Page 2 of Bonded By Tea and Tarot

A couple more pillows, I think, and then it’ll be perfect for the stream and some content batching afterwards.

On my way back out I grab a couple of my tarot and oracle decks, and then it’s time.

“Happy Sunday, friends!” I say as the live stream starts up. I smile and wave, making idle small talk to give people a few minutes to join. Then we get into the reason we’re here today.

“Let’s center ourselves, set our expectations. I’m sitting outside, as you can see, under my favorite willow tree. I can hear the wind as it rustles through the leaves, and there are so many birds chirping.” I smile, soaking it all in. “I know I normally ask you all what deck we should use today, but I’m feeling called to this one.”

I pick up a dark box with a blush pink and lavender top, and flip it open to reveal black cards with a lavender design on the back.

“What do you think? Do we feel good about it?” The hearts and thumbs up notifications flow across the screen, and I nod. “Good. Alright.”

I tap the deck three times, then blow gently across the top of it before shuffling, following my usual pre-reading ritual. My rings clink lightly with the movements, and the bracelets on one wrist chime gently. When it feels right, I fan the cards in an arc on the blanket in front of me.

“What do we need to remember this week? What should we be mindful of? What does the week have in store for us?” I close my eyes and allow my fingers to trail through the air over the cards until I feel compelled to stop and pull one.

I hold it up to the camera first, then flip it around. “The Fool. It sounds like we have some adventures ahead of us!” I grin at the camera, and continue. “Generally, the fool indicates a new beginning or a fresh start. If you’re looking for love, now is when a relationship or crush may show up in your life. For our career-focused folks, a new business opportunity or venture may make itself known, but be sure to move forward with curiosity and openness so you don’t accidentally overlook it.” I set the card down, but I can’t take my eyes off it. I try not to let my expression show how this card, The Fool, is hitting me right in my chest.

“Now is the time to take that leap of faith. To do the thing you’ve been thinking about, even if it feels risky. Focus on the opportunities, the possibilities ahead of you, and you’ll be rewarded.” My voice trails off, and a moment of silence lingers. I clear my throat, forcing my signature smile back onto my face and ignoring the nervous butterflies in my stomach.

“Well. Looks like it’ll be a good week! Does anyone have any specific requests?”

I take my usual five requests, doing a quick three-card reading for each, then direct the others to the link in my bio to sign up for a more in-depth paid reading if they’d like. Within minutes, requests are flowing in, and the open slots on my virtual calendar are filling up.

I thank everyone for coming, sending well-wishes with my goodbyes, and shut down the stream. Air gusts from my lungs as I stare at The Fool. The image shows a person with what might be a pet fox standing on the edge of a cliff. They’re wearing a dark cloak with pointed ears on the hood, a bindle slung over their shoulder, while they look out at the pastel mountains and trees spread below them.

Hopeful. Intimidating. Enticing.

It’s exactly how I feel knowing I’ll be seeing Aury tomorrow.

Chapter Two

Aury

I love my job, but I wish I didn’t have to teach so many classes. I have two more today—a new round of adult tai chi and then one ongoing open class for teens after school—to be followed by another monotonous night before doing it all again tomorrow. I am not looking forward to the same pre-cooked frozen dinner and staring at the TV with only my cat for company. But despite living in Hillside for two years now, I haven’t managed to make many friends.

The people are all nice, and it’s a lovely town, but I’ve never been all that outgoing. Small talk is easy enough, but opening up and getting to know someone? I scoff to myself while I ready the multi-purpose room for the next class. I wouldn’t know how to be vulnerable if it slapped me in the face.

I want to be, though. Every night spent alone makes the darkness inside yawn wider, threatening to consume me. My heart aches for the closeness and affection I see every day in the packs and pairings around town. Sometimes it hurts so much that I don’t want to go out; better to suffer alone than be forced to see what I’m missing. I refuse to let my thoughts turn to any particular person. Not that avoiding thinking about her has helped much in that regard. I’ve yearned for the self-assured omega since I first laid eyes on her two years ago, my first day here, when I saw her doing a tarot reading in the park and she beamed the brightest, most welcoming smile at me I’ve ever received. Then she waved me over and had me draw a card.

Ace of Cups.

Her husky voice as she told me what it meant soothed my nerves, making me feel welcome and accepted despite neither of us knowing the other’s name. She said I’d be welcome here, that I would find joy and friendship, maybe even more, if I let myself explore the relationships this town has to offer. I swear she struck me stupid right then and there, and I’ve hardly been able to muster up the courage to say two words to her since. Especially since I’m not an alpha, so the chances of her being interested in me are slim.

Unusual chatter in the hallway distracts me from that mesmerizing memory, and I look up just as a group of omegas walks through the door.

It’s like I summoned her with my thoughts.

I stare as Siobhan glances my way and waves. Her bright blue eyes are so enticing, I want to dive into them and never surface. She’s wearing a loose, dark purple crop top and tight black leggings that hug the curves of her legs and hips. Her pale blonde hair is in an artfully messy bun on the top of her head, and my mind immediately wonders how much messier it would get during certain bedroom activities.

I swear I was finally getting over her, had just managed to stop obsessing about the woman (who am I kidding, she’s all I’ve been able to think about for the last two years) when her laugh rings through the room.

I don’t know what they’re here for, probably zumba or something, but they’re obviously in the wrong place. I frown, wishing I didn’t have to kick them out as I take a slow breath and then walk over to them.

“Ladies,” I say, dipping my chin. Siobhan smiles and turns towards me, and I gulp when her scent floats through the air. Slightly earthy and sweet, but with a warm, spicy undertone, like a hot cup of masala chai straight off the stove. I lick my lips, and her eyes dart down to follow the movement. I have to swallow again as saliva floods my mouth, and one of her friends speaks up.

“Hi, um, Aury. Right?”

I force my gaze away from Siobhan to take in the purple-haired omega next to her, and I nod. My brain knows her, I remember helping out when her pack needed it a few months ago, but my brain cells all seem to be on vacation right now.