Hex at a House Party

by Gretchen Galway

  Zoe waved, and Phil nodded. They had a bottle of wine, a plaid blanket, a basket and glasses, and were leaning close together, obviously enjoying the sunset.

  “We’ve crashed their party,” I said. “Let’s leave them to it. Do you mind?”

  I’d already determined that the fae were not in the cove. The sea fae weren’t visible to me if they were deep underwater, but an undeveloped beach at dusk should’ve had at least a few swimming in the surf or flower fairies clinging to the wildflowers. Driftwood would attract sprites, and the rocky shore offered habitat for trolls. The wind was strong and clear, singing its part of the song the fae would crave to hear.

  “I don’t mind. I just wanted to see it.” Birdie waved at the couple and turned around to begin climbing back up to the top. “So cute, isn’t it? Mature adults in love.”

  “They’re not very old,” I said. “Your father was older than that when I slept with him.”

  Then again, Tristan had used magic to hide his age. Phil and Zoe could afford all the tricks, magic and high-tech, to appear younger than they really were.

  Birdie turned and raised an eyebrow. “But what you and my father had wasn’t love, was it?”

  I flinched. “No. No, it wasn’t.” I needed to remember that Birdie had more of an edge than I gave her credit for. Just because she was goofy didn’t mean she was stupid.

  Climbing back up to the house was easier than the journey down because we could use our hands on the rocks for balance, climbing up like crabs, and also because the twists and bends were more familiar to us.

  The light was swiftly disappearing. I looked back at Phil and Zoe, relieved to see they were already halfway up the path behind us. Smarter than me, they were using a spell to light their way. And… I paused to concentrate… some other magic to ease their climb.

  Of course. They’d been here before, so they would have learned to prepare.

  When Birdie and I went directly to the second floor of the farmhouse to wash up for cocktails and dinner, we ran into Tierra in the hallway. Birdie excused herself to use the bathroom, leaving us alone.

  “You hiked down to the beach?” Tierra asked.

  “It’s rougher than I’d expected,” I said. “Kind of dangerous. I thought, with Warren being older, it would be easier to go up and down.”

  “They like it that way. They’ve got experience and magic to keep them safe. It’s the rest of us who have to be careful.” Tierra reached into the low neckline of her tight black dress and adjusted her breasts. Quite a contrast to her sporty look earlier. “There’s a better hike you should do. About two miles long, it goes north along the coast but not too close to the highway. We could go tomorrow. You interested?”

  I was dying to know what Darius had said to her. Afraid he might never tell me, I was glad to take her invitation. “Sure, I’d love to.”

  She lowered her voice. “Just you and me though, if you don’t mind. Not…” She glanced at Birdie’s door.

  I nodded. It must be something good if she wouldn’t want another pair of ears overhearing. “Morning or afternoon?”

  “Let’s say afternoon. I think I’m going to want to sleep in tomorrow. Two?”

  I agreed, and she walked away down the stairs, her stride unsteady in heels, every inch of her on display under the stretchy fabric of her dress.

  Was that outfit for Nate? They had seemed as if they were arguing earlier. Maybe she was trying to make up.

  Influenced by Tierra’s dress, I replaced my muddy jeans with clean ones. Not having packed enough clothes to change my shirt, I kept on the tee but traded the fleece hoodie for a sweater. As I’d told Birdie, I’d never promised to be pretty.

  Birdie came to my door also wearing a black dress, but she’d thrown a thick cardigan over it.

  “Don’t let me drink too much,” Birdie said. “It just makes me talk more.”

  “You’ll be fine,” I said. “If you find yourself needing to say something, talk about blueberries. They’ll think there’s some secret meaning and pay rapt attention.”

  “Is there a secret meaning to blueberries?”

  “The little leaves have a few uses, but this crowd won’t know that. It’s a hearth witch thing.”

  “You’ve said that before, but I don’t really get what it means.”

  I hesitated to explain since I felt I still had so much to learn myself. But she might as well hear my side of it, and later, if she was interested, maybe she’d learn more and share it with me.

  “The Protectorate is all about metal and stone,” I said. “That magic is strong and predictable, always the same no matter what witch is using it.” I adjusted the redwood beads around my neck and checked the ones on my wrist. “Hearth witches are known for using wood, water, herbs, bone, blood, fur—the old stereotypical witch’s toolbox—elements that are wild and unreliable. Some idiots still call it women’s magic, but that’s because most female witches only had access to what they could find at home.”

  I’d met a lot of idiots like that, male and female, at the Protectorate.

  “Do you use wood because that’s all you can afford?” Birdie asked. “Because listen, if that’s what it is, I could buy you all the metal and stone you want. Tristan left me more money than I know what to do with. It would be my payment for you taking me under your broom, so to speak.”

  Her generosity overwhelmed me. I stared at her, fighting the urge to hug her, then finally succumbed and gave her a quick one. She stood there and hugged me back, smiling but looking a little surprised.

  “I use wood because that’s what I like,” I said, squeezing her shoulder as I stepped back. “But thank you. I don’t want your money—other than the rent. He wanted you to have it.”

  “Why do you like it if it’s not as powerful?”

  I put my hand on my necklace and reached deep into the well of power that lay beneath the shimmering illusion of my separate self. With a silver chain, power came to me without effort, contemplation, or depth. But using rigid metal for a spell was like making music by hitting play on my computer instead of strumming a guitar with my own fingers.

  “It just feels right. There’s more art to it,” I said. “You’ll have to explore what’s right for you.” It made me nervous to tell her to experiment, but it was the only way.

  We went downstairs to find everyone already there, even Phil and Zoe. They had obviously come directly from the beach, wearing the same clothes, their cheeks and hair windblown. Tierra stood with Warren behind the bar, helping him open a bottle of wine. He’d upgraded his flannel and khakis to a dark suit; although he wore no tie, his collar was open, showing a thick gold chain.

  I did another probe of everyone in the room but didn’t feel a demon or even fae. The collage of spells and amulets worked like the roar of a jet engine drowning out a whisper.

  After each getting a glass of wine, Birdie and I walked over to stand near the telescope. A few feet away, Crystal and Zoe sat together on a love seat facing the ocean, comparing bracelets and rings. They both laughed when a tendril of smoke puffed up between them.

  “Metal?” Birdie whispered in my ear.

  I sent out a probing spell and found the source of magic on Zoe’s wrist. It was coming from a chunk of obsidian, which could—to a small degree—generate the volcanic heat that created it. The smoke must have come from burning something else, maybe a scrap of a cocktail napkin. Back when my father had still smoked cigarettes, he’d used an obsidian arrowhead as a lighter.

  “Stone,” I muttered.

  Warren walked over with two glasses of wine, which he handed to the women on the couch. “I’ve stayed much too long,” he said. “I’ve got to leave now. You know how I hate driving in the dark.”

  Crystal gave him an impatient look but took the glass. “Fine. It doesn’t matter.”

  He nodded and looked around. “I won’t see any of you until tomorrow. I’m spending the night down there. The guy who owns the gallery offered me a room in his bed-and-
breakfast. An old man like me was grateful for the offer.”

  “Honestly, Warren,” Crystal said. “You could’ve gotten a ride. There’s no reason for you to be uncomfortable. The beds in those places are always terrible.”

  “Buck assured me it’s a nice place,” Warren said. “Totally renovated.”

  “He’s an art dealer in a tourist trap. How nice could it be?”

  Warren scratched his head, restoring the combed cap of hair to the disheveled mop it seemed to prefer. “Anything’s better than driving on Highway 1 on a Saturday night. All those drunk locals go too fast, tailgating me the whole way. One wrong move and I’d drive right off the cliff. I wouldn’t have time to use magic to protect myself.” He aimed his bleak expression out the window. “It’s already late. I need to go.”

  Tierra appeared at his elbow. “I’ll drive you, Warren,” she said. “Crystal’s right. There’s no reason you should take yourself. It’ll be like old times. You know I’m good behind the wheel. I drove you everywhere in the old days.”

  “Oh really?” Warren brought his hand to his mouth. “I wouldn’t want to put you in any danger. You’re not as familiar with the twists and turns as I am.”

  “I’ve been up here millions of times before. The drive doesn’t bother me.” Tierra set down her wineglass. “I hadn’t even touched my drink yet. Let me get my jacket from upstairs, and we can go.”

  “I’m afraid your boyfriend will be annoyed with me.” Warren looked across the room.

  Nathan, standing with Phil and Darius near the bar, didn’t look happy. I wondered why Tierra didn’t invite him, then quickly adjusted my theory that the dress had been for his benefit.

  Nathan lifted his beer. “Tierra makes her own decisions,” he said, turning away.

  Tierra snorted. “Of course I do. I’ll be right back.”

  I watched her stride off toward the stairs, noting that Nathan also turned to see her go.

  “Thank you so much, Warren,” Crystal said flatly, getting to her feet. “You’ll be taking another one of the diners away from the meal I arranged.”

  “I hope nobody thinks I was asking for this,” Warren said. “I was quite prepared to drive down alone. If it weren’t for the party, I would’ve left earlier.”

  Crystal walked away, her voice trailing off with her into the kitchen. “Brightness forbid we spend time with our invited guests.”

  Warren ran a hand through his hair, looking more confused than ever. Then he shook his head. “I don’t have time to wait. It’s already getting dark.”

  Tierra reappeared with a coat and bag slung over her arm. “I’m ready.”

  Warren gave her a grateful look and followed her out the side door. When they were gone, Zoe and I shared a look. She’d obviously also noticed the strain between Nathan and Tierra.

  “No match is perfect,” Zoe said softly. “You do the best you can.”

  Phil came over and sat with her on the sofa. “Or better than the best.” He entwined his fingers in hers. “If you want to throw a party every weekend, just say the word.”

  Zoe lifted his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles. “I would never take advantage like that.” She looked at me, adding quickly, “I don’t mean that Crystal is… Everyone has to… You know what I mean.”

  “I’m quite serious, sweetheart,” Phil said. “Let me spoil you. I’m lucky enough to have the resources to do that.”

  Zoe leaned against him, giving me an amused, slightly embarrassed smile. “Poor Phil. My only dream is to become the leading genealogist at the Protectorate. He’d build me a ship to Mars if I wanted one.”

  “Only if I got to go with you,” he said.

  After watching Nathan and Tierra argue, it was a relief to see a happy couple. “How long have you been together?” I asked.

  “Three—no, four years,” Zoe said.

  “Today is our four-year, sixteen-day anniversary,” Phil said.

  “You’re joking,” Zoe said.

  “Look at the calendar,” he replied.

  “I’d give anything to have what you guys have,” Birdie said wistfully.

  I opened my mouth to warn her about making such a dangerous vow, but Phil spoke before I could.

  “Don’t say that.” His tone was cold and authoritative.

  “But it’s true,” Birdie said, blinking in confusion. “My mom died without ever finding true love. It’s all I’ve ever wanted.”

  “You can want something,” Phil said, “but never make an absolute, unrestricted offer for it.”

  I nodded. I should’ve told her that already.

  “Certainly not with so many witches around,” Zoe said.

  “It’s not an offer you should make anywhere to anyone at any time,” Phil said.

  A shiver ran down my back. Terrible bonds had been made with weaker words. “Witches say a demon could possess you with that statement,” I added gently.

  “You make it sound like a controversial opinion,” Phil said. “It’s not. It’s an absolute fact.”

  With everyone jumping on her after one offhand remark, Birdie flushed a dark red. “I’m new to— I’ve never seen a… a demon.”

  “You might not know if you had,” Zoe said. “They can hide in human form for centuries. The Protectorate trains its agents to identify them.”

  I looked into my glass, painfully aware of how inadequate that training had been. Not just for me; Darius was nearby at the bar, and if he’d sensed any demons, he would’ve already driven enchanted silver through its heart.

  “And kill them,” Phil said. He put his arm around Zoe and buried his face in her hair.

  “Why kill them?” Birdie asked. “Do they hurt people?”

  Darius, leaving Nathan alone at the bar, came over. “I’m curious to hear how you answer that, Alma.”

  Here we go again. The question that had led to me getting kicked out of the Protectorate. I was unconvinced my superiors had followed due process when instructing me to kill Seth. How did we know any being we hunted deserved assassination? To kill a demon was to kill its human host, so it wasn’t as if anyone’s life was being restored.

  It was death. Just more death. If more assignments involved what Raynor had done for that child—

  But that wasn’t policy. It was the exception.

  “They cause unspeakable damage,” Phil said, saving me from an awkward discussion with my ex-partner. “Witches are the only ones standing between the unfettered, amoral, spiritual beings and the wholesome, finite world of the living.”

  Zoe shivered. “Let’s talk about something else. The moon isn’t up yet. My mother always said this was the most dangerous hour of the day. We shouldn’t be summoning Shadow when there’s no light in the sky to fight it.”

  “You’re absolutely right, my love.” Phil got to his feet and reached out a hand to help her up. “Let’s return to our cabin and wash off the sand and seawater, shall we?”

  Crystal came out of the kitchen just as they were leaving. “I’ve just talked to the cook. Because of the unexpected reduction in the number of guests, dinner tonight will be the cioppino, around eight. We’ll have the lamb tomorrow night.”

  “Now I’m especially sorry I won’t be able to join you,” Phil said. “Gail’s cioppino is the best I’ve ever had.”

  “You won’t be at dinner either?” Birdie asked.

  Phil shook his head. “Terrible timing, I know. I’ve got a videoconference with some people on the other side of the globe. It was either now or them getting up at three in the morning.”

  “We wouldn’t want to inconvenience your business,” Crystal retorted. But then she sighed, pressing a hand to her temple. “Forgive me. You warned me about that days ago. I think I’m coming down with a migraine. I might have to lie down.”

  Leaving Phil’s side, Zoe went over to Crystal. “You poor thing. Let me help you into bed.”

  Crystal looked around the room. “Now? But all of you— There’s nobody to—”

 
; “We’ll be fine,” I said. “Is there anything we can do in the kitchen?”

  Crystal paused, her hand still pressing into her temple. “No, I don’t think so. Gail is there. She has a girl with her. They sent for someone to bring the stew from the restaurant.”

  I was more comfortable helping out in the kitchen than making small talk anyway. “We’ll manage. I’ll see if there’s anything she needs.”

  Nodding, Crystal let Zoe escort her across the room to the side door. Phil looked at his watch, waved at us, and left through the living room.

  That left just me, Birdie, Nathan, and Darius, who had stayed in the background but, I’m sure, hadn’t missed a word, gesture, or spell all evening, although he’d had the courtesy not to take out his notebook. I wanted to pull him aside and ask him if he’d scanned for demons, but he’d either tell me of course he had or that it was none of my business.

  “Don’t look for me at dinner either,” Nathan said suddenly, grabbing a wedge of cheese and a hunk of bread off the bar. “I’m going to that art show. If anybody needs a ride home, it’ll be Tierra.”

  Interesting. I shared raised eyebrows with Birdie.

  He shoved the cheese in his mouth and strode off.

  “I hope we still get the cioppino,” Birdie said to me. “I’m starving.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  We did get the fish stew, and it was delicious, but the conversation at the table was stilted. Darius continued to watch everyone without speaking—he did take out the notebook once, but it was quick; Zoe looked deflated without Phil; and Birdie and I had already spent most of the day together, and had little new we could say to each other with an audience. At nine, after Gail and her assistant had cleaned up and driven away in their van, I was grateful to say good night to everyone.

  “It’s too early for me,” Darius said, arching his back as he looked out the window. The moon had come up, giving the landscape outside a silver glow. “I’m going for a walk. Get some air before I turn in.”

  I knew he was only saying that for the others. Any agent would patrol the area for threats before losing consciousness in sleep. If there were detectable demons in the area, he would find them.