by Amy Boyles
Axel stepped closer. His gaze flickered from his doppelgänger to me. “I see you’ve met my twin brother, Adam. He met Gretchen in prison and I believe she helped him escape.”
“What can I say?” Gretchen said. “Wickedness is fun.”
Axel studied his brother. “Lot of people looking for you. That was pretty brave, showing up at the police station pretending to be me to find out what the word on street was about your own release.”
“I’m nothing if not resourceful, brother,” Adam said. “You could’ve joined me. We’d have made such a great pair.”
I fisted my hands to my hips. “Okay, enough with the reunion crap. Axel, why the heck didn’t you tell me you had a twin? Don’t you think that would’ve kept me from totally wigging out on you the other night if you’d admitted Hugo had attacked Adam?”
He made a soothing motion. “I didn’t want Adam to know we were on to him.”
“You let me think you attacked my dragon!”
“I needed you to believe it was me.”
“Why?”
He sighed. “So I could track Adam down. Listen, can we talk about this later, when you don’t have a gun pointed at you?”
I shook my head. “No. I’d like an explanation now.”
“If you don’t shut up, I’m going to shoot you both,” Gretchen said.
I clamped my mouth, but I glared at Axel. He should’ve told that Adam was his twin. I mean honestly, it would’ve saved a ton of heartache on my end.
“Shoot me,” Axel said. “Leave her alone.”
Gretchen glanced at Adam. “Take him.”
In that moment, Gretchen flicked the gun off me.
I took a chance and lunged. At the same time, Axel shot out a stream of magic that coiled around Adam.
Adam flexed his chest, and in an instant, the inner beast started breaking free. Hair sprouted on his chest, his and arms face elongated. My gaze flickered to Axel, who was shifting as well.
Both men were turning into werewolves.
I didn’t know if it was because of Adam that Axel was changing, because he couldn’t shift on his own will. He’d said it only happened at the full moon.
But there was no time to ponder it.
My arm collided with Gretchen’s elbow. A gunshot rang out in the room. The bullet hit the glass, shattering a window. The weapon flew from Gretchen’s hand, clattering across the floor. She cocked her arm as if to punch me.
I dodged, falling to the ground and grabbing her ankles. I pulled until she fell on her rump.
Nearby, both men, still partially changed, were locked combat.
Gretchen scrambled for the gun. I tugged her back. Her foot collided with the side of my head. I shook off the pain and pushed up to my feet.
I threw myself on Gretchen.
“Get off,” she yelled, thrashing around.
I wedged an elbow into her back. She howled in pain.
At the same time, one of the half-wolves threw the other across the room and raised his hand.
A stream of magic shot out, coiling around the opposite beast. I held my breath as the beast shifted back to his human form.
It was Adam.
I exhaled.
Axel, now changing back, unleashed another stream of magic on Gretchen.
“I can’t move,” she said hoarsely. I dug my elbow a little farther in her back just for good measure.
“It’s about time,” I said.
With both suspects subdued, I glanced at Axel, who was now himself completely. “Wow, you are some wizard.”
His lips curved into a smile so delicious I wanted to lick it. Yes, lick it.
“All that matters is that you’re safe,” he said.
My heart melted a little as the sound of sirens filled the afternoon air.
TWENTY-FIVE
We sat outside, waiting for Garrick and his crew to finish arresting Gretchen and Adam, who was clearly going back to prison.
My cousins had shown up and had been in total shock once I explained what happened. I shooed them on home with supper and told them I’d be back later.
I pulled a blanket over my shoulders. The wool scratched my skin, and the thick material made me glad that fabric softener existed and that I used it. “So why exactly couldn’t you tell me what was going on?”
Axel exhaled a deep shot of air. Trouble darkened his blue eyes. He held my gaze with a look that stole my breath not only from my lungs, but all the way from the bottom of my toes.
“There was a manhunt for Adam, but he was staying hidden. With his past dealings in illegal objects, I had an idea he might somehow be involved. But Adam is smart and evasive. I couldn’t track him down. Neither could Garrick. But I knew he’d eventually show up, once I figured out who was the person behind Mysterio’s death.”
“I’m not buying it.”
“I figured Adam was involved once you mentioned finding the cigar in Mysterio’s room. Cigars were always his favorite. But I didn’t know who he was working with. At first, it looked like it was going to be Barry the Dragon Tamer, but it wasn’t. If Adam had known I was on to him, he would’ve stayed far away from Gretchen. I just planned on asking her some questions when I found you.”
I sighed, pulling the blanket tighter across my shoulders. “But you let me think that you were involved. You don’t know what that did to me. It was horrible. Awful. I felt like I didn’t know who you are.”
He cringed. “I’m sorry. If I had to do it over, I would’ve let you know.”
“Did Betty?”
“Yes. But she already knew about Adam; she was only keeping up pretenses because she knew I’d want her to.”
“Well aren’t you two peas in a pod.”
“I was hoping more like you and me in a pod instead of me and an old lady.”
I edged away. “You broke up with me..”
Axel raked his fingers through his hair. “To keep you safe. You might not believe this, but every choice I made, I did for your protection. Pepper, I may not have known you long, but I know what you are in my heart. You’re important. Not just to me, but to this entire town. Trust me. I don’t like keeping secrets from people—”
“—You keep a lot,” I interrupted.
“For other’s safety,” he insisted. “Putting distance between us kept Adam away from you. He wanted Hugo, not you and I wanted to make sure it stayed that way. Otherwise…” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Otherwise, Adam might’ve shifted his focus to capturing you—just to get to me. I couldn’t have that.”
He grabbed my hand and kissed my palm. Shivers shot right to my heart.
“All this time I kept tabs on you, made sure you were okay. I’m not the sort of man who walks into a woman’s life lightly. I tread a dark, dangerous path because of what I am. I try to keep it separate, keep all that at bay, but if at any moment I feel you’re in danger, you become more important than my entire life.
“When that happens, you will own me.”
Whoa. Talk about some serious stuff. “Is that all?” I joked.
He cupped my chin in his hand and tipped my face to his. Axel kissed me long and slow and in that moment I knew the steel-lined connection between us couldn’t easily be severed by a word or a callous action. It was deep, it was strong, and most important, it made my toes curl.
“So what does this mean?” I whispered.
“It means I’m sorry and I made a mistake. Next time, I’ll tell you everything that’s going on. Everything and I won’t put distance between us.”
I glared at him. “The next time you put distance between us, we’re not getting back together.”
“Agreed.”
Something struck me. “But what about you shifting today? What was that about?”
Axel’s jaw clenched and his eyes darkened. “I don’t know. I’m not sure if it was because of Adam or what.”
I squeezed his hand. “Maybe it was only a fluke. A one-time thing.
“I hope so.”
/> He wrapped an arm around me. “Now, do you want to get out of here?”
“Where are we going? On a real date?”
A flare blazed in his eyes. Axel winked at me. “Yep. In fact, I know a great little place that’s only open one more night.”
“Let me guess.”
Ten minutes later we were seated outside the pop-up barbecue joint enjoying a sandwich and a brew.
I licked a dribble of vinegary sauce from the mound beneath my thumb. “I hope this barbecue place stays here forever. I love having a pit-stop here. I wish they were open all the time.”
Axel dabbed his napkin on the side of my mouth. “Me, too. I’m glad I could share it with you.”
We spent the next hour laughing, eating and relaying stories of our youth. The bond grew between us and by the time Axel dropped me off at Betty’s house, I felt confident that our relationship would only flourish.
“I’ll see you tomorrow?” I said.
He shook his head. “I’ve got some work out of town for a few days. I’ll be back by the weekend, though. Maybe we can have a date that doesn’t involve anyone getting hurt.”
I laughed. “Sounds like a plan.”
He kissed me goodbye and I entered the quiet house. Betty sat quietly by the fire reading a book and Amelia and Cordelia must’ve been up in their rooms.
“You get everything straightened out with that boyfriend of yours?”
I smiled. “In fact, I think I did.”
“No shotgun tonight?”
Betty shook her head. “No. I think you’ve earned the right not to be greeted by it. The girls told me what happened. You’re a strong one, Pepper Dunn.”
“Thanks, Betty. That means a lot.”
I climbed the stairs to my room, exhausted. I slipped under the covers and awoke the next morning. The sun sliced through the curtains and birds chirped outside. It was a glorious day to be alive.
I scampered downstairs with Hugo right on my heels. Betty snapped open The Cauldron News local paper. “You made the paper,” she said.
I snatched a slice of bacon from a plate and crunched through my sentence. “Yeah, and thanks for not telling me that Axel had a twin. You could’ve eased a lot of heartache for me.”
Betty flattened the paper on the table. “It wasn’t my place to tell. If he had wanted you to know, he would’ve told you. That’s how it goes. Besides, it was for your own protection.”
Cordelia slathered butter on a biscuit. “So what are you going to do with Hugo? Now that the whole thing is over.”
“I don’t know. We don’t need a giant dragon running around Magnolia Cove.”
“He’s a pygmy dragon,” Betty said. “He won’t grow to be as large as a house. He’ll only grow to about the size of a couch. Big enough for you to ride.”
“But not large enough to keep in the backyard,” I mused. “Nothing easy about these decisions.”
“I’m sure we could figure something out,” Betty said. “After all, I run this town.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Yep, I know you’re right.”
I finished up breakfast and decided it was time to teach Hugo how to walk on a leash. I snapped it on and we strolled down Bubbling Cauldron toward Familiar Place. I waved to my neighbors, making sure to give Carmen a great big smile and also Theresa and Harry, the owners of Castin’ Iron, the shop where I’d gotten my riding skillet.
I unlocked the door to my store and felt a deep swell of pride as Hugo waddled in. The animals yawned and fluttered awake. I went about my daily duties until the doorbell tinkled above.
Idie Claire Hawker walked in, all three feet of hair and high heels.
“Morning,” I said.
“Morning,” she said, her gaze floating about the room. “How’ve you been?”
“Holding up,” I said. “And yourself?”
Idie twisted her fingers. “Well, I wanted to see if you would be interested in something.”
I cocked a brow. “What is it? And if you’re trying to get me in your chair for a haircut, I know I’m overdue. I’ll come in the next month or so.”
Idie shook her head. “It’s not that. You know I’m a medium, right?’
“You told me.”
“I wanted to offer a chance for you to talk with your mother.”
I sucked in air. My voice shook. “What?”
“I thought you wanted to know the message she left Mysterio. Together, we can see what it was.”
I bit my lip. I wanted to know. All these days that thought had occupied me, wormed its way into the pit of my stomach. It was the one thing I’d been searching for and had eluded me.
“Sure. When do we start?”
So I didn’t officially open Familiar Place for about thirty more minutes. Idie and I turned off the lights in the office, lit a couple of candles that she had brought and got started.
I closed my eyes and concentrated, really hoping that the desk between us wasn’t going to start bouncing like in some stupid horror flick.
Luckily, it didn’t. Instead, a warm feeling of calm crept over me. It was like a thick fog of energy, but it felt soothing, like an incredible blanket of goodness.
“Open your eyes,” Idie said.
I blinked. There, standing beside her, was the image of my mother. Her ghostly hair flowed around her face and her dress fluttered as if in some invisible wind. The sweet scent of gardenia blossoms filled the room.
“It was the same smell that filled the night air when you and I sat on the swings,” Idie said. “Do you remember? She was with you then.”
I nodded. “I do remember.”
It had been her favorite scent, as Betty had said.
The ghostly image of my mother floated in the air on an invisible current. Her lips curled into a smile and I felt an overwhelming sense of love and goodness drifting off her.
“She has a message for you,” Idie said.
I nearly leaped over the table. “What is it?”
“That she loves you and that you must be strong, for the tide that’s about to happen will challenge and scare you. It will make you want to give up this new life. But don’t, because there’s much goodness in store for you.”
I frowned. “She couldn’t have told me this at the show?”
Idie shrugged. “I don’t judge. I’m only the messenger.”
I glanced at the ghostly figure, knowing that more than likely I’d never see her again. “I love you, Mom.”
With that, she vanished, but not before she brought her fingers to her mouth and blew me a kiss. A cool wind fluttered through my hair.
I shivered. “Thank you,” I said to Idie. “That was the best gift anyone could’ve ever given me.”
“You’re welcome,” she said kindly. “Now, I’d best be gettin’ out of here. I’ve got some hair to tease. And no, it’s not my own.”
I righted the room, feeling a huge wave of satisfaction. My skin prickled with energy from the meeting with my mother. Must’ve been some sort of ethereal after effect or something.
Whatever it was, I had to say it was awesome.
I stretched, feeling as secure as I’ve ever felt, though the words Idie had spoken drifted like a ghost in my head.
Something trying was coming. An even that would make me want to leave Magnolia Cove and forget about this new life.
I cracked my knuckles. It was time to do some serious magical practice. I’d done some in the past, but really controlling my magic eluded me. Maybe that’s where Hugo came in. He was supposed to be the rock that harnessed my power and helped me to become the best head witch ever.
Or so I hoped.
I stretched. Hugo watched me with curiosity. I patted his head and said, “Okay boy, I guess you and I have some training to do.”
The door shot open as if a great wind had snapped it to. I jerked, stumbling as a force of magic pushed me back.
The birds squawked. The kittens meowed. The puppies barked.
Standing in the doorway was
Rufus Mayes. He wore his usual black leather from head to foot. Black eyeliner rimmed his eyes and the smirk on his face told me he saw victory at hand.
“What are you doing here?” I said, standing. “You’re not supposed to enter Magnolia Cove.”
“Well, here I am,” he said, sauntering in. “And I don’t see anyone stopping me.”
My heart thundered against my chest. This was bad. This was very bad.
“What do you want?” I said.
Rufus smiled. “Why, you, of course. This time, nothing’s going to interfere.”
Last time Rufus showed up at Familiar Place, the birds attacked, sending him reeling from the store. I could only hope the same thing would happen again.
Or better yet, that I could use my magic.
I fisted my hands. “And what makes you think nothing’s going to stop you?”
Rufus raised a hand. “Because you and I are leaving.”
I lunged. Rufus snapped his fingers.
Familiar Place melted away and I was plunged into darkness.
Alone.
With Rufus.
* * *
<<<<>>>>
THANK Y’ALL!
Pepper’s adventures continue in Southern Sorcery, the next book in the Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries Series.
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Also by Amy Boyles
SWEET TEA WICH MYSTERIES
SOUTHERN MAGIC
SOUTHERN SPELLS
SOUTHERN MYTHS
SOUTHERN SORCERY
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BLESS YOUR WITCH SERIES
SCARED WITCHLESS
KISS MY WITCH
