Magic & Malice

by Annabel Chase

  I paid for the pizzas and hurried to drop them on the kitchen counter before returning to check on Pietra. My heart was racing from all the activity. What if something happened to Pietra while she was under my care?

  By the time I returned to the sofa, I could see that the sheriff had everything under control. He’d already mixed the ingredients and was applying them to Pietra’s skin. Some of the splotches on her legs had already faded.

  “I feel better,” Pietra said. “Thank you, Sheriff Nash.”

  “Don’t mention it,” he said. “Emergency aid is all part of the job when you’re the sheriff.”

  Stars and stones. The werewolf was more maternal than I was. He soothed the angry allergic reaction and kept Pietra at ease in the process. Meanwhile, I was still trying to calm my nerves and deal with the fact that the pizza was here—pizza that I didn’t even cook myself.

  Once Jenna reappeared and Pietra was fully recovered, I brought out the food and drinks and everyone helped themselves. The girls chatted happily while the sheriff and I sequestered ourselves in the kitchen. He took two ales from the pantry and handed one to me.

  “You’re allowed one on sleepover duty,” he said, and popped off the lid for me.

  I drank straight from the bottle. “I’m glad I only have one child. No way could I have handled more.”

  He chuckled. “Give yourself credit, Rose. You’ve done a remarkable job with the one you do have. Not every parent can say that and have it be true.”

  “I can’t take credit for Marley,” I said. “She’d be this awesome even if she’d hatched fully formed from the head of a Gorgon.”

  He squinted at me. “You’ve got some weird thoughts. You know that?”

  “I assumed it was one of the things you like about me.” I took another sip of ale.

  He placed his hand on my thigh. It felt warm and inviting resting there. “I like an awful things about you, Rose.” He leaned back and removed his hand. “Not so sure about the weird thoughts, though.”

  I nudged him away with my foot. “Not funny, Granger. I have feelings, you know. Weird feelings, but still.”

  He laughed. “You’re such an easy target.”

  The kitchen door flew open and Marley stood there with a necklace hanging from her hand. “Mom, you have to see this locket. It’s the prettiest thing in the world.” She came to stand beside me and proudly displayed the gold necklace with the locket in the shape of a heart. Inside the locket was a tiny picture of Karl on one side and a tiny picture of me on the other.

  “Where did you get this?” I asked, stunned.

  “Sheriff Nash,” Marley said. “Thank you so much. I love it.” She kissed the locket and ran back to the living area.

  My chest ached. “You gave Marley a locket with a photo of her dad?”

  “And you,” he said. “Don’t forget the most important part.”

  I gazed at him in wonder. “How did you get your hands on a photo of Karl?”

  He smiled vaguely. “I’m the sheriff. I have my ways.” He took a swig of ale. “I know what it’s like to lose a father. I figure it’s only right that Marley keeps his memory close to her heart.”

  Emotions swelled inside me and I realized that I was on the verge of tears. I pushed back my chair and stood, but the sheriff shot to his feet and grabbed my hand before I could turn away.

  “Where’re you going, Rose?” His voice was more tender than usual.

  I swallowed hard. “I have something in my eye.”

  He lifted my chin. “Those are called tears, Rose, and they’re a perfectly acceptable display of emotion.”

  A lone tear streamed down my cheek and he dabbed it gently with the pad of his finger.

  “Mom, look at this!” Marley pushed open the door and I quickly pulled myself together.

  “What is it?” There was no need to ask. I could see what it was.

  A wand.

  “We’ll to have to stay up past midnight so I can use it,” Marley said.

  “Who bought you the wand?” I asked.

  “Aunt Hyacinth,” she replied. “She didn’t buy it, though. It’s a family heirloom. At least that’s what her note said.”

  I examined the wand in her hand. With its well-worn groove marks and runes along the handle, it definitely looked ancient.

  “That’s a nice stick you’re holding,” the sheriff said. “Why don’t you put it somewhere safe until you’re ready to use it? You’d never forgive yourself if anything happened to it.”

  Marley’s expression turned solemn. “You’re so right.” She held the wand up to me. “Will you take care of it for me?”

  “Of course.” I took the wand and, the moment Marley left the kitchen, I gave the wand to the sheriff. “You’re probably better at keeping things safe.”

  He chuckled. “I’ll find a good hiding spot.” He studied the wand. “Hyacinth must be pretty confident the girl’s going to be a witch.”

  “Hudson and Bryn were disappointing to her, but werewolf genes can apparently be strong,” I said. “Human genes…well.” I shrugged. “I think she can’t imagine a world where garden-variety human genes overpower the DNA of the One True Witch.”

  He sidled up to me. “Werewolf genes are pretty potent. In fact, I’d say everything about a werewolf is pretty potent.”

  I placed my palm flat against his forehead. “Down, boy.”

  He gripped my fingers and kissed them. “I’ll go in any direction you like when the time comes. Werewolves are flexible.”

  My body warmed all over. “Hold that thought for another night. It’s time to get these girls some birthday cake.”

  Chapter Ten

  Sunday was not a good day in Rose Cottage. Once her friends had gone home, Marley moped around the house as though she’d been diagnosed with a terminal illness. I honestly didn’t know how to make her feel better. There was nothing I could do to change the outcome and she’d already had pizza and cake. In my experience, those were the food choices that improved my outlook on life.

  “Do you want to go to the beach after my psychic skills lesson with Marigold?” I asked. Marley loved the beach more than anyone I knew. If that suggestion didn’t perk her up, nothing would.

  “Not in the mood,” she said sullenly. She fell backward on the sofa and folded her arms. I noticed that she wore the heart-shaped locket around her neck.

  “I’m so impressed with Granger’s gift,” I said, coming to sit beside her. “It’s beautiful.”

  Marley fingered the locket. “It is. I like that he included Dad.”

  “He lost his father at a young age, too,” I said. “He understands what it’s like.”

  Marley cast a sidelong glance at me. “Do you want to marry him?”

  “Marry him?” I sputtered. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ve only recently decided to step forward with the relationship. Besides, I’m not sure whether I’d ever get married again.”

  “Don’t you want a companion for when I go off to college?” She placed her hands over the dog’s ears. “PP3 isn’t going to live forever.”

  “You turned eleven yesterday,” I said. “I have plenty of time for major life decisions between now and then.”

  She exhaled loudly. “Maybe you should settle down with a nice wizard to appease Aunt Hyacinth. Now that I’m a boring human, she might not be as generous as she has been.”

  “Oh, Marley, don’t say that. Aunt Hyacinth isn’t as rigid as she pretends to be.”

  “What makes you think that?” Marley asked.

  “I think Hattie’s death is giving her pause,” I said. “She seems to be softening her stance on a few things.”

  “Did she give you and the sheriff her blessing?” Marley asked. “It has to be hard for her because she dislikes Wyatt so much.”

  “Wyatt didn’t treat Linnea very well,” I said, not wanting to get into details about his cheating ways. “He and Granger aren’t at all similar.”

  “But Aunt Hyacinth dislike
s him because he’s a werewolf above all else.”

  I rubbed my hands on my thighs. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”

  “She adores Alec, though,” Marley said. “So at least we agree on something.”

  I ruffled her hair. “You’re still holding out hope for that one, aren’t you? He’s with Holly now. You know that.”

  “It won’t last,” Marley said. “She’s not right for him.”

  “You’re very wise, sweetheart, but I don’t think you can say whether Holly and Alec are meant to be.” I smiled. “On that note, I asked Aunt Hyacinth if she intended to start dating anytime soon.”

  Marley burst into laughter. “You what?”

  “Why is that funny? She’s an attractive older witch with money and power. She’d have her choice of decent men.”

  Marley’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “We should send her to see Artemis. Maybe she can find Aunt Hyacinth the perfect match. If she’s happy in her own relationship, maybe she’ll stay out of others’.”

  “That’s not a bad idea,” I said. PP3 jumped off the sofa and I knew that Marigold had arrived. “Do you want to quietly observe the lesson?”

  Marley peeled herself off the sofa. “No, thanks. What’s the point? I’ll go read Alec’s book in my room.”

  I felt deflated. Any other time, Marley would have jumped at the chance to watch a magic lesson. “We’ll be in here if you change your mind.” I’d make sure we conducted the lesson in the cottage rather than the woods today, so that I could stay close to Marley. I didn’t want to leave her alone.

  I opened the door and was confronted with a giant stuffed black cat. Marigold peered around it. “Where’s the birthday girl?”

  “Upstairs,” I said. “She isn’t feeling very festive.”

  Marigold crossed the threshold and set aside the cat. “No magic?” she whispered.

  “Afraid not.”

  Marigold frowned. “Has she been seen by anyone?”

  “Well, of course. She’s not a ghost.”

  Marigold narrowed her eyes. “I mean a professional.”

  “A professional what?”

  “A healer. A therapist. Someone to help figure out whether this is a blockage or a permanent condition.”

  I stared at her. “A blockage? Is that a thing?”

  Marigold shrugged. “Everything’s a thing.”

  I hesitated. “I don’t want to give her false hope. She’s already devastated.”

  “Then she won’t get any more devastated,” Marigold said. “I can recommend a therapist. A friend of mine sees him regularly and swears by him.”

  What harm could it do? “I’ll take his information and see what Marley thinks.”

  “Rhys Meridien,” she said. “He has an office over on Blue Moon Lane.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “How’s the change?” I dropped my voice to a whisper.

  “Why are you whispering?” Marigold asked, mimicking my voice.

  “Because I don’t know if you want to anyone to know,” I replied.

  “Well, I don’t intend to lease a billboard, but it’s a natural part of life,” Marigold said. “Nothing to be embarrassed about.”

  “That’s such a healthy attitude,” I said. “Did that happen as part of the change?”

  She glowered at me. “I’m a perfectly together witch, Ember. I make no apologies.”

  “Blargh. You’re no fun,” I said. “Where’s Hazel when I need an emotional punching bag?”

  A noise in the kitchen drew my attention. “I’ll be right back.” I opened the kitchen door and found Raoul scraping the icing off the edge of the cake box. I stood there with my hands on my hips until he noticed me.

  What? he finally said, indignant. I’m not allowed to partake? I’m family.

  “You’ve managed to cover your face in icing,” I said.

  That’s for later. He gestured toward the front of the cottage. I come bearing gifts. Where’s the witch? Let me know when her familiar makes an appearance so I can show him the ropes.

  I pressed my lips together. This whole ordeal was going to take a toll on Marley and me. I felt guilty having to explain to everyone that—no, Marley seems to have inherited her father’s non-magic DNA.

  Raoul’s dark eyes rounded. No transformation?

  I shook my head. “I’m sure she’ll take the present, though.”

  It’s on the lawn, he said.

  I went to the window and peered outside. “Raoul, why is there a refrigerator on my front lawn?”

  Ta-da! You’re welcome.

  “What did you…Raoul, is this from a dumpster?”

  How insulting! I found it in the fresh pile at the recycling center. Hasn’t even been rained on yet.

  “How did you manage to get it here?” I shook my head. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.” I stared at the massive refrigerator. “What are those red marks? Paint?”

  Raoul took a sudden interest in the floorboards. I may have been involved in a scuffle to take ownership of this. There were a few others interested. It’s a big-ticket item, you know.

  I was touched, and yet completely grossed out. “You got in a fight over Marley’s present?”

  I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to get something nice. Now that I know about the magic, I’m glad I made the effort.

  Marigold poked her head in the kitchen. “Ember, are you coming back?” She caught sight of my familiar. “Ah, Raoul. You may as well join us. This is psychic skills, after all.”

  Raoul rolled his eyes. Why didn’t you tell me the Nazi cheerleader was here?

  “Is he rolling his eyes at me? He is, isn’t he?” Marigold scowled.

  “Hey, he prefers you to Hazel,” I said.

  That seemed to perk up Marigold. “I see.” She beamed at the raccoon. “Come then, let’s get on with the lesson. I have other boxes to tick today.”

  We returned to the living area and sat around the larger table. Marigold had a small basket of items in the middle.

  Awesome. Treasures. Raoul settled into a chair and reached for the basket, but Marigold slapped his paw away.

  “These can only be touched by Ember or the lesson won’t work,” Marigold said. She gave the basket a gentle shake. “Close your eyes and draw a single item from the pile.”

  I did as instructed, wrapping my fingers around something small and wooden. “Do I look at it?”

  “Not yet,” Marigold said. “Best to keep your eyes shut, so that your other senses kick in more quickly.”

  “Am I supposed to guess what it is?” That seemed…not very interesting.

  “No,” Marigold replied. “I’d like you to focus on the energy emanating from the object. How does it make you feel? Do you have any thoughts or impressions while you’re holding the object?”

  I sat quietly for a moment, rubbing my fingers over the item. At first, my rational mind kept trying to figure out what it was, rather than how it made me feel. Finally, I cleared my mind and zeroed in on the energy.

  “Sad,” I said. “I’m feeling a sad energy.”

  “Stick with it.” Marigold fell silent for a moment. “Anything else? Any visions?”

  I stroked the wooden object, concentrating as hard as I could on the vibrations rolling off the item. “Someone lost this…No, wait. Someone hid this away because the memories attached to it were too painful.” In my mind’s eye, I saw blurred figures but nothing more.

  “Very good, Ember,” Marigold said. “You may open your eyes now.”

  I immediately glanced down at the object. It was a fairly plain, smooth piece of wood. “What is it?” And why would it bring such sadness to anyone?

  “A handmade teething rattle,” Marigold said. “The infant died before she was ever able to use it. Her father had carved it especially for her.”

  Tears threatened to spill as I stared at the beautiful piece. “Why do you have it?”

  “The mother is a friend,” Marigold replied. “Years ago, she asked me to take this ou
t of the house so that they were no longer reminded of their loss. Of course, removing an object will never be enough to erase the painful memories.”

  I placed the teething rattle back in the basket. “There’s still a lot of sadness attached to it.”

  Marigold nodded solemnly. “Energy can cling to an item for its lifetime. That’s one reason psychometry is such a useful skill to hone.”

  “That’s what this lesson is?” I asked. “Psychometry?”

  “Yes.” She removed the wooden teething rattle and shook the basket. “Another one, please. Make sure the first one wasn’t a lucky guess.”

  I closed my eyes and pulled another object from the basket. This time, I didn’t try to discern what it was, only noting that it was circular. I tried to simply focus on the energy. The vibrations felt—almost hot to the touch.

  “Anger?” I said.

  “Are you asking me or telling me?” Marigold asked.

  I sat with the item another minute. “Telling you. There’s anger attached to this item.”

  “Can you tell anything about the being connected to it?” Marigold asked. “Male or female?”

  I inhaled deeply through my nose and exhaled through my mouth. “The owner of the object was female, but the anger is masculine, if that makes sense.”

  “Yes, it does. Any visions?”

  I squeezed my eyes, as though that might somehow prompt a clear vision. It didn’t. “Just blurry figures.”

  “That will come in time,” Marigold said. “You have the capability, I’m certain of it.”

  “Can I open my eyes?”

  “You may.”

  I uncurled my fingers and saw the ring in my hand. “A bad marriage?”

  “A called-off engagement,” Marigold said. “He tried to kill her. Thankfully, a couple of bystanders intervened.”

  I tossed the ring at Marigold, not wanting anything to do with it. “I’m already having an emotionally charged weekend, Marigold. Any chance we can pep things up?”

  “That depends on the object you choose,” she said. “Unfortunately, negative emotions have a way of sticking around for longer and giving off stronger vibrations.”

  You’re pretty good at this, Raoul said.