by CC Dragon
He kissed my cheek. “I’ll do what I can. But please try to focus on the good things. The ball and your café. Growing your magic.”
I nodded. “We should eat before it gets cold.”
“Save room for dessert. Double chocolate cake, then we can talk a walk through the dungeons. Check on Ryan and Serena. They aren’t model prisoners, but Serena is learning. My aunt makes sure someone goes down there daily and gives Serena a magic and ethics lesson, so she doesn’t screw up her spells like she did, again.” He went back to his seat.
“I’m glad, as long she’s taking those studies seriously. So, your aunt lives here? I remember Harry, Vern, and Dutch.” I started eating, again. Bran had a whole contingent of paranormal family members living in the mansion.
“She tends to travel around. Widowed, no kids, so she visits family and gives her opinion. She has a townhome in Boston. She feels it’s somehow the closest she’ll get to her Irish roots in America. But she’s here for now. Might as well put her on the trail of your secret. She loves a challenge,” he said.
“Thank you. I can’t wait to meet her,” I said.
“She’s a big personality. You’ve been warned. Now, back to happier stuff. This ball will be a huge deal. You’ll meet a lot of people. Be confident. Pump up your magic and your ego.”
“Now, I’m nervous,” I said.
“You’ll impress them. Just remember, you belong there. In the magical world. You have the powers to prove it. Don’t be afraid to use them, either,” he said.
“Doesn’t that seem a little desperate? To show off powers. No doubt someone there would show me up.” I kept fiddling with the delicious food before me on a plate that probably cost more than what I had in my bank account, but when I got fixated on something, food lost its flavor.
“Oh, yes. Don’t make it a competition. But, if the right opportunity shows up, you’ll know and don’t be afraid. Take it,” he advised.
I nodded. This ball would be a huge opportunity, and I had to take it.
As the night slowed down, I wandered down to the dungeon. Ryan rose as I passed the guards, staring at me with a mix of hope and hate. He was a werewolf hunter I’d lodged in my basement while he recuperated from his injuries after a kill gone bad. The hunter network looked after each other, and we’d thought he was just a novice who’d been caught on camera doing his job. Human police couldn’t understand or prove it was a werewolf he’d taken down, because when dead, they revert to their human form. This left Ryan wanted for murder.
He wasn’t in the Killean dungeons for that, though. His girlfriend Serena had the next cell over. A teenage witch who lacked education or self-control, she’d killed one of my customers just because she was a crabby old lady.
“What are you doing here?” Serena asked.
“Thought I’d drop in and make sure you two weren’t plotting to use the upcoming ball as some diversion to escape,” I said.
“I should. I don’t belong here. Prison is better than this,” Ryan shot back.
“You want to go to prison for murder? This is much more private. You can be near your girlfriend. You won’t be allowed to go back to hunting when you are released, so maybe you should learn another skill or trade,” I suggested.
“I’m sick of learning magic. All the rules and ethics. Everyone breaks them anyway. They just find excuses or justification for why it’s okay, then.” Serena did have a stack of books in her cell, but it looked like she hadn’t learned anything from them.
I turned the guard. “Generally whiny and ungrateful?”
He nodded but remained silent.
“Grateful? I made a mistake,” Serena said.
“And killed an innocent human. You’re lucky you were underage and won’t serve a life sentence. Sloppy spells can kill. If you don’t know how to use your powers properly, then don’t use them. You should be sorry for what you did,” I said.
“She was old, mean, and hated witches.” Serena stomped her foot.
I shook my head. “And she had every right to live as much as you do. The witch’s council can extend the binding of your magic even after you’re released. I’d make use of the time and learn how to do it right.”
“Rumor is your mom didn’t teach you crap. You’re just an orphan raised by humans and gypsies. You shouldn’t lecture anyone on magic,” she said.
“Serena, don’t. I’ve seen her power,” Ryan said.
“Yes. Yes, he has. My mom might be dead, but I inherited her powers at least. Luckily, I don’t attack because someone calls me names or is mean. You need to grow up, Serena. There’s a reason for education,” I said.
“Where’s Bran? Don’t you usually come down here with him?” Ryan asked.
“He’s playing host with his aunt.” I looked at Serena. “Do you think your family will let you keep him? A human? A hunter? You know they’ll want you to marry someone more magical, right?”
She glared at me, and Ryan turned away. Their forbidden love was what had gotten them into trouble in the first place. She ran from her family and followed him while he was on his ill-fated hunt. He mentioned our crabby customer, and Serena thought she was helping karma but mangled the spell and caused her death. Amateur hour and so immature.
Ryan cut in. “Did you bring any of your gypsy friends?”
Serena gasped. “Aunt Trezel wouldn’t stand for it.”
“Some gypsies have magic. That’s what this ball is about, right?” I asked.
“Not gypsy magic. If you want Bran, you need to learn what magic is acceptable. Who to associate with. Humans and vampires are bad enough. Bran is nice, but Trezel? She hates gypsies. Hates.” Serena grinned at me with a bit of mania in her eyes.
“I’d keep your cousins and their extended family far away from here while that witch is around,” Ryan said.
“She doesn’t like you?” I asked.
Ryan frowned. “Better than a gypsy. Don’t ask me why, but she found out you let a gypsy in the mansion and did a ritual cleansing. She was chanting and casting spells all down here.”
Serena smirked. “You and Bran won’t last. Ryan and I are forever.”
“You’re so sure at so young an age? Don’t rush into things,” I advised.
“By the time we’re free, I’ll be an adult. I’ll run off with him.” Serena shrugged.
“Then, Bran will definitely petition for your magic to be bound, again,” I replied.
“You’re such an influence on him?” Serena asked.
“No, but you have to prove you can be responsible with your magic. If you run off, that’s a sign you don’t care. If you’re only using magic for your own benefit, the witch’s council will shut you down. But at least you have a chance to change, now.” I turned and headed for the stairs.
There was always a guard, so escape wasn’t much of a possibility. But I’d wanted to see for myself that they were safe, well fed, and not being harmed in any way. I was sure Serena would be well treated, but Ryan was a human, and no one really wanted him dating Serena. He looked fit and clean. Hopefully, he learned his lesson about playing with witches.
The new information about Trezel was disappointing. Prejudice against the gypsies wasn’t anything new. There were gypsies who accused my uncle of leaving the travelers just to avoid the insults. Inevitably, the matter would come up. I wasn’t about to keep my family away—if things got more serious, Bran might just have to stand up to his aunt.
Chapter Three
One week later, and I was actually nervous. I hadn’t been nervous like this in a long time. Prom, maybe, and that had been a lot less pressure. I sat in Derrick’s chair as he added some sparkle to my hair.
“Any news?” he asked.
“Nope. Not from Bran or your mom.” Genie had done my nails, and they were the perfect plum shade with a shimmer to them.
“Well, forget about all of that tonight and just have fun.” Derrick hit my hair with the extreme-hold spray.
I tried not to inhale.
My twin cousins had come with me, like I needed an entourage.
“Could you? If I told you I knew a secret about you, but I couldn’t tell you?” I turned that around easily.
“No, but if people thinks it’s better that you don’t know, can’t you just believe them?” Violet asked.
“If I was a child still, probably. But being an adult means dealing with reality. All of it. How about creepy guys hitting on you at college? I’d love to protect you from that. Your dad would love to follow you around with a baseball bat. But we know you have to handle those guys on your own. In high school, I gave you advice on how to handle boys, but you had to put that into practice. Because, if you couldn’t handle a fourteen-year-old boy asking you to homecoming or making a rude comment, then how can you handle a forty-year-old professor hitting on you after class?” I asked.
They nodded in unison.
“Some kids can’t handle stuff like that. Or even a bad grade. They call their moms,” Iris said.
“Be glad our parents wanted you to be able to handle yourself in the world. I can handle whatever this big mystery is. The stress of not knowing is worse than knowing,” I said.
“Yeah, with your luck, you’ll turn prematurely gray,” Derrick snarked.
“Don’t even,” I replied.
I glanced up as the bell over the door rang cheerfully. Esme walked in, and I knew something was up. Another stylist washed her hair and sat her in the chair next to mine.
“You’re going to the ball?” Iris asked.
“I’m always invited. I just don’t usually care to dress up. It’s such a fuss,” Esme replied.
“Going to keep an eye on me?” I asked.
“No—to see what Bran’s extended family is like. Vern asked if I was coming.” She shrugged.
“Vern? The vampire? Bran’s cousin?” I asked.
“You’re the only one who can date?” Esme asked.
“Weird,” Violet said.
Iris just nodded.
“My dating isn’t weird,” Esme said.
“A vampire?” Iris asked.
The heat was off me for a minute.
“I did some checking into the new witches.” Esme changed the subject.
“I did, too. The solo ones probably won’t join, but we can visit them,” I said.
Esme nodded. “The other one...Brenda. She’s from New York City. Was with a coven but no word why she left. Her coven had nothing bad to say about her. We should visit and invite her to a meeting.”
“Sure. We should call first, so she doesn’t think we’re crazy. Small-town people drop in,” I said.
“I’d rather catch her off guard,” Esme said.
“Powers?” I asked.
“Some. Not sure how developed,” she replied.
We screened our members carefully, because we didn’t want anyone coming in to attack us. Some people thought anyone who identified as a witch must worship evil or something crazy. Not all of our members were Wiccan. Some blended religion with belief in magical powers. But we had to weed out haters and troublemakers. Some witches were crusaders for their issue or drama, and we didn’t need that either.
“What’s the dress look like?” Iris asked me.
“Silver with black lace accents,” I replied.
“Not too revealing, I hope,” Esme said.
“The magical crowd is conservative?” I asked.
Esme shrugged. “Some of the young women overdo magical dresses that look like they’re there and they’re not. It’s a grab for attention.”
“My dress is very real. Appropriate without being frumpy,” I said.
“What about yours, Esme?” Vi asked.
“Burgundy,” she replied.
“How could a vampire resist?” I teased.
She scowled at me. “Vern is nice. He didn’t want to be a vampire; he was bitten.”
“He seemed nice to me. I just think that’s a little suggestive.” I couldn’t resist. “But I’m glad it’s not black. It is a party.”
Esme usually wore black because she was a black cat when she shifted. It concealed the fur. She’d never dated in my memory, but she probably had and just kept it quiet. Mr. Right wasn’t always easy to find.
“Maybe we can go next year?” Iris asked.
Esme and I exchanged looks.
“I think this is an affair about powers. Magic required. I don’t make the invites,” I said.
The twins both frowned.
“Bran’s family throws it. If you marry him, you’d have access to the invite list,” Esme said.
“And, if you married Vern, so would you,” I replied.
“Well played,” Derrick added.
“All this talk about marriage is way too early. I’ve dated the guy for a month. Until I know all about myself and that secret everyone is tired of me asking about—I can’t plan a future. Sorry, but it’s not fair.” I folded my arms.
“Life isn’t fair. If you were adopted by strangers, you might never know who your real parents are. Would you put your life on hold until a government or private agency gave up the information? Hold your breath until your birth parents agreed to meet you?” Esme asked coolly.
“No, but that’s different,” I said.
“What if your birth parents were dead? Your life is over because you can’t get answers?” Esme pressed
“That’s a great fictional scenario where I’d have to let it all go. But that’s not the case, and you know it.” I nodded for Derrick to remove my cape.
“You won’t get more gorgeous. Just smile,” Derrick said.
I did have a bit of resting bitch face. I put on my best smile and slipped Derrick a tip. His mama had a sign that gratuities weren’t necessary by the front counter, but I had been trained to tip generously by my aunt.
“Text me how it went,” Derrick said.
“If you hear nothing, you know it was bad,” I said.
“Positive thoughts,” Derrick said.
“Yeah,” the twins echoed.
I was headed for the shark tank, and they wanted me to think about gumdrops and candy canes. Bran’s family would be there; not his parents but a lot of the others. Plus, magical people I’d never met. No pressure there...
The Killean mansion was decked out for spring. It’d never looked so colorful. Flowers were everywhere, and a shimmering waterfall took center stage in the entryway.
“You look amazing,” Bran said.
I twirled for effect. Taking a tip from the gypsies, I’d had crystals added to the floor-length dress, thick at the hem and tapering up the skirt, leaving the bodice bare. He offered his arm and escorted me through the waterfall and into the grand ballroom.
It was like stepping back in time. There was a string quartet and a dance floor full of people waltzing. There was a buffet of food and a full bar. Waiters zigzagged through the throng with trays.
“It’s gorgeous,” I breathed.
“Esme arrived first. She and Vern?” Bran raised an eyebrow as his question trailed off.
“I just found out earlier today. I’m happy for her, but it might be a little awkward.” I spotted her on the dance floor.
“Don’t worry about it. Just enjoy tonight. Once we get through the review.” He snagged a couple glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and handed me one.
“Thanks. Let’s get the trauma over with,” I said.
“First. Don’t bug Aunt Trezel about the secret, yet. She was busy putting this together, and she’s a bit quirky. One thing at a time with her or she’ll get overwhelmed and shut down. She married money twice and buried them both, but she has no kids. She does what she wants when she wants, and everyone wants to be in her will,” he said.
“I’m sure you’re her favorite,” I said.
“Hardly. My little brother is the charmer. I’m the stern one.” Bran gave a quick smile.
“I’m not as sugary and hippie love
fest as my aunt and cousins. I try to be nice.” I spotted Bran’s aunt. Her hat gave her away first.
The hat was massive and as yellow as the sun. Her entire outfit was that bright yellow. She had to be fifty if she was a day but looked amazing for her age. She smiled when Bran caught her eye.
She glided up as if she was floating and grabbed my hand. “You must be Claudia. I’m Aunt Trezel, and I’ve heard so much about you.”
“A pleasure to meet you.” I tried to shake her hand, but she had a grip on me.
“I’m sure. I hope you like this little party. I know it’s your first time. Your family was very quiet. Esme was the only person we heard or saw from for decades. I’m glad to know you’re powerful and interested in magic,” she said.
“Oh, yes. I’ve practiced and grown on my own. I have a coven, but I suppose I do socialize with humans generally. My family is a mixed bag,” I said.
“I’ve heard. I’m sorry about your parents, by the way. I did know of your mother. Very powerful. Good genes.” She looked me up and down. “At least you have good taste in clothes and men. Plus, you own a business. That’s always good.”
“I do. Do you like coffee?” I asked.
“Oh, no, my nerves. I’m naturally energetic. Your little cafe keeps an eye on the human population, which is good, but you need to make connections here. Now, there are new witches, but their powers are limited, and they’re not worth your time.” She turned and surveyed the crowd.
I had my hand back and flexed it for better circulation. “I’d like to know who the new witches in town are. In case they show up to my coven meeting,” I said.
“Well, that is smart. Knowing people before they know you.” She pointed out a brunette in a nice dress. She was nervous but hiding it well. “That’s Brenda.”
Aunt Trezel pointed in another corner. “That one over there is Trela in the pink—wrong color for her—and Amelia in the red. Both are solo witches. Minor powers, but Trela owned a shop wherever she moved from. Businesswomen are always good to know,” she instructed. Yep, Bran’s aunt was definitely opinionated.
I spotted Esme making her way through the crowd. Within moment, she’d charmed the solo witches.
