Witch Kissed (Old Sarum Witch Cozy Mystery Series, #1)

by K. E. O'Connor

  “If that makes sense to you, then that’s exactly what it is,” said Bryony. “But it’s also our home.”

  “It must be a weird place to live,” said Jim. “Do you all work here?”

  “One more word,” said Ivy, “and I’ll put a silencing spell on you.”

  “We should use some cover magic,” said Bryony. “If anyone spots as walking through the village with a red blood, word will get back to the Charm Police. We could get into trouble.”

  “I’m not sure he’s up to having more magic cast on him,” said Agatha. “He looks pale.”

  “We’re almost at the border,” said Ivy. “Let’s get him crossed over and his memory wiped as quickly as possible.”

  “I’m not so sure about this memory wiping business you keep on about,” said Jim.

  “Shut up, idiot,” said Ivy. “I warned you what would happen if you didn’t stop flapping your lips.” She pointed a finger at Jim and zapped him with a haze of red light.

  Jim opened his mouth and started talking again but no words came out.

  “Get a move on.” Ivy shoved Jim in the direction of the border behind Maggie’s tavern. “Agatha, you make a hole in the border and we’ll go through and get rid of this fool.”

  Agatha nodded and hurried ahead, already casting the magic to break through the border.

  “I’ll be glad when this is over,” said Ivy.

  “We’re almost done. And we solved Agatha’s problem,” said Bryony. “She’s free from the curse. And we know who did it.”

  “I should have known that creep Kristoff was involved.”

  “Sounds like he didn’t have much of a choice, though,” said Bryony. “I wouldn’t want to be beholden to Mavis Graytooth for anything.”

  Ivy shrugged. “Still shows what a creep he is.”

  “But he’s a handsome creep,” said Bryony. “And I detected a hint of jealousy when he was kissing Agatha in the club.”

  “Not from me,” said Ivy. “I don't want anything to do with Kristoff.”

  “Speaking of relationships,” said Bryony with a grin, “I have a feeling Agatha’s still holding a torch for Bruce. We should help that along.”

  “She’s had enough of our time and help,” said Ivy. “What more do you want to do?”

  “Let me figure that one out.” Bryony smiled at her sister. “Let’s get Jim home first.”

  Bryony and Ivy crossed the border, leaving Agatha as a lookout, and dragging a reluctant Jim with them.

  “Home sweet home,” said Bryony to Jim. “This is your park isn’t it?”

  Jim pointed to his mouth but then nodded.

  “We just need to wipe your mind and then you’re free to go,” said Bryony. “Don’t worry, it won’t hurt. Well, it may tickle a little, but you won’t remember that.”

  Jim took a few steps back and held his hands up.

  “We can’t let you leave until we’ve done the magic,” said Bryony. “Can’t have you going and telling everyone about our magical wonderland. Everyone will want to visit.”

  Jim shook his head again and glared at Ivy.

  “Can you remove the silence spell from him?” said Bryony to Ivy. “He might want to say goodbye.”

  “Doubtful. He’s probably going to insult us.” Ivy pointed a finger at Jim. “Magic removed.”

  Jim let out a gasp. “What kind of freaks are you?”

  “The magical kind who saved your butt and brought you home safely,” said Ivy. “Be grateful. Other magic users might have kept you and used your flabby body parts in a magic spell.”

  “I’m getting out of here,” said Jim. “You’re both crazy.”

  “Just before you do,” said Bryony, “let me get rid of those bad memories for you.” She lifted her hands and a ball of pink smoke emerged between her fingers. She blew it towards Jim.

  “You can keep whatever that is away from me.” Jim ran backwards, stumbling as he turned. The pink smoke pursued him as he ran, gaining on him swiftly, before covering him from head to toe.

  “He won’t remember anything,” said Bryony, watching with satisfaction as her magic worked on Jim.

  Jim stopped running and stood still, his arms hanging by his sides.

  “Looks like the red blood is free to go,” said Ivy.

  “We should just double check. Don’t want him having any memory of Old Sarum.”

  They walked over to Jim and Ivy prodded him in the arm. “Do you know who I am?”

  Jim’s bleary gaze came into focus as he turned and looked at Ivy. “Sorry, I don’t think we’ve met before.”

  “Do you know my sister?” Ivy pointed at Bryony.

  “No, but I do like blondes.” Jim extended a hand to Bryony. “I’m—”

  “We don’t care who you are,” said Ivy. She grabbed Bryony’s arm and they walked towards the border.

  “A job well done,” said Bryony. “But I’ll be glad to get back to Old Sarum. This place always gives me the chills.”

  “It’s not my favorite place either,” said Ivy as they reached the border. “My favorite place is at home in bed with a large plate of brownies in front of me, my new curse book, and Spike sleeping on my feet. That's what I'm looking forward to.”

  “Sounds like a perfect end to the day,” said Bryony. “Let’s go home.”

  Chapter 24

  “I’m so happy I’m no longer turning blue.” Kim Elliott twirled in front of Bryony, a huge smile on her broad face. “You are a miracle worker.”

  Bryony returned her smile. “It’s all in a day’s work. But it was tricky magic to remove.”

  “I knew you’d help me.” Kim paid the bill Bryony gave her. “Now I can get back to reading my favorite romance novels and no one needs to know what’s on my mind! I've just picked up a copy of Forty Shades of Gargoyle and can't wait to get started.” Kim waved goodbye as she left the store, a spring in her step as she walked along the street.

  “What have you been up to?” asked Ivy from her seat in the corner of the store.

  “What do you mean?” Bryony grabbed a pile of spell books from the counter and walked to the book shelves.

  “You’ve had that silly smile on your face all morning.”

  Bryony’s smile grew. “Just tying up a few loose ends.”

  “You’re playing matchmaker.”

  “It’s the final thing we need to do to make sure Agatha is happy,” said Bryony.

  “She’s happy enough,” said Ivy. “She’s free from the curse.”

  “It will be easy to reunite Agatha and Bruce,” said Bryony. “Doesn’t everybody deserve a truly happy ending?”

  “I wouldn’t mind one,” said Ivy.

  “You’re happy, though, aren’t you?” Bryony gave her sister a worried look.

  “I’m not so happy about the new delivery of baby toads that arrived this morning,” said Ivy. “We haven’t sold enough of the others so I’ve had to double up their living quarters. They’re already causing mischief. One pair blew the door off their cage.”

  “But you are happy?” Bryony walked away from the books she was stacking and took hold of her sister’s hands. “We have this store, and we have each other. And you have Spike. What girl wouldn’t be thrilled to have a demon immortal dog as a friend?”

  Ivy recognized the look of concern in her sister’s eyes. “I’m fine. I’m happy enough. You don’t need to worry about me.”

  “I do worry. You’re my sister and my best friend,” said Bryony. “Are you thinking about what happened at the Demon’s Den? Do you think Kristoff will come after you?”

  A rare blush crossed Ivy’s pale cheeks and her fingers went to a necklace around her neck; a dark red garnet stone set in a thin whorl of silver. “I’m not worried about him.”

  “Is that a new piece of jewelry?” Bryony reached for the necklace. “I’ve not seen it before.”

  Ivy’s fingers tightened around the necklace. “I got it today. It was on the doorstep when I opened up.”

  �
��A gift from someone?”

  “From Kristoff,” said Ivy.

  Bryony laughed. “You try to destroy his club and he buys you a gift. I will never understand him.”

  Ivy shook her head. “Neither will I. But I think this means he’s not going to come after either of us for what I did in the Demon’s Den.”

  “You need to start causing him more problems if he buys you gifts every time,” said Bryony.

  “I don’t want any more gifts from Kristoff,” said Ivy. She ignored the feeling of pleasure that ran through her every time her fingers touched the stone. It was a rare garnet stone and she’d been looking for one just like it for months. She had no clue how Kristoff knew that, but it was the perfect stone; ideal for storing powerful spells in and having them on hand whenever you needed. She didn't dwell on the fact garnet also represented passionate devotion.

  The store door opened and Bruce walked through. “I came as soon as I could. Is it another problem with your car?”

  Bryony smiled brightly at him. “No car problems this time. In fact, we want to do you a favor.”

  “I told you I don’t want paying for the car repairs,” said Bruce. “You don’t need to do anything for me.”

  “Sit down and have a cup of tea,” said Bryony. “You’re going to like this.”

  Bruce eyed the girls warily before moving to the sofa. “I can’t stay for long. I’ve got two exhausts to replace and a tune up to do before lunch.”

  “This won’t take long. And I promise you it will be worth the wait,” said Bryony.

  Bruce accepted a cup of tea from Bryony. “So what’s going on?”

  “We are looking for new candidates to try a shrinking spell on,” said Ivy. “Thought you’d be ideal.”

  Bruce stared at Ivy in silence for a few seconds. “I don’t want to be a part of that experiment.”

  “Ivy’s talking nonsense,” said Bryony. “We aren’t going to do any magic. That’s not why you’re here.” She hurried to the store door and opened it.

  “Why am I here, then?”

  “Drink your tea and be grateful,” said Ivy. “My sister has decided to help you out and she never does a bad deed. Whatever Bryony has in mind for you, you’re going to like it, so relax.”

  “I can see your surprise coming along the road now,” said Bryony.

  Bruce raised his eyebrows. “You’ve got me a gift?”

  “In a way,” said Bryony. “You’re going to love it.”

  A few seconds later, Agatha walked through the door. “I got your message. Can’t hang around for long. I’m moving out of Mom’s house, again. But this time it’s for good.”

  “This shouldn’t take long.” Bryony stepped to one side, revealing Bruce on the sofa. “I thought the two of you might like to spend a little time together, now everything has been resolved.”

  Bruce jumped up from his seat. “Agatha!”

  “Oh, hi, Bruce.” Agatha twisted a strand of hair around her fingers. “It’s nice to see you.”

  “You too.” Bruce cleared his throat. “I didn’t know you’d moved back in with your mom.”

  “Only for a few days.” Agatha’s cheeks glowed as she looked at Bruce. “She lied to me about having a fall.”

  “Tell him everything,” said Bryony gently as she moved to sit by Ivy.

  Agatha nodded. “She was also the reason I left you.”

  “She was?” asked Bruce.

  “I’ve got some explaining to do,” said Agatha. “I never wanted to leave you, but I didn’t have a choice. Mom cursed me.”

  “She did what?” Bruce strode towards Agatha and took hold of her hands. “Why would she do that?”

  “Because she wanted me to stay at home with her.”

  “What kind of curse did she put on you?”

  “A kissing curse,” said Agatha. “But there’s more I need to tell you. After we had that stupid fight and I walked out, well, I did something stupid.”

  “Couldn’t have been more stupid than me,” said Bruce. “I drank far too much and woke up on the floor in the garage still fully clothed. My head ached for days.”

  “That’s nothing,” said Agatha. “Please don’t hate me for what I’m about to tell you.”

  “I could never hate you,” said Bruce.

  “I got scared. All the talk about marriage and moving in together and having children, it made me realize how grown-up we now are. And for a while, I wasn’t sure that was what I wanted.”

  “You mean you don’t want me?” Bruce’s gaze moved to the ground.

  “I do want you,” said Agatha. “But I’ve been such a fool.”

  “Why? What did you do?”

  “After our argument, I kissed someone else.”

  “You kissed another man?” Bruce dropped his hold on Agatha’s hands. “So you don’t want me.”

  “The second I did it, I realized my mistake,” said Agatha. “But the worst thing is, that kiss cursed me.”

  “Hold on, you said your mom cursed you,” said Bruce.

  “She did! She made someone put the curse on me. My mom deliberately sent someone to test me and make sure I could never be intimate with another man again.”

  Bruce shook his head. “How did you discover you had this curse?”

  Agatha hung her head. “Well, I may have tried it out on a few other men. I wasn’t sure if it was a one off or not.”

  “We have one argument and you go off and kiss lots of other guys,” said Bruce. “I should feel lucky you aren’t interested in marrying me. What’s to say you won’t go off and do it again the next time we bicker?”

  “Don’t say that. I’ll never do anything so foolish again,” said Agatha. “I’m so sorry for what I’ve done. When I realized I had this curse, I knew we couldn’t be together until I’d figured out how to get rid of it. With the help of Bryony and Ivy, I’ve got the curse removed. So we can be together, if you still want me after what I’ve done.”

  Bruce glanced over to the sofa where Bryony and Ivy sat. “Is that why you came to my garage? Did you think I was involved with cursing Agatha?”

  “You were one of the suspects,” said Ivy.

  Bruce frowned. “I knew those leads in your car had been pulled out deliberately. But I couldn’t figure out why you’d done it.”

  “We didn’t really think you were a suspect,” said Bryony. “But we had to be sure. As soon as we’d spoken to you, we realized you couldn’t be involved with the curse Agatha was under.”

  “You're not powerful enough,” muttered Ivy.

  That comment earned her a glare from Bruce.

  “Bruce, can you forgive me?” asked Agatha. “I’ve been such an idiot. I do want to be with you. I do want to set up a home and have a huge family with you as well. And I’m already moving out of Mom’s place. We had a dreadful row over the curse. She’s refused to apologise and I’m not letting her get away with it.”

  “Does that mean you’re homeless?” asked Bruce.

  “I was planning on staying at the local bed-and-breakfast until a place comes available for rent,” said Agatha. “It’s not ideal, but at least it means I can get away from Mom and all her meddling in my love life.”

  “Your mom may have been trying to protect you,” said Bryony. “I agree that she went about it in the wrong way, but maybe she was worried you’d get hurt and wanted to keep you safe.”

  “She has a funny way of making sure her daughter is safe,” said Bruce. “That curse made Agatha miserable.”

  “Yes, not the best thing to do,” said Bryony. “Give her some time, she may come around and realize what a mistake she’s made. You don’t want to lose contact with your mom for good, Agatha.”

  Agatha sighed. “I’m so angry at the moment, I don’t care if I ever see her again. But you’re right, I know she’s a lonely old cold hearted half dragon who feels frustrated because she doesn’t have any other dragons to breathe fire at.”

  “We could always put out some feelers in the super
natural community and see if we can link your mom with a few other dragon descendants,” said Bryony. “There might be a few scaly old male half dragons looking for a mate.”

  Agatha’s eyes widened. “Mom dating! That would be terrifying.”

  Bryony smiled. “I’ll see what I can do. I do love to see a happy couple together.”

  Agatha nodded and turned her attention to Bruce. “Are we still a happy couple?”

  Bruce scrubbed the pale stubble on his chin. “We’ve got lots to discuss before we can be an officially happy couple again. But I’d like to start with your living arrangements. I’ve just put in an offer on a place a few doors along from the garage. It needs a lot of work, but it’s far too big for one person. I was thinking of doing it up and selling it to make some money. But if you’re interested, there’s plenty of room for all of your things; including a spare room for a nursery, when you’re ready.”

  “You’re asking me to move in with you?” Agatha stared up at Bruce, a look of surprise on her face.

  “After we’ve done our talking about you kissing strange men,” said Bruce.

  “It will never happen again, I promise.” Agatha threw herself into Bruce’s arms. “I can’t believe it, we’re going to live together.”

  “I do love a happy ending,” said Bryony with a sigh.

  Gabriel walked through the doorway of the store and took in the scene of Bruce and Agatha embracing. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

  Bruce and Agatha broke apart, their hands remaining clasped together. “No, we were just leaving,” said Bruce. He looked over at Bryony and Ivy. “Thanks for everything you’ve done.”

  Agatha grinned. “Yes, thank you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

  Bryony waved them goodbye as they left the store. “I’m going to have to get myself a new outfit to go to their wedding.”

  “You can count me out of that,” said Ivy. “All that love rubbish makes me feel queasy.”

  “I enjoy a good wedding,” said Gabriel.

  Bryony smiled at him. “What can I do for you today? Are you after a poultice? Or a ready to go spell mixture? I’ve got some new books in on ancient runes.”