festive. Memories of my past mistakes with Nicole surged back, as I yearned for a fresh chance with her.

The comforter on my bed, a tapestry of Old Donnie’s memories, served as a poignant reminder of the past. With love, Miss Kim crafted it, preserving Donnie’s legacy through patches of Southern Rock nostalgia.

Trish, the expectant mother, sat in the only chair in the room, her radiant smile lighting up the space. Beside her was Madison, the newest member of our circle, taking my old spot next to Rebecca, where we used to share intimate moments.

We are going to make your life easier if you can help us out, said Rebecca. She smiled like she read my mind about us kissing.

I was relieved they weren’t here to berate me for not dealing with my issues. You don’t need to promise anything. I’m alive because of multiple members of the Hot Girl’s Club. I would do anything for any of you. Rebecca, Rachel, and Nicole stood out most at the battle of Chattanooga.

Rebecca, usually composed and reserved, surprised me by taking the lead. We are a team. Stop calling us the Hot Girl’s Club. she declared.

Teasing banter filled the room as we lightened the mood, laughing and joking with each other. Don’t get him started or he’ll be riding a donkey to kiss a girl, teased Rebecca.

I don’t know why she made fun of me for that. That’s how she taught me how to shoot. Becoming serious, I alerted them to Wesley struggling with his Realized power, but the room got quiet.

Nicole put her arm around Rachel to soothe her, and Rebecca flinched. Realized powers were a sore topic with her. She knew I glimpsed her spark when I saved her life, but she wasn’t ready for the responsibility of being a Realized, and I left it out of my report. She promised to come with me to the battle, though she didn’t know why. Church magicians couldn’t use magic within twenty-five feet of her.

Rebecca steadied her face before anyone but I saw her and turned her attention back to me. This comes first. Corey, we want you to reconcile with Nicole. You both deserve a fresh start. Using my first name was a trick she used to get my attention.

The turmoil I ignored the past week came back to me. I appreciate the offer, but I need time to figure things out. I can’t ignore the hurt I caused Nicole and others.

Their laughter enveloped me, but this time, it felt different. Take the gift, Trish said. You can be with someone you adore.

I wasn’t quite ready. Whoa, slow your roll. Just last week, you said I needed to get my act together. You even said I couldn’t date either Rebecca or Nicole until it was. I promise, my act is still not together.

All five women laughed. That made me feel no better.

What was worse was Rebecca was my first choice.

I held Rachel close, seeking comfort in her embrace. The others didn’t blink an eye used to our need to connect.

It’s more than that, I confessed, the weight of my secrets pressing on me. You know, I have killed a lot of Dark Fey and gargoyles. But until Bishop Pedrotti, I never killed a human. I’ve been pretending like it never happened, but it’s... I couldn’t finish the sentence.

That explains why you’ve been working nonstop since the battle, said Rachel. She pulled her head back and looked at me, then leaned in and hugged me tight.

Their expressions turned serious, and Rebecca’s eyes locked with mine. We’ll help you through it all, Corey. But you need to face both your past and your feelings for Nicole.

Her use of my name twice in one conversation made it clear—this was a turning point. Tell me why, I implored, needing their guidance and support to navigate the tumultuous path ahead.

Rebecca stood firm, a blaze of determination in her eyes, ready for the confrontation ahead. They had practiced this moment.

She told how Preacher Jon is in a battle with other territories over his grandchildren marrying and producing druids. The Delta Territory is showing a strong interest in Nicole. We cannot let this happen; a lover’s dispute should not cause her to become someone’s property.

This was bad news. We all had horrible luck when we shirked our responsibilities. Nicole ignored the threats of how she was one of four people who could produce the next generation of druids. I avoided confronting my emotions and now they’re staring me in the face.

I glanced at Nicole, my mind wandering to the earring that shielded my thoughts from the empathic gaze of the church’s seekers. Even now, as I blocked any stray emotions concerning Rebecca, I couldn’t help but feel a connection with Nicole. Her strength as an empath meant we could communicate through an unspoken thought, shielded from prying ears. I mustered my courage and thought, Be honest with me, without words. If you wish to pretend to date for the sake of safety, I will do anything for you.

A tear glistened in her eyes as she nodded and moved to my side, kneeling beside Rachel and me. Nicole leaned over her sister, planting a soft kiss on my lips, and whispered, If you’d do anything for me, then let’s give dating another chance.

In a moment of weakness, I locked eyes with Nicole and lost myself in the gray mist.

Two more things, Rebecca interjected, and her voice broke through the fog, pulling me back to the present. I am giving up my chance to rekindle our relationship because losing a friend would devastate me. Having friends is something new to me, and though it pains me, I can’t bear to lose Nicole. Corey, are you listening?

She used my name for the third time. I tore myself away from Nicole’s gaze, my heart aching at Rebecca’s words. We had been so close to getting back together, and the love we shared still tugged at my heartstrings every night I lay in bed alone.

Wait, there’s one more thing the Hot Girl’s Club must help with, I declared. Nicole has spent the past eight years seeking justice for her parents’ killer, and Bishop Pedrotti’s death has now left a void she might end up filling with me.

You’re right, Trish concurred, adding her support along with Madison.

Frustrated and emotional, Rebecca wiped a tear from her eye. Damn it. Why do you have to make everything so difficult? We will assist you in recognizing the difference between killing in warfare and murder, work through your abandonment issues, and help Nicole heal from the void caused by Pedrotti being brought to justice.

That should be enough for you, Rachel stated, delivering a playful punch to my right arm.

I rubbed my arm and surrendered to the inevitable truth. Yes, I’m willing to rekindle the relationship with Nicole.

Rachel stood and pulled me up, then led Nicole away from my bed. You two share an actual kiss, and let’s see if the spark is back.

Stepping forward, Nicole took my left hand and pulled me close. Her presence enveloped me, and I let my right hand play with her hair as we leaned in. Our lips met, exploring each other, the memories of our first kiss in Chattanooga intermingling with visions of us swinging on the cabin porch. My worries about fatherhood came to the front with the image of us on the cabin holding toddlers.

Miles interrupted, knocking on the wall and poking his head in. Are you already kissing someone? I thought you promised to take it slow for a few months.

I had shared the visions with Nicole through her Realized empathy powers, and she knew the depths of my inner struggle.

Chill out, Miles, Rachel said with a hint of amusement. These ladies call him Sexy Pecs Norwood behind his back. He can’t help himself.

Madison giggled playfully. Miles, you may be the only one who could break up that kiss.

Miles teased back. Why do you guys look at Corey first? I’m stable and sensible. He’s an emotional disaster.

Trish smiled and said, Miles, do you need to ask why women fall for rebellious, rule-breaking bad boys with a heart of gold?

Yes! he conceded, a playful glint in his eyes as he offered her a hand to help her stand. Oh well, Preacher Jon is here, and it’s time for the meeting.

Nicole attempted to move past me, but my heart couldn’t bear the thought of letting her go just yet. We were both driven by an intense passion, a fervor that seemed to beckon us to change the very fabric of the world. Hold on, I said, grasping her hand. Let’s announce this with a flourish! Love, the most potent force in the universe, deserves a celebration.

In response to my words, Nicole wrapped her arms around my shoulders, and with a playful grace, she lifted one leg adorned with a tan kitten heel. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she questioned, The most powerful force, you say?

Without a moment’s hesitation, I scooped Nicole up into my arms, and her laughter filled the air as she wrapped herself around me, planting a tender kiss on my lips. I navigated us through the hallway, leading to the dining room, where the dark hardwood floors spread before us. With every step, the world seemed to blur. All that mattered was her presence in my arms.

We stumbled through the doorway, and with the warm evening breeze embracing us, Nicole seized my head, locking me in an ardent kiss. I got overwhelmed, and we stumbled through the open patio doors.

Looking out for us, Rachel caught us, her laughter blending with the atmosphere of love and excitement. Only she or Miles possessed the strength to save us from an awkward fall. We settled by the crackling fire pit, and Nicole found her place on my lap. You were right, she whispered softly. That was awesome.

Nicole had a thing for me since middle school. After high school, she stayed single and focus on avenging her parents’ killer. Her empathetic power became her biggest weapon.

I had endured solitary battles against formidable foes, such as gargoyles, honing my skills relentlessly. Even CJ of The Tribe, renowned as the toughest individual we had ever encountered, acknowledged me as a killer, a force to be reckoned with. My friends didn’t say it, but they all knew I was Killer Corey.

Our love would burn bright, and I looked forward to it helping me through the tough times ahead.

THE PATIO, BATHED IN sunshine, was alive with energy as Preacher Jon stood next to Nathan, who grilled. Laughter and chatter filled the air, intermingling with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meats and veggies.

Everyone, Nicole’s voice resonated with playful excitement, brace yourselves. I prepared to be passionate with Corey, and his thoughts are all about enjoying a ton of passion in his life. We may be the crazy couple!

Miles couldn’t resist a teasing remark, rolling his eyes with a mischievous grin. May...

Sensing Nathan’s exasperation, I turned my attention to him. He was Nicole’s older brother and not fond of public displays of affection. Let’s divert our focus back to Corey’s backyard, he suggested.

Tiberius, the majestic hawk, descended and perched on the railing. Tiberius had become a beloved member of our gatherings, and his arrival always drew attention. Nathan, would you mind placing a piece of meat on the railing for Tiberius?

Nathan complied, offering the hawk a generous chunk of meat. As Tiberius savored his treat, Nathan’s voice carried an intriguing piece of history. "Did you know two thousand years ago, druids raided Rome and claimed the life of Emperor Tiberius’ son? The emperor’s grief