by C. C. Wood
I lifted the phone and showed the message to the guys.
"I guess this decides it. We're going to Austin."
"What's not going well?" Mal asked.
Dammit, why hadn't I thought before I showed him the message? I was a shitty liar for a reason.
"She had to go to Louisiana," I answered truthfully. "She's researching my power. She's concerned that some of the witches in her coven will take issue with me and she wanted to be sure she had her ducks in a row before she introduced me to everyone. I'm guessing that's what's not going well."
Mal's eyes narrowed. "She thinks witches will take issue with you?"
I shrugged. "That's what she said. She wanted to learn more about people like me. Not just to help me learn how to use my power, but to make it easier to bring me into the coven."
"Are you in danger?" Mal asked.
My heart stopped beating for a split second. "As far as I know, I'm not," I answered. It wasn't technically a lie, because I couldn't know for sure if someone wanted to hurt me. I only had my paranoia.
Mal studied me. "We'll make sure it stays that way."
I texted Angie back, but I didn't expect a response. At least not yet.
We're leaving tomorrow. We'll be gone for a few days at minimum. Probably a week total.
I waited a few minutes but there was nothing.
"I don't think she's going to answer," I said to the guys.
"Then we should do what she said and keep our eyes open," Mal replied.
"But first, we should eat."
Mal gave Stony a hard look, but I pulled a chair out and sat down at my kitchen table.
"He's right. We'll need food to get through everything we need to do today."
Unfortunately, my stomach had shrunk into a tight ball after Angie's message. Because I knew something the guys didn't. And I'd lied to keep the secret.
This trip wasn't going to be difficult at all.
Definitely a breeze.
Maybe if I thought about it long enough, I'd believe it.
Chapter Eight
After breakfast, I went upstairs to my room for some privacy and tried to reach Angie again, but I wasn't surprised when I didn't get an answer. Whatever she was doing, she wasn't responding to calls or messages. Or she was choosing to leave her phone off. Still, I left her another message with an explanation of what was happening and a request for her to get in touch with me as soon as possible.
When I reappeared in the kitchen, I found Mal and Stony sitting at the table drinking coffee and staring at a laptop screen.
Mal looked up at me. "Did Angie call back?"
"No. When she said she wouldn't be available, I think she meant it."
Teri hovered behind them, her eyes glued on the screen as well.
"What are you watching?"
Three pairs of eyes came to me.
"We're looking for more information on Austin's magic scene," Mal said.
"Find anything?" I asked as I walked to the fridge and took out a can of soda.
It was Stony that answered me. "Nope. Blaine's already on his way back here and Carissa didn't answer her phone. She should call us back later."
"Carissa knows the Austin coven?" The witch-medium lived in Alabama, so that would definitely surprise me.
"Maybe. We have to ask her to find out," Mal said.
Teri moved around the table toward me. "You need to tell them what happened at the cemetery."
I stared at her but didn't say anything. She'd been there and she heard everything that Angie said. Mal, Stony, all of them, wouldn't be safe if they found out.
As though she could read my thoughts, Teri said, "They still won't be safe, Zoe. People will assume they know and try to use them anyway."
"I'll be right back," I said to Mal and Stony. I jerked my head toward the living room and left the kitchen, trusting Teri to follow.
When I knew I was out of earshot of the guys, I turned toward her. "If a witch comes after them and uses a truth spell, they'll believe that Stony and Mal don't know anything."
"Yeah, but then what will these hypothetical witches do to them?"
I stared at her, my heart in my throat. "I...I don't—"
"You should tell them." Teri's expression was gentle. "Then they'll be careful too."
I swallowed hard. "But what if..."
"What if what?"
I didn't want to put it out in the universe but I forced myself to open my mouth and ask, "What if it changes the way Mal looks at me?"
Teri's face changed and she reached toward me. Her hand hovered near my arm for a moment, as if she was hesitating, then she laid her fingers against my skin. It tingled a bit, as though static electricity was gathering around me, but I could feel her.
I stared at her with wide eyes. "Oh, my God."
"I know. I can't believe it."
As her hand continued to rest on my arm, the transparency of her body dissipated somewhat, as though she were becoming solid rather than ethereal. But when she lifted her fingers, she faded once again, but not quite as much.
"This is awesome," Teri said. Her voice was soft and filled with awe.
"It is, but we need to figure out what's happening to you."
"Do you think this is bad?"
"No, not at all," I said. "But I am worried about what it means. We don't know anything about this and I couldn't handle it if something happened to you."
"Like what?" she asked, her arms flying up.
"Like you could eventually vanish. Or become human again. Or get possessed by a demon. Nearly anything can happen and I want to be prepared."
"Would it be so bad if I was human again?"
"Of course not." I cleared my suddenly tight throat. "Though you've been listed as dead for thirty years, so it could cause some issues."
"Good point."
Mal's phone rang in the kitchen and I heard him get up as he answered.
"We'll talk about this later," I said to Teri. "Right now, let's focus on Selene."
Her expression darkened. "I still say this is a bad idea."
"Noted."
I moved around her and came face-to-face with Mal as he came out of the kitchen, his phone caught between his ear and a shoulder with a notepad and pen in his hand.
"Okay. Yeah, I got her name and number, Carissa. Thanks again for your help."
He paused and smiled at whatever she said. I tried to ignore the way my gut clenched when his eyes lit up. I knew jealousy was a waste of time but that didn't stop the sharp stab that hit my heart.
"It's okay. Your daughter is more important. Maybe we'll see you both soon. Bye."
Mal hung up and looked at me as he stuck his phone in his pocket. "Carissa gave me the name and address of the coven leader in Austin. Apparently, there's some sort of directory of all the covens in the U.S." His expression was solemn. "Carissa did say that the directory listed this coven as grey magic. Which means some of the members might practice dark magic or walk a fine line between them."
"So we're going to call her and ask for help? Do you think they would even help us if the high priestess practices dark magic."
Mal shrugged. "Maybe. At the very least, we can ask her if there are any coven members or children missing. It would give us a place to start."
My nerves buzzed. Would the witches in Austin be able to tell what my abilities were? If they were dark witches, would they try to hurt me? Strip my power from me?
"What is it?" he asked. "What's wrong?" He moved closer and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close. "You look like I just punched you in the gut."
I couldn't tell him the truth. Not yet. Not when he looked at me the way he was right this minute.
"I'm—" My throat closed up and I shut my eyes. "Nothing. Just freaking out, I guess."
Mal hugged me and I rested my head against his chest. His body was strong and solid against me and his warmth sank into my chilled skin. I hadn't realized how much I needed this, needed the physical reassuran
ce of his affection.
"You can tell me anything, Zoe. You know that, right?"
My cheek was still pressed against his pectoral but I nodded anyway.
I felt him kiss the top of my head as he rubbed my back. "So, is there anything you want to tell me?"
Yes, but I couldn't make myself say it. I couldn't bear it if he looked at me any differently than he did right now. Or if he dropped me like a hot coal. "Not right now. I just need a little more time."
He squeezed me once more then released me. He cupped my face and tilted my chin up until I looked at him. "Whenever you're ready."
I wasn't sure I'd ever be ready to tell him that I could suck the life out of plants...and possibly people.
"Anything, Zoe."
Oh, God. I had to tell him. I opened my mouth, the words on the tip of my tongue, but Stony came out of the kitchen with a soda in his hand and a huge yawn stretching his face.
"So what's the plan, guys? Are we calling the high priestess in Austin or what?"
With a sigh, Mal stepped back and twisted toward Stony. "Yes, we're going to call Ms. Fury."
Stony choked mid-swig. After he coughed for a minute, he gasped and asked, "Fury? Like the comic book character?" Then he laughed. "Oh, that's rich."
"Her name is Beatrix Fury and she's been the high priestess in Austin for five years."
With a name like that, I could easily believe she was a sorceress, which was what Angie called witches who practiced dark magic.
Judging by the smirk on Stony's face, this was the perfect time to interrupt before the two of them descended into Bickerfest 2019. "Does Carissa know anything about her?"
Mal stopped staring Stony down and glanced over at me. "No. She's never met Ms. Fury but did say that coven leaders rarely last more than a couple of years, so she's probably very well-liked in Austin. Or no one else will take on the headache of the high priestess position."
"Let's give her a call." Stony lifted his soda in a mock toast. "See what's up with Ms. Fury."
Chapter Nine
We gathered around the kitchen table with notebooks.
After a few minutes of discussion, also known as Stony and Mal arguing, it was decided that we would use Mal's phone to call Beatrix Fury, but that the call would be put on speaker.
When the two men in the kitchen couldn't decide who would speak to her, I put my foot down.
"Look, Mal usually handles interviews so he should do it now, too."
Both men looked at me with intense gazes, which was somewhat unsettling since Stony was usually so laid back. He didn't look very easygoing at the moment.
"Mal also asks questions in a way that won't put her on the defensive," I continued.
Mal smiled at me and Stony glared. I crossed my arms over my chest and glowered back at him. Before we could place the call, Mal's cell rang again.
He glanced at the screen. "It's Blaine. Give me a few minutes and we'll call the high priestess."
Mal carried the phone out of the room and I turned to Stony. "Okay, spill."
He frowned at me. "What?"
"You and Mal never fight like this. What's going on? Why are you antagonizing him?"
Stony's frown deepened. "I'm not antagonizing him."
That statement didn't even warrant a reply so I just stared at him.
He sighed. "Okay, so maybe I'm a little irritable right now."
"Anything I can do?"
"No. It's just..." he trailed off.
"Jonelle?"
Stony gaped at me. "How did you know?"
I had to laugh at his expression. "She's been my best friend for most of my life. I know exactly how she can be. Is everything okay with you two?" I didn't know because she never mentioned him. I didn't say that because I knew it would hurt him.
"This is weird. I can't talk about this with you."
"Let me guess—she's pushing you away."
Stony's frown returned. "Have your powers extended to reading minds?"
"No," I said with another laugh. "As I said, I've known her for nearly twenty years. I know how she can be when it comes to the men in her life." I leaned over and patted his shoulder. "I can't give you insight because that would be breaking the girl code but I will tell you not to give up. I think you're good for each other. You guys just...fit."
"Even when she tells me she doesn't want to see me again for the rest of her life?"
I winced. "Yikes. Okay, I'm not encouraging you to stalk her or ignore her when she says stuff like that but Jonelle needs to know that there's at least one man in this world who won't abandon her."
"And how do I do that without getting slapped with a restraining order?" he asked.
"I wish I knew," I answered.
"I think it's over, Zoe. I don't want it to be, but I have to respect her wishes. I can't make her feel the same way I do."
I clenched my jaw. It was the only way I could keep from blurting out my thoughts. I had no business butting into Stony and Jonelle's relationship. I patted his arm again, feeling like a complete ass. "Well, I hope you guys work it out."
Mal returned to the kitchen. "Blaine will be here tonight. I hope. He's at the airport on standby. Y'all ready to call Beatrix Fury?"
Stony and I nodded. Mal sat between us and put his cell on the table. He typed in the phone number and hit send.
After two rings, a resonate, beautiful female voice came on the line. "I've been expecting your call."
I think we all blinked. We also sat in stupefied silence.
Mal recovered first. "Um, I'm sorry but my name is Malachi Flemming and we've never spoken before."
The woman laughed and it slid along my skin like velvet. Her voice was hypnotic. Spellbinding, even. Which was apropos considering she was a witch. "I understand that, my dear, but I knew you would be calling me even if I didn't know your name."
Mal paused and I could practically see the gears turning in his mind. "Do you know why I'm calling?"
"Why don't you tell me?"
Ha! Maybe she didn't know everything after all.
"My associates and I are contacting you about a young magic user in your area. She goes by the name of Selene and she's approached one of us on two occasions."
"Approached you how?"
Mal glanced at me and nodded.
"Hello, Ms. Fury. My name is Zoe Thorne. I'm a...medium near DFW. Selene has projected her astral body into my house twice now and she says she's in trouble."
"Hello, Ms. Thorne. Pleasure to speak with you. We do have a mother and child who haven't been seen at coven meetings in a couple of months, but we assumed they were just busy and unable to attend. The daughter's name is Selene."
"But you're not sure if they're in trouble?" Mal asked.
"Unfortunately, no. But now that we have spoken, I will look into the situation personally."
I cleared my throat. "Selene asked me to come to Austin and help her, Ms. Fury. I understand that it is a formality to contact the local coven before coming into their territory."
"Please, Zoe, call me Beatrix. You and your friends are more than welcome in Austin. There must be a reason that Selene has reached out to you. Perhaps we can help each other. Please let me know when you think you'll get to town."
"Then we will see you tomorrow," Mal said, filling the awkward pause smoothly.
"I look forward to meeting all of you. Especially you, Zoe."
Anxiety spiked through me. I managed to say good-bye, but my brain was already elsewhere.
"Great voice," Stony said. "But strange chick."
"Don't call women chicks," I said. Mostly out of habit.
Stony grinned at me. "Lady?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Notice how vague most of her answers were?" Mal asked.
"Yeah, but it's not uncommon for witches, especially high priestesses, to play it close to the vest," Stony answered.
"True," Mal said, staring off into space. "But you're right, Stony. She was definitely strange." He g
ot to his feet. "But we still need to go pack."
"Are y'all coming over when you're done?" I asked.
Mal looked at me as though he knew exactly why I asked. "We won't leave you alone for long, I promise."
"I'll even handle dinner tonight," Stony said.
Apparently, I didn't hide my surprise well, because he scowled at me.
"What?"
"You're cooking?" I asked.
"Har, har. You're so funny."
The corners of Mal's mouth quirked as though he were trying to hold back a smile. "You didn't answer her question. Are you cooking or not?"
"No. Okay. I promised I wouldn't try to cook anymore after I set off the smoke alarms last time. I'm going to drive over to Weatherford and pick up some barbeque or something."
Stony looked absolutely disgusted and I couldn't hold back my grin any longer.
"Thank God," I said. "I was worried I'd have to endure food poisoning again this year."
Stony glared at me for a moment before he snorted and rolled his eyes. "I'm going to pack. I'll be back later. With food I didn't cook."
Mal swept up his phone and notebook and leaned over to give me a quick kiss. "I'm going to pack but I'll be back in an hour or so. Try not to let Selene scare the crap out of you between now and then."
"Oh, who's the comedian now?"
Mal grinned at me. "Be back soon."
As soon as he was gone, Teri reappeared next to me. "I'm gonna say it again. I don't like this."
"I don't either."
"Well, at least I'm coming with you on this one. It's sure to be a train wreck."
"No doubt. I'm going to go pack. Try to behave yourself."
Two hours later, I was ready to find a way to send Teri on to the afterlife. For a ghost who supposedly hated my living bestie, she sure went out of her way to include her on this trip.
Yes, that's right. Teri used my cell phone, which had a new password on it, to text Jonelle. She told her about Selene and that we were heading to Austin. I guess I should be grateful that she hadn't told her what had happened in the cemetery two nights ago.
"I couldn't let you go without her," Teri said as I glared at her.
I scowled at her for a moment longer before I turned back to my friend.
