The Professor Woos The Witch (Nocturne Falls Book 4)

by Kristen Painter

  “So?”

  “Good comeback.”

  He made a face at her. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready? She’ll be here any second.”

  “I am ready.”

  He crossed his arms and leaned on the door. “Kaley Van Zant, I don’t know anything about coven meetings, but I do know you’re not going with BBQ sauce on your shirt.”

  She looked down as she stretched her T-shirt out. “Oh, man.”

  “Go change. You have time.”

  She dashed up the steps to her room.

  Cole went back to looking out the sidelight. Pandora was just pulling into the drive.

  His entire body tightened with need. He opened the door and walked out onto the porch.

  Pandora got out of her car and came toward him. She wore skinny jeans, a T-shirt and a tight cardigan that showed off her incredible figure. “Hey.”

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  “Good. Not a hundred percent, but nothing like this morning.” She joined him on the porch. “Thanks for the pancakes, by the way. That was really thoughtful.”

  “Thoughtful enough for a kiss?”

  She smiled like she was trying not to. “Kinda pushy, don’t you think?”

  That wasn’t a no. He slipped his fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck and brushed his mouth across hers. A fluttering of wings filled his ears, and the earth around him seemed to disappear beneath his feet. He released her, not wanting to push her goodwill too far.

  She sighed, eyes still closed for a moment. When she opened them, she shook her head slowly. “I really hope you don’t turn out to be bad for me. The flowers were really sweet, too.”

  Before he could say anything, Kaley opened the door. “Hey, Miss Williams.”

  “Hiya. Ready to go?”

  “Yep. Do I need to bring anything?”

  “Nope.” Pandora hooked her thumb toward the car. “Hop in. I need to talk to your dad for a sec.”

  “Okay.”

  “Wow,” Cole said. “Not a single eye roll. Impressive.” He couldn’t stop grinning. “What do you want to talk to me about?”

  “The whole familiar thing. And us. The two go hand in hand. There’s no pretending otherwise. We’ve got to get you comfortable with this new side of yourself.”

  “I am comfortable. I guess. Other than the way I feel when you touch me, I haven’t really noticed anything different. I haven’t even shifted since that first time, although I’ve felt like it might happen, it hasn’t. Are you still helping me with that?”

  “I am. Every time I’ve touched you since, I’ve pushed a spell toward you to keep it from happening so you don’t freak out.”

  “You have?”

  She nodded.

  “Then I do need to work on this. Suggestions?”

  “Yes. Go into the attic and talk to Gertrude.”

  He stared at her. “You want me to talk to a ghost?”

  “You want this to work or don’t you? If anyone can give you the basics on being a familiar, it’s her. And you really need to understand this side of yourself.”

  “How do I…summon her or whatever?”

  “Just go on up and say hi. She’s not shy. You shouldn’t be either.”

  “Okay, I can do that.” He tucked his hands in his pockets. “Looks like I know what I’m doing tonight.”

  She smiled. “Good. You can tell me all about it when I bring Kaley home.”

  “Have fun.”

  She started down the steps, laughing softly. “Yeah, you too. Tell Gerty I said hi.”

  “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

  Still laughing, she gave him a wave and jumped into the car. He waited until they’d pulled through the gate, then went inside.

  He looked toward the attic. Talk to a ghost. What on earth had his life become? With a shrug, he headed up the steps, trying to psych himself up for whatever was about to happen.

  The attic was warm but not unbearable. He flipped the light on. How did one start a conversation with a ghost? He walked to the center of the space. “Um…Aunt Gertrude? If you’re there, Pandora Williams told me to come upstairs and talk to you.”

  He stared into the empty space of the attic. This was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever—

  “Does that mean you believe?”

  He spun around.

  A petite woman with fluffy lavender hair and a purple jumpsuit hovered a few feet behind him. He could see right through her. Like a freaking hologram.

  She waved. “Hello there, stud muffin.”

  He swallowed. This was so weird. “My name is Cole.”

  “I know.” She batted her lashes. “You have Ulysses’ dark eyes. All you raven familiars do. Oh, I miss that man.” She put a hand over her heart. “Best lover I ever had.”

  Cole tried not to grimace, but talking to a ghost—who was technically his great-aunt—about her sex life was…just weird and not something he’d ever thought he’d do. “So…Pandora told me to talk to you. About the whole familiar thing.”

  “Ready to face facts, cookie?”

  “Yes. Something like that. Can you help me?”

  She levitated higher and stared down at him. “Sure. You are family after all. What do need help with?”

  He thought for a moment. “Everything. What is a familiar capable of? Can I shift into that bird form anytime I want, or is that not something I can always control? How do I help Pandora with her magic? What happens when we’re bonded? What am I not asking that I should be? I really don’t have a clue about any of this.”

  She squinted. “Didn’t your parents teach you anything?”

  “No. They gave up being who they were in an effort to protect me. And my father doesn’t think I should get involved with Pandora so he’s not keen on giving me too much info right now.”

  “I see.” She floated back and forth, like a person pacing. Then she stopped. “I can almost understand what your parents did. I never told a soul about Ulysses being my familiar. For a while, human familiars were practically hunted down.” She clucked her tongue. “Shame, really. They’re rare creatures, but they were never meant to be treated like a commodity.”

  “So I heard. It’s why my parents did what they did. My mother had another witch try to hex her out of the picture to get access to my father.”

  Gertrude shook her head. “Some witches don’t abide by the code of ethics. Makes us all look bad. Was she dealt with, this witch who went after your mother?”

  “From what I understand the ACW took away her magic for five years.”

  “Good. That’s what should have happened.” She smiled at him. “You like Pandora?”

  “I do. Very much.”

  “You do the horizontal mambo yet?”

  “Maybe we could keep this on a more professional level?” Was there such a thing as a professional level when talking to a ghost?

  She threw her head back and laughed. “I’ll take that as a no, then. You know that being intimate”—she made finger quotes—”is how you bond, if you’re going to.”

  “Yes, I know. My father told me that much.” Gertrude wasn’t being much help. “Can you give me answers to any of these other questions or not?”

  She waved at him. “Don’t get your knickers in a twist. I’ll help you. After all, I was bonded and married to a familiar longer than you’ve been alive.”

  “Great. What do I need to know?”

  “You should be able to shift when you want to, but based on your upbringing, it’s going to take some work for you to learn that skill. I’m guessing right now you only shift when you’re touching Pandora.”

  “I probably would be, but she’s been using a spell to keep me from shifting.”

  Gertrude frowned. “She needs to stop that. The more comfortable you get with the change, the easier it will be.”

  “I’ll tell her. How do I practice it on my own?”

  “Do you remember what it felt like the first time? Ulysses used to get visi
ons and a sort of full-on sensory experience.”

  Cole nodded, understanding completely. “Yes. That’s exactly what happens to me too. I’ve been having dreams like that since I was kid. But then I just thought they were dreams.”

  “You need to focus on those experiences and re-create one on your own. Try a little meditation. That should help.”

  “And when I do shift? What then?”

  She raised her brows. “You’ve got to get comfortable in that skin too. Fly around. See what it’s like. Test your wings, as it were.”

  “This is so surreal. I really hope I’m not about to wake up in a padded cell and realize I’ve actually lost my mind.”

  “You haven’t. I can assure you.”

  “So you say. Okay. What else? What about when and if Pandora and I bond? How does that change things?”

  “Pandora will be able to see through your eyes when you’re in your raven form. You’ll also be able to communicate mentally. You’ll hear her in your head and vice versa. Sometimes the sensory communications go beyond that, but not always.”

  That wasn’t weird at all. “Really?”

  “Really. But you don’t need to worry about that now. What you need to do is practice shifting, then we can work on more when you’ve got that handled.”

  That was probably a good idea. Small steps. “My daughter and Pandora are out at the coven meeting. I guess I’ll use the time alone to see if I can get the shifting part down.”

  She winked at him. “You do that, cookie.”

  He gave her a nod and started for the stairs. With his hand on the door knob, he stopped and looked back. She was still there, watching. From the angle of her gaze, most likely his backside. He cleared his throat and got her to make eye contact.

  “Yes?”

  “Can you access all areas of the house?”

  She grinned. “Worried I might visit you in the shower?”

  “Something like that.”

  She made a dramatic sigh. “Sadly, no. This attic was my spellroom, and as such it seems to be the limits of my visitation.”

  He let out a breath. “Thank heaven for small favors.” He lifted his hand to his forehead and saluted her. “See you later.”

  Pandora spent the first few minutes at the coven meeting introducing Kaley to the rest of witches gathered in the fire hall. She’d been firm but clear with Kaley on the ride over that she wasn’t to say anything about her father—or grandfather—being a familiar. Pandora explained that, while unlikely, it could put them in danger, which was enough to illicit a solemn, wide-eyed promise from the thirteen-year-old.

  Kaley was polite to everyone Pandora introduced her to, but only Pandora’s mother and sisters earned a smile. Pandora could understand the shyness. Meeting this many witches had to be intimidating.

  Pandora had often felt like a bit of an outsider herself, what with her magic being so flaky. She nudged Kaley. “Want to get a snack? There’s all kinds of stuff on the refreshments table. Including brownies. Although, if you hate brownies, I’ll happily eat yours.”

  Kaley gave Pandora one of those adults-are-weird looks. “No one hates brownies.”

  Pandora nodded sagely. “Correct answer. If you’d said otherwise, we’d have to turn you into a rock.”

  Kaley squinted. “Can you actually do that?”

  Now it was Pandora’s turn to roll her eyes. “No, silly. It’s just a joke. We don’t do that.”

  “I know it’s a joke. But could you?” Then she tipped her head. “You totally could, right? If you wanted to?”

  “Not me personally. Animate to inanimate is pretty high-level stuff. Some of us could, yes. But none of us would.” Pandora put her arm around Kaley’s shoulders, and they walked together to the snack table. “We’ve all taken an oath to do no harm. It’s part of the initiation into the coven.”

  Kaley took a plate and helped herself to a brownie. “Can I join the coven?”

  Pandora grabbed a brownie too. “Maybe someday. To begin with, you’d have to be a resident of the town.”

  Kaley frowned. “That’s never going to happen.”

  “Never say never.”

  Happiness glinted in Kaley’s eyes. “Does that mean you talked my dad into staying?”

  “Let’s go grab a seat, and I’ll tell you.” They found two chairs together in the double crescent of thirty or so that were set up, and Pandora explained. “Your dad and I have agreed to get to know each other better and see if there’s any kind of possibility for something more than friendship between us. Are you totally grossed-out yet?”

  Kaley laughed. “No. I like you. And I know how boys are.” She took a bite of her brownie.

  “What does that mean?”

  Kaley shrugged one shoulder. “You know. They like kissing and stuff. Sex,” she blurted out. “I’m sure my dad is the same way.”

  “Hold up, your father and I are not there yet. But for the record, girls like all that stuff too. You will. You’ll see. Some day. Not any day soon. Bother. Don’t tell your father we talked about this, okay?”

  Kaley made a face. “I won’t. And yeah, I know I’ll like it. Kissing’s cool—not that I’ve done that—and some boys are cute, but some are still jerks. Not my dad. He’s not a jerk.” Her expression became a little distraught. “Plus, I think he gets lonely sometimes. I don’t want him to be lonely. Or sad.”

  “You think he gets sad?”

  She exhaled. “I think he works too much and needs to have more fun.”

  Pandora winked at her. “That’s something I can definitely help with.”

  “Good.” Kaley ate some more of her brownie before speaking again. “Do you think my mom is in a coven like this?”

  “I don’t know. Not all witches join them. You have to be approved to become a member, and that can be hard to do if you don’t know other witches in the area where you live.”

  “I hope she is.” Kaley stared at her half-eaten brownie. “My mom isn’t really good at being a mom, but I still love her. She is my mom. I want her to be happy too.”

  Pandora’s heart went out to Kaley. Life with an absentee mother couldn’t be easy. “That’s really nice, Kaley. Do you get to talk to her much?”

  “Once in a while she calls me. Sometimes I call her, but most of the time it goes to voice mail.”

  “I’m sorry. You can talk to me anytime you want to, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  Marigold and Charisma joined them in the next two chairs, but Corette was still chatting with another member.

  The buzz of conversation in the room fell away. Pandora looked up to see Alice Bishop, head of the coven, enter. All the witches who hadn’t yet taken their seats quickly did so.

  “Who’s that?” Kaley whispered.

  Pandora leaned closer. “Alice Bishop. She’s the high priestess of this coven. Mostly because she started it.” Although it was generally understood by the coveners that while Alice held the rank of high priestess, it had become more of an honorary title. Alice rarely came to meetings unless there was something major to be discussed. As far as Pandora knew, that wasn’t the case this evening, but the woman was here for a reason.

  Kaley nodded. “Cool.”

  Alice came to stand in the center of the half circle. She nodded to those in attendance. “Good evening.”

  “Good evening,” the witches answered back.

  “I trust you are all well. I have a brief announcement, and then I’ll turn the meeting over to Dominique.”

  Pandora whispered to Kaley again. “Dominique is a third-degree witch, and she’s one of the town’s councilwomen.” And, for the sake of most coven meetings, the real witch in charge.

  Alice shot a displeased look at Pandora, a sign to be quiet.

  Marigold slid her hand over and squeezed Pandora’s knee. Another sign to shut up.

  Pandora took the hint.

  Alice cleared her throat. “As you all know, the Black and Orange Ball is fast approaching. Due to unforeseen c
ircumstances, Nella Davis had to step down from the decorating committee. Fortunately, Delaney Ellingham has agreed to take her place. Because Delaney is already providing the cake and other desserts, we’re looking for one more person to fill out the committee.”

  On the other side of the half circle, Martha Trevors raised her hand. “I can do it.”

  “Very good. Thank you, Martha. Please make sure Delaney has your contact information.” Then Alice turned back to the group. “Thank you for your time. Dominique, the floor is yours.”

  Dominique took over as Alice left. She looked around at those in attendance. “Anyone have any new business?”

  Pandora thought about the treasure trove of goodies Gertrude had left behind, but with Cole on board, there was no need for the coven to get involved. That stuff was rightfully Kaley’s anyway.

  No one had any new business, so Dominique launched the group into a discussion about scrying bowls.

  Forty-five minutes later, the meeting was over, and Kaley was beaming. “That was so cool. Can I come to the next one?”

  “If you’re still in town, sure.”

  “Excellent.”

  “Did you meet anyone you’d like to talk to about becoming your mentor?”

  Kaley smiled shyly. “I want you.”

  Pandora smiled back. “That’s really sweet, but…”

  “But you’re still not convinced you and my dad will work out, are you?”

  “No, I’m not. No one can know that kind of thing until they give it some time. But it’s not that.”

  Just then Marigold, Charisma and Corette joined them and started asking Kaley how she’d liked the meeting, giving Pandora an out so she didn’t have to explain about her broken magic and all the complications that could bring. After a few minutes, Kaley seemed to have forgotten about it.

  Eventually, Pandora said it was time to say their good-byes. “School tomorrow,” Pandora reminded the reluctant Kaley.

  As soon as they were in the car, Kaley started with more questions. “Where can I get a scrying bowl?”

  “Probably in the attic. I know there’s a scrying mirror up there, but until you learn some basics, I’m not sure what good either would do you. You can certainly try, though.”

  “You could teach me the basics.”