Witchin' Stix - Lissa Matthews

by Unknown

  “I don’t believe the two of you did it. This is the second time today he’s done this.”

  “The second time who’s done what? Oh, cookies? Can I have one? Or three? And cupcakes. What flavor? Never mind. I don’t care. I’ll eat whatever.” Broo helped herself to whatever her hands could hold and took up the far corner of the pop-up. I fashioned her a small table and chair to sit at. She looked at it with misery. “I need to learn how to do stuff like that. Now, for the second time, who’s done what?” she asked between bites of cookies.

  “Morgan. My sisters were staring at him and he up and vanished.”

  “After she removed him from our sight with a screen.”

  “Staring is rude.”

  “He’s hard not to stare at, K.”

  “I saw him from a distance and couldn’t help but stare. Then again, Amir appeared in front of me and diverted my attention, so...”

  “Are you and he making progress in the love department?” Kaydence asked, slipping a cinnamon lollipop from the cauldron. “Oh Goddess, K... You put way more cinnamon in this than the last time you made some.”

  “Too much?”

  “Not for me, but wow... Anyway, Broo? Don’t ignore my question.”

  “No. We’re not. He’s waiting on me to let down my guard and I’m just not sure how to do it.”

  I offered her a sad smile. I imagined it wasn’t easy for her, to let people in. She’d been raised without a real family and without real love and then she’d been ripped from all she knew and dropped here for protection from the Wicked Shitz who wanted whatever piece of magic she possessed.

  I wanted to be her friend. I liked her. A lot. Especially after she came to see me and shared her food with me and talked to me about Morgan.

  But she was very wary of Amir and what feelings could develop. Her heart would be at risk then and I guessed she was afraid to love him.

  I didn’t think Amir would be going anywhere though. He adored Broo. It was evident in the way he looked at her, even if they argued half the time.

  Maybe he just needs to kiss her.

  Morgan’s voice in my head was back.

  Where are you?

  Around.

  Where?

  Watching. Don’t worry. I’m not far.

  I think a kiss would probably be good for Broo.

  And you.

  Not me.

  Yes. You. You need another kiss. And another. And many more after that.

  Is that how you plan to tempt and manipulate me?

  No. I just think you’ll enjoy it the more you do it.

  I would. I enjoyed the first one, however brief it was. The memory of his lips on mine beckoned a repeat. But if I gave in too much, then, I would want more.

  Yes. You would want more.

  Get out of my head.

  But I like it in here. You’re so sweet and easy to read.

  It’s rude to eavesdrop on someone’s thoughts.

  I am a demon.

  Are you going to always play the demon card?

  Always? Oh I do like the sound of that, dear witch.

  I... Fudge a monkey.

  Is that how you swear? It’s adorable.

  Where are you? Come out.

  Will you kiss me if I do?

  No.

  Then I’ll stay right where I am.

  I turned away, as if I could turn away from him physically and heard his laugh in my mind. To be truthful, something about him was comforting, familiar. I didn’t even know him, but part of me felt as though I did.

  None of this made sense. And I waited for him to say something, but he didn’t. He was silent, and I realized I was disappointed.

  “I’m going for a walk,” I announced, grabbing up the cauldron after leaving an assortment of candies on the counter. “Broo, don’t eat all of it.”

  “I... Okay.”

  My shoes clicked on the cobblestones as I walked down the center of the street and my orange skirts flounced around my calves. The leaves were bright lights against the deep blue of the Autumn sky. The breeze was cool, but not cold as it fluttered through my hair.

  Candy floated through the air to open hands and laughter could be heard as I passed by happy residents. This time of year brought most everyone out of their homes and into the idyllic streets of Blue Balls Falls.

  I’d seen pictures of Main Street, USA and for all intents and purposes, what we saw every day here was exactly like stepping back in time into one of those vibrant, small towns. I knew that if anyone happened upon the town, all they’d see were rundown buildings and no sign of life at all. Even we wouldn’t see them. A few of the witches and warlocks and other magical and paranormal creatures that inhabited these mountains would be able to sense the presence of humans, but humans would be completely oblivious to us.

  Leon stood outside his shooting range, surveying the Autumn decorations. “Looks very festive,” I said.

  He nearly jumped out of his skin when I spoke and was quite pale when he turned to face me. His smile less than full. “Kandy. Hi.”

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “It’s... After what that cat did to me, catching me unwares, I’m a little more nervous now.”

  “It was unkind of him and I feel terrible about it. Would you like a piece of candy?”

  “Do you have any of the orange Witchin’ Stix? Those were my favorite.”

  “I have them, yes.” I gathered all the ones I had left and offered them to him on my open palm. Hesitantly, he reached for them. Barry the Cat needed a good swift kick in the butt for frightening Leon the way he had.

  “Have you asked Bethilda out yet?”

  Leon had a thing for the innkeeper and had for more than a hundred years. And if I had seen things right, she’d had a thing for Leon, too. For some reason, neither appeared ready to admit it.

  “I, ah... No.”

  “You should.” I knew she’d say yes if he did. The whole town knew she’d say yes.

  “Maybe. I don’t know that I could handle it right now after everything.”

  “I understand,” I said softly, patting the hand he had tightly wrapped around the candy I’d given him. “Make sure you come by the pop-up for your cheesecake, okay?” I pointed to the bright bakery sized booth we’d erected in the center of town.

  “Oh yes, I’ll be there first thing tomorrow morning.”

  “Good.”

  I left him and when I looked back, he was emptying the powdered candy on his tongue and smiling as it worked its magic. My candy knew what each person needed to feel when it touched them. That’s part of what made it so special.

  The cauldron was nearly empty when I neared the pop-up shop. I stopped short of it to spy on Amir being cornered by The Prayer Chain ladies. Broo had explained why she called them that and afterward, the nickname stuck.

  They loved Amir and would do anything to protect the warlock. They had last year, and they would again if need be. They loved Broo, too, and had showered her with motherly love. I don’t think she quite knew what to do with it, but she seemed to care for them in her own way.

  Inside the makeshift bakery, I found Morgan. He sat on the chair I’d conjured for Broo, his head against a support beam, and his eyes closed. I didn’t think he was sleeping, but I didn’t want to disturb him. I only wanted to look at him.

  What would it be like to love him? To be loved by him? To be loved by anyone in a romantic way? My sisters and I were taught at home and our education had not been lacking. Everyone in Blue Balls Falls was taught at home, for the most part. Sometimes we’d go to someone else’s house for additional lessons in subjects our parents weren’t particularly fluent in. We had festivals and celebrations and dances. We had movie nights and parties and weddings. But no one had ever appealed to me like that. None of the warlocks or shifters made me feel anything more than kindness and friendship toward them and I didn’t think any had ever felt more for me.

  Morgan, however... I felt a t
ug toward him, and it was one I didn’t believe was manipulated by him. It was something out of even his control.

  I wasn’t sure what it meant, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. What if being wary of romantic love like Broo was the smart thing? I’d never had my heart broken.

  Did I want to risk myself for love? Was love a risk as Broo seemed to think it was?

  What was love, anyway? Would I even know if I felt it for someone else? For Morgan?

  Could I love Morgan? A demon?

  There were many questions that I didn’t have answers for which was why I simply looked at his more than handsome face, relaxed and at peace in the middle of my small town. He wasn’t a demon to me in those moments. He was... He was Morgan.

  And I feared that I was already beginning to learn some of the answers already.

  I set the cauldron on the counter with a heavy thud, hoping to jar both Morgan and myself out of whatever was going on between us or inside me or... But his eyes opened with a slow lifting of his lashes that I was caught for a moment under the same spell my sisters had been.. His smile lifted the corners of his mouth even slower. And the languid way he stood from the chair had my palms sweating and my breath quickening and my heart galloping.

  “We should see Bethilda soon and get you settled into a room,” I said, hoping to throw icy water on the heat rising between us.

  Chapter Ten

  “Barry the Cat! You show yourself right this minute!”

  Within seconds of my yell, three black cats appeared at the end of the hallway, coming from the kitchen.

  “Why are there three of you?” I asked, stalking with sure, yet unsure steps toward them.

  “This is Shari, our sister.”

  “I thought she had a warlock to keep track of.”

  “I do. He’s sleeping. You really are as pretty as Barry said.”

  “Thank you. I think. Now, Barry...”

  “You smell like candy. And the kitchen smells like candy. But I can’t find any candy.”

  “I gave it all away like I always do.”

  “You didn’t give any away to me.”

  “I did so. The other day.”

  “That was then.”

  “And you’re not getting any more candy in the foreseeable future, either.”

  “What? Why not?”

  “Because of what you did to Leon.”

  “I didn’t do anything.”

  “You scared him. That’s enough.”

  “I told you shouldn’t do that.”

  “How was I to know he was such a marshmallow?”

  “Because I told you.”

  “I thought you were only saying that because he’s your friend.”

  “I have no friends. Well, except for K, here.”

  “It’s true. He has no friends. He doesn’t like anyone. But you frightened Leon and you need to make it up to him.”

  “How? I’ve been a little busy lately.”

  “I know, but you’re not anymore. Your demon is here and you’re not in training right now to be a minion of the underworld, so you can make it up to Leon.”

  “How do you suggest I do that?”

  “I haven’t figured it out yet, but when I do...” I wagged my finger at him.

  “This is so much more lively than my warlock’s house.”

  “I’m glad we could provide you some entertainment, Shari.”

  “Oh, I am, too.” I shook my head at her. She wasn’t a bit ashamed or embarrassed to have invaded the privacy of my home. Then again, no one else seemed to be either.

  “Where is the demon?” Larry the Cat asked.

  “He’s at Bethilda’s.”

  “And you trust him there? Geez, K... Maybe just give him the key to the city.”

  “We don’t have a key to the city and look, I know he’s a demon, but you haven’t spent any time with him. You’re only judging him because of what he is, not who he is.”

  “I don’t want to be around him.”

  “What’s wrong with you, Larry? I know you don’t like new people, but you usually aren’t so hateful.” I stared at him, contemplated what could make him act this way, then... “Maybe you’re afraid you’ll like him.” Crossing my arms over my chest and giving a nod of emphasis. “That’s it, isn’t it? You’re afraid you’ll like him.”

  “I am not.”

  “Barry likes him. Pretty much everyone who has met him likes him. No one avoids him the way you do.”

  “It’s not because I am afraid I’ll like him. I’m afraid I’ll claw his eyes out.”

  “No, that’s not it,” Shari the Cat interjected. “You’re afraid of losing your witch. That if she and the demon are in fact mates, you’ll lose her. That’s what’s wrong.”

  “You are so wrong.” Larry stood, stretched, and walked out of the room.

  “I’m not wrong,” she called after him, then looked up at me. “I’m not.”

  “No, Shari, I don’t believe you are. I just can’t believe I didn’t realize it. Poor Larry.”

  “What’s going to happen to me when you and the boss start shacking up?”

  “Barry...” Shari nudged into her other brother and knocked him off balance. He didn’t appear affronted by the move. Instead, he lay down and began washing a paw.

  “What?” Lick. “I still need to know...” Lick lick. “What’s going to happen to me...” Lick lick lick.

  “I don’t know. Morgan hasn’t said anything about you.”

  “I see. Well... I guess that settles it then.”

  “Settles what?” I didn’t like the potential direction this was headed. “What’s been settled?”

  “I’ll be living with you and Larry and the Boss. I can carry out foul deeds from here or wherever you decide to live.”

  “I didn’t say...”

  “I mean, it’s what I’ve been doing for months. You’d miss me.”

  “I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t miss you. I’m not even sure she likes you. Hell, for that matter, I’m not sure Larry and I like you, either. You’re annoying.”

  “When did this become pick on Barry night?”

  “Since the day you were born.”

  “You were born at the same time.”

  “And I’ve picked on you ever since.”

  I watched the interplay between the siblings. It reminded me of the interplay between my sisters and me. “I like you,” I told Shari. “If you ever need a place to stay, you’re welcome with me.”

  “She purred and rubbed her head against me. “Thank you. That’s lovely of you.”

  “You should go now.”

  “You don’t have to go.”

  “Actually, I do. My warlock will be waking soon.”

  “Where does he live?”

  “On the other side of the ridge to the west.”

  “There’s a warlock out there? Are there others?”

  “No. Sadly, he’s a loner and an outcast. I hope to see you again soon, witch.”

  And with a twitch of the tip of her right ear, she was gone. “Did you know she lived so close?” I asked Barry the Cat.

  “Yes.”

  “Did Larry?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

  “It wasn’t any of your business.”

  “Well, I never...”

  Barry stretched on the counter, then crawled into a basket I used for apple picking and curled into a ball. I guess that was that, but before I left the room, I upended the basket and dumped Barry on the counter. “Hey, witch! That was rude.”

  I shrugged and stuck my tongue out at him. I was over trying to fight him and Larry on the counter thing. They weren’t going to listen to me. Hell, they never listened to me.

  But I had to find a way to make Larry listen this time. I found him in the living room in the corner of the couch, wrapped in on himself. The only parts visible were his ears and the tip of his tail.

  Kneeling on the floor, I drew my hand over his sleek, midnight f
ur. “Larry...”

  He burrowed deeper into the corner of the cushions before lifting his head and giving a yawn. His sleepy eyes tore at my heart. I loved him very much. We fought a lot, but I know he was looking out for me as much as I looked out for him.

  “Shari thinks you’re afraid to lose me if Morgan and I end up mated.”

  “Shari doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

  “I think she does.” I continued to pet him, continued to stroke him from his head around the curve of his long, lean body. “You can’t lose me as your witch, Larry. You can’t lose me as your friend, either.”

  “We’re not friends.”

  “We are the best of friends.” His gruffness didn’t upset me or hurt my feelings. He had always been gruff. Ever since he was a tiny, frail ball of fur. He’d always spoken with less than cordiality. But it was him and I adored him anyway.

  “You’ll have to leave me.”

  That gave me pause... Leave Larry. Leave the cat. Leave the one annoying part of my life behind. “What makes you think I’ll have to leave you?”

  “You’ll move.”

  “I’m not moving anywhere.”

  “A demon can’t live in Blue Balls Falls.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because he’s a demon. You can’t let a demon run loose.”

  “If you feel like that, we’ll have to tie Barry up in the basement.”

  “Oh no you don’t,” Barry said, running into the room. “You two stop right there. You are not to do anything that will jeopardize me and my wonderful life here.” I winked at Larry. His brother was a lying, scheming, conniving cat. Every inch of what a cat should be.

  And Shari... I really kind of liked her. She seemed sweet and reasonable.

  Larry was mine, though. He was my familiar, my best friend. I would tell him as often as I had to in order to make him believe that no matter what else happened, he would stay with me always.

  “We’re going to be okay, Larry. We’re going to figure this out and you’re going to be with me until we die.”

  He stared at him, his eyes brightening just a fraction before he buried his head in his paws again, and after a few more minutes of petting him, I left him to sleep.

  You are a very loving witch.

  Why aren’t you sleeping?

  Because I don’t sleep.