Chapter 1

I laid on my back staring at the stars for a moment before closing my eyes. I was feeling overwhelmed lately, hoping to have a chat with the goddess, I went out back to meditate.

I could feel my body relaxing as the cool breeze floated through the air. I closed my eyes and began to take a few deep breaths. After my third breath, my nose was filled with cedar.

Most of the trees nearby were oak, the scent didn’t concern me though, there was a calming effect to it. I took another breath; I was let down when it wasn’t as strong. I felt an ache in my chest.

Suddenly, my body began to tingle. My skin was covered in goosebumps, singing. I liked the feeling, so I tried to focus more on it.

I lifted my hands applying slight pressure to my stomach filled with butterflies. The contact felt good. Realizing that I was now aroused past the point of return, I let my hands drift.

I grabbed my breasts with both hands massaging them slowly. In that moment I wished so badly I wasn’t alone. I had no idea what had come over me, but I wanted it.

My hand was sliding into my pants when I heard a twig snap and a huff. I shot upright looking around. I was really hoping to see a fox or bear, not a person. My eyes finally fell on a pair of eyes surrounded by a large group of bushes.

“Oh hey,” I said softly, relieved.

“I’m Astrid, what’s your name?” I said with a smile and small laugh.

“Want to make the first move?” I said to the animal, convinced the dog was larger than usual.

Pushing backwards in the bush I could no longer see his eyes. I pushed myself into a better position on one knee, just incase this went sideways. After a moment nothing happened.

“Did you leave me?” I asked into the darkness.

            The random animal’s rejection stung at my heart. I sat back down on the blanket, getting ready to get back to what I was doing.

I went to lean back as I heard someone clear their throat as they approached. Groaning internally, I grabbed my knife from my boot and hid it in my hand. We didn’t usually have to many problems with strangers around here, but I was always prepared.

“You missin a dog?” I said immediately.

“No, no dog.” The expanding shadow said in a deep voice.

Chills ran over my body. It felt like my ears had heard something they were always met to. I wanted to run over and molest whoever’s voice that was. Then his words hit me, and I snapped.

“Well what the hell are you doing out here?” I used my abilities to force him to speak the truth.

When he didn’t answer I got nervous. My abilities worked on anyone. The only person I have ever met other than a high priestess that could fight it was Freya. She was a powerful little kid, and now teenager.

“Listen buddy, I don’t know what you think your doing here, but do yourself a favor, rethink it.” I said sternly.

“I am not going to hurt you.” His beautiful voice sang my goosebumps reappeared.

“I know your not.” I said with a scoff.

The 6’5 man stepped into my view, the shadows still lightly covering him. He reminded me of a Roman god, I wanted to see him in a toga. My eyes darting across his entire body trying to see as much as possible.

His hazel eyes almost glowing at the center a beautiful gold. His shoulders were broad, his shirt… was missing?

“Um… Where is your shirt?” I said blushing.

The heat coursing through my body was unique. My body never reacted this way to anyone I laid eyes on. I found myself staring at his chest trying to make out the tattoos. I snapped my eyes back to his.

“Hello?” I was inpatient.

“You don’t know me in this life, but I have been searching for you.” He said sweetly.

“For 10 years.” He added.

I took a step backwards trying to decide what to do. I could run, but my body didn’t want to comply. If this guy is looking for me, better not to lead him back to the house. I thought.

If your going to kill me, please, just please, let me ride you like a cowgirl first. The thought making my cheeks heat up as I blushed. I felt my center begin to soak my panties.

He cleared his throat.

“If your going to kill me, we might as well sit.” I replied dryly giving up.

“I would never hurt you; I am here to protect you.” He said offended.

“Yeah, so crazy serial rapist/ murder?” I said testing my luck.

He didn’t respond. I thought I heard some type of growl come from his chest, but it was to faint. The wind had picked up slightly with my apprehension rising.

I was a rare witch that had an affinity for every element. I was told there was only 1 every couple hundred years or so. Air and fire were my strongest. Water was close to being the most enjoyed.

As I centered myself, I could sense his emotions rolling off him. There was no dishonesty, or any murderous feelings, at least towards me. The wind died down slightly.

“Okay, that last one was uncalled for, but let’s be frank, this has horror movie written all over it.” I pointed out with a calm tone.

“It does.” He shrugged.

I kept the knife hidden as we sat a few feet from each other. I was feeling more calm but not stupid. He picked up a crystal with runes on it. He must have dropped it while standing.

His emotions dimmed away. I was biting my lip to keep myself from shouting hundreds of questions at him.

“Want to tell me why you are searching for me?” I finally asked.

“Because you are the part that makes me whole.” He said purely.

“My name is Alexander. My family calls me Lex, you, Astrid, are my mate.”

The questions I had before didn’t compare to the amount flooding my brain now. I believed in souls; I know we can recognize each other’s souls based on past lives. But he didn’t say soulmate. Maybe he is from Australia…

“Oh, you mean like family?” I released tension from my chest.

“You’ve been my wife in every lifetime over the last 3000 years.” He slowly said the words.

“I guess that would make us family” I mumbled in disbelief.

“Can you just explain? I really don’t like games.” I said irritated.