by Patti Larsen
Serves them right. A surge of rage ran through me as Tallah and the other leaders left me there in my seat. I was alone very quickly, even the secretary's helpers vanishing through the doors. Well, not quite. I had Gram. And the yummy tall, dark and handsome guy slowly making his way toward me with his hands stuck in his pockets and his chocolate eyes full of sorrow.
Agreed. She hugged me quickly. There's hope yet or I wouldn't have allowed this farce of a trial to happen at all. I could only imagine Gram would have taken some permanent steps to ensure Odette never appeared at the conclave. This is important, Syd. The fate of all covens rests on this. They need to see how corrupt their system has become.
I don't care about some political agenda. I gestured for Quaid to join me, mouthed “Gram” to him. His eyes widened and he sat next to me in Tallah's seat, watching and holding my hand.
You should, she snapped. You'll be leader for real someday. I don't want you to inherit this mess. Do you?
Okay, fair enough. Big picture. Got it.
Gram's mind vanished and I was about to reach for her when I felt another touch mine.
Syd. Erica's voice was clearer than I'd ever heard it and felt boosted. Right. The Council magic.
Sorry to spring that on you. I hugged her mentally. Are you doing okay?
She laughed. Now you ask. Her sigh was soft, but not unhappy. Smart move, well done.
No way was I telling her it was Gram's idea.
You know there's only one problem with this plan of yours? She hugged me back, though her mental embrace seemed reserved.
What's that? Great, more trouble.
You've tied my hands. Her voice came out very quiet, almost regretful. Your mother will expect me to obey the letter of the law. And we both know what that might mean.
Yes. I let her go and put some distance between our power, feeling the Council energy rise to form a wall of magic. I know.
I'm sorry, Syd. And I'm not. You made me very proud today. And I know Miriam feels the same.
She left me then without another word, her new and unfamiliar magic gone in a whisper.
I was so glad I had Quaid there to hold my hand.
***
Chapter Fifteen
“You okay?” His voice was a mellow, deep river, a welcome change from Gram's grating tone in my head.
“I will be.” I drew a breath, held it a moment, let it out slowly until my entire body felt deflated. Immediately my anxiety returned, the intensity of the last little while gone, allowing me to slip into fear all over again. My fingers tightened reflexively on his. “On second thought...”
Quaid leaned close and hugged me, the scent of his warm skin and the subtle touch of earth magic in his clothing helping to ground me. I'd forgotten Louisa's habit of calling up power to do laundry. His foster mother lovingly placed a little piece of her gift in every article of his wardrobe.
The Vegas. I promised myself the moment I arrived home I’d head right to their place.
Promised.
“I'm not going to lie to you and tell you it's all going to work out.” Quaid's voice rumbled in my ear where it was pressed to his chest. “We both know this could go badly. But Syd, whatever you need, whenever, I'm here for you.”
As much as I loved hearing that, I wished he'd at least tried a platitude or two. And even as he finished speaking, I felt myself stiffen, pull away. Could I really trust him to be here for me?
Could I?
“I spent my entire life with the Moromonds, Syd.” His hands flexed on my upper arms as he held me. “While they lied to me, said they were my parents when it wasn’t true. I had no idea what real family was like until I met you. Your coven.” His dark eyes filled with sadness. “And as much as I knew where I finally belonged, I had to go. Had to find out what happened to my real parents. Uncover what my birth family was like.” Quaid shook his head, hands dropping away. “I’m sorry I left you the way I did. I don’t know how to make it up to you. But I did what I did because I needed to know. It’s up to you to decide if you can ever really forgive me for that.”
I watched guilt rise to join his sorrow as my heart opened completely again. My fingers stroked over his cheek. “You did what you had to do,” I said, not really sure I believed it, but willing to stretch the truth for him where he wasn't for me. “But I don't want pity or guilt or anything else. I want you here because it's where you want to be, Quaid.”
His lips demanded I pay attention when they covered mine. I allowed one last moment of weakness as I leaned forward, arms around his neck, hands buried in his dark curls, breathing the air coming from his lungs, tasting his deliciousness through the touch of his mouth and the winding embrace of his magic.
It was hard to let go. I wanted to stay like that, lost in him forever. And I think he felt the same. There were moments of doubt when we were apart, times when I wondered if I was nuts, if we were really meant for each other. All of those worries and questions disappeared when he kissed me, touched me, wrapped me in his power. If ever there was a perfect guy for me, it was Quaid.
Enough with the kissy face. Gram giggled like a little girl when I jerked back from those willing lips, eyes wide, heart pounding. We have work to do, girl.
Quaid's hands held me still, one eyebrow cocked, hair lusciously mussed.
“Gram,” I growled.
At least he was laughing. I didn't find it very damned funny.
Tell lover boy to take a walk. She made kissing noises in my head. You'll have plenty of time for that when you're older.
I heaved a long-suffering sigh. “I'll see you at the house, okay?”
He nodded, climbed to his feet, pulled me up with him. Our one last, lingering kiss wasn't as enjoyable as it could have been. In fact, I broke it early, unable to concentrate on him with Gram snickering in my head.
I watched him go, wishing I could just go with him, run home, retreat to my room and pull the covers over my head.
No, Gram whispered. You don't.
Another deep breath and I found myself grinning. She was right. I wasn't that girl anymore. And as rough as this was, as much as I was worried about Mom, I couldn't not be in the thick of it.
She'd raised me to be a coven leader, despite myself.
She did. Gram snorted. Thanks for the credit, ungrateful child.
Ha! I pulled myself to my feet. I'm supposed to thank you for seventeen years of occupation?
Gram's mind smacked me. A little respect for an old woman.
Yeah. Right.
Jokes aside, she sent, you need to focus. These next few hours will require your full attention. And the boy is just a distraction.
She had that right. I licked my lips, tasting him still.
What am I doing? I headed for the door to the main hall, keeping my chin high even though I was alone. Well, as much as I was ever alone.
Time to make some courtesy calls. Gram grunted softly. I've done all the legwork I can. Now you get to put it all to the test.
I stopped moving, feeling panic rise in my chest. Was she suggesting what I thought she was suggesting?
Oh, buck up, buttercup. Gram's growl was sharp and full of irritation. The other leaders won't bite you. Most of them. Another chuckle. She really wasn't helping. Besides, you're one of them, remember?
I had absolutely no doubt the other leaders merely tolerated me. But this was for Mom. She needed me to act, to do what I could to save her. If that meant putting on a strong front while my stomach flip-flopped and butterflied did acrobatics then I'd do it.
Gram's mind hugged me gently, all teasing gone from the feeling of her. You'll do fine, Sydlynn. You're a Hayle witch.
A shaky breath and a nod later and I followed her directions out the door and further down the hall.
Each of the leaders is housed here on site, she sent. Although it's completely voluntary, at least they are easy to reach. You only have four to visit, so hopefully it won't take too long. But remember, she mentally pinched me, gently but ha
rd enough to make me pay attention, you're here to schmooze. Make it good.
Schmooze. Right. Like I was so good at that. Erica, maybe. Mom, for sure. Even Alison... my heart wrenched at the thought of my friend, of Galleytrot searching for her. I couldn't go there right now.
Focus, girl. The hound will find her. You have a job to do.
I released my death grip on the sides of Mom's skirt and forced her best coven leader expression on my face just as Gram nudged me.
We'll start here, she sent. Tallah Hensley.
I could have hugged her. Of all of the leaders, I was the least intimidated by the younger witch. At least she was closer to my age.
My knock summoned rustling from the other side of the door as Gram went on.
Leaders aren't supposed to have influence over their Council members, but we're all human. So play nice and make a friend, would you?
I didn't have time for a snarky comeback. The door swung open, a beautiful young witch smiling at me from the other side. She looked like Tallah, only younger, maybe even my age, her Indian heritage much more prominent than her sister's.
“Leader Hayle,” she said, voice bright, nearly black eyes shining in genuine welcome. “Please, come in, won't you?”
I smiled back, doing my best to keep Mom's presence around me. “Thank you.”
She offered one hand, palm up, a soft glow of power making her dark skin sparkle. “I'm Sashenka Hensly,” she said, “Tallah's sister. Very nice to finally meet you.” She seemed honest about it, not dissembling, so I let my guard down a little and pressed my palm to hers, letting the family magic sample her coven's power.
Sashenka smiled at me, dimpling, thick, black hair swinging over her shoulder as she ducked her head, cheeks rosy. “Thank you for the courtesy,” she said.
Damn, did I do something wrong?
But Gram felt happy. You didn't have to share our family magic with her. She's not the leader. But it's a great blunder to make. Well done.
Okay, so there was a rulebook. You might want to fill me in next time.
Not when your screw ups get us what we want. Tallah will know what you did and that will count. Now follow the girl before she starts to think you're mentally deficient.
Sashenka was looking at me with raised eyebrows, still smiling, gesturing for me to precede her.
Maybe if you stopped distracting me, I shot at Gram while I bobbed a nod to the lovely young woman and moved further into the room.
Gram snorted, but let it go.
We passed through the first part of the suite, a sitting area. Sashenka ushered me through the second door and into a huge bedroom. Tallah sat at the window seat, sunlight beaming in to add a rich, golden glow to her dark skin. She waved as I entered, gestured me forward as she spoke.
“I was wondering when you'd stop in.” She winked at me and patted the cushions next to her. I sat gingerly though I felt more comfortable by the second as she crossed her legs, tucking her skirt around her bare feet. I admired the henna tattoos decorating her skin.
“Thanks for seeing me.” I took a chance, swung myself sideways to face her, knees up, arms around them. “I would understand if you didn't, considering the charges against my mother.”
Tallah shrugged and sighed, offering me one hand. The same lovely sparkle appeared in her palm. “There's always more to a story than those with an agenda would have you believe. So I'm open to hearing what you have to say.” She grinned then, grasping my hand as I pressed my palm and power to hers. “Can I be honest? I find the old biddies a bit of a downer.” She laughed, glossy black hair shining in the sunlight. “And as much as the accusations against Miriam are harsh, she always treated me with respect, unlike the rest of them.”
Sashenka reappeared, a silver tray in her hands. The smell of fresh coffee made my mouth water, though I rarely drank the stuff. Tallah didn't wait for her sister to serve her, snagging sugar and milk from the tray, leaving the girl to pour me a cup.
I had to keep reminding myself Sashenka was my age. Maybe it was Mom's clothes, or Gram in my head, but I was starting to feel really old.
“Politics.” Tallah snorted delicately over her cup, eyes on mine. “Especially coven politics. A waste of precious energy and time.” She took a sip, helped herself to a cookie. Sashenka folded to the floor with her own mug and treat. So Tallah trusted her sister with everything.
Good to know, Gram sent.
I suddenly felt like a fraud. They were being open with me and I was carrying a spy around in my head. Before Gram could act or react, I firmly placed a wall up between the two of us and ignored the angry battering on the other side as she tried to listen in.
Sometimes I just had to have my head to myself.
“I agree completely,” I said while Gram grumbled and mumbled and finally sulked off. “I'm already tired of it and things are just getting started.”
“Syd,” Tallah leaned forward, pressing one hand against mine, an earnest look on her face, “you have to know no one listens to me. But I'll do what I can to support you, as long as it's within coven law.”
I nodded. “I don't ask for more than that.” I squeezed her hand. “Mom's not guilty.”
Tallah nodded and sat back with a wry smile. “Then you have nothing to worry about.”
We snorted together. Laughed while Sashenka's giggle rang like a bell.
If only.
***
Chapter Sixteen
I spent about an hour with the Hensley girls, and enjoyed every minute of it. When I emerged from their quarters I felt much better about the whole situation. Yes, it was one coven and yes, that coven didn't carry a lot of clout. But I'd not only survived my first conversation with another leader, I'd made two friends.
Gram was still sulking when I let my shields down as I stepped into the hall, their door swinging shut behind me.
Next? I didn't apologize. I had nothing to apologize for. Gram grumbled a bit, but relented after a moment.
Summon the twins. Her mental voice was sullen. And stop patting yourself on the back. That was the easy one. Don't get cocky.
I held my temper and was even sweet in my reply. Yes, Gram.
More grumbling. This was actually kind of fun.
My mind reached out, touched Estelle and Esther. Impossible to catch them as individuals. The power of the Lawrence sisters was so intertwined it was like speaking to one person.
I need you.
We come. They were still close by at least.
Mind telling me what I need them for? I crossed my arms over my chest, leaning back against the wall of the hallway.
You'll find out. She still hadn't forgiven me.
Is keeping secrets a good idea at this point, Gram? Seriously. Who was the grown up here?
You seem to be okay with secrets, Gram shot back. Huffed a sigh. Just trust me, girl. And no more cutting me out.
Was that it? Gram, I sent with a surge of love, I do trust you. But that has to be a two-way street.
She didn't answer, but her energy calmed, stilled. I glanced up as the twins approached and hoped I got through to Gram.
Irene Bradford is next, she sent as if nothing happened. Remember what I told you.
Right. Could go either way. And the twins?
Secret weapon. She sounded smug. Just move it, girl. Back to her normal self. So we were cool.
Wicked.
The sisters didn't say a word to me as I headed out. Nice to know they weren't questioning me. Especially since I had no idea why they were with me in the first place.
Gram pulled me up short outside another door just a little further down the hall. Don't forget, you're Miriam but you're you, too. Don't get lost in being who you're not, no matter what happens here.
Okay then. You know how much I adore these cryptic conversations, Gram.
She laughed in my head. I love you, girl.
I raised my hand and knocked, forcing down the shudder I felt as the twins came to a halt behind me. I could sense th
eir gazes on me, drilling holes in the back of my head, dissecting me bit by bit. The door couldn't open fast enough.
This greeting wasn't quite so pleasant. A bone-thin woman with a ski-jump nose jerked the door open, glaring up at me through a pair of very dirty glasses.
“What?” Her thin lips pinched into an unhappy line as she pulled her oversized sweater around her.
“Take me to your leader.” I almost giggled, so close to it from my choice of words it took Gram pinching me hard to keep from exploding into hysterical fits. I'd have to be more careful with my approach next time.
The woman glared at me, nose twitching as she sniffed the air. “She's busy.”
Bully her. Gram's mental voice was blunt. Now.
Bully? Oh crap. Really? I’d been the focus of enough bullying in my time I’d sworn I’d never be that person.
She's keeping you from saving your family, Gram snapped. Kick her ass.
Gram was right. And this was no snarky cheerleader or dumb-as-a-post football jock. Life and death, Syd. Life and death.
“I didn't ask,” I said.
The woman started, eyes widening behind her filthy lenses. “I beg your pardon, young lady.” She spluttered like I'd broken some etiquette law. Who knew, maybe I had.
“You heard her,” Esther spoke up. I just assumed. I'd given up on telling them apart a long time ago. “A coven leader has spoken. Do your duty, witch.”
Well, wow. Really? The twins speaking up for me?
The woman's face tightened even further. “You can't order me around,” she said, “and this is no coven leader.” She sniffed, turning her back on me.
Oh no she did not. My power snapped out, spun her around, forced her to face me. Her lips parted, mouth gaping like a landed fish.
“Courtesy first,” I said, voice cold, feeling my temper flare, my demon's fury rising. “Before I take steps.”
The woman was shaking suddenly, glasses bobbing their way down her nose. “You dare touch me.”