Water Goddess Read online

  ELEMENTAL GUARDIAN SERIES

  BOOK 2:

  WATER GODDESS

  by

  Crystal Inman

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Published by

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright © 2007 by Crystal Inman

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN: 978-1-59374-921-7

  Credits

  Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston

  Editor: Chere Gruver

  Printed in the United States of America

  Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  The Portrait

  What would it be like to enter a cursed portrait and find an appealing man who’s been a hermit for years? Dylan’s waiting for the one person to break the curse he’s been under. Sophie promises to help the gorgeous loner any way she can. But will she end up giving more than she bargained for?

  Fire Goddess

  Kelly Marshall is queen of the soaps. And her producer has a brilliant idea for upcoming sweeps: a fairy tale come true. Sloan Davenport reluctantly agrees to help build sets for the soap opera. But it’s a world he loathes on sight.

  Wilda is Kelly’s guardian. She must succeed in her task for herself and her sisters. But mostly for the two headstrong mortals who don’t realize their importance to each other until it’s almost too late.

  Virtually Yours

  Perfect Timing

  ~~To my sister, Amber Dawn Patat.~~

  You hold my hand when I stumble. You pick me up when I fall. And if I had a Barbie perfume maker, it would be yours.

  I love you.

  Dear Readers,

  There are many things that can take pieces of your soul. Abuse is one of them.

  In the US, one woman is physically abused every eight seconds and one is raped every six minutes. One man is abused every thirty-eight seconds.

  Many victims do not speak out for fear of not being believed or out of shame.

  It’s not your fault.

  Four simple words that convey the truth of the matter.

  It’s not your fault.

  If you, or someone you know, is being or has been abused, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.

  Use your voice.

  Break the silence.

  Prologue

  “She was a handful, Wilda.” Kendra smiled at her older sister. “But you picked well.” A frown creased her face. “I hope I am wise enough to do the same.”

  Wilda hugged Kendra close. “Just because you are the youngest does not mean you will fall short in this quest.” She shot a look to Tempest. “And don’t let anyone else attempt to help you.”

  Tempest frowned, and her blue eyes flashed. “I only wanted to lend a hand.”

  “You only felt the need to try and take over the assignment. You know the rules!” Wilda scolded her.

  Eden held up her hand, and the women fell silent. “Truce,” she said. “We will not fight amongst ourselves. Together we can achieve our goal.” She met each of their eyes. “But apart, we fail.”

  Tempest arched her eyebrow at Wilda. Eden shot a meaningful glance at her. “Tempest. Your way is not necessarily anyone else’s. Your turn will come.” Her brown eyes sought out Kendra’s blue worried ones. “But for now, we wait for Kendra’s choice.”

  Kendra took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Wilda picked a mortal who was strong and had a similar personality to hers.

  Who will I pick?

  Their only hope of moving up in their power was to prove themselves worthy. Each Guardian selected a woman to mentor and mold into a success. The Guardians could gift the mortal woman twice and only use her powers to assist, never control. Each Guardian would be judged on the mortal’s success with health, home, and heart. But the hardest part of being a Guardian was having to involve themselves in the mortal’s life and influence decisions.

  It was a lot harder than they had originally thought. The mortals had minds of their own and didn’t care much for listening to complete strangers telling them how to live their lives. But the Guardians had no choice. They were required to all pass the test before any of them could move into the higher levels with greater responsibilities.

  For over one hundred years, they tried. And not once did all four achieve success together. One would succeed, but not the next. Three would succeed, but not the last. They were growing more agitated by the year. Patience had long since run out. They needed action. They needed a damn miracle. It was finding four women, not simply one. Each Guardian must do her part or none would be rewarded.

  If they succeeded, they were gifted with a bracelet that strengthened their power. If all four met their tasks, then their collective power would become such that it could never be denied or taken.

  Kendra’s sisters gathered near to her, giving her strength with their mere presence. She looked down through the clouds and prayed there would be something to give her a clue as to who to pick. She was unsure and didn’t want to make a mistake that would cost them all.

  “Steady.” Eden’s soft voice soothed her frazzled nerves. “You will know, Kendra. You will know.”

  And then Kendra saw her.

  Her mortal wore a smile on her face, but her heart hurt. The woman was lonely. Oh, so lonely. Kendra could almost see the pain radiating out from the woman.

  “That one.” Kendra pointed down to Earth, and her sisters looked at her choice.

  “Oh, Kendra,” Tempest whispered. “You’ll have your work cut out for you.” Her blue eyes blinked back tears. “I don’t think anyone ever taught her how to love.”

  “I will guide her. Protect her.” Kendra’s voice was certain. Her light blue eyes met each sister’s in turn. “I choose her.”

  Chapter 1

  The man in the crimson G-string gyrated to the music and catcalls of the mostly female audience. The bow tie around his neck matched perfectly. He humped and gyrated to the beat while trying to look incredibly sexy. Perfectly honed muscles moved in time to the incredibly loud bass pumping through the club.

  Erin had a headache.

  She watched Tara motion to the man so she could slide a bill or two into his tight briefs. He worked his way over and winked at Tara while she slid her hands down his hard chest and into the front of his G-string.

  Erin sipped her diet soda and watched the commotion around her with a dispassionate eye.

  Who knew teachers could be such a crazy group of individuals? Erin looked at the various glasses and drinks on the top of the table. Apparently margaritas and rum loosened inhibitions considerably.

  And she’d watched in disbelief as Mary, the fifth grade teacher, put another five into the man’s g-string. If he didn’t already have a month of Mary’s salary in there, Erin would eat her sock.

  Erin sighed and looked around at the garish lights and tried to tune out some of th
e loud music. No go.

  Mr. Red G-String went back to his room while Mr. Sparkly G-String came out. Or at least that’s what his bow tie indicated. The man’s teeth gleamed impossibly bright in the dark room. And then he proceeded to do a little bump and grind.

  But so were Erin’s teeth. She glanced at Tara and sighed.

  “Tara!” She tapped her friend’s arm. “I’m going.”

  Tara blinked and tried to focus her brown eyes. “Huh?”

  “I’m. Leaving.” Erin stood and kissed Tara’s forehead. “You all have a ride home, right?”

  “Bar owner took care of it.” Tara tried to read the hands on her watch. “I think it’s early. Why don’t you stay?”

  “I’m tired.” Erin forced out a yawn and shrugged. “I’ll see you Monday at school.” She made her way through the maze of chairs and walked purposefully toward the front door.

  Someone grabbed her arm, and Erin responded without thinking. She swung her fist and felt the satisfying connection of skin to skin. Her arm dropped quickly, and she turned to sprint toward the door.

  A large man suddenly stepped in front of her, and Erin stopped abruptly.

  “Miss.”

  Erin turned to study the dark-skinned man who rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Nice hit.” He tried to smile through the pain. His olive complexion complemented hazel eyes flawlessly. “I have a feeling you would have broken my nose if I hadn’t pulled back. Now.” He spread his hands out as if talking to a child. “If you don’t mind. You’re not going anywhere.”

  “I would have.” Erin nodded and showed her teeth. “And yes. I do mind.” Her heart raced. She glanced from the smaller man to the giant behind her. “I’m going home.” Erin glanced toward the door one more time.

  “Can’t let you do that,” the giant rumbled.

  Erin turned to him and nodded slowly, as though in agreement. Then she kicked the hell out of his balls. A second later, she was flying toward the front door.

  The smaller man caught her arm halfway there and pinned her to the wall. “You’re coming with us, Miss.” He dragged her toward the stairs against the wall.

  Erin tried to shout, but all the women who saw her struggle were grinning and clapping as though it were a big joke. Her heart hammered in her chest.

  The man who had a hold of her opened a door and gently pushed her inside. The giant of a man, still holding his balls, hobbled in after.

  “What do you want me to do with her, boss?”

  Erin curved her fingers into claws, ready to do damage.

  “I don’t know, Max.” The man rubbed his temple. “If I had known what a pain in the ass a bunch of drunk women would be, I would never have taken over this bar.”

  “What?” Erin sputtered.

  “My bouncer’s balls are in the vicinity of his throat, and I’m scared you’re going to scratch my eyes out.” The man sighed. Hazel eyes studied her. “Not a good sign.”

  “You’re the owner?” Erin’s blue eyes met his unflinchingly.

  “Yes.”

  “Do you think that perhaps you could have let a woman know instead of molesting her?” Erin put her hand on her hip and regarded him distastefully.

  “You’re not drunk?” The man’s gaze roamed over her flushed skin.

  “Oh.” Erin dropped her hands in sudden understanding. “You’re supposed to take care of the inebriated guests.” She blew out a breath. “Listen. I applaud your tenacity. But I’m stone sober. Okay?”

  Erin turned to the man behind her. “I’m sorry, Max. I thought you were going to hurt me.”

  “We don’t do that.” The giant frowned.

  “Miss. I’m so sorry.” The man bowed regally at the waist. When he straightened, he offered his hand. “Daniel Rodriguez at your service. I hope you can accept my apology.” He looked shamefaced. “Some of these parties can become a little rowdy. I only glanced in on your bachelorette party. There was,” he cleared his throat, “a lot of partying going on.”

  She shook his hand quickly and then withdrew hers. “No kidding.” Erin smiled. “Not a problem. I’ll just be heading home now.” She nodded at the bar owner and turned to go.

  “Miss!”

  Erin turned back around and arched her eyebrow. “Yes?”

  “Please. Let me make this up to you. Perhaps a dinner?” He grinned and showed the perfect teeth again. “My mother would never forgive me.”

  “Your mother need never know.” Erin smiled at Max and turned to walk back down the stairs.

  The adrenaline still coursed through her veins. Goodbye, sleep. Hello, ice-cream. She didn’t look back at either man on her way out.

  * * * *

  Kendra glided through the halls of the school and looked at every piece of art on the wall. She loved children. She often helped with the nursery back home. And surely magical children were harder to take care of than mortals.

  Her hands lovingly traced a beautiful picture of a fairy with blue wings. The child had a gift as an artist. The picture gleamed golden around the edges. It was a strong gift.

  Kendra moved invisibly from wall to wall and tried to get her bearings. She wasn’t quite ready to undertake her assignment. Failure was not an option. Wilda came through with flying colors. And now she, the youngest, had to make her time count.

  She didn’t think Eden would try to interfere. But Tempest was another matter entirely. Her sister could drive a saint stupid without trying. But Wilda had managed her. And so would Kendra. If she had to.

  Her steps faltered a bit outside Erin’s classroom. Already, Kendra’s energy seemed to want to reach out and encompass her mortal. To guide. To protect. Kendra opened herself up and sampled the remnants of her mortal.

  Such sadness. It was palpable in the lines of life. But strength. Courage. Kendra nodded. She had chosen well. There was much work in front of her. But she was the Water Goddess. She would prevail.

  Kendra smoothed down her plain brown skirt as her sensible brown shoes clicked on the cement floor of the school. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a loose bun at the nape of her neck. She tried to look as nondescript as possible. The spell helped enormously.

  The office doors were right in front of her. She grasped the doorknob, turned it, and opened the door.

  An older woman with red, corkscrew curls piled on top of her head muttered to herself while clutching a pencil between her teeth. Her tortoiseshell glasses balanced precariously on her small nose while the chain hung crazily by her cheek. She pecked at a keyboard while muttering under her breath.

  “Um, excuse me?”

  The typing stopped, and the woman peered up over her glasses. Sharp green eyes studied her.

  “What do you need, hon? Run out of pencils again?”

  Kendra frowned down at the woman. “No.”

  The woman blinked and pulled the glasses up. “Oh. I’m so sorry! I thought you were someone else. Can I help you?”

  “I need an application.”

  “Teacher’s assistant or janitor?”

  Kendra blinked twice at the choices. She certainly hoped it was the teacher’s assistant. How was she to help her mortal if she only saw the woman twice a day? Not to mention that scrubbing toilets was certainly not her idea of a good time. Not that she’d ever done it. But she was pretty sure she wouldn’t care for it.

  “Teacher’s assistant.”

  The older woman handed her a sheet of paper and pen. “You can fill it out over there, dearie.”

  Kendra took her paper and walked over to the small, brown, circular table against the wall. She put her purse in front of the paper and waited for inspiration to strike. As soon as she shielded her paper, answers automatically filled in the spaces. She muttered a brief, “Thank you.”

  And then the office traffic picked up considerably. Kendra watched the comings and goings with interest. The woman behind the desk had pencils, a rubber band, paper clips, staples, and highlighters. There were also shoestrings, band-aids, and Vaseline for chapped lips.r />
  Elementary children filtered through with consistency until the first bell rang. And then they tapered off considerably. Kendra took a deep breath and walked back up to the secretary’s desk. She handed the paper to the woman and waited while it was looked over.

  “You’re perfect, dearie.” Those green eyes moved over her and missed nothing. “I think Erin will appreciate someone with so much experience.” She lowered her voice. “I’m Ethel. Keeper of Tiny Treasures and the band-aids. And the truth is, we’ve got an overabundance of kindergarteners this year.” She sighed. “A lot of parents kept their children out of preschool, and this is their first year. Erin has her hands full.”

  Ethel smiled. “She can handle it; I have no doubt. But we have to fill the position because of the large number of children.”

  “I understand.” Kendra smiled back. “I look forward to your call. Would it be okay if I looked around a bit?”

  “Oh, heavens yes!” Ethel waved her out the door. “I’ll give this to the principal, Mrs. Barfield. She’ll be the one contacting you.” She winked. “And I don’t think it will be too long. But go wander around, dearie.”

  Kendra thanked the secretary and left the office. She could hear the murmurings of hundreds of children and smiled. This was certainly where she was supposed to be. And then a shrill cry broke the air, and Kendra frowned and ran down the hallway.

  * * * *

  Erin hurried down the hallway toward the cry that startled her a second ago. She had only dropped the children off at music when the cry stopped her in her tracks. The shrill cry tapered off into large sobs that echoed off the walls of the empty hallways.

  She rushed into the bathroom and found Mary, a third grader, holding up her bleeding finger. It was a nasty cut, and Erin fought back the wince of sympathy.

  “Here, hon.” Erin turned on the cold water and ran the finger underneath it for a second so she could see the depth of the cut. “What happened?”

  Between hiccups and sobs, Mary told of how she accidentally slit her finger on the toilet paper holder. Erin nodded and applied pressure to the cut. It didn’t need stitches but certainly a bandage.