Magical Twist: Paranormal Women's Fiction (Midlife Witchery Book 3)

by Brenda Trim

“I suspect that you have some resistance to his power which is why he tried another tactic and used the portal,” Sebastian told me. “I’ve never seen him open himself to so much danger. I’ve seen Fae fall every day to his machinations. The fact that you haven’t yet succumbed to whatever he has thrown at you creates enough of a risk. Your best bet is to mask your energy signature and scent.”

  “That’s impossible to do,” Grams argued. “A halfling can’t hide their true identity, so even if she manages to cloak her signature, he will know it’s her. No other hybrid would be stupid enough to enter Eidothea.”

  Argies sat on a stool and grabbed a muffin from the counter in front of him. “You’re right, Isidora. He will know it’s her immediately. We can't wait to take him out, or he will discover a way to get to you and take your power. If he obtains your power, there will be no way to stop him. It would be the worst outcome for all involved.”

  Butterflies swarmed in my gut, and my breathing turned shallow. I didn’t want to go. I was just starting a new life and loving it, even with death and danger around every corner. I was excited about the idea of having my Grams there in person to teach me new skills.

  “I’m going with you guys.” My eyes flew open at my grandmother’s statement. I just brought her back to life. I can’t stand the thought of her being in danger.

  “No, you can't leave Pymm's Pondside. Not only do we have little understanding of the enchantment that brought you back, but we don’t know if and/or when it will fail. You need to stay here while the land is still vulnerable. Vodor might not have really been stealing our family’s energy. Still, he found a new source of energy that weakens us in the process. He will keep trying to exploit that connection until I am too weak to fight him.”

  “Fair point. I’ll stay, but what happens if the magic fueling my current existence is exhausted while you’re gone? I will have no way to protect you or our home.”

  The thought of leaving Pymm’s Pondside and all of Cottlehill Wilds vulnerable made me sick to my stomach. We already had one homicidal maniac on the loose. “We call in Camille, so she is here to back you, Aislinn, and Violet up should the worst happen.”

  Grams made a face. “I don’t need that woman here. I will manage just fine without her, especially if I have these two with me.”

  There was something between the women that I didn’t understand, and now was not the time to delve into the reasons. I had to reinforce Grams’ life force before leaving and pray nothing happened.

  “I’ll cast protections over your body, focusing on your vital organs before we leave. But I need you to promise that if you start to feel off in any way at all, you will give her a call so she can come to protect the portal.” It was all I could do at the moment.

  Grams reluctantly nodded her head and set her empty teacup in the sink. “I won’t let anything get in the way of protecting our home. Now, we have some spells to go over before you guys head out. I want to make sure you know as much as possible.”

  I nodded and dumped out the grounds Sebastian had put under the filter, then rinsed everything and put on a fresh pot of coffee. I needed the boost if I was going to get through this crap without falling asleep.

  Chapter 7

  “You do realize we’re going, right Fi?” I glared at Violet’s announcement. The thought of her putting her life on the line made my stomach hurt worse. Maybe I was getting an ulcer. It wouldn’t be a surprise. I’d been stressed out and hit with one emergency after another.

  “You have to be here for Ben and Bailey. They need you.” I hoped she listened to reason. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if anything happened to her.

  “I’m not sure when you forgot that we’re the Backside of Forty and in this together. We are both going with you.” Aislinn stood there glaring at me with her arms folded over her chest.

  I’d just gone around with my grandmother. I couldn’t fight Violet and Aislinn, too. “Alright, but you listen to these guys if they tell you something. They’re the experts on Eidothea, and we are all returning home on one piece.”

  Grams threw her hands up and made a scoffing sound. “So, you allow them to go, but not me. I’m a powerful hybrid on my own, Fiona. Perhaps I should remind you.”

  I rolled my eyes at her bravado. I knew it was difficult for her to be left out. She’d been out of the game for months and obviously wanted to be a part of it. Unfortunately, we couldn’t afford my spell slipping and the portal being left vulnerable.

  “You know why you can’t come. Even if we could be assured the magic that brought you back wouldn’t fail with you ending up dead again, I need you here to ensure Vodor cannot attack the portal again as a way to weaken me.”

  “I hadn’t even considered that,” Finarr blurted. “I’ve been so focused on getting back so we can wage war against him that I haven’t processed the ramifications of him being able to drain you through the portal. We need to assume the fucker will hack into the magic and use it as a way to weaken you the second he knows you’re in his territory.”

  Sebastian growled and started pacing. “Are there any additional protections you can cast to tighten the magic of the portal? We need all the layers we can add because Finarr is right. He got to you once using the veil against you and will do it again.”

  Shaking my head from side to side, I refilled my coffee cup. “I have no idea. I haven’t exactly been studying.”

  “I’m not sure there is anything.” I didn’t like Grams saying that. She always had the answer. How could she come up empty at a time when I needed a Hail Mary? “There aren’t additional enchantments in the family grimoire, but we should add additional layers of simple protection spells around both sides.”

  “I’m not sure I will have time to cast protections after we cross into Eidothea. Last time I was met with a troop of soldiers when I landed in the realm.” One of Vodor's men had yanked me through the portal and lost his life in the process, but I was stuck there and had to take off running in a foreign place to avoid being captured or killed. My heart raced, and I got lightheaded just thinking about going back.

  “Normally, you would have to be there to cast the protections on that side, but you forget you’re a nicotisa. You can do it from here.” Every time Grams reminded me I was this super powerful hybrid, I wanted to find a cave to hide out in. I had no idea what being a nicotisa meant other than it put a target on my back. The reality was I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, and there were thousands, maybe even millions of Fae counting on me to save their realm. No problem. Piece of cake.

  Setting my mug down, I bobbed my head and trudged to the door. “At least I’m getting all my steps in today.”

  Violet snorted as she smoothed her hair back from her face. “My legs are bitching at me that we don’t need to get them in before eight am.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh at Violet’s joke. “Let’s get this done, so we can pack and go save a realm.”

  For the umpteenth time since I was startled out of bed a few hours ago, I walked outside and crossed to the crypt. It was eerie to see the exposed bones. Next on the list after saving Eidothea was rebuilding this structure. The killer roaming Cottlehill Wilds would have to wait until that happened. We couldn’t have the portal so exposed.

  If I was lucky, Thelvienne was the killer haunting our streets. I refused to think about how unlucky I’d been lately and focused on calling up my river. It flowed readily through my veins.

  I closed my eyes and tried to mentally trace the magic's path and get a picture of the weak spots. I was looking through a massive tunnel that made me think of the aorta and how it carried blood to the body.

  Using that analogy, I recalled the countless AAA repairs I had assisted Miles with. Bringing up the metal-polyester graft image used to patch any tears or holes, I used the idea and applied it to the thin spots along the tunnel. I recall Violet and Aislinn both telling me that intent was vital to performing magic. It was the one factor that helped keep me focused. And I had
to believe it worked. I might not be graceful and execute my spells flawlessly, but I managed to get close to the hoped-for results.

  Grams grabbed my hand before I managed to cast. Looking down at her, I smiled. This was how I should have learned. With her by my side, assisting and directing me along the way. There were no guarantees she would be with me for long, so I appreciated her while I had her.

  “Praesidio et tranquillissimum,” we both chanted at the same time. Energy flowed from our joined hands and traveled to the veil shielded by our ancestors. It vibrated, sounding like bees buzzing in a hive as it activated. The wind whipped around us, sending our hair flying into our faces before settling a few seconds later.

  I brushed the red strands out of my eyes, surprised to feel my connection to the portal as a thick gold band where it was a thin ribbon before. It was like a second heartbeat, thrumming in my middle. I wasn’t sure if that would leave me more vulnerable to an attack by Vodor or not. When I traced the tunnel's magic, I was surprised to find it covered in a thick layer of the patch.

  “How’d you come up with the lining?” Grams asked as we released each other.

  “You can feel that?” She hadn’t told me to find the magic and follow it, so I wasn’t sure if it was just me or not.

  “I had no idea you’d done anything until you just pulled me into the energy of the portal. I’ve never experienced it from that perspective. It was almost as if we were standing inside the thing and evaluating it.” I’d never seen the awed expression Grams wore at that moment.

  “I didn’t mean to pull you in with me. I thought about how doctors repair and reinforce weak walls of arteries, particularly the aorta, and applied that method to reinforcing the portal. That’s why it felt like you were inside it because I traced the magic to get a picture of what we needed to do.” I was babbling. I did that when I got nervous. Everyone was staring at me as if I’d grown another head.

  “What?” I demanded.

  Grams shook her head. “You have a unique way of looking at things. And this right here was proof of how powerful you are.”

  “Ordinary witches can’t do that,” Violet explained.

  “The Fae can’t either. At least not that I’m aware,” Aislinn added.

  “No. Fae can’t get inside an enchantment and look around to evaluate it,” Sebastian agreed.

  I shrugged my shoulders then started walking back to the house. “Now that the holes are patched, we have some packing to do. I’m not going through without a bag this time. Can I bring one of your weapons, Bas? I’d feel better if I had something aside from magic to fight back with.”

  “Sure. I’ll grab some supplies from my place and be back in a few.”

  Aislinn lifted a hand. “I could use a weapon, too, if you have one.”

  “I have a forty-five I’ll bring.” Violet owned a gun? How had I never known that about her? I didn’t like them. I’d seen the damage they caused, most accidentally. Not to mention the fact that you are something like ten times more likely to be killed by your own gun.

  “I’ll grab you a dagger. Automatic weapons like that aren’t reliable in the Fae realm.” I gaped at Sebastian’s announcement. I was learning new shit left and right today, and it wasn’t even eight yet.

  With weapons decided, we said our goodbyes and agreed to meet back at my house in an hour. I tried to settle my mind and focus on packing as I entered the house and climbed the stairs. I was going to the Fae realm to kill the king.

  I’d never murdered anyone before killing Thelvienne, and here I was planning another death only hours later. The thought made me uneasy because I didn’t regret what I’d done and wasn’t hesitating to help ensure Vodor went down. They were evil to their core and exploited other creatures for their own selfish reasons.

  A knock on the door made me jump. My hand flew to my chest as I turned to see who was there. “Sebastian. I’m almost done here.” I shoved another pair of socks and underwear in my backpack and considered the leggings and t-shirts I had laid out.

  “I was hoping to talk before everyone else arrived.”

  Lifting my head, I nodded and set the clothes down. “What did you want to talk about.”

  “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’m worried about you going to Eidothea, where Vodor has all the power. You will be more vulnerable.”

  I cupped his cheeks, giving him a smile. “You can’t wrap me in bubble wrap. I know it’s difficult to see right now, but I do have some powers. I’ve done shit like bring Grams back, which frightens me, so I hold back at times. I have three kids to take care of and a new life to explore. I’m not about to hold back and let this asshole get the best of me.”

  Bas closed the distance between us and pressed his mouth to mine before he pulled away. I wanted to object and bring him right back. “I know you’re a powerful, grown woman capable of making your own decisions, but I can't help wanting to keep you safe. It’s not something I’m used to experiencing, and I’m not going to stop you. I just wanted you to know how I feel and why I will be stepping between you and danger. I don’t want to go into battle without telling you that I’m all in. I want more with you. I know you have wanted time to get through these crises first, but I refused to go into this fight without letting you know how I feel.”

  It had been decades since I was overcome by those fluttery feelings. The way my heart opened wide hadn’t happened since the early days with Tim and the births of my kids.

  Without letting my mind talk me out of my reaction, I followed my gut and threw my arms around his neck, then jumped into his arms. He caught me and held my backside in his hands.

  “I moved here to start my life over. It has been one major crisis after another, saving the adrenalin junky in me from getting bored and moving away. Still, it has made it difficult for me to think beyond today. I have to say that putting aside the fact that I got my magic and bringing my Grams back, you are the best surprise of all. You make me feel things I thought I never would again. And you brought me back from the dead. Literally. You set my body on fire in the best way possible.”

  A slow smile spread over his mouth. “In what ways?” He didn’t wait for me to answer as his mouth took mine in a rugged, sensual kiss. His lips were harsh and bruising and made me wet faster than hot flashes made me sweat.

  “Mmmm,” I groaned against his mouth.

  His hands tightened on my ass cheeks and tugged me taught against his body. I loved kissing him. It took me back decades and reminded me what new love was like. I understood why there were serial monogamists that went from relationship to relationship. I wanted to hold onto the passion flowing freely between us and hold it close.

  Bas moved his mouth and nipped his way to my earlobe. “We’d better stop before this gets out of hand.”

  My brain was fogged with hormones and need. “Who says we have to stop? We have thirty minutes for a quickie.”

  His groan vibrated against my pounding pulse. “Don’t tease, Butterfly.”

  Reaching between our bodies, I gripped his shirt in my fists and pulled up over his head. “I might not be ready to profess my undying love to you, but I know I want more, as well. And I don’t want to go into this without feeling you inside me at least once. It’ll give me something else to fight for.”

  I tossed his shirt aside, and my gaze became glued to the muscled planes of his chest. I’d never seen a more perfectly sculpted body in my life. My hands went to it like metal to a magnet.

  “You are gorgeous.”

  Sebastian walked backward and laid me on my bed, then stood back and watched me closely. His hands went to my boots and pulled them off my feet before going for my pants and panties. I lifted my hips, giving him more access while also trying to raise my sweatshirt over my head.

  Bas chuckled at my eagerness and shucked his shoes and pants next. I licked my lips. “Commando?”

  Sebastian fell on me then and laid his body over mine. I still had on my bra and socks and probably looked rid
iculous, but that didn’t stop him from devouring my mouth. Something brushed over my clit a second later, and I gasped.

  “Oh, God.” I writhed and lifted and moved, trying to get more pressure where I needed it. At first, I thought he had run his finger through my slit until his cockhead nudged my opening.

  “Need to make sure you’re prepared for me,” he murmured more as if he was reminding himself than talking to me.

  I answered anyway. “I’m good to go. Never been more ready in my life.”

  He chuckled and retook my mouth, his tongue sliding against mine, mimicking how our bodies were joining. The pressure at my core increased then disappeared. I had no patience for this slow shit.

  I lifted my hips at the same time he thrust back in, and I ended up impaling myself on his impressive cock. I sucked in a breath and stilled while my body adjusted. He was much bigger, and it had been a long time since I had been with a man. For a split second, my chest constricted. Tim was no longer the last guy I’d been with. The fact that I was with Sebastian and this wasn’t some one-night stand got me right back on track.

  Bas kissed down the side of my neck and went lower. Using his teeth, he tugged my bra cup lower until he exposed my nipple. His tongue was rather talented as he licked then sucked the hard bud into his mouth. Just like that, my arousal was through the roof.

  My hips lifted to meet his as he set a fast and hard rhythm. I wasn’t sure whether it was because it had been so long or because Sebastian’s cock hit nerves inside me that had never been touched before. Still, I raced up the hill with my body coiling tightly.

  My heart raced as I chased my climax. I couldn’t think beyond the pleasure of the moment, which turned out to be a relief. I tended to get into my head, and I didn’t want anything ruining this perfect moment.

  Sebastian didn’t try to make this an emotional encounter. Even his declaration to me wasn’t all that touchy-feely. I’d bet anything he sensed too much would make me shut down at the moment and held back while still sharing what he needed to. I appreciated that he didn’t push me or try to tell me what to do.