“I don’t,” I answered quickly. “I just want to help my friends and keep my mother safe.”
“I know, child,” replied Chloe in a softer tone. “But, one word of advice – stay in control of your emotions. Go with what your mind tells you, and not your heart.”
“Why?” I asked, surprised. I’d always been taught that love was the most powerful thing in the world. That without it, nothing else really mattered.
“Because pain and sorrow can sometimes cause you to make choices that you’ll regret later,” said Adrianne, answering for her.
“Exactly,” said Chloe.
“Oh,” I replied, thinking back to the times when I’d fought with Adrianne, and had said things that I’d regretted later. Things that I hadn’t really meant but couldn’t stop myself at the time from saying. “I know what you’re getting at.”
“Good,” said Chloe, dimming. “Now, leave me be and get back to your nattering. I’m resting.”
I bit back a smile.
Adele chuckled. “Oh, she does have a way about her, doesn’t she?”
“She’s definitely one of a kind,” said Adrianne.
“I see that. Would any of you care for something to drink? Lemonade, soda, water?”
“No. Actually, we’re really in a hurry, Adele,” replied Adrianne.
“Then let’s get down to business,” she replied. “I take it this has to do with your sister?”
“Yes,” replied Adrianne. “How did you know?”
“Some of the gals in my coven came to visit me last night, and it came up pretty quickly. It appears that everyone knows of the horrible rift between you.”
“It’s more than that,” I said quickly. “Vivian has tried to kill her and she’s holding two of our friends as prisoners.”
“Might be holding them as prisoners,” replied Adrianne, forcing a smile. “We’re not entirely sure.”
“They’re in danger, though. I can feel it,” I protested.
Adrianne sighed. “Yes, I guess I feel it, too. That’s why we need your help, Adele. We need to rescue our friends. There are only a handful of us and Vivian has an entire coven under her fingertips.”
Adele sat back in her chair. She rubbed her forehead. “As much as I want to help you, I’ll be frank – Vivian scares me. She doesn’t play by any rules, which makes her totally unpredictable.”
“Vivian doesn’t play by the rules because they are not her rules,” I said tersely.
“There is a code that even the darkest of witches are supposed to follow. Of course, they rarely do, and that’s when things get murky,” said Adele, smiling grimly. “And that’s why I have to think of my own daughter, Megan. I don’t want to place her in danger by going against your sister.”
“Believe me, I understand,” said Adrianne, glancing toward me. “It’s why I never told my daughters about Vivian or being a witch. I wanted to protect them as well.”
“But, as we’ve found out, sometimes shielding someone from danger can cause worse obstacles later,” I replied. “You know, I have this feeling that Vivian isn’t going to stop with just hurting us. I could see it in her eyes when she talked about how powerful of a witch she is. I think she wants to control everyone, not just her coven.”
“But, she’s a dark witch. We’d never allow her to lead us,” replied Adele.
“I don’t think she’d be asking,” I said, smiling wryly.
Adele sighed.
“Look, Adele, my sister is relentless and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Now, she wants me dead. If I die, my power will go to her, because we’re twins. You can imagine how dangerous she will become at that point.”
“I didn’t even think about that,” said Adele, her lips thinning. “I suppose you’re right. She’d be unstoppable if she finds a way to kill you, which is horrible enough to think about.”
“Exactly,” I replied.
Adele asked, “Adrianne, can you talk to her? Try and make up? Call a truce? You two were close once, weren’t you?”
“A long time ago. But things have happened, and…” Adrianne sighed. “Look, Vivian will never stop wanting something she shouldn’t have or trying to remove whatever it is that stands in her way of having it. She can’t be reasoned with.”
Adele’s stared at the wall. “I just don’t think it’s wise to cross her.”
“Look, she will cross you eventually,” I said. “Wouldn’t you rather deal with her now, before she sets her sights on your coven and decides on a hostile takeover?”
“You don’t know that she’ll come after us,” she replied. I knew from the look on her face that she didn’t want to know the truth.
“Maybe not, but we don’t that she won’t, either,” I countered. “She’s evil.”
“And ruthless. Adele, her thirst for power is growing. Along with her hate,” said Adrianne. “I think we’re all in danger. Those of us who practice White Magic – we need to stick together.”
“I just don’t know…” said Adele, scratching the back of her head. “I’d hate to get involved in something that doesn’t have anything to do with us.”
I wanted to shout at her for being such a coward, but I knew my mother would kill me herself. Instead, I forced a smile. “You’ll regret it later if you don’t stand up to her now.”
Adele didn’t respond.
Frustrated, Adrianne leaned forward. “Adele, she tried to kill me. My own sister. She killed our father when we were teenagers, and smiled as she did it. She also killed Rebecca’s husband, and I’m pretty sure they weren’t her only victims. Who knows what else she’s capable of.”
“That’s what Black Magic can do to you,” said Adele, her voice barely a whisper. “Just like Gwendolyn. And now the evil controls your sister, instead of her controlling the evil.”
I snapped my fingers. “Yes. Exactly. And that’s why she’s out of control and needs to be stopped.”
“Adele, we could really use your help,” said Adrianne. “Maybe the help of your coven, too, if you’d think they’d be willing?”
She bit her lower lip. “Honestly, I don’t really think we have a choice, if what you say is true about your sister. You’ve convinced me – she needs to be stopped.”
“It’s true,” said Chloe out of nowhere. She began to sparkle. “And now that she has Penelope back in her possession, stopping her isn’t going to be easy. You need to band together and put an end to her darkness before she gains more followers.”
Adele smiled grimly. “Well, I guess you can’t argue with a wand. Especially one made by Isadora, who we all know had psychic abilities.”
“That’s true. She did,” replied Adrianne. “I forgot about that.”
Adele stood up. “Okay. I’ll go and contact my coven. See if our leader will be willing to help you.”
I released a sigh of relief.
Chapter Sixteen
A few minutes later, we left Adele’s house and teleported back to Secrets. When we arrived, I found Willow and Tyler sitting alone off to the side, talking quietly.
“What’s going on over there?” I asked Kala as Adrianne went to speak with Clarice and Rebecca.
Kala, who was playing solitaire at the front counter, turned and looked over at them. “I don’t know. They’ve been over there for a while. It’s obvious that she likes him.”
“You think?” I muttered, not exactly thrilled to have Kala also acknowledge what I’d been thinking.
She chuckled. “Jealous?”
I shrugged.
Kala patted my arm. “Don’t worry, Kendra. He likes you. Not Willow. At least not the way that you’re thinking.”
I hope not…
Just then, Tyler looked up and our eyes met. He smiled.
I raised my hand and smiled.
“Have to admit, he is really cute,” said Kala. “Not as cute as Bailey. More like a puppy dog kind of cute.”
“Yeah,” I replied, barely listening to her as I stared at Willow and Tyler as they co
ntinued their conversation. Then he said something and Willow looked at me. Her eyes widened and she began laughing hysterically.
“What do you suppose they’re they laughing at?” I asked Kala.
“Oh,” she chuckled and pointed toward the top of my head. “For some reason, the top of your hair is sticking straight up like a fuzzy dandelion. Must have hit some kind of static electricity on the way back during teleportation?”
“Maybe.” I reached up and smoothed down my hair, which did feel light and airy. “Great. I must look like a dweeb.”
“Pretty much,” affirmed my sister.
Tyler stood up from the table and then walked over, followed closely by Willow, who I noticed had run a comb through her own hair and applied a little eyeliner to her eyes. Now, instead of her old-fashioned black dress, she wore light blue jeans and a hot-pink T-shirt that was tied at the side of her waist. On her feet were flip-flops with pink and yellow flowers. She was obviously adjusting very well to modern life in Bayport, and it had only taken an hour.
“What’s going on?” he asked, studying my face. “You find Adele?”
“Yes. She’s going to contact her coven and call my mom in about ten minutes or so. To see if they’ll help out or not.”
“Good,” he replied and then smiled. “Uh, can I talk to you a minute?”
“Sure,” I answered.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the back of the store.
“What’s going on?” I asked, as we entered the bathroom.
He locked the door and then turned to me, a grin playing on his lips.
“Uh, are we teleporting down the drain again?” I joked, feeling suddenly shy.
His green eyes twinkled. “No.”
“Well, then?”
He reached over and tugged on a strand of my hair. “Sorry, I just wanted to get you alone for a few minutes.”
“Why?”
He grinned wickedly. “Do I have to spell it out for you?”
My cheeks turned pink. “Don’t even try hypnotizing me again, Enchanter,” I said as his hands slid around my waist and he pulled me close.
“Never,” he whispered, right before our lips met.
Thrilled, I closed my eyes and slipped my hands around his neck, sighing as our kiss deepened. Soon, his tongue moved into my mouth and I paused, not knowing what to do.
He chuckled and pulled away. “You’ve never really French-kissed before me, have you?”
“Is it that obvious?” I asked, blushing again. “Oh, and thanks for pointing that out. So gentlemanly of you.”
“Don’t be embarrassed,” he whispered. “I think it’s kind of cute.”
“Cute?”
“Yes. I like being your first.”
I stiffened up. “My first?”
He threw his head back and laughed.
“Why is that so funny?”
“Sorry,” he said, trying to control his laughter. “I meant I was your first French-kiss, or,” he wiggled his eyebrows, “whatever else you decide to do with me.”
My eyes widened. “Whatever else?”
“Exactly.”
I smirked and shook my head.
“Would you like to try it again?” he asked. “Practice makes perfect, you know.”
I bit my lower lip. “Sure, if you think we have time?”
“We have until tonight, right?” he whispered, moving his mouth to mine.
“Yes,” I replied breathlessly.
We spent the next few seconds kissing awkwardly. When I finally got the hang of it things and was really beginning to enjoy myself, someone began pounding on the door.
“Tyler!” hollered Rebecca. “What are you doing in there with Kendra?”
We both jumped away from each other.
“Crap,” he muttered, rubbing a hand over his forehead.
“Hello? Answer me!”
“Uh, nothing,” he answered, opening up the door.
She looked at my mouth and frowned. “Nothing, huh? It looks like your lips were attacked by bees, they’re so darn swollen.”
My face turned scarlet.
“What’s going on?” asked my mom as we stepped out of the bathroom. She blinked. “What happened to your mouth?”
“Looks like Kendra’s been doing a little smooching,” said my sister, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
My mom stared at me in surprise. “Kendra? Is that so?”
I opened my mouth but couldn’t find the words to answer her, especially since everyone was staring at us.
Adrianne looked at Tyler. “Did you do that to her mouth?”
He blushed. “I… uh…”
She shook her head and chuckled. “I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. Next time, however,” she lowered her voice, “please, find a more romantic place to do it other than the can.”
I rolled my eyes. “Mom!”
“My baby is growing up,” she gushed, throwing her arms around me.
“Mom,” I mumbled as she squeezed me tight. “Please.”
She pulled away and stared into my eyes. “Honey, we did have the talk, didn’t we?”
“I’m eighteen, mom. We had the talk. A long time ago,” I answered, gritting my teeth. I wasn’t sure how old Tyler really was, but right now, I felt like I was ten years old.
She patted my cheek. “Good.”
Embarrassed, I quickly escaped and walked toward Kala, who was teaching Willow how to play solitaire.
“Have fun in the can?” asked Kala, looking up at me, her eyes twinkling.
I sighed. “Ha ha… very funny.”
“So, I take it that you two are in some kind of relationship?” asked Willow, flipping over cards.
“A relationship? I don’t know,” I replied. “We really just met a few days ago.”
“Don’t listen to her,” said Kala. “They definitely like each other. A lot.”
Willow smiled. “You’re a lucky girl. He seems like a really nice guy.”
“Thank you,” replied Tyler, coming up behind me. “So, Kala, mom said I should help you find a wand to use.”
Her eyes lit up. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. You need to learn how to protect yourself against other witches and warlocks.”
“I’m all for that,” she replied. “Can you get me a broom, too?”
“Let’s start with the wand and we’ll go from there,” he said, smiling.
“I heard that Kendra was on a broom earlier. If she can do it, then I know I can ace it,” she replied. “She hates heights and I love them. Like seriously, love being up high.”
“Very true,” I replied.
“Is that right?” asked Willow, turning to me. “You were actually flying on a broom?”
“If that’s what you want to call it,” answered Tyler, chuckling. “It looked more like she was clinging onto it in terror.”
“He’s right. I was,” I said, noticing Adrianne headed our way. “What’s wrong?” I asked, noticing the dismay on her face.
“I just got off the phone with Adele. The other coven isn’t willing to help us,” she replied.
I sighed. “So, we’re really on our own against Vivian? What about Clarice’s old friends?”
“She can’t seem to get ahold of them. Well, I’m sure we’ll be fine. Listen, girls, we want you three to stay behind,” said Adrianne. “While we go and search for the spell book.”
My eyes widened. “What? No, way! I’m definitely coming with you guys.”
“If Vivian gets her hands on you, it’s all over. She’ll either kill you or use you to get to me. She knows that you’re my only real weakness.”
“No, mom. You need me and Chloe,” I protested. “Vivian has her bonding wand now…”
“I don’t care. I’m not putting you two in any more danger. I’d rather die myself.”
“You almost did,” I said. “But, we saved you. Look, we’re not little children. You said so yourself – you need help. There’s no way you’re going to be able to pul
l this off with just you three. You need us for distractions, at least, especially if something goes wrong.”
“That’s just it, something could go terribly wrong. Again. I’m not willing to lose you girls.”
“We’re not willing to lose you either,” said Kala sternly. “Kendra is right, we’re not children, and like it or not, we’re both coming with you.”
“Hey, I’m also coming with,” added Willow. “If she hurts any of you with her wand, remember that I can reverse the spell.”
Adrianne sighed. “At least there is that. But, you all need to follow my orders and no crazy heroics. Okay?”
“Sure, nothing crazy,” I replied.
“I agree,” said Kala.
Willow nodded.
“Uh, one thing?” asked Kala.
“What?” asked Adrianne.
She smiled weakly. “Do we have time for a shower or a fresh change of clothes? I’ve had this on for the last couple of days and it’s gross, mom.”
“Are you kidding?” I gasped. “We barely have enough time to go to the bathroom.”
“You were just there,” replied Kala, crossing her arms under her chest. “And had time for other things, obviously.”
Tyler cleared his throat. “Uh, I guess this is my cue to leave. I’ll go and find you a wand, Kala.”
“Thanks,” she replied. “You want Kendra to help you look?”
“No, that’s okay.”
“You sure? You guys could start with the bathroom again. Oh, wait – you’ve already explored things in there, haven’t you?”
He grinned and walked away.
“Kala,” I huffed. “Really?”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
“Quit embarrassing us.”
She waved her hand. “Oh, he’s fine.”
“I don’t care. You’re embarrassing the crap out of me and I don’t really appreciate it.”
“Seriously? Don’t be such a whiner.”
My eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“Girls,” interrupted Adrianne.
“What?” asked Kala.
She raised her wand. “We don’t have time for bickering, but we certainly do have enough time to freshen up.”
“Really?” I asked, unsure.
“Really,” she answered, waving the wand at us. A bright light shot out of the tip, and before I knew it, both Kala and I were cloaked in some kind of warm cloud that smelled like vanilla and honey. When it dissipated, both of us were clothed in black-hooded robes of velvet and I felt oddly refreshed.
Enchanted Objects: (Witches Of Bayport) Page 10