by TJ Green
Avery agreed. “You’re not the only one. There was too much magic everywhere. Ours, Suzanna’s, the magic of the Wild Hunt ... Who cut you?”
Piper shook her head. “Some rider guy with a huge sword. I managed to bite his ankle. Hard.”
Avery looked around. “Where’s the rest of your crew?”
“Headed back at dawn. They didn’t want to stay away too long, in case of insurrection,” Hunter explained. He leaned against the counter, thoughtful. “Were they Faeries in the grove? Fey? And who was the guy with the antlers?”
Avery answered. “It was Herne the Hunter. The God of the Hunt, the partner of the Goddess. And yes, they were Fey with him, and yes, they brought a wild, chaotic magic all of their own.”
Alex agreed. “Too wild. It was unpredictable, uncontrollable for us.”
“I could feel it here.” Hunter tapped his chest and his head. “Took all of my strength to resist running.”
“It’s easy to understand why normal people would have no chance when faced with the Wild Hunt tearing through the countryside and streets,” Alex said. “They’d go mad, die of terror, or simply become frozen in fear waiting to be cut down or carried away. Without our own magic and supernatural abilities, we’d have stood no chance.” He exhaled heavily. “The more I think about it, the luckier I realise we were.”
“Don’t you guys worship Herne and the Goddess?” Piper asked.
Alex groaned. “Worship is an interesting word. Sometimes we appeal to them to aid our magic, but not worship. Witchcraft does not involve bowing to gods. Magic works all on its own.”
Avery agreed. “We possess and wield elemental magic, no gods needed, but we sometimes like to satisfy the gods. They’re out there—in everything, if you adhere to pagan beliefs. But they have their own agendas, as you saw last night.”
Piper was still confused. “So, Suzanna became the Crone?”
“She had taken on the Crone aspect of the Triple Goddess, but subverted it for her own ends, and yes, Herne recognised the Goddess in her. Gods have many faces. And I probably won’t ever appeal to Herne again,” Avery said with certainty. “It’s easy to give them human emotions, but they’re not human, and last night was a good reminder of that. They can be cruel and indifferent to our brief lives.”
Piper said, “Your High Priestess, she made all the difference. And the Nephilim. Otherwise, those escaped Hunters would have caused enough chaos on their own.”
They all fell silent for a moment, contemplating their great escape, and then Hunter laughed. “But what a thing to see! It was insane, but amazing—something out of a storybook! Definitely something to tell the pack about over drinks and a fire. At least that hasn’t made it on to the news.”
Avery had to agree. “True. It’s better to have ghosts on the news than a huge coven of witches spelling away the Wild Hunt.”
Alex gestured to the boxes in the room. “So, you’re going, then?”
“Seems so.”
“We’ll keep in touch, though,” Piper said, smiling. “If you ever need a pack, just call.”
“Same goes,” Avery said, smiling back. Despite her snark, Piper had grown on her, and she’d actually quite miss seeing them around. “You’re not taking Briar with you?” she asked, half wondering if she’d go.
Hunter shook his head sadly. “I know when I’m beat. That sodding Newton guy just had to get injured, didn’t he? She’s all cut up about him.”
“Hunter!” Piper was outraged. “He’s their friend and he almost died!”
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad he’s okay, but well, you know.” He shrugged and then grinned. “All’s fair in love and war. He better treat her right or I’m coming back to try again.”
As Avery watched him, with a wolfish glint in his eyes and Alpha swagger on display, she knew he meant it. Newton better sort his feelings out, or he’d lose Briar forever.
***
On Saturday night, Avery was at a very different Halloween celebration. It was the night of the town’s bonfire, and she was in the crowd at the castle grounds, waiting for Stan to begin the ceremony.
She leaned into Alex‘s side, her arm wrapped around his waist, and pulled him so close he complained. “I can’t breathe, you crazy woman.” He kissed the top of her head.
She looked up at him, admiring his smile, his dark eyes, and gentleness. “Sorry. I can’t help it.”
“Hugs are good, but breathing’s important.”
She laughed and nuzzled into him again. Ever since the other night, when they’d all almost died, she felt she was so lucky to have him as her partner. It was only really four months since they’d got together, but it felt like a lifetime, and she meant that in a good way. He made her laugh, looked after her, and kept her grounded. He had simply changed her life. She kept thinking about the conversation in the car when they drove to Cumbria, and was annoyed with herself that she still hadn’t brought it up. What was she so scared of?
Avery was disturbed by a shout from the front, and then she saw Stan stand on the small raised platform that served as a stage. He and Becky had returned from their short trip, slightly confused as to why they had gone away in the first place, and also wondering why Suzanna was no longer answering his calls. He was also utterly disappointed he’d missed the ghosts. She and Alex had been around to see him, just to check that they were okay, and offered lame excuses on behalf of Suzanna. Now, however, he was again dressed in his Druid robes, and after he’d made his speech and performed his libations, the fire was lit, and the party got underway.
They wandered through the crowds and visited a few stalls that were offering apple bobbing competitions, hot food, donuts, and mulled wine, and then found a good spot to watch the fireworks. Halfway through the oohs and ahhs, Avery summoned her courage and turned to Alex.
“Did you mean what you said in the car the other day?”
He looked at her thoughtfully. “What did I say? When?”
“You said to Hunter that you would move anywhere and do anything if it saved me or anyone else you loved.”
He gave her a half smile. “Yes, I did mean that.”
She swallowed. “You love me?”
He pulled her to him and looked down into her eyes, his hand stroking her cheek. “So you heard that? I wondered, because you didn’t say anything, and I thought maybe you didn’t care.” He looked troubled. “But of course I love you. I’d do anything for you.”
All of a sudden, Avery was flooded with overwhelming joy. She beamed at him. “I was terrified I’d misheard and didn’t want to make a fool of myself. I love you, too. So much.” She laid her hand over his, and then rose on tiptoes to kiss him, the noise of the crowd disappearing as she savoured his heat and his kiss.
When he finally released her, he was grinning. “I thought you were planning on letting me down gently, like some hideous ‘we’re just friends’ crap.”
She punched him on the arm. “Idiot.”
“So no second thoughts about Caspian? He’s obviously just waiting for the right opportunity.”
And then she realised why he’d been looking worried lately. “No! He’ll never have the right opportunity with me, Alex Bonneville!”
He grinned again. “Awesome. Let’s talk about a trip I want to take you on.” And then he nuzzled her neck and started whispering in her ear, and Avery couldn’t stop giggling.
End of Book 4 of the White Haven Witches.
Undying Magic, White Haven Witches Book 5, is available now: https://books2read.com/u/31GY66
Read on for an excerpt.
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1
Avery took a
deep breath and uttered the spell that she now knew by heart. Within seconds she blacked out, and when she woke up, she found herself on the floor, her cheek against the thick wool rug.
She gingerly pushed herself upright, checked for injuries, and then looked around the room. She had no idea where she was, but the room was beautifully decorated with antique furniture, a huge bed, and expensive Persian carpets.
A moment later she heard a voice, faint but clear. “Avery! Can you hear me?”
She sighed, hating the fact that she could not master witch-flight. “Yes. I’m in a bedroom, somewhere.”
A whirling black cloud appeared in front of her, manifesting into the tall, dark-haired Caspian Faversham. He raised an eyebrow. “You seem to have found my bedroom.”
She glared at him. “I can assure you it was not intentional.”
He smirked. “The bed would have been a softer landing.” He stretched out his hand, and Avery accepted it as he pulled her to her feet.
“I’d settle for landing on my feet,” she said archly.
“Perhaps you’d like me to demonstrate with you this time? I did suggest it was the best way to learn.”
Avery sighed heavily. She had been at Caspian’s house—the huge one he had inherited from his father, Sebastian—for the last two hours, and was no closer to mastering the skill than when she had arrived.
Ever since Caspian realised Avery needed help, he had offered to teach her, but she had resisted. Partly because Avery knew Alex was uncomfortable with the idea once he learned Caspian had made a pass at her, but also because she didn’t really want to spend time with Caspian alone. Although, she couldn’t fault him. He’d been the perfect gentleman. But he was also still Caspian, and therefore infuriating. He’d said the best way to learn was to experience witch-flight with him, but she didn’t want to. Until now.
Caspian spoke again, echoing her own thoughts. “Avery, I realise you’re a stubborn and independent woman, but you really are no closer now than when you first arrived.” He frowned in thought. “Are you still saying that spell?” He was referring to the spell she had found in the old grimoire.
“Yes. Why?”
“Because, as I told you, I don’t use one, and neither do most other witches. The spell you found was most likely for witches who are not masters of elemental Air, and was therefore designed to help them achieve witch-flight. Clearly it’s flawed, and you shouldn’t use it again. It’s hampering your natural ability.” He held out his hand again. “Let me demonstrate.”
Avery stared at him for a few seconds, assessing her options, but had to agree that he was right. She extended her hand and he held it in his cool one, pulling her closer.
“What are you doing?” she asked, resisting.
“Not seducing you, just making life a little easier,” he said with a smirk.
He placed his arm around her waist so her back was pulled against his chest, his chin an inch above her head. She held herself stiffly, uncomfortably aware of his closeness.
“Now, I want you to feel as I gather the air. You do what you normally do—pull it towards you, and use its energy for yourself. But you need to become a part of it, Avery.”
She grimaced. “Yes I know, but...”
“But you’re rushing it. You must control it. I’ve seen you lift off the ground before. This is a similar process. We are going to the kitchen, which I am envisaging very strongly. Do not resist me.”
Avery felt Caspian’s power reach out and the air begin to gather. He pulled it closer until they were wrapped within it, and then she felt its elemental force start to rush through her, her body dissolving into it. However, with the process slowed by Caspian, she was better able to feel how it worked.
With a snap, the bedroom disappeared and was replaced by a kitchen. More importantly, she was still standing and conscious.
Avery pulled away from Caspian, who still held her lightly, and looked around the room. “Wow. We made it!”
He sounded impatient. “Of course we made it! I’m an expert.”
She turned to look at him and resisted slapping his arrogant face. “You’re right. I could feel how to do it better with you.”
He smirked. “Everything’s better with me, Avery.”
She snorted. “I doubt that.”
He still looked insufferably pleased with himself. “Suit yourself. Now, once more. But this time, I’ll do it slightly quicker.”
She backed into his embrace once more, wondering at what point double-entendres with Caspian had become normal, but within seconds the room disappeared again. This time they reappeared in the garden overlooking the large lawn that spread to the shrubs and trees bordering the grounds.
She shivered as she stepped away. “Bloody hell. It’s freezing! Did we have to come outside?”
He grinned. “I thought it would motivate you to get back inside again. Ready to try on your own?”
Avery nodded. “Yes. I can definitely feel where I was going wrong before.”
“Good. See you back in the kitchen.” And with that, he disappeared.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, clearly envisaging Caspian’s kitchen, and then she summoned Air, dissolving her being into it. The now familiar but uncomfortable sensation overcame her, and this time, she landed in the kitchen, fully conscious, but on the floor again.
“Bollocks,” she exclaimed.
Caspian was leaning against the counter, watching her. “But you’re here, and awake! I really am a great teacher.”
Avery just stared at him as she stood. “Can you stop being quite so irritating? I’m going to try again. Put the kettle on.”
***
Avery drove back into White Haven after leaving Caspian’s place and headed to The Wayward Son, Alex’s pub, ready for some lunch.
She smiled as she navigated through the streets. It was a Thursday in mid-December, and the entire town was now groaning under Christmas decorations. A large Christmas tree had been erected in the square, shop fronts and restaurants were lit up with fairy lights, and the streets were adorned with giant baubles and snowflakes.
Avery loved Christmas. She didn’t believe in God or Jesus, instead celebrating the pagan Winter Solstice, but nevertheless, she loved the way everyone came together to enjoy each other’s company and to give presents.
The winding streets were full of shoppers huddled in heavy woollen coats or puffer jackets. The skies were grey and heavy with clouds, and a biting wind sliced through the streets. It looked as if it would rain, and Avery mused, it might even snow. Although, on the coast, snow never seemed to stick around for long.
As she rounded the corner onto the quayside, the view opened up and she saw the sea stretching to the horizon. The sea was as grey as the sky, and fishing boats bobbed on the heavy swells. Avery shivered, despite the warmth in her van. She pulled around the back of the pub and squeezed it into a parking spot. When she entered the pub, the chatter of the lunchtime crowd hit her, and she headed toward the bar to her usual spot.
Alex, another witch and her boyfriend, was pulling pints, and he grinned as he saw her. He was working with Zee, one of the Nephilim, and a young woman who Avery had never met before. This must be either Grace or Maia. Alex had told her he’d employed some extra bar staff for the Christmas and New Year period. The young woman was blonde, and looked to be in her early twenties. Alex had said they were both students at the university. Zee caught her eye and nodded before continuing to serve customers, and Avery smiled. Zee now had a scar running down his left cheek after his encounter with the Wild Hunt a few weeks before on All Hallows’ Eve. With Briar’s salves and his own unnatural ability to heal, it had already faded considerably.
Avery perched on a stool, and looked around the pub at the crowded tables. A large Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room, decorated with lights and baubles, and tinsel was strung up over the bar. She recognised quite a few faces, but there were new ones, which was unusual at this time of year. It was well
out of the summer holiday season, and the school holidays were another couple of weeks off. But she knew why the place was busy. It was the same reason the whole town had been busy for weeks.
Ever since Samhain and the Walk of the Spirits, as the press had called it, paranormal lovers and ghost hunters had arrived in droves. They had booked up hotels and Bed and Breakfast places, and the whine of EMF metres sounded along every street. The event had put White Haven on the map. The footage—admittedly sketchy—had been on national news, and interviews with the locals had dominated headlines for over a week. Ben, Dylan, and Cassie, the paranormal investigators, had also been interviewed, and they were now getting referrals from all over Cornwall. National reporters had descended for a few days, and then finding that nothing else of interest was happening, had disappeared again. But the steady stream of other visitors had remained.
Avery allowed herself a smile. The Walk of the Spirits had been fun, especially after the horrors of the Wild Hunt in Old Haven Church. Although, not a single ghost had appeared in the centre of White Haven since. Except, of course, for Helena, her own witch ancestor who’d been burned at the stake. She was now a ghost who appeared from time to time in her flat. Avery strongly suspected that Helena had organised the spirit walk in order to keep everyone’s focus away from Old Haven Church, if ghosts did such things as organising. It was a surprisingly magnanimous gesture from Helena if that was the case. Avery presumed that with the passing of Samhain, the time when the veils between worlds became thinner, the opportunity for such a mass event had gone. However, there were still spirit sightings, hauntings, poltergeists, and other unusual spirit activity in certain places.
Avery was disturbed from her reverie by Alex placing a glass of red wine in front of her. His dark brown, shoulder-length hair was loose, and as usual he had stubble across his lower jaw and chin. “Hi, gorgeous. How did your witch-flight go?”
