Spirited Blend

by Kennedy Layne

  Doubled? Does this mean my premium organic catnip supply doubles in payment? Keep talking, witches. You’re speaking my language!

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Maybe it’s time we tell your mother that I know the truth,” Liam said after giving an eight-year-old pirate a high five to go along with his snack-sized Snickers. “We’ll tell her together after your birthday celebration.”

  Those of us who had been at the cemetery had made our way back to the tea shop, though Ted had gone down to Mindy’s boutique so that he could spend some quality time with the mannequin he fancied. My mother and Beetle were manning the table with the tea samples for the adults, while Liam and I were at the other high-top table with candy for the children. Heidi’s office wasn’t on River Bay, so she’d gone across the street to assist Trixie with the diner’s apple bob. As for Leo, he was just finishing up the edible treats that Beetle had somehow made into the shapes of jack o’lantern cookies.

  Everything had gone back to normal in our small town, yet it hadn’t.

  “I agree that we need to tell my mother, but let’s make that a private conversation at the cottage,” I said softly, not wanting my voice to carry the ten feet to where the second table was positioned by the door. “I’m still wrapping my head around everything that happened tonight. I mean, Rye basically warned us that we would have no choice but to get involved with the Coven War at some point in the near future. I do believe that Aunt Rowena wants to keep us out of it, but I’m afraid we’re going to find that it’s out of our hands. And I’m not so sure she’s keeping us in the dark for completely altruistic reasons.”

  Altruistic and the Wicked Witch of Windsor can’t be used in the same sentence, Raven. There’s a dictionary on your phone. They’re juxtaposed. While you’re at it, you’ll also find her picture in front of a word that rhymes with witch.

  Leo had been in rare form since we’d gotten back to the tea shop, but that’s how he dealt with stress—snarkiness. At least, when his apprehension didn’t affect his memory.

  There was one last group of children making their way toward us with their parents in tow. After that, we’d begin to clean up and head over to the pub, where everyone was invited to an All Hallows’ Eve birthday celebration. I was truly looking forward to celebrating this past year, where I’d come into my own and grown as a woman, but our run-in with Aunt Rowena took a bit of joy out of the festivities. I’d most likely made an enemy out of my own great-aunt.

  “Hey, Beetle,” Liam called out, surprising both me and Leo. “Could you finish handing out the candy in this bowl? We’ll be right back.”

  Liam took me by the hand and led me away from the high-top table through the glass door and back into the tea shop. I’d dimmed the lights inside so that the strings of orange pumpkins glowed brighter, and I wish I was in the mood to enjoy the ambiance. It was very hard to get into the festivities when there was a cloud of supernatural doom hanging over our heads.

  Welcome to my world.

  Leo had decided to join us, but Liam didn’t seem to mind. As a matter of fact, Liam had pulled a small, wrapped present out from what seemed like nowhere by the time I’d turned around to face him. I had no idea where he’d hid it all this time, but a smile graced my lips. This intimate moment was just what I needed after the last two days.

  I already feel a hairball at the back of my throat, but the anticipation is too much. I can’t leave now, so I’ll just have to suffer through. What are you waiting for? Open it. Maybe it’s the deed to a catnip farm in Alaska. You could rake in the money while I perform quality and product testing. A win-win for both of us.

  “Liam,” I whispered, covering my heart with my hands. The present was wrapped with orange paper that had printed black cats, flying bats, and several moons positioned strategically around the small box. A black ribbon with orange sparkles was impeccably crooked, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. “It’s perfect.”

  “You haven’t even opened it,” Liam said with a chuckle, handing it over while looking up at the overhead light. “We need more light.”

  “No,” I replied softly, tugging on the ribbon. “I want to remember this moment exactly like this.”

  It’s best to remain in the shadows. One never knows if the Wicked Witch of Windsor has a scout or if Skippy sent one of his ninja squirrels to keep an eye on my anti-squirrelpocalypse operation. I’ve left directions for my secret plan underneath my cat bed.

  Liam patiently waited for me to remove the wrapping paper. I didn’t want to rip it, having every intention of saving the paper and ribbon to be cherished. By the time I’d lifted off the lid, I’d been confident that it was some type of jewelry box. What I found was more profound and heartfelt than I could ever have imagined.

  “Liam, it’s beautiful,” I whispered in awe, unable to reach inside for my present just yet.

  Liam finally did it for me, pulling out a black tourmaline pendent surrounded by heavy silver filigree. I’d been wanting one for a while now, but I just hadn’t gotten around to buying one for myself. This particular gem was known for its protection elements, but this one seemed to glow with an inner light all its own.

  “You mentioned wanting a black tourmaline to carry with you, so I found this one wrapped in silver. It’s an antique dating back to Salem in the middle 1600s. It was owned by the Good family. It even came with a letter documenting its legacy all the way back to Sarah Good.” Liam indicated for me to turn around, so I set the box next to the wrapping paper and ribbon I’d laid next to a porcelain tea set. I lifted my hair so that it would be easier for him to clasp the necklace. “Who would have guessed that it might come in handy in the immediate future?”

  “So, you’re a believer now?” I teased, already knowing that I’d convinced him that the supernatural existed.

  “Raven,” Liam said softly, waiting to finish what he intended to say until I’d turned around to face him. “I’ve always believed in your magic.”

  He cradled my cheek as he leaned down to kiss me. His warm lips pressed to mine as the heat of the crystal reassured me that it was offering up its protection. I would reciprocate and make sure that Liam had his own protection, maybe even going so far as to do a protection spell of some sort. I couldn’t have him getting hurt by my own family.

  Hairball! I tried to give you some privacy, but the good ol’ sheriff had to ruin it with that cheesy line. Don’t tell him, though. I owe him one for my fast recovery this morning.

  “Thank you, Liam,” I murmured against his lips, giving him one more kiss before pulling away. I looked down at the black tourmaline encased in the hand-carved silver, recognizing the significance of the gift as more than just a present. It was an affirmation that Liam accepted me for me. That meant he accepted Leo, as well. “It’s perfect. Let me grab my sweater from the back room. It’s getting cold, and this witch outfit doesn’t offer me much warmth.”

  I quickly made my way through the ivory-colored fairy beads, flipping the light switch so that I wasn’t fumbling around in the dark. I’d learned to always keep a sweater back here for those days the temperature had big swings, which was often with the coastal breeze coming in off the water.

  Speaking of the change in weather, I’m taking tomorrow off. Since we don’t know when the Wicked Witch of Windsor plans to ruin our lives with her little war, I’m dedicating the next couple of weeks to defeating the squirrelpocalypse. Don’t tell Skippy, but I do miss our feud during the winter months. At least I’ll have the weekly poker games to look forward to and get me through until the spring.

  “I’m sure Skippy misses you, too,” I reassured Leo, the doom and gloom ambiance having lifted the moment Liam had pulled me inside the tea shop. There was nothing for me to do about this war between the factions of the coven, and I had a birthday to celebrate with my family and friends. “You can take the entire day and—”

  Something had floated to the ground when I’d taken my sweater off the stool I’d set it on earlier. It was a
small piece of paper. I leaned down to pick it up, believing it was a receipt that I hadn’t properly filed away. Upon closer inspection, the palm of my right hand began to fill with warmth.

  No, it didn’t. You’re mistaken. Throw that piece of paper into the trashcan right now, Raven.

  “Leo, it’s a message,” I whispered in disbelief. We’d both wondered why Nan hadn’t paid us a visit when everyone else seemed to call on their loved ones after Aunt Rowena had pierced the veil. After hearing from her that the Marigold ancestors had basically gone on strike and refused to speak with her, we’d all assumed that was the reason Nan had stayed far away from us. There was no mistaking her handwriting, though. “It’s from Nan.”

  I blame the Wicked Witch of Windsor for this, you know. She’s the reason my beloved Rosemary had to stay away from us. I bet that your grandmother knows the toad spell, and she could have shared it with you and your mother.

  “Leo?”

  Oh, there’s that tone again. The one that tells me you’re about to delay my heroic actions of bringing the squirrelpocalypse to a halt. Does my beloved Rosemary at least tell me how to handle two Marigolds at once? She must have left a manual behind or something.

  “No manual, but she did write me a message—you’re the one.”

  Seriously? That’s what my beloved Rosemary took the time to write while we were dealing with the Wicked Witch of Windsor? Wait just a bat’s wing. You’re the one for what? To stop the squirrelpocalypse?

  “I don’t know,” I whispered in apprehension as I stared at the note. There was something ominous about being the one responsible for something I was basically in the dark over. I instinctively rested my right hand over my gift, thankful for Liam and his thoughtfulness. I might need this gemstone now more than ever. “I don’t know, Leo, but we need to be prepared for anything. There is one more prophetic piece to the message…wear the stone.”

  It’s a good thing I fortified myself with some edibles. Okay, Raven. First things first—we need to prepare you a bug-out bag.

  ~ The End ~

  Find out who’s been naughty or nice in the next snowbound whodunit of the Paramour Bay Mysteries by USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne…

  Click HERE

  Stockings are hung by the chimney with care and visions of catnip dance in the air this yuletide season in Paramour Bay. The spirit of giving is in full swing, and the residents of this small coastal Connecticut town are finishing up their last minute holiday shopping.

  Raven Marigold takes a break from minding the tea shop to enjoy the winter wonderland the council members have magically created in the middle of town square. The holiday festival has everything from a lighted Christmas tree to singing elves. Even good ol’ St. Nick has shown up to hear the wish lists of excited children, but the jolliness in his ho-ho-ho disappears when one of his reindeer goes missing! Is this a reindeer-napping or has the precious animal just wandered off?

  Grab a plate of sugar cookies and a glass of milk as Raven and the gang attempt to unwrap the next seasonal whodunit in order to save the cheer for a Merry Christmas this year!

  Books by Kennedy Layne

  Hex on Me Mysteries

  If the Curse Fits

  Cursing up the Wrong Tree

  The Squeaky Ghost Gets the Curse

  The Curse that Bites

  Curse Me Under the Mistletoe

  Paramour Bay Mysteries

  Magical Blend

  Bewitching Blend

  Enchanting Blend

  Haunting Blend

  Charming Blend

  Spellbinding Blend

  Cryptic Blend

  Broomstick Blend

  Spirited Blend

  Yuletide Blend

  Office Roulette Series

  Means (Office Roulette, Book One)

  Motive (Office Roulette, Book Two)

  Opportunity (Office Roulette, Book Three)

  Keys to Love Series

  Unlocking Fear (Keys to Love, Book One)

  Unlocking Secrets (Keys to Love, Book Two)

  Unlocking Lies (Keys to Love, Book Three)

  Unlocking Shadows (Keys to Love, Book Four)

  Unlocking Darkness (Keys to Love, Book Five)

  Surviving Ashes Series

  Essential Beginnings (Surviving Ashes, Book One)

  Hidden Ashes (Surviving Ashes, Book Two)

  Buried Flames (Surviving Ashes, Book Three)

  Endless Flames (Surviving Ashes, Book Four)

  Rising Flames (Surviving Ashes, Book Five)

  CSA Case Files Series

  Captured Innocence (CSA Case Files 1)

  Sinful Resurrection (CSA Case Files 2)

  Renewed Faith (CSA Case Files 3)

  Campaign of Desire (CSA Case Files 4)

  Internal Temptation (CSA Case Files 5)

  Radiant Surrender (CSA Case Files 6)

  Redeem My Heart (CSA Case Files 7)

  A Mission of Love (CSA Case Files 8)

  Red Starr Series

  Starr’s Awakening(Red Starr, Book One)

  Hearths of Fire (Red Starr, Book Two)

  Targets Entangled (Red Starr, Book Three)

  Igniting Passion (Red Starr, Book Four)

  Untold Devotion (Red Starr, Book Five)

  Fulfilling Promises (Red Starr, Book Six)

  Fated Identity (Red Starr, Book Seven)

  Red’s Salvation (Red Starr, Book Eight)

  The Safeguard Series

  Brutal Obsession (The Safeguard Series, Book One)

  Faithful Addiction (The Safeguard Series, Book Two)

  Distant Illusions (The Safeguard Series, Book Three)

  Casual Impressions (The Safeguard Series, Book Four)

  Honest Intentions (The Safeguard Series, Book Five)

  Deadly Premonitions (The Safeguard Series, Book Six)

  About the Author

  First and foremost, I love life. I love that I’m a wife, mother, daughter, sister… and a writer.

  I am one of the lucky women in this world who gets to do what makes them happy. As long as I have a cup of coffee (maybe two or three) and my laptop, the stories evolve themselves and I try to do them justice. I draw my inspiration from a retired Marine Master Sergeant that swept me off of my feet and has drawn me into a world that fulfills all of my deepest and darkest desires. Erotic romance, military men, intrigue, with a little bit of kinky chili pepper (his recipe), fill my head and there is nothing more satisfying than making the hero and heroine fulfill their destinies.

  Thank you for having joined me on their journeys…

  Email:

  kennedylayneauthor@gmail.com

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  facebook.com/kennedy.layne.94

  Twitter:

  twitter.com/KennedyL_Author

  Website:

  www.kennedylayne.com

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  www.kennedylayne.com/aboutnewsletter.html