Better Than Hex (Spellbound Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 5)

by Annabel Chase

  I liked that he hadn’t become older and cynical. Then again, he seemed to have Nellie for that.

  “Anything else I can show you?” he asked, with a mischievous gleam in his eye.

  “No thanks,” I said quickly. “I need to get to my own, much smaller office. I haven’t been there for days and I think Althea is ready to send a search party. Thank you for lunch. It was fun.”

  “It was, wasn’t it?” He grinned. “Let me drive you.”

  “It’s such a beautiful day,” I said. “I think I’ll walk.”

  Chapter 6

  I opened the window in my office to let in the fresh air. The weather was a few degrees warmer than usual and the small office felt stuffy, especially compared with Markos’s massive space. As if sensing a change in the Force, Althea burst into the room. She took one look at the open window and her snakes began hissing wildly.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked frantically. “Are you trying to kill all the plants on the windowsill?”

  “It's too hot in here,” I said. “I would think these plants could use fresh air too.”

  “They get plenty of fresh air,” she said testily. “What do you think I do every morning? We have a system. Don't ruin it.”

  “You do remember that this is my office?” I said.

  She shot me a look that made her snakes quiver. “Are you trying to put a Gorgon in her place? Because I'll tell you right now, it won't end well for you.”

  I quickly realized the error of my ways. “I'm sorry, Althea. I didn't mean to mess up your system.” In my office.

  Althea glanced at the open window and relented. “Fine. It is a little hot in here. I suppose I’ll let you leave it open for a while.” She glanced at the barrel of moonshine that she kept stored behind my desk. “If it's too hot in here, my moonshine won’t ferment properly. I have to keep the environment just right.”

  I glanced over my shoulder at the oversized container. “How did this monstrosity get back in here? I thought we discussed this.”

  Althea shrugged. “I tested other spots and this is the best one. For whatever reason, it provides the most conducive environment.”

  Well, I wasn’t about to put a Gorgon in her place twice in one day. After all, I valued my life.

  “There's a new file on my desk,” I said. “Am I to assume that means I have a new client?”

  “Your powers of deduction are astounding,” she said. “Yes, a young werelion by the name of Will Heath. He was arrested for possession of nightshade. It's all there in the file, as usual.” She shot me a haughty look. “I know how to do my job.”

  “I never suggested otherwise.” I winked at her and the snakes hissed in reply.

  “I have your coffee on my desk. Shall I get it for you? Or is my system not to your liking, Your Highness?”

  I groaned. “Stop whining and bring me the coffee. Please,” I added quickly.

  She broke into a smile. “I do enjoy giving you a hard time. It amuses me.”

  The door opened and a young man took a hesitant step inside. “Miss Hart?”

  “You must be Will. Come on in.”

  Will looked surprisingly small in stature for a werelion, yet appropriately surly given his age and circumstances. He was no taller than five feet, six inches with a slight build and shaggy brown hair. I wondered whether he was related to Fabio, the werelion I’d had a single date with. My exposure to Curse Cliff had sent him into a tizzy and he’d quickly banned me from his list of eligible young women. It was no great disappointment since I’d only gone on the date in exchange for a favor from Pandora, the town matchmaker.

  “So Will, it says here you were arrested in Mix-n-Match for possession of nightshade. Is that true?”

  Will seemed to look everywhere in the room except at me. He mumbled a response.

  “I'm sorry, Will, but I don't speak mumblese. Could you try and articulate for me?” Despite my curt tone, I wanted to cut him some slack. According to the file, he was only twenty years old.

  “I said it's true,” he said, still refusing to meet my gaze. “I had nightshade in my pocket.”

  “How did anyone know? Did you take it out to show someone?”

  “No, I went to take coins out of my pocket to pay for a potion and the nightshade fell onto the floor. The shopkeeper recognized it and called Sheriff Astrid.”

  “Where did you get the nightshade? Did you buy it from someone?”

  He slumped further in his chair. This time he focused on his shoes. “Does it matter? What's the worst option here? Prison time?”

  I steepled my fingers together. “As a matter of fact, yes. Possession of nightshade can land you in Spellbound Prison for up to five years. You’re a werelion at the height of your youth. I doubt that's where you want to spend the time.”

  “It's better than some people get,” he said vaguely.

  I studied him closely. “The minimum sentence is one year of community service. Obviously, that's what I’ll try to get for you. I have a feeling if you reveal the source of the nightshade that the prosecution would be willing to bend.”

  This time he looked directly at me. “And what if I don't talk? Is the five-year sentence a guarantee?”

  “No, of course not. It would just make the case easier. That's all.” I had the distinct impression that Will was withholding information. “Will, what are you not telling me? I'm your lawyer. That means I’m on your side. If I’m to defend you to the best of my ability, it would be helpful to know everything. If you're protecting someone, like maybe the person who’s growing the nightshade, then we'll figure out the best way to handle it.”

  He swallowed hard. “I'm not protecting the person who grows the nightshade.” He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “The truth is that I stole it, okay? I went into someone's garden in the middle of the night and clipped the nightshade.”

  “Why? What did you intend to do with it?” Nightshade was a deadly plant, far too dangerous for this young werelion to handle.

  “Does it matter? Whatever it is, I won't be doing it now, will I?”

  “Because Sheriff Astrid took the nightshade?”

  He nodded. “And I don't want anyone to try and charge me with intent to commit another crime, do I?”

  The young werelion wasn't stupid. That was a good thing for me.

  “Where did you steal the nightshade from?”

  “I don't remember,” he said. His body language screamed deception.

  “So you were just walking along in the middle of the night and stumbled upon some nightshade? Do you at least remember which part of town you were in?”

  “I was in my lion form running along the countryside,” he said. “I didn't really pay attention to exactly where I was.”

  “You said you clipped it from a garden,” I reminded him. “Was this in your lion form or when you changed back into human form?”

  His eyes darted around the room. “I bit it off in my lion form. That's what I meant when I said I clipped it. I carried it back in my mouth.”

  A likely story. Now I was certain Will was hiding something and it was up to me to figure out what it was.

  “I appreciate you coming in, Will. I hope you don't mind the sight of me because I have a feeling we’re going to be seeing a lot of each other over the next couple of weeks. If you stop by Althea's desk on your way out, she’ll schedule your next appointment.”

  He mumbled a response and rose to his feet.

  “What was that?” I asked. “If this case goes to trial, Will, we’re going to have to figure out a way to keep you from mumbling.”

  He turned back to look at me. “I said I don't mind the sight of you.” With those clear and concise words, he continued into Althea's office.

  Hmm. Maybe not such a surly werelion after all.

  Lady Weatherby stood at the head of the classroom, wand in hand. “Today we will be mastering…” She cleared her throat. “I beg your pardon. Today we will be experimenting with a Weaken sp
ell. Like many other spells we've learned, this spell is intended to be used defensively. For example, if you have an opponent who is physically stronger than you, use the spell to weaken and overpower them.”

  Millie raised her hand.

  I noticed the subtle eye roll before Lady Weatherby said, “Yes, Millie?”

  “How do we know if our opponent is physically stronger than us? I mean, obviously if it's a minotaur or something, that's obvious, but what about someone like another witch?”

  Naturally she had to choose a minotaur as her example. Since Markos was the only minotaur in town, I had no doubt it was a dig at me. Millie couldn't seem to help herself. If she wasn't careful, she was going to turn into the next Jemima. I don't think any of the remedial witches wanted to see that transformation.

  “If you’re uncertain, then perhaps you would consider using a different spell,” Lady Weatherby said. “As you know, Millie, there are many other defensive spells at your disposal. Choose the one that best suits the situation.”

  Millie's cheeks reddened. The response was a smackdown, subtle though it was.

  “Now I am in need of two volunteers,” Lady Weatherby said.

  Millie's hand shot up again and Lady Weatherby nodded for her to speak. “Shouldn't it be the smallest and biggest in the class? That way one is clearly stronger than the other.”

  Lady Weatherby's lips formed a thin line. “For our purposes today, it doesn't matter whether one is, in fact, stronger than the other. The spell will work either way.” She paused and gave her a pointed look. “As long as you perform it correctly, that is.”

  Millie sank into her chair. I had a feeling she would not be volunteering today.

  Sophie raised her hand. “I volunteer.”

  “Very well then, Sophie. Come to the front, please.”

  Sophie pushed back her chair and moved to stand at the head of the class.

  “One more, please,” Lady Weatherby said. When no one volunteered, Lady Weatherby lifted a sculpted dark eyebrow. “Surely you can't think Sophie will harm anyone with the spell.”

  No one responded. Sophie was known for her spells backfiring. She was always a trooper, though—always willing to volunteer despite her inadequacies. I felt my hand slide into the air. I couldn't bear to leave her alone up there.

  “Very well, Miss Hart,” Lady Weatherby said. “To the front. We don't have all day.”

  I joined Sophie at the front of the classroom and we stood about four feet apart.

  “I shall demonstrate first, and then you will each have a turn.” Lady Weatherby pointed her wand at Sophie and said, “A hive of honeybees/weak in the knees.”

  Sophie crumpled to the ground as though her legs were too weak to support her body. She remained sprawled on the floor for a good two minutes before dragging herself back to her feet.

  “The effects of the spell last for about two minutes,” Lady Weatherby explained.

  Millie's hand waved in the air. “Just enough time to get away.”

  “Thank you, Millie,” Lady Weatherby said. “Like other defensive spells, it is generally meant to give you time to escape and get help.”

  The Weaken spell would've come in handy a few times for me already. It was a shame I didn't know more spells.

  “Sophie, why don't you try the spell on Emma, if you’re feeling back to full strength,” Lady Weatherby said.

  Sophie smiled. “Back to full strength, ma'am.” She scrunched her face in concentration and stared at me. Then she extended her wand and said, “Feel the breeze/weak in the knees.”

  Nothing happened. I’d been mentally prepared to fall to the ground, but there I stood, feeling…better. I glanced nervously over my shoulder at Lady Weatherby.

  Sophie shot me a helpless look. “Nothing?”

  I shook my head.

  “Sometimes the spell impacts a different part of the body,” Lady Weatherby said. “Perhaps her legs did not weaken, but her arms did.”

  That seemed plausible. “Why don't you see if you can overpower me?” I asked. “Then we’ll know.”

  “Good idea,” Lady Weatherby said. My knees nearly buckled at the compliment. Who needed a spell?

  Sophie cautiously approached me. “How do I overpower you? I don't want to hit you.”

  “Maybe try to wrestle me to the ground?” We were fairly evenly matched physically—similar height and weight. I had an inch and a few extra years on her, but that was all.

  Sophie grabbed me by the arms and tried to push me to the ground. Instinctively, I pushed back. Sophie went flying across the room and landed straight in the basket of drop cloths used during advanced mixology. She groaned and dragged herself to a standing position.

  I rushed toward her, horrified. “Sophie, I'm so sorry. I don't understand what happened.”

  “It's okay,” she said. “I'm not hurt.”

  “Thank the stars,” Millie said.

  “Can anyone tell the class what went wrong?” Lady Weatherby asked, unperturbed.

  Laurel raised her hand. “She held the wrong end of the wand?”

  It wouldn't be the first time that happened. Sophie and I returned to our places in front of the class.

  “Not this time, Laurel,” Lady Weatherby said. “Anyone else?”

  Sophie's hand rose. She wore a guilty expression. “I didn't focus my will.”

  Lady Weatherby seemed pleased that she'd figured it out. “No?”

  “No,” Sophie confirmed. “As I was saying the spell, I was actually thinking how strong Emma was. I didn't mean physically, more like strength of character.”

  Millie snorted. “I guess you won't be having that thought again.”

  Lady Weatherby silenced Millie with a sharp look. “Well done, Sophie. Although I would prefer that you get spells correct on the first try, it is equally important that we are able to identify and correct our own mistakes. It is a useful skill in the classroom as well as in life.”

  “Can I try again?” Sophie asked.

  “I insist upon it,” Lady Weatherby said.

  Sophie focused on me and extended her wand. “These words I speak/make her weak.”

  My body suddenly felt like it was made of jelly. I could hardly move a muscle. Even my mouth seemed too tired to form words. “I…” Yep, too weak to speak. I knew a few people I'd like to try this spell on.

  “Did it work?” Sophie asked hopefully.

  “I think you'll find it did,” Lady Weatherby said. “Well done, Sophie.”

  Sophie beamed like she'd been awarded a gold star.

  “I believe it's Emma turn,” Millie said.

  Lady Weatherby nodded toward me. I focused my will and pointed my wand at Sophie. “Power I seek/make her weak.”

  Sophie didn't simply crumple to the floor this time. She dropped straight down like a sack of bricks.

  I smiled proudly at Lady Weatherby. “I did it.”

  “Um, Lady Weatherby,” Laurel said. “Sophie doesn't seem to be moving. At all.”

  Lady Weatherby glanced down. “Sophie?”

  The pile of skin and bones formerly known as Sophie made no reply. I rushed forward and dropped to my knees. I rolled her onto her back to see that her eyes were closed.

  “I don't think she's breathing,” I said.

  Lady Weatherby was at my side in a heartbeat. “Give me room to work, please,” she said, reaching for her wand.

  I backed away and watched as she touched the wand to Sophie's forehead. The tip of the wand glowed like the color of the sun. When Sophie stirred, my stomach unclenched.

  “Sophie, are you with us?” Lady Weatherby asked. There was no trace of panic in her voice. I, on the other hand, had nothing but panic racing through my veins. I didn't think it was possible to be as calm and cool as Lady Weatherby.

  Sophie's eyelids fluttered open. “Did it work?”

  Everybody laughed.

  “The spell wasn't meant to make her unconscious,” Millie said. “Would you really say that it worked?”r />
  “The point is to weaken your opponent,” Lady Weatherby said. “If, for you, that means rendering the other person unconscious, then so be it. I consider it a success, however excessive.”

  A success? It didn't feel like a success. I nearly killed my friend. That was nothing but a monumental failure in my book.

  “I wasn't trying to make her unconscious, though,” I said. “Not even when I focused my will.”

  Lady Weatherby studied me. “I see. Miss Hart, why don't you see me after class?”

  Talk about a Weaken spell. My body went limp. “Yes, ma'am,” I croaked.

  I sat in the chair across from Lady Weatherby's desk, admiring the portrait of Arabella St. Simon, the academy's namesake. She looked just as grand as I remembered from my last visit.

  “Professor Holmes,” Lady Weatherby said. “Thank you for joining us last minute.”

  Professor Holmes dropped into the chair next to me. “Emma again?”

  ““We had a bit of an incident in class today,” Lady Weatherby explained. “It seems our own Miss Hart packs a more powerful magical punch than the other remedial witches.”

  “Not really,” I protested.

  Chairman Meow came out from behind the desk to hiss at me, as though arguing on his familiar's behalf. His little antler headdress was slightly askew, making him look more adorable then he probably would have liked.

  “We were performing a simple Weaken spell, but Miss Hart seems to have rendered our young Sophie unconscious in the process.”

  Professor Holmes cast a sidelong glance at me. “Is that so? And was that your intention?”

  “Of course not,” I blurted. “Sophie's one of my best friends. I would never want to hurt her.”

  “I wasn't suggesting that you would,” Professor Holmes said. “I'm sorry. I know you’re very fond of Sophie.”

  “I'm fond of all of them, even Millie.” As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I longed to snatch them back. To my relief, both Professor Holmes and Lady Weatherby chuckled.

  “Millie has a good heart,” Professor Holmes said.

  “She can, however, ruffle even the most docile of feathers,” Lady Weatherby said.

  “She's jealous of you, you know,” Professor Holmes said.