Dakotah: Chapter 3 (For Real This Time)

Mika's Notes: Thank you, Robin, for pointing out that I'm a dork that can't count to three...  Glad you're enjoying btw.

As far as warnings, well, Sierra's a practicing witch, so if that sort of thing bothers you, she performs a ritual in this scene.  Other than that, this chapter is pretty mild compared to the last one...  LOL

The sound of rustling forest green silk followed her around the room as she prepared her sacred space. Dakotah had allotted her an empty room to set up her altar and so she could perform her rituals in peace and safety. She’d decorated it in earth tones so, no matter what the sabbat, her altar decorations wouldn’t clash with her décor. Ostara, Lammas, or Samhain, it all worked together. And she preferred it that way: simple and functional.

For the first time since she'd moved in a year ago, she was thankful for his generosity. At first, she’d refused, told him it was unnecessary, all she needed was a quiet corner somewhere, but now, now she understood. Sierra also knew that he understood as well; he’d suspected she’d need a safe zone, somewhere she could truly be out of harm's way. She could work her magic and be confident in it, and she needed all the confidence, concentration and strength she had for this next act. Setting the last candle in place, she surveyed her setup and nodded in approval.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped within the circle of candles and steeled her nerves. You have to do this, Sierra, she insisted. He's overstepped his boundaries again. You don't want to have to bind him, do you? Her inner mother continued to coerce her, working in full guilt mode. "No," she mumbled, "I don't want to do that. Not yet." Despite his mistakes of the night before, she knew that somewhere in the demon there was a man who loved her. Somewhere. “Not ever, if I can help it.”

Closing her eyes and breathing deeply, Sierra grounded herself, making peace with the earth, borrowing its power. Focusing her thoughts, she drew the Earth’s energy into her, felt it course through her veins, reaching out to her extremities. Enjoying the ebb and flow of the energy for a moment, she held her breath and slowly released it. Opening her eyes, she prepared to cast her circle, readying herself for the next step.

Feeling the Earth’s life force flowing through her, she approached her altar. Taking a small bowl of sea salt, she walked the perimeter of her circle, sprinkling the salt, blessing it with the power of the Earth, effortlessly repeating a chant she'd used for years. Next, she took up a burning stick of her favorite incense and walked the circle again, repeating her chant and blessing the circle with the element of Air. She continued with a red candle for the element of fire and finished with a small bowl of water. Placing the water back on her altar, she picked up her wand of sterling silver and moonstone and coaxed the energy within her to move through her body, down her arm, and into the wand. Concentrating the energy into a sort of ray, she sealed her circle.

Sierra visibly relaxed knowing that no one, not even the Vampire, could cross the circle she'd created. She could now take her time and do what she needed to do. She sat cross-legged on the floor at the center of her circle. Again, she grounded and centered her thoughts, emotions, and energies. When she felt calm enough to continue, she began to build a shield around her. She was determined to keep him from hurting her again.

Once her psychical and psychic shields were in place, she said a quick prayer to Brighid, her patron goddess. She was going to need every aspect of her patron goddess to help her save whatever it was she had left. Goddess of the hearth, creativity, inspiration, love and protection, every aspect her Goddess represented was an area she needed blessings in. Sierra was going to need to be creatively inspired soon, or her hearth, love and safety were going to be gone.

***

Stirring restlessly in his subterranean bed, Dakotah could physically feel the sun reach the horizon. His restlessness eased as it began to slip below the surrounding mountains. He sat up on the edge of the bed ready to face the evening before him. Stretching, he was grateful he slept in a death-like slumber for the bed he'd put down in the cellar was very uncomfortable. However, it served its function and that was what mattered at the moment.

He dressed quickly and went in search of his love, intent on apologizing and making things up to her. His actions had become clear to him as he came to wakefulness this evening. He was appalled and ashamed and was prepared to beg her forgiveness. He only hoped that she’d be generous enough to give him another chance.

Dakotah was more than aware he was running low on chances these days.

***

She wasn't in the living room or the kitchen. He paused to think where she might be. Her truck was still in the driveway so she couldn't have gone far. The scent of burning candles tickled his nose and brought him his answer. She was in a ritual of some sort. Worried that he'd missed one of her holidays, he quickly checked the calendar. Nope, he still had one more day. What was she doing then? He decided that it was her business and not his; he’d busy himself with some household chores until she was done. It invited some dangerous wrath to disturb her.

He was in the middle of mopping the kitchen floor when she appeared. Still dressed in her green silk ritual robe, she was the picture of a Celtic goddess come to earth. Her hair fell in loose waves over her shoulders and down her back, catching the light and playing games with it. Constantly in awe of her simple beauty, he stood there just smiling and admiring her. He started when she cleared her throat, looking at him.

"Evening, Sierra. Have a good day?" He moved near her. She ignored him. "Look, I'm sorry. Let's discuss this." He reached his arms out to her. "I know I got out of control..." his voice trailed off as he felt the resistance, a force pushing him away from her. Gentle but insisting. "What did you do?" he whispered, afraid.

"I put up a ward and a shield. I want to keep you away from me. I know what you did wasn't planned or intentional, but that doesn't mean that I have to put up with it." She took a steadying breath and looked into his eyes. "I don't deserve it and I refuse to take any more chances with my safety.”

"You're right, you don't deserve to be treated so badly or thoughtlessly.” He held his arms out, palms up, hoping she’d come nearer. “Let me hold you and make amends. I've said I was sorry, what more do you want from me?"

"Sorry is sorry.” She held her hands up, waving him away. “That’s exactly what you said last time you hurt me. Back when you promised it wouldn't happen again. You lied. You were wrong. It’s obvious you can’t control yourself, even when you try. You can't blame me for wanting to protect myself."

"No, I can't, but this is ridiculous.” He lowered his hands to his sides, gripping fistfuls of denim between his fingers. “I can't get within three feet of you without feeling uncomfortable. Don't you think that's a bit much?"

"Sorry. I sure don't. My safety is first and foremost."

"Then leave. If I can't be near you then I don't want you here. I may have made the mistake, but this is still my home. Good-bye." He turned his back and walked out of the kitchen; he didn’t, he couldn’t let her see the fear in his eyes. The knowledge that she was right and that he was going to pay.

Sierra stood still, shocked. Had he really just thrown her out? This wasn’t what she’d wanted nor expected. All she’d planned was to keep him away until he was back to himself, back to taking his tea every night. Four, five days at the most, and then she’d release the wards. She’d planned on being careful, keeping them both safe, but not alienating him completely. Sighing, she resigned herself to getting dressed. She'd go stay with her sister for the night and come back tomorrow and talk to him. Maybe.

***

He kept his face hidden until he heard the front door slam and her truck leave the drive. Swallowing the urge to chase after her, he left the library and put his boots on. Her scent filled his senses. It took all he had to keep from breaking down. He had to see Tyler and find out what was going on with him.