Solstice Sizzle (Pagan Pleasures Book 2) Read online

  Lilliana Rose

  Solstice Sizzle

  By Lilliana Rose

  Copyright 2019 Lilliana Rose

  This book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.

  This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this eBook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this eBook and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This book has been written using US English, but the book’s story is set in Australia. Some euphemisms that form part of the Australian spoken word may be used. If you would like further explanation, or to discuss Australia, please do not hesitate to contact the author. Contact details have been provided, for your convenience, at the end of this book.

  Disclaimer: The material in this book contains graphic language and sexual content and is intended for mature audiences, ages 18 and older.

  Book design by Swish Design & Editing

  Editing by Swish Design & Editing

  Cover design by Mary Ruth at Passion Creations

  Published by Infinity Dreaming

  Cover Image Copyright 2019

  Johan Rogers is a sharpshooting family lawyer who is close to burn out. This is affecting his ability with the Magiks and his once reliable skill as a medium. On a whim, he’s come south to Edi’s shop, Crystal Sands, for a break over the summer solstice. He’s looking for fun, nothing serious, and definitely no commitment.

  That’s how things start with the stunning Nova. But then a side of him he’s repressed to be a lawyer begins to emerge. Can he get a handle on his emotions, or will Nova help him to realize his full potential with the Magiks?

  Nova McGinnis is struggling to find her unique skill with the Magiks. She’s been repressed too long, and despite Edi’s help, her ability is erratic at best. It’s been nearly a month of trying and she’s made minimal progress. Frustrated, she sees Johan as the perfect distraction.

  It was meant to be just a summer love affair, but things are developing into something more lasting. Will a hot love affair prevent Nova from discovering her Magik ability, or help her?

  To a wonderful writer, Kim.

  This story is set in Australia in the summer, which is when we have our Yule celebrations. For the sake of the flow of the story, and the flow of the series, I decided to use some creative liberties, and keep this book set in summer as part of the Summer Solstice, even though there will be a Yule book to finish the series—I didn’t want two books set within in weeks of each other, plus it messed with my publishing schedule. If I’d set the books in the Northern Hemisphere, I wouldn’t have had this dilemma, but I really wanted to set them in Australia, and so I decided my readers are cool and would be fine with this. Bravo to those who picked up the timeline inconsistency—please forgive me for going with the purpose of art over facts, I am a writer after all.

  Blurb

  Dedication

  A Note To The Reader

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Acknowledgments

  Connect With Me Online

  About the Author

  Two Days to Summer Solstice

  Johan turned the hire car, a Lexus silver convertible, into the small open-air shopping center car park. The wind tried to tease his short dark hair, it had been a good drive with the top of the car open. Just what he needed to clear his head. Except it hadn’t worked.

  “You have reached your destination.” The GPS spoke with finality.

  Johan had flown from Sydney to Melbourne, then hired a car, and driven along the Great Ocean Road for hours in search of the shop, Crystal Sands, his friend Edith Court had opened last month. A business which was a considerable embarrassment to her parents, and one that was well below her skill in the Magiks.

  He decided to come check it out himself and spend some time lazing on the beach. Well, he liked to think he’d decided. But in reality, the boss at his firm had ordered him to take a few days off and basically kicked him out. The last case, a mess at best, with his client having to pay out more than they had argued for. And that was a big kick in the guts as far as Johan was concerned. So now, he was going to have some fun over the next few days, and see where that would lead. He didn’t want any commitment or have anyone who wanted to count on him for anything. He was going to be a lone wolf for a bit, and enjoy every second of it.

  He parked the car in the next free space, switching off the engine with a sigh. Things were more complicated than simply messing up a case. His ability as a medium was wavering. His dream of getting into the Inner Circle on hold with the Witches Council bringing in to question his skillset as a leader in their secret community. This cut deeply within, more so than his failed case, both of which brought shame on his family. A long line of Magiks with strong abilities, and now he was being questioned if he was a true mage or not. Contacting those who had passed had never been an issue before but it was now.

  He tapped his finger on the steering wheel. Come to think of it… a gut-twisting realization caught in his belly. He’d been practicing law since graduating intensely. How long was it now? Four years? No, six years. His stomach roiled. When exactly had his ability begin to fade?

  He’d cruised through university, topped his class, got a job, and had gone straight into practice in the family courts as if he were born into the position. In a way, he was. His father and great-grandfather were lawyers. His mother a judge, her sisters all barristers. He was on a mission to prove himself. He had. Or at least, he was well on that path. Both sides of his family were Magiks, there was no reason why he couldn’t do law and keep his ability.

  Or was there?

  He knew his ability had been fading, but right now he realized this had been going on longer than he’d care to admit. He wanted the best of both worlds, or the benefits of a high-powered job, the adrenalin rush of an argument won in court, of helping clients reach agreements, as well as being about to contact the spirit world to convey a message to a loved one still living.

  Why did they seem at odds with each other? He shook his head. No-one else in the family seemed to have an issue with it like he did. Frustrated at constantly being told to take a break, he had packed up and left. It was better than staying and running through the yelling match his client had with him for not getting off having to pay his wife out. For the first time Johan thought the client had probably gotten what he’d deserved. Prick. He realized for the first time that perhaps a lot of his clients were. How did I not see that? It didn’t matter. All he needed to do was to rest, then go back, act like nothing was wrong, and things would simply fall back into place. His gut twisted.

  Johan got out of the car. What the hell am I meant to do for the next few days? He’d never had a holiday. His parents had, so had his brothers and sisters, but he’d always opted to stay home. Sure, he partied as hard as he worked. But he kept his goal of being a partner in the firm in mind, and at every opportunity he took another case, and worked long hours to get the best outcomes for his clients. It had always worked until now.

  Same with his skill as a medium. But i
t wasn’t clients he saw, only other Magiks. He was the only medium in his family. They assured him that fact didn’t mean anything. Maybe it did?

  He shook his head. Locking the car, he decided to leave the roof down. It was the Australian summer after all and there was no chance of rain, not today, not tomorrow, and not for the next few days.

  Johan took a deep breath. There was something healing about the briny scent of the ocean. Gulls squawked in the distance. He turned toward the sound of the sea, waves easing with a sigh onto the sand, behind the sand dunes. He stepped onto the footpath, shaded his eyes and looked out to see the water meeting the horizon. The different shades of the blue water and the sky marked a clear point of change between the elements.

  He’d always been sure of his path in life, it was mapped out—be part of the firm by thirty, as well as the Inner Circle on the Witches Council, then think about settling down and having a family. Now, as he stood by his car, looking out to sea he wasn’t so sure. His goals didn’t seem to matter. Having an irate client, and a skill which was no longer reliable meant these goals were being eroded away without him noticing until it was too late.

  Was it too late?

  He remembered his mate, Rowan’s advice. Go and have a good time. Met a woman, or two, just have fun then move on. You’ll get your groove back.

  Perhaps that wasn’t the best advice, but all things considered, it wasn’t bad either. Time to get my groove back. He wasn’t going to meet anyone standing there simply looking out to sea.

  Johan looked around and saw the sign for Edi’s shop, Crystal Sands, on the back of the building. The sign had a great vibe to it, as it should since it was designed by Asiza. Curious, he walked around to the front of the shop. He couldn’t believe Edi had left the coven, and thrown caution to the wind, just to set up her own shop by the beach, in a country town along the coast. He’d pegged her as a city girl, through and through, and she was also a great legal secretary.

  To throw it away like that? Sure, there’d been something going on between Anto and her, but hey, no situation couldn’t be overcome. At least, that was his theory. And he was going to apply when he went back. He couldn’t believe he’d only been gone hours, and he was already thinking about going back. That was him, the work-a-holic.

  He glanced over this right shoulder, through the window as he went by. There were shelves of crystals, candles, essences, a few tarot card decks, and statues. A shudder went through him. Edi’s skill was worth so much more than this. But then, the positive energy coming from the shop stopped him from being so judgmental. He’d always had respect for her as a colleague, both in the law workforce and with the Magiks. She’d been as driven as he was. The difference, he planned on keeping that motivation going within himself.

  Johan pushed on the front door, bells clanged announcing his entrance. He stepped in, letting go of the door. The smell of sandalwood burning filled his senses. Soft music, a perfect blend of ocean sounds and chimes played in the background. He turned around, taking it all in. Shelves were neatly arranged, with healing items for people depending on their tastes and needs. Material hung strategically on the walls softening the energy of the room. There was a lot of different products, but no clutter. He could tell she’d done an excellent job with the design and setting up of the shop.

  He let himself be drawn to the candles in the corner. One was burning, sending out a scent of lemongrass and lime which was truly refreshing. He casually picked up one, bringing it to his nose—rose, with a hint of something else. There was something about the feel of the candle in his hand, the scent, which told him whoever had made them was someone caring, but also who held a strength within them. He noticed a sign by the candles, ‘Made by Nova with love.’ A shiver went through his body.

  “I’ll be out in a minute,” a voice called out.

  Johan put down the candle, looking in the direction of where the voice came from. There was a door with a sign, ‘Session in progress, please be quiet.’ Quods to Edi, he couldn’t bring himself to do tarot readings, or reiki, or whatever she was doing in there. That’s what most people wanted, a quick fix, not something deeper and more meaningful which would actually benefit them. There was a sharp twist in his belly. He knew after his recent efforts he couldn’t judge.

  Is that what I’ve become? He couldn’t believe it to be true.

  He turned around and perused the shelves. If anything, at least the energy in the shop was relaxing, and he felt himself begin to unwind from the long journey here.

  “How can I help you?”

  Johan turned to see Edi coming from the room. He couldn’t believe it was her. She was relaxed, happy and seemed to radiate.

  “So, this is where you got to.” He grinned at her. At least she was doing well for herself, and hey if she was happy what did he care whether or not this was under her skillset. She was a healer after all, and she would undoubtedly be healing a lot of people here. Heck, even he was feeling better simply by standing in her shop.

  “Johan?”

  He enjoyed seeing the surprise on her face. “In the flesh.”

  “Well, you were never good at aberrations.”

  “Neither were you.”

  “Waste of energy trying.” She held out her arms and embraced him. “Good to see you.”

  She suddenly went cold then pulled away. Looked him straight in the eyes. “My parents didn’t send you, did they?”

  “No. I’m here for a break.”

  Edi raised an eyebrow. “I see.”

  “You do?”

  “I suggest staying at this Airbnb down the road, and lots of swims in the beach, and no alcohol.”

  “You have a drink or two?”

  “This is about me, not you. Besides, take it or leave my advice, you’re lucky I’m offering it for free.”

  “Well, then I’d better take it.”

  “That’s what I want to hear.”

  “You’ve done well for yourself.”

  “Thank you. Now, I’ve got to finish up with a client, then we can have a chat. I suspect there’s a lot for you to tell me.”

  “I’m not one to gossip.”

  “Yes, you are.” She laughed. “Well, let’s just have a friendly catch up first, and make sure you get settled in for your holiday. You need help with that.”

  “Thanks.” He meant the word sarcastically.

  A young woman stepped out from behind the curtain. “I really wish I could find out now, it shouldn’t be taking so long.” She paused noticing Johan there in the shop.

  He tried to move away subtly to give Edi’s client some space, but his feet locked on the floor. She was stunning. Even though she wore a simple dress, it flowed around her body giving suggestive hints at her curves. A subtle tease he felt himself responding to so easily. Her dark hair loose around her bare shoulders. She seemed to call out to him with a need that was perfect for a summer fling.

  “Nova you’re doing fine. It’s only been a month.”

  “There’s so much time to catch up on, I want to know now.” She found it hard to concentrate with a man standing in the room. His stare sent a pleasant shiver through her body.

  “This can’t be rushed. You’re new to the Magiks, and… well, you know.” Edi glanced at the man, who then looked embarrassed and quickly turned away, moving to the far corner in the shop to give them some privacy.

  Nova did know, and she didn’t need to be reminded. Her mom hadn’t been a Magik, her dad had been, but he’d died soon after she’d was born. Not knowing how to bring up a Magik child, and fearing whatever skill she had, her mom had actively repressed any ability Nova showed. Since her mom passed two years ago, Nova had begun to slowly connect with her own intuition.

  To help heal the pain of the loss of her mom, she’d turned to making candles and soaps. She’d taught herself how to use essences, oils, scents and even crystals in her products. A subtle use of her skill which she hadn’t realized until she met Edi when she asked to sell her products i
n her new shop, Crystal Sands. Edi had generously offered to help Nova to find her Magik ability.

  Then her world started to change. She remembered so much she’d forgotten. She hated her mom for making her life so difficult by repressing who she was. And that now, because she was twenty-six, she felt it was all too late.

  “I’m too old to learn this. I needed to study all this about the Magiks when I was learning to walk.” She sighed heavily, the weight of trying to discover her true essence becoming more of a burden than a joy.

  “Don’t give up so early.” Edi’s voice was firm.

  “But I’ve made no progress today.” Nova couldn’t hide the frustration in her voice.

  Edi had taken her through a meditation to help find a clue, or symbol, something, anything, which would be useful in unlocking her skillset. She’d walked through a rainforest, following the path that appeared between the trees. It had felt so real. The refreshing smell after rain was strong and reminded her of a new candle she now wanted to make. The sound of trickling water over rocks. She could feel the humid heat of the rainforest as she stepped along the narrow path. Water beaded on the leaves of the ferns.

  Curiosity bubbled inside of her, and she kept going wanting to find more. The path led her to a side of a mountain. She spied a dark crevasse, rocks spilling out from a natural event that had caused the mountain to open up. Picking her way carefully, she stepped over the rocks and into the small cave.

  A light beckoned her deeper, and she followed. Confidence surged through her. Then she stumbled. Fear took hold of her body. She had pushed on, desperate to find something which would help her finally develop her skills. The darkness weighed down heavily on her shoulders. Ahead the light showed an armoire, French-style. Something like what had been in her mom’s bedroom. She hadn’t been allowed to even look inside and had spent many years staring at the closed doors.