Doom and Broom (Spellbound Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 2)

by Annabel Chase

  “I think it’s human nature.” I paused. “Or just nature. People don’t know how to act, especially when we still don’t know what happened to Jolene. Everyone’s on edge.”

  “Well, the sheriff says she killed herself,” Kayla said. “Is everyone afraid they’re gonna catch suicidal thoughts?”

  Alex shot her a hard look. ”That’s enough, Kayla.”

  She immediately lowered her head. “Sorry,” she mumbled.

  “Why don’t you take your lemonade inside and leave the adults to talk out here?” Alex said.

  Judging by the scowl on her face, Kayla didn’t seem to like that suggestion, but she did as she was told. Alex waited until she was in the house to continue the conversation.

  “Why do I get the feeling you have something to tell me?” he asked, polishing off his lemonade. “Is it something to do with the angel?”

  “No,” I said. “Nothing to do with Daniel.” Thank goodness. “The sheriff is going to come and see you tomorrow. The lab found traces of silver in Jolene’s body.” I watched him carefully to gauge his reaction to the news.

  “Silver?” he scoffed. “That’s impossible. Our systems can’t handle silver.” He hesitated, his expression shifting from confusion to understanding. “Silver’s what killed her?”

  I nodded. “You mentioned before that you resisted your engagement to Jolene.”

  His brow wrinkled. “You’re not seriously suggesting…” He placed his empty glass on the tray and I followed suit. It was good lemonade. Under different circumstances, I would have gone for a greedy second glass. It was a long walk home, though, and my bladder wasn’t known for its patience.

  “I want to prepare you, Alex, because the sheriff may very well show up here tomorrow bright and early with a shiny pair of handcuffs. He’s not exactly known for his thorough investigations.”

  He banged his fists on the porch ledge, nearly splintering the wood. “I wouldn’t harm a hair on my mate’s head. Jolene was everything to me.”

  “When?”

  He looked at me and I noticed the golden sheen of his eyes. The great wolf was simmering just below the surface, ready to break out at a moment’s notice. “When what?”

  “When did she become everything to you? It wasn’t before you got engaged. You said so yourself.” Outwardly, I remained calm and cool. Inwardly, I was in meltdown mode.

  He turned and leaned against the ledge. Better his butt there than his fists. “I hated the idea of being told what to do. I wanted to be free to choose my wife.” He covered his face with his hands. “Jolene was a sweetheart from the very first day. It didn’t matter that she was fighting her own demons. She still tried to be the best mate she could be.”

  “Was there someone else?” I asked. “For you?”

  “Never,” he snarled, and I jumped back a fraction. “It wasn’t about another mate. It was about control.”

  That explained why he was heralded as a potential pack leader. Power and authority were ingrained in him, as natural to him as breathing.

  “When did you know?”

  I saw the hint of a smile. “It was the night of our engagement party. It was under the full moon.” He stopped. “Pack rituals are almost always held under a full moon.”

  “Makes sense.”

  “After the ceremony, we turned together.”

  “What about the ordinance?” I asked.

  “We can get special dispensation for events. It’s called a limited license.”

  The bureaucracy in Spellbound never ceased to amaze me.

  “You hadn’t turned with her before?” I queried.

  He shook his head. “It’s not like that here. Turning with someone can be a very intimate experience.” His expression turned wistful.

  “What was she like?”

  “Wonderful. Amazing.” He smiled fully now, showing his teeth. “I’d thought of her as this docile, almost breakable female before that night. I couldn’t imagine her as my mate. She changed my mind with one run through the forest.”

  “She liked her werewolf form?” I didn’t know much about it. In the movies, it always looked like a painful transformation. The snapping of bones and stretching of skin. Yuck.

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “Loved it. Jolene was truly herself in wolf form. When I glimpsed her raw energy that night…” He whistled. “I never looked at her the same again.”

  “I imagine it must have been difficult seeing her depressed,” I said. “Especially when you knew she was capable of embracing life so completely.”

  His eyes softened. “It was soul crushing. Everything I did to support her, I did in the hope of seeing that Jolene again. The one from the forest.”

  I knew in my gut that Alex was innocent. Aside from his obvious love for Jolene, silver poisoning was a coward’s tool and, by all accounts, Alex was no coward. I wasn’t ready to end the conversation, though. Alex clearly needed to vent and I had the sense that his pack members weren’t as willing to listen to him wax poetic about his beloved.

  “Do you think she felt trapped in her human body?” I asked. “Maybe if she’d been able to turn more often, it would have helped to alleviate her depression?”

  Alex shrugged. “It’s possible. She was fighting her natural instinct and the wolf was strong in her.”

  “And everything she tried to do to combat those feelings…” In my mind, I ran through the efforts she’d made—harp therapy, Daniel, potions. “They were all at odds with the state her body and mind wanted to embrace.”

  “But she didn’t kill herself,” he said firmly. “And I’d never…”

  I held up a hand. “You don’t need to tell me, Alex. I can see it in your eyes. Just be ready for Sheriff Hugo. I don’t want to end up defending you in an official capacity.”

  He clapped me on the shoulder. “You’re good people, Emma Hart. The pack is happy to have you in Spellbound.”

  “Give it time,” I said. “I haven’t been here very long.”

  Chapter 16

  “I can’t believe you volunteered to host poker night in my house,” Gareth complained.

  “It’s my house now, Gareth,” I said. “If you don’t want to observe the festivities, then go mope downstairs. I don’t need your negative vibes ruining my fun.”

  He surveyed the room thoughtfully. “Which table are you planning to use?”

  “The one in the dining room. It’s huge.”

  He glided across the floor. “No, don’t do that.”

  “Why not?”

  “The living room is much better for entertaining. Bring the dining room table into the living room.”

  “With what? My super strength?” I asked. “I’m not a vampire, remember?”

  “Haven’t you learned any useful spells at the ASS Academy? The devil knows you spend enough time there.”

  “I’ve learned plenty of useful spells. Blowback, the Shield spell, a transformation spell.” And now I could add broomstick license to the list.

  “Can any of those move a heavy wooden table from one room to another?”

  I lowered my gaze. “No,” I mumbled.

  “Where’s that useless angel?” Gareth asked. “I haven’t seen him all day.”

  “I gave him the green light to go home,” I said.

  Gareth folded his arms across his chest. “Is that so?”

  “I had it on good authority that the sheriff was turning his attention elsewhere.” Plus, he’d been wearing the same outfit for days on end. It was time to change.

  Gareth smirked. “I thought you might pretend the investigation was ongoing, just to keep him here.”

  “I didn’t hide him here for my sake.”

  “Didn’t you?”

  I groaned in frustration. “We really need to find you other places to haunt.”

  “Send an owl to Demetrius for help,” he urged. “I wouldn’t mind watching his muscles at work.”

  “I can’t shoot him down and then ask him for a favor.”

&nbs
p; “Sure you can. He’s a vampire. He’ll jump at the opportunity to prove his manliness.”

  “Is that how you were?” I asked.

  “I had an ego, same as any other vampire.”

  I whistled for Sedgwick.

  I’m not a dog,” he said, immediately flying into the room. You can just call my name.

  “I can call a dog by its name too.”

  How can I be of service, mistress?

  “I need you to take a message to Demetrius Hunt.”

  That one again? I thought the bloom was off the rose.

  “This isn’t a love note. I need his help.”

  Then ask Daniel. He doesn’t look at me like I’m his next meal.

  “And neither does Demetrius.” I scribbled a quick note and placed it in Sedgwick’s beak. “No detours this time.”

  One time I decide to fly by the park and suddenly I have a detour problem.

  “You get distracted by squirrels. I may have you tested for ADHD.”

  I don’t know what that is, but I don’t like the sound of it.

  He flew out of the open window and I turned back to Gareth. “Okay, now what?”

  “Get dressed,” Gareth said. “Even if you don’t want to date Demetrius, you have to look good when he gets here. Keep his interest.”

  “You sound like a 1950’s housewife.”

  We retreated to Gareth’s happy place—my closet. I began to change into a matching cardigan set and trousers.

  “You can’t wear that,” Gareth said. “This is poker night. You look ready to head to court.”

  I studied my reflection. “What should I wear then? A tracksuit?”

  His face contorted. “Have mercy, woman. Have you no sense of decency? No beachwear, sportswear, or fashion drudgery allowed.”

  “What qualifies as fashion drudgery?”

  He swiveled his finger in front of me. “You’re looking at it.”

  “Fine,” I huffed. “How about this?” I pulled dark jeans and a brightly colored top out of the closet.

  “Better, but you need accessories. There’s a box downstairs in my closet.”

  “I cleared out the boxes.”

  “Not this one,” he said. “You didn’t see it, so I may have opted not to point it out to you.”

  I got changed and went downstairs to unearth the hidden box. Magpie ran ahead of me, as though eager to show me what I’d missed.

  “Your cat is thumbing his nose at me,” I said.

  “Be grateful those are the only body parts he’s using.”

  The box was pushed to the back of the shelf in the closet. It was filled with garish visors, a pack of cards, and a smaller box of magic cigars.

  “How often did you play poker?” I asked. “The box is dusty.”

  “The country club hosts a Monte Carlo night every so often. And Lord Gilder would host the vampires on occasion. I didn’t go as often as some of the others.”

  I placed a green visor on my head. “Do I look ready now?”

  He tried to reach for a cigar, but his hand went right through the box. “Damn. I’ll never get used to this.”

  “If I can get used to being a witch, then you can get used to being a ghost.”

  “Tell me who’s coming tonight.”

  “No, let it be a surprise.”

  The doorbell rang. I whipped off the hat and Gareth disappeared to see who it was.

  “Dem’s here,” he said, and I hurried upstairs to answer the door. “I just saw him smoothing back his hair on the porch. He wants to make a good impression.”

  “Doesn’t everybody?”

  I opened the front door and Sedgwick sailed in over my head.

  Thanks ever so much, Sedgwick, he called, before flying upstairs.

  “Your owl has an attitude,” Demetrius said, smiling just enough to give me a glimpse of his fangs.

  “Thanks for coming over on short notice,” I said. “Do I need to invite you in or is that not really a thing?”

  “You need to invite me in to be polite,” Demetrius said. “But not because I’m a vampire.”

  With his snug black trousers and partially unbuttoned shirt, he looked too good to be in my house just to move a table.

  “You look nice. Do you have plans?” I asked. Not that it was any of my business. If I didn’t want to make plans with him, he should feel free to make plans with someone else.

  “Are you asking?”

  “No, sorry. I’m hosting poker night here. Ladies only.” I gave an apologetic laugh.

  “Then I should definitely stick around.”

  “Check out the way he’s eyeing you,” Gareth said. “My man is hoping for a reversal of fortune.”

  I tried to ignore Gareth. “I have a large table that needs to be moved into the living room. You were the first one who came to mind strong enough to move it.” Okay, a little unnecessary flattery never hurt anyone.

  “Not Daniel?” he queried.

  “It doesn’t need to be a competition, Demetrius.”

  He laughed. “Then you don’t know the male species very well.” He began to unbutton the rest of his shirt. For a moment, I was too distracted to speak. His pecs were…well, they belonged to someone more alive than undead.

  “What are you doing?” I asked nervously.

  He hung his shirt on the banister. “It’s a neatly pressed white shirt. If I’m going to move furniture, I don’t want to wrinkle it.”

  “Liar,” Gareth said. “This is his peacock move. He’s trying to catch your fancy.”

  “Well, it’s working,” I whispered.

  “What’s working?” Demetrius asked. Damn vampire hearing!

  “Nothing,” I said quickly. “The table is in the dining room. I’d like to move it to the living room.”

  Demetrius waltzed straight into the dining room, lifted the table with one muscular arm, and carried it into the living room like it was a handbag. He set down the table and grinned at me.

  “Anything else?”

  My mouth hung open. I was beginning to rethink my decision not to go out with him again.

  The doorbell rang, jarring me back to reality.

  “Company already?” Demetrius asked.

  Gareth came gliding into the room. “You didn’t tell me you invited Jemima.”

  “That’s because I didn’t invite her.”

  “Well, she’s standing on our front porch wearing a hat that says ‘girls allowed.’

  Great balls of fire.

  Before I could make it to the door, she let herself in, just in time to see Demetrius buttoning up his shirt. I could see from her expression that she’d completely misjudged the situation.

  “Hello Demetrius,” she said, sliding a tongue over her upper lip.

  “Good evening.” He clearly didn’t know her name.

  “Demetrius, this is Jemima. She’s in the coven and, apparently, she’s here for poker night.”

  “I hope you don’t mind,” Jemima said, in a way that suggested she didn’t care if I did mind. “I adore card games and I never get invited to any.”

  Gee, I couldn’t imagine why not.

  “I brought a bottle of Turtle Snaps.” She thrust a green bottle into my hand. I had no idea what Turtle Snaps was, but my money was on alcohol.

  “Be careful with that,” Demetrius warned. “Don’t make me send you another hangover remedy in the morning.” He winked at me and Jemima nearly fainted.

  When we’d gone to the Horned Owl together, I’d had too much to drink and he’d kindly sent over a hangover cure via owl in the morning.

  “If you need anything else from me, you need only ask,” Demetrius said. “I’m good for all kinds of chores. Unclogging pipes is a specialty.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Demetrius.”

  He flashed his fangs one more time before heading out the door.

  Jemima gripped my arm, ready to yank it out of its socket. “Demetrius Hunt. Are you kidding? Why are you not upstairs with him right now
instead of playing stupid card games?”

  I wrenched my arm free. “I thought you adored card games.”

  The front door opened again and Lucy fluttered inside.

  “I’m in it to win it, ya’ll,” she sang.

  “Lucy, so glad you made it.” I hugged her, careful not to crush her pink fairy wings. Lucy was one of the first residents I met in Spellbound. She worked as the assistant to Mayor Knightsbridge and was the best shopping companion in town.

  “I wouldn’t dream of missing a poker night.” She noticed Jemima. “You look familiar, but I don’t know your name.”

  “Jemima. I work at Mix-n-Match.”

  Lucy returned her attention to me. “Will I be the only non-witch in attendance this evening?”

  “No, no. It’s a healthy mix.”

  “Good.” She fluttered around the room. “This house looks so much better. You’ve really done wonders here.”

  “Hey,” Gareth objected.

  “No offense to Gareth,” she added.

  Five minutes later and my house was filled with witches, a fairy, a vampire ghost, and a Valkyrie. I figured if tonight went well, then we could include other supernaturals next time. I was eager to meet Althea’s sisters, although I wasn’t sure about three Gorgons in one room. One head of snakes seemed more than enough.

  “Where’s the creature from the deep?” Astrid asked.

  “Gareth?” I queried.

  “No, last time I checked, Gareth was dead. I mean that thing he claimed is a cat.”

  “Magpie’s hiding. Crowds make him nervous,” Gareth explained.

  “He’s hiding,” I told Astrid. “He’s not very social.”

  “Can I get anyone a drink?” I asked, once we were assembled in the living room. It occurred to me that I needed to improve my hostess skills. I didn’t have any snacks or beverages out yet.

  “It’s all taken care of,” Lucy said, waving her wand in the air.

  A table appeared alongside the wall, covered in snack bowls and wine glasses. Jemima’s bottle of Turtle Snaps was there, as well as a few other bottles.

  “I think I called the wrong person for help earlier,” I said.

  “Never call a male to do a fairy’s job,” Lucy said.

  “How did you know I called a male?” I asked.

  “Do you think I didn’t see Demetrius when I arrived?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “He’s hard to miss.”