by TJ Green
Dan frowned and managed to speak. “You hunted treasure for a job?”
She wiggled her shoulders. “A sort of job. I teamed up with others occasionally. It could be lucrative. My friend, Bloodmoon, was very good at it.”
Dan gaped again. “Bloodmoon? Is that the name of a person?”
“A fey,” she corrected him. “One of the best thieves I know. In fact, you’ll like this story—he helped your old king.”
Avery was starting to wonder if Shadow had lost her mind. “What old king?”
“King Arthur. He was a king here, is that right?” They looked at her, baffled, but she carried on regardless. “Bloodmoon actually stole a Dragon Blood Jasper—one of the rarest and most expensive gemstones ever—from the private collection of one of the richest men in Dragon’s Hollow for his cousin, Woodsmoke, his friend, Tom, and the displaced King Arthur, to help them break a curse. Now that’s impressive!” She looked proud and took a moment to bask in Bloodmoon’s glory. “Unfortunately, he’s not here to help me now, but Gabe and the others said they can.”
Dan held his hand up imperiously. “Wait! You said King Arthur. The King Arthur?”
“Your old king, so I understand, yes.” She shrugged, in a what-of-it sort of way.
Now they were all looking at her like she was mad, but it was Dan who spoke first. “King Arthur is dead, and has been for well over a thousand years, if he even existed at all.”
“Well, he’s not dead now. He’s well and truly alive in the Other. Now, can you show me the books you have? Avery said you could help.” She turned and walked away. “Where do I look?”
Dan stared at Avery and Alex, and said quietly, “Are you sure she’s sane? And why didn’t you tell me she was so hot!” And then he vanished into the stacks, shouting, “This way, Shadow.”
Avery looked at Alex. “King Arthur?”
“She’s clearly nuts.”
“And what about Dan? You’d have thought he’d have learnt his lesson after Nixie.”
He looked at her, doe-eyed. “True love knows no bounds.”
“You are so full of shit, Alex Bonneville.”
“You have no romance in your soul.”
Avery was tempted to throw her hot chocolate over him, but it was too good, so she changed the subject. “So, what now?”
He kissed her. “I’m going to the pub, but we’re not opening today. I’ve asked all the staff to come in so I can talk to them about last night, and I’m going to try to speak to Grace’s mother. I’m not looking forward to it.”
Lupescu’s last victim. Avery closed her eyes briefly in regret. “I hope it goes okay. I don’t envy you that job.”
His eyes darkened. “At least I can tell them it won’t happen again.”
She nodded. “I’ll try and get hold of Newton. And I‘d better phone Genevieve, too. All I managed to do was send a garbled text last night to her and Ben. See you at your place later, before we go to Reuben’s?”
“Perfect.”
He kissed her again, leaving her breathless, and she watched him saunter down the street, wishing they could stay in bed all day instead of having to work. She picked up the phone and started her round of calls, waving at Sally absently as she came in with more mince pies. Genevieve and Ben were predictably annoyed at missing the fight, and relieved at the same time. Genevieve was going to hold a coven meeting in the New Year to update everyone, but was planning on otherwise spending a quiet Christmas at home. Ben told her that Dylan was okay but had broken his arm, and Cassie had mild concussion. She then phoned Eve and Jasper to update them, and was about to call Newton, having left him until last, because she knew he was going to be the most difficult, when Caspian walked in, holding himself stiffly.
“You look sore,” Avery told him.
He grimaced. “Never underestimate the sharp talons of a vampire.”
“Have you come to see Briar?”
“Yes, she’s right. She’s much better at this than Estelle.”
“I bet Estelle hated hearing that.”
He allowed himself a small smile. “Yes, she did. I heard from Genevieve you killed Lupescu last night.”
Avery had a flash of guilt that she’d forgotten to call him. “Wow. News does travel fast. You were next on my list to call.”
He watched her for a moment. “I think you were mad to go with so few of you, but well done.”
“You were injured, so we weren’t going to ask you. It seemed quicker to just get on with it. It was Reuben’s crazy idea.”
He nodded. “Fair enough. Just be careful, Avery.” He looked as if he were about to say more when Dan and Shadow arrived at the counter. Caspian’s eyes widened as he looked at her, and then he looked quizzically at Avery. She nodded and introduced them, hesitating to announce he was a witch, but Shadow could tell.
The fey’s sharp eyes appraised him. “You’re the one who Gabe now works for.”
“I am. I think we met briefly on the night of the Hunt. You created a lot of damage that night.”
She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Herne’s orders. That’s over now.”
His cool, calculating gaze appraised her and clearly found her wanting. “I hope so.” He turned back to Avery. “More interesting company in White Haven. See you soon.” And then he left, a cold draft swirling in his wake.
“He’s a prickly one,” Shadow said, dropping a pile of books onto the counter. “Powerful, too.”
“Very,” Avery agreed, as she started to charge the books. “Interesting selection you have here.”
“Dan’s been very helpful.” She flashed him her biggest smile, and Dan grinned goofily back. She continued, “I have much to study before I start my hunt. I may need your help.”
Avery considered her next words carefully. “If I can, I will, but I am very busy in White Haven. The Nephilim will be of far greater help I’m sure.”
She pinned Avery under her intense stare. “Maybe. But they aren’t witches. See you again soon.”
Avery watched her leave, then looked at Dan and said, “Bollocks.”
***
White Haven glistened in the winter sunshine. The main street was shut off from traffic, and crowds thronged the pavements. The sound of drumming filled the air as the parade made its way down to the harbour. The participants were dressed in all manner of strange costumes; the Holly King and Oak King led the way, but behind them were adults and children all dressed and masked as various woodland creatures, goblins, elves, and a man dressed up with huge antlers on his head—Herne, the winter king. He looked far less terrifying than the real one. Jugglers and fire-breathers strolled along the edges, and Avery could smell hot chestnuts and mulled wine from the various street stands that had been set up. She smiled and clapped in time with the drums, feeling the beat in her blood.
She watched for a short time before heading back to her shop, and was almost there when Newton fell into step beside her. He looked shattered. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“I’ve been trying to call you,” she explained.
“Can we have coffee before you go back to the shop?” he asked her. He pointed to a cafe on the opposite side of the road.
“Sure.” She followed him in, and sat at a small table in the corner. He spent a couple of minutes ordering coffee and food and then he slumped into the opposite seat. He looked pale, his shirt was rumpled, and his hair was messy. “Long night?” she asked.
He grunted. “Exhausting. All those bones, and those two girls.” He shook his head. “It will take weeks to go through. Probably more. The forensic team have barely started.”
“But at least they are found now,” she said, trying to comfort him. “That’s a huge amount of cases you can close. All those people will be able to be buried properly, and all of their loved ones will know what happened to them.”
“Thank you, again. And sorry about last night. I was angry.”
“It’s okay. You’re allowed to be.”
H
e rubbed his face. “I know this is a good thing, but it’s been an exhausting night. It’s been an exhausting few weeks, actually. Are you sure it’s over?”
“Yes. We watched him burn, and the others—including Bethany.” She filled him on the details of the night, and the history they had found out about the House of Spirits. “Some of those bones will be very old. Did you find the other room? The crypt with the smashed furniture?”
He nodded. “Only a few hours ago. I’m paying a visit to Rupert and Charlotte tomorrow. I know they aren’t a part of this, but we have to interview them, anyway. And then of course, search the whole house.”
“I bet Rupert will love it,” Avery said thoughtfully. “But how will you explain the deaths?”
“Serial killer, probably. It seems to be my only recourse when these weird deaths happen—although, I have no idea who we’ll blame it on.” He paused while their coffees were delivered, and a huge plateful of English breakfast was placed in front of him. He had a few mouthfuls, and then asked, “How long’s Hunter here for?”
Avery sighed. She knew he’d ask this. In fact, it was probably his only reason for wanting to see her. “I’m not sure, but he’ll be here over Christmas, maybe longer. Why do you care? It’s not like you and Briar are together.”
He tensed slightly. “I know, but I like her. I don’t want her to get hurt.”
Avery wanted to throw something at him. “The only person who’s been hurting her is you, Newton.”
He glared at her. “That’s bullshit.”
“Is it? You like her, that’s clear, but you can’t get around the fact that she’s a witch. You’ve admitted it yourself.”
“I don’t have a problem with witches. I’m sitting here with you, aren’t I? You’re my friend, so is Alex, Reuben, and El. I respect what you do. I helped you recover the grimoires!”
“I know that, and I know that you keep our abilities a secret. But you still struggle with the decisions we make sometimes—especially about the Nephilim. And that’s okay. You’re a detective. Your priorities are different from ours. But Briar is a witch, to her core, and you clearly can’t handle that in someone who might be more than friend,” she said abruptly. “So, she’s moved on, to someone who can deal with that. He’ll make her happy, so you need to get used to it.” Newton grunted again and continued to eat, refusing to meet her eyes. “Newton, seriously, stop it. You can’t have it both ways, with her waiting and waiting until you change your mind—which you will never do. If you want to keep her friendship, respect her decision.”
He grunted again, and she finished drinking her coffee in silence. Men!
***
The full moon shone over Old Haven Church, and snow glistened around the old headstones spread across the cemetery.
The witches and Hunter sat around a brightly burning fire in the cleared space in front of the mausoleum steps, wrapped up in layers of jumpers, coats, and scarves. They had placed rugs, cushions, and fur blankets on the ground to sit on, and Avery sipped a mulled wine, heated with a spell. She smiled at Reuben. “This was a great idea.”
“Thanks, Avery. I’ve been thinking about Gil a lot lately. He was with us on the summer solstice, when we were attacked by demons in your garden. Remember?”
“Of course. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.”
“Although I am trying to,” Briar put in with a shudder. “I hope we don’t have to face those again in the coming year.”
El nodded. “It has been pretty eventful. Sad at times, but also good.” She squeezed Reuben’s arm. “At least this place feels much better than the last time we were here.”
Instinctively, they all looked up and across to the wood at the rear of the grounds where Suzanna had summoned the Wild Hunt.
Hunter stretched his legs out, wiggling his toes in front of the fire. “The pack enjoyed that story!”
“And now you can tell them about vampires!” Briar said, smiling.
“You can tell them yourself,” he said, with a cheeky grin.
“What do you mean?” she asked, and even in the firelight, Avery could see Briar’s cheeks flushing.
“We have a wild party on New Years! In the Castlerigg Stone Circle. You have to come.” He watched her, his eyes molten gold again, and not with anger this time. They challenged her to refuse.
“I might be able to spare a few days away from my shop,” she said hesitantly.
“Good,” he replied, and looked back into the fire, a ghost of a smile on his face.
Avery grinned at El across the fire, which she swiftly hid when Briar scowled at her. She decided to change the subject. “At least James is happier now—well, since Samhain.”
“Have you seen him today?” Alex asked.
“No, but I’ll try and see him tomorrow. I thought today would be too busy for him. At least he doesn’t have to worry about vampires in White Haven any longer.”
“None of us do.”
“For now,” Reuben added ominously. “We might have them again. I’m still sure there’ll be another one or two out there.”
“Preferably not half-starved, vengeful ones,” El said grimly. “I wonder if Charlotte will be okay. Hopefully her neck will heal and her weird dreams will stop. I wonder why he didn’t kill her.”
“Convenience,” Avery suggested. “For when you don’t want to go on a killing spree for food.”
Alex sighed. “Today was horrible for me. The bar staff are shaken up and upset. But Simon is a good manager, and Zee’s been pretty good, too. I think his sheer size is a comfort. I can’t help but wonder, if Zee had have been working last night whether that would have changed anything. If he’d have gone outside instead of Grace, Lupescu wouldn’t have been able to kill him.”
“You can’t start the what-if thing,” Briar told him. “That will take you down a rabbit hole you’ll never get out of.”
“Are you open tomorrow?” Hunter asked.
“Yeah, life goes on, and the staff need to get paid. We’ll go to Grace’s funeral, though.”
“I’ll come, too,” Avery said, nudging him gently. “I have news. Shadow came to visit today. She’s borrowed a load of books to start her artefact search. She’s going to be trouble.”
Reuben laughed. “Sounds fun to me.”
“We can handle her,” Alex said, wrapping his arm around Avery and pulling her to his side.
El agreed. “We can handle anything together.”
“True,” Avery murmured, looking around at her friends. Six months ago she wouldn’t have dreamed that she’d be such close friends with all of them, and that she and Alex would be together. It had been quite the journey. Avery smiled, raising her glass to the group. “Here’s to the next six months. Happy Solstice!”
Thank you for reading Undying Magic. I hope you enjoyed it.
I’d love it if you could leave a review.
Book six, Crossroads Magic, is out now. You can buy it here.
Read on for an excerpt.
If you enjoyed this book and would like to read more of my stories, please subscribe to my newsletter at tjgreen.nz. You will get two free short stories, Excalibur Rises and Jack’s Encounter, and will also receive free character sheets of all the main White Haven witches.
1
A fire blazed brightly at the centre of the clearing, and figures weaved a dance around it as they passed candles between them. The light cast a warm, gentle glow on the faces of the participants, many of whom were laughing as they trod the well-known path in the centre of the woods.
It was midnight at Imbolc, and the entire Cornwall Coven was celebrating the festival together.
Avery was there with the White Haven witches, all of whom had travelled together to Rasmus’s estate on the edge of Newquay. After the horrors of the vampire attacks before Christmas, they hadn’t seen the coven since, so it was a chance to celebrate the festival and their victory over Lupescu, the Romanian vampire who had caused so much destruction only weeks before.
&n
bsp; However, it was freezing cold. Imbolc fell on the second of February, and frost lay thick upon the ground. When the coven completed the circle, they stopped and turned to watch Genevieve, their High Priestess, raise her hands to the sky. She invoked the Goddess, giving thanks and asking for protection for the months to come, and then she turned to kiss Rasmus gently on each cheek, and handed him a besom broom. Rasmus accepted it with a small bow, and then walked around the circle, brushing it along the ground as he did so, symbolically chasing away the old in a cleansing ritual. Once completed, he gave it back to Genevieve, who invited the others to join in, and then there was a frenzied few minutes as they all grabbed their own brooms and repeated the ritual.
Avery laughed as she furiously swept the ground. It was an old rite, but fun, and the symbolic cleansing really did feel as if they were getting rid of the toxic time they had all experienced. And at least the snow had gone, she reflected, as she swept past Reuben and laughed even harder. He looked so out of place with a broom in his hands, but he participated with good grace, even though he had moaned about it on the way over.
When they all finally stopped, they were breathless and hot. Genevieve clapped her hands, her smile beatific, and called a halt to the proceedings. She said a few final words before lifting a chalice of wine from the altar next to her. “And now, it’s time to eat and drink!” She gestured to the table on the far side of the clearing, filled with food, and with that the circle broke apart and they headed to fill their plates.
Avery fell into step next to Nate and Eve, the two witches who lived in St Ives on the north coast of Cornwall. Both were artistic and unconventional. Nate was dressed in scruffy combat trousers and an old flying jacket, and Eve had long dreads. “How have you been?” Avery asked them.
“Pretty good,” Nate said. “Better than you, by the sound of things.”
Avery shrugged. “At least I didn’t get a head injury like Eve. Are you better now?” she asked her.
“I’m fine, thank you,” Eve answered, with a rueful rub of her scalp. “It soon healed. It was scarier getting out of those tunnels surrounded by fire. I was more worried I’d burn us all. No more news of vampires though, I hope?”
