by Dana Davis
Green eyes moved to Daisy. “I could use a cup of tea.”
“Of course. I’ll fix you some.” Daisy led her into the kitchen and motioned her to the adjacent family room. “Sit, please.”
“Thanks.” Bridgette kicked off her heels and dropped her purse on the coffee table. “Was this trunk in your mother’s house?”
“What? Oh, yes, it was,” Daisy said as she stood at the sink and peered over the bar at her cousin.
“Thought I recognized it. Looks good as a coffee table. Still renting out her old place?”
“Yeah.”
Daisy just couldn’t bring herself to sell her childhood home. It reminded her too much of her parents and the wonderful times they’d spent there. Located just south of Shea Boulevard, it was one of the original homes in the northern area of Scottsdale, when there was nothing but open desert beyond. And it was a good real estate investment too. No shortage of winter renters in that area.
Despite her mother’s grumblings about the desert being lost to construction, Daisy had wanted a new home near the mountains. A new start with Noah. Besides, paranormals took to money like flies to dog shit and many were in the construction industry, especially in Scottsdale. They liked having other paranormals nearby as a buffer from mortals, who seemed to outnumber them these days. Daisy spent her childhood with a view of the McDowell Mountains from her backyard and just had to live closer to them. This house afforded her that luxury, without breaking her bank account.
Bridgette collapsed into the overstuffed chair next to the sofa and frowned down at Perky, who sniffed her feet. “Does it bite?” she said.
“Only if you bite him first,” Noah told her as he returned and made his way to the kitchen.
When her cousin’s sharp gaze weighed him, Daisy said, “Bridgette’s not fond of animals, Noah. Why don’t you put him in his kennel for awhile?”
The dog had toys, a water trough, and other things in there to keep him occupied. And since the large cage sat near the far wall by the patio slider, he could see everything that went on in the room.
As Daisy busied herself in the kitchen, she said, “Spill it, Bridge.” Though the woman was her mother’s first cousin, she was only two years older than Daisy, and they’d known each other since they were babies. Her cousin’s current demeanor worried her.
Bridgette huffed and shook her head. Her red hair was held back in a barrette and several curls had broken free to dance about her face. She didn’t say a word.
Daisy took the cup from the microwave, dropped the teabag into it, picked up the small plate of cookies she and Noah had snacked from earlier, and made her way to the couch. “Sorry it’s not homebrew. Haven’t had time to make another batch.” She gave the cup to her cousin, placed the cookies on the coffee table then sat next to Noah.
“This is fine. Thanks.”
“What’s going on, Bridge? You look exhausted.”
The woman took a deep breath and Daisy thought she could use more than a few cookies. She looked gaunt, even for her. “You probably heard I was in Canada.”
“Yeah, I heard you were there, but that’s about all. Your mom didn’t elaborate.” And you didn’t let me know you were moving. “Hope you got our holiday card.”
Bridgette nodded. “I did, thanks. I was hiding out from an old boyfriend. He didn’t want to break up.”
Daisy listened quietly. Something in her cousin’s tone sent chills up her arms.
“I mean really didn’t want to break up. And he’s not a witch.” Bridgette stirred the tea bag around in her cup and took a sip.
“Is he a vampire?” Noah said.
Bridgette peered around Daisy to frown at Noah. “No. Of course not. Why in the world would you think that?”
“He’s just been learning about them,” Daisy said in defense of her husband.
The redhead squinted at him then nodded. “Took you long enough. Five years and you never got up the nerve to find out more about paranormals, eh?”
Daisy smiled at her cousin’s use of the Canadian vernacular. The woman hadn’t been with their northern cousin that long. “Bridgette’s powers allow her to see into people’s minds,” she explained to her husband.
Noah raised his brows and leaned back, as if that would protect him.
“Don’t worry,” Bridgette said. “I don’t go snooping around with family. Much.” She managed a tired smile and reached for a cookie. “Mmm. These are good, Daisy.”
“Thanks. My own recipe. But you’re changing the subject. Was this ex stalking you?”
Bridgette swallowed and said, “Understatement. I couldn’t get more than a few miles from him. He kept calling me back. If you know what I mean.” She raised a brow and slowly nodded.
“What?” There was only one type of paranormal who could keep another hostage like that. The shock must have shown plainly on Daisy’s face as she realized what her cousin was saying. “He’s a—”
“Yep. A siren.”
“Crap,” was all she could manage. She heard Noah take in a breath and touched his thigh to urge him not to ask another question just yet, though she herself was dying to know where her cousin had hooked up with a male siren.
“Quite talented too.” Bridgette sighed. “I had to move all the way to Canada to keep out of his fucking calling range.” She peered around Daisy at Noah again. “We have a cousin in Banff.”
Daisy took Noah’s hand and hoped to every god and goddess that he was ready for this. He was about to get a crash course on just how dangerous some paranormals could be.
“A siren is—” she began.
“If it’s anything like the Greek myths, I already have a pretty good idea,” he told her.
“Who said they were myths,” Bridgette said with a cheek full of cookie.
“Not me. Not after what I’ve learned from this little witch here.” He grinned.
“Right. And she’s one of the good guys. Stubborn and ill-mannered at times, but good.”
“Thanks a heap, Bridge.”
“Well you do have a mouth on you, Daisy Rhiannon.”
“Look who’s talking about mouths.”
“My father was part troll. I’m fucking allowed.”
Daisy turned to Noah to explain but he just shook his head. “I think I need something to help all this go down.” He headed into the kitchen.
“You really should’ve explained all this to him, Daisy.”
Daisy chuckled. “You sound like your mother, Bridge.”
“Bite your tongue.” Her cousin waggled a long finger.
Noah returned with three beers.
“That’ll do too,” Bridgette said. She put her tea on the coffee table then took a long swig from the bottle Noah offered to her.
“I thought you didn’t drink,” Daisy said, and she took a sip of her own. Bridgette didn’t like anything that made her feel out of control. After getting drunk at a party when she was sixteen and nearly revealing her identity to a mortal boy, she never touched alcohol again. Until now.
“I do now. Do you know what it’s like to be seduced by a man who can get to you any time he likes? Make you do things you thought you’d only read in some trashy men’s magazine?”
“Actually, I think I do.”
That seemed to get Bridgette’s full attention and she raised her brows at Noah.
“No, not him. I mean, we have a great sex life but that’s not the point.”
“Fess up, Daisy. You got a siren hidden around here?”
“We have ghosts,” Noah said, helpfully.
“Ghosts, huh? Interesting. Looks like Aunt Bonnie was right.”
“About what?”
“She had visions about ghosts haunting our family. Claims she’s seen them since she was a little girl.”
Daisy blew air noisily through her lips. “That old woman’s been spouting crap like that for years. Mom didn’t even believe she got real visions.”
Bridgette chuckled. “Well, if you tell the same story long eno
ugh, guess it’s bound to come true eventually.”
“Could be. You seen her lately?
“Yeah, I stopped off in Oregon on my way up to Banff.”
“Really? She say anything else?”
“Not that you could trust. She’s in a paranormal nursing home now, torturing the staff with declarations that she’s a ‘respectable witch’ and shouldn’t be subject to living in such ‘horrid’ conditions.” Bridgette looked to Noah briefly. “The place is practically a castle. Anyway, that’s when she’s lucid. Other times, she just sits and stares at the faded pictures of her dead husband.”
“Can anything be done for her?”
“Daisy, dear, the woman’s a hundred and eleven years old. Not even an inherent lives forever.”
She shook her head. “Is Aunt Bonnie really that old?”
“Most days she claims she’s only twenty-five.” Bridgette downed another swig of beer. “If I ever get that old, I hope whatever goddess is watching over me puts me out of my misery.”
Daisy turned to Noah. “Aunt Bonnie is Bridgette’s mother’s aunt, my great-great aunt.” His eyes widened slightly as he nodded and she focused on her cousin again. “I should visit her. Haven’t seen her since I was a kid.”
“That’s because she hated your mom.”
“Yeah. I never did find out why. I can’t believe it was just jealousy.”
“Believe it, cousin dear. Aunt Bonnie wanted nothing more than to remain young. Your mom reminded her of her lost youth, blonde hair and all.”
“So, witches can be petty, huh?” Noah put in. He’d finished his beer, to Daisy’s surprise, and was leaning against the back of the couch.
“Witches put the b in bitch,” Bridgette said.
Daisy chuckled. “Stop that. You’ll give him the wrong idea.”
The redhead held up a hand in defense. “Hey, I’m not the one who started that saying.”
“I thought witches were supposed to be content with their ages,” Noah said. “Maiden, mother, crone.”
That sent Bridgette into a fit of laughter. “You really are a virgin when it comes to paranormals. Witches are as vain as anybody, maybe more-so.”
“Bridgette Kelly McDougal!” Daisy objected.
“What? I’ve met far more of them than you.”
“We. Us. Whatever. We’re witches too, remember?” She chuckled despite her scolding tone.
A dismissive wave. “Yeah, well. I’m not too happy about getting these lines around my eyes or the occasional white hair anymore than the next woman.”
“Neither am I. But you don’t see me doing glamour spells or trying to steal someone else’s youth like Aunt Bonnie was always doing.”
“A glamour never hurt anyone.” Bridgette put her bottle on a coaster next to her tea and leaned in. “But that’s because you were never expected to look perfect, Daisy. You’re mom didn’t care what you looked like.”
“Thanks,” she said dryly.
“You know what I mean. She had more important things to do than fuss over whether or not her daughter could win a beauty contest.”
“I was jealous of your looks when we were kids.”
“Yeah? Well, I was jealous of your relationship with your mother.”
Daisy had never known that and her heart ached for her mother just now. If only that truck hadn’t crossed the divider. If only her mother had seen it sooner.
“I’m sorry she died so young. She was a good woman. A good witch. You should be proud to share her blood.” Bridgette put a hand to her forehead. “Whoa. I think this beer’s making me lightheaded. I’m getting way too damn sentimental. Haven’t eaten since yesterday.”
“You should’ve told me,” Daisy said with irritation at not knowing that. She shot up and stepped over Bridgette’s outstretched legs. “I’ll make you something. Sandwich okay?”
“Sure. Thanks. Hey, I know this is sudden and all, but I’m exhausted and didn’t have time to get a hotel.”
“I’ll make up the guestroom,” Noah said. “Already put your things in there.”
“I’ll look for a place tomorrow.”
“Stay as long as you need to,” Noah told her. “You’re family.” He stopped halfway to the hall and turned back. “As long as you keep out of my thoughts.” That last statement ended with a smile and he disappeared around the corner.
Daisy chuckled and continued to the fridge and pulled out items for a ham and cheese sandwich. She walked back to Perky’s kennel and fed a slice of meat to him. He’d been so good as not to bark or whine this whole time.
“You got a good man, Daisy.”
“Yes, I do,” she said as she snatched up her beer and backtracked to the kitchen. “And he’s a mortal. When did we start calling them that? It’s not like we’re immortal. We don’t live much longer than they do. Well, except for Aunt Bonnie.”
“Bitches always live longer,” Bridgette said as she got up from the comfy chair.
Daisy snickered. “You’re terrible.”
Her cousin shrugged then stepped to the dining table with her drinks in hand and sat. “Don’t know about the mortal label. Probably some derogatory term our ancestors used to make themselves feel special.”
“You’re probably right. You want barbeque or corn chips?”
“Corn. I’ll have a glass of water too, if you don’t mind. This beer’s dehydrating me and my tea’s about to be gone.” She drained the cup then handed it over the bar for a refill.
“Sure.”
“So, what else are you not telling me?” Bridgette said. Green eyes weighed Daisy and she sighed.
“Did I ever tell you how much your abilities annoy me?”
“I’ve lost count. What’s going on with these ghosts?”
“We have a ghost. One, at least. But he doesn’t seem to be the problem. It’s my paranormal molester,” Daisy admitted for the first time. She drained her beer. The alcohol burn felt soothing as it went down. “But I could be dreaming that.” Though she doubted it now.
She told Bridgette about the incidents, while her cousin listened quietly.
“We’ll have to find out what this is about,” Bridgette said when Daisy finished her story. “Sounds like I came back just in time.”
Daisy felt comforted by her cousin’s presence, though she wouldn’t admit it to the woman. As children, Bridgette had teased her often enough about being too skittish. Daisy left Bridgette to her meal and went to see how Noah was getting along.
“How do you get these sheets to fit?” he said as he struggled with the corners.
“That’s the top sheet, dufus.”
He raised a brow. “Dufus, is it?” He snagged her with an arm around her waist, pushed her down onto the foldout couch, and kissed her in a way that made her loins throb. “Not so dufus now.” One corner of his lips turned up.
She giggled and he pulled her up. She helped him get the fitted sheet on the guest foldout. While Noah got out a comforter and extra blankets from the linen closet, Daisy checked the hall bath to see that she had soap and other toiletries available for her cousin, though Bridgette rarely went anywhere without her own stash. A quick wipe down and the place was presentable.
When she went back into the guestroom, Noah was struggling with the pillowcases. He snagged her around the waist and pressed her onto the foldout again.
She tried to push him off but he let his entire weight drop onto her. “I can’t breathe,” she said in a fake breathless voice, while her hands caressed his firm butt cheeks. They kissed and Daisy relaxed into the moment.
“If you two are finished making my bed, I’d like a nap,” Bridgette said from the doorway. She had her arms crossed and a smirk danced on her plump lips.
Noah got up and pulled Daisy to her feet. “We’re just putting the pillowcases on,” Daisy said.
“Yes. I can see that.” Bridgette looked amused as she stepped inside and escorted them into the hall. “I can make my own bed, thank you.” And with that, she shut the door.
“Well,” Noah said. “Guess she doesn’t need us.” He steered a chuckling Daisy into the family room.
Not only had Bridgette finished her meal but she’d also cleared her plate, cup and beer bottle, all empty now. The woman must’ve been starved. Or perhaps she and Noah were occupied longer than she thought.
Noah let Perky out of his kennel and they took the dog into the backyard. They huddled next to each other in the chilled breeze, while Perky ran back and forth and finally did his business near a barrel cactus that had seen better days. In fact, Daisy had a suspicion it was dead. It looked sunken in and brown. She fought a sigh. A gardener she was not. A rejuvenation spell would only be a temporary solution. And that wouldn’t work if the thing was completely dead. She made a mental note to have the gardeners get rid of it.
Noah scooped up the dog’s mess and deposited it into the city-issued garbage container on the side of the house, while Daisy inspected the acacia tree and picked up a few pods that littered the ground. Perky barked at a family of quail that trailed by in the wash, startling a few into a quick run. Daisy smiled at their alarmed pip-pips.
Noah made his way over and said, “Sick ‘em, killer.”
That’s when Daisy spotted the strange man again. “He’s here,” she said just above a whisper.
“Your ghost?”
“Yeah. In the wash. By that palo verde.” She didn’t dare take her eyes from him.
“I don’t see anyone.”
“You wouldn’t if he’s a ghost.”
“Right. Ask him what he wants.”
She asked but could get nothing from him other than moving lips and a frustrated glare. As the chilled wind picked up, he disappeared. Perky, oblivious to the ghost, gave his full attention to his squeaky toy.
“He’s gone now.”
“Good.” Noah sounded protective.
Daisy gave him a kiss.
He led her to the chairs where they sat soaking in the winter sun. She smiled as she remembered last summer when one of the old chairs collapsed under her weight. The intense desert heat had rotted the plastic joints right through. Noah laughed his butt off until his did the same thing a few days later, leaving him with a bruised palm from trying to catch himself on the granite. These new chairs were all metal with thick cushions, similar to the ones Daisy grew up with. Hopefully, they’d last longer than two summers.
