“Did Aunt Hyacinth give you the photo?” Marley asked.
I nodded. “From her secret stash.”
Marley kissed the picture frame. “Thank you. I’ll treasure it always.”
The doorbell rang and PP3 raced for the door. “Another surprise visitor?” I murmured.
Florian entered the kitchen before I had a chance to answer the door. He came bearing gifts, including a pink box with a ribbon from the local patisserie.
“I figured sugary baked goods were in order on this special day,” he said. He gave Marley a kiss on the cheek. “Happy birthday, little cousin.” He set the box in front of her. “I assumed there’d be no objection from the woman in charge.”
“I don’t object at all,” Marley said, opening the box. A shimmering array of baked goods danced their way out and lined up in a row, awaiting Marley’s decision.
“They’re enchanted, not alive,” Florian explained. “So don’t be worried about eating them.”
“This is so cool,” Marley said. She plucked the twisted purple from the air and bit into it.
“Thanks, Florian,” I said. “This was really thoughtful.”
Florian gave me a knowing smile. “Why, yes, Ember, there’s enough for you.”
“Hey! I wasn’t trying to swipe any of my daughter’s birthday breakfast. What kind of mother do you take me for?” I retrieved three plates from the cabinet and set them on the table.
“Was that Alec Hale I saw leaving here at such an early hour?” Florian asked, clucking his tongue. “Whatever would the sheriff say?”
“He didn’t stay overnight,” Marley said, “although I’m sure he would if Mom asked. He brought me a present.” She tapped the book.
“And he left with a present as well,” Florian said. “The image of your mother in her morning state. I’ll bet he changes his mind about any future sleepovers now.”
“You’re obsessed with sleepovers at my house,” I said. “The only sleepover that we should be concerned with right now is the one happening tonight with six other girls.”
Marley hopped up and down in her seat. “I can’t wait. It’s going to be the best birthday ever.” She polished off another dancing baked good and ran upstairs to brush her teeth.
“Is it going to be the best birthday ever, Mom?” Florian asked, giving me a pointed look.
I bit my lip. “I don’t know yet, Florian, but I’ll say this much—it’s not looking good.”
Chapter Nine
The sleepover guests all arrived within ten minutes of each other. Sleeping bags and pillows were chucked along the wall and presents were promptly discarded on the table. I offered each parent the opportunity to stay for a drink, but they all declined. They seemed eager to get to whatever fun activity they’d planned in the absence of at least one child.
Once the girls were present and accounted for, Marley dragged them upstairs for a tour of the cottage. I sat on the sofa, organizing the gift bags and marveling at the change in our lives from only a year ago. There hadn’t been six girls sleeping over in our tiny two-bedroom apartment in New Jersey for her tenth birthday. Marley had still been sleeping with me, in fact. Magic or no magic, she’d come into her own in Starry Hollow and I was so proud of the young woman she was becoming. Marley was everything I’d hoped my child would be—strong, compassionate, kind, and insightful. I hated that she was being denied the one thing she wanted most in the world. It seemed fundamentally unfair, and yet there was nothing I could do about it.
The girls eventually paraded downstairs with Marley in the lead. She was followed by Jenna, Lucy, Pietra, Katy, Allie, and Meg. Although I didn’t know them well, they all seemed like nice girls with good heads on their shoulders. Marley tended to choose well when it came to friends. That would be a definite plus as she moved into her teen years.
“We’re going into the woods for a bit,” Marley said. “They want to see the pond where Florian was stuck as a frog.”
“Oh, it’s famous, is it?” I asked.
“We never have cool stuff like that happen in our family,” Katy said. “I wish elves were magical.”
“It’s both a blessing and a curse,” I said. “So be careful what you wish for.”
“I come into my magic in three weeks,” Lucy announced. “My parents are planning a big party.” She grabbed Marley’s arm and jumped and down. “We’ll be initiated into the coven together.”
Katy nudged Marley. “I hope you come into your magic while we’re in the woods. Won’t that be awesome?”
“My mom said afternoon, but I think she meant early evening,” I heard Marley say as they left the cottage.
My body tensed. Midnight would be here soon enough. What would happen if Marley’s magic didn’t come?
PP3 growled and I thought one of the girls had returned to the cottage. I opened the door and was surprised to see Simon holding an umbrella over my aunt’s head. I peered up at the early evening sun.
“Are you expecting rain?” I asked, stepping aside to allow them entry.
“No, but the sun is brutal on my fair skin,” my aunt said. Her white-blond hair was loose today, skimming her shoulders. She wore an aqua blue kaftan with images of lime green cat heads. My aunt swept into the room with her usual regal air, holding a beautifully decorated box. PP3 stood directly in her path and barked. She gave the dog a withering look, prompting him to fall silent. The Yorkshire terrier jumped onto the sofa and curled in a ball, which was basically what I wanted to do whenever my aunt came to visit.
Simon closed the umbrella and left without a word. Aunt Hyacinth handed me the present. “Where is the birthday girl?”
“In the woods with her friends,” I said.
My aunt’s nose wrinkled. “The woods? What have they done that they’re being punished so soon?”
“No, they wanted to explore,” I said. I would’ve been the same at their age. I just didn’t have wide-open spaces to explore where I grew up.
“I’ve been planning her celebration with Simon,” Aunt Hyacinth said. “Perhaps now is a good time to review the details with you.”
I hesitated. “I’m not sure we should discuss those plans yet.”
Aunt Hyacinth stiffened. “Please tell me she’s come into her magic today. Florian said there was no sign of it this morning.”
I shook my head. “Still waiting.”
My aunt sucked in a breath. “Why didn’t you alert me to the problem? I could’ve arranged a healer to be here for a thorough examination.”
“I’m not sure there is a problem,” I said. “Her magic was never a guarantee, not with a human father.”
My aunt’s jaw clenched. “No, this is unacceptable. That child is a Rose and she is to inherit the power of the One True Witch. I feel it in my bones.”
“I’m glad you do because I don’t have any sense of it.”
“That’s because you’re not in touch with your magic,” Aunt Hyacinth said. “The more you focus on your lessons, however, the closer you will get. It’s one of the reasons your education is so important.”
“I thought it was just so I didn’t embarrass you,” I said.
My aunt made the closest sound to blowing a raspberry she’d deign to make. “That ship has sailed, my darling. I’d simply like you to demonstrate competence and become the witch you were meant to be. I would think you’d want that for yourself as well.”
“I guess I wouldn’t mind being better at magic,” I admitted. I could certainly see how easier my life would be if I could get a handle on conjuring spells.
“You have the ability, Ember,” my aunt said. “You only need the focus. Unfortunately, you have far too many distractions in your life.”
“Maybe that’s Marley’s problem,” I said. “Too many distractions.”
“The child doesn’t suffer from your variety,” my aunt said pointedly.
I folded my arms. “Are you talking about the sheriff?”
“Granger is one of many,” she replied.
> I thought of Hattie and her heavy-handed approach to her family. “Would you ever try to force me to marry a wizard? Like threaten to cut Marley out of your will or something?” Because the surest way to coerce me into anything was to use my child as a pawn. I’d cave in a heartbeat.
Aunt Hyacinth appeared taken aback by my forthright question. “As I recall, my dear, you made it quite clear to me that you would do as you please with your personal life, regardless of my opinion.”
“I remember,” I said. We’d been in her office and I still remembered the surge of adrenalin that had shot through me when I’d dared to speak up. My aunt may be a formidable witch in Starry Hollow, but I was from New Jersey.
“You and Alec seem to have developed a solid friendship, so I know your preferences can’t be as banal as they seem.”
My thoughts turned to Lacey and Weston. “If I ever chose someone you disapproved of, would you retaliate by holding my actions against Marley?”
My aunt scrutinized me. “What of you? Aren’t you concerned that I would choose to exclude you from the family fortune?”
I shrugged. “I came from nothing, Aunt Hyacinth. I’m very comfortable with nothing. I just don’t want any disagreement that we have to spill over into your relationship with Marley. She’s the priority.”
My aunt considered me for a moment. “I know it may not seem like it to you, especially given the extreme measures your father took to keep you from here, but I’m not a vindictive witch, Ember. Marley is a member of this family, and the Roses take care of their own.”
I relaxed slightly. “I’m glad to hear it. If Hattie’s murder has shown me anything, it’s that excessive control breeds resentment.”
“Hattie has been on my mind as well.”
“Yes, I got that impression from dinner the other night,” I said.
Aunt Hyacinth cracked a smile. “She was quite the cantankerous old morgen, wasn’t she?”
“So much worse than you, if it’s any consolation.”
My aunt’s expression softened. “You and I are still getting acquainted, niece. Relationships such as ours take time and I realize that I’m not an easy woman to get to know. Walls are often quick to go up but slow to come down.”
Well, that was an unexpected glimpse of my aunt’s self-awareness.
“Speaking of relationships, have you considered wading back into the dating pool?” I asked.
She literally clutched her pearls. “I beg your pardon?”
“Plenty of time has passed since your husband died,” I said. “Don’t you think it’s time to consider new prospects?”
Aunt Hyacinth’s laugh was throaty and deep. “My darling niece, my life is sufficiently full without a partner. I couldn’t begin to imagine including someone new with my busy schedule. Men like to be pampered and I am not one who pampers.”
“What if you met someone who pampered you?”
“That’s what I have Simon for,” she replied. “And I owe him nothing but a paycheck in return. It’s divine.” She clicked her fingernails on the top of the chair. “Be sure to give my gift to Marley as soon as she returns. Perhaps it will trigger the Rose genes to take action.”
“Thank you, Aunt Hyacinth.”
In a rare moment of affection, she walked over and stroked PP3’s head. I was fairly certain the dog cringed, but, to his credit, he stayed quiet.
“I hope the party is a wonderful success,” my aunt said. “Should you have any trouble, though, Simon and Mrs. Babcock are on call to assist you tonight.” She breezed out the door to where Simon awaited her with the fancy version of a rickshaw. If there was a name for that contraption, I had no idea what it was.
I took the opportunity to shake the box while Marley was still in the woods. It had to be something magic-related. My aunt was as obsessed with Marley’s potential magic as my daughter was.
“Aren’t you a little old to be peeking at presents?” The sheriff’s voice startled me and I dropped the box back onto the table. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. Your aunt didn’t quite close the door.” He chuckled. “She probably expected Simon to do it.”
PP3 raised his head and let loose a fierce bark. “Calm down,” I yelled. “It’s just Granger. You know him.”
The sheriff swaggered into the cottage and fixed PP3 with a hard look. “Not another word out of you, friend. You and I need to come to a truce if I’m going to be spending more time here.”
PP3 seemed to understand, lowering his head back to the sofa cushion.
“The girls are in the woods,” I said. “Hopefully not wreaking too much havoc on Mother Nature.”
He looped an arm around my waist and drew me close. “How much time do you think we have?”
I gave him a quick kiss on the lips. “Enough for you maybe, but not enough for me.”
He grinned. “You’re probably right about that.”
“Way to keep a lady interested.”
He produced a small package from his back pocket. “This is my birthday offering.” He set it on the table beside the box from my aunt.
“That’s sweet, Granger,” I said. “You shouldn’t have felt obligated to bring her anything, though.”
“Hey, I remember being eleven,” he replied. “I would’ve held a grudge for years if the guy in love with my mom didn’t bother to get me a birthday present.”
We both froze at the same time, realizing the enormity of his admission.
“How about a drink?” I blurted. Sweet baby Elvis. Make mine a double.
The sheriff ignored my question. “Oh, hell, Rose,” he said. “I should’ve saved that declaration for a special occasion.”
“Technically, Marley’s birthday is a special occasion.”
“Not the kind I meant.” He seemed mildly flustered, which was both out of character and highly enjoyable to witness.
I didn’t know how to respond. It was so unexpected and I wasn’t ready to talk about feelings—mostly because that would require being able to identify them.
“I need to get out the paper plates,” I said, breaking toward the kitchen. “The food should be here soon.”
“What kind of food?” He followed me into the kitchen.
“Pizza,” I replied. “I decided to keep some traditions from the human world. Marley should grow up steeped in both cultures.”
“I think you’re using the term ‘culture’ a little loosely there, Rose.”
I gave his arm a playful smack. “Pizza is a time-honored tradition for birthday parties.”
“As long as none of these sprites have any allergies, I’m sure it’s a good choice.”
I snapped to attention. “Food allergies? How would I know?”
“I guess if nobody mentioned anything, then you’re good.” He bustled around the kitchen as though he lived here, pulling a jug of punch from the fridge and paper cups from the pantry.
I heard the shouts before the door burst open. Marley hunched over, panting. “We need ointment.”
“For what?” I ran over to inspect her.
“Not for me.” She struggled to catch her breath. “Pietra is breaking out in hives.”
“Why?” I craned my neck. “Where is she?”
“The rest are coming,” Marley said. “Katy and I ran ahead to tell you.”
I was terrible with emergency kits. I wasn’t even sure I had a box of Band-Aids, or whatever the paranormal equivalent was.
More yelling signaled the arrival of Pietra. We moved into the living area where the vampire was sprawled across the sofa. Her legs were covered in red splotches. PP3 quickly relocated without being told.
The sheriff crouched beside her. “Which part of the woods were you in? Did you recognize any of the plants or trees?”
Pietra shook her head. “I’m not usually allowed to play in the woods.”
Oops. “Why not?” I asked.
“Because I have severe environmental allergies,” Pietra said. “Our house is pretty sterile.”
“But
you go to school,” I said. How could Marley not have mentioned this to me? She was supposed to be the sensible one.
“I have special dispensation to have athletic classes indoors,” Pietra said.
“A vampire with environmental allergies,” the sheriff said. “Not something I see every day.”
“Should I call the healer, Mom?” Marley asked.
The sheriff glanced up at her. “No need, birthday girl. I can handle this one.” He faced me. “You got any ironweed and fairy bark?”
“No, but Mrs. Babcock will,” I said.
“I’ll go,” Allie said. The werewolf was likely the fastest of the girls and she knew it. “Do I ring the bell at the main house?”
“Yes, Simon will answer,” I said. “Tell him I sent you and what you need.”
Allie took off like a shot.
“She’s on the track team,” Meg said, as though that explained everything.
Pietra began to shift uncomfortably. “I think it’s spreading.” She lifted her shirt slightly and I could see the red marks growing on her midriff.
“How allergic are you?” I asked. Unattractive skin I could handle. Anaphylactic shock was another matter.
“I don’t know which plant is responsible,” Pietra said. “I was too focused on the unicorn.”
“The unicorn?” I whirled around to eye Marley. “I thought you were going to the woods.”
“We did,” Marley said, “and we stopped first to get Firefly.”
“Where’s Firefly now?” I asked.
“Jenna’s bringing her back to the stable,” Marley said. “She rides regularly so she has lots of experience.”
I hadn’t even realized Jenna was missing. Some watchful parent I was. “Is anyone allergic to pizza or cake?” I asked. “Please speak now.” Thankfully, no one answered.
The doorbell rang and PP3 bolted for the door. I opened the door for the pizza delivery guy just as Allie rushed in with the ingredients from Mrs. Babcock.
“She gave me a few extras, too,” Allie said. “That brownie knows her stuff.”
Magic & Malice Page 9
