The next morning, Storm told Luke she was going over to the old woman's house to start her training. Luke said he would drop her off on the way in as he had to call the office to check and see how things were going with the business.

The first thing the old woman did was emphasize to Storm that what she learned was not to be used to harm anyone intentionally. She added that what she would be learning would be to protect others. They reviewed each spell and potion till Storm knew exactly what to do. Then she brought out a wand with a clear crystal on the tip of it. She told Storm it would be the tool she would use to fight Ergesh. Storm just looked at it thinking, "This is all I am using?" She took a deep breath. The old woman then said all her energy would come through wand. Storm held it in her hand, the crystal beginning to glow brightly.

"See how much natural energy you have? Imagine how it will be when you call on the elements."

Storm couldn't begin to fathom the power she had. But she understood that she would have to learn mentally how to handle that energy; to use it as it was meant to be used.

"Yes, it will be hard at first. You will have to train in your mind how, where, and how much. That will be the hardest part."

Storm was beginning to get a headache just thinking about it. The old woman took her to the backyard. "I want you to take your wand and draw a circle around you." Storm did as she was told. It didn't look much like a circle. "Okay, not bad for the first time. With practice you'll be able to do it with no effort."

She then had Storm draw the 4 cardinal points inside the circle, showing how they were to intersect and touch the outer circle. Each point represented a compass direction. East was Air; South was Fire; West was Water; and North was Earth. She had her stand in the middle of it.

"This is where you will be when the time comes. All the elements will intersect on the spot where you stand, merge with your natural energy, and then come from the wand. Whatever element you think of will come into the middle through you and then through the wand. So be very careful what you call for."

Storm could feel it even now. The old woman could see Storm was ready to take a break. They went inside and had a cup of herbal tea. "Granny, while I was in the circle, I felt a slight burning sensation on my thigh where the mark is at. What does that mean?"

It just means that there is that much energy in you."

After their break, the old woman took Storm to her bedroom. There were books of all kinds around the room. The old woman took a ragged-looking book from the shelf. The book contained the birth dates of everyone that had been born in the area; some of the dates going back as far as the 1600's.

"This book was handed down through many generations. It contains the names of everyone ever born here."

She turned to the middle of the book, showing Storm her family tree. As they looked at the names, Storm happened to notice that at one point, the lineage stopped, then started again. Storm was puzzled. "What happened here?"

The old woman hadn't wanted to tell but knew the time would come when eventually she would have to find out. "The reason it stopped was because the name that should have been there was stricken from the book."

"Who was it?"

"It was Julianna, or Ergesh, who was your cousin."

Storm looked at her. "I'm to fight my own cousin?"

"Yes. That is why you are going to have to be strong, Storm. If she ever finds out, she will do everything she can to mess with your mind. Do not ever let her enter your thoughts. If she sees what you are thinking, a lot of innocent people will be hurt. Your sisters, and Luke, would be the first she would go after."

The old woman thought it best to call it a day. Luke came by to see how things were going, having taken care of business over the phone. Storm said she was through for the day.

Chapter 24

When they got to the house, supper was just being put on the table. While riding, Luke sensed something was wrong. Storm had held on to him a little tighter than usual, as if afraid. Joy could see Storm was pre-occupied as she didn't eat much, mainly picking at her food. Finally Storm got up and went out on the porch. Luke was going to join her but Joy said she would talk with her.

"What's wrong, Storm?"

Storm had tears welling up in her eyes. She wanted to tell but wondered would it be wise to do so. "Joy, were you and Felicia ever told anything about a prophecy?"

"Prophecy? No."

Storm told her about the mark on her thigh and what it meant, about her being the "chosen one." Joy shook her head. She then told of the banishment of Ergesh and the dream of the old woman, that Ergesh would be set free. Storm went on to say that she was the one to have to fight her.

"Granny had a book that contained names of everybody born since the 1600's. Our lineage had stopped and started again. Joy, Ergesh is the one that's missing from our family tree. She is the one I will have to fight." She was shaking. Joy put her arm around her.

"I have to be careful. If she ever sees I'm thinking about you or Felicia, she'll try to use you and possibly harm you. The guys would be in danger too. I don't want anything to happen to any of you. I would rather die than see any harm come to any of you."

"Does Luke know this?"

"I haven't told him yet. I don't know if I should."

"You love him a lot, don't you?"

"Yes, Joy, I love him."

"Tell him. He does have a right to know."

Storm got up and walked toward the small garden. Joy went back inside. Zach and the others saw the look of concern on her face.

"Is Storm okay?" Luke asked.

Joy shook her head no. Luke went outside and saw her by the garden. Felicia asked what was wrong. When Joy told her, Felicia got a stunned look on her face. Bo and Zach were lost. Prophecy, chosen one, banishment, fighting - what next? It was like being in the Twilight Zone.

Luke went over to Storm, putting his arms around her. Storm leaned against him.

"What's the matter?" Luke turned her to him and tilted her face up. He saw tears coming from her eyes. "Can't you tell me? I want to know. Does it concern us? What?"

Storm nodded her head. "It concerns you, my sisters, everyone."

"Tell me."

"It was after Granny had told me what my powers were and how to use them. She took me to her room and pulled out a rather ragged looking book. She said it contained the names of everyone ever born here over the past 300 years. She showed me our family tree. At one point the lineage stopped, then started again. I asked why the blank space. She told me that a name was stricken from the book. I asked who it was. Granny told me."

Luke was beginning to understand what Storm was saying. The missing person was the same person who was banished and who she would have to face.

"Granny also told me that if Ergesh saw my thoughts were on you or the others, she would try to use that to her advantage and even try to harm all of you. I don't want that to happen. I love you too much."

Luke held her tight against his chest, resting his cheek against her head. He felt her body shake. Tilting her face up, he put his lips tenderly on hers. They held each other, not saying a word.

Bo and Zach were still in a state of confusion. This was turning into some vacation. They saw the both of them come in and go to her room. Felicia made a suggestion that perhaps they could go for a ride, maybe down by the beach then go to the guys' cabin. They all thought that was a good idea.

When they entered her room, they both undressed each other, tenderly touching each other's bodies. Luke pulled her hips against his, his hardening desire pressing against her. Laying her on the bed, his lips roamed her body, making her shudder everywhere he kissed her. Storm ran her hands over his body, making him suck in his breath as she held his shaft. She guided him in her, Luke raising her hips to go deeper in her. Both moved as one, neither wanting it to end.

Storm called his name as she came, Luke burying his face in her hair as he released. Both were heaving as he lay beside her. Storm lay in the crook of his arm, her eyes closed. Luke pulled her closer, putting his leg protectively over her.

"You shouldn't have to fight alone. There has to be a way."

Chapter 25

The moon was out. The two couples were sitting on the sand, the girls resting their heads on the guys' chests.

Zach turned and kissed Joy on the forehead. He was thinking of what she had said, to let go of the past. When he had lost his wife, he thought he would never find anyone like her again. Then he met Joy. In some ways, she was a lot like his first wife, but that was not the reason he was starting to get deep feelings for her. He knew he had to get on with his life. Joy was the perfect woman to help him.

Bo was holding Felicia tightly to him. He had always been reserved, not having much to say. When he had first seen Felicia, he knew there was something about her that was different, and it wasn't what she had told him about her being a witch. He had seen a bubbly personality that was slowly bringing him out of his shell. Witch or not, Bo was thankful for having met Felicia.

Joy could see the desire in Zach's eyes. She nodded her head yes. They got on the bike and rode back to the cabin. Felicia looked in Bo's eyes. It spoke louder than words ever could. They also went to the cabin. As soon as the couples were there, they each went to their rooms.

As Bo closed the door to his room, he began unbuttoning his shirt. Felicia was already taking hers off. Then she helped him off with his. Slowly they undressed each other, falling on the bed as soon as the last piece fell. Felicia ran her hands over Bo's body as he was kissing hers, ending up at the triangle of auburn curls. Felicia groaned as she felt herself spiral upward. As he kissed his way back up, her fingers went up and down his shaft. Bo sucked in his breath. Felicia guided him in. Bo moved with her, going deeper in her. Growling noises came from his chest as he released, Felicia biting his shoulder. Bo stayed on top of her for several minutes as his body stopped shaking, Felicia wrapping her arms around his neck.

Zach was busy undressing Joy, kissing her all the while. Then he undressed himself, Joy's eyes filling with desire at seeing his body. He pushed Joy onto the bed, kissing her all over, leaving nothing untouched. Joy climaxed over and over. Zach rolled onto his back, putting Joy on top of him. Joy kissed Zach as he had done her. When she took him in, Zach tangled his fingers in her hair. "Baby, don't stop!" he moaned. She felt him become tense, his body shaking as he raised his hips, spilling in her mouth. Joy came up beside him, lying in the crook of his arm. Zach looked at her, "I love you." Joy kissed him, her fingers lightly touching his cheek. "I love you, too." They both closed their eyes.

Chapter 26

Luke woke up feeling an empty space beside him. He saw the indention in the pillow, the light scent of rose drifting in his nose. Then the conversation of last night came to him. He had finally found the woman he had so often dreamed of only to learn he could lose her because of what she was destined to do. He couldn't lose her. Whatever he had to do, he wasn't going to have her die, even if he had to die himself.

He arose, smelling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. He found her at the table sipping a cup. They looked at each other, her eyes telling him more than words ever could. She got up and poured him a cup, then fixed him some bacon and eggs. He put his arms around her. "Storm, I can't lose you. I love you too much."

For the next three weeks their relationship deepened. Most nights they were content just to hold each other. On other nights their lovemaking was full of passion, as if they couldn't get enough.

Luke told her he was going to have to return and take care of some business, but he would return as soon as possible. He told Bo and Zach it wasn't necessary for them to go. He left his bike behind, having Zach and Joy drive him to the nearest airport. Luke and Storm held each other.

Storm continued her lessons and kept busy at the bookstore. The nights were long. She missed Luke and the feel of him beside her. She hoped he would return soon.

Luke went to work as soon as he arrived, wanting to get back as fast as possible. The nights were long without her. He would dream of her body, the scent of her hair, the softness of her kiss. When he had a free moment, he would walk down the street, his mind always on her. He happened to pass a jewelry store and saw a ring in the window. He went in and asked the man to show him. It was a beautiful gold band with a cluster of diamonds that shined, reminding him of Storm's eyes. He bought it, intending on his return to ask Storm to marry him.

One day she woke up not feeling well. She passed it off as just a minor touch of the flu. As she looked in the mirror her body looked different, her breasts fuller and her hips more rounded. She went in to work and busied herself with a new shipment of books. While opening the boxes she began to feel dizzy and nauseous again. She went to the bathroom in the back. After 15 minutes she came out. Felicia saw her looking pale and made her sit.

The old woman came in for her usual cup of coffee. Felicia told her about Storm. The old woman looked her over. "You have all the signs of being pregnant." Storm just looked at her. "Pregnant!?" "Yes," she said. "Judging by the way your body looks, you're at least one month along." Storm put her head in her hands. She knew Luke loved her, but what would he think now. So many things ran through her mind. She closed her eyes and prayed for Luke to hurry back.

In the lab, the man was testing the sample of the rock. He noticed that the silver in the rock appeared to be a liquid. This was definitely not normal. He poured some of the liquid onto a slide and put it under a microscope. He noticed traces of a substance he had never seen before. He looked in his book of known elements finding no match. This was perplexing. What could it be?

While he was sitting there, the liquid began going off the slide. It seemed to have a mind of its own. He was curious. His car keys happened to be nearby. He went to move his keys but he was too late. The liquid touched the keys and molded itself around one of them. He got a cloth to wipe off the liquid. It wouldn't come off.

When he touched it, he felt a searing heat go through his fingers and up his arm. He yelled. He tried to get the key out of his hand but it stuck to his fingers. As if on command, he went to his truck and drove. Going directly to the rock, a keyhole magically appeared. He tried to fight it but it was no use. His hand inserted the key. Immediately the rock came open. Ergesh appeared. "Finally, after 300 years, I'm free!"

She looked at the man, who was in a daze. Raising her hand, she forced him to look at her palm. He put his hands to his head; the pain was driving him crazy. Then he rolled his eyes into his head and fell to the ground. Ergesh pondered her next move. It was payback time, but where to start. She knew things had changed since she had been banished.

The old woman began to collapse. Joy and Felicia caught her before she fell. "What's the matter, Granny?" Storm asked. The old woman was breathing fast. It had finally happened. "We have no time to lose, child. Ergesh is free. Time is drawing near. She will be looking for someplace to start, so be wary of anyone you don't recognize."

After the old woman left, Storm decided it was best to go back to the house. The girls closed up the store and coffee shop and went home.

Chapter 27

Luke was anxious to get back. All the way on the plane he thought of holding her, of making love to her. He felt his shirt pocket for the tiny box.

Bo picked him up at the airport. On the way to girls' house Bo could see Luke was nervous about something. "What are you nervous about? Can't wait to see Storm, can you?"

"Is it that apparent?" Pulling the tiny box out of his shirt, he opened it. "I know it may be sudden, but I'm going to ask Storm to marry me."

"Wow! That's some ring!" was all Bo could say.

In no time they were there. The girls had cooked a special welcome home dinner. When Felicia saw Bo with a big grin on his face, she pulled him to the side to ask what was up. Bo told her, saying not to say a word or act like she knew. Felicia smiled and nodded.

Storm stood in the middle of the room waiting on him to come in. As soon as he entered she had her arms around his neck, Luke holding her tight. The other couples excused themselves. After dinner they went out to the small garden. Zach had wondered why Bo was smiling all through dinner. Bo finally told him and Joy what Luke was planning to do. The two were all smiles.

A full moon was out, the light shining down on the both of them. He caressed her face, his lips on hers. Storm held on to his shirt. "I missed you so much," Storm said when they parted. "I missed you too." For some minutes not a word was said. He finally got up the courage to ask. Taking her over to the garden swing, he had her sit. Storm saw he was nervous about something. "What's wrong, Luke?"

Never in his life had Luke been so worried about the right words to say. Luke took a deep breath and got down on one knee. "Storm, you are the woman I have so often dreamed of. You showed me you cared more about how I feel than anyone I have ever known." Bringing the box out of his shirt and opening it, he looked into her eyes. "Will you marry me?"

Storm saw the ring. She gasped. Then she looked at Luke. Never would she have thought he would ever ask her to marry him. Luke was holding her hand, waiting for her answer. "Yes, I'll marry you." Luke slipped the ring on her finger. He picked her up and whirled her around, kissing her the whole time. He carried her back to the house. As soon as they entered, the other couples saw the biggest grin on Luke's face. "I take it she said yes," Bo said with raised brows. Bo and Zach each shook his hand.

The girls saw how Storm's face was lit up. They went over and looked at her ring. They hugged her. Felicia went to the kitchen and brought out some wine and glasses. They drank a toast to the happy couple. Storm and Luke looked at each other, seeing what was on each other's mind. Without another word, they went to her room.

As soon as the door was closed, they undressed each other. Falling back on the bed, fingers and lips explored till they could no longer wait. Raising her hips, he entered her, both of them sighing as he slowly moved in her. Storm shook as she climaxed, Luke following shortly after. For several minutes they laid there, their breathing slowly returning to normal. Storm nestled close to him and soon fell asleep.

Luke lightly ran his fingers over her body. There was something different about her. The way her skin felt, the way it glowed. She looked even more beautiful now than when he left. Holding her even closer, he soon joined her.

Chapter 28

Ergesh disguised herself as a traveler just passing through. As she went through the town she took note of how the town was. Things had certainly changed since she was banished. She did notice though the town had a library. That would be the first place she would begin.

Storm woke up looking at Luke as he slept. She knew she should tell him of her pregnancy, but once he knew about Ergesh on the loose, he would do everything to prevent her from facing her. She couldn't tell him, not yet.

Storm couldn't help but run her fingers over his tattoos. They fascinated her. Perhaps she would try to get one later on. As her fingers neared his cheek, a hand closed over hers, a pair of lips kissing the palm of her hand. Storm started to get up.

"Don't get up, not yet," Luke said, nuzzling her neck, his hands roaming over her body, loving how her skin felt. Storm couldn't resist as she began running her hands across his back and then down to his backside, massaging his cheeks. He slid into her, Storm loving the feel of him inside her. Soon they were moving to the same rhythm, climaxing together.

Luke was going to get up but she told him to stay there. Storm put on her robe and after cleaning up she went to the kitchen to fix him breakfast. The other couples were at the table. Joy and Felicia had told Bo and Zach of Storm's pregnancy.

"Have you told him he's to be a father?" Joy asked.

"No, I haven't yet. But none of you are to tell him either."

"Why?" Zach asked with a puzzled look.

"I know what he will do. Right now, I have to have my mind on what I'm doing. So please, none of you tell him. I'll tell him when this is over."

Storm looked at them with pleading in her eyes. They reluctantly agreed not to tell. Storm fixed a tray and took it in to him.

Ergesh was busy looking at records the library kept. Since the ones who banished her were already dead, she was looking at the names to see which families were still alive? She found a few names, but saw that most of them had moved away. She wrote down the names of those that were close by. It was going to take time, but she vowed to get them. Ergesh failed to notice the names of a particular family tree.

The old woman was watching her every move in her mind. She saw Ergesh write down the names of those she found. Then she noticed Ergesh overlooked the one family tree she should have looked at. This might prove to be her undoing.

After Luke had eaten, Storm told him she was going to the old woman's house for a while. Kissing him goodbye, she took the car. As soon as she arrived, the old woman was waiting for her.

"She is here Storm. I saw her checking out the records at the library. She found names of several families, but she overlooked your family tree. This just could be her undoing. Have you told Luke yet? I know he's back."

"No, I haven't. I want to be able to do what I have to do without him taking the chance of getting hurt."

"Will you be able to handle it?"

"Yes, I believe I can."

"Then we had better prepare for the confrontation. Perhaps we can surprise her."

Part 5

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