Chapter 3

Beck stopped dead in his tracks as a amazing pair of long legs slid out of the BMW that had just pulled into the yard. He leaned against the door frame leading from the kitchen to the porch and watched as a equally spectacular body joined those legs in the sunlight. With a slight tilt of his head, he watched as she straightened the skirt of her dress. She ran her fingers through her long, black hair and checked her red painted lips in the car's side mirror. He was well aware that he was staring but couldn't seem to force his eyes to blink.

His gaze followed her as she made her way to where the others were gathering for the ritual. His lips parted slightly and his vision seemed to blur out everything around him other than the sway of her hips as she walked, no glided, across the yard. He rubbed a hand over his short hair. With a lopsided grin plastered to his face, he turned to head back into the kitchen.

"Enjoying the view?"

"S**t," Beck stumbled back a step, "Don't sneak up on me like that, Fallon."

"I wasn't sneaking," Fallon Dupree, a tiny woman in holey jeans and black boots, threw her hands on her hips, "You were just too busy leaving a puddle of drool on the floor to hear me come in through the side door."

"I guess I was a little distracted," he glanced out the kitchen window to get another look, "I should probably go out there and introduce myself."

"I wouldn't do that."

"Why not?"

Fallon pulled open the refrigerator, grabbed a couple of beers, then propped against the counter where Beck stood staring out the window, "Because you already know her," she took a swig of her beer then handed one to him, "If I remember correctly, there was a fake wedding ceremony between to two of you on the playground in fifth grade."

"Mari? Mari Wilder?" Beck leaned closer to the window and saw that she was speaking to Rafe, "Damn."

"She's going by Marigold now. More professional."

He cracked open his beer, setting it back on the counter without taking a drink. His stomach lurched with jealousy as his childhood love took Rafe by the elbow and her beautiful face lit up with laughter as he led her to the opening where the ritual would be held. He shifted his vision to the small woman next to him, now looking out the glass.

"Think something's going on between the two of them?"

"Oh heavens no," she snorted, "I can see where you'd think so. He's as gorgeous as she is."

Beck cut his eyes at her.

"But," she glared back at him, "he's completely full of himself and is perfectly happy skirting by in life on his looks and conning people out of their money. If I know Marigold as well as I think I do, that's not what she's looking for."

"You kept in touch?" He picked up his can as she nodded and took a long pull, "What do you think she's looking for?"

"Eh, who knows. Probably someone like you until you ghosted on her," she smirked, "We should get out there."

Nodding slowly, he crossed the kitchen floor and held the door open for her. She held up a finger as she chugged the rest of her beer then dropped the can in the garbage by the door. Beck smiled as her watched her strut across the lawn with arms stretched out, announcing that the party had arrived. He followed, scanning the group for Mari. Their eyes locked and his smile grew as she quickly looked away; a hint of red growing on her pale cheeks.

Willow rushed over. She grabbed his hand and began forcefully pulling him toward the group, "I asked Fallon to get you ages ago."

"She never mentioned you were looking for me."

"Figures," she mumbled, marching him over to where old wooden pallets and sticks were stacked up for a bonfire.
Taking Beck by his arms, she stood him directly in front of the pile and turned him to face the group. She raised her voice, "Excuse me! Everybody!"

From a few feet away, Fallon put her thumb and index finger into her mouth and blew. A loud whistle pierced the air, causing the small crowd to look up and begin moving toward where Willow stood waving her hands. She shot Fallon a thumbs up and received a nod in return.

"If everyone can gather around, we can get started." Willow called out. Once the shuffling of feet stop, she continued to address them, "We gather here today as members of a community. A magical community. Many of us belonging to different covens but all of us having one thing in common, a deep love and appreciation for Agatha Kane and all she has done for us."

She paused as those in the crowd nodded or lifted their voice in grievance. "We find ourselves at the Summer Solstice and Agatha's grandson, Beckett Kane, has chosen to perform the ritual for us in her honor."

Gwendolyn Holloway rushed forward, her hand holding the crown of flowers on her mass of black and gray streaked hair as she pushed past people. "Willow, Beck," she spoke in an urgent whisper, "Are you sure? You do not have to do this. I will gladly lead the ritual for you in her honor. I know she..."

Beck lifted his hand to stop her. "Gwendolyn," he planted a kiss on her forehead and looked deep into her worried eyes, "She's not here anymore. It's time for me to step up."

The old woman, his grandmother's best friend, laid her palm on his face and ran her thumb along the scar on his cheek in the same way Agatha had often done. He reached up and squeezed her hand before she stepped back into the crowd.

"Ready?" Willow whispered and waited for his nod before turning back to the others, "I believe Agatha had already gathered a circle for her grandson and now I ask that they step forward so we can begin our MidSummer celebration."

Beck watched those who were chosen to represent the elements move forward, forming a circle around him. He looked into each face, emotion tugging at his heart. He took a deep breath as Willow beamed up at him. He smiled back and clasped his hands together.

"Alright, let's make some magic."

"Don't get too cocky just yet."

"Isn't it only cocky if you can't follow through?"

"Can you?"

"Let's hope so," he mumbled as he watched everyone else begin to form another circle around his circle.

He moved to the center and Willow took her place. Turning, he faced the mountain of wood and sticks then lifted his hand. Flames flared up, instantly engulfing the pile in a fierce blaze. He fought back the smile pulling at his lips as the crowd began to buzz with surprised whispers.

Reaching his fingertips to the clouds, a bright green light shot through the sky and rained down forming a shimmering dome around them all. He looked around the gathering of people, the flickering flames of the bonfire reflecting in his golden eyes, and saw they all understood that this was for them alone. He saw the understanding on their faces that what happened there was protected from anyone outside of the spell he casted.

"My grandmother," he called out, "loved Litha, the Sumer Solstice. She felt it was a time for new beginnings. A time for a fresh start. Tonight, I feel that's what's meant for me. For me to begin anew with all of you. My friends, my family, my community. There should be no barrier between us and trust should be earned not expected. Let me prove myself to you; to all of you.

"I can feel her here with me," he tapped his closed fist against his chest and fought back the lump crawling up his throat, "Let me show you that I am more than just Agatha's grandson. Let me share with you what is mine."

Rubbing his hands over his stubble of hair, Beck stepped forward. Nerves causing his stomach to turn. He lifted his eyes and stared into Alastair's face. He placed his hand on the large, dark man's shoulder, "My friend, my brother. You are mine and I am yours. The year has made it's turn once more. For six months, the light has grown but tomorrow the light will begin to fade. Today is Litha, Summer Solstice, or Alba Heruin to our ancestors. Today, we celebrate."

A red candle sitting at Alastair's feet flickered to life.

"It warms and protects, it burns and brings comfort in the dark. We call fire to our circle." Beck and Alastair chanted.

A massive ring of fire shot from the Earth surrounding them both and blocking them from the vision of the others. It fell with as much power as it came. Alastair's eyes were wide as he stared at Beck. Any time he'd seen this ritual preformed the fire stayed at the feet of the two calling upon the element.This display of power, from a man who rarely did more than a small rain shower and a tiny flame, was terrifying yet alluring.

Stepping to the right, Beck touched Fallon on the shoulder and looked down at her, "You are mine and I am yours. Today is Litha, Summer Solstice, or Alba Heruin to our anestors. Today, we celebrate."

The green candle lit itself.

Fallon pumped her fist in the air as they called out together, "From the dirt we were made, to the dirt we will return as ash. Beneath our feet it sustains us. We call earth to our circle"

A thick vine shot up between them, Morning Glories bloomed along the way as it grew. Pulling one off the vine, he tucked the flower behind her ear, a perfect match to the purple streaks in her pixie blond hair. As quick as it grew, the vine returned to the earth leaving its flowers scattered at their feet.

Continuing around the circle, Beck stepped in front of Marigold, touching her shoulder, he locked his eyes on hers, "Hey Mari".

"Beckett," she whispered, a smile lightly touching the corners of her full, crimson lips, "I'm surprised you remember me."

"Of course, I remember you. You are mine," he paused staring deeper into her, "and I am yours. Today is Litha, Summer Solstice, or Alba Heruin to our ancestors. Today, we celebrate."

A flame engulfed the wick of the blue candle at their feet.

"It washes and nourishes us. Quenching us of thirst and soothing us. We call water to our circle."

Rain began to fall over the two of them. A perfect summer shower, cool and sweet. Beck grinned at her and it fell quicker soaking through their clothes. She cupped her hands up, catching the magical drops in her palms. He watched her a little longer than he'd planned before breaking contact and stopping the downpour.

He touched Willow on the shoulder and before words could even be spoken, a breezed lifted her hair. Willow chuckled, bouncing up and down on her toes, "Air is a little eager tonight."

"You are mine and I am yours," Beck winked at his friend, "Today is Litha, Summer Solstice, or Alba Heruin to our ancestors. Today, we celebrate."

The yellow candle sparked with a small, steady blaze.

"It fills us with life and breath. We call air to our circle."

Wind blew fierce and strong. Swirling around and between them. Willow's wild curls tangled even more as the air pushed and pulled through the red strands. Beck lifted his face, feeling the blast increase into a whirlwind. He removed his hand from Willow and waited as the air fell into a soft blow then stood still. A beaming smile was plastered to her face and her emerald eyes danced with joy. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

"I'm so proud of you."

He smiled at her before stepping to the final element and member of his circle.

Rafe bowed his sandy head towards Beck in respect as he approached. Placing his hand on Rafe's shoulder, "Cousin," Beck sighed with a shake of his head, "You are mine and I am yours. Today is Litha, Summer Solstice, or Alba Heruin to our ancestors. Today, we celebrate."

The purple candle flared up.

"It is our essence. It is our being and our soul. We call spirit to our circle."

The warm summer air grew frigid. Colder and colder it became. Beck's teeth began to chatter and when he looked at Rafe he saw him shiver. Gasps emerged from the outside of the circle and Beck slowly turned his head to look where multiple fingers pointed.

A gray image of an old woman stood next him, her hands crossed over her heart as she took in the sight of all those gathered around Beck. A small smile crossed the ghostly figure's face as she made eye contact with him.

"Grams," he whispered.

She nodded and her smile grew. She reached out, her transparent fingers leaving a chill as she ran them down the side of his face. Tears slid from his eyes as he watched her, taking in her face, trying to commit every detail to memory. He raised an eyebrow as her face turned grave and her gaze began moving swiftly around the outter edges of the circle.

Beck turned, making sure to keep contact with the man who stood before him. Hundreds of gray, translucented figures began to appear among the people. A soft buzz vibrated through the air as the mouths of the departed began to move frantically, forming words he couldn't make out. Their faces were filled with anguished and their arms were stretched out; reaching.

His attention snapped back to Rafe. He could feel clawing and pushing against his arm as Rafe tried to disconnect. Beck released his shoulder and watched as he dropped to his knees, blue eyes bulging in fear and hands pressed firm against his ears. The ghostly figures that had littered the crowd disappeared along with Agatha's spirit. Beck knelt, reaching his hand out to touch Rafe's arm, to give comfort.

"Don't touch me," Rafe snapped and jerked back, "Close the circle."

Looking down, he saw the flame that once sat atop the candle was enclosed in ice. Silence surrounded the circle as everyone waited expectantly.

Hands shaking, Beckett walked back to the center of the circle and tried to steady his voice, "Today is Litha, Summer Solstice, or Alba Heruin to our ancestors. We celebrate life and all she has to offer us."

Each member of the circle picked up their candles and extinguished their flames. Rafe leaned forward and pinched the ice clinging to the end of his wick, crushing it. The circle was closed and the ritual complete.

Beck lifted his hands and pulled down the barrier he had placed. A green light shimmered from the ground all the way back to the sky where it had started. Lacing his fingers, he placed his hands on top of his head and mouthed "wow". Waves of energy rippled through his body, giving him an intoxicating feeling.

With a bounce in his step, he moved to Rafe and the two men clasped hands as he helped him to his feet. Rafe dusted the dirt off his jeans and flashed a relaxed grin at those that began to gather closer to them.

"I'm good, folks," he lifted one hand and pulled a small white stick from his pocket, "No need to hover."

"He said he's fine," Fallon hollared when the crowded didn't disperse, "Either eat, drink, and be merry or head on out but there is nothing left to see over here!"

Willow wrapped her arms around Rafe while Fallon shooed the others off and Alastair followed to fire up the grill and bring out the ice chests, "Are you sure you're alright? You looked terrified."

"She's right," Beck held out an arm as Willow moved to hug him next, "Are you sure you're fine?"

"Scouts honors," he brought three fingers to his brow in salute then tucked the cigarette between his lips, "I'm just not used to opening to so many spirits at once." he smirked at Beck, "Didn't realize that power of yours was going to pack such a hard punch."

"I've never seen the elements react that way during a ritual," Alastair joined them, holding out a plate with a burger and a pile of chips at Rafe, "Eat this. You look drained." 

"I'm good," He shook his head as Beck took the plate and took a large bite out of the burger. Rafe brought his lighter up with shaking hands and clicked it unsuccessfully, "A little help?"

Alastair touched the bottom of Rafe's lighter, causing a flame to burst from the eyelet. The smell of mint swirled in the air as Rafe puffed the hand-rolled to life.

Turning to Beck, Alastair raised an eyebrow, "You seem a little wired."

With a crooked grin around a handful of chips, he shrugged his shoulders, "It was good to see, Grams. I felt like she was proud." he nodded to Rafe, "I think she approved of our plan to..."

"It's not important right now," Rafe cut him off, "Tonight, we are meant to celebrate. Let's not stand around chit chatting like a bunch of hens."

Willow and Alastair both narrowed their eyes and glanced at Beck. He looked over at Rafe who responded by blowing a peppermint scented cloud of smoke in the air.

"It can wait," He spoke slowly, eyes locked on Rafe's, "Let's grab some drinks."

"Here, Willow," Rafe place keys into her hand and winked, "Why don't you pull my Jeep around and crank up the stereo? Then you and I can dance the night away."

With a giggle, she took the keys, looking back and forth between the two men suspiciously before jogging off to bring the vehicle closer to the group of witches gathered around the bonfire drinking and fixing their plates. Alastair followed shortly after, heading to where Marigold had joined Fallon at the grill with every intent to relieve them from cooking duty.

"I just told them there would be no secrets. I just asked for their trust."

Rafe slowly turned his head; his eyes red and his demeanor calm, "There will be time tomorrow. Tonight, they need this." He dropped the cigarette to the ground and used the toe of his booted foot to put it out, "They deserve one more night to be oblivious before we call your circle back together and ask them to fight."

Author's Note

I'll edit grammatical errors later.