Page 25 of Dottie's Forbidden Wizard
"Hello, Dottie."
I don't want to confirm or deny my identity, unsure of which would be the more beneficial path, so I simply stare at her. Maddox didn't want me to leave, and now I may be in trouble, and he'll never know what happened to me.
"My name is Glinda. I'm here to help you." She steps toward me, carefully picking over the uneven forest floor in her patent leather pink heels that probably cost more than a year's tuition atEmerald City Prep.
"Are you a witch?" I ask, pleased to find my voice strong even as my heart beats like a drum in my chest.
"I'm a good witch, dear."
I swallow hard. "No offense, Glinda, but in my experience, I'm not sure that's possible."
Glinda raises an eyebrow, and the corner of her mouth curves up slightly as if she finds me amusing. "No? I would think you might know one or two magical beings who are good."
I flush, thinking about Maddox and wondering how much this woman knows. She stops five feet away, allowing me distance.
"I would love to chat, dear, but time is of the essence. I have something for you, and it's important." Glinda extends her hand toward me. A small bundle is nestled in her palm.
After a moment of hesitation, I step forward and take the offering. It's heavy, tied in a silk handkerchief. I eye Glinda, trying to decide what to do next.
"Open it, please."
Glinda watches me carefully as I unwrap the fabric to find the most beautiful piece of jewelry I've ever seen. Red, green, yellow, purple, and blue stones glitter back at me, forming an intricate swirl of color. I carefully lift it from the silk and realize it's a brooch.
"This will help you find your way home."
I shake my head, glancing up at Glinda again. "I don't know where home is anymore." I chastise myself for revealing something so personal.
Glinda smiles at me kindly. "This piece has been passed down among the women of Oz for generations. Many of us believe Emerald City rules the land, but in truth, it is but one cog in the wheel. The stones represent all the people of Oz. Rubies for the Quadlings, amethysts for Gillikins, blue sapphires for Munchkins, yellow diamonds for Winkies, and emeralds for Emerald City. Your heart is divided, Dottie. This will help you find your way."
"How does it work?" I ask.
"Magic," she responds matter-of-factly as if that explains everything. "It is the pure magic that comes from the heart, the most powerful in our world. It won't work until you need it. Don't show it to anyone."
Glinda steps forward, pulling a wand from an invisible pocket on her skirt. She waves it over the brooch, but nothing happens. I look up at her in question.
"I've cloaked it. To anyone else, it will look like a dull trinket of no value. But if you are ever in need of escape, simply hold it close to your heart and ask it to take you home."
I gaze at the beautiful piece doubtfully.
Glinda puts her hands on my shoulders. "Oz is incredible, but it is not always wonderful. Take care, dear." She kisses me on the forehead and disappears in a cloud of pink smoke.
I fan the air in front of me, the tangible pink remnants a reminder that I didn't imagine all of this. Well, that and the heirloom of destiny the "good" witch left with me.
I eye the brooch, knowing I followed my gut in trusting Maddox, and that certainly proved to be fruitful. Biting my lip, I pin the brooch to the inside of my shirt sleeve for safekeeping.
I look around one more time, hoping I haven't been followed. My only thought as I step into the darkness of the cave in search of the portal back to Oz is,Where do I belong?
Chapter twelve
Dottie
Iwalk through the forest at the edge of my brothers' property after a forty-minute trek following the golden footprints from the gnarled tree portal. I grin as I think of Maddox adding that to the spell so I wouldn't get lost on my way home.
Home. Is this what I consider home? My brothers' land? Or Oz in general? What is Kansas to me, then? Auntie Em and Uncle Henry sold the farm and moved to a small retirement community in central Florida a few years ago. They didn't makeenough to afford a beach house, but Uncle Henry says he'll take gators over sharks any day. Kansas doesn't hold anything for me anymore. But does Oz? And if so, for how long?
The guys' place is quiet, and I check the clock. I've been gone for less than four hours as far as anybody in Oz is concerned. The buzz of power tools comes from Nick's workshop, and I imagine Leo is still avoiding me at all costs. I shield my eyes, spying Granger's red truck way out in the fields.
I head inside and straight to the shower. As the warm, soapy water washes over my body, I remember last night. My finger swipes against my clit, and a throb pulses in my core. I put a hand against the wall, rubbing slow circles as I think of Maddox's touch. Soft moans slip out, and I have to bury my face against my arm to muffle my gasps. His tongue on my body. His teeth grazing my nipples. His hard cock thrusting into me as my entire body clenched around him. I come with a soft cry, circling my clit erratically as my body pulses with my release. I let the hot water fall over me for a moment longer before turning off the shower.He's ruined me.Yet that thought only brings me joy.
