Tarot Card Anthology: Synchronicity Volume 1

by Tina Bendoni, Michelle Hasker

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  Whiskey Creek Press

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright ©2007 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  TAROT CARD ANTHOLOGY—SYNCHRONICITY

  VOLUME 1

  by

  Tina Bendoni & Michelle Hasker

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Published by

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  Whiskey Creek Press

  PO Box 51052

  Casper, WY 82605-1052

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright © 2007 by Tina Bendoni & Michelle Hasker

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN 978-1-60313-036-3

  Credits

  Cover Artist:

  Editor: Chere Gruver

  Printed in the United States of America

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  CELTIC LOVE KNOTS: VOLUME 1 MORGAN'S MAGIC &

  THROUGH THE VEIL

  "Morgan's Magick by Michelle Hasker is a tantalizing story that will have you begging for more. The characters are well detailed and enjoyable; the plot is appealing and extremely sensual. I loved the passion and electricity that flowed between Morgan and Jack and thought the author did a fantastic job of grabbing the reader's attention from the first page and holding it until the last.

  "Through The Veil by Tina Bendoni is a tempting tale that will leave you wishing for a dream man of your own. I thought the premise of this plot was very exciting and the characters well developed for such a short story. The sex in this story was hot enough to burn and left me eager to read the second volume of the Celtic Love Knots series!"

  5 Angels and a Recommended Read

  Tammy

  Fallen Angels Review

  "Through the Veil shows us that anything is possible as long as you believe. Tina Bendoni is sensually brilliant! She takes you through a perfect fantasy and lets you explore a new fantasy realm. I enjoyed the fantasy ... now come and enjoy it for yourself.

  "Morgan's Magick is spell binding and truly captivating. Michelle Hasker has an incredible talent to bring you into the world of magic. I truly enjoyed this story and I am sure you will as well."

  Deb

  Sensual Reads

  About Morgan's Magick by Michelle Hasker:

  "Whoa baby, when Jack and Morgan give in to their feelings, the sparks fly. Not a word is wasted in this sizzling tale of magickal love."

  About Through The Veil by Tina Bendoni:

  "The heat generated by Alyson and Lucas is scorching. You'll wish for a friendly witch to cast a spell on your behalf after reading this sexy story, I certainly did."

  And about the entire volume:

  "A steamy anthology that hits all the right notes, CELTIC LOVE KNOTS, VOLUME 1 is a surefire winner."

  Rating: Multiple O's

  Lori Ann

  Romance Reviews Today

  Dedication

  For the best editors in the world, Jan and Chere.

  Thanks for believing in us.

  PROLOGUE

  by

  Tina Bendoni

  Abigail Montgomery took one last look around her new shop. Nodding, she decided she was satisfied. Everything was in place. Wards were set and beckonings had been sent out. All that was left was for her to wait. Wait until the chosen ones showed.

  Her hand went to the twenty-two cards laid out on her table. The Major Arcana. Few understood the true power behind these cards, but many tried. Abigail was grateful so many learned the arts as well as they could. It had been a dying skill for far too long. Perhaps now, in this new millennium, people would begin to learn what they had so long ago forgotten.

  She reached out to touch each card. So many meanings and interpretations. So many ways to get them wrong, or to choose the incorrect path. Only time would tell if those who were destined to learn the truth would be willing to accept it. One's life journey could be told in these simple twenty-two cards. From the wide-eyed wonder of the Fool, with his young, fresh approach to things, to the culmination of a cycle with the World card.

  Each had their own story to tell. Each had their own story to live.

  Looking out the glass window at the front of her shop, Abigail pondered her upcoming clients. Who would be first in this cycle? She could never predict who would show first; she just knew they would come to her.

  Every customer was important, but she was here, in this place, at this time, for twenty-two particular souls. They needed the help more than any others. Some were in danger of going down a wrong path. Some had earned that extra bit of guidance only those above could grant.

  Sitting in her chair, she relaxed and let the visions come. This was often her favorite part. Receiving the knowledge she needed to help her customers live the lives they were meant to would come later. Now, just a small overview. Something she had grown to think of as a teaser. Not only did it entertain her, but it allowed her to be prepared. Sometimes she needed that extra bit of warning for herself. And this time, she saw the extra preparation for the Death card reading would come in handy. It was always hard to give a difficult reading, and this one would be intense.

  Ah, there, the Hermit. She smiled. A misunderstood card, but one of her favorites. In this case, it would definitely require patience on the part of her customer. She would need to do some serious work, that one.

  The Hierophant. Another wedding? Yes, but, ooh, interesting. He definitely has potential, but he is going to need this nudge.

  The Magician. She smiled wryly. Now this one was a twist.

  High Priestess. Hmm, the damage parents could do to their young without meaning to.

  The Moon. Ah, a simple one. But would she accept it?

  Judgement. Abigail pursed her lips on this one. Hmm, this one could go either way. Would she be willing to do what needed to be done?

  Wheel of Fortune. A bruised soul, that one.

  Her hands drifter faster, seeing slight views of those yet to come. The Chariot will have a choice to make. Temperance will have to learn to compromise.

  Abigail could tell this time around was going to be a bit different. Times were changing, and people weren't as trusting or open as they'd once been. Would they learn from what she had to tell them? Only time would tell.

  She looked out at the passersby, all oblivious to the tiny bubble of magic so near to them. Would their choices change the fate of the world? Perhaps not. But then again, when it is their world one is talking about, their
choices are all that matter.

  THE MAGICIAN

  by

  Michelle Hasker

  "The Magician."

  Ada glanced down at the tarot card as if it might attack her at any minute and Abigail stifled a laugh. Maybe it was the preconceptions Ada had running through her head. It was obvious she thought magic was fake and all fortune tellers were phonies.

  "It looks like a good card,” Ada said after a long pause.

  "There are no good and bad cards, my dear.” Abigail smiled as the young woman blushed. She was perfect. Yes, this one would be blessed with love before the week was over. A little magic would speed up the process, but Ada deserved it.

  "I'm sorry."

  "It's alright, dear.” Abigail looked down at the card and tapped it with her finger. “Now, back to your reading. The Magician. Mastery over word, mind and matter. Ability to turn ideas into actions, handle problems, and control your life. New beginnings. Optimism. Understanding and personal growth. Balance desires with needs."

  "Are you sure? I mean, are you sure this is really my future?” Ada asked.

  Abigail laughed. “Yes, dear. The Magician is in your immediate future."

  "This is rich."

  Ada snorted and Abigail bit back a laugh. It wouldn't do to encourage her. Tapping the card again, Abigail closed her eyes and double checked her vision. After a minute she smiled and opened her eyes.

  "You will meet a man—"

  "All fortune tellers say that. You promise either riches or love because you think that is what we want to hear. I want to know that my ex will get what's coming to him. Tell me his new girlfriend cheats on him. Tell me his penis rots and falls off, or he contracts some disfiguring disease."

  Abigail shook her head, but her smile widened. “Think about what you really want to know, my dear. Then this reading will make sense to you. Think about how you can apply this card to your immediate future."

  "I'd like to know why I let Grace talk me into coming here. You are so stereotypical, from the crystal ball down to the thick purple drapes and fabrics. How did she ever pick you from the rest?"

  "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

  "Do you charge extra for overdone quotes?"

  "The first one is free, dear.” Abigail struggled not to laugh in her client's face. This would be a hard one to convince, but the cards were never wrong. Neither were her visions. Ada would fall hard and fast. The magician convinced her of it.

  "How much do I owe you for this?” Ada opened her purse.

  Abigail studied her. Ada's blue eyes flashed in anger as she tucked loose strands of her light brown hair behind her ears. She even tried to force her hair into compliance. If she didn't loosen up and relax, all the good things in life would pass her by. The Magician would change all that.

  "No charge. You'll see that I'm right, and you will be back for another reading."

  "Thanks,” Ada mumbled. She stood up, grabbed her jacket, and hurried out the door. “But I won't be back.

  "Oh you will be back. This I know. You pulled the magician in more ways than one.” Abigail laughed.

  * * * *

  "I don't know why I listened to you,” Ada snapped into her cell phone as she tried not to slip on the icy sidewalk.

  "Because you know I love you and want what's best for you."

  She sighed and wondered if Grace had paid the woman to say what she had. All the information she'd known ... but pulling a magician? It didn't fit. Surely the woman had noticed she didn't believe in all that hocus pocus. But then again, maybe not. After all, why get her fortune told if she didn't believe?

  "She's a fraud. The Magician? I don't even believe in magic You could have at least fed her enough information to give me a good reading."

  "Calm down, Ada.” Grace's answer was barely audible, and broke up as the wind whipped down the street.

  Ada pulled the phone away from her ear and shook it.

  "You told her what to say, didn't you?” Ada asked as she brought the phone back to her ear. “You and Cybil concocted some nefarious plan and you paid the fortune teller to convince me to play along. Well it didn't work!"

  "Ada, stop it! Will you listen to yourself? I did no such thing, but I'm not going to keep wasting my breath. If this is how you want to be, then fine. Just don't forget we're going out tonight. Cybil already bought the tickets, so don't even think about canceling."

  Ada growled as she closed her phone and shoved it in her purse. All she wanted was to cuddle up with her cat and watch some old movies. Of course Grace and Cybil would cook up something to ruin her plans.

  Something cold and wet fell on her nose, pulling her out of her thoughts. She looked up and a few snowflakes landed on her face as they gently fell from the cloudy sky. At least it was a light snow and not heavy like they predicted.

  She pulled out her keys and trudged through the slush-covered parking lot. Grace and Cybil were crazy if they thought she wanted to go out with them tonight. They might be in the market for a man, but she certainly wasn't. Not if they got the winter storm the weatherman predicted.

  As Ada sat in the car and waited for it to warm up, she wondered if Grace was telling the truth. If she hadn't fed information to that woman then how had the fortune teller known so much about her? Could there actually be a grain of truth in the reading? What had the old woman said?

  A new beginning? She definitely needed one of those. After Jake left, she'd fallen into a rut that even her friends couldn't pull her out of. She'd spent every night home alone since he'd left. But that was an easy guess.

  Optimism? She had never been optimistic. Why start now? Ada laughed as she backed out of her parking spot. That one was way off.

  Understanding and personal growth? Am I supposed to be understanding of Jake's infidelity? How am I supposed to grow? She was a good person. She was nice to people and had lots of friends.

  But you were rude to that fortune teller.

  No. She's full of it. There's no way she can predict the future. It was stupid to give in to Grace and go there.

  Why am I arguing with myself?

  What else did she say? Balance desires with needs. Do I balance my desires and needs? What are my desires? I want a secure job, which I have, and a nice house, which I also have, even if it's a bit lonely.

  The fortune teller's words replayed in her head. You will meet a man ... Did she want to? Who doesn't want love? But I've been down that road already. It hurts. Too much to risk it again.

  * * * *

  "A magic show?” Ada stared at Grace. “You knew we were coming here and you told that fortune teller to pick The Magician. Admit it!"

  "Shush!” Grace grabbed her hand and pulled her close. “Keep your voice down. You're attracting attention."

  Ada wanted to protest, but she didn't like all the eyes that had focused on her so she sank lower in her seat and glanced toward the empty stage.

  Applause rang out as a tall, dark-haired man took center stage. It was hard to see his features clearly from across the room, but judging from the sighs coming from the tables in front of her, he met with a lot of feminine approval.

  "Yves the Magician!” the announcer shouted. An even louder applause filled the room.

  "He's awesome,” Grace said as she leaned toward Ada. “Cybil and I saw him last month on television and now he's in Atlantic City. He is totally amazing. Wait until you see his act. And sexy? My God ... I just wish we could have gotten better seats."

  Ada turned and looked at Grace's awestruck face as she stared at the stage. That was either lust in her eyes, or she was coming down with a cold. Well, as long as Yves was gorgeous, which he was, she could tolerate the magic show.

  Sitting back in her seat, Ada prepared for a long boring night. She lifted her hand and caught a waitress’ attention, ordered a screwdriver and then turned her attention back to the stage.

  Sexy? Grace's comment was an understatement. When Yves pulled off his cape to reveal a white shirt ope
n to his waist and tucked into tight leather pants, moisture collected at the corners of her mouth. Even from across the room it was easy to see his glistening, muscular body under the bright stage lights. Smooth tanned skin teased her from behind his shirt as he began his first trick.

  The room grew quiet, and she found herself leaning forward in her seat. With a silent warning to herself to behave, Ada forced herself to relax and sit back.

  After showing he had nothing up his sleeves, Yves the Delicious made a deck of cards appear out of thin air. He shuffled them theatrically, and spread them in front of the audience.

  When he called for a volunteer, people raised their hands all around the room. He picked an older woman near the front. She giggled and followed a waiter up to the stage. Yves asked for her name and made some small talk that Ada tuned out until he started the trick.

  A waitress set her drink on the table. Ada smiled at the young woman, then turned back to see if he'd started the trick. The woman picked a card and showed it to the audience. As Ada sipped her drink, a delicious tingling settled in her belly. Whether the bartender put in too much vodka, or if she was way too absorbed in watching Yves’ muscular chest as he waved the cards with a flourish, she didn't care. Feeling more relaxed than she had in days, Ada smiled and lifted her drink at Cybil and Grace in a silent toast. Tonight could be a new beginning. A fun one.

  The audience cheered as the woman bowed, then returned to her seat. Yves pulled out a large black top hat and performed a few tricks she'd seen at other magic shows. Some of the tricks were standard and Ada wondered what it was about Yves that made him the best magician she'd ever seen.

  Yves suddenly leapt off the stage and wandered around the room. He stopped every so often to make a flower appear for a woman, or a coin for a man. As he advanced around the room, Ada wondered what he had planned. Suddenly he stopped in front of her table and smiled at her.

  Mercy! Ada stared up into his twinkling blue eyes as her body melted into a puddle of lust. She couldn't stop herself from running her gaze over his form. Yes, he was well built all over judging by the package barely concealed by tight leather. Yves’ grin widened as he bowed and made a red rose appear. When he handed it to her, his scent and that of the sweet rose wrapped around her. Masculine and woodsy, his scent reminded her of long, lazy days in the mountains. Shivers ran up her spine when his hand brushed against hers as she accepted the rose.