A Matter of Convenience

Eighteen

~Isis~

I spent the night writing up my terms of our agreement. I can’t believe we are doing this, and I can’t believe I’m doing this with someone I really can’t stand. It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever been a part of, but I don’t think there’s any turning back.

I look at the text from last night again and grimace. I’m sure he was trying to be funny, but calling me wifey?! f***k my life! Why did things have to be so complicated? Why was I matched with someone who was so shallow and heartless?

I always imagined how it would be to find my fated mate, and that almost happened how I imagined. I always knew my fated mate would be everything to me, and we would spend our lives together in mated bliss. Here I am, having rejected my mate because he’s a cheat and a liar. I feel like I’ve done something to piss the Moon Goddess off, and this is my punishment.

My phone rings in my hand, causing me to look down. It’s Ericson, and butterflies erupt in my stomach. They aren’t the kind that you get when you are attracted to someone. They are the kind you get when you are scared sh.itless and I am. This could all go sideways, and everything will be ruined if it does.

I connect the call. “Hello.”

“Let’s meet at your spot in an hour. I have my terms, and I’m sure you have yours. The sooner we get this signed, the better. I don’t want to wait any longer.” There’s an urgency in his voice that wasn’t there yesterday. It seems like something happened, and I wonder what that would be. I place the phone down and focus on my dad. He’s asleep now after having been restless all night. I watch his chest rise and fall with each breath. I shift in the chair and get comfortable.

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I round the corner and see Ericson pacing back and forth. He looks a bit anxious, but I don’t know why. His eyes meet mine, and I give him a small smile. His exasperated expression makes me change my facial expression, hoping this doesn’t turn into a mess.

I let us into our sanctuary and lead him to the couch. After sitting, we exchange papers and start to read over the conditions. I’m happy to see that we are on the same page. Neither of us wants a physical relationship, and we plan to avoid cohabitation as long as we can. “When can we call your friend in?” I look up, startled, not expecting Ericson to be through my list already.

“Uh, I can call right now?” The look on his face tells me that I spoke correctly. This is a change from yesterday. Things were more casual and slow-rolling. Now, things seem hurried, and I’m not sure why that is.

I pull my phone out and send a text message. I go back to reading Ericson’s terms when a swoosh in the air sounds. “Damn, that was quick.” Jewel shrugs her shoulders. She’s a witch I met a few years ago and helped her out of a jam. She said she would repay me, so this would be a good time.

“There’s no need to drag this out. I have other things to take care of.”

“Uh, how did you get here?” We both look at Ericson, and Jewel rolls her eyes.

“I’m a witch. All I had to do was think of Isis here and I was transported to where she was. Now, if we’re done with the questions, why am I here?”

“Should we be doing this already, Ericson?”

“Do you agree to my terms? I agree to yours.” I scan the document again and have no issues with anything printed on it. I nod my agreement. “There’s no need to wait. The elders will be here before we know it so this has to be done before that or they won’t take this seriously.” I guess he has a point, but I still feel like something has lit a fire under him that wasn’t there yesterday.

“Jewel, we need marks and a scent change.” She lets out a dry chuckle.

“That’s all you need? That isn’t much.”

“I know it’s a tall order, but I also know you can handle it.” The corner of her mouth turns up slightly, and I know I have her locked in. She’s one who’s motivated by a bit of an ego stroke.

“I need you two to hold hands.” My head snaps to Ericson, surprised at the request. I didn’t really expect to have to get close to him; I mean, isn’t that why Jewel is here in the first place? Ericson moves next to me and holds out his right hand to me. I look at his head before looking at his face.

“Well, wifey? Let’s get this done.” I timidly put my hand in his and he tightens his grip. Jewel moves in front of us and holds her hands out in front of her. Her eyes close, and she starts to chant softly. I can’t make out any words she’s saying, but it wouldn’t matter if I could.

My neck at my marking spot starts to sting. It’s minor at first, but the pain increases every second. Ericson squeezes my hand, making me figure he’s also feeling the pain. I grit my teeth, determined to take it like a champ. Wind appears out of nowhere and swirls around us. Rona is whining in my head, and I hope it isn’t because she’s in pain.

The entire ordeal is over almost as quickly as it started. Jewel is sweating and looks exhausted. She leans over, hands on her knees and breathes deeply. “That should do it.” Ericson and I meet eyes, and he quickly lets go of my hand. I look back at Jewel, who is now standing tall.

“How long will this last?” Jewel tosses a vial at me, causing me to catch it before it falls and breaks.

“It will go away when you both drink what’s in that vial. Put all of the contents in water and drink it. It will reverse everything I did.” I pocket the vial and nod. “I think we can count this as my pay back. Take care.” Just like that, Jewel vanishes in thin air.