Mind Over Magical Matters: Paranormal women's Fiction (Midlife Witchery Book 2)

by Brenda Trim

  Aislinn joined me with a hoagie in hand. “Whose fantasy world are you going to enter? Sebastian’s?” She waggled her eyebrows while she chewed.

  I considered telling her Argiess, but I suspected there was something between the two and I didn’t want to come in between the possibility of love for her. She deserved someone who thought the moon and sun shone in her eyes.

  “I haven’t thought about that yet. I wanted to practice my potion making and thought this would be a good one in the event we needed to use it.”

  Grams pointed at me. “You need to stop doubting your abilities. It inhibits your progress to a significant degree. You’re a nicotisa and capable of more than any witch or Fae in the past century.”

  I shifted my feet and looked away. I didn’t like the pressure of being so powerful and what others would expect of me. “I shared with Violet and Aislinn. Doesn’t that mean I’m not as strong?”

  “No. It has had the opposite effect. You have even more, as do you two,” Grams explained to my surprise. How could that be? I gave it away. How did I have more? “However, it isn’t as easy to detect you or your level of power. If I hadn’t felt it myself, I would doubt what you are now.”

  “That makes no sense. How is that possible?” Logic told me I should have less not more after sharing it.

  “What about me and Violet? She feels more powerful to me. And my connection to the elements is far stronger than it ever has been. Not to mention my spells have as much power as if I were a full-blood.” I’d never heard Aislinn discuss herself like this.

  I had wondered at the tone her voice took when she mentioned being a half-blood Fae. If I had to guess I’d say she experienced discrimination at the hands of someone for being less than at one point in her life. It was a poignant reminder that women everywhere, regardless of their magical status, were told they weren’t good enough unless they had a pixie-sized waist, enormous breasts and flawless skin.

  The worst part of that was the suffering was largely self-imposed. It wasn’t as if people went around telling me outright that the extra bulge around my middle and the crow’s feet at the corners of my eyes were horrendous. They didn’t need to when every ad on TV and in magazines contained images of perfect women. It was really driven home when you were passed up for that promotion by someone a decade younger even though you had far more experience.

  I was done with doubting myself and my abilities. And, I’d make damn sure my friends believed in themselves, as well.

  “You both have been elevated. And thank the Gods for that. It’s about time this town was run by some competent individuals. Camille and Mae just weren’t powerful enough to break through the barrier and join the council. I expect more from you three.” Sometimes it was as if Grams could read my mind. It was exactly what we all needed to hear. I could see the impact on Aislinn as she straightened and smiled wide.

  “Taking on this council will have to wait. We have a killer on the loose and a realm to save. Although, I have no idea how we are going to do either.”

  Violet turned from Bailey who was gazing out the window while listening to our conversation. “We need to capture the bilge. It’s the surest way to identify whoever is behind all of this.”

  “We already know it’s either Thelvienne or Vodor. I say we eliminate the assassin and go after them. It’ll kill two birds with one stone. We can remove them from power, stopping their machinations and free Eidothea at the same time.” I nibbled on a sandwich as I considered how easy it was for me to talk about taking the lives of the bilge and the King and Queen.

  “You must not assume Vodor or Thelvienne are behind the attacks. There are plenty of Fae and witches that would love to steal your power.” Grams’ warning made the hair on the back of my neck prickle. I didn’t like thinking others had it out for me, as well.

  “She’s right,” Bailey announced as she turned away from the window to look at us. “I never once sensed any royal magic when Ben and I were taken. If either were responsible the Fae would have carried their signature and they didn’t.”

  Violet knelt by her daughter and cradled her hands. “Were you able to detect anything that will help us identify the culprit?”

  Bailey shook her head from side to side. “The magic wasn’t foreign. It felt like Cottlehill Wilds, but I must have been wrong.”

  Aislinn started pacing around the attic. “There are plenty here that have complained about escaping one tyrant to find themselves with even more restrictions here.”

  Grams waved one hand through the air, leaving a trail of white in her wake. “I doubt you’re wrong. Fae that escaped Vodor’s grasp expected to be able to live openly and freely when they moved here. It’s the reason the council was formed to begin with. We live side by side with norms and need to remain hidden or we will suffer a worse fate.”

  “True. I just wish Dereck wasn’t head of the council. He’s a pompous, self-important jackass,” Violet complained.

  I hadn’t ever met Dereck and from that description I didn’t want to.

  Grams pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes while she turned red around the edges. “He’s a real piece of work. I can’t wait until you three oust him from his position. I’ve been searching for a way to get rid of him ever since he and your father got into it. I still swear he is partially to blame for you growing up away from here.”

  I opened my mouth to ask more about that but shut it when I got a ping from the portal. It wasn’t as insistent as I had experienced before. “I need to go deal with whoever is at the portal, but I want to hear more about that when I get back.”

  Grams returned to her normal whiteish-blue coloring throughout. “There’s not much to say. He saw your dad as competition for head of the council and didn’t like it. Remember to use your connection to the land to help you determine the Fae’s intent. If they mean you harm the magic will warn you.”

  “Right. It’ll feel like something is trying to cut me off. I remember feeling boxed in and removed from the elements right before that last one pulled me through the portal. I’ll be back.”

  Grams continued asking Bailey questions about what she’d seen and felt as I took my leave. I hurried down the narrow staircase, anxious to get this over with. I passed Ben who was rummaging in the fridge.

  The cold snap of the early evening bit into my bare arms. I shivered and wrapped my arms around my waist. That’s what I got for leaving the house without a jacket in the early winter. It was uncomfortable enough that I turned and grabbed a sweater from a hook in the mud room.

  Steam rose from the pond, telling me Kairi was regulating the water’s temperature. I recalled the frozen water from childhood visits. There was no doubt in my mind that Kairi would prevent the surface from freezing over now that she lived there.

  The energy of the portal greeted me like a familiar friend. Ever since I traveled through it, I felt closer to the magic for some reason. Before I had been able to ignore the summons without much effort. It was separate from me.

  Now there was this feeling deep in my gut that I couldn’t ignore. I suspected even if I hadn’t experienced the call before I would know without needing to be told. And under it all I knew whoever was there meant me no harm. That didn’t mean I let my guard down though.

  Entering the crypt, I saw the oval window into Eidothea and was greeted by a smile on a handsome face. I knew better than to trust those dancing green eyes. I stood close to the entrance and waved a hand, erecting a bubble around me that would prevent being yanked through if he managed to get close enough to touch me. My magic came with ease and precision. Kinda nice to see I was making some progress.

  “Well, hello there.” Was he flirting with me? I still wasn’t used to men hitting on me. I thought of Sebastian and Argiess as the odd ones. After all it had been years since anyone had shown much interest in me. Then again, perhaps supernaturals had far different taste. Or maybe he just wants your power. There was that.

  “I’m guessing you want passage to E
arth. Why is that? Are you fleeing Vodor?” I didn’t have time to play games at the moment and continue the game of seduction. There were bigger fish to fry.

  “I’m Finarr.” His dark brown hair started blowing around his face at that moment as if it was swooning over his stunning eyes. “And I am a friend of Sebastian. Is he around? I need to talk to him.”

  Not what I was expecting. “Are you a friend of Argiess, too?”

  He lost his smile and narrowed his eyes. “What do you know of Argiess?”

  It didn’t take a licensed therapist to detect his mistrust. “I met him when I was pulled through to Eidothea. He helped Bas get me home and came with us.”

  Finarr’s shoulders slumped and he exhaled. “That’s a relief. It’s about fucking time something went our way. I was coming to ask Bas to return and take Argiess’s place. The rebellion can’t maintain without a leader organizing things and keeping hope alive.”

  “Would you like to come through?” I surprised even myself with the offer. “They should be home soon.”

  He inclined his head. “I’ve never actually been to your realm, but I am curious. More about you than anything else.”

  I smiled and granted permission, extending a hand to him. His fingers breeched the veil and when he clasped my hand I tugged on his soul. He instantly stumbled forward and crashed through the portal head-first.

  “Fuck,” he cursed as he landed on his back then rolled across the ground. I heard shouting behind me and turned to see some mounted patrols charging toward the portal. Instinctively I removed permission and commanded the veil to close. In a bright flash it winked out of existence.

  “That’s a handy feature to keep the King from getting to you. I knew you had it easy here on Earth.”

  I glowered at Finarr and headed for the door. “Far from it, asshole. I moved to Pymm’s Pondside six months ago. It’s been one fight after another with very little time spent relaxing or even learning how to use my magic.”

  Finarr threw up his hands. “I meant no offense and I had no idea. No one in Eidothea knows about that. Word is that you managed to injure Thelvienne because you’re rested and have had time to perfect your defensive skills.”

  Finarr glanced around us and his gaze traveled over the foliage before sticking on the tombstones. It made me think about how I had never seen anything resembling a cemetery in the Fae realm.

  “We’re on my family’s burial grounds. I used to think it was creepy to bury our dead so close to home, but now I understand that it’s to keep our power close and help protect the portal with generations. According to my grandmother, the blood and bones of our family offers far stronger bases than anything else. It’s also why they built the mausoleum using the skulls of my great-great whatever. And I haven’t mastered anything. You’re lucky you weren’t burned upon entry. I start fires more often than anything else.”

  My internal radar went off again, telling me someone was on my property. I was really coming to like that feature of my magic. I looked to the long driveway hoping it wasn’t Lance again. I couldn’t deal with him again today.

  When Bas’s truck came into view something in me settled. I had been on edge since Grams died and I took over. The only time I wasn’t all wound up was when Sebastian was close. It was that connection with him that kept me from indulging in Argiess when I had the chance in Eidothea.

  Finding someone you had such a close affinity for was rare. And I never expected to find it again after I lost Tim.

  I lifted my hand and waved at the surly guy who’d captured a piece of me when I wasn’t paying attention. As usual, he scowled and narrowed his eyes before they focused on Finarr.

  After parking the vehicle, he jumped out followed by Argiess. “What’s happened? Why are you here?” Argiess’s voice was agitated and carried more than a hint of worry.

  “I came here to talk to Sebastian about returning. Shit is falling apart. No one knew where you went, and it was assumed Vodor’s men killed you.”

  Bas crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not leaving while Fiona is in danger. Argiess isn’t either.”

  “As much as I want to drag you both back, it’s probably better that we stay here and protect her. Thelvienne was seen leaving the castle three weeks ago,” Finarr informed us. My blood froze in my veins. I scanned the area where I faced her before.

  I suddenly felt exposed standing out in the open like that. “She’s coming after me. I told Grams she was the one sending the bilge after me.” I was already walking to the back door.

  I heard their footsteps behind me but didn’t pause to look back. Violet and Aislinn were in the kitchen when I entered. “The Queen left the castle weeks ago and is probably out there hunting me as we speak.”

  Sebastian came up behind me, his presence comforting me like nothing else could. My mind had already worked itself into a panic and was whirling in a million different directions trying to find a way to keep me safe.

  “How do you know?” Aislinn asked around a mouthful. The platter of sandwiches had been brought down and she had a half-eaten one in her hand.

  Argiess closed the distance to Aislinn and gestured to our newest guest. “Finarr told us.”

  “Is this the one that came through the portal just now?” Grams’ voice echoed before she appeared. When she materialized next to him, Finarr shouted and jumped back, bumping into the island.

  “Yes. He’s a friend of Sebastian and Argiess and came because the rebellion in Eidothea needs help.” I flicked on the kettle to boil some water for tea and started the coffee maker.

  Violet thrust her hands on her hips. “We need the protection and help. Especially now if the Queen is back and hunting you, too.”

  “I told you, I’m not sure Thelvienne is behind the recent attacks,” Grams admonished Violet. “We can’t be sure there isn’t more going on. She’s a nicotisa and a major target for any power-hungry idiot.”

  Finarr shifted wide eyes from Grams to me then to Sebastian who placed his hands on my shoulders. “She’s the one destined to save us from Vodor’s cruel rule.”

  Bas lifted one corner of his lips and snarled at Finarr while Argiess shook his head at the guy. “I had the same thought when she appeared on my doorstep. I can’t say for sure, but she has agreed to return to Eidothea and assist with the fight.”

  My mind whirled. Argiess had mentioned something similar when I was at his house. It seemed there was some kind of prophecy out there saying I was the Fae savior. It had to be wrong. I was no hero. Hell, I couldn’t even work my magic properly.

  “But she’s not leaving now. There’s a threat to our town that needs to be dealt with.” Grams’ tone brooked no argument. And there was no arguing with her when she got something in her head. “Sandwiches aren’t enough for four grown men, Fiona. You need to make them a meal while we hear about what’s going on in Eidothea.”

  Case in point, I didn’t even try arguing with her. I had no desire to cook, but I turned to the pantry anyway, unable to tell her I wasn’t cooking. It was bad manners to leave guests untended. She’d taught me that, and it seemed the lesson refused to leave despite my magical new life.

  Grabbing corn shells, ground cumin and canned beans, I turned to grab some ground meat from the freezer. Tacos weren’t exactly formal, but they were quick and easy. Not to mention delicious.

  Sebastian silently approached and helped by chopping tomatoes and lettuce for toppings. My hand lifted and caressed the charm at my neck. It hummed with power and was a symbol of the bond I shared with the guy. The closeness I felt to him brought back images of him kissing me.

  That quick my body heated, and arousal flooded me. I had been ignoring how much I wanted from Bas. The way my body came alive under his touch told me I wouldn’t be able to ignore it much longer. And I didn’t want to. Waiting was pointless and only denied us. I wasn’t betraying Tim by being with Sebastian.

  I looked up and to find Bas’s heated gaze focused on me. I swallowed when I saw the
promise in their depths. It’s about damn time. My rational mind chose that moment to rear its head reminding me I was still uncertain about being intimate with him.

  When my hormones were at the wheel, I was ready to throw caution to the wind and get naked. My body was more than ready for playtime, but I wasn’t fully on board. I no longer had the body of a twenty something. My nipples pointed south, I had more stretch marks than a road map and my thighs resembled a mountain range. I wasn’t sure I was ready to reveal myself to Sebastian.

  Chapter 19

  “So, you think she has more than one person after her?” Bas went to the fridge while he spoke and grabbed a roast from the freezer. Apparently, he was helping me cook. Thank God for that. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.

  Going with his choice I grabbed the contraption my daughter bought me for Christmas that was a pressure cooker, only it plugged into the wall. I emerged from the pantry and set it on the counter and went back to grab some more ingredients.

  “Of course, there’s more than Thelvienne and Vodor after her. Everyone with so much as an ounce of magic felt when she broke the spell binding her magic. Be sure to add some beef consume, Fiona,” Grams instructed me then continued talking about the mess I currently found myself in. “No doubt it attracted every thief and sleazebag in the country.”

  Aislinn set her mug down. “How will everyone know what that was? I had no idea until you explained it to me. I tried to find out if Vodor had done something. It was the only explanation that made sense to me. There aren’t too many that have enough power to hit me with a wave from their magic.”

  “It even reached Eidothea,” Finarr added. “It was shortly after the pulse that Thelvienne left the realm and Vodor sent out a summons.”

  “How does he think stealing power from his subjects will help his reign? He’s killing his kind. Soon enough he will have no one left to rule.” I tried to dampen my frustration, but the growl was evident in my voice.