Witch’s Promise (Shadowguards #3.5)

4. Gabe

Chapter 4

Gabe

T he wheels of Gabe's beat-up Corolla ate up the miles of asphalt stretching between New York and Salem, the monotonous hum of the engine a stark contrast to the chaotic thoughts swirling in his head. He'd thrown together a duffel bag in record time that morning, tossing in whatever clean clothes he could find in his apartment. Packing had never been his strong suit, but the last-minute nature of this trip made it even more haphazard than usual.

The summer heat pressed against the car windows like an oppressive blanket, the AC sputtering out lukewarm air that did little to combat the sweat beading on Gabe's forehead. He cranked the dial to max, silently praying to whatever deity might be listening that the ancient cooling system wouldn't give up the ghost before he reached Salem.

"Come on, you piece of shit," Gabe muttered, giving the dashboard an encouraging pat.

As the New York skyline faded in his rearview mirror, Gabe couldn't help but marvel at how light the traffic was. It was early, sure, but this was still New York fucking City. Where were all the cars? The honking horns? The colorful cursing from irate drivers?

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Reed," he chided himself. "Just enjoy the smooth sailing while it lasts."

The shrill ring of his phone cut through Gabe's brooding, making him jump. The car swerved slightly before he corrected, swearing under his breath. He jabbed at the button on his steering wheel, activating the Bluetooth.

"Yeah?" he barked, heart still racing from the sudden interruption.

"Whoa, easy there, tiger," Lucas's cheerful voice filled the car. "Did I interrupt your brooding session? You know that's not good for your complexion."

Despite himself, Gabe felt a smile tugging at his lips. "Fuck off, Lucas. I wasn't brooding. I was contemplating."

"Uh-huh. And I'm the Queen of England. How's the drive going, Your Broodiness?"

Gabe rolled his eyes, but the familiar banter with his best friend was already easing some of the tension from his shoulders. "It's fine. Traffic's weirdly light. My AC is on its last legs, but other than that, smooth sailing."

"Glad to hear it," Lucas said. "You know, if you'd let me soup up that rust bucket of yours like I offered-"

"For the last time, Lucas, I don't need my car to fly or shoot lasers or whatever the hell you had in mind."

Lucas's mock-offended gasp crackled through the speakers. "I am wounded, Gabe. Wounded! I'll have you know my modifications are both stylish and practical. But fine, sweat your ass off in your rolling sauna. See if I care."

Gabe chuckled, shaking his head. "Your concern is touching. How're things back at HQ? Grant settling in okay?"

There was a pause, and Gabe could practically see Lucas's expression softening. "Yeah, he's doing good. Lily took him shopping this morning, got him some clothes that aren't, you know, singed. And Olivia's working with him now, starting some basic fire control exercises."

"Olivia?" Gabe's eyebrows shot up. "That's actually really smart. Who's idea was that?"

"Alex's," Lucas replied. "Figured since she's a fire mage, she'd be best equipped to help Grant get a handle on his new abilities. Plus, you know Olivia. Cool as a cucumber, even when things are literally on fire."

Gabe nodded, forgetting for a moment that Lucas couldn't see him. It was a good call. Olivia had a calming presence that would be invaluable for someone in Grant's position. "And how's Grant handling all of this? It's a lot to take in, even without the whole 'surprise, you're magical' thing."

Lucas hummed thoughtfully. "Better than you might expect. I think having a purpose, a direction, is helping. Oh, and get this - Alex brought him in yesterday, asked if he'd be interested in joining one of the new teams we're putting together once his training's complete."

"Seriously?" Gabe felt a mix of surprise and something else. Pride, maybe? "What did Grant say?"

"Said he'd be more than happy to," Lucas reported, a smile evident in his voice. "I think the kid- uh, the guy's found his calling. Who knew nearly burning down half of New York could lead to a promising career in supernatural law enforcement?"

Gabe snorted. "Yeah, well, let's hope that doesn't become our standard recruitment method. So, things are good there? You guys don't need me to come back or anything?"

"Gabriel Reed, don't you dare," Lucas's voice took on a stern tone that was only half-joking. "We are fine. The world is not ending. You are going to go to Salem, hug your parents, eat some cake, and actually relax for once in your goddamn life. Got it?"

Gabe sighed, but there was a warmth in his chest at his friend's concern. "Yes, mom. I promise to be a good boy and enjoy my vacation."

"That's what I like to hear," Lucas said, his tone softening. "But seriously, man. How are you feeling about all this? Excited to see the fam?"

"I don't know," he admitted finally. "I mean, yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing them. It's been too long. But it's also... I don't know. Weird? Like I'm stepping back into a life that doesn't quite fit anymore."

Lucas hummed sympathetically. "I get that. It's hard, straddling two worlds like you do. But Gabe, they're your family. They love you, even if they don't know everything about your life. Just try to be present, you know? Enjoy the time with them."

Gabe nodded, swallowing past the lump in his throat. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, man. For everything."

"Anytime," Lucas said warmly. "That's what friends are for. Now, go forth and party. But not too hard. I expect you back here in one piece, ready to save the world again."

Gabe laughed. "Yes, sir. I'll try not to let the excitement of my dad's birthday bash overwhelm me."

They chatted for a bit longer, Lucas filling him in on some of the more mundane goings-on at the Shadowguards HQ. It was nice, Gabe realized, to talk about something other than impending magical disasters or life-or-death missions. By the time they hung up, the knot in Gabe's chest had loosened considerably.

Gabe crossed the town line into Salem, a wave of nostalgia hit him like a punch to the gut. The familiar streets and buildings seemed to welcome him back, each corner holding a memory he'd almost forgotten. Without consciously deciding to, he found himself steering his car towards the old part of town, muscle memory guiding him to a place he hadn't visited in years.

The Enchanted Dough, his favorite donut shop from high school, stood exactly where he remembered it. The faded blue awning fluttered in the summer breeze, and the neon "Open” sign buzzed cheerfully in the window. Gabe couldn't help but smile as he pulled into a parking spot across the street. Some things, it seemed, never changed.

The bell above the door chimed as Gabe stepped inside, and he was immediately enveloped in the warm, sweet scent of fresh donuts. It was like being transported back in time – the same checkered floor, the same worn counter, even the same ancient cash register that looked like it belonged in a museum.

"Well, I'll be damned," a familiar voice croaked from behind the counter. "If it isn't little Gabe Reed, all grown up."

Gabe's head snapped up, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of Mr. and Mr. Elseworth. The old couple looked exactly as he remembered them – Mr. Jonathan with his silver hair and twinkling blue eyes, Mr. Thomas with his impressive mustache and perpetual smirk. It was almost eerie, how unchanged they were. But then again, Fae didn't age like humans did.

"Mr. J, Mr. T," Gabe grinned, warmth spreading through his chest. "How the hell are you two still running this place? I thought for sure you'd have retired to some magical realm by now."

Mr. Thomas chuckled, the sound like rustling leaves. "And leave all this behind? Not a chance, boy. Besides, someone's got to keep feeding the sweet tooths of Salem."

As Gabe approached the counter, he couldn't help but marvel at the two Fae. He'd never known which court they belonged to and he'd never asked. In Salem, where the supernatural and the mundane lived side by side (even if most humans were blissfully unaware), such distinctions hardly mattered. What mattered was how they treated people, and the Elseworths had always been nothing but kind.

"It's good to see you, son," Mr. Jonathan said, reaching across the counter to clasp Gabe's hand. His skin was cool to the touch, with a slight shimmer that human eyes would miss. "You've been gone too long. Manhattan treating you well?"

Gabe blinked in surprise. "How did you-"

"Oh, we hear things," Mr. Thomas said with a wink. "The wind whispers, the trees talk. You know how it is."

Gabe shook his head, chuckling. He should have known better than to be surprised. The Fae had their ways of keeping tabs on things, especially on those they considered under their protection. And apparently, even after all these years, Gabe still fell into that category.

"Manhattan's... intense," Gabe said, choosing his words carefully. How do you explain to your childhood donut shop owners that you spend your days fighting supernatural threats and saving the world? "Never a dull moment, that's for sure."

Mr. Jonathan's eyes twinkled knowingly. "I bet. You always did have a knack for finding trouble, Gabriel. Or perhaps trouble had a knack for finding you."

"Speaking of trouble," Mr. Thomas said, his mustache twitching, "what brings you back to our humble little town? Not that we're not delighted to see you, mind."

"My dad's birthday," Gabe explained, leaning against the counter. "Thought I'd surprise them."

"Ah, Damian," Mr. Jonathan nodded. "Good man. Terrible taste in ties, but a good man nonetheless. I'm sure he'll be over the moon to see you."

"Yeah, well, I figure I can't show up empty-handed. How about two boxes of your finest? For old times' sake."

The Elseworths beamed, moving with surprising speed for beings who looked old enough to remember the Revolutionary War. As they bustled about, filling boxes with an assortment of donuts that made Gabe's mouth water, he found himself relaxing for the first time since he'd left New York.

"You know," Mr. Thomas said as he carefully arranged a chocolate-frosted masterpiece in the box, "your young man was in here just the other day. Seemed a bit down in the dumps, if you ask me."

Gabe froze, his heart skipping a beat. "My young man?"

"Mm-hmm," Mr. Jonathan nodded sagely. "Tall fellow, dark hair, looks like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Sean, wasn't it?"

"Sean and I, we're not..." Gabe struggled to find the words, his throat suddenly dry. "That is, we haven't been together for a long time."

The Elseworths exchanged a look that Gabe couldn't quite decipher. "Is that so?" Mr. Thomas murmured. "Well, time is a funny thing, especially for beings like us. What seems like an eternity can pass in the blink of an eye, and sometimes, the heart remembers what the mind tries to forget."

Gabe wanted to argue, to explain that it wasn't that simple. That there was too much history, too much pain between him and Sean. But the words stuck in his throat, trapped behind years of regret and what-ifs.

"Here you are, dear," Mr. Jonathan said gently, pushing two boxes of donuts across the counter. "On the house. Consider it a welcome home gift."

"I can't-" Gabe started to protest, but Mr. Thomas waved him off.

"Nonsense. Just promise you won't be a stranger, alright? Salem's not the same without you, Gabriel."

Swallowing hard, Gabe nodded. "I promise. And thank you. For everything."

As he turned to leave, donuts in hand, Mr. Jonathan called out, "Oh, and Gabe? Remember, not all bridges are meant to stay burned. Some are meant to be rebuilt, stronger than before.”

Gabe's car rolled to a stop in front of a two-story house in the Central Area of Salem, a far cry from the shabby neighborhood he'd grown up in. The manicured lawn and freshly painted exterior were testaments to how far the Reed family had come. A twinge of pride mixed with an undercurrent of guilt twisted in Gabe's gut as he killed the engine.

The money he'd sent back home, courtesy of his Shadowguard salary, had allowed his family to move up in the world. They thought he worked in "private security" in New York. If only they knew the half of it.

Grabbing the boxes of donuts from The Enchanted Dough, Gabe stepped out of the car, the summer heat immediately enveloping him like a clingy ex. He could hear laughter drifting from an open window, the sound both familiar and foreign.

Taking a deep breath, Gabe strode up to the front door. His finger hovered over the doorbell for a moment as doubts assailed him. What if they were upset he hadn't called ahead? What if his surprise visit was more of an inconvenience than a joy?

The door swung open, and Gabe found himself face to face with his mother, Emily Reed. Her eyes widened, shock giving way to joy in a matter of heartbeats.

"Hi, Mom," Gabe managed, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips.

"Gabriel?" She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh my God, is it really you?"

Before Gabe could respond, he found himself enveloped in a fierce hug, the scent of his mother's familiar lavender perfume washing over him. He hugged her back just as tightly, careful not to crush the donut boxes between them.

"Surprise," Gabe murmured into her hair, feeling like a kid again in the best possible way. "I, uh, brought donuts."

She pulled back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Donuts? Gabriel James Reed, you show up unannounced after months away and you think donuts are going to cut it?"

"They're from The Enchanted Dough," he offered, holding up the boxes like a peace offering.

His mom’s facade cracked, a laugh bubbling up. "Well, in that case, I suppose you're forgiven. Come in, come in! Everyone's going to be so excited to see you!"

As she ushered him inside, Gabe couldn't help but marvel at her. Emily Reed was a force of nature, a divination witch of considerable power even if she rarely practiced these days. Her intuition was razor-sharp, which had made keeping secrets from her a Herculean task when Gabe was growing up.

"Everyone!" His mom called out, her voice ringing through the house. "Look who's home!"

There was a moment of stunned silence, then a flurry of movement. Gabe barely had time to set down the donut boxes before he was tackled by two familiar figures.

"Gabe!" Gino, his younger brother, practically yelled in his ear. "Holy shit, man, when did you get here?"

"Language," his mom chided, but there was no heat in it.

Giana, the baby of the family, squeezed Gabe so tight he feared for his ribs. "Why didn't you tell us you were coming, you jerk? We could have planned something!"

Gabe laughed, the sound a bit strained given the death grip his siblings had on him. "That's kind of the point of a surprise, Gi. Can't breathe, by the way."

They released him, both grinning from ear to ear. Gino, ever the opportunist, immediately made a beeline for the donut boxes. "Dibs on the chocolate frosted!"

"Gino Reed, those are for everyone," His mother scolded, but Gabe waved her off.

"It's fine, Mom. I got plenty. Where's Dad?"

As if on cue, the sound of footsteps came from the direction of the garage. Damian Reed appeared in the doorway, wiping his hands on a rag. His eyes widened as they landed on Gabe, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"Well, I'll be damned," his dad said, his voice gruff with emotion.

Gabe felt a lump form in his throat. Without a word, he crossed the room and enveloped his father in a bear hug. His dad returned the embrace just as fiercely, and for a moment, Gabe felt like all was right with the world.

"Missed you, Dad," Gabe mumbled into his father's shoulder.

"Missed you too, son," his dad replied, his voice thick. "It's good to have you home."

As they broke apart, Gabe took in the sight of his family.

The Reed Coven. It wasn't the most powerful in Salem – that honor belonged to the Wisteria Coven – but it was influential in its own right. More importantly, it was inclusive in a way many traditional covens weren't. Magic user or not, if you supported their cause, you could be part of the Reed Coven. It was more than just a magical organization; it was a support system, a family in the truest sense of the word.

"So," his mom said, clapping her hands together. "Who wants coffee with their donuts? Gabe, honey, you must be exhausted from the drive. Sit, sit!"

As his family bustled around, getting drinks and plates, peppering him with questions about his trip and his life in New York, Gabe felt a familiar weight settle onto his shoulders. He loved them, God how he loved them. But with every question, every concerned look, the web of lies he'd woven grew more tangled.

"How's work?" Gino asked around a mouthful of donut. "Still keeping the rich and famous safe?"

Gabe forced a laugh, ignoring the twinge of guilt in his gut. "Something like that. You know I can't talk much about it. Confidentiality agreements and all that."

"Oh, come on," Giana wheedled. "You can't even give us a hint? Any celebrities? Ooh, or maybe some juicy political scandal?"

"Sorry, sis," Gabe shrugged, taking a sip of the coffee his mother had pressed into his hands. "My lips are sealed."

His dad studied him over the rim of his mug, his eyes sharp. "You're looking tired, son. They working you too hard in the big city?"

For a moment, Gabe considered telling them the truth. About the Shadowguards, about the constant battles against dark forces that threatened to tear the world apart. About the weight of responsibility that sometimes felt like it might crush him.

But then he thought about the worry that would etch itself into his mother's face. The danger his family might be in if his enemies ever found out about them. The way it would change everything.

"Nah, I'm good," Gabe said instead, plastering on a smile. "Just been busy, you know how it is. But hey, enough about me. What's new here? How's the coven doing?"

As his family launched into updates about coven business and local gossip, Gabe felt the familiar tug of two worlds pulling him in opposite directions. He was home, surrounded by the people he loved most in the world. But he'd never felt more like an outsider.

Gino, ever the one to poke at sore spots, suddenly piped up, "Hey, speaking of local news, does Sean know you're back in town?"

The name hit Gabe like a sucker punch to the gut. He tensed, his fingers tightening around his coffee mug until his knuckles turned white. The room seemed to shrink, the air growing thick and heavy.

"No," Gabe managed, his voice strained. "And I'd like to keep it that way, if you don't mind."

Gino's eyebrows shot up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh? Trouble in paradise? Last I heard, you two were-"

"Gino," his mom cut in sharply, her motherly intuition clearly picking up on Gabe's discomfort. "That's enough. Your brother's personal life is his own business."

Gabe shot his mother a grateful look, but the damage was done. Sean's name hung in the air like a specter, dredging up memories Gabe had tried so hard to bury.

"Look," Gabe said, setting down his mug with a bit more force than necessary. "I'd appreciate it if no one mentioned to anyone that I'm home. I just need some time, okay? This visit is for family."

The words came out harsher than he'd intended, and Gabe immediately felt a pang of guilt. His family exchanged glances, a silent conversation happening over his head.

"Of course, honey," his mother said softly, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "Whatever you need. We're just happy to have you here."

His dad cleared his throat, clearly sensing the need for a subject change. "So, who's hungry? I think it's about time we started on dinner."

As his family bustled about, setting the table and bringing out dishes that smelled like home and childhood, Gabe felt the knot in his chest loosen slightly. But Sean's name echoed in his mind, a reminder of the past he couldn't quite escape, even here.

Gabe helped set the table, the familiar routine grounding him. As they settled in to eat, the conversation flowing more easily now, he tried to push thoughts of Sean aside. He was here for his family, for his dad's birthday. Everything else could wait.