Spirit Whispers

by Cadie Snow

  SPIRIT WHISPERS

  Natural Witches Book 2

  By

  Cadie Snow

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 1

  Jaime Sanders wished for a magical power that would make the mess disappear. The aftermath of her daughter’s birthday party covered every room of her lovely two-story home. Being a single mom was nearly as challenging as the role of coven leader in the small town of Blairsville, Georgia.

  Psychic ability didn’t replace good old-fashioned cleaning, which would take Jaime a while, from the looks of things. Yet she didn’t regret the mayhem. The sight of her daughter Abigail enjoying herself so thoroughly warmed Jaime’s heart.

  It wasn’t every day that a girl turned thirteen, and for Abigail that had even more significance. She was old enough to take Jaime’s place as coven leader—not that the opportunity would arise soon. Jaime had no intention of handing over that burden for quite some time.

  The birthday party was a family event, which meant that Jaime’s house and yard had been bursting with relatives. Abigail’s friends made the total number of guests more than Jaime had counted on. But that was fine. There was always more food at a Sanders family get-together than anyone could eat.

  Most of the neighbors and friends had gone home, after hugging Abigail and wishing her well. The family was filtering out, leaving a wake of cake plates, streamers, balloons, and ribbons. Jaime squeezed her cousin Sophia. “Thanks again for helping with the planning.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want me to stick around for cleanup?”

  “That’s okay,” Jaime said. “I can handle it.”

  Abigail was across the room chatting to a distant cousin, looking every bit the teenager that she’d become. Jaime grew up in the same house, which had been her mother’s, and her grandmother’s before that. Memories of birthday parties over the years came to mind.

  Jaime had worn frilly dresses until she’d matured into more adult attire. Abigail had already put aside her little-girl wardrobe and looked so grown-up. It was summer, so she’d chosen to wear slim white pants rolled up at the ankle with a blue-striped shirt and white slip-on shoes.

  Abigail had the Sanders blond hair and brown eyes. She’d tied her hair back in a satin bow and wore sparkly nail polish. The party was special and had been long anticipated. The change from child to teenager had happened gradually, with Abigail showing signs of rebellion before the teenage years began.

  Most of the guests had left, so Jaime started scooping trash into a basket. Her cousin Ava was cleaning upstairs with the help of her husband Tom. The party had run long, but it was still only three in the afternoon. The place would be in order by dinner.

  Worry nagged at Jaime’s heart. Abigail was kind and loving, despite her feisty side. She got along with her younger twin brothers, mostly. The burden of her witch heritage would descend upon her all too soon. Jaime would do all she could to protect her daughter, but that fate was inevitable.

  The Sanders family had a long history of witchcraft. The women had upheld the responsibility of using power for good, but it wasn’t an easy task. Abigail had exhibited powers like Jaime’s, as she possessed psychic ability and had dreams that revealed future events.

  The teenage years could be tough enough without adding in witchcraft. Jaime wanted to protect her daughter from dealing with that responsibility too early. Yet she might not have as much control over that as she’d like. Jaime put aside memories of growing up as a witch in a town that didn’t always accept such abilities. If she had her way, the path would be easier for Abigail.

  A party favor crunched under Jaime’s foot, so she tossed it into the trash with the rest. She retrieved two bowls of melting ice cream and put them in the sink. Then her phone vibrated in her pocket. It was her friend Lily, one of the few who hadn’t been there. An urgent matter at the antique shop had kept her away.

  “Hey, Jaime, I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  “No, you’re not. The party is over; I’m just cleaning up.”

  “I wouldn’t bother you on Abigail’s big day,” Lily said, “but I’m…afraid.”

  Lily Hall owned the antique shop downtown. She’d lived in the town her entire life, and knew the residents, as well as tourists who revisited to make purchases. There was nothing to fear that Jaime was aware of. The trembling in Lily’s voice got her attention.

  “What happened?”

  “I can’t… I mean, I’d rather tell you in person,” Lily said. “I need to show you.”

  “Of course.” Jaime agreed to stop by the shop at the first opportunity.

  Lily assured her that she’d be fine until then. Although the tone of her voice wasn’t fine at all. It would be a day or so before Jaime would learn what the concern was, since Lily had a few doctors’ appointments and business details to see to first.

  Jaime didn’t like the idea of Lily being afraid, since she had a weak heart. She considered going to the shop immediately, but Lily wouldn’t be there—and had preferred to meet at a better time. The situation would have to wait.

  Lily was a dear friend as well as a client. Jaime took care her bookkeeping, like she did for other local business owners. It was a way to support her family, yet still have time to spend with her kids. Most of her clients were also friends.

  The house was looking better. Ava was vacuuming the stairs and Tom was carrying bags of trash outside. Abigail walked toward the door with a girl in a bright purple dress. Jaime didn’t recall inviting her, but there had been so many guests that she hadn’t spoken to the girl. She’d blended in with the other teens.

  Abigail laughed, catching Jaime’s attention. The source of her reaction appeared to be something the girl had said. Turning thirteen didn’t mean complete independence, especially with all that had happened recently. Jaime would keep an eye on things.

  Jaime hated to be an overprotective mom, but many factors came into play. Abigail was not a normal teenager, as much as she’d like to think so. She had vulnerabilities that came with her special talents. She was a witch, whether she wished to be or not.

  Abigail crossed the living room, motioning with her hands as she chatted with her friend. It appeared that they knew each other pretty well, but Jaime hadn’t seen the girl before that day.

  Jaime was close to the front door. “Abigail, would you care to introduce me?”

  “Sure, Mama. This is Eve Archer.”

  Eve glanced at Jaime then focused on Abigail, making her grin. Eve was about the same height as Abigail, but thinner, almost frail looking. She had dark hair and brown eyes, but pale skin. Her eyebrows were thick, and her expression was dark.

  Jaime pondered a girl with a dark expression at such a young age. She’d need to find out more about her. “I’m Abigail’s mother.” That got Eve’s attention. “I don’t think we’ve met before. I’ve lived in this town all my life, and I know all the families. I don’t recall any Archers.”

  “Mama…she’s new,” Abigail said, making Jaime wonder why Eve couldn’t speak for herself. “She moved to town from Atlanta and will be in the eighth grade with me.” Moving up a grade was a big deal for Abigail, almost as exciting as becoming a teenager.

  That last statement was significant. Eve wasn’t from Blairsville. The friendship had clearly been fostered quickly, which was unusual. Abigail tended to be quiet and slower to make friends, but this appeared to be an exception.

&nb
sp; That didn’t make the situation any more agreeable—especially when Eve hadn’t said a word yet.

  “It’s good to meet you,” Jaime said, putting her hand on Eve’s slender wrist. “I look forward to welcoming your parents to town.” The touch was electrifying. Later, Jaime would attempt to decipher what she’d felt. For now, she didn’t want to let on that anything was amiss.

  Psychic ability allowed Jaime to read thoughts and emotions. Yet Eve wasn’t accessible. Her mind was blocked, which was odd. Sensations flooded Jaime, so she removed her hand.

  Eve cast a knowing look at Abigail, then left.

  Pointing out that Abigail’s new friend was rude wouldn’t go well. The rebellious teen in Abigail wouldn’t stand for that. After reaching the magical age of thirteen, she thought that she was an adult—or if not that, at least not a child. It was best not to treat her as one.

  “You haven’t mentioned Eve,” Jaime said.

  “Mama, I don’t have to tell you everything. I have a life, you know.” Then Abigail relented and gave Jaime a hug. “It was a great party. Thank you so much. I had fun.”

  “I’m glad, honey,” Jaime said. “I realize that you just met Eve, but I didn’t know that you’d invited her. If she’s someone you like, then I’m interested in knowing her better and meeting her parents.”

  “That might be difficult.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I don’t know, but I haven’t seen them,” Abigail said. “Her dad travels a lot, and she hasn’t mentioned her mother.”

  Jaime wasn’t sure what to say.

  “It’s fine, though,” Abigail said. “When I do meet them, I’ll let you know.” Then she pranced off to harass her younger brothers.

  Landon and Andrew were going into the fifth grade, babies in Abigail’s eyes. She’d moaned about having them at her party but could hardly avoid it. Now that the festivities were over, she rushed over to wrestle with them. Jaime smiled; her daughter wasn’t lost to her—just growing up.

  On Sunday, Jaime was up early. The twins went to play soccer, and Abigail left to go shopping with a couple of friends. That left the morning free for Jaime to tend to an important matter.

  Jaime went to her aunt’s house to meet her sisters. When Aunt Iris had died, the house had been willed to Jaime. The home had special significance other than its lovely Victorian style. The Book of Shadows for the Sanders coven was hidden within its walls.

  When Jaime had taken the role of coven leader, she’d inherited the responsibility for the book with the handwritten spells from her ancestors. She hoped to contribute more during her tenure. At the moment, she needed the book’s magic spells.

  After going inside, Jaime looked around. She loved the old home and took care to keep it up, just as her aunt had. It seemed unusually quiet; the only noise was the sound of her footsteps on the hardwood floor. Summer had warmed things up, so she opened a window and took a deep breath.

  Olivia arrived in a flurry. “I hope I’m not late. I had a few last-minute issues to handle in the kitchen this morning.” She managed Sanders Bed and Breakfast, so that wasn’t unusual.

  Jaime hugged her sister. “Good to see you. And thanks for all the food help at the party yesterday.”

  Olivia was the middle sister, gorgeous at age thirty-two. Although she would argue that, focusing on the few pounds she needed to lose. Yet Jaime saw her sister as curvaceous, an enviable attribute, since Jaime was petite at only five feet two. A few curves would be welcome.

  Then Harper burst in. “Ah, you’re both here. My alarm didn’t go off.” She laughed. “Too much birthday cake…I didn’t wake up.”

  Harper was the youngest. She had blond hair and brown eyes, just like her sisters. At five feet nine, she towered over them. Her capris and sleeveless shirt were fashionable. She wore an amethyst necklace and earrings she’d made.

  “That necklace is one of my favorites,” Jaime said. “You should make another. I bet you could sell it at your next jewelry show.”

  “Not a bad idea,” Harper said. “I could use a sale. Business has been a little quiet. Maybe it’s the summer.”

  Jaime led her sisters to the living room and took a seat in the armchair. Olivia and Harper sat across from her on the sofa. “It’s a quiet day, probably a good time to meet.”

  “Yeah, where are the ghosts?” Harper said.

  Jaime hadn’t purified the house after her aunt’s death, since the remaining ghosts were friendly. Footsteps in the hall or a rattle in the wall weren’t anything to be concerned about. “It’s summer, so maybe lethargy has set in. I’m sure they will resurface.”

  “It’s been quiet from another faction, too,” Olivia said.

  Jaime didn’t need to be reminded, as that was foremost on her mind. “A little too quiet, which makes me think that something is brewing. I hope I’m wrong, but I need to be prepared.”

  “I’m glad you decided to create a protective spell as a shield against the sorcerers,” Harper said. “I’m still shocked to learn Elijah”—Jaime’s ex-husband—“was a sorcerer.”

  “The leader of Nefarious, don’t forget,” Olivia said.

  “Think how I feel,” Jaime said. “I was married to him and didn’t have a clue. I escaped temporarily, but Elijah still intends to kill me at the first opportunity.”

  “And yesterday was a reminder that Abigail is next in line,” Harper said. “If anything happens to you, she will fall into their hands.”

  “I won’t let that happen,” Jaime said. “We must stick together to protect our family, and to make sure Nefarious doesn’t take our power.” She shuddered to think of witchcraft under the control of evil, since that dreaded band of sorcerers was only motivated by greed and a lust for power.

  The sisters stood in front of the fireplace and formed a circle, holding hands. Jaime chanted, “I am your owner. Your magic rightfully belongs in my hands.” The Book of Shadows appeared and hovered between them. They placed their hands underneath the heavy volume then lowered it onto the pedestal for reading.

  Jaime ran her fingertips over the leather cover, feeling the gold-embossed title. She respected the book’s power, knowing that the spells within its pages must be used wisely. “Let’s see what we can find.”

  The book opened to a center page, but that wasn’t what Jaime needed. “We want a protective spell to block sorcery and keep me safe.” She thumbed through the pages, while her sisters looked over her shoulders.

  There it was: Invisible Protection. The incantation was to protect the leader of the coven with an invisible shield. The energy was a force field that sorcery couldn’t broach. “This is it,” Jaime said. “We have to use our united power to mentally form a circle of energy, just as described here.”

  Olivia read the instructions out loud, then each tested their ability. It was a power any witch possessed, as it was the creation of energy. Yet three sisters together could bring an impenetrable shield into being. With their eyes closed, they wrapped their arms around each other.

  Each had to envision the power circle of precise dimensions, while Jaime’s sisters chanted:

  Banish the evil back to where it belongs

  Keep sorcery from this good witch

  For the coven’s health and longevity depend upon her.

  After numerous repetitions, the air waves began to vibrate. Jaime felt new strength surrounding her. There was a crack in the air, then the sisters were forced apart.

  Jaime opened her eyes. “Do you think it worked?”

  “It must have,” Olivia said. “The spell has been tried and tested. We did it exactly as instructed.”

  “We felt the shield’s current,” Harper said. “It should be in force until we undo it.”

  Jaime sensed a different kind of energy around her, yet it wasn’t visible. She wondered if a sorcerer would perceive it, but supposed that didn’t matter, as long as she was protected.

  Before leaving, Jaime recited the incantation to return the book to its hiding place.
“I should get back before the kids get home.”

  After locking the door, Jaime turned to her sisters. “By the way, I have to drop by Lily’s tomorrow. Can either of you come with me?”

  “I have a date,” Harper said.

  Olivia raised her brows. “In the daytime?”

  “We’re going out to the lake. The weather will be great.”

  “Who is this new guy?” Jaime said.

  “Vic…he’s someone I met at the jewelry show,” Harper said. “And his thoughts are on track.”

  Jaime smiled. Her sister’s telepathic ability could be a hindrance. It was tricky developing a relationship when they guy’s thoughts were no secret. “We’ll he must be a good pick, if that’s the case.”

  “I’ll go with you,” Olivia said. “Is there a reason for the visit?”

  “I’m not sure,” Jaime said. “I got the strangest call yesterday. Lily is afraid of something, but she wouldn’t say what. She wants to tell me in person, so I can’t imagine. What could happen in an antique shop?”

  “I’m sure that I don’t know,” Olivia said, “but Lily wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important.”

  Jaime arrived home to find her house empty. The kids weren’t back yet, so she had time to herself—a rare commodity. She took the opportunity to walk in the forest behind her home. It was a brilliant, warm day, ideal for a stroll among the trees.

  She walked along the path until she came to her favorite spot to rest. After climbing on the flat rock, she looked up at the blue sky, thinking about her mother. That was the one place she felt close to her. Jaime wished that her mother had lived longer, as so much would have been different.

  But wishing didn’t make it so.

  Jaime closed her eyes and tried to feel her mother’s presence. She spoke as if her mother was beside her—letting her know about all that had happened recently. It felt good to share. And despite the lack of response, she sensed that her mother understood.

  It would have been so much better if her aunt had lived, but she’d died too soon, leaving Jaime in charge. She didn’t begrudge caring for her family or protecting the coven. But it would have been preferable for Aunt Iris to run things a while longer.