Chapter 15

ASTOR

Spending the day away from that haunted place is just what the doctor ordered. I have a lot of work to catch up on and honestly Spells Hollow creeps me the fuck out.

Packing up my laptop and charger, I grab my wallet and slip my shoes on. I need a change of scenery, and it's lunch time.

I'm hoping to have wifi at the diner. If not then I'll use my hotspot. I have to finish these dispositions and allocate a proxy in my place.

I'm going to have to return soon. I only took a few weeks of vacation.

Leaving my room, I check both ways out of habit, then run across the road to the diner. The bells jingle as I enter and the smell of pot roast hits me in the face like a mallet.

My stomach complains as I take a seat at the counter. The kid from the gas station, Jordan, is there and he gives me a fist bump.

"Hey, Astor, right?" I nod and grab a menu. Liv is in the corner, talking to some people.

They have a map and I have a feeling they are people looking for Spells Hollow.

Good luck to them. If I had my way I'd avoid that place.

"I saw your brother and Wynter this morning. They grabbed some snacks. Said they would be at Spells Hollow all day. Why didn't you go with them?" he asks, then slurps on a strawberry milkshake.

"Had work to do."

"I still can't believe she's crazy enough to want to renovate that place and move there. It's not worth it. Honestly people don't stay there for long or they never return."

"Yeah, that place was freaky, but I can't argue with Wynter. She's always been stubborn and used to turning a dump into a diamond," I mutter while picking something to eat.

The pot roast calls to me, but I think I want something lighter. Maybe I'll get it to go and reheat it for dinner.

The room has a stove, even if it is outdated.

"Yeah, well don't invite me to any parties or housewarmings. I like you guys, but you won't catch me ten feet from that place."

He gets quiet and dips a fry in his shake. I feel like there is more to the story there, but Ruth chooses that moment to interrupt.

I order a crispy chicken sandwich with a side of fries and a milkshake. Jordan convinced me.

"Oh, also a water. Thanks."

Ruth walks off toward the kitchen, and I turn my attention back to Jordan. His eyes are cloudy, and he looks sad.

"You okay?"

Shaking his head, he sighs. "Yeah, I was just thinking about the last time I was in Spells Hollow. I was young and dumb and lost someone."

Tossing some cash on the counter, he grabs his ball cap and puts it on his head. "I'll see ya later man. I have a shift at the station."

Pushing his chair away, he stands and walks away.

Ruth comes over with my water and sighs.

"That boy has too much heaviness on his soul. Your food will be up soon," she mumbles, placing my drink down, then goes back to check on her other customers.

I don't know why this place has so many booths and tables. I doubt it's even been at full capacity once.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I groan. I was hoping to at least eat something before people began bugging me again.

"Okay, Don, that's it. I'll email all the documents over to you, and have my secretary set up a meeting for us to video chat."

"Video? You won't be at the office? I am paying you good money to represent me!"

Biting my tongue, I explain when I will be back in Texas, then end the call. Tossing my phone onto the bed, I raise my arms into the air and stretch.

My neck is killing me, and I could use a hot tub again. Standing, I open up the curtain and laugh when I see it's dark.

I worked all day, and everyone should be back soon. I wonder how it went today.

I still don't understand magic and witches and shit, but my brother is in love with Wynter, and I don't see that changing.

Hell, I can see the appeal. She's always been gorgeous and back in college she was the sweet girl next door.

Lights shine down the road before pulling into the parking lot.

Looks like they are back. Wynter climbs out of my truck first. Rus is there in a blink to take her hand, and he kisses her knuckles.

She says something to him, and he tosses his head back laughing. Sin climbs out next, shaking his head.

They all have smiles on their faces and for the first time in a long time, I feel left out.

The guys walk across the street to the diner, but Wynter comes to my door. She waves at me, and I drop the curtain.

Shit. I didn't mean to act like some peeping Tom.

Opening the door, I step back so she can enter the room.

"Hey," she says with a smile. "How was your day?"

I shrug and move toward the bed, fixing the pillows and moving my laptop off the mattress, so she has a place to sit.

"Busy, but I got a lot done. How did renovating go?"

Closing the door behind her, she slips off her shoes and unzips her hoodie, taking it off and placing it over a chair by the kitchenette.

Wearing just a pair of leggings and a cropped band shirt, she's never looked hotter.

Her curves alone could make a saint drool.

"Honestly it was crazy. Rus had his family help us, and a lot of secrets were revealed… which is why I'm here."

"Well that sounds ominous," I say, waving my hand at the spot on the bed. Sitting she groans, then fluffs up some pillows and makes herself comfortable.

"I have a lot going on, Astor, and I know you have an insanely busy job back in Texas. One you worked your ass off in college for, but according to my future you're here with me in Spells Hollow…"

Grunting she places her head in her hands and groans.

"Rus is a Fae, I'm a witch and I'm going to be having a baby in about seven months. I need to break my family's curse before my baby comes. Will you help me?"

Looking up at me, I can see the stress in her eyes and how tired she seems.

I don't know what possesses me to say yes, but I do. As soon as the words leave my lips she sits a little taller and releases a big breath.

I know I have a million things on my plate, and I'd rather eat nails then live in Spells Hollow, but there's just something that feels right about staying and helping her.

Maybe she's put a spell on me.

WYNTER

I can't believe he said yes. I thought for sure he would freak out, laugh, and leave this place faster than his truck tires could move.

"Really? You will stay here with me… Us?" I need clarification. Astor is the one who's always put his job before anything else.

"Yes, but I have a condition."

"Okay…"

"We must have a pool and a hot tub. Sin and I talked about it on the drive here. Our next place would have an inground pool with a spa."

"Um, I think I can do that. We have to finish fixing the yard first though."

Astor licks his lips, distracting me for a moment and all I can picture is him shirtless and wet, stepping out of the pool.

His washboard abs dripping…

Damn. My panties are soaked at the thought, and my nipples are hard. The small barbells I'm wearing today rub against my bra, and I groan.

"You okay?" he asks, his dark brows furrowing.

I nod and discreetly rub my thighs together.

"I'm…" Clearing my throat, I continue, "I'm fine. Exhausted, but okay. Thank you for staying to help me and my family."

I still don't know what exactly has to happen to break this curse, but I felt a shift today. The potion helped, but we still have a long way to go.

Hopefully tomorrow we can finish renovations downstairs, then work our way to the upper floors.

I want to turn the attic into our master bedroom and use the second floor for the kids.

Kids, God. I never thought I'd say that, but these visions have shown me with four babies now. A dream I never expected to come true.

"Did you want to watch a movie or something?" Astor asks, pointing toward his laptop.

"Yeah, but fair warning, I may pass out and drool on you a little bit."

Laughing he takes the seat next to me and sets up the movie. Placing the laptop at the foot of the bed he gets comfortable, then lifts his arm, offering me a place to put my head.

"I mean if you want to. I won't bite," he grunts, and I smile.

Gently moving my head, I lay on his chest as he lowers his arm, pulling me tighter to him. He's warm and smells amazing.

I can't help myself. Taking a small sniff I softly moan and snuggle in closer. The sounds of his even breathing relax me, and soon my eyelids are fighting to stay open.

"Mommy. Where are you?" Summer shouts for me and I cover my mouth, hiding my giggles.

Hide and seek is a game all the kids love playing, but Summer cheats. She likes to create portals and hide somewhere not in the house.

I scold her, but her father finds it delightful and brilliant, so she continues to do it. One of the twins kick me and I must groan too loud.

"I found you, Mama," August squeals, opening the closet door, giving me a toothy smile. He throws himself into my legs, squeezing me tight.

"You did, sweet boy. Now, how about we go find Daddy?"

Taking my hand we wander through the house, checking the closets and Auggie pops his head under the bed.

I can't see Astor squeezing under the beds, but try convincing a three year old of that?

"Hmm. Your father is a tricky one. How about we let him sit for a bit longer and go have a snack? Mommy's hungry."

"Can we have choco berries, pweaseeee," he begs, batting his lashes at me.

Ugh, I melt.

"Yes, baby."

"How long has she been asleep?" someone whispers, pulling me from my nap.

"Almost the whole movie. She said she was tired," Astor grunts, and I sigh, squeezing him tighter.

"I am so jealous, brother, but I'm glad she's comfortable with you," Sin grumbles, and I open my eyes.

"Bed is big enough for three. Get in and shut up. It's sleep time," I mumble, then close my eyes again.

I don't know if he climbed in behind me, but when I wake up the pillow smells like his leather and musk scent.

"What do you mean we have to drive three hours to get groceries? Wynter, you can't be serious about staying here?" Astor grumbles the next morning.

He woke up pissy and I don't know why. I had the best night's sleep and laughed when I found Cirrus inside a small tent on the floor.

I guess he felt left out. I'm still mad at him for hiding shit from me, but he is the father to my baby, so I'll let him off the hook for now.

Plus he has a huge cock.

One that's dangerous, and I need to avoid for the time being. Even if my hormones are sky high at the moment.

Maybe it's a Fae pregnancy thing. I am in a constant state of arousal.

"Yes, well I'm sorry that the place my family was cursed at is out in the middle of nowhere. But I refuse to bring my daughter into this world cursed like I was. She is going to find love if it damn well kills me," I grumble, then cross my arms over my chest.

My nipples hurt, and I had to take my piercings out.

"Plus we need more than food. I can only conjure so much. Do you know how much magic it takes to make sure you have a pool and a hot tub? I might need the coven to pop in and help me…"

Oh shit. I need to call my mother and tell her about the baby. Ugh. I really don't wanna though.

"If you'd rather stay here I can take her, brother," Sin speaks up, and Astor grumbles something about it being his truck and him being left out again.

"No, I'll take her tomorrow," he finally concedes and I smile.

New undies here I come.

As we walk toward the house, I can instantly tell that we accomplished something yesterday.

The grass is starting to grow in random places and the house looks more alive. I know it's not a real thing, but it looks more polished, awake.

"You still need to fix the porch," I grumble, looking at Cirrus.

"Yes, my love frog, I will do that after we replace the siding. Do you know what color you want yet?"

"If I may cut in," Astor says, all proper as if he's in court right now and needs to object.

I bit my lip, trying not to giggle and wait for him to speak. Oh he's seriously asking me a question.

"Yes?"

"I think we should stick with the natural wood. We can add some stone features in the front if you want, but to replace a cabin manor with siding feels almost sacrilegious."

I think about what he said then nod.

"I do like the wood, and stone would be very pretty. We could also make the backyard area stone and maybe add a little pond by the Willow tree once it's healed."

My mind begins to swirl with creativity and all of the things we can do to this large piece of land. I find I'm getting excited about the future and what may happen.

"Okay wood it is? What kind?" Cirrus asks, writing things down in the small notebook he always has with him. "The structure is sturdy, but we will need to replace the rotted parts and add insulation into the walls."

Damn he sounds so hot right now. Putting the pen behind his ear, he licks his lips and I need a taste.

"Stop looking at me like that, my little horny spider."

Taking a deep breath, I shake my head of my lustful thoughts and smile.

"Must be the pregnancy. I swear I have wanted to jump all of you four times this morning," I mumble, then gasp at my lack of filter.

Astor coughs, and Sin looks at me. His gray eyes are darker, and I know if I laid down right now on the ground, offering myself to him, like a feast, he wouldn't let me escape his clutches until I came all over his face and cock.

"Fuck, Cirrus, you and your damn Fae sperms needs to stay far away from me," I grumble, then leave them in the yard, watching my ass sway as I rush inside and plop down on the sofa.

Arnie laughs, and I cover my firey cheeks with my hands. I haven't ever shied away from sex, but damn I think I'm in trouble.

Glancing at my flat belly, I gently rub it and sigh. "You're going to get Mommy into trouble, little bean."