by Paula Lester
“So, I’ll be working on this problem and supporting where I can, but I can’t serve as a siren right now. I have other pressing matters to work out. Thank you. Goodnight.”
As she walked away from the podium, Cas felt a tiny bit sad. She had to admit to herself that, deep inside, she had thought about what it would be like to be elected siren. To have something to say about important issues in Crystal Springs’ supernatural community.
But she’d gotten a look at the dark side of politics too, and she knew stepping down was one hundred percent the right decision. For the first time in her life, she was going to focus on herself. Get her powers sorted out and under control and take the initial steps down her own path.
Denzel pronounced the debate over and reminded everyone when and where to vote. People filed out, and Cas cut through the backstage area and went around to the floor of the auditorium. As she made her way to the door leading out to the huge lobby, she caught sight of Graham. He met her gaze and headed toward her. “Hey.” He touched her arm and then stuffed his hand into a pocket. “Great speech.”
“Thanks. But I should have paid more attention in high school public speaking class. I was crazy nervous.”
His eyes moved down her body. “Is everything okay? You look a little bit . . . rumpled.”
Cas followed his gaze down. He’d certainly used the proper word. “I found out who killed Desi.” She met his eyes and felt a pang at the news she was about to deliver. After all, he had considered the fire witch his friend. Taking a deep breath, she rushed forward with the complete story.
Graham rocked back on his heels. After a moment, he exhaled and rubbed his chin. “Lumen was always—what’s the right word—ambitious, I guess. She wanted to be rich and famous, and Ray thought she stepped over ethical lines trying to get there. I guess he was right.”
He looked sad, and it bothered Cas. “I’m sorry. I know you two were close.”
Shaking his head, he leaned forward. “Not close, really. Friends, though. But I’ll be fine. I’m just really glad that you’re safe and it’s over.”
Before she could change her mind, Cas blurted out, “I’m sorry I thought you were having some kind of a thing with Lumen.”
“And I’m sorry I didn’t tell you what was really going on. You were right when you said I judged you based on being a witch instead of what I already knew about you. Which is that you’re kind and smart. I really messed up. Can you forgive me?”
Cas cocked her head and crossed her arms. “I think that can be arranged,” she said slowly. “But you’re going to have to do a little something for me.”
Chapter 20
Cas opened the door, expecting to see Mr. Percy. She was shocked to find the sandy-haired, drunk man who’d been popping up all over town. He held a copy of the Crystal Springs Gazette. He offered a lopsided smile and pointed at the folded-up paper. “I saw your ad. I’m your guy.”
She raised one eyebrow. So much had happened since she’d placed an ad for a mentor in the Gazette. Cas had done that before the indicium, and it had already slipped her mind.
And, obviously, it had been a mistake. All it had done was attract the local drunk to her doorstep.
“Thank you for warning me about Lumen yesterday. But as for the ad, I’m afraid I’ve wasted your time. Thanks anyway.” She started to close the door.
His voice stopped her. “Your power is cycling, isn’t it? Making you feel like you’re going to spontaneously combust.”
She didn’t answer but kept the door open. How did he know about the hot flashes?
“When you sneeze or hiccup, crazy stuff happens. And when you try to focus and do something specific with your power, the results are unpredictable at best.” He sniffed and made eye contact. His eyes were bloodshot. But at least he wasn’t slurring his words or swaying like before. Cas guessed he was sober but hung over.
“How do you know all that?” A shiver traced up her spine. Was he stalking her?
“When I saw you in Mudtown, I recognized the signs. My mum was a supreme, like you.”
Cas drew in a sharp breath. She’d heard the term before, and as far as she understood it, being a supreme meant that a witch possessed unusual yet innate magical abilities. It wasn’t the first time someone around her had suggested she was stronger than the average witch. And Cas had to admit, the power surging through her felt extreme, though she didn’t really have anything to compare it to.
“What does that mean? Is it why I failed the tests for all four elements?” She opened the door wider and leaned against the frame, eager to hear his answer. He had a drinking problem—that was obvious. But what he’d said about her abilities was all true. Maybe he could help her?
He continued in his British accent. “When you’re a regular witch, your connection to magic feels like turning on a faucet. When you’re a supreme, you don’t have to turn the faucet on. The water is always running. In fact, it’s raging nonstop, almost too much to contain. For a supreme, it’s not about learning to tap into your natural gifts and coax some out to perform tricks. It’s about learning to temper the flow, keep it at bay, and siphon off just the amount needed for what’s necessary.” He shifted his feet.
It sounded . . . logical. His description of what it felt like when her power cycled up was on point. It did feel like uncontrolled waves bursting at her seams. But it was his mother who was a supreme, not him. Could he really teach her anything?
He seemed to read Cas’ mind. “Let me prove to you that I can help. I’ll teach you a simple exercise. Okay?”
She felt a little uneasy about it, but if her power continued the way it had been, she’d either have to let Jack Percy move in and follow her everywhere like a puppy or risk dying in a sudden self-induced inferno.
Sighing, she waved him in and led him to the living room. Doing magic on the front stoop wasn’t a good idea. Not everyone in her neighborhood knew about the supernatural world that existed right alongside their human one.
“I didn’t catch your name,” Cas said as she motioned for him to sit on the couch. She took her favorite chair.
“Burdock,” he answered. “Joe’s my first name, but most people just use my last.”
“Nice to meet you, Burdock.” She reached out to shake his hand, and a strange look came into his eye. She thought it might be shock. Maybe he was used to being overlooked in polite society—treated like he was invisible and someone to be avoided. Someone who didn’t receive a human touch often. That reminded her of Mr. Percy, and her heart softened. He shook her hand and dropped his eyes, swallowing hard.
“Okay,” he said, shrugging off any feelings he was having. “Let’s do something simple. “Think about a raging river. It’s wild, overflowing its banks with monstrous white peaks. After a while, the water calms and empties into an enormous lake. The surface of the lake is smooth and still, like glass. Got it?”
Cas nodded. A calm lake. No problem.
“Now let’s conjure. Think of something you want to manifest. Get a vision of it in your mind, as real as you possibly can, and hold it there.”
Cas remembered the time she’d made an iris appear and decided to try again. It was her favorite flower and would be easy to envision. She closed her eyes and brought a white iris, into focus in her mind’s eye.
“Okay, what did you choose?”
When she told him, Burdock continued, “Perfect choice. Now, see that flower just underneath the surface of the water. Once you have that in mind, I want you to scoop it out. Like this.”
Burdock cupped his hand under hers and demonstrated the motion.
Cas made the motion a few times.
“No, no. You’re not scooping out a handful of corn chips. Dip your hand into the water. Feel the coolness as your fingers break the surface. Feel the flower settle against your palm. And don’t forget to breathe.”
Taking a deep breath, she focused on the iris in her mind one last time. She felt a pop of heat, but it disappeared as fast as it
had come. When she opened her eyes, a perfect white iris was cupped in her hand. She gasped and a wide smile spreading across her face. She held it up to show Burdock. “I did it.”
He nodded. “Of course, you did. I told you I can help. I know everything my mum had to do to, and I can teach you. Over time, you’ll learn control too.” He leaned back on the sofa and crossed an ankle over the other knee.
She bit her lower lip, not knowing what to do. On one hand, she wondered if it was safe for her to hire an alcoholic. On the other hand, people weren’t exactly beating down the door with offers to help with her problem. In fact, no one seemed to have any idea how to deal with her unique abilities.
Except Burdock.
Cas saw his hand shake as he set it on his leg. It seemed like he could be of help to her. But maybe she could help him too.
Chapter 21
Echo stood in front of the door to the lodge. He glanced over his shoulder at Cas. “Are you quite sure about this?”
She looked around, inhaling the rich scent of the nearby evergreen trees. Cas felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and a touch of nerves. “I’d better be. The paperwork’s all signed, and Auburn gave me the key.”
She held it up, grinning, before using it to open the door. Not that the mundane way was called for. She could have used the magical way of going in. But there was something about the symbolism of unlocking her new property the old-fashioned way that she couldn’t pass up.
They went in together, and Cas turned her face toward the ceiling, smiling and taking in another deep breath. She felt an almost overwhelming sense of excitement and satisfaction, tinged with a tiny thrill of terror.
“I have to say. I really didn’t think you’d do this.” Echo padded his way further into the room and then sat down.
She turned around, taking in all the lovely woodwork that had charmed her from the moment she’d first stepped into the lodge. “It’s going to be a bed and breakfast,” she announced. “I’m going to totally revamp it. We’ll erase all the negative energy from what happened here and replace it with good vibes.” Cas turned back to face the cat, clapping her hands together. “Can’t you just imagine how it will look all decorated for the holidays?” She bounced on the balls of her feet.
“Yes, I’m sure it will be beautiful. However, it’s going to be a tremendous amount of work getting this place fixed up and ready anytime soon.”
“That’s where I come in, I do believe.” Graham came through the door carrying a big box, Burdock and Percy close on his heels, carrying more.
Setting his box down, Graham grinned at Cas. “At least, that’s the favor I’m told I need to do for my girlfriend.”
Cas gave him a tight hug. “Hey, you’re the perfect guy to do this stuff anyway,” she said. “Plus, this is where I’ll be spending all my time from now on, so if you want to hang out with me, you might as well bring your tool belt along and be productive.”
“I do want to see you,” he affirmed. He looked around. “Plus, I’m itching to get my hands on this place. There’s so much that can be improved.”
More people came through the door, and Cas moved away from Graham to greet Juniper and then Ray and Posie. Hugs and congratulations were exchanged all around.
Posie hugged her extra tight and whispered, “Thank you so much. Ray and I were in deep trouble before you caught Lumen.” She stepped back.
“I’m so glad you and Ray are okay and Lumen’s the one in jail,” Cas said.
Ray chimed in. “I heard about what you said at the debate. Thank you. I think it helped swing thing Flank’s way and got him the win. He’s gotten right to work too, already making positive changes for shifter witch relations.”
Posie nodded, beaming at her boyfriend. Then she turned back to Cas with a teasing look on her face. “You know, when the peacekeepers got Lumen, she was more than ready to tell them everything about what she’d done in exchange for firm promises that she’d never have to be anywhere near you again. She was pretty shocked about your abilities.”
Cas chuckled. “I got lucky, that’s all.” She glanced at Burdock. “But soon, I’ll be a brand new witch.”
The blond-haired Englishman gave a thumbs up. “Yeah, she will. And that’s when folks like Lumen Oak should really be worried.”
He already sounded proud of his student. In fact, she realized that everyone in the room seemed genuinely happy for her.
Digging into a box one of the guys had brought in, Cas gathered some champagne, almond milk, glasses, and a bottle of orange juice. She set about pouring and handing out drinks. Echo got a bowl of almond milk and Burdock received orange juice. He winked at Cas as he accepted it.
Cas’ heart swelled as she raised her glass. “You know, not too long ago, I felt like my life was falling apart. My marriage was over, I was turning fifty, and I didn’t really have any friends to speak of.” She paused, looking at each one of the faces surrounding her. “In a matter of just a few months, everything has changed for me.” She waved a hand toward the walls. “I have a new passion to pursue and . . .” Cas sent a small smile toward Graham. “. . . a new relationship to enjoy.”
Graham dipped his head and raised his glass.
She continued, “And I have magic that will change the way I live forever.”
Burdock nodded. “Change it for the better,” he asserted. “You’ll be able to do a lot of good with your level of skill.”
“I hope so. And, as if all that wasn’t enough, I also have new friends. True friends who want what’s best for me and who show up to help when I need it.” She felt a small lump in her throat and paused to swallow it.
Echo rubbed his head on her shin while the others laughed at his well-timed affection.
“Well, enough with the sappy stuff. Cheers, everybody!” She lifted her glass and took a sip, and everyone else did too.
As people began moving around, getting organized to start on various projects, Cas leaned back on the bar and watched them. She knew that last part of her toast—about her new friendships—was really the one to be cherished above the rest. And she vowed she would always remember that and do whatever she could to help them too. If she’d learned anything in her recent past, it was to be open to new relationships. To allow crazy adventures to sweep her away.
She wiped away a happy tear, took a deep breath, and set her champagne glass on the bar.
It was time to jump into her new life with both feet.
Keep reading about Cas’ life in the next installment: A Witch Too Bright:
Death left a surprise on her doorstep . . .
Cascade Lorne, newly blossomed witch, thinks the dust is finally settling. The hottie next door is her official sweetie, her magical powers are no longer threatening to burn her from the inside out, and Cas’ passion project—renovating a boutique hotel—lights her up with joy.
But even before the grand opening, a killer strikes and death leaves a gruesome surprise on Cascade’s doorstep. There’s a stream of possible suspects, especially the odd guest whose eyes shine like a wolf’s in the light of the moon.
Cascade’s fresh start is put in jeopardy as she’s thrust into a new mystery with fanatics desperate to hide their secrets—including someone near and dear to her heart.
Will Cas be able to shine light on the truth or will a homicidal felon remain camouflaged and prepped to kill again? Find out in A Witch Too Bright.
About M.E. Harmon
M.E. Harmon is a native New Yorker who embraces being a geek and loving all things fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, and action/adventure.
Her current cozy series, the HoneyBun Shop Mysteries, has hit the bestseller list in the mystery/thriller/suspense category for Kindle ebooks several times.
Visit http://www.meharmon.com to get a free copy of Barbecue, Bourbon and Bullets.
Visit M.E.'s Amazon Page: amazon.com/author/meharmon
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Works by Paula Lester:
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Beachside Books Magical Cozy Mysteries
(Co-Authored with Lisa B. Thomas)
Pasta, Pirates and Poison
Apples, Actors and Axes
Grits, Gamblers and Grudges
Candy, Carpenters, and Candlesticks
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Crystal Springs Cozy Witch Mysteries
(Co-Authored with M.E. Harmon)
Dead Witch Talking (prequel novella)
A Witch Too Late
A Witch Too Hot
A Witch Too Bright
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Sunnyside Retired Witches Community Mysteries
Ghostly Trails (prequel novella)
A Bottle Full of Djinn
Loony Town
Mummy Issues (Coming soon)
Clairvoyant Clues (Coming soon)
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Superior Bay Witch Doctor Mysteries
Witch Doggone Killer? (Coming soon)
The Affairs of Witches (Coming soon)