Romani Witch (Shifter Blood: Romani Curse Book 2)

by Frances Trilone

  “No.” I walked to a window that faced into the ballroom. The Elders and Uncle Henry sat at the table, but everyone else had left. “How long was I out?”

  “Not long.” He sat on the bench. “Maybe ten minutes.”

  “Ten minutes?” I let out a long breath, trying to remember if I’d ever fainted before. No. Never. In fact, I’d never had a headache in my life until a few weeks ago, but tonight’s sharp pain hadn’t felt like a normal headache.

  Movement in the ballroom caught my eye. The older woman sat by herself at the far end of the table. Her gaze locked onto mine for several seconds, then she turned away as one of the Elders spoke to her.

  “Who’s that woman talking to the Elders?” I asked Victor as I sat next to him on the bench. “Is that Calandra?”

  “Yes,” he replied. “She’s a Romani witch from Dover.”

  My throat tightened. Another witch in town had to be a bad thing. “Why is she here?”

  “I don’t know. Henry wouldn’t tell me.”

  “Is she here because of me and Kaleb?” I jumped to my feet, angry the witches thought they had a say in our relationship. It was bad enough we had to deal with the other wolf packs, but now the witches too? Was that why Garrett had come to the café? “They can’t keep us apart. I won’t—”

  “Calm down,” he said. “She’s probably heard about you and Kaleb, but that’s not why she’s here.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Calandra requested a visit to Woodlake a week before Kaleb claimed you. I’m sure the Elders will explain everything.”

  I folded my arms, realizing Victor hadn’t been truthful about tonight’s meeting. He knew Calandra had requested a visit, and come to think of it, he hadn’t really looked as shocked as everyone else when the Elders made the announcement. “You knew she was coming. That’s why you convinced Markus to stay in town.”

  “Henry let it slip two days ago and swore me to secrecy. I had no choice but to lie.” He glanced at the woods again. “It’s just one witch. You don’t need to worry about her. She won’t be in town long.”

  “That’s not true. There’s a warlock here too.” It had never crossed my mind to tell anyone I’d seen a warlock at the café. I’d assumed Garrett left Woodlake after running into the Norwood wolves. He’d said he was passing through town.

  “What are you talking about?” Victor stood, his eyes wide.

  “A warlock named Garrett stopped by the café yesterday.” I shrugged. “I didn’t think it was a big deal. He said he was passing through, and he left when he saw the wolves.”

  “Are you sure he’s a warlock?”

  “Yes,” I replied. “I met him at the Spring Bash. Ethan said to stay away from him because he’s a witch.”

  Victor glanced at the ballroom window as he ran a hand over his face. “Did you tell Kaleb?”

  “No. I haven’t seen him since Sunday night.” I sighed, hoping a witch’s presence in town wouldn’t prevent Kaleb from coming to see me. Markus must already know about Calandra and was perhaps even listening to this conversation. No doubt he’d already contacted Asher, and soon Woodlake would be crawling with the Norwood wolves. At least she’d asked for permission to visit before anyone found out about Kaleb and me. “Wait, you said Calandra requested a visit to Woodlake?”

  “That’s right. Witches aren’t allowed on sacred ground without the Town Council’s permission. It’s the one rule they have to follow.” Victor glanced at the woods again. “We should see what’s taking Drina so long.”

  I followed Victor as he hurried along the stone path that led from the patio to the front of the hotel. Was it a coincidence the witch had shown up during the kris? No one had seemed pleased with the news of Calandra’s visit. Even the Elders didn’t seem to enjoy talking to her. Did they know Garrett was in town too?

  A group of people had gathered in front of the hotel. They were discussing Calandra’s arrival and what it meant. Several of them looked our way when Victor opened the hotel door. We scanned the crowd in the lobby; more people loitered inside, waiting for the Elders to finish talking to Calandra.

  “Here.” Victor handed me his keys. “Go wait in the car while I look for Drina and tell the Elders about the warlock. I’m sure Markus is nearby, keeping an eye on you.”

  The door slowly closed behind Victor, and I turned to face a parking lot filled with vehicles. The ballroom may have been empty, but no one had left yet. Like me, they wanted to know why the witch was in town.

  I walked toward Victor’s car, smiling and greeting the people who waited by their vehicles. It felt strange to finally be a part of the Romani community, but I was no fool. They had their doubts about Kaleb and me, and I couldn’t blame them. Until we married, they would struggle to accept us being together.

  As I pressed the unlock button on the key fob, a prickling sensation tingled at the back of my head. I rubbed the spot, hoping another sharp pain wouldn’t follow. The last thing I needed right now was a trip to the hospital.

  “What’s your name?”

  I spun around, startled to see Calandra. In the distance, people stared at us, but no one showed any signs of coming to my rescue. “I’m Sienna. Who are you?”

  “I’m Calandra, one of the Romani witches on the High Council.” Her eyes narrowed, and a sharp pain hit the back of my head again. “I haven’t been to Woodlake in a long time, but your face looks familiar. Did you grow up here?”

  “No.” I glanced over her shoulder, searching for Victor and Drina. Calandra seemed intent on asking me questions. Was it a coincidence, or was Victor wrong and she was in town because of Kaleb and me?

  “Are you a Romani?”

  “Yes.” I folded my arms. “I moved to Woodlake a few months ago. My dad was a gajo.”

  “Interesting.” She curled her lip.

  I rubbed my neck as the pain radiated from the back of my head and down my spine. The sensation felt familiar—the same thing had happened last month at the meeting with the Norwood wolves and the Town Council. Another witch had been there, staring at me like Calandra was now.

  “Are you doing that?” I asked.

  “You can feel it?”

  “Yes.” I glared at her, not liking the idea of a witch using magic on me. Why was she even talking to me? She didn’t know who I was and hadn’t asked any questions about my relationship with Kaleb. “My cousin will be here soon. You need to leave.”

  “Tell me your mother’s name and I’ll leave.”

  My head jerked back. “Why?”

  She glanced into the woods to the right of the parking lot. Something moved in the darkness, and that something had to be Markus.

  “You should leave town,” I said. “It’s not safe here.”

  “It’s not safe for you either.” She returned her attention to me. “But you already know that, don’t you?”

  I tilted my head to the side, wondering how I should respond. Why did she think I wasn’t safe in Woodlake? “You’re wrong. The wolves won’t hurt me.”

  “You’re a fool if you believe that.” She sneered at me. “Do you have any idea how angry the High Council is? They’ll have your head for this.”

  I stumbled back as if she’d pushed me. “What—”

  “Sienna,” Victor yelled from the hotel’s entrance. He didn’t look happy to see me talking to Calandra and neither did Drina who hurried behind him.

  Calandra glanced over her shoulder at Victor. “You’re related to Victor and Drina Macek?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you Henry Stanescu’s niece?” Her eyes widened. “You’re the Romani girl who’s been claimed by an olden from the Norwood Pack?”

  I nodded. “You and the High Council are not interfering with—”

  “You must be crazy.” She grabbed my arm, yanking me toward her. “How stupid are you to risk—”

  A low growl sounded behind me, and Calandra released her hold. I quickly moved to the front of the car, putting enough distance betwe
en us so she couldn’t touch me again.

  “What the hell’s going on?” Victor stopped next to his car with an aspirin bottle in one hand. Drina stayed behind him, not daring to look at Calandra. They both looked at Markus, who now stood next to me in wolf form.

  Calandra reached into her bag and took out a small pouch. After untying the strings, she pulled out what looked like leaves and raised them in the air. “Back off, wolf, or I’ll—”

  “Don’t you dare.” I moved to stand in front of Markus, protecting him from this crazy witch. “You’re not allowed to do magic on sacred ground.”

  “Get out of the way.” Calandra crumpled the leaves in her hand.

  “No,” I replied. As Markus gently nudged me aside, I grabbed hold of the fur on his neck and held on tightly. He uttered a low growl as I glared at Calandra. “Put those leaves away, or you’ll regret it.”

  Calandra’s lips twisted, but she shoved the leaves back into the pouch. “Is this the olden who’s claimed you?”

  “No.” I released Markus’ fur but kept my hand on his neck. “He’s a friend.”

  “That’s not possible.” A scowl crossed Calandra’s face. “You can’t be friends with these mangy mutts.”

  “How dare you—”

  “We need to go,” Victor interrupted. He held out his hand and I tossed him the car keys. After opening the passenger door for Drina, he turned to Calandra. “The Norwood wolves are sworn to protect Sienna. Stay away from her.”

  Calandra frowned and placed both hands on her hips, watching me as I walked to the other side of the car. Markus didn’t move or follow. He stood still, keeping his eyes fixed firmly on Calandra.

  “I have one more question,” Calandra said. “Did Nells Stanescu bring you to Woodlake?”

  I stared at her, debating whether I should answer her question. Uncle Henry only had one sister, so there was little doubt this witch was familiar with the Stanescu family tree. Why ask a question when she already knew the answer?

  “Yes. She’s my mom,” I said as Victor got into the car, slamming the door shut behind him.

  Calandra let out a heavy sigh, and her arms fell to her sides. Her lips parted slightly as she tossed the small pouch toward me.

  The pouch landed on top of Victor’s car, not far from me.

  “Steep the leaves in boiling water. They’ll help with your headaches,” Calandra said.

  I eyed the pouch. She’d threatened Markus with the same leaves she was now telling me to steep. Why should I trust her?

  “Don’t be a fool,” Calandra said. “I’m trying to help.”

  I snatched the pouch and got into the car, not wanting to hear anything else she might have to say. Why did she think I needed her help, and how did she know about my headaches? I certainly wasn’t going to steep her leaves. I didn’t trust her, and I didn’t care about the High Council or what they thought of me and Kaleb.

  Chapter 8

  The next morning, I slipped into my boots and rushed to the front door. As I reached it, my cell phone chirped. Another text message from Victor, telling me I’d be late for work if I didn’t get my butt outside and into his car.

  “Mom, I’m leaving,” I yelled, opening the door.

  “Sienna, wait.” Mom hurried toward me, still wearing her pajamas. It seemed I wasn’t the only one who’d woken up late this morning. “We need to talk.”

  “Can we talk later?” I glanced over my shoulder at Victor, who was now honking the horn.

  “No.” She waved to Victor. “I heard a witch named Calandra showed up at the kris. Is that true?”

  I nodded, wondering if I should tell her about Calandra’s pouch hidden in my sock drawer. But then I’d have to admit to lying about the frequency of my headaches. The last thing I needed was for Mom to insist Victor drive me to the hospital instead of to work, especially when I felt great now. “Did you hear Kezia wanted the daro back?”

  “Yes, Norma called this morning and told me everything, but she didn’t know much about Calandra.” She touched my arm. “Did the Elders say why she’s in town?”

  “No.” I shrugged, figuring it was best to answer Mom’s questions but not say too much else. Eventually, she’d hear about my run-in with Calandra and would want to know everything. And sooner or later, I’d have to fess up about my headaches. But not right now.

  “Well…” Mom crossed her arms. “I need you to stay away from her. She’s a witch, and you can’t trust witches. Promise me you won’t go near her.”

  “I promise.” I stared at Mom. Why was she worried about a witch? “Did you know her when you lived here?”

  “No. But I’ve heard of her, and I don’t trust the witches.”

  “Well, you don’t need to worry. Kaleb doesn’t trust the witches either. He’d never let one near me.”

  “He’s a smart wolf.” She gave me a gentle smile. “Speaking of Kaleb, what happened to him and Markus last night? I thought they were stopping by.”

  “Something came up.” I looked away, not wanting to talk about Kaleb and Markus. It was their fault I’d woken up late this morning and was rushing to get to work. I’d stayed up until midnight waiting for them, but they never showed up.

  “I’m sure Kaleb would’ve stopped by if he could.” Mom placed her hands on my shoulders. “I have a great idea. Why don’t you come to Dover with me next week? We could spend the weekend shopping and look at wedding dresses. Doesn’t that sound like fun?”

  I hugged Mom. After bugging her for weeks to let me go with her, and always getting a ‘no,’ now I’d finally get to meet her doctor and hear about her test results from him. “What about Aunt Norma? I thought you two had plans.”

  “We did, but it’s been so long since you and I have had a mother-daughter outing. I thought this trip would be the perfect opportunity. Can you ask Bill for a couple of days off?”

  “I’ll talk to him today.”

  “Make sure you tell Kaleb too,” she said as my cell phone chirped again. “Have fun at work and tell Victor to lay off the horn next time.”

  I hurried to Victor’s car, and as soon as I closed the door, he sped out of the community.

  Fifteen minutes later, I stood in front of the café as Victor drove away. As usual, he’d been quiet during our drive, except when I’d asked him about the witches. He had no idea what they were doing in town, and Uncle Henry hadn’t been forthcoming with any information. However, the Elders had assured everyone there was no need to worry and that the witches were leaving next week.

  I opened the café door and froze when I saw the five guys seated at a table inside. They all wore the same clothes—khaki shorts and black t-shirts with the Norwood Isle logo. With the witches in town, I should have expected an increase of Norwood wolves, but why were they inside? They always sat outside or across the street, never in the café.

  As I walked to the front counter, a few of them glanced at me, but they continued their discussion about a tower game. Something about testing new pack members’ bravery and landing skills.

  “How high is it?” one of them asked.

  “What does it matter?” A stocky guy with red hair snorted. “You’ll never beat Kaleb’s record. No one will.”

  My chest filled with pride as I thought of Kaleb’s strong body and fearless attitude. His unbeatable record didn’t surprise me. He always excelled at anything he set his mind to.

  The cook came out of the kitchen, carrying two pies, which he placed in the display case. “The new waitress called. She’s running late.”

  “Thanks,” I mumbled, not quite sure whether to feel upset or relieved. Seemed Tessa was always running late, but right now, it was easier not having her here. I didn’t need her asking why five guys were sitting around and not ordering anything.

  The cook returned to the kitchen, and I filled several cups with water and gave them to the Norwood staff. Two of them thanked me and drank the water while the other three ignored the cups I’d placed in front of them.

&
nbsp; “I’m sure we’ll get this straightened out.” Bill entered the café from the hallway that led to his office and the bathrooms.

  To my surprise, Kaleb was behind him. Unlike the other Norwood staff, he wore blue jeans and a blue polo shirt. He winked at me and then looked at the waiting pack members. “Get to your checkpoints and give me an update.”

  The Norwood staff got up and left through the side door.

  “Sienna, I need a favor.” Bill opened the cash register and grabbed a money pouch from underneath the till. “I need to make a bank run, but the sheriff’s on his way. Can you tell him to wait in my office when he gets here?”

  “Yes, sure.” I cleared the cups from the table and took them to the kitchen. When I returned to the main dining area, Bill had gone and Kaleb stood by the cash register.

  “I’m sorry about last night. My father called an emergency pack meeting.” He gave me a quick kiss and sat on one of the red bar stools at the front counter. “Markus told me about the witch. Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” I filled a cup with water and set it on the counter in front of him. “Is that why your father called an emergency meeting?”

  He nodded. “The Town Council neglected to tell us about the witches. My father’s pissed the Elders asked us to stay out of town. They thought we knew, but no one told us.”

  “What did Bill say?” I clasped my hands together and rested them on the counter.

  “He said there was a mix-up.” Kaleb took a sip of water and covered my hands with his right hand. “You don’t need to worry about those witches bothering you again, especially here at the café. We’ve increased our presence in town. If any more witches show up, we’ll know.”

  “Is the Town Council expecting more witches?”

  “They said they weren’t, but I’m not sure I believe them. We’re having trust issues right now.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Henry says the witches are leaving next week. They’re looking for something and asked for permission to enter the Romani community.”