by TJ Green
Kate was one of Alex’s bar staff, and was very capable of looking after herself. “Was he a local?”
“No. I didn’t recognise him, but that’s not surprising. There are lots of visitors at the moment, and the town will only get fuller over the next couple of weeks.” He pushed his chair back from the table. “I’ll go and order the food and see what I can find out.”
She watched Alex walk to the bar, and then glanced around the room, feeling with her magic for anything odd. However, after several minutes, she had to conclude that she couldn’t detect anything especially different. But why should she? The party that the woman in her shop had attended had been several days ago now. She shook her head, perplexed, and then saw Alex heading back to her.
He sat down, looking disappointed. “The party was for a woman’s thirtieth birthday. The place was packed, apparently. Unfortunately, the guy behind the bar didn’t have the name. The bookings are taken downstairs.”
“Did anything odd happen?”
“Nope. Just the usual, drinking and eating. It got pretty loud, but nothing out of the ordinary from what he could remember.”
Avery huffed. “Oh well, I suppose it was a long shot. And even if we find out who booked it, doesn’t mean we could ever find out if someone had cast a spell.”
“He did say though that it had been a busy couple of weeks, and that although they cater to the younger crowd who are always rowdy, there had been a few more arguments lately. Girls getting catty, and men getting possessive or pushy.” His fingers tapped his beer glass. “The bouncers have had to step in a couple of times.”
“Really? That’s interesting!”
“And worrying. Maybe we’re not imagining things. I’m going to ask downstairs about the booking anyway, on our way out.”
Avery leaned her chin on her hand, idly playing with her wine glass with the other. “Shadow can feel magic rising, and she said the Goddess is here, too!” She updated him on their conversation, and then said what had been worrying her all day. “Do you think it will affect us? Will we start overreacting with exaggerated feelings of lust or jealousy?”
Alex took her hand in his. “It might. But we should be strong enough to resist it, especially as we’ll understand where it’s coming from.”
“I hope you’re right. I’m enjoying what we have right now. You know—us, together at my place.” She squeezed his hand, enjoying feeling his warmth. “I don’t want it to change.”
“It won’t,” he reassured her. “But let’s increase our protection spells anyway. Even if emotions start to affect us in the town, we can be safe at home and at work. Besides, Beltane energies might mean we get even more loved up, and won’t want to leave the bedroom!” Avery laughed as he winked at her, and he added, “I’m hoping for the latter!”
Before she could comment, his phone buzzed and he pulled his hand away to take it from his pocket, scanning the text. He looked up at her, his cheeky grin vanishing. “It’s Newton. He’d like to meet us for a pint, at my pub.”
“Did he say why?” Avery asked, already imagining the worst.
“No. I said we’d be there once we’d eaten.”
***
Newton was perched at the end of the bar with a pint in front of him, watching a football match on the TV that was mounted on the wall in the corner. The volume was low, but he was completely absorbed, not seeing Avery and Alex until they sat next to him.
“Hey Newton,” Avery said, noting his jeans and sweatshirt, which meant he hadn’t come straight from work. “How are you?”
He turned to her, his grey eyes distracted, but he focussed quickly. “Hey Avery, Alex.” He nodded at both of them. “Sorry, I was watching the footie. I’m fine, mostly. How are you two?”
“Worried about Beltane,” Alex answered. “And you. We’re hoping this is a social call.”
Newton wagged his head. “It sort of is, but you might have answered my question anyway. Why are you worried about Beltane?”
Alex explained about the heightened emotions they’d observed. “We think things can only get worse as it gets closer.”
Newton grimaced. “Damn. I was hoping I was imagining it, but maybe not. My colleagues have been dealing with more fights in recent days, and increasing domestic violence. Some of it’s from our usual suspects, and other incidents have been unusual.”
“Domestic violence?” Avery exclaimed. “You think that’s caused by Beltane?”
“Maybe. Domestic violence is about control and power, but sometimes it’s triggered by jealousy—and I don’t mean just men attacking women, either. We’ve had a fair bit of women attacking men, too.” He shrugged. “It could just be a coincidence, but I have to consider these things, and the timing is suspicious.”
Avery slumped against the bar. “You’re right. It is suspicious. We’re having a Witches Council meeting tomorrow. Everyone is reporting heightened tensions.”
“We’ve also had—” Newton started to laugh. “Sorry, it’s really not funny. We’ve also had a lot of very lusty behaviour. We’ve caught a few couples having sex in parks, down alleyways, and in cars at the side of the road. They didn’t even look that sorry at being caught!”
“Wow! Well, that sounds like a lot more fun than jealous arguments,” Alex said, also laughing.
“Are Beltane babies a thing?” He looked between them, amused.
“Actually, I think it used to be,” Avery admitted, “before contraception was so widely available.”
Newton nodded. “Well, I predict a baby boom in nine months! And maybe some broken marriages, too.”
“No one’s dead though, I hope?” Avery asked.
“Not because of this yet, as far as I know. There are a couple of deaths we’re looking into, but nothing to concern you.”
“How’s your new DCI getting on? Inez, was it?” Alex asked.
Newton nodded. “Inez Walker. She’s good! I like her. Efficient, clever, gets on with Moore, too. She’s an in-law of an officer who works in London, actually—on another paranormal team.” He looked at them over his nearly empty pint glass with raised eyebrows as he finished his drink.
Avery and Alex exchanged cautious glances. “What’s going on?” Avery asked, suspicious of his expression.
Newton smirked. “A certain DI Milne has been asking questions about Shadow and the Nephilim—and you, actually. Her DS is Inez’s brother-in-law.”
“Why is she asking about us?” Avery asked, alarmed. She shot a quick glance at Zee, the Nephilim who was serving customers further along the bar.
“Shadow and the Nephilim are working with the Orphic Guild, which you probably know, and Shadow ended up killing someone—while defending herself,” he added quickly. “Milne decided to look into their background, and contacted me.” He watched them both carefully as he said, “I told her about everyone, of course. I had to, she’s a colleague. But don’t worry, she’ll be discreet. It was those guys she was more interested in.”
“I get it,” Alex said to Newton. “Shadow told us some of what happened in London, and Harlan stayed here, actually, but they didn’t ask for our help—well, not much anyway. They didn’t want it. Gabe said he was sorting his own crap out.”
“Good for him,” Newton said, gesturing to the bar staff for another pint. “Now, tell me some more about Beltane. I have a feeling the more I know, the better.”
***
“I met my mate down the pub last night,” Dan said to Avery the next morning, while they were restocking shelves. “ He had some interesting news.”
Avery paused with book in hand, and looked up at him from where she was kneeling on the floor. “Is it bad?”
“Yes. Well, weird actually.”
She groaned. “Go on.”
“He’s in that play that’s on next week—Tristan and Iseult.” He looked around and then squatted next to her, lowering his voice. “He says that the atmosphere in rehearsals is tense, and there are rumours that the leads are having an affair.”
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“I met them yesterday morning,” Avery admitted. “In the town square, with Stan. I must admit they both looked awkward when Stan was talking about love than cannot be tamed!” She moved closer to Dan. “Are they in other relationships?”
“Yep. They’re both in long-term relationships. They’re being discrete, but let’s just say their performances are really good!”
Avery frowned, trying not to leap to conclusions. “Does that happen sometimes though, with actors? All that time spent together being intimate?”
Dan shrugged. “I guess so, but my mate said that it is unusual for those two, and I wondered if this could be Beltane stuff again? I didn’t say anything to him,” he added hastily.
“I guess it’s possible. Has your mate been in the group long?”
“The theatre group? Yeah, a few years. He’s had a few lead parts, but not in this one. Of course, there are three main parts really in that play—Tristan, Iseult, and King Mark.”
“What’s the group called?”
“White Haven Players. They perform in a few different venues, but this one will be at the Little Theatre.”
“So Stan said,” Avery told him. “They’re lucky to be performing there.”
“The town council arranged it—it’s all part of the Beltane celebrations, so it has to be good. Their first dress rehearsal is on Friday night. But,” Dan looked awkward. “I must admit, my mate didn’t seem his usual self, either.”
“In what way?”
“He was a bit intense, and Harry is normally pretty laid back.” He shrugged. “Maybe it’s the pressure of rehearsals.”
“I’ll bear it in mind,” Avery said, knowing better than to ignore Dan. He was calm and rational, and wouldn’t have mentioned it if he didn’t think there was something in it. “You never know, I guess.”
Sally stuck her head around the shelves. “There you are! What are you doing down there?”
They both stood up, and Avery said, “Dan’s sharing gossip about the theatre company.”
“You’ll have to fill me in,” Sally said to him. “But you’ve got a visitor, Avery.”
“Who?”
“James.”
James was the vicar at the Church of All Souls, and they had developed a friendship and mutual respect over the preceding months, although for a while he was suspicious of them. He knew about Avery and Alex’s magic, but they hadn’t told him about the other three witches. James often shared any concerns he had about the strange activities in White Haven, and with a sinking feeling, Avery realised he had more to share today.
Avery left Dan to finish stacking the books and headed to the window, where she could see James admiring the display.
James was in his late forties, Avery estimated, and wore a jumper and casual trousers, his jumper not quite disguising the white collar at his throat. He turned to greet her with a smile. “Hi, Avery. What an interesting window decoration.”
“Our Green Man and the Goddess. They are good, aren’t they? Sally found them.”
“Very rustic and seasonal. White Haven is certainly putting on a show for May Day.”
“Don’t we always?” she said, laughing. “Is the church decorated?”
“Not yet, but we’ll start filling it with flowers next week.” He glanced around, noting the customers browsing the shelves, and said, “Any chance we can chat privately?”
“I had a feeling you were going to ask that. Of course, follow me. Sally has brought a coffee and walnut cake in, and it’s amazing!”
Avery led the way to the kitchen and put the kettle on. When she turned around, James was already at the table, idly looking through some books stacked in the centre. “You have some books on Beltane,” he said, looking up at her. “These are nicely decorated.”
The books were hardbacks with cloth covers, and there were beautiful illustrations throughout. “They are! They’ll be going next to the window display later. We like to keep things seasonal, and these should sell well.”
James nodded, but his expression was vague and Avery could tell his thoughts were already drifting elsewhere. Before asking him anything else, she filled the teapot, and placed it on the table with cups, plates, and the cake.
He smiled wanly as she sat at the table with him. “Sorry, I always seem to sit here with worries on my mind.”
“I sometimes feel that’s what this room is for, and that’s fine. We all need a chance to offload sometimes—including me. What are you worried about?”
He glanced at the pile of books he’d moved to the side. “I’ve had a few parishioners coming to me with marital concerns—worries about infidelity, jealousies, or feelings for other people that have struck them out of nowhere. Some people are really concerned they might cheat on their spouse because their feelings for someone else are so strong. They’re bewildered because they can’t explain it.” His hands gripped his mug as he asked, “I’m concerned that this is Beltane-related, and I wanted to know if you’ve seen or felt anything strange?”
Avery sighed heavily and broke off a piece of cake, crumbling it into pieces. “Unfortunately, yes. We’ve all noticed odd behaviours. Even Sally had an argument with her husband, and that rarely happens! I’m hoping it will settle down, but...”
James nodded. “It’s unlikely isn’t it? In fact, it will probably get worse.”
“Two weeks until Beltane, and yes, undoubtedly passions will get stronger, wilder perhaps. It’s not just happening here, either—it’s all over Cornwall.”
James swallowed a mouthful of cake, his dark eyes serious. “I’ll ask around the other churches, see what they think.” He grinned suddenly. “Of course, it’s not all doom and gloom. I have some very loved-up couples, too. Several locals have announced they wish to set marriage dates. They are positively glowing with love, so that pleases me.”
“That’s the thing though, isn’t it? I’ve noticed extremes of behaviour, too. I wonder why some people are affected more than others. I mean, I feel fine now. What about you?”
James looked into the distance while he pondered the question. “I’m okay, so is my wife...I think. Let’s hope that continues. But what I’m also wondering is, why now? I don’t remember this happening in previous years.”
Avery appreciated James’s honesty, so she felt she should reciprocate, as much as seemed reasonable anyway, so she shared about what had happened with the Green Man and the Crossroads Circus.
James’s eyes widened slightly with surprise. “Oh. So, he’s here, a nature spirit, roaming around White Haven?”
“Sort of,” Avery said with a smile. “And he’s beyond our control, I’m afraid—he’s wild and mischievous. The Goddess is coming, too—they will only make each other worse. I must admit that I am concerned that someone is casting love spells, as well. I can’t completely blame the Green Man, but I have no proof as yet.”
“Love spells? Who’s doing that?” James asked, looking alarmed.
“I have no idea, and as I said, I might be wrong, but trust me, I’m looking into it.”
5
Avery decided to use witch-flight to attend the coven meeting at Oswald’s house, Crag End, just outside Mevagissey.
She arrived on his leafy driveway about thirty minutes before the meeting was due to begin, knowing there would be a chance to talk informally first. The evening was already darkening, the sky thick with clouds that promised rainfall. Avery shivered in the chill air, and pulled her woollen wrap around her shoulders as she stepped out from beneath the trees.
Oswald’s house was a turreted affair set within extensive grounds, and very private due to the high walls, trees, and shrubs that surrounded it. It looked inviting in the gloom with its many windows glowing with yellow lamplight, and smoke drifting from the chimneys. She was looking forward to catching up with the coven members, despite their ominous reason for meeting, but had to confess to feeling a little niggle of worry about seeing Caspian.
The last time she had seen him was on the night the
y had defeated the Empusa, when he had used witch-flight to take her to the crossroads. Avery couldn’t forget his expression as he’d looked at her with such longing and regret, confessing his feelings for her. Even now she felt inextricably guilty, as if she’d encouraged him somehow, and she hadn’t seen him since.
Avery had barely walked a few steps when a swirl of black appeared to her left, and she realised someone else had arrived using witch-flight. She paused, waiting, and in seconds Caspian stood there, quickly hiding his surprise at seeing her. For a few seconds, neither of them spoke, and then Avery said, “Hi, Caspian. It’s been a while.”
“It has,” he said, walking to her side, his eyes sweeping over her. “You look well.”
“I am, thanks, are you?” She felt awkward and hated it, and her heart was fluttering with nerves.
“I am, although work has kept me busy. Tonight will be a welcome distraction.”
She laughed, determined to appear as if nothing was wrong. “I’m not sure it will be. Beltane madness appears to have arrived.”
As soon as she’d said it, she felt the wind in the trees and smelled pungent blossoms, thick and cloying as they wrapped around her, making her giddy. This wasn’t the Green Man. It was the Goddess, flush with power and desire, and she brushed by Avery, filling her with an unexpected virility. She became painfully aware of Caspian’s height and heat as they stood together. She looked up at his face, noting his clean jaw and lips parted slightly, and something in her stare must have caught him by surprise, because in a split-second he grabbed her and pulled her under the trees.
Caspian’s eyes were wild, his arm wrapped around her waist, his hand tangled in her hair. Cradling the back of her head he pulled her close and kissed her with unexpected tenderness. For a second, Avery was stunned, and then became horrified as her sense returned, she pulled back, her hands on his chest as she pushed him away. “Caspian, no!”
He blinked, his eyes focussing, and he stepped back. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have.” He took another pace back, his arms falling to his sides, but his eyes held hers. “I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it, though.”