Blood Magic

by Jennifer Snyder

  “You sure you don’t need me for anything?” she asked.

  “Nope. I’m good.”

  “Okay. Cool.”

  “Care for some popcorn?” Julian held a metal bowl out to her and sat up straighter, making room beside him for her.

  “Uh, yeah. Sure.” Hazel rounded the couch to sit beside him. “Thanks.”

  “Can you believe what he did to her old boyfriend?” I heard Ivette ask Hazel as Hazel situated herself beside Julian. The chemistry between them was so cute. “I assumed he would have been caught by then, but he wasn’t.”

  “It wouldn’t have made for an entertaining show if he had been caught then,” Roman insisted.

  Was it me or had his eyes flashed when he spoke? Was he excited? Did this show remind him of his glory days?

  Julian glanced at me, having picked up on my emotions, and I hurried to the kitchen, hoping I was out of his range but knowing I probably wasn’t.

  “What do you want to eat?” Benji asked. He’d followed me into the kitchen and stepped to the fridge. He opened the door and peered inside. “I can make you some eggs and toast.”

  “That sounds good. Thanks,” I said, knowing he wasn’t much better in the kitchen than I was. However, eggs were warm and protein-filled. I felt as though I needed both. And, who didn’t like buttered toast?

  Plus, him cooking something gave me time to browse through the book.

  I made myself comfortable on a stool at the island and set the book on the counter in front of me. When the spine cracked open, Benji glanced at me from over his shoulder. I thought he would tell me to wait to search through the book until I had food in my system, but he didn’t.

  “I’m tryin’ to think—wasn’t there a spell about summonin’ a spirit?” he asked. “Is there a table of contents in there?”

  A smirk twisted the corners of my lips. “Nope, no table of contents. But, I remember a spell about summoning a spirit. You didn’t want me to read the incantation to it out loud because you were afraid a spirit would come through and take me over, using me to speak to us.”

  He shot me a look that had me laughing.

  “No, that was somethin’ about a psychic bridge and I was serious.” He cracked an egg into a bowl with one hand. I’d always been fascinated by people who could do that. I’d only ever tried it once and had made a huge mess when my fingers went through the shell, splattering egg all over the floor. “It still freaks me out, if I’m bein’ honest.”

  “I don’t think that’s what it meant though.” I chuckled.

  He shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

  I shook my head and flipped through the pages in the book. “The one about summoning seems more fitting.”

  Benji grabbed a pan from a nearby cabinet, and I swore I saw a shiver slip through him at my words.

  “I guess,” he said.

  Seeing him freaked out by ghostly things was cute. It had me smiling wide. Especially considering he was a big, strong vampire with super speed and the ability to heal. Heck, he was even immortal.

  What did he have to be frightened of a little old ghost for?

  I shifted my attention back to the book. While Benji cooked, I read. Just when I thought I might have imagined the spell, I found it. To Summon A Spirit was printed across the top of the page in big letters.

  “I found it,” I said.

  “Really? That was quick.”

  I scanned the spell, paying attention to the ingredients. They weren’t typical kitchen witch items like the other spells I’d preformed as of late. “It calls for some crazy stuff.”

  “Like?”

  “Mandrake root.” My face scrunched together. “That’s not a typical item you buy at a grocery store.”

  “Would your aunt have any? Or know where you could get some?” He pulled a plate from a cabinet and spooned eggs onto it.

  I returned my attention to the book.

  “I could ask her, but I don’t want to,” I said honestly. “From what this spell says, mandrake root is used because of its ability to keep maleficent spirits and energies from taking over the body of the person performing the spell. If that’s the case, Aunt Rowena will know I’m working with gray magic the instant I ask. You know how she feels about that.”

  “I know you said she didn’t like it, that she cautioned you about it, but she has to know you’re more cautious than others when it comes to usin’ it. You’ve always been cautious with your magic. Even I know that.”

  Benji set the plate of eggs and toast in front of me, and I was glad to see he was finally starting to come around to the idea of me using gray magic. Even though he’d said earlier it made him nervous, he knew I was responsible when it came to magic of any kind.

  “Still, after what she said earlier, I don’t think she’ll be eager to help me when it comes to anything to do with gray magic.”

  “What did she say?”

  I realized then I’d forgotten to fill him in about the cards and what Aunt Rowena had said about Lanie. “When I went home earlier, she told me the reason she’s so adamant I stay away from gray magic. It involved one of her best friends growing up, Lanie. Apparently, the girl went power hungry over gray magic and started using it heavily. She couldn’t handle the power. It drove her crazy, and she was sent to a prison for witches.”

  “Sounds like the chic was off her rocker to begin with.” Benji folded his arms over his solid chest. His muscles flexed and bulged with the movement. “I get why you don’t want to ask your aunt for the root, though. Maybe we can find it on our own. What else does the spell call for?”

  I shifted my attention back to the book. “Salt for creating a circle, four white candles, finely chopped mandrake root, and the petals of one lotus flower.”

  “I can shop around tomorrow and pick up everythin’ for you.”

  Tomorrow. I didn’t want to wait until then but knew we didn’t have a choice. The florist shops were closed at this hour. And, any place that might carry mandrake root would be too. My gaze drifted to the clock on the stove, checking the time. It was after eleven.

  “By the time you get out of class, I should have the bulk of everythin’. Julian or one of the others might know where to get mandrake root. Heck, they might even have some in their creepy ass basement.” A sexy smirk twisted his lips, but it didn’t force away my disappointment at having to wait to perform the summoning spell.

  I wanted to know if Adele was knocking. If it was her, I wanted to know what she had to say.

  “School, right.” I dragged the words out to showcase my distaste at having to go. Since I’d missed today, it was probably a good idea to go in tomorrow. My professors would drop me otherwise. “I should get to bed. It’s almost midnight.”

  “You’re not goin’ anywhere,” Benji insisted. He nodded to the plate of eggs and toast in front of me. “Not until I see you eat.”

  I rolled my eyes as I picked up the fork and stabbed at the eggs. I wasn’t hungry, but I’d appease him.

  “There you go.” He grinned.

  “Better?” I teased.

  His grin grew, and I felt butterflies move through my lower stomach. “Much.”

  I put another forkful of eggs to my lips and chewed. Benji continued to watch, making me feel flustered.

  “Either fake eat with me,” I insisted. “Or stop staring.”

  He laughed. It was rich and beautiful. I loved the sound of it.

  “Do what?” he asked.

  “You heard me. I can’t eat if you’re staring at me like that. Either make a piece of toast or go watch TV with the others.”

  Benji chuckled as he made his way to the bread and grabbed himself a slice. He popped it in the toaster and shifted to look at me from over his shoulder, his lips hooked into a half grin. “Happy?”

  “Yep,” I said.

  I bit into my toast. His beautiful laugh floated through the kitchen again and I told myself summoning Adele could wait until tomorrow.

  Chapter 5

&
nbsp; The sky looked gray and gloomy as I made my way through the parking lot. Classes had been dismal today. My mind was stuck on whether Benji would be able to locate each of the ingredients I needed for the cloaking spell. I’d sent him a few texts asking how things were going, but he hadn’t responded to any of them. This worried me. Hopefully, he hadn’t gotten himself into any trouble while searching. The thought had a smile twisting the corners of my lips. I mean, how much trouble could someone get into when searching for a lotus flower?

  When my cell chimed with a new text my heart skipped a beat. It was from Benji.

  Hey. I figured you’d be out of classes by now so it would be safe to text. I got most of the stuff on your list, all except the mandrake root. No one seems to know where to get any either. Might have to ask your aunt.

  I exhaled a puff of air. That sucked. I’d been counting on him to find some so I wouldn’t have to mention anything to Aunt Rowena.

  Who else could I ask that might have some or know where to get it?

  The only other person that came to mind was Abby, Aunt Rowena’s friend. She owned a witchy shop not too far from here, but I worried if I went to her for mandrake root, she’d contact Aunt Rowena. I was sure the two had talked—about me, about the crazy stuff happening at the inn—and Abby would tell her what I’d bought.

  I needed to find someone else.

  My eyes caught sight of Mina as she made her way to her car. I took seeing her as a sign she might be able to help. It was possible—by a long shot—that her Gran had some mandrake root or might know where I could get some without going to Aunt Rowena.

  “Mina,” I called as I picked up my pace, heading in her direction. “Wait up!”

  She spun to face me and waved. “Hey. What’s up?”

  “Not much,” I said as I adjusted my glasses. “Actually, there is something. I’m just gonna come right out and ask—do you know if your Gran has any mandrake root?” My face scrunched up as the words left my mouth. It was such a random thing to ask.

  “Um, mandrake root? Like from Harry Potter?” She blinked. “Is that a real thing?”

  I wanted to laugh. Instead, my lips formed a wide smile I couldn’t dim, and I nodded. “It’s real. Although, not as cool as the author depicted it as in that series. At least I don’t think.”

  Honestly, I couldn’t say because I’d never seen mandrake root before. It wasn’t a common herb. However, I imagined the screaming part and the ability to kill by noise was fictional.

  In the supernatural world, anything was possible though.

  “Okay. Well. Since I didn’t know it was a real plant until a second ago, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say no. She doesn’t have any. I can call and ask her though. We both know I don’t pay attention to her herbal stuff.”

  “Do you mind calling to ask?”

  “No, not at all.” Mina pulled her cell from her back pocket. “I wouldn’t have offered if I did.”

  “Great. Thanks.” I chewed my thumbnail, hoping she had some tucked away in a dust-coated jar somewhere.

  Mina scrolled through her contacts. “No problem. Give me a second.” She placed her phone to her ear. “Hey, Gran. How are you? Good. Yeah, no. I’m calling because Ridley is looking for something called mandrake root. Do you have any? Oh. Okay. Yeah. I’ll let her know. Thanks. Love you too.”

  My stomach dipped. While I wasn’t one hundred percent sure, it seemed from the bit of conversation I’d heard, Gran didn’t have any.

  “Sorry,” Mina said when she hung up. She shoved her cell into her back pocket. “She doesn’t have any. She also said she didn’t know where to get any either. Apparently, it’s not an herb used for the things she makes. What were you using it for?”

  “Oh. Okay. Thanks for asking her,” I said. The sensation of dread pooled through the pit of my stomach. “It’s for a summoning spell.”

  Her eyes widened. I knew they would. Performing a summoning spell was a big deal, even to those who didn’t follow the craft or come from a witchy family.

  “Who are you summoning?”

  “Adele. Hazel’s grandmother.” I shifted around on my feet. While I knew Mina wasn’t a judgmental person, something in the way she looked at me felt as though she was. Although, it was possible I was projecting my insecurities and odd feelings onto her. “I think she’s trying to contact me again. At least, that’s who I hope is reaching out.”

  Sympathy reflected in her eyes, and I knew the judgment I thought I’d saw moments before had been all in my head.

  “More headaches?” Mina asked.

  I nodded. “I don’t think with everything going on it would be wise to tap into the other side and risk having to deal with another spirit’s drama. I have enough on my plate as it is.”

  “Yeah, I’d say so.”

  “And, summoning Adele kills two birds with one stone,” I said as a gust of chilly wind whipped around us. “It allows me to see if she’s who tried to reach out and gives me the ability to ask her for more information about the amulet. I’d like to know if she knows where it is. The sooner we get it in our possession, the faster we can take Bram out and things can go back to normal.” Whatever normal was for any of us.

  “Keep me posted.” She placed a hand on my forearm. “I’m sorry Gran didn’t have of the root you’re looking for. I hope you find some.”

  “I’ll be sure to keep you posted. And, it’s all right. No worries. I’ll get my hands on some from somewhere.”

  “Good luck. I hate to have to cut the conversation off, but I am supposed to be at Rosemary’s for my shift in about fifteen minutes. If I’m late, Leon will have my head.”

  Leon ran Rosemary’s Diner. He was a grumpy old man who had it out for Mina—and half the other employees he hired. It was just part of who he was.

  “Better go, then.” I laughed. “Have fun.”

  “Doubtful. It’s work.” She grinned.

  “See you later.”

  I turned to walk away. As I did, I pulled out my cell and tapped out a new text to Benji while heading to my car.

  Thanks for gathering what you could today. I’m heading home. I asked Mina if Gran might have some but she didn’t. Guess I’ll ask Aunt Rowena when I get there. — Ridley

  Or I could head straight to Abby’s shop and see if she had any in stock. My lips pressed into a thin line as I contemplated.

  No, because then she would tell Aunt Rowena I’d been there and what I’d bought. Aunt Rowena would end up getting her feelings hurt. While I didn’t agree with how adamant she’d been when it came to telling me not to use gray magic again, I still wouldn’t hide it from her. Hiding crap from people didn’t do anyone any favors. Besides, I’d promised Aunt Rowena that I’d be careful when I used gray magic again, not that I never would.

  I ran my fingers through my curls. It was settled. I’d head home and ask Aunt Rowena if she had any mandrake root. Knots formed in the pit of my stomach. What would she say? Would she tell me she didn’t have any to keep me from practicing gray magic again? Would she be upset with me?

  A new text came through from Benji, pulling me from my worries.

  Good idea. If she doesn’t have any or know where to get some, you might have to find another spell or tap into the other side like normal to get ahold of Adele.

  I hoped it didn’t come to that. Tapping into the other side was the last thing I wanted to do right now.

  I’ll let you know what she says. — Ridley

  I opened my car door and tossed my backpack into the passenger seat. Benji replied to my last text with a thumbs up emoji as I slipped behind the wheel. A twinge of pain built behind my left brow as I cranked my engine to life. I unzipped the front pocket on my backpack and grabbed the amethyst I’d stashed there before school. This was the third time I’d taken it out today. My thumb smoothed over the silky surface of the tumbled stone, and I closed my eyes to better center myself.

  Whoever you are, you’re not coming through right now.


  Once the twinge of pain disappeared, I backed out of my parking space and headed home. I thought about the different things Aunt Rowena might say when I asked for mandrake root as I drove. The best scenario I could come up with was one of her handing over a mason jar filled with the oddly named root without issue. That had me wondering if mandrake root was something she would even have in her kitchen.

  What were its uses besides the ones listed in the book of gray magic?

  The desire to search the Internet and find out pinched at my insides, but I ignored it. Instead, I allowed my thoughts to take me far away. Was it only used in the witchy world? Or was it something a person could use for bodily ailments and sicknesses like basil or oregano?

  Could you cook with it?

  When I cut into the parking area at Caraway Inn, I noticed two new vehicles in the lot. One thing was certain: Even though there was some serious negative energy floating around the place, it still could pull in guests.

  Which was probably part of the reason Aunt Rowena was so stressed. More guests equaled more work. Which led to more things breaking. Fixing them cut into the time she would normally spend on figuring out what to do to end the bad luck streak the place seemed to have fallen prey to.

  I inhaled a deep breath as I climbed out of my warm car and into the cold. The desire to rush inside and make a mad dash straight to the attic buzzed through me. All I wanted to do was grab what I needed and get out of here so I could perform the summoning spell. I knew things wouldn’t happen that way though. One, I didn’t know what mandrake root looked like. And two, there was bound to be some sort of chore or task I would need to help with before I left. I doubted I’d get lucky twice.

  Another burst of cold wind whipped against me as I made my way to the porch. I wrapped my arms around my middle and hunched my shoulders closer to my ears. Winter could disappear any second and I’d be happy. I was ready for shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops.

  Movement in one of the rocking chairs caught my attention as I jogged up the front steps. Rose sat, gently rocking while staring at a textbook. A thick, furry blanket was wrapped around her while another lay across her lap.