A Grave Spell (The Spellwork Files Book 1)

by Jenna Collett

  So far, both steps had eluded me, and I’d accumulated a pile of junk resting at the base of the wall.

  My next toss sent a marble chess piece through the only unbroken window. I winced as the glass shattered, knowing Caden was working on repairs in the room beneath us. His exasperation echoed throughout the house.

  “Seriously, Graves?” he shouted.

  I examined the vaguely horse-shaped hole in the window. “Sorry! I almost had that one.”

  “She did not have that one,” Oscar bellowed, throwing me under the bus.

  Loki watched us both, clearly wondering when it was his turn to play catch.

  Scowling, I glanced at my dwindling supply of chess pieces. Once those were gone, I’d have to trek back down to the basement and grab another box of odds and ends to lob at the wall. All in the name of magical advancement.

  Oscar spun his finger in the air. “Again. Repetition is the key that unlocks knowledge, and knowledge is the key that unlocks your mind.” He tapped a ghostly finger against his temple.

  “What?” I groaned and rolled my eyes toward the cracked ceiling. My ghost guide was a certified self-help guru. Next, he’d have me drinking kombucha and becoming one with the spell.

  Selecting a pawn from the basket, I shook it between my palms like I planned to roll a pair of dice. I blew on my hands before throwing the chess piece against the wall. It smacked the plaster and landed on top of the pile.

  Snake eyes.

  “You’re not doing it right,” Oscar said, gesturing toward the book. “You need to enunciate more. Really lean into the vowels.”

  “I don’t think it’s my pronunciation,” I grumbled, grabbing another pawn. Only two pieces left. I needed to make these count.

  This was the first test I hadn’t aced in what felt like forever. If this were ancient history, biology, or even physics, then no problem. But—wait. Maybe there was a way to figure this out. My mind analyzed the problem. Each previous throw proved I had no control over the object before it hit the wall, which likely meant there was a disconnect between the distance of the object to the center of my power. Objects closest to me would be easiest to control.

  Timing was everything.

  Closing my eyes, I breathed deeply, channeling energy into my hands. This time when the pawn left my hand, I immediately spoke the incantation, feeling a rush of power as the object connected with my magic. End over end, the pawn sailed through the air, and then it landed flush against the wall, held in place by a current of magic.

  I did it!

  “Did you see that?” I fist-pumped the air, still keeping the pawn elevated.

  “Good show, my dear. You figured it out. I didn’t want to spoil the answer.” Oscar clapped and nodded as if he’d performed the task.

  My lips flattened in disbelief. “You said it was because of my vowels!”

  He sputtered and bent to examine the spell book, grumbling to Loki about this spell being too easy.

  “Nice one, Graves.” I spun toward the sound of Caden’s voice and spotted him leaning in the doorway. He had sawdust on his T-shirt and a light dusting in his hair, making the dark locks appear lighter. His gray eyes gleamed with something that made the breath catch in the back of my throat.

  “Pretty good, huh? Am I forgiven for breaking the window, or are you going to make me pay for it?”

  “Last time I checked, you were out of a job.”

  “Only until my hunter’s check comes in. Besides, I seem to recall getting fired from my last job and it being all someone else’s fault. I’m too gracious to name names, but let’s just say the window should be a freebie.”

  Caden cocked his head and held up a half-filled plastic water bottle. “That’s not how I see it. But I’ll let you off the hook if you can do the spell in reverse.”

  Ah, step two. A moving target.

  I nodded, nerves bubbling to the surface. He’d pretty much called my bluff, but there was no way I planned on backing down now. I just had to incorporate what I’d learned and wait for the exact right moment. Easier to do when you were the one throwing; less so when the object was coming at you.

  “Ready?” Caden stepped into the room and positioned himself about eight feet in front of me.

  “Yeah, but take a few more steps back and don’t throw it like you’re a star baseball pitcher. I’ll duck and let it take out the rest of the window.”

  He chuckled and obeyed my command. Raising the water bottle, he said, “I’ll be nice and give you a count of three. One . . . two . . .”

  The bottle left his hand, flying straight at me. What happened to three? I forced myself to remain still for longer than anyone would have. My body tensed for impact.

  Stay focused . . .

  Now!

  My hand shot out, and the spell wrapped around the bottle. Half a second longer and it would have smacked me in the chest. I pushed my hand forward, and the water bottle reversed directions. Caden caught it, and I released the spell, shaking out my fingers.

  That was intense, and the effects of using too much magic were taking their toll. After a day of working with Oscar, I needed a nap.

  Caden whistled. “Not bad for your first time.”

  “Not bad? That was some high-quality witchery. I may have even broken a record.” I cast a glance at Oscar to check, but he shook his head. “Okay, so it wasn’t record-breaking, but it’s certainly worthy of some praise.”

  Loki was the only one who seemed to understand I was fishing for compliments. He trotted over and rolled in a circle before sitting up on his hind legs with a hearty bark.

  “At least the dog gets it,” I grumbled, reaching out a hand for a ghostly sniff.

  Oscar sighed, completely missing the point. “We’re still horribly behind schedule with your training. Years, in fact, but you had an adequate first day.” He pointed to the spell book. “Before you go, I’m giving you homework. Read through the next two sections, and I want you to master the spell on page forty-eight for next time.”

  I groaned and stuffed the spell book into my bag. Between training and classes, I was drowning in homework. Plus, we still had to look into the rest of the suspects on our list and track down a cache of missing artifacts. It was too much!

  “Hunters are allowed to have a life too, you know? They didn’t have this back in your day, but it’s called a work-life balance. With everything on my plate, I barely have enough time to sleep.”

  “You’ll sleep when you’re dead!” Oscar pointed out with a satisfied smirk.

  “Yeah? How’s that working out for you?”

  His smirk wilted, and he tugged on the ends of his vest, not meeting my gaze. “Not very well, actually. Haven’t slept in decades. Fine—take the night off from your homework, but try to do just a little bit of investigating. A smidgen.” He made a gesture, showing the amount with his index finger and thumb.

  I stifled a grin. “I think I can handle a smidgen. One of our suspects just got a new job at the Oaks Bar and Grille. Looks like I’ll be having dinner in town tonight, and not in the cafeteria.”

  Caden scowled, his grip tightening around the water bottle, making it crunch. “Not without me, you’re not.”

  I tossed my hands into the air and made a face. “Sorry, I already have a date. He’s about a foot and a half tall, furry, and thinks I’m the best witch around.”

  “Very funny, Graves. It’s me or the cafeteria.”

  Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I shrugged as if I wasn’t hoping he’d be my escort. “Fine. It’s a date. But you have to tell Loki the bad news.” Swallowing a laugh, I patted Caden’s arm as I walked past.

  Loki’s growl of disapproval followed me out the door.

  ***

  The server from the Oaks Bar and Grille seated us at a table by the window. Twinkling lights hung around the casing, casting an intimate glow over our section. A pair of votive candles sat on the center of a pristine white tablecloth, and our cotton napkins were folded fan-style on top of p
orcelain bread plates. Even the butter dish was fancy, filled with little pads of butter shaped like oak leaves.

  I ordered a sweetened ice tea, and Caden selected from the beers on draft. Once our server left to fill our drinks order, I removed my napkin and laid it across my lap. Caden gave me an odd look and did the same.

  “What is it, Graves? Why do you keep smiling?”

  “It’s nothing. I just can’t believe you wore a tie.”

  For the first time since we met, I watched embarrassment color his face. He cleared his throat and grumbled, “You called it a date, and this is a nice place. Besides, you’re wearing a skirt and makeup. You did something different with your hair too.”

  I sipped from my water glass and smiled. “It’s called loose curls and a smokey eye. Thank you for noticing.”

  “I noticed,” he said under his breath.

  His words set off a fluttery feeling inside my stomach. I picked up my menu as a much-needed distraction. To be fair, I had put a certain amount of effort into tonight’s dinner. I’d borrowed the mascara, eye shadow, and a tube of satiny lipstick from the girl across the hall, and then we’d played dress-up until we settled on my cute skirt and silk top.

  It was nice to know Caden had made a similar effort.

  “So, what looks good?” I asked, scanning the menu.

  “The baked lasagna.”

  “Really?” I lifted a brow. “I didn’t peg you for an Italian guy.”

  He shrugged. “It’s my favorite. We used to have these crazy Italian food nights back home. My mom baked the lasagna; my brother, Ben, was in charge of the Caprese salad; and I made the garlic bread. My dad just pounded his fork against the table.” Caden chuckled and mimicked the action with his fork. “What about you?”

  I fiddled with the end of the napkin on my lap. “It was just my mom and me growing up. Money was tight, but she made this one dish I always looked forward to. Tuna noodle casserole topped with shredded cheese.”

  Caden flashed a smile. There wasn’t any pity in his expression, and it was nice to share parts of my past with someone. “Tuna noodle? I wouldn’t have pegged you for a seafood girl.”

  “Surprise, surprise. It’s why I’m eyeing the lobster.”

  “Get whatever you want. You know how to work a commercial dishwasher, right?”

  I snorted a laugh into my water.

  Real classy, Elle.

  The server returned with our drinks and took our order. Caden raised his beer in a toast.

  “To your adequacy today.”

  We clinked glasses, and I rolled my eyes.

  “Oscar’s a tough teacher, but he knows his stuff. How did you two meet?”

  Caden grew quiet, his brow creasing. Setting his drink back down, he took a long time to answer.

  “It’s not very interesting. We were given our assignments ahead of you, and I went to meet him at the manor.”

  “I see. And whose idea was it for you to get a fake job and follow me around the country club?”

  Caden winced and loosened his tie. “It was my idea. Oscar didn’t approve, but I thought someone should keep an eye on you.”

  “You mean you wanted to test me, see what you were dealing with before I found out the truth? Considering how that night went, I imagine you found me lacking.”

  “Elle . . .” He paused, trying to find the right words.

  “It’s fine. You don’t need to explain. I understand perfectly,” I said, trying to mask the hurt in my voice.

  With the mood slightly altered, I figured it was time to get down to business. It was way too easy to imagine myself on an actual date with Caden when we were supposed to be investigating Jake.

  I glanced toward the bar at the other end of the restaurant. Jake was behind the counter, mixing drinks. He didn’t notice us when we came in, which gave us a chance to observe him without detection.

  The plan was for Caden to question him while I caused a distraction and swiped his van keys from under the bar. Jake always kept his stuff under the register and never in the storage cubicles supplied to waitstaff at the country club. I was banking on history repeating itself.

  When our food arrived, I dug into my meal and turned our conversation toward the main event.

  “So, getting back to our investigation. We know Jake was in the class that went to view the artifacts at the historical society. He was also working the night of the murder. Besides Julia Henry, I’d say he’s one of our best suspects.”

  Caden loaded his fork with lasagna and nodded in agreement. “What about that friend of yours, Zoe? Wasn’t she in the same class as Jake?”

  “Yeah, but she dropped the class.”

  “Before or after the field trip?”

  I didn’t know. Zoe hadn’t mentioned it. But she’d never mentioned having the class in the first place. Her omissions didn’t make her a killer demon though. I’d know if my best friend was evil, wouldn’t I?

  “It’s not Zoe. Let’s keep our focus on Jake.” I couldn’t help the note of irritation in my voice, and I buttered my dinner roll with a little too much force, spearing the knife straight through the bread.

  Caden sighed. “Elle, I know you don’t want to suspect your friend, but we have to consider her just like the others. It’s only fair.”

  No, it wasn’t fair. Maybe it was irrational, but I wasn’t ready to go there.

  Tossing my napkin onto the table, I pushed out of my chair. “I said it’s not her. I’m going to say hello to Jake and interview an actual suspect.”

  I made my way to the bar, unsure if Caden would follow as planned. Sliding onto the stool near the cash register, I waved as Jake did a double-take and strolled to where I was seated.

  “Hey, Elle. Weird seeing you on the other side of the bar without your uniform.” He grinned and held up the fruit tray, offering me the selection of drink garnishes. “Want one for old times’ sake?”

  I reached for a cherry, relishing the sweet burst of flavor as I bit into the fruit. Jake popped one into his mouth as well and sent me a wink.

  “Are you here to apply for a job? I can grab the manager.”

  Waving away the offer, I glanced over my shoulder to find Caden behind me. He rested a hand on the back of my chair and gave me a subtle nod. Our plan was in motion. I relaxed a little knowing he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel after our disagreement.

  “Wait—are you two here together?” Jake leaned his elbows on the bar. “Did Elusive Elle actually agree to go on a date? Has Hell frozen over?”

  I reached into the garnish tray and tossed an olive at Jake’s head. “Don’t call me that. Just because I have high standards doesn’t make me elusive.”

  Jake relocated the tray out of reach and chuckled. “That’s exactly what it makes you.”

  “I meet your high standards, huh?” Caden’s hand moved from the chair to my shoulder, giving it a teasing squeeze.

  “Please, somebody save me from egotistical men.” Rolling my eyes, I angled my head, trying to give Caden the universal signal to stop feeling me up and start asking questions. He only picked up on one of the messages. His fingers slid down my bare arm, making my skin tingle.

  I shivered. Distract Jake, not me!

  “How crazy was our last shift at the country club? I still can’t believe an ice sculpture crushed that woman.” Caden said.

  Jake blew out a breath and leaned against the bar. “Yeah, man, I’ve never seen anything like it. I couldn’t go back after that, so I picked up some shifts here. The money’s decent and the hours are better.”

  “Are you going to the memorial? I think it’s next week. Weren’t you in one of Professor Roberts’ classes?”

  “Yeah, I’m in her afternoon class, but that other lady, Professor Henry, took over for the rest of the semester. She passed out reminders for the memorial at our last class, but I’m not going. All that death stuff makes me uncomfortable.”

  I nodded and shifted in my seat, trying to find something that would mak
e for a good distraction. The liquor bottles were my best bet. I could use a spell to knock one of them over and then swipe his keys while he was cleaning up.

  “She took over for my class too. It’s definitely strange.” I spread my palm flat on the counter and channeled my magic. Knocking over a bottle wouldn’t be easy, and on my first try I only succeeded in jiggling the amber liquid inside. What I needed were my amplification crystals.

  On try number two, I achieved a small rocking motion. Caden noticed what was happening and lay his hand over mine, intertwining our fingers. To anyone watching, it was a romantic gesture, but in reality, I felt a surge of power, and the bottle started to tip.

  Jake frowned and bent over the bar, signaling us closer. “You know, I didn’t tell anyone this, not even the police, but I saw Professor Henry put something in Professor Roberts’ drink right before the accident.”

  “What?” Startled, I lost focus on the spell, but it was too late. The liquor bottle crashed to the floor.

  The sound of glass shattering silenced the restaurant until Jake jumped into motion, waving everyone back to their meals, and went to get a broom. I was slow to move, my mind racing at Jake’s admission. What did it mean? And what had she put in the drink?

  Caden bumped my shoulder, reminding me of my task. With Jake still occupied, I leaned over the bar, reaching beneath the register. I felt around until my fingers found a set of keys. Flashing the set to Caden, I slipped off my stool.

  “Keep him busy. Tell him I went to the bathroom to fix my makeup. That should give me plenty of time.”

  Before I could leave, Caden grabbed my arm. “Why don’t you let me go search? I don’t like you going out there by yourself.”

  “You don’t even know what his van looks like.”

  “Elle . . .”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll be quick, I promise.”

  Caden reluctantly released my arm, and I weaved through the bustling dining area. I pushed through the door that led to a covered parking garage and walked quickly through a row of parked cars, searching for Jake’s gray van.