Wands Upon A Time (Spellbound Ever After Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 3)

by Annabel Chase

  Boyd suppressed a smile. “Pregnancy affects couples in different ways. Look at it this way, at least you’re already pregnant.”

  I sure was.

  I hurried from the healer’s office to the academy, not wanting to be late for my meeting with the High Priestess. I slowed in front of Brew-Ha-Ha, sorely tempted by the smell of coffee, but I’d sworn off caffeine for the duration of the pregnancy.

  The shop door swung open and I nearly collided with Astrid. She held a to-go cup in her hand and the scent of cinnamon filled my nostrils.

  “Hey, perfect timing,” the sheriff said. “I was going to stop by your office to let you know that Amos Parker’s report came back. Multi-organ failure.”

  “Is it natural causes when multiple organs fail all at once?” I queried.

  “Sure, when you’re as old as dirt,” Astrid said. “I’ve been trying to get in touch with his son, but no luck yet. I wonder if he’s out of town.”

  “That would explain why no one reported him missing.”

  Astrid took a step back. “You’re staring at my cup like you want to devour it.”

  I snapped to attention. “Sorry. I’m suffering from latte envy. Which kind did you get?” I held up a hand. “Wait. Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”

  “You can always get decaf, if it’s the caffeine you’re avoiding,” Astrid suggested.

  “I know, but it’s not the same,” I said. “It’s like drinking non-alcoholic cocktails. What’s the point?” The clock tower in the town square began to chime and I realized it was ten o’clock. “I need to run. Thanks for the update!”

  “You should slow down, Emma,” Astrid called after me, but I was already running across the road toward the academy.

  I yanked open the academy doors and raced down the corridor, only slowing my pace when I was a few steps from the door. I smoothed my front and stepped inside.

  “Good morning, High Priestess,” I said.

  Marjory’s office was awash in pink and green, as though Lily Pulitzer herself had come in to decorate. The cheerful color scheme seemed at odds with the beautiful, old architecture of the academy building.

  “Ah, yes. Emma Hart.” Marjory glanced up from her paperwork and offered a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You almost made it on time. Nevertheless, have a seat.”

  “I came straight from an appointment,” I said. I didn’t get into detail. It was one thing to share my news with Astrid and Britta, but Marjory wasn’t going to come before my witch friends.

  “I see.” She continued to mark up the paper in front of her and I wondered whether she was grading a paper.

  I noticed the two white dogs curled up together in the corner. “They’re so cute. What kind of breed are they?”

  “Bichon frise,” she replied. “I brought them back from a trip to Minneapolis in the human world.” She looked at me. “I guess I don’t need to tell you where Minneapolis is.”

  “Are you allowed to bring pets into the paranormal world?” I asked. “I thought there were restrictions on transporting living creatures between realms.”

  “I had special dispensation,” Marjory said primly. “My documentation is in order, should you wish to examine it.”

  “No, sorry. I wasn’t trying to be the border police.” I surveyed the rest of the office—the patterned wallpaper and the gold leaf mirror on the adjacent wall. It felt like I was sitting in Marjory’s bedroom instead of the academy office. At least the portrait of Arabella St. Simon still hung on the wall behind her. I half expected Marjory to have replaced it with a portrait of her dogs dressed in matching pink and green coats.

  Marjory followed my gaze to the portrait behind her. “Are you one of those concerned about the name change?”

  “Of course,” I replied. “No one wants to change the name.” Except that suck-up, Avery. “It might be the ASS Academy, but it’s our ASS Academy and we’re very fond of it.”

  She fixed me with a hard stare. “You know it isn’t actually your academy. You’re technically not even a member of this coven.”

  “I’m a member in every way that counts,” I said. “I was adopted by this coven the same way I was adopted by Geraldine and Barron Hart. That didn’t make me technically not a member of their family. I most certainly was.”

  Marjory’s jaw clenched. I could tell that she was unaccustomed to open disagreement. “I was only referring to the coven, Emma, not your personal life.”

  “The coven is my personal life, too,” I said. “I spend a lot of my time here. My classmates are among my best friends.”

  Marjory pulled a file from the drawer. “As it happens, I reviewed your file again earlier today in anticipation of our meeting.”

  My whole body tensed. Did she summon me to this meeting for a reason other than the curriculum?

  “Is anyone else coming to this meeting?” I asked.

  “Not yet,” she replied. “I thought you and I should have a private conversation first.”

  I shifted uncomfortably. “For what purpose?”

  The High Priestess flipped open the file. “To make sure I had all my details straight. To decide the best way forward with you. You’re clearly someone that likes to make waves.”

  Inwardly, I groaned. We were back to the rebel rouser accusation. “I don’t like to make waves,” I objected. “It just sort of happens.”

  “On the one hand, I applaud your bravery in dealing with Lady Weatherby. That couldn’t have been easy to challenge such a highly regarded figure in the community.”

  I watched her carefully. “But on the other hand?”

  “She was the head of this coven for many moons before you came along.” Marjory patted the parchment. “Yet somehow you unraveled her entire governance inside of a year, and that of the mayor, and the former sheriff as well. It seems to me you have a problem with authority, Emma. I don’t want that to become a problem for me.”

  I slotted my fingers together. “Don’t break the law and it won’t be.”

  Marjory’s pink lips stretched thin. “You must think you’re very clever.”

  “It’s not about being clever,” I replied. “It’s not about me at all, in fact.”

  “And yet you’ve been the common denominator.”

  I blew out an irritated breath. “I don’t know what you want me to say. I have no intention of making life difficult for you for the sake of it. That’s not my way. Just don’t try to break the rules, don’t stray over ethical lines, don’t attempt to mess up this town, and we’ll get along swimmingly.”

  “Very well then,” Marjory said, clearly ready to change topics. “As you are a newer member of this coven and still relatively new to the academy, I thought you would be an excellent candidate to assist in the overhaul of the curriculum. You’re not steeped in Spellbound traditions in quite the same way as the others, so your feedback would be most welcome.”

  I smiled. “Oh, good. Finally, something nice to say. I would love to help.”

  She handed me a packet. “These are course offerings from a Blue Ribbon academy. When you get a chance to review it, I’d like your notes on which courses would make sense for here and also any suggestions for beginners.”

  I tucked the packet into my bag. “I’ll be happy to help. By the way, I meant to ask, have you chosen a Voice of the Coven yet?”

  “Not yet,” Marjory said. “Why? Do you have someone in mind?”

  “How about Millie?” I suggested.

  Marjory pursed her lips, thinking. “Which one is Millie?”

  “She’s one of the capable witches that Lady Weatherby had placed in the remedial class.”

  “Still a student then,” Marjory said.

  “Yes, but very confident and dedicated to the coven,” I said. “She’s someone who could easily grow into the position.”

  Marjory tapped the pads of her fingers on the edge of the desk. “I’m not sure that’s quite what I have in mind. Spellbound requires such delicacy at this stage. I re
ally need someone whose skills are honed.”

  “In that case, everyone respects Professor Holmes,” I said.

  “Yes, but he’s associated with Lady Weatherby,” she countered. “I don’t want the new regime tainted.”

  Regime. Ugh. I disliked her choice of words. “I guess that’s understandable. Thank you, by the way, for not making an issue of my…my outburst during your welcome speech.”

  The hint of a smile teased her lips. “Outburst? That’s an interesting way to describe it. I’m a mother, Emma. I spent a solid year of my life covered in someone else’s vomit.”

  I felt queasy. “A whole year, huh?”

  “And the years afterward that he suffered from motion sickness,” she added.

  “That’s…unpleasant,” I said.

  Marjory shrugged. “You learn to get on with it. There’s no point in wishing things were any different. You just make the best of the situation.”

  “Well, you certainly did with me.”

  Marjory gave a nod of acknowledgement. “That’s all for now. Let me know when you have feedback.”

  I rose to my feet, clutching the bag. “Yes, High Priestess.”

  Her lips curled. “See? You’re learning to get on with it already.”

  Chapter Five

  The town square was one of my favorite places in Spellbound. From the clock tower that lorded over the shops to the picturesque facades of the buildings, there was no place quite like it that I’d ever been. It was a huge selling point for the tourism board, not that Daniel needed me to tell him that. Residents knew what made this town special, even in the paranormal world and that’s why they’d chosen to preserve its character and keep modern technology to a minimum, even though they now had access to it. Thanks to the curse, it was like stepping back in time for visitors.

  Paws and Claws was located right on the square, nestled between the flower shop and Wands-A-Plenty. I still remembered the first time I’d ever come here, when Sedgwick swooped into my life. Nothing had ever been the same since then.

  “Emma,” a friendly voice greeted me as I pushed open the door. Several black cats zipped across the floor in front of my feet and I was careful not to trip over them. “What a pleasant surprise. Don’t tell me you’re in the market for another creature in the house.” Chip stood behind the counter, feeding a tiny kitten by hand.

  “Is he unwell?” I asked, admiring the kitten’s gorgeous ginger coat.

  “Abandoned,” Chip said. “Needs some coaxing to eat. He seems traumatized.”

  I rubbed its tiny foot. “What a sweetheart. Where did you find him?”

  “In the woods,” he replied. “Deanna found this one. We’ve had a rash of abandonments lately. I can’t decide if it’s something to do with open borders or what.”

  “But human world animals could always wander in and out,” I said. “It was only the paranormal ones that got trapped here.”

  “This one is a paranormal.” Gently, he lifted the kitten toward me and showed me his back. “He’s meant to have wings.”

  “Wings? I haven’t seen any winged cats.”

  “That’s because they’re rare,” he replied. “And this one looks like a normal kitten at first glance. It was only when I felt his back that I realized his bones were different.”

  “Could he have been born to a non-winged mother?” I asked. “Maybe she abandoned him thinking he wasn’t one of hers.”

  “Or born to a winged mother and abandoned because he’s deformed,” Chip said.

  Either reason was sad. “I can’t imagine abandoning my child.” Instinctively, my hand flew to my stomach. The move didn’t escape Chip’s notice.

  “Emma,” he said slowly, “do you have something to tell me?”

  I couldn’t help myself—I broke into a huge smile. “Daniel and I are having a baby.” Telling Chip directly was good for spin-control purposes. If he didn’t hear it from me, he was bound to hear through the grapevine that I was pregnant with sextuplets and the father was Satan.

  Chip brightened. “That’s fantastic. Well done to the two of you.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “We’re thrilled and a little frightened.”

  “No reason to worry, Emma,” Chip said. “You and Daniel will be phenomenal parents.” He looked over my shoulder. “Can I help you with something, sir?”

  I craned my neck to see the man from the healer’s clinic. “Oh, hello. It’s…Phil, right?”

  He smiled. “You pay attention. Yes, Phil Saxby.”

  “Emma Hart,” I said. “Nice to meet you.”

  He inclined his head toward the interior of the shop. “I blame you for this, Emma Hart. I heard you mention Paws and Claws earlier and it felt like the universe was telling me something.”

  Chip angled his head. “Hang on. You’ve been in here before.”

  Phil held up a hand. “Guilty as charged. I’ve been working up the nerve to finally get a companion.”

  “First time?” Chip asked.

  Phil’s brow furrowed. “No, but I’ve needed time. Couldn’t bear to replace my beloved Pinky. Not right away.”

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “How long has it been?”

  He offered a rueful smile. “Five years. I think it’s time and I have you to thank for the kick in the pants.”

  “That’s typical Emma,” Chip said proudly. “Always finding ways to connect everyone.”

  My cheeks burned from the compliment. “What kind of animal was Pinky?” I asked.

  Phil chuckled. “You’re never going to believe this. A pink fairy armadillo.”

  Chip whistled. “Wow. Lucky you. I’ve never seen one in real life. You can’t be from Spellbound then. I would’ve heard about Pinky.”

  “No,” Phil said. “I moved here after the curse was broken. Wanted a fresh start after my marriage broke up. I think a new companion would be a big help.”

  “Sounds good to me,” I said.

  “Pinky was an ideal companion,” the druid said. “Attentive, affectionate. By the gods, I miss her.”

  “Unfortunately, I don’t have one of those here,” Chip said.

  “No, I didn’t expect you to,” Phil replied. “I’m fully aware of how special she was.”

  Chip raised the helpless kitten. “They’re all special.”

  “I bet there are wonderful options in the back room,” I said. “I met my owl here.”

  Phil’s brow lifted. “You have an owl?”

  “He’s my familiar,” I said. “Not as affectionate as a pink fairy armadillo. Pretty cantankerous if you really want to know, but I wouldn’t want him any other way.”

  “Go ahead to the back room,” Chip said. “Deanna can help you.”

  “Thanks,” Phil said.

  “Good luck!” I called after him. I hoped he left today with his new best friend.

  “You never stop, do you?” Chip asked.

  “I had no idea I’d inspired him,” I said. “I was only talking to Daniel at the healer’s clinic. That conversation is the reason I’m here.” I paused. “I’d like to ask you about my client, Percy Atkins.”

  Chip's expression darkened. “I see. I guess I should’ve realized you’d be defending him.”

  “Your expression suggests that you believe the charges against him,” I said. “He seems incredibly nice. I didn’t get a negative vibe from him at all.”

  “So? Sociopaths can be nice and charming,” Chip said. “Percy pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes.”

  “Or he’s innocent,” I said.

  Chip blew out a breath. “I wish that were true, but the evidence is pretty damning.”

  “The angel dust?” I queried.

  “Not just that,” Chip said. “Things have gone missing from here. I hadn’t attributed any of it to Percy until his arrest. Now it all makes sense.”

  “What kind of things?” I prompted.

  “Jars and bottles that we keep in the supply closet,” he said. “Some of the rarer stock we save for emergencies
or unique cases, especially now that the border’s open. We get a winged kitten in need of care, we might need something special to feed him or heal him. We prefer to do as much as we can in-house.”

  “Percy said he hasn’t been volunteering here for very long,” I said. “Are you sure the theft took place after he started?”

  “I think so,” Chip replied. “We take inventory once a month.”

  “Who has a key to the room?” I asked.

  “We don’t lock it,” Chip said. “It’s always been very safe here.”

  “If you don’t lock it, how can you possibly know it was an inside job?” I asked. “Anyone could walk in from the street and pilfer jars.”

  “That’s unlikely,” Chip said.

  “Unlikely but entirely possible,” I said. “And it doesn’t sound like you have any proof that Percy stole them.”

  “Nothing concrete, no.” Chip stroked the kitten’s soft fur. “You always look for the good in everyone, don’t you?”

  “I do try.” Although, right now, I had to go to Cure-iosity Shop and look for the bad in Percy’s potentially scheming co-worker. I rubbed the kitten’s tiny paw one last time.

  Chip smiled. “For good luck?”

  “I’ll take what I can get.”

  I’d never been in Cure-iosity Shop because, if I needed a potion, I generally went to a friend or the coven-owned and operated Mix-n-Match. Cure-iosity Shop didn’t employ any witches or wizards. Their inventory included more home remedies and other paranormal-based magic.

  I stepped inside the shop and took a good look around. It reminded me of a human world pharmacy with clearly labeled aisles and items for sale that had nothing to do with healthcare. I walked down an aisle with small, colorful rubber balls, bubbles, and hula-hoops. The next aisle made more sense. There were rows of jars with all types of herbs and berries. Even after living here for a while, I was still amazed by the plant life not available in the human world. I’d never seen or heard of a burstberry or a fizzlewick until I came to Spellbound. Each item had an information card on the shelf beneath it, letting customers know the most common remedies for which the items were used.