Vanilla Cake & Vampires

A BROOMSTICK BAY PARANORMAL COZY MYSTERY

BOOK THREE

RASHELLE WORKMAN

Copyright © 2023 by RaShelle Workman

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Edited by: Booklover Legion & Debbie Davis

Cover by: Melody Simmons

For Misha and Debbie.

Thanks for cheering me on.

Contents

Introduction

1. There's A Spell For That

2. Popping Fizzies

3. Vampire CATastrophe

4. Coven Sucking Murder

5. Uncontrollable Cracks

6. Harboring A Fugitive

7. The Eye Of Abernathy

8. Bat’s Escape

9. Valerie’s Secret

10. Interview Possible Suspects

11. A Dragon’s Soul

12. Vampire’s Suck

13. Ectoplasm Smells Like Bleach

14. A Horse Of Course

15. To Heal Or Not To Heal

16. A Witch’s Funeral

17. Possession Is Nine-Tenths Of The Law

18. I Choose Cat

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About the Author

Also by RaShelle Workman

Introduction

Welcome to Broomstick Bay! Here the electricity is glitchy, the townsfolk are witchy, and Ruby has a catastrophic secret that is clawfully twitchy.

The Crosswells are celebrating Grandy's birthday (we don't discuss her age unless we are willing to be cursed with warts in unspeakable places) with a big party at Coven House, and I'm in charge of the cake.

My name is Ruby Crosswell, and I'm a newly re-practicing witch. Not only that, but I can turn into a cat. It’s one heck of a trick, but don’t ask me how I do it. I’m still working on the logistics.

When a vampire interrupts the celebration, the sweet and powdered festivities turn bloodsucking. The vampire, Christopher, demands that Grandy right a spelled wrong she cast five decades ago. If she doesn't, he'll kill all of the town's witches.

But Grandy can't remember what she did, and the vamp refuses to enlighten her.

When our coven leader is found dead and drained of their blood, Sheriff Wolfton is sure Christopher did it. But how does one stop a vampire? Turns out it isn't easy. A stake to the heart is messy but not fatal.

And then the vampire does the unthinkable and asks me to help prove his innocence. In return, he'll reveal how to fix my cat problem. Reluctantly, I agree. But it's a good thing I have seven lives remaining. I have a feeling my cat is going to need at least one.

Chapter 1

There's A Spell For That

“My heart might be split in two but I’m terrified of you. Ride across the river of souls. No one escapes the ferryman’s toll. Someday he’ll collect what’s due. Still, I’m sending these four words, happy birthday to you.” I sang aloud messing up the tune.

At the same time, I’d charmed the spatula to frost the five-layered vanilla cake I’d made for Grandy’s birthday. It was nearly done and smooth as silk. My magic was getting better. Less glitchy. That was always a win in my book. 

“What do you mean about the ferryman’s toll?” My mostly welcome houseguest, Pippy, asked as she sailed through the wall and into the kitchen. “Why are you singing about that with happy birthday?” She hovered on the other side of the white quartz island.

“It doesn’t mean anything,” I said, knowing she was terrified to move on. “Those are lyrics to an old song. They came to mind because I’m thinking about Grandy’s birthday.” I ended my incantation, and the spatula clanged onto the new countertop contrary to what I’d meant to do. My magic was improving, but it was far from great.

The whole kitchen in Broomstick Manor had been newly renovated. It was the first and hopefully most costly of all of them. And wow, it was beautiful.

Soft, creamy walls. Wood beams stretched across the ten-foot ceilings were stained a dark oak. The same stain covered the six window frames to my left. During the day, they let in an abundance of light. The new cabinetry matched the other wood, while the backsplash went up to the ceiling and was the same quartz as the countertops.

Finally, the island was painted a lovely shade of blue-green (The color of Lance Wolfton’s eyes, but I swear that wasn’t why I picked the color. At least not consciously.) while all the hardware and the light fixtures popped in brushed gold.

“My birthday is … was around Christmastime, too. I always hated that.” Pippy crossed her arms. “And the fact that it’s so cold it could freeze my toes off doesn’t make it any better.”

I glanced up, watching her rub her ghostly arms. “What day?” I asked.

“The twenty-third of December,” she said, her eyes soft.

“Hmmm. Still three weeks away.” I sampled a tiny bit of frosting thinking I should do something for her. “Yummy,” I nodded, enjoying the vanilla flavor mixed with cream cheese.

Pippy glared. “You shouldn’t enjoy food in front of your guest, Ruby Crosswell.” She didn’t like that she couldn’t eat. According to her, she remembered every flavor and, though she wasn’t hungry, longed for the taste, especially pizza and her super sugary chocolate latte’s.

“You’re no longer a guest, Pippy. You’ve been here eleven months. You even have your own room for crying out loud.” I closed my eyes a moment, forcing myself to remain calm. “Besides, I have to make sure the frosting tastes good.” I swiped another bit of the frosting onto my finger and licked it. “And it does.”

Pippy’s mouth dropped open.

Had I gone too far? Probably. I decided to change the subject back to how cold it was. “I agree about the cold, though. Orion is still searching for answers about why it’s happening.”

I thought about Orion, Sheriff Wolfton’s friend from Casanova Cove. The werewolf and I had gone on a sort-of date with last year. Since then, he’d been put in charge of figuring out why the temperatures were dropping in supernatural towns all over the world. But I hadn’t heard anything yet.

“Anyway, Grandy never seemed to mind about her birthday being close to the holidays. It just means more celebrating. And we Crosswells love that.”

“But you haven’t decorated the Manor for the holidays yet. It still looks so drab. I used to conjure some powerful spells in my basement. There’s a spell—”

“I’ll get to it,” I interrupted as I straightened my spine and met Pippy’s eyes. “The kitchen was just finished, and I needed to work on Grandy’s birthday cake. There hasn’t been time.” I didn’t add that it’d taken four tries with the spell to get the layers on the cake straight, the frosting the exact right flavor, and the raspberry filling the right consistency.

The kitchen, while new, looked like a bakery had blown up in it. Flour and powdered sugar covered every inch, including the hand-scraped wood floors my dad insisted on putting in himself. 

Pippy snorted. “Your magic skills are horrendous. It’s a wonder you graduated high school in the first place.”

“Hey,” I bit out, studying the shimmering woman.

When Pippy was alive, she was four years younger than me. She was an inch shorter and she wore her hair in a pixie cut. She had a heart-shaped face, and her clothes reminded me of the seventies.

Around her neck still hung the seven-pointed star she always wore. It was a strange necklace, for sure. Because it was rare to see a star with seven points. The only other place I’d seen it had been on Katie Broomstick’s bedroom wall. The same one that was now mine.

Though Pippy was a ghost, she also still wore her oversized glasses, making her already big brown eyes appear unnaturally huge. Pippy had zero filters and said the meanest things sometimes, which was annoying. But she was a true talent with potions, incantations, and spells. Over the last several months, she’d given me many good tips while conjuring.

“I’m getting better. This cake looks and tastes great.”

“I don’t know about the taste,” she began woefully. “But I have to admit it does look alright.”

That was a huge compliment coming from her. “Thanks, Pippy.” I went to the raspberries and blackberries on a tea towel near the sink. Rubbed them to make sure they were dry and then went through and selected the most perfect ones. They would go around the edge of the top of the cake.

“There’s a spell for that, too, you know,” Pippy said. She rolled her eyes.

I smiled. “There’s a spell for everything, but I like doing this part without magic.”

“Why? You’re a witch, Ruby. You really should start acting like one.” She propped her hands on her hips.

Behind me, the cupboards clapped. Their doors opened and closed in agreement. Since moving in, the house had slowly revealed bits and pieces of its personality. We were getting better acquainted every day.

“Hush, the both of you.” I popped a raspberry in my mouth. “This way, I can eat what I don’t use.”

Pippy tilted her head to one side and nodded. “Okay, that I’ll accept as a good reason.” She chuckled, and I joined in.

“How are you feeling today?” I asked, thinking about why she was still with me. After she told me about the vampires trying to ghostnap her, I’d done some digging, searching for clues. But hadn’t found any.

According to Pippy, she wanted to remain until we solved the mystery of her almost abduction. In my heart, I knew she was just too scared to move on. And I didn’t blame her. We witches had our beliefs about the afterlife, but no one knew for sure. The prospect of an unknown next step was scary.

“I saw them again. The red eyes that are the color of blood.” She crossed her arms as though that would protect her from whatever she was seeing. “They are getting closer. Soon enough, the owner of those eyes will arrive in Broomstick Bay. I’m sure of that. And when they do, it’ll be the beginning of the end for this town.” She moaned the words, and I finally understood what it meant to be haunted.

“Don’t talk like that, Pippy. Broomstick Bay isn’t going anywhere. What you’re seeing must be some sort of fugue-ghost-who-won’t-move-on-afraid-to-see-what’s-next vision. That’s all.”

“In this case, I hope you’re right. Because the feeling I get when I see the eyes is of doom.” She settled into one of the five stools under the counter. Really, she was sitting through the counter, but I understood what she meant to do and went with it.

“Doom, huh?” Now I really wasn’t worried. Pippy was a bit of a drama queen.

“I’m telling you.” She leaned forward, eyeing the raspberry in my hand.

One by one, I placed a raspberry followed by a blackberry and back and forth around the top of the cake until I closed the circle. Then, I sprinkled them with powdered sugar. “Done.” I glanced at the clock. “Twixit. I’m going to be late.”

“Pick something pretty for your beau. You know Sheriff Wolfton loves it when you wear green.”

I didn’t respond but flew up the stairs (using my feet, not a broom) and ran into my bedroom, throwing open the walk-in closet.

Pippy was right, though. Lance did like me in green. And it made sense. The color made my gray eyes pop and complimented my red hair. I had an emerald-green dress with see-through poofy sleeves that would look amazing with my taupe over-the-knee boots. The dress hit mid-thigh with a plunging neckline.

But when I put it on and studied myself in the mirror, all I could see were Christmas colors. And I didn’t want to do that for Grandy’s birthday. The fuber would be out front soon. I needed to find something five minutes ago.

I whipped through my dresses until I finally stopped on a royal blue midi dress. It was long-sleeved and had a wide round collar, draping off the shoulders and wisping over my body. It was also stretchy, which was good since I intended to consume lots of delicious food and cake. I paired it with three-inch heels, a silver necklace, and some silver earrings. After giving myself a quick once-over, I ran to the bathroom.

Since the dress was off the shoulder, I pinned my hair up, leaving down a few wispy curls. Then, I grabbed my makeup bag. I just wanted to add mascara and maybe a red lip. That said party.

“You have no time,” Pippy said, appearing in my bathroom. “The fuber is already waiting. Use a spell.” Frustration oozed out of her. She was worse than my parents and Grandy regarding my struggle using magic.

“How does it go?” She was right, though, and there was no time to argue.

“Like this.” She repeated the words.

It was only three and easy enough. Valerie had done it on herself multiple times. But ten years without using magic had me rusty. Not to mention, sometimes, when I used too much magic at once, my cat magic took over, and I was stuck as Ruby-Cat.

“Don’t mess up,” Pippy said, eyeing me mischievously.

“Right.” I repeated the words out loud, slowly, and with intent. Instantly, it worked. My lashes were darker and longer. My cheeks had a little color, and my lips were a bright red, the exact shade of my hair. “I love it.” A smile broke over my face. “Thanks, Pippy.”

“Anytime. Now hurry.”

I rushed down the stairs. Ran into the kitchen and slid to a stop. “The cake.” Dread filled my guts. I hadn’t prepared for how I would transfer it to Coven House. “No. No. No.” How could I have been so silly as to forget?”

Pippy glided in. “Not to worry, Ruby. Use the Portus Transferium spell. That’ll get the cake there, no problem.” She told me the words and advised me on what to do. There was more to it than the makeup spell, but I had no choice.

“Okay.” I concentrated. Reached my hand out to the cake. Closed my eyes to see the words in my mind. I thought about where the cake was and where I wanted it to be.

My mom, dad, and a couple of the girls from the bakery had set up and decorated Coven House earlier in the day. I knew where the table was sitting in the room. I saw the soft white tablecloth. The balloons in Grandy’s favorite colors of purple, red, and orange in an arch above the table with the HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign taped in the center of them. I let the words to the spell and the destination mull around in my thoughts until I felt my magic brewing. Then, I opened my eyes and uttered the spell.

With a poof, the cake was gone. “I hope it landed in the right spot.” I wrung my hands nervously.  

Pippy chuckled. “Me too. I don’t think you have a fifth vanilla cake in you.”

So she knew about my multiple tries. “Thanks again for your help, Pippy.” Despite her unnecessary comments, I was grateful. “See you later.” I grabbed my bag, locked the door with the flick of the wrist, and hurried down the front steps and into the waiting fuber.

After giving the cigar-smoking fairy the address, I sat back and heaved a big breath to calm myself. Pippy was in the upstairs window, waving.

I waved back. Sometimes, I forgot she was a murderer. She’d done what she did out of love. But that wasn’t a good excuse. In the end, she’d paid the ultimate price for her revenge. It had cost her everything, including her love and her life.

When she’d first popped up near Broomstick Manor all those months ago, I’d questioned her sanity and intentions. Even Valerie thought she might be back for nefarious purposes. Because, bottom line, she had killed Katie.

But she hadn’t shown the slightest propensity for vengeance or anything else worrisome. Not once.

“Why are fairies never invited to Coven House?” the driver asked, studying me in the rearview mirror.

“It’s a birthday party. Do you know Gwyneth?” It wasn’t that I didn’t like fairies. It wasn’t even that witches and fairies had a mutual disdain for each other, which we did. It was just that Grandy wasn’t close friends with any still around. She was cordial with a few, as was I. Pleasantries were exchanged when they came into the bakery or when I had to deal with them for my work with Heath, but we weren’t friends. Valerie knew more than most because of her husband’s job. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to be friends, but primarily, fairies kept to themselves.

“A little.” He made a face.

I shook my head. “That right there is the reason. You don’t like my Grandy. Why would you want to come?”

He shrugged. “I don’t. But an invite might be nice.” He blew out some purplish-green smoke.

I put up the partition between us so I wouldn’t arrive at the party smelling like fairy smoke. He had music playing softly, but I ignored the crackling punk rock and stretched my hearing further, listening for the waves rushing up the shore in the distance. I would never grow tired of that sound. Nor even the light salty scent of the ocean. In the sky above hung a slivered moon, covered mainly by thick clouds, leaving the night around us in darkness.

The fairy pulled up to Coven House. Trees that had once hidden zombies surrounded the place. Now, the branches were covered in lanterns, lit to make the walkway easy to see.

I paid and thanked the driver before getting out.

There was a long line of people waiting to enter. All were in good spirits, thanks to Becca and Lilah. They were two of the bakery’s employees. Gratefully, they’d agreed to serve frothy drinks.

Every guest was dressed for a party and carried a gift or a card. I was empty-handed aside from my bag. But I had made the cake. If it hadn’t splatted on someone’s head or wound up in the punch bowl, that would be an enormous gift indeed.

I hadn’t brought a coat either, but it wasn’t cold. That was because Stella Weaver and some other witches had created a spell to keep the air around us warm, a necessity with how cold our town had become.

“That blue looks amazing against your skin, Ruby Crosswell.”

My entire insides jolted with glee, and a smile pushed up my lips as I faced the Sheriff of our little town and my … friend that I dated. “Thanks, Lance.”

Chapter 2

Popping Fizzies

I shivered at his proximity and the knowledge that he was admiring my skin. I liked it. I liked him. A lot. Probably too much. Before Lance, I’d been with the same man for years. I’d believed he was the one and that we would spend our lives together. And then he cheated.

Every time I thought about that night and the ensuing aftermath, I got sick to my stomach. I thought I knew him, and perhaps, at one point, I had. But he’d changed.

“Hey,” Lance said, kissing my cheek. “Ready to have some fun?”

I blushed, glancing around to see if anyone was watching.

After eleven months, no one cared, and I was glad. “Hey, yourself,” I replied, straightening Lance's tie. He was wearing a navy suit with a blue shirt similar in color to my dress and a matching tie. Some might think we planned to match, but it was just a lucky coincidence. “I’m definitely ready. You look very handsome tonight,” I added, leaning into him.

His shaggy dark hair was combed back, giving me complete access to his square jaw, covered in a light dusting of facial hair. I met his aqua-blue eyes framed by thick black lashes. Then, I dropped my gaze to his scrumptious lips. He was a great kisser.

“Thanks.” Lance took my hand, and we walked forward. “How’s your friendly ghost tonight?” he whispered.

I froze before doing another quick perusal of possibly listening ears. Other than Valerie and Lance, no one knew Pippy was back. She’d asked that we not share the information with anyone else. Mainly because she was afraid of what her sister, Piper, would do. But Pippy mourned her sister. I saw it daily. She was also too scared to see if her sister would forgive her.

“The same as always. A pain in my neck about using magic. And then when I do, she gives me a hard time about the quality. But I did several spells tonight, and they all went great, even the spell I used to transport the cake here.” I paused. “At least I hope that one worked.”

“What are we talking about?” Valerie appeared on my left, touching my arm, revealing her matte black nails. She was wearing a black cocktail dress and five-inch heels to match. Her blond hair was down and loosely curled. She looked amazing and I smiled, grateful we were back to being as close as ever.

For a while, that hadn’t been the case. After Val found out I had Katie’s journal, thanks to Pippy’s blabbing mouth, Val had begged me to burn it. She said the secret in the journal should’ve died with Katie. I’d been surprised she would want me to do such a thing and our friendship had declined when I refused. In the end, she asked me not to read her secret, saying she would tell me when she was ready.

I couldn’t imagine what secret could be so awful but I agreed wholeheartedly and the promise had been easy to keep. It would’ve been too weird to read it anyway. And since I’d moved in, I barely thought of the journal.

Between restoring the house and exploring, plus both jobs, and dating Lance, there hadn’t been a lot of time for recreational reading.

After a few weeks, we were back to best friends, which was great. Because, since Lance and I had started dating, Val and her husband, Reese, had gone on several double dates with us. I’d noticed a shift in Val’s attire and how she spoke with Reese. Plus, it went the other way as well. Reese was madly in love with her. In private, I took credit for rekindling their love for one another, but she always playfully denied it.

“How I did several spells tonight, and they all turned out exactly as they should.”

“Except for the cake delivery,” Lance interrupted. “We won’t know how that one went until we get inside.” Lance kept his eyes locked on mine as he spoke. Then he winked. “Whatever state the cake is in, our sweet Ruby is turning into quite the witch.”

Val laughed. And I did, too, leaning against Lance’s shoulder. I never could play games like hard-to-get. I was all in if I liked someone and they liked me back. Even if the possibility of failure did cause me to flinch once in a while. Because according to the dating code, Lance would be considered my rebound guy. And I didn’t want that.

“Where’s Reese?” I asked, perusing the area behind her.

“He stayed home with the kids tonight. He has a huge case he’s working on and asked for time to prepare.” Her face fell. “Of course, I agreed, but I was looking forward to partying with him.”

“Hey, Val,” Becca said, coming up to my best friend with a tray full of drinks. “Would you like a Grandy Fizz? They’re made with some of Gordon’s finest wine.”

That perked up Valerie. “I wouldn’t miss the chance.” She took one.

“Sheriff?” Becca asked.

“Why not?” He held a glass out for me. “Want one?”

“My dad makes the best wine. No way I’m passing up one of his drinks.” I took it and waited for him to get one.

“Ooooh,” Valerie said after sipping the beverage. “Your dad has outdone himself.” She nodded and took another long swig.

“To a fun night with the best people,” Lance said, clinking my glass.

“And to magic,” I added for good luck. I brought the champagne flute to my lips, enjoying the popping fizzies as they tickled my nose before I sipped the cocktail. It was refreshing and fruity. “Mmm, that is good.”

“Divine,” Lance added, looking at me.

“You two stop, or I won't be able to hang out with you tonight.” Val took another drink off the tray before Becca walked away. Then, she downed the whole thing in one go.

“Do what you need to, but I can’t help myself around this woman,” Lance said with a gorgeous smile.

Val rolled her eyes, but she obviously liked that we had each other.

Not too many minutes later, we made it into Coven House. Hundreds of streamers dangled from the ceiling. They randomly changed between Grandy’s three favorite colors to look like the ceiling was sparkling. In one corner was a group of musical instruments. They played independently, and at the moment, they regaled us with one of Grandy’s favorite songs. On the walls were different-sized portraits and paintings depicting some of Grandy’s favorite memories. That had been all my mom. She was very talented with magical artwork.

“This is amazing,” Lance said, admiring the room.

“Thank you.” When there was a break in the crowd, I checked on the table hosting the cake. It was there and looked as good as it had at my place. I dropped my shoulders with relief. 

“You made the cake with magic?” Val verified, studying the baked goodie a moment before scanning the crowd.

“I did,” I said gleefully.

“Good job,” Val said. But she was distracted, and I followed her gaze to Kyle Dreary. Valda’s husband. Or he had been until she’d been murdered by her son.

“I’m going to go say hello. It’s his first time at a social event since … you know,” she said. 

“Of course. Talk to you later.” I squeezed her hand and watched her go.

Then focused on Lance. “What about you? Is there someplace else you need to be?” The Grandy Fizz had already loosened me up a bit.

“Trolls couldn’t drag me away.” He smiled so big it took my breath away. “And that cake looks really good.” He wasn’t looking at the cake, though. He was looking at me.

Some might say Lance was sappy. But I liked it. “I guess you’ll have to taste it later and find out,” I replied warmly, desperate to kiss him. It didn’t matter we’d been kissing for almost a year. We hadn’t taken it any further, which I was grateful for. Truth be told, I was enjoying the kissing. The man had a very talented mouth.

“Ruby!”

I found Grandy across the room, seated at one of the tables with a few of her friends, including Stella Weaver, the coven leader, Florence Hamm, the witch over the Home for Wayward Witches, and the town’s lone vampire, Merle Cook.

Grandy was waving me over, her face brimming with happiness. Her hair was braided and over one shoulder. She had a gold crown tilted to one side of her head like someone had placed it there in fun. She wore an oversized colorful sweater, an equally colorful skirt, and her yellow galoshes. Somehow, it all worked on her.

“Coming,” I mouthed. Then turned to Lance. “Want to talk to Grandy?”

“It’s her party. I wouldn’t be a very good friend if I didn’t.” He took my hand, and I tugged him through the crowd, saying hello to those I knew while Lance did the same.

“This is quite the turnout,” I said when I reached her.

“I wasn’t expecting so many to show. It’s the weekend after a holiday,” Grandy said, surprised but content. “I figured lots of people might still be out of town.”

“A lot probably are, but you’ve been around long enough; you know everyone,” Stella said with a chuckle.

“Watch it, Stella. If anyone mentions my age, I meant what I said about warts in unspeakable places.” The words came out sharp, but then her features softened. “No one needs to know.”

Stella cackled. “Especially since no one can count that high.”

Grandy snorted, shaking her head and trying not to lose her temper. There wasn’t much that got Grandy riled up. But her age was one of them. It’d always been that way. I didn’t even know how old she was. My mom and dad refused to talk about it, which told me that she was really old.

Some witches had a natural talent for anti-aging spells. Grandy was obviously one of the most talented. As I got older, I’d have to ask her about them. But for now, I needed to protect Stella before Grandy covered her body in warts.

“Grandy,” I said, moving to block Stella from her view. “Did you see the cake I made for you? I did it with magic.”

Grandy instantly relaxed and stood. “I haven’t seen it. Shall we?” She grabbed hold of my arm just above the elbow.

“Hopefully, you like it,” I said, patting her hand as we made our way over.

Lance followed behind until someone stopped him, and his fingers slipped from mine. I glanced back, and he gave me a painful nod before responding to the person who’d taken him from me. 

“Oh, wow! Ruby, you did so well. It’s vanilla?” Her whole face was alight with joy. “Look at all the layers and my favorite berries on top.” Grandy clapped her hands with glee while bouncing on the pads of her feet. She might be old-old, but she didn’t act like it.

My insides warmed at the praise. “Yes, and there’s raspberry filling between the layers. Plus, I made the vanilla frosting with cream cheese.” I was proud of myself. It had been difficult but worth it to see Grandy so happy.

“It’s truly amazing.” Grandy’s eyes softened. “I always said you were one of the most powerful witches in Broomstick Bay and possibly the world. Now I know it’s true.” She hugged me against her. “This cake proves it.”

I hugged her back, feeling my eyes sting at the compliments. Though she had gone way overboard with the whole, most powerful witch in the world bit, I still basked in her words.

“Can I get everyone’s attention?” My dad’s voice boomed throughout the room.

Everyone quieted and faced him, me included.

Grandy watched her son-in-law, her face full of love.

When the room was quiet enough, my dad went on. “We’re going to sing happy birthday to the woman herself, the lovely and supportive, gifted and wonderful, Ms. Gwyneth Crosswell.” He indicated her with his hand.

There arose loud clapping, whooping, and hollering.

Grandy pressed her palms together like she was praying and nodded, smiling ear-to-ear.

“After we sing, she’ll blow out the candles. Then we’ll let her say a few words before we cut and distribute the cake.” My dad found my gaze and smiled. “From my understanding, my daughter Ruby made this cake.”

There were murmurs all around. I didn’t blame them. My magic had blown stuff up. But you’d think after so many years, they’d give me a break.

“Easy, friends,” Grandy said. “I have no doubt it’ll be delicious. And all of you will get to find out for yourselves.”

That was a lot of pressure, but I appreciated her saying so. “Thanks,” I said.

She patted my shoulder. “Sing me a song, then,” she said to the crowd.

Dad raised both hands like a choir director.

“Happy birthday …” he began.

We all joined in as my mom placed a single candle in the center of the cake and lit it. The flame sparked and sizzled before catching.

“… Happy birthday to you,” we finished singing.

I walked with Grandy to the table, where she blew out the candle easily.

Everyone whooped, hollered, and clapped again.

Grandy turned so she faced the crowd. “Thank you all for coming. It means the world to me. I have at least one memory with every single person in this room. That is such a gift. And having you here to share my birthday means the world. I hope for many more celebrations to come—”

The front door burst open, slamming into the wall hard enough to shake the building and crack a window. Several people screamed. I gasped, clutching both hands to my chest. Grandy was barely phased and slowly moved to see who had interrupted her speech.

I figured it might be a surprise guest. A powerful warlock, or even the queen of all supernaturals. But in walked a man out of a fairy tale. He was tall and slim, but not without muscle, with dirty blond hair that reached the tops of his shoulders. His brows were thick and medium brown, and his face was flawlessly symmetrical. But that wasn’t what had my insides quivering.

It was his red eyes.

Chapter 3

Vampire CATastrophe

“Christopher,” Grandy said. She clamped a gnarled hand over her mouth. “What are you doing here?”

Someone screamed behind me and there was a thump like a body hit the ground.

“Gladiola fainted but she’s fine,” Becca trilled. She set her tray on a table and helped the woman.

Lance was suddenly at my side. “He’s a vampire. Stay close,” he whispered, his voice coming out as a growl. It was apparent he was on the verge of shifting. The old saying about vampires and werewolves not liking each other was true, at least in this instance.

“Gwyneth. It’s nice to see you.” The vampire bowed low, his terrifying eyes on her, before straightening.

“It’s been a while. Why are you here?” Grandy asked, adjusting her skirt, her hand moving from her mouth to her neck. Her cheeks glowed a bright pink. It was an odd thing to see my grandmother so flustered.

“Well, it is your birthday. I remember celebrating with you long ago. And I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d come by and wish you well.” It sounded like he was flirting, but he didn’t look a day over eighteen.

Grandy glanced back at my mom and dad standing behind her. “That was very kind of you. But as you can see, I have guests. Perhaps we can catch up another time.”

“That isn’t possible. I need to speak with you now,” he replied, his stance shifting into something more sinister.

“Sir,” Lance said, walking over to the man. “You need to leave. Gwyneth is busy, and you aren’t welcome.”

The vampire flashed his fangs. “I’ll leave once Gwyneth has removed a spell she put on me forty years ago.” His fists clenched at his sides. Vampires and werewolves were supposed to be equally strong, but I wasn’t sure that was a fact. From outward appearances only, Lance would have the upper hand. But Christopher didn’t seem the slightest bit concerned with Lance’s presence. He looked ready for a fight.

“A spell?” Grandy shuffled toward Christopher, confusion dampening her once joyous features. “What spell? You mean like this one.” She uttered some words and flung them at the vampire.

Christopher clenched his jaws. They twitched several times before he opened his mouth. “You’ve aged and gotten stronger, but so have I, and your pithy magic has zero effect on me, thanks to the vampire queen. So, stop playing coy with me, Gwyn. Too much has passed between us. You will either remove the spell, or witches will die.”

“That’s it.” Lance grabbed Christopher by the scruff of his white button-up shirt. “Get out now, or I’ll lock you in a cell and forget where I left the key.”

Christopher laughed in Lance’s face. “You think you can hold me, Werewolf?”

Lance pulled a set of supernatural cuffs from his belt and showed them to Christopher. “I know I can.”

The vampire’s face fell, and he took a step back. “I’m giving you two days to remember the spell you cast on me.” He took a card from his pocket and held it out for Grandy.

She took it, studying whatever was written on the paper.

“Two days, and then a witch dies,” Christopher threatened.

Lance growled, but Christopher yanked himself from Lance’s grasp before he could move and disappeared into the night.

“Sometimes I forget how fast vampires can move,” Val said, unexpectedly at my side.

“Agreed,” I added, my stomach twisting in knots as my witch song and cat magic tingled along the surface of my skin. I fought to hold it in check. This wasn’t the place to shift into Ruby-Cat. I breathed deeply to calm my magic.

In the months since I’d discovered, I had a witch song and the power to change into my cat on command. Plus, I’d perfected my ability to shift back. But I still struggled when something caused my emotions to spike, like now.

And like the time Lance and I had been kissing for an hour at the beach. Both of us were hot for each other. He kissed my shoulder. And poof, I’d turned into Ruby-Cat and remained like that for a week.

Thankfully, Lance hadn’t made fun of me. He hadn’t even stopped wanting to see me. Both things I found quite endearing. As though sensing I was thinking about him, he walked over.

“Are you okay?” His hands caught hold of mine.

“Fine,” I said. Then I felt my features twist as my magic itched along my skin. I hated that I might shift into my cat at any moment. “Maybe just don’t be near me for a few minutes?”

He dropped my hands. “Of course. I need to speak with Grandy anyway.”

“Thanks,” I said, watching him walk away and feeling like an idiot.

“I can’t believe you’re still turning into a cat when you get hot and bothered for the Sheriff.” Val’s words were filled with amusement.

“That isn’t why,” I murmured. “And it isn’t funny.” I crossed my arms and turned away from Lance’s retreating figure.

“It kind of is,” Val admitted. “Can you imagine if this had happened while you were in high school? You would’ve missed so much school.” She was giggling uncontrollably now.

“Val,” I pleaded, wishing we weren’t in a public place with so many people around. “I didn’t kiss that many boys.”

“No, but you did do a lot of practice kissing on your pillow.” Tears were leaking from her eyes because she was laughing so hard.

“Are you kidding me? He-he can hear you—” I stopped talking and glanced over my shoulder at Lance.

Right on cue, he rotated and winked.

“You’ll pay for that, Val,” I whined, humiliation causing my cheeks to burn as hot as the sun. “He heard you.”

“Sorry, not sorry,” she said, wiping her eyes. Her cell phone rang, and she took it from her pocket. “It’s Reese. There might be a problem with the kids.” She answered and walked away, leaving me mortified and alone.

I glanced around, catching the amused gazes of a few people within earshot of our conversation. Others wore uncomfortable smiles on their faces. “I wasn’t—I didn’t—” I started, speaking to no one and everyone at once. I needed to get out of there. A quick glance at Grandy revealed she was in good hands with my mom, dad, and Lance nearby.

“Everyone, please enjoy the remainder of the party,” my dad told the crowd. “Grandy is fine. All is well. And there are all sorts of food and festivities to partake in. And don’t forget about the magical wish circle available in the garden. You can cast in your wish for the coming year.” Dad chuckled. “There’s no guarantee it’ll come true.” He scrunched his eyebrows together. “Also, I must add that nothing of a disreputable nature will be accepted by the circle.”

“Now, then, please carry on,” Grandy added. Her smile was back but didn’t shine as brightly as before Christopher showed.

“That’s a relief. Otherwise, the whole town might wind up an ice cube or dead,” Gladiola said with a horribly nasal snicker. She was the town’s realtor and had submitted my offer to the previous owners when I wanted to buy the Manor. She’d always been a part of Katie’s crew—a mean girl. But I’d hoped that her feelings toward me would change over time. It didn’t seem like that was the case.

Thankfully, whomever she spoke with didn’t respond. 

Privacy. I needed privacy.

With that in the forefront of my mind, I hurried through the crowd and exited the main room, heading down the hall, and didn’t stop until I reached the bathroom.

I went to the nearest sink and studied my reflection. My gray eyes were dark and stormy, while my cheeks were extra rosy, nearly the color of my lipstick.

Why did something go wrong whenever I was at a public event? I thought about the question as I stared at my reflection. Then, I closed my eyes, unwilling to accept what the answer might be.

“You have an extraordinary shifter power in you.”

I opened my eyes. Christopher stood behind me. We were so close we were practically touching. “How did you?” He was a vampire. That was how he moved so stealthily. At the sight of him, my heart felt like it had jumped into my throat. The magical tingle exploded around me. A second later, I was Ruby-Cat. My lovely dress pooled around me like a puddle.

In my kitty suit, my senses heightened exponentially. I could feel the vampire was still there. Afraid he intended me to be the first witch to die, I took off for the exit. But the door was closed, which meant I was trapped. Pressing my butt against the door, I met the vampire’s gaze. My back rose, and my hair stood on end.

Christopher only smiled. His eyes were no longer red either but an everyday shade of hazel. “I’m not going to hurt you,” he began, squatting in front of me. “You want to know how I knew before you changed that you had shifter power?”

He didn’t sound very bloodthirsty, so I nodded in response.

“Well, you see, I’m a hunter …” He shook his head. “I was a hunter for the vampire queen a long time ago. With that title comes a certain amount of vampire magic, like the ability to sense power in people.” He stood, tucking his hands in his back pockets. “Things have changed, and now. I don’t hunt for the queen any longer. All I want is to find my own happily ever after. But I can’t with this spell still clinging to me.”

I sneezed.

“Hey, it’s not all that unheard of. Vampires can fall in love too.” He crouched in front of me again.

It was impossible to deny the sincerity in his eyes. I tried to convince myself it might be compulsion, but I felt nothing pushing against my mind. I blinked at him, wishing I had opposable thumbs to open the blasted door and leave.

Besides, was it love if the person was enthralled by the vampire? Was it love if it was compelled? Those were questions I wanted to ask. Surely, compulsion was the only way love occurred between two bloodsuckers.

An instant later, I was reprimanding myself.

It wasn’t my place to judge. I’d met “nice” vampires before. Anything was possible. Myself better than anyone knew that.

I meowed, placing a paw on his knee, letting him know I believed him.

“If you want, I can help you rectify your cat problem. I’ve been alive a long time. I have connections.”

“As in, get rid of it?” I asked. But all that came out was a meow.

“With the right magic from the right supernatural holder, it’s possible you won’t ever have to shift into a cat again.” He smiled.

I wasn’t sure that was what I wanted.

“Or I can at least make it so you shift only when you decide to and not when your emotions overwhelm you.”

I meowed again, this time without meaning to. If I could fix when I changed, then Lance and I might have a chance for more than just dating and kissing. We might be able to have a real relationship. My desperation was so intense I almost agreed.

But before I could, the door pushed open.

Christopher whisked past the woman who entered even before I could, like the flash of a shadow.

The witch, whose name was Zelda, gasped. I didn’t wait around for her to say anything. Instead, following after Christopher before the door completely closed.

I searched for the vampire in the hallway, but he was already out of sight. I scampered toward the main hall but stopped. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this. Turning back the way I’d come; I went toward Stella’s office. She always kept the window open. My plan was to get away without anyone seeing and head home. There, I would sulk and pray to the goddess above I shifted before morning.

I checked Stella’s office and was relieved to see that, as usual, her window was ajar. In one movement, I leaped onto the desk, ready to jump out into the night, but stopped at the spell book on her desk.

It was opened on a locator spell. Not unusual. We witches lost things probably more often than anyone else. A standard locator spell was on the tip of every witch’s tongue, along with essential others, like locking a door. But that wasn’t what held my attention. It was a drawing of someone who looked like Christopher sticking out of the book.

Had Stella used magic to call Christopher here? Was it her fault the vampire had graced Grandy’s party with his presence and a threat? I wanted to believe Stella wouldn’t do such a thing. Our coven leader was supposed to always have the best interests of her witches in mind. But if she had performed a locator spell for Christopher and told him that Grandy was having a party …

Chapter 4

Coven Sucking Murder

I changed my mind about leaving, my cat senses tingling. As much as I wanted to tuck my tail and run, there were clues to sniff out. And I needed to hear what was being said.

Before I reached the end of the hall, I heard voices coming from another room.

“… she has to die tonight.” The words came from a male voice. One I didn’t recognize.

“I’ll drain her dry before everyone leaves the party.”

My heart pounded in my head. Were they talking about Grandy or someone else? I padded closer to the door, determined to see who was doing the talking. But when I peered inside, the room was empty. A quick sniff revealed those who’d been in the room were vampires. But they didn’t smell like Christopher. His scent wasn’t anywhere near this room.

Frazzled, I hurried toward the main hall and peered around the corner. I needed to tell Lance there were more vampires inside Coven House. I was shocked that it was possible. I searched the room, looking for the Sheriff. There were groups of townsfolk seated at various tables around the room. Some I recognized, like Constance Warberg, who worked at the bank, and Mimi Nelson, the elderly waitress from Rusty’s.

I decided before getting Lance’s attention, I’d reach out with my Ruby-Cat hearing and eavesdrop.

The first group, which included Mimi and Constance, discussed the odd vampire surprise but that quickly changed into talking about what they wanted to wish for in the circle.

Next, a group was placing bets on whether Grandy and the vampire had ever been an item and whether it was before or after her husband died.

Another table included Gladiola. I wasn’t going to listen because that witch had nothing interesting to say, but I changed my mind and immediately regretted it.

“Did you notice Ruby left right after the vampire? How much do you want to bet she’s involved,” Gladiola Renfrew said before sipping her drink.

“I-I don’t think so,” Mr. Shellstrom replied, his voice distinct. “She isn’t bad, and you know it, Gladiola.” He owned Bella’s Book Nook, the bookstore next to BB’s. He was a good man and helped me when I was stalked by Katie’s killer last year.

I cheered internally that he stuck up for me.

“Neil is right,” Doctor Maggie Franklin reiterated. “Ruby is not involved. I’m ninety-nine percent positive if for no other reason than she wouldn’t hurt her grandmother.” She had a plate of appetizers sitting in front of her, and she picked up a cucumber topped with some whipped cream cheese and shrimp. She popped the whole thing in her mouth in one bite.

My stomach grumbled. I hadn’t eaten dinner in anticipation of all the goodies I’d planned to sample. Sadly, it didn’t look like I would get anything and that made my stomach complain louder.

“Yes, but it’s the one percent that Ruby always seems to squeeze into and cause trouble,” Gladiola said, holding up her glass when she caught the eye of Becca.

I determined not to listen to them any longer. Two of the three witches were on my side. They stood up for me, and I couldn’t ask for better.

Instead, I searched for Stella Weaver and found her near the exit. She was talking to Heath Banner. His wife, Fern, was nearby talking to a woman I’d served before in the bakery but couldn’t remember her name.

When had they arrived? Heath was the mayor of Broomstick Bay. A man with his sights set on a loftier political office. He was also my boss and a total showboat. Sure, I’d had a crush on him in high school. But then I got to know him. He definitely wasn’t my type, not that it mattered since he was married.

I focused on his and Stella’s conversation.

“We need to cast the vampire out of town,” Heath was saying. “I can get my group of witches together tonight. There’s already strong magic flowing with the wish circle out back. It won’t take much more to weave in a spell strong enough to keep the vampire out.”

Before Stella could reply, Grandy perked her head up and zeroed her gaze in on Heath and Stella. “I’ll be right back,” she said. Light on her feet, Grandy went over to the two of them. “Don’t worry about casting out Christopher. I’ll speak with him and get to the bottom of this whole mess.” Grandy was shaking her head. “Christopher is one of the good vampires. His words were just that—words. In reality, he won’t hurt anyone.”

Stella didn’t look convinced but nodded in agreement. “He’ll be your responsibility, then, Gwyn.” She glanced at her cell phone. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a phone call.”

Heath seemed to want to say something, but Fern appeared at his side and asked a question.

I watched Stella head in my direction. In a flash, I ran back the way I’d come. Intent on finding a hiding place that wasn’t in her office. But all of the other doors were closed. So, I dashed into her office and hid in the shadow of her filing cabinet.

A moment later, Stella walked in and closed the door. She dialed a number on her phone and waited.

“He’s here,” she said. “Right on time. But he didn’t drink her blood. He only threatened to kill witches.” Stella sounded disappointed. Had she planned on having the vampire murder Grandy? Had she located Christopher, hoping he would kill her out of revenge? My mind popped with anger at the thought.

“Well, of course, I didn’t tell anyone I invited Christopher. No one would understand why I did it.”

A dark silhouette passed over the window as someone pushed the glass further open before climbing in. Their face was in shadow, making it impossible to decipher whether they were male or female.

Stella hung up the phone and turned to face the would-be stalker. “I told you not to come near me. You’ll ruin everything.”

The person took a step toward Stella.

A tittering noise escaped Stella’s throat, and she backed up behind the desk. “Hey, what are you doing? Don’t come any closer.” She flung what I thought might be a stun spell at the intruder.

I held my breath, hoping the magic worked. But whoever it was didn’t slow in the least. But reached out gloved hands and sent a spell into Stella. I heard it strike the coven leader. Then, I witnessed her falling to the floor.

At once, the stalker was on Stella.

There was no noise.

All I could hear was my pulse. I had to do something. And my witch song roared to life and exited my body, causing ripples throughout the room. I waited several seconds to ensure whoever had attacked Stella was down before creeping out of my hiding spot and going around the desk.

The intruder was gone.

There was only Stella on the floor. Her eyes open. Twin bite marks on her neck, with a little blood smudging her collar.

“Stella,” I called. It came out a meow, though.

The coven leader wasn’t dead. She locked eyes with me. “Vampire,” she said. “Rogue witch. Coven secrets.” She swallowed. Tears leaked from her eyes. “War,” she yelled out.

I jumped back. “It’s okay,” I said, even though she only heard a meow. “I’ll get help.”

***

By the time I returned with Lance, Stella was dead. With her eyes closed, she could’ve been sleeping. But Lance felt her pulse and determined she was gone.

Oh, how I wished someone could understand me, I thought. And then remembered the wish circle. In one leap, I jumped out the window and ran to the sparkling white circle in the center of the lawn. Several others were standing around the ring. I did the same. Closed my eyes and sent out the wish in my heart.

“Let someone be able to understand me as Ruby-Cat,” I said, though it sounded like I was yowling to everyone else. Once I said the words, I felt a little silly. I could speak with our family cat, Pearl, in this form. Technically, she wasn’t someone, but the wish circle might already believe my wish was granted.

I sighed and hurried back into Stella’s office.

When Lance saw me, he frowned. But before he said anything, Piper arrived on the scene. She used magic to get Stella on a stretcher and floated her out of the office.

I watched, feeling absolutely horrible about Stella dying. It also didn’t escape my notice that I was there when it happened.

Maybe I am cursed, I thought.

“You aren’t cursed,” Lance replied.

I glanced over at him, surprised. “Can you hear me?” I asked. To my ears, I heard a long meow.

Lance picked me up so that we were Ruby-Cat to Sheriff. He let out a sharp breath. “I can hear you,” he said slowly. “In my mind.” He shook his head. “It feels weird.”

“It worked. I don’t believe it actually worked.” My wish was granted in record time, I added to myself.

“You wished I could hear you?” Lance tilted his head to one side as though he were examining me for clues. And I couldn’t blame him.

No, I thought, frustrated. How did this keep happening to me? I was the star witness. Again. I’d seen the intruder enter through the office window. I’d heard what Stella said. Watched Stella spell the culprit to no avail and then have the intruder spell her back before she fell. Then I’d sent out my witch song, hoping to stop the murderer, but they were gone when I reached Stella.

“Wow.” Lance covered his ears and shook his head. “I think you should know I can hear your thoughts too.” He gave me a troubled smile. “I basically just took your statement.”

“Good goddess,” I yowled, beyond mortified.

“I’m really sorry.” I could tell he meant it by the pained look on his face.

Me too. Can I go then? I thought, desperation for escape in the forefront of my mind. I wanted to be as far from Lance as possible. Not that I had any secrets … Except I did.

“Wait, you have secrets from me?”

“Shush,” I hissed. Then took off out the window. If I could wish someone would hear me, I could unwish it, too. I went over to the magic circle once again.

“I wish to keep my thoughts to myself,” I meowed long and loud.

“Sorry, kitty,” Gladiola said. “A wish circle only grants one wish. You’d know that if you hadn’t run away after high school.” She shook her head in disgust as she walked by, heading for the front of Coven House.

Figures, I huffed, irritated. I glanced over my shoulder, debating whether to return to the office, but Lance said I gave my statement. Although Lance needed to know about the vampires.

“There were vampires plural inside the building?” Lance asked, poking his head out the window.

“Yes, at least two more. They were in the room across from Stella’s office. They said they would kill her tonight but didn’t give a name. My guess is they meant Stella. Because not too many minutes later, she was dead.” I spoke all of it in my mind.

“I’ll search the room, Ruby,” he said and smiled. “Thanks. Go home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you.” I did want to go home. Hopefully, I’d sleep off Ruby-Cat and the wish as well.

Since Lance had given the okay, I pushed myself into a run, heading for Broomstick Manor. As I went, I thought about all that had transpired tonight. When I reached my house, I decided that if I was still in Ruby-Cat in the morning, I’d sniff out Christopher and see if he was with the other vampires.

But as I climbed the front steps, I sensed Christopher was nearby. Immediately, my hackles went up. Had he killed Stella? He’d for sure threatened the witches of Broomstick Bay, which meant despite our interaction in the bathroom, I didn’t trust him.

“Please,” he said, standing.

He’d been sitting in the rocking chair I’d placed next to the front door. His hands were out like he was surrendering. “I didn’t kill your coven leader. But I’d like to help you find out who did.” He swallowed. “And I know I threatened the witches at Gwyneth’s birthday party, which is unacceptable. But that’s only because I wanted her to know how serious I am about having the spell reversed.” He hung his head. “I know you have no reason to trust me, but if I had nefarious intentions, you’d be dead right now. And I could really use a place to rest.” He gave me a sad smile. “Please.”

I studied him for a long moment, listening to my cat senses. My ears twitched, as did my nose, and I worked out if he was telling the truth. He was right about the fact that he could’ve easily killed me multiple times over, but he hadn’t moved.

I did want to ask about the other vampires and if he knew them. I also wanted to ask him about Stella and how he’d known where I lived? I had those questions and a dozen more. Thankfully, I felt zero animosity coming from him.

I nodded. “Okay,” I meowed.

But there was another problem. Did vampires need to be invited in? I couldn’t very well do that as Ruby-Cat. Neither could I open my door.

Except, I had opened doors before with my magic while like this. Usually, as Ruby-Cat, my witch song was strong and buzzing along my skin. Tonight, that wasn’t the case.

Tonight had been weird all around. Everything had been thrown off when Christopher arrived. Of course, I could open the door. I’d done it multiple times.

Taking a deep breath, I searched for my witch song and found it swirling patiently in my chest. Sometimes, it felt like it was hiding from me, which wasn’t true.

Immediately, I tapped into my strangely comforting magic and thought about opening the door. With a click, the lock slid aside. There wasn’t even a hesitation, and I marveled at how easy it was.

“Impressive,” Christopher said, opening the screen and the front door.

What I hadn’t counted on was the house refusing to let the vampire inside. Yes, it had slowly been reawakening in the months since I lived here. But now, the whole house shook, and the door slammed shut.

Pippy appeared a moment later. “Why’s the house shaking?” she asked as she sailed through the wall onto the porch. She took a quick look at me as Ruby-Cat and then at Christopher. “Oh,” she said, her ghostly form fading in and out momentarily. “A vampire.”

I guessed she was scared.

“I can’t believe you brought a vampire home, especially after my near-fatal snatching,” she moaned, her voice thick with apprehension.

I meowed in response, which was my way of saying sorry. Because it wasn’t like she could understand me either.

Pippy tilted her head to one side. “At least he isn’t one of the ghost nappers.” She paused. “But still, I don’t think the house wants you here anymore than I do. So, you should probably go.”

“This is my house. I make those decisions,” I meowed with annoyance.

“Hey, I’m sorry to hear you were almost ghost-napped, as you called it. And I have no idea why vampires would want a ghost anyway, but I only drink blood, and you no longer have any, so you’re safe with me,” he drawled. It was apparent he didn’t want to explain himself to a ghost.

“Humph,” she said and turned away.

I watched their interaction without amusement, deciding I wouldn’t tell her about Christopher’s red eyes when I first saw him. Not that I could anyway, thanks to my Ruby-Cat.

“Hey, house,” Christopher said, placing one of his hands on the exterior brick. “I—”

Before he could go on, the house shuddered and started to glow. Silver veins ignited along the porch like uncontrollable cracks in a shattered window until the light was so bright I had to run down the steps. I kept going until I was far enough away that I could witness the whole house igniting in a silvery white spiderweb. And it kept going until it reached the tippy-top of the highest part of the roof. 

Chapter 5

Uncontrollable Cracks

Christopher appeared beside me. “Did I break your house? Or perhaps this is how you welcome all of your guests?” He eyed me, hopefully.

I let out a sneeze followed by a hiss. Using the word guest was a significant jump. And if Broomstick Manor tumbled to the ground in a hefty poof of brick, wood, and all of my things, along with a good portion of my savings, then I would be ticked.

“I bet the whole town can see what’s happening,” Christopher said, glancing around like being nearby was a bad idea. He didn’t want to be found. “Yep, someone’s already coming. I hear the car.” He rolled his shoulders and listened. “It’s Gwyneth. I can tell by her breathing, and she’s alone.” He raised an eyebrow. That last part surprised him. 

I was flabbergasted, too. Grandy didn’t like to drive. Mom, Dad, and I figured that was best because she was older. Yet, she was heading my way. Whatever she needed to speak with me about must be urgent.

Pippy tried to punch Christopher in the arm, but her fist went right through him. “Don’t you dare hurt her,” she shouted.

“I won’t. I need her to remove a spell, and she’s the only one who can do it. Believe me, I’ve tried other avenues.” He crossed his arms as he studied the ghost. Then looked at me.

I went back and forth between my house and the vampire. The more I studied Broomstick Manor, the more I realized it hadn’t lit up out of fear or spite. Something about the vampire had totally revitalized it. It was eager with anticipation.

“How odd. Now I have even more questions,” I said in a meow.

“Whatever the vampire did, it’s calming down. Look.” Pippy pointed at the house.

She was right. The brightness was settling into a dull glow before it went out completely. I also noticed that the front door and the screen were opened. For whatever reason, the Manor didn’t have an issue with Christopher and welcomed him with open arms … or, more specifically, its front door.

Pippy floated several feet in front of the vampire and me as we walked back to the house. I kept my eyes peeled in case the house changed its mind and started throwing my things. Or worse, destroying the updated porch. That was definitely one of my fears since moving in. That it wouldn’t like the renovations.

“It must be so weird having a ghost live with you. I haven’t spent much time with their kind.” When I didn’t respond, he glanced over at me. “Sorry, kitty-cat. As I promised in the bathroom at Coven House, I’ll reach out to Adam Henry about your cat … problem. The vampire knows everything about everything. And if he doesn’t, he’ll know who to talk to for the answer.”

I meowed my response as I trekked up the stairs. But I didn’t go inside. I intended to wait for Grandy. She might be upset she wasted a trip up here when she saw I was Ruby-Cat and just turn around and go home.

As I waited, my eyes fell on the wrought iron gates. When Katie and her family lived here, they were always closed and locked. But since moving in, I’d decided to keep them permanently open. There was no need for them. I’d even debated having them removed but Dad advised against it since they went with the wrought iron fence that surrounded the property. So, they stayed, but were of no use.

The headlights on her car turned onto my snaking driveway. They flashed in my eyes as she puttered the vehicle along. It took forever until she stopped in front of the detached garage. Immediately, the car shut off, and the driver’s side door opened.

I hopped on the railing and watched Grandy exit until her gaze found me.

“Oh, no,” she whined. “I should’ve known when I didn’t see you at the party any longer that you’d shifted.” She clucked her tongue. “We need to work on controlling your emotions, Ruby-Cat.”

“Meow,” I responded in agreement.

She hurried up the steps, and I jumped into her arms.

“There, there. It’ll be alright,” she cooed, holding me to her with one hand and petting me with the other. It didn’t matter that I was almost thirty. Grandy knew how to soothe my sensitive thoughts.

With the front door still open, she took me inside. The house slammed the door behind her.

Grandy jolted at the noise. “I see the house is waking up. That’s good, at least.” She patted the wall. “Thanks for letting me in.”

The house didn’t respond in any way, but Grandy didn’t seem to care. She stroked the place between my ears as she looked around.

“Every time I come over, there’s something changed. I guess that’s a good thing. This place needs a serious makeover and you’re just the person slash cat to do it.” She grinned at me.

I wanted to ask if she’d seen the lights on my house. I glanced around for Christopher, hoping he’d ask her for me. But remembered neither he or Pippy wanted to be seen.

I sighed and purred at the same time. At Grandy’s gentle scratches, I could’ve easily lost myself because it felt wonderful, but I wanted to hear what she had to say. So, I sprang from her arms and ran into the kitchen. I couldn’t get a cookie out or make her a hot chocolate, but she needed to know she was more than okay to make herself comfortable and get what she wanted.

A few moments later, Grandy made her way into the kitchen. “I forgot how enormous this house is.” Her eyes traveled around the large kitchen and dining area. “But this kitchen.” She made a kissing sound and brought her fingers to her lips. “C’est magnifique.” She went to the pantry and found the cookies I’d brought home after work today. “I’m guessing you brought me in here because you know I need a cookie and hot chocolate?”

“Definitely,” I said with a meow.

“Thank you.” She went to work magically making herself a steaming cup. When she finished, she sat on one of the stools. I sprang onto the one beside her and watched as she broke the cookie into four pieces. Then she took one and dunked it into the hot chocolate.

“Oooh, that’s good,” she said around the small bite. She smiled, scratching behind one ear. “But not as good as your cake.”

“Really?” I asked, even though it only came out as a whine.

She leaned in. “It’s even better than your mom’s, but don’t tell her I said that.” She took a sip of hot chocolate. A bit of whipped cream sat on her top lip.

Both the cookie and the drink smelled so good. And I was so hungry. Even though in this state, I shouldn’t have hot chocolate or a cookie, I debated doing it anyway, and deal with the consequences later.

“Hi, Gwyneth,” Christopher said, strolling into the kitchen like he owned the place.

Grandy gasped, spilling some of her chocolate. “You really should warn a woman before you pop in on them. Especially one as old as me. She got off the stool and went around to get a sponge. “I swear you’ll be the death of me.”

Christopher chuckled, filling the air with the sound. “That is highly unlikely. But I am sorry I startled you, Gwyn.”

“Sure you are,” she said, sitting back down. Obviously, she wasn’t afraid of him. “If you’re here, that means you stalked my family. I should cast you out of this realm forever for that.” Her voice was clipped, a dangerous edge in her voice.

“Look, I’m sorry all around, okay? When your coven leader contacted me and told me about your birthday party, I couldn’t stop myself from showing up. Yes, I did some research before I came. It was exhilarating to find out about your family. A lot has happened since last we saw each other. For me as well as you.”

Grandy spun back toward the counter and grabbed a chunk of cookie. “I’ve no doubt. You weren’t on the greatest path when I left.” She nibbled at one of the chocolate chips.

“It’s true. I wasn’t. But I’ve changed. Plus, I’m sure you’ve heard all the latest news about the vampire queen.”

“Of course I have. I get the monthly supernatural subscription.” She gave a sour laugh. “Sadly, and I’m sure, much to your dismay, your name wasn’t mentioned once in any of the newspapers. And we both know that was your greatest desire. To be recognized and powerful. Isn’t that right?”

Christopher’s face became a mask I couldn’t read. “I’ve made mistakes. A lot of them. But I’ve paid for them, too. You can rest assured that whatever you think you should’ve done to me, I got worse. And I’ve changed.”

“I doubt that.” Grandy sipped her cocoa.

“Some might even say I’ve been redeemed,” Christopher continued, unabashed. “I helped Snow White’s daughter.”

“After you thought you were in love with her,” Grandy interrupted. “It’s kind of a theme with you.”

Christopher rubbed the back of his neck. “But that’s because of your blasted spell. I’m sure once it’s reversed I’ll be able to know when real love comes my way.”

“Highly unlikely.” Grandy shook her head. Christopher wanted to say more but she held up her hands to stop him. “Let me put all my cards on the table. I don’t remember casting a spell over you. So, either you’re using that as a ruse to get near me and my family for some reason, or someone removed the memory from my head. Either way, I can’t undo it.” She took another sip. “You see my dilemma?”

“Or maybe it’s in there, and I can help you retrieve it,” he said, his voice turning sultry.

“You cannot bite me, Christopher. That would probably kill me.” Grandy took another nibble on her cookie.

As I watched them, it became apparent they used to be together, as in a couple. And that Christopher had cared for Grandy. Probably still did. But he’d done something to cause her to put a spell on him. I might have blushed if I hadn’t been so mesmerized.

“Let me use compulsion then. If the memory is in your head, perhaps I can get to it that way.”

Again, what should’ve sounded like a threat came out sounding more flirtatious. I’d never been bitten by a vampire and hoped to keep it that way. Some said a vampire’s bite was sensuous. I found that to be odd. 

“Fine. Compel me, but only to get the answer. Promise me, Chris.” At that moment, she sounded so young. Sometimes, I forgot Grandy had a life before she became my grandmother.

The vampire took several steps toward her until they were almost touching. “I never took advantage of you while we were together, and I won’t now.” He gave her a sad smile. “Trust was never an issue between us.”

“It was, actually. And if you can’t see that, then maybe I won’t let you compel me.” Grandy got off the stool and stood to her full height, which was much shorter than the vampire.

Christopher stepped back. “Fine. We’ll agree to disagree. But I promise I will only compel you to remember the spell you cast on me. Okay?”

“All right.” She gave him a quick nod and returned to her seat. “Go ahead.”

“Right now? Didn’t you need to talk to Ruby about something?” It freaked me out that he knew so much. But he had said he’d researched Grandy’s family, so I shouldn’t have been surprised.

Grandy shrugged and tilted the cup until the cocoa was gone. “I intended to ask her to let you stay here with her since she lives alone.”

Christopher raised a brow, glancing over at me.

I licked my face, sitting back on my haunches as I pleaded with my eyes for him, not to mention Pippy.

Grandy was still talking. “That way, we could talk and get to the bottom of this situation without you threatening the witches of this town or me.”

“I really am sorry about that.”

“Good. Prove it. Compel me so I can remember the spell. I’ll reverse it and send you on your way.” She nodded like that was the end of it. “But once it’s done, you have to promise never to return.”

Christopher seemed sad but nodded back. “If that is what you want, then I agree.” He took her head in his hands and held her so that she had to stare directly into his eyes.

As I watched, I felt the tingle that meant I would be shifting back. I wanted to stay and watch over Grandy. Make sure Christopher didn’t compel her more than he said. Not to mention, I wanted to know what spell she’d cast over him. But if I stayed, Christopher and Grandy would have an eye full of Naked-Ruby, and I wasn’t prepared to deal with that.

So, I jumped to the floor and ran like the wind down the hall and up the stairs until I reached my bedroom. Before I got to the closet, I’d shifted and stood, naked as the day I was born, in the center of my room.

Relieved that I made it in time, I quickly put on a pink set of sweats before rushing back down the stairs. As I hurried down the hall, I heard them talking and paused outside the kitchen.

“I can’t believe I spelled you to never find love. That seems quite catty of me, and I can’t shift into a cat.” Her voice sounded perplexed. “Not only that, but it is a potent spell. I’ll need a piece of each of the seven magics, including some of your blood, to reverse it. That’s going to take time.” She sounded scared. “I have no idea how to collect part of a dragon’s soul.” 

“It’s okay, Gwyn. Now that I know why no one else could break the spell, I can be patient.” He chuckled. “I’m surprised you cast such a spell, too. Obviously, I meant more to you than you ever admitted if you went to such lengths. If you recall, you left after a particularly fun night, and I never saw you again.” He cleared his throat.

Grandy tittered nervously. “That was another time.” She paused. “I’m not even that person anymore. Once I married, I changed and became the silly and somewhat flitty matriarch of the Crosswell household.”

What had she been? I wondered. And what had she meant about the seven magics?

Christopher chuckled warmly. “When I look at you, I still see the woman I fell for.”

“Well, I’m not her any longer. Plus, none of that matters.” It sounded like she smiled when she spoke. “Our lives are separate and much different now. I knew even then that we wouldn’t work out. Because how could it be when I spent time with you despite my orders. You worked for the vampire queen, and I did my best to stop you, though it all worked out in the end.”

“It did. Mostly. But in all those years, I never found love. But I’m ready now. I want what you had before your husband passed. I want to fall in love. Marry. And possibly have a family.” Christopher sounded hopeful.

“I promise to do my best to reverse it, but it will take some time. I … really did a number on you.” She laughed nervously. “I’m sorry about that, Chris.”

“All is forgiven. If you need my help finding an ingredient, let me know.”

“I’ll need some of your blood when the time comes. In the meantime, why don’t you help Ruby figure out who murdered Stella? Because you know the Sheriff is looking for you. You are his primary suspect. And a special stake through your heart would make my spell a moot point.”

“Agreed, but I thought Ruby worked for the mayor. Does Ruby work for the police instead?” Christopher sounded astonished.

Grandy let out a belly laugh. “No, definitely not. But my granddaughter has a nose for snooping. Always has. And if I know her, and I do, she’ll be poking around for clues if she isn’t already. So, help her. And protect her without killing anyone. Can you do that?”

“For you, sweetheart, I can do anything.”

Chapter 6

Harboring A Fugitive

Over the next week, Grandy and I spoke about how she would collect the components for her spell reversal. They included the things she used to create the original one, but this time, she would utter different words. The ingredients needed were vampire essence, some healing power from a unicorn, a portion of a fairy’s heart, some troll skin, an elf’s eye, the blood of a Hunter, and a portion of a dragon’s soul.

While I’d heard of dragons and unicorns, I’d never seen one. In fact, I’d believed the unicorns and dragons were extinct. According to Grandy, there weren’t many left, but they still existed. She traveled to Salem, Massachusetts, to locate vampire essence, the troll skin, and an elf’s eye. She said she already had a portion of a fairy’s heart, which left the dragon’s soul. That had been seven days ago. I’d offered to go with her, but she refused.

She wasn’t sure how to get a hold of a piece of a dragon’s soul and asked me to do some research at the local library. I didn’t find anything useful, but I did unearth a book called Origins of the KPID, which stood for the King’s Paranormal Inquiries Division. At the front of the book was a list of the original members. And while Grandy’s name wasn’t there, one of my relatives was. Edith Crosswell. Hers was the first, followed by nine others. 

I checked out the book, determined to ask Grandy about her when she returned. I also spent time at the bakery doing casual interviews with those whose orders I took. Not only that, but things at my job with Heath were ramping up. He wanted me to flood social media with his campaign slogans, including Heath Banner Hears You and the most popular one, Heath Will Hulk Smash the Competition. He came up with that one. I felt it was too violent and didn’t speak to his brand, but he insisted.

That meant I was posting pics of the big, green man with Heath’s face superimposed three times a day. While the other three to four times, I posted about the issues and his stance on them.

The first few months on the job had been rewarding. I’d been glad to be working in my field again, but now I was over it. Mainly because Heath didn’t care about the people he wanted to serve. He only cared about power. In my opinion, that was the worst kind of politician, and I wanted no part of it.

But I also needed to pay the bills. And my savings would only last so long. I was also doing some marketing for my parents, but that was free because I refused to let them pay.

I really enjoyed working in the bakery. I liked talking to the people, even if some of them still looked at me like I might blow up the town. Many were coming around to having me back and had even become friendly. It was nice.

Val and I had even started hosting a book club so I could get to know people my age but in a smaller setting. I guess I’d been working on my brand, too, which was I Swear I’m a Good Witch. And slowly but surely, I was winning people over.

But the bakery wasn’t my calling in life either. I loved eating the pastries. Drinking the hot chocolate. And even magically making some of the baked goods. But it wasn’t what I was meant to do forever.

Both jobs were what I was supposed to do for now, and that was enough.

Most of all, I really enjoyed solving cases. I’d even used my sleuthing skills to suss out a missing wallet and sunglasses for my mom and Val.

“What are you thinking about?” Lance asked, interrupting my thoughts.

How much I like you, I said in my mind.

He didn’t respond. Didn’t even blink. So, either he was excellent at bluffing, or the wish I’d made on Grandy’s birthday had truly worn off. He’d said it had, and I wanted to believe him. But since my ex had cheated, my heart sometimes struggled to follow my head.

Right now, Lance and I were on a date. We were seated in the theater at the high school, watching a rendition of Phantom of the Opera. The show had its moments thanks to magic. The singers weren’t bad, and the acting was good, too, but I was still easily distracted by my thoughts.

“Nothing,” I said and then smiled.

He eyed me like he knew that wasn’t true.

“Okay, a lot of things. Mostly involving my job with Heath. But we can talk about that more after.”

Lance beamed, revealing the little wrinkles near his eyes that I found so loveable. “Can’t wait.” He took my hand and kissed it.

My body warmed at his touch. 

He sensed the shift in me and smiled, a promise of the kisses he would give later.

I returned his smile and then forced myself to focus on the play. Before too long, I was back to thinking about other things.

Like all Lance had said when he shared what clues he'd found in Stella's office. None, to be exact. No hairs. No DNA, except Stella's and several of the townsfolk, including Grandy. We’d discussed why a drawing of Christopher had been in the spell book and that he hadn’t located the other vampires. So far, not much had turned up to help solve Stella’s murder. He was still searching for Christopher, too, since the vampire was his only lead. And sadly, I was still pretending to help but keeping the vampire hidden.

I felt terrible about harboring the fugitive, but Grandy had asked me to let Christopher stay, and I couldn’t deny her. And really, I’d barely seen him over the last week. Part of me wondered if he’d gone to Salem and was tracking Grandy. The way he’d looked at her, I knew he wouldn’t let anything bad happen. But I could’ve been overthinking his feelings. He was, after all, a vampire.

Even our resident vampire mostly kept to himself because of his need to feed. I was still surprised he’d gone to Grandy’s party. But now that I thought about it, he hadn’t seemed all that happy to be there.

With Christopher, I hadn’t believed it was possible to hide him from Lance. I shared my concerns with them. Because Lance was a werewolf and would sniff the vampire out before he reached the corner of Witch Light Lane. Grandy suggested a cloaking spell. And together, we implemented it that same night before she left.

So far, it had worked. But I was nervous. Antsy that sooner or later, Lance would discover my secret.

Now, if only there was a spell that would provide me with Stella’s murderer. I’d investigated several of the coven members, asking questions and hinting at Stella’s death, but no one seemed to know anything. The only clues had been in Coven House, which meant I needed to get back in there. But Gladiola Renfrew was acting coven leader, and once Lance and Piper cleared the scene, she refused to let anyone in, especially me.

But tonight, things would be different. Tonight, after my date with Lance, I’d finally agreed to let Christopher break in. I’d warned him about the warding spells. But Pippy showed me a spell to counteract them. With no excuses left, I tried to tell myself that Stella had said I was the rightful coven leader. By that logic, I had the right to see what was going on inside the building since her death. I clung to that and hoped that if Lance ever found out, he would understand.

I glanced over at him. His face was relaxed as he enjoyed the play while his fingers twined with mine. For a brief second, I had a feeling I should tell him, but it was fleeting. He would say to stay out of it like he always did. And I couldn’t.

The production ended an hour later. Lance brought me back to my place. I cut us each a slice of gingerbread cake topped with a light drizzle of caramel and some whipped cream. We ate that and drank our cocoa as we spoke of nonessential things.

“Hey, you have something …” he leaned in and picked at a crumb of cake on my cheek. Then he kissed the place where it’d been before his lips moved to mine.

Cake forgotten; my vision became fuzzy with need. His hands tangled in my hair as he tugged me close. I touched his face, enjoying the roughness of his scruff. His mouth was warm and soft, and he tasted of gingerbread and chocolate. And the scent of his spicy cologne made for an intoxicating aroma, creating a moment I didn’t want to end.

“I thought you should know,” Pippy began, interrupting us.

I pulled away, glaring at Pippy. “What?” I asked, taking a bite of cake.

“Gladiola Renfrew is holding a special coven meeting tonight. So, if you’re going to bust into Coven House, you might want to do it now.” When she finished, she smirked, placing her hands on her hips.

She knew what she’d done, just like when she told Val I had Katie’s journal. I didn’t like this side of her. Not one bit.

“You’re planning to break into Coven House?” Hurt was the most prevalent expression on Lance’s handsome face. That and irritation that he hadn’t seen it coming.

“I mean, it’s not breaking and entering if I’m supposed to be leading the coven, is it?” I asked, using my rationale to persuade him.

“You know it is.” He stood, his whole demeanor changing, and I couldn’t blame him.

“You’re right, I do. But I know there are more clues in there. I just have to find them.” I stood, too, taking my plate to the sink, no longer hungry.

“You really think so little of my detective skills that you believe you’re going to find something I missed?” His hurt was replaced by disappointed annoyance.

“No,” I said, turning to face him. “It has nothing to do with your skills. It’s just …” I paused, unsure how to tell him I just seemed to find things he didn’t. I wasn’t sure whether it was because of my witch song or my cat-shifting abilities, but it was a gift I possessed, and I wanted to use it. “You aren’t a witch, so there are some things you can’t understand.”

“Is that so?” He adjusted his collar and ran his fingers through his hair. “What about Piper? Are there things she can’t understand as well? Because, as you know, she is a witch. She interviewed everyone at the party using a truth spell and came up empty-handed. Other than Christopher, that is.”  

“Ouch. He got you there,” Pippy said, watching the two of us like she was at a tennis match.

“Quiet,” Lance and I shouted at her simultaneously.

“Fine, I’ll leave. But you should know, the meeting will have something to do with locating … Chr—the vampire Sheriff Wolfton is looking for.” She watched me with shrewd eyes.

My pulse quickened. That wasn’t good. Grandy and I weren’t ready to reverse the spell she’d cast all those years ago. We’d hoped that after a week and no sightings of him, the coven would relax. Obviously, we were mistaken.

“Do my parents know about the meeting?” I asked.

“Gladiola is only inviting a select few witches that she deems worthy to attend. Your family isn’t on the list,” she huffed and exited the room.

“What else aren’t you telling me?” Lance asked. “And don’t lie. I can hear your heart racing.”

He was right. There was no point keeping everything from him. “Grandy remembered the spell she cast on Christopher. She’s been searching for the ingredients so she can reverse it. We were hoping—”

“Wait.” Lance shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, his frustration growing. “Please tell me you don’t know where Christopher is.”

I felt like a chicken locked in the death glare of a fox right before it pounced. He deserved to know, and I wanted to tell him, but I’d promised Grandy.

“It’s okay,” Christopher said, stepping into the kitchen. “You don’t need to hold back anymore. Your Grandy will understand.”

Lance growled with anger, his eyes flashing those of his wolf, and his body partially shifted before he got a handle on himself. “You’re under arrest, Christopher Charming.” He leaped at the vampire, wrapping an arm around his neck and putting him in a chokehold.

Christopher responded by reaching back and yanking Lance over one shoulder and flipping him so that he landed on the ground with a thud. Lance didn’t even flinch but jumped up and spun on the vampire, growling as the two of them wrestled.

They were both so fast their movements were difficult to keep track of. From what I could tell, neither was winning. But then, neither was using their entire arsenal of weapons, namely their teeth and claws.

And then Christopher tossed Lance onto my new dining table. The wood split in half, knocking over the chairs underneath. Before the table crashed to the floor with a thunderous groan.

In a rush I was unprepared for, my witch song roared to life. Magic filled with glittering energy formed in my palms and shot into Lance and Christopher. “Stop,” I shouted.

Lance was in the air, getting ready to pounce. He’d shifted enough that his claws were out. While Christopher flashed his fangs, reaching for Lance. But they were frozen in place like that, unable to move.

“Whoa,” Pippy said, appearing again. “It looks like they were right about you after all. That’s some dark magic you’re doing right there.”

I dropped my hands to my sides. “What? No. They broke my table. I just wanted them to stop before they ruined my kitchen.” Tears pushed along my lashes. In my mind flowed memories of the night I’d nearly blown up the school. I didn’t want that to happen again.

As soon as I relaxed my mind, my magic followed. Lance fell to the ground, and Christopher jumped over him. Both were ashamed of what they’d done.

“I’m sorry,” Christopher said, holding out a hand to help Lance up.

“I’ll replace your table,” Lance added, ignoring the offer and standing on his own. “I need you to come down to the station so that I can ask you some questions. That’s the way it has to be. You can do it with or without force, but I will get my answers.”

Christopher’s shoulders rolled forward. He held out his arms, his wrists together, and his hands in fists. “Fine. I’ll let you take me to the station. I don’t have an alibi. But then again, I don’t have a motive for killing Stella either.”

Lance grunted. “I’ll see about that.” He took a set of cuffs from his jacket pocket and placed them on Christopher’s wrists. Then he moved behind the vampire and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

Christopher gave me an apologetic smile as he walked by.

Lance met my gaze then. The look in his eyes said I’d betrayed his trust. “I’ll see you,” he gritted out.

Chapter 7

The Eye Of Abernathy

“Lance,” I cried, moving to watch the two men walk down the hall and out the front door.

“I … think we should take a break,” he said softly over his shoulder.

My heart broke in two right then and there. I wasn’t prepared for the pain that pierced through my chest. Lance had come to mean a lot to me in the last several months. I cared deeply for him. Was it love? The feelings and our relationship was much different than what I’d had with my ex, Chase. But it was different in a good way. And now I’d ruined it.

Without thinking, I ran to the entry and watched Lance put Christopher into his cruiser. Once the vampire was inside, he climbed in behind the wheel and backed down the driveway before turning onto the road in front of my house.

As soon as the taillights were no longer visible, I burst into tears.

“Hey,” Pippy said, appearing on the porch. “Don’t cry. This may have been your fault, but it’ll all work out.”

“Just shut your mouth for once, Pippy,” I screamed and ran into the house, up the stairs, and into my room, where I slammed the door and threw myself onto the bed. It was a very juvenile response to a situation I’d created. Pippy was right. It was my fault. But I was sad, and my emotions were all over the place. Strangely enough, I didn’t feel like I was going to turn into Ruby-Cat.

After a good cry, I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. Sniffled and wiped my eyes with the blanket at the end of my bed. “What am I going to do?” I whispered aloud.

In response, two triangles lit up the wall on my right, followed by an enormous seven-pointed star. In the center of that star glowed a golden dragon.

“I knew it,” I said, my tantrum forgotten.

Since moving into Broomstick Manor, I’d tried everything to get the wall to light up with the symbols and the dragon again. Like the night I’d come in here looking for clues—the night Pippy had died.

“What does this mean?” I whispered, partially to myself but also to the house. It had to know where all the mysteries were concealed.

The house didn’t respond, but the dragon inside the star started to burn brighter like it was carving itself out of the wall. When it was wholly outlined, the dragon leaped from the wall into the air, floating around near the ceiling. And the place where the dragon had been vanished, revealing a hidden shelf.

A table lamp resting on the dresser beneath the symbols flickered on. The house shuddered, and a book dropped from the hiding place, landing on the dresser.

The book was like nothing I’d ever seen, and its presence affected the very air around me. There came a low hum from the book like it was alive.

“What is this?” I asked, hesitant.

In the center of the cover was a golden eye, the same color as the dragon flying around. Except … the flying dragon had vanished. The shape and innards of the eye reminded me of a lizard’s. Surrounding it was a combination of ridges in violets and reds. The binding was smooth and in the shape of scales.

An outline formed around the eye, revealing not a lizard but a dragon. The eye blinked, revealing a leathery eyelid similar in color to the rest of the cover material. It happened so fast that I almost decided it was a figment of my imagination. But then it blinked again. And my whole body started to tingle while my fingertips buzzed with my witch song.

When the triangles, star, and dragon appeared the first time all those months ago, it affected my magic, too. Now, it was happening again. I wasn’t sure how the book was involved, and I opened it to read the title, The Eye of Abernathy.

The tingles intensified and nudged at my insides. Having prepared for this moment, I placed the book on the bed. Then, I went to the top drawer of the dresser and grabbed some chalk, drawing a seven-pointed star on my wood floor. When that was complete, I placed candles on the points.

Finished, I stood back to check my work. Val had said that stars were used with dark magic. Had the vampire who’d killed Stella somehow used dark magic?

I sat in the middle of the star with my legs crossed and used an easy spell to light the candles. That was the thing about magic. Into my mind came the whispering knowledge that like was drawn to like. Dark to dark and light to light.

As my magic grew, I closed my eyes, letting the witch song take over. It swirled dark and sparkly inside my body. I focused on it, allowing myself to feel its power as the heat from the flames sent lavender-scented smoke into the air.

Like the first time, a deep voice reverberated through my body with the words, “What do you seek?”

“Answers,” I said aloud. “Our coven leader was murdered, and I need to find out why. And where is the vampire that drained Stella of all her blood?”

The flames surged around me, causing my skin to bead with sweat. “Your question is pure, but it is the wrong one, witch. For it wasn’t a vampire that killed the coven leader but only made to look that way. See for yourself.” At the words, a bright ball of light hovered above me before exiting through the door, taking my consciousness along with it.

I sailed down the stairs and through the door. Then, down to winding road to the street along Witch Light Lane and further until I was inside Coven House, specifically Stella’s office. Like the last time I saw her alive, the coven leader stood at her desk, which was strange since she’d died. Unless … I glanced at the filing cabinet and saw myself as Ruby-Cat hiding in the shadows. Somehow, I’d gone back in time and was witnessing the night of her death again.

I studied Stella’s face as she spoke on the phone, repeating the part about him not drinking her blood. I didn’t know who she was referring to but guessed it was Christopher and Grandy.

I strained to hear the voice on the other end of the line but couldn’t place who it belonged to. A moment later, a person appeared in the window.

I squinted, trying to see features or anything that might reveal a clue. Shadows over their face, almost like a mask. I guessed they used a spell to distort their features. They weren’t tall, only an inch or two taller than Stella. They wore all black, including a coat zipped to the neck. When the coven leader dropped to the ground, and the person went with her, I moved over, hovering with the witch light, hoping for more.

The first thing I noticed was the perpetrator's hands. They were small, like those of a woman’s, and the nails were painted black. Not only that, but she wore a wedding ring … I gasped. It was Val’s wedding ring. I was certain of it.

But that was impossible. Val wouldn’t harm Stella.

I watched as the person removed a potion from their coat pocket and forced it down Stella’s throat. And then they took a giant needle and punctured Stella’s skin, drawing out a tiny bit of blood from each wound.

Frustrated, I shone the light on the intruder’s face, desperate to verify it wasn’t my best friend, but the spell wouldn’t allow me to focus on her face.

“Val,” I shouted. “Valerie! What did you do.”

Yelling was no use. I wasn’t actually back in time, just witnessing what had already happened.

A moment later, I floated down the hall toward the main room. I entered and saw ten witches and wizards sitting on chairs in a circle. The lights were off, and candles hovered and flickered above them. Most of them I knew, like Gladiola, Meredith, Belinda, Heath, Zelda, Constance, Valerie, and Becca. But the others were a woman and a man I had never seen before, which meant this circle wasn’t for Broomstick Bay’s coven. Gladiola was forming her own coven.

Could Valerie really be the murderer? The night of the party, I noticed her nails were painted black, but I couldn’t remember whether I saw her wedding ring on. My mind said it was because she always wore it. But someone could’ve stolen it to frame her.

“Please let her ring be stolen,” I wailed, even as I tried to get close enough to see her hands.

“You must stay back, or they’ll sense you. Listen,” the deep voice from within the light ordered.

“Joining this circle means you are committed to seeing our goal to change the supernatural community,” Gladiola was saying. “To show your commitment, the bond will be sealed in blood, and these three will collect it.” She pointed outside the circle.

At her words, three vampires materialized from a shadowy corner and came to stand behind her.

 “If you agree, you must say so and allow them to prick your finger. They will taste whether or not you’re truly loyal to the cause. If you aren’t, you will become one of them and be exiled from Broomstick Bay by my magical decree, never to return unless you wish to die.”

Valerie started to speak, but Gladiola held up a hand and continued. “Not only that, but the secret you don’t want anyone to know about?” She met the eyes of each person in the circle. “I will reveal it to everyone in town and through the supernatural subscription newsletter so that no matter where you go, you will be considered a pariah.” She smiled. “Now then, do you agree?” 

The first two to answer were the people I didn’t know.

The vampires came inside the circle, and once the wand had pricked their finger, they each tasted the person’s blood. Then nodded at Gladiola.

It was odd how Gladiola moved, as though she had no feeling left. She was different from when she helped me buy my house. Then she’d been almost friendly. I tried to imagine what had happened to her over the last year that would change her so much.

Next, it was Becca’s turn. She was shaking like a leaf. Her hands were clenched together so that they were white and bloodless.

“Becca, do you agree?” Gladiola asked.

I couldn’t get closer, but I could move so that she might be able to see the light. “Becca, no,” I yelled.

“I really don’t,” Becca said, her voice trembling.

“Not even the revealing of your secret will help change your mind?” Gladiola asked.

“I don’t care.” Becca glanced at Constance. “I slept with your husband. I’m sorry,” she said. Tears leaked down her cheeks, and she let out an anguished cry. “I knew he was married, but I thought he liked me. I’m really sorry.” She covered her face with her hands and wept uncontrollably.

“Constance, now that you know, do you want her to stay?” Gladiola wore a smile though her eyes were empty. 

“No,” she said. “I definitely do not.” Her face was red with anger.

“Like I said, Becca, you will become a vampire, destined to live forever with what you’ve done.” Gladiola indicated the vampire nearest Becca. “Change her.”

The female vampire’s fangs flashed, and she sank them into Becca’s wrist.

Becca screamed out but immediately quieted. “I change my mind. I change my mind. I agree,” she blubbered.

The vampire removed her fangs from Becca’s wrist, turned to Gladiola, and, with blood on her lips, shook her head.

“Your blood says otherwise, Becca.” Gladiola sighed. “I had such high hopes for you. What a pity.”

The female vampire slashed her wrist and shoved it against Becca’s mouth. “Drink,” the vamp uttered.

Becca pushed away from the vampire. She and her chair fell backward and crashed to the floor, hitting her head on the concrete. The vampire leaped after Becca and held her wrist to Becca’s mouth until she began to drink.

While all of that was happening, I looked at Valerie. She had risen when Becca fell. Her eyes were wide with fear, and she was pale as a ghost. I didn’t blame her. I needed to stop this from happening. No matter what Val did, it wasn’t worth being exiled from her husband and children. Or, worse, committing to whatever nonsense Gladiola had in mind. But if she killed Stella, she would be imprisoned anyway, so maybe it was for the best.

Gladiola laughed, the sound like nails on a chalkboard. It seemed Gladiola was creating a coven based on blackmail. It wouldn’t be strong, but those who joined would be obliged to keep her secrets with a blood bond.

Finally, Becca fell silent.

“She will sleep while her body changes,” the vampire said.

“You may take her and leave her outside of Broomstick Bay.”

The vampire picked up Becca, but before she could flee, the front door burst open, and my Grandy stood in the doorway. Her long gray hair was out of its braid, flying around her with an unseen wind. Her purple coat was buttoned and covered most of her, except her yellow galoshes.

“Gladiola Renfrew. You must stop this at once,” Grandy said, her voice echoing around the room.

Chapter 8

Bat’s Escape

Everyone shot out of their seats at her sudden appearance except Gladiola.

“You’re not welcome here, Gwyneth. Leave now, or I’ll make you,” Gladiola trilled, her voice raised an octave. She had a wicked gleam in her eyes, too. One I hadn’t seen before, even when she was part of Katie’s mean girl crew in high school.

What freaked me out were her eyes. They glowed a deep red. Perhaps the red eyes Pippy saw weren’t Christopher’s but Gladiola’s? For some reason, that filled me with relief. But it only lasted momentarily. Because Pippy had said, the end was in sight for Broomstick Bay.

My grandmother gave Gladiola a small smile. “I’d like to see you try.”

“We were just leaving,” Belinda said, taking Heath’s arm and heading for the exit. She worked at the bank with Constance. As she went, she gave Constance a look that said she should come too. But Constance shook her head.

Grandy moved to the side as the two of them reached the door. “I’m disappointed in you both,” she said and made a tsking sound.

They didn’t respond but hung their heads and quickly exited Coven House.

“And the rest of you. Valerie?” Grandy seemed exceptionally disheartened by her presence. I couldn’t blame her. That was how I felt. Because what was Valerie thinking?

My best friend grabbed her purse and hurried out of the building.

After several more minutes, the others, including even the vampires, left until there were only Grandy and Gladiola in the room.

The wind around Grandy died down, and she closed the door. “Alone at last, witch,” she began. “Let’s you and I have a chat.”

With only the two of them in the room, Gladiola wasn’t nearly as confident. She stepped behind the chair, putting some distance between her and my grandmother. “We have nothing to discuss. I am acting coven leader, and I have full access to every witch’s power, including those who’ve gone on before. You would be wise to leave before you make a choice you can’t come back from.” The wicked gleam was still there, shining brighter and redder than ever. “They’ve accepted me. They want the changes I offer.”

“Well, that isn’t up to the dead but the living. As the senior member of this coven, I denounce you and whatever it is you think you’re doing.” Magic sparked along Grandy's fingers like electricity. She radiated power. It blazed in her eyes and through her veins.

Gladiola glanced at the door and then back to Grandy. She took a potion from her pocket and drank it. A moment later, she had shifted into a bat and flew down the hall. My guess was she’d gone to the always-opened window in Stella’s office and fled like the whimpering woman she was … at least deep down.

With Gladiola gone, Grandy’s magic subsided, and Christopher came in through the entrance.

I was surprised to see him. Why wasn’t he still in custody and being questioned by Lance? Unless the Sheriff was already done and had released the vampire. That was highly unlikely.

“What did you see?” he asked an arm around her shoulder to steady her.

Grandy heaved several deep breaths. “You escaped the precinct easily enough,” Grandy said without surprise.

“The magic in the cuffs wasn’t strong enough to hold me. But I did answer the Sheriff’s inquiries truthfully before I left.”

“And you didn’t hurt him?”

Christopher made a face like he was scandalized she would suggest such a thing. “No one was hurt,” he finally admitted. “Did you see anything when you were in astounding witch mode?” There was a hint of humor mixed in with the respect in his voice.

Grandy huffed but nodded. “She isn’t herself. That’s for sure. Someone is controlling her, but I couldn’t see who. Her eyes glowed red like yours sometimes do.”

“Strange. She isn’t a vampire. I can tell you that much.” Christopher went to Gladiola’s chair and inhaled. “There is dark magic consuming her. Are you sure she isn’t doing this?” Concern radiated from his features.

Grandy shook her head. “No, it’s someone else. Perhaps a vampire?”

“Anything is possible. We need to find out who.” Christopher crossed his arms and searched the room. 

“I have a plan for just that at Stella’s funeral,” she said, slacking into a chair. She was exhausted, and her face was pale as a white sheet.

Christopher removed a vial from his pocket and opened it. “Drink. It probably wasn’t the best idea to use so much of your power all at once like that,” he said, urging her to sip the beverage.

Grandy took several swallows of whatever he offered and then pushed it away. “Thank you, but I had to find out what I could. Broomstick Bay is in trouble, and it’s my job to keep it safe. You know that.” She gave him a grim smile. “Plus, you can’t always save the day.”

Christopher grumbled. “I suppose you’re right. But you’ve been protecting the town for long enough by yourself. You need to tell your family your secret.”

Grandy gasped, and so did I. What kind of secret was Grandy harboring?

“Not yet,” she said and tried to stand, but her limbs faltered.

Christopher swept her up in his arms. “Be careful, Gwyn. Give yourself time to recover. That was a lot of energy you exerted.”

Grandy made a face but didn’t move to get away. “This isn’t right. I’m a hundred and fifty years your senior, Hunter.”

That shocked me. I figured she was ninety or so. Certainly not that old.

Christopher laughed. “Our age difference wasn’t an issue the last time we were together.”

Grandy pushed at his chest. “Don’t go there. As I said, things are different now. You still look twenty while I … do not.” She paused. “But I would really appreciate it if you took me home. I need to call the Sheriff and advise him on what happened to Becca and see if he knows what’s going on with Gladiola.”

“Of course.” He walked to the door.

Grandy closed it with magic, and I heard her say, “The poor girl.” 

Alone in Coven House, I wondered where the witch light would take me next. But I was tired. Sleep sounded heavenly despite all that I’d just heard and learned.

An instant later, I was back in my room. The candles had melted into nubs, though the flames still flickered. Once again inside my own body, I uncrossed my legs and stood. My joints and muscles were stiff from sitting in that position for so long, but I made my way to the bathroom, where I showered and got ready to sleep.

Once I was in my pajamas, I glanced at the bed. It was calling me, but I wanted a peek at Katie’s journal first. Because maybe if I knew what Gladiola’s secret was, as well as the others in the circle, then perhaps I could figure out a way to stop Gladiola. Except I wouldn’t read about Val. Instead, I would demand that she tell me.

I opened my top left dresser drawer, lifted some socks, and dug in the back for the journal. But it wasn’t there. “What?” I yanked the drawer out and set it on the bed, moving around all the socks. Still coming up empty, I pulled out the rest of the drawers and dug through them, too. “I know I put it in here.”

But it was gone. My mind whirling with where it might be or who might have taken it, I climbed into bed. My thoughts danced between Lance, Val, Grandy, Heath, and the others. A lot was going on in Broomstick Bay, leaving me with more questions than answers.

***

The next morning, once I was ready for the day, I determined to get to the bottom of Val and Grandy’s secrets. It was my guess that Val had stolen the journal so that I wouldn’t read what Katie had on her.

After a quick breakfast, I went to Val’s place, but no one answered. I sent her a text, and she didn’t respond. So, I headed over to my parents and Grandy’s house. The house was excited to see me and let me in. But no one except Pearl the cat was home. She trotted down the steps and wound around my legs.

“Where is everyone?” I asked our family cat. Her blue eyes studied me like she wanted to talk, but that only worked when I was Ruby-Cat.

“Never mind. I’m sure they’re at the bakery.” I turned in a slow circle, studying Grandy’s favorite place to sit. The slightly askew portrait of Edith hung over the fireplace, just as she always did. “Hi, Edith,” I whispered.

The painting shook, and I yelped. “Fine, I’m going.” I closed the door and locked it. Then, I headed to BB’s. When I arrived, our family’s bakery was packed, and Mom quickly put me to work. I found Grandy in the back whipping up a batch of croissants for Stella’s funeral, and I moved my cookie station near hers. I wanted to ask about the KDIP and Edith’s name in the book. Most of all, I wanted to ask her what secret she’d kept for so long. But first, I hoped she’d tell me about being at Coven House.

“Where’s Becca?” I asked, feigning innocence.

“She isn’t here.” Grandy was concentrating on magically folding butter into the dough. Our secret, the one that made our croissants extra special, was that we added a hint of lemon zest to the butter during the lamination process.

I opened the cooking spell book to the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe Mom asked me to prepare. Almost like second nature, I thought of the spell to combine the dry ingredients into the bowl. While that was working, I studied Grandy. She didn’t look the least bit tired after last night. Whatever had been in the elixir Christopher gave her, the stuff had revived her fully.

“When did you get back from Salem?” I asked, leaning against the stainless steel countertop.

“Yesterday,” she said without looking at me. “I collected the ingredients we talked about,” she added, her voice low.

“That’s good. What did you do last night when you got back?” I raised an eyebrow, curious whether she’d tell the truth.

She stopped, the dough hanging in midair. “What are you getting at, Ruby?”

“Well, last night,” I said, about to tell her what I knew, but the back door burst open.

“Where is he?” Lance growled his gaze on mine. Fury rolled off him and into me like waves from the ocean.

“Who?” I asked though I had a guess.

“Christopher. He escaped last night. Where the goddess is he?” His gaze moved to Grandy with the same frustration.

“That isn’t a question I can answer,” Grandy said, her voice high and sweet.

“Because you don’t know where he is, or you don’t want to tell me.” Lance made to step inside, but Grandy waved her hand, shooing him out.

“Germs, Sheriff. You can’t be in here while we’re baking.”

That wasn’t technically true, but I didn’t correct her.

At seeing Lance, my heart shredded into ribbons all over again. He’d told me we needed to take a break. I knew what that meant. We were over. And the idea of never spending intimate time with the man again, whether it was laughing at a joke or kissing, had me miserable.

“Gwyneth, do I need to take you in for questioning?” Lance had his hands on his hips, and his nose flared.

“I mean, you can.” She started working the dough again. “Or, I can meet you at the station when I finish this croissant dough?”

His eyes met mine. There was a brief wisp of hurt before he replaced it with anger. “And what about you? Any idea where the vampire is?”

I was relieved I didn’t know. I shook my head. “I really have no clue,” I said truthfully.

“What about you?” he barked, this time at Lilah.

She was working on the peppermint pie filling. At the sharpness in his voice, she jumped, spilling some of the peppermint candies on the stove.

“She doesn’t know anything,” I snapped, standing in front of her like I could protect her from his yelling.

“Lilah?” he demanded, but not quite as forcibly.

Lilah trembled behind me. “No, Sheriff,” she squeezed out timidly. “I haven’t seen him.” Then she gave a nervous giggle. “I don’t even know what he looks like.”

Lilah had been at Grandy’s party, but maybe she’d been elsewhere when he arrived.

Lance grumbled. “If you do see or hear anything, it is your duty as a citizen of this town to report it to me. Understand?” He was speaking to the three of us.

“Of course, Sheriff.” Grandy paused her work again and then used a spell to send him over a cookie. “Your favorite.”

Lance took it grudgingly. “Thank you for this, but remember what I said.” He turned away, and Grandy closed the door behind him.

Then she looked at me. “What happened between you two? I could feel the pain rocking off him.”

“He found out I was going to break into Coven House and that I knew where Christopher was,” I said, feeling a fresh set of tears coming.

Grandy clucked her tongue. “Well, that is just nonsense. You were only doing what you did for my benefit. Surely, he can forgive you for that.” Her eyes roamed my face. “He doesn’t know you did what you did because of me? I’ll be sure to change that.”

“It’s okay,” I began but stopped. There was a loud whirring followed by a clang, and suddenly, white powder flung around the bakery. It was my dry ingredients. I’d been distracted by Lance and the pain in my heart and let my magic get out of hand.

“Good grief,” Grandy said with a sad chuckle.

“Sorry.” I glanced at Lilah, who was shaking flour out of her hair.

“It’s okay, Ruby.” She gave me an understanding smile. “You are getting better.”

I let out a loud huff. “Thank you for saying so,” I said, brushing off my apron and heading to the sink for a towel.

Grandy had finished up her croissant dough and came over to wash her hands. “I get the feeling you know more about Becca than even I do.” It was a statement, not a question.

“I was there last night,” I blurted. “I saw what happened to her. She’s,” I paused and lowered my voice. “She’s a vampire.”

Grandy put a finger over her mouth. “Not yet, she isn’t. I have her, and we might be able to save her.” 

“Seriously? You know more than me by far. How?” I whispered.

“Christopher,” was all she said.

“Well, that’s a relief.” I didn’t want to think about what had happened to the vampire who’d taken Becca if Christopher had rescued her. But my guess was she was no longer in the land of the living.

“We’ll see. But we have the other thing we need to do as well. Have you figured out how to obtain a piece of a dragon’s soul? I’d like to perform it right after Stella’s funeral.”

The funeral was in two days. Dread climbed through my chest. I didn’t have an answer. But I had seen the outline of a dragon last night. Plus, I had the book titled the Eye of Abernathy. “Actually, I might. Want to meet me—”

“Ruby, can we talk?”

I glanced over my shoulder. Valerie was there. Her eyes were swollen like she’d been crying. The last time I saw her so sad had been our senior year. “Sure.” I glanced at Grandy.

“Go on. I’ll mix up the cookies for your mom.”

“Thanks, Grandy.” I kissed her cheek. Then, to Val, I said, “Let me get my coat.”

Chapter 9

Valerie’s Secret

I clung to Val’s arm as we walked along the sand at our favorite spot on the beach. The ocean was a lot more active thanks to the cooling temperatures. The waves churned ice and rose to unheard-of heights before crashing against the shore, sending gurgling water close to our shoes.

Val hadn’t said much since we got in her car and drove. Nor had she said anything when we walked down the wooden steps when we arrived. The sun hung low in the sky, showing off all of its brilliance as the rays danced along the frigid water. And though I knew whatever Val had to say would be difficult, peace overwhelmed me. That was nature’s gift and the reason I sought solace at the beach. It provided me with tranquility among the chaos.

“Did Grandy tell you I was at Coven House last night?”

I shook my head. “No, but I saw you there.” I figured if she was going to be honest with me, the least I could do was return the favor.

She flinched and stopped. “How? I didn’t see you. Are you?” She stopped. “How?”

I quickly told her about the triangles, the star, and the dragon. I also shared how the ball of witch light had brought me to Coven House and what I’d witnessed. As I spoke, tears filled her eyes and dripped onto her cheeks.

She sniffled. “I swear I didn’t want to be there, but Gladiola …” She trailed off, choking on a suffering cry. “She knows what I did, the horrible thing Katie had in her journal. She said she’d tell everyone if I didn’t participate. Plus, she knows about the other night …” She looked away, gazing at the ocean.

I got the feeling she wished she was out there battling the choppy waves. That kind of physical labor wouldn’t be as bad as the workout happening within her mind.

“It’s okay, Val. You can tell me anything.”

She looked at me, her eyes waterlogged. “I think I killed Stella,” she blurted, covering her mouth with a hand.

My gaze immediately went to her polish and her wedding ring securely on her finger. “Wh-Why do you think that?” I asked, trying to ignore the pit of despair growing in my stomach. That was precisely the opposite of what I wanted to hear.

She shook her head so that her blond hair, which was up in a tight bun, bobbed nervously. “I don’t remember leaving Grandy’s birthday party. I don’t even remember getting myself home. But suddenly, there I was. And not only that but I wasn’t wearing my dress. Instead, I had on black pants, a shirt, and a coat. My hands and face were freezing, like I must’ve walked home. And that’s not even the worst evidence.” Her eyes got big as saucers, and she stuck her hand in her lavender coat pocket. “I found this in the coat pocket when I came to my senses.”

I recognized the needle. It looked like the one that had punctured Stella’s neck. Within contained a bit of what I guessed was Stella’s blood. It was dark, burgundy, and dried out.

“Valerie, how could you?” I pulled away to study her more clearly. “Why?”

She dropped the needle and shook her hands like it had burned her. “I don’t know. I don’t know.” She was shaking her head again. Her eyes pleaded with me to believe in her. “I swear to you I don’t remember doing it. Except …”

“What?” I held my breath. Was she going to reveal she was a serial killer or something? That I’d been duped by my best friend for years.

“I sort of do remember, but it’s like one of those dreams where you wake up, and you can sort of catch hold of certain things, but the harder you try to think about it, the further it slips away.”

I was nodding. Of course, that had happened to me. Many times.

She placed her hands on her head. “No, that’s not it. Because I can see what happened. I climbed through Stella’s office window. I-I uttered the words to the spell that murdered Stella. I forced her to drink a potion. Then I stabbed her with the needle twice to make it look like vampire fangs.” She choked on the words and wrung her hands together.

I picked up the needle she’d dropped and put it in my pocket. It was evidence. Certainly, it would point the finger at Val, but maybe there was a magical residue or something else attached to it.

Val was still talking. “But at the same time, I didn’t do it. I didn’t even know there was a murder spell until the words came out of my mouth. It was almost like my body wasn’t my own or something.”

Valerie was losing it. She was tormenting herself, and that was understandable. But what she’d said about not being in control of her body reminded me of what Grandy said about Gladiola.

“You were possessed.” That was the only thing that made sense. “Someone possessed you and made you do those things. It was probably Gladiola.” Except it couldn’t have been her, either. Someone else was doing the controlling. But who? Who wanted Stella dead? Sure, she could be bossy and liked things a certain way. But that was no reason to kill her.

“Oh, thank you, Ruby.” Valerie dropped to her knees. “That’s what I was thinking too. But it’s so rare and requires extensive and powerful magic. But, thank you for believing me.”

I joined her in the sand and wrapped my arms around her. I held her close, uttering words of assurance, hoping to calm her down.

“I don’t know what to do. If I go to the police, Gladiola said she would tell the secret in Katie’s journal. I can’t have that.” She pushed away from me. “It’s horrible, Ruby. I can’t have the whole town knowing what I did.”

“It really can’t be that bad,” I said, even though that was a small potato next to an enormous one, which was her body being used to murder Stella. Valerie had means and opportunity. But no motive. Valerie wouldn’t hurt anyone, even if they were annoying. Not even if they actually deserved it.

“It really is.” Another cry of anguish escaped her throat. “If you knew, you might never speak with me again.” She hiccupped and sniffled.

“Come on, Val. We’ve known each other forever. I will always talk to you.” I reached into my free pocket, hoping to find some tissues, but came up empty-handed.

She swallowed and heaved in a deep breath. “Do you remember senior year when I was really upset and wouldn’t talk to you about it?”

I nodded. “Of course I do. Is that when the whole thing happened?” It made sense, given that Katie had the secret in her journal.

“Yes. Katie dared me to steal something she and I had seen at Coven House. And I did it. I stole from Stella.” She closed her eyes as she spoke. “I knew the consequences. That I could be kicked out of the coven and worse that my parents could be too, but I wanted to prove to Katie that I was just as cool as her.”

When Val opened her eyes, they were haunted. “And I gave you such a hard time about falling prey to Katie’s wiles when I’d done the same thing.” She took my hand in hers. “In some ways, what I did was worse than what you did. Because what you did was an accident. But for me, I knew exactly what I was doing and did it anyway.”

I tried to keep my face from showing any emotion. I remembered that Val’s sadness was around the same time Stella had accused my mom of theft. To this day, I didn’t know what it was that went missing, but my mom had almost been cast out of the coven for her betrayal and she hadn’t done anything wrong. It’d been Val. And Val had known all the trouble brewing with my mom and Stella because I told her. Yet, she’d done nothing to prevent the accusations. “What did you steal?” I asked, trying to steady my voice.

“It’s called the Seal of Gabriel. Supposedly, it helped the old vampire queen rise to dominance and authority. Supposedly, it granted the wearer untold power.” She brushed at her wet cheeks with the back of a hand.

I remembered overhearing Grandy, Mom, and Dad talking about how losing whatever had been stolen lowered our coven’s status as the most powerful. I remembered the nights they spent scrying for the item, even though I didn’t know what they were looking for. They had said I was too young to understand, even though I was nearly eighteen.

“So, it’s a seal?” I asked, confused.

“It was a necklace. Quite beautiful, really. With an enormous bright red gem.”

“And where is it now? Do you still have it?” I hoped Val couldn’t see how furious I was with her. It happened a long time ago. Everything had worked out. And she’d been suffering with the secret for a long time. That should’ve been consequence enough, but my heart wasn’t having it.

“I never put it on. I was too afraid. Katie wanted to. She waited outside for me while I stole it. But as soon as I showed it to her, the thing disappeared into thin air.”

I wasn’t sure I believed her. “Stella blamed my mom for taking it. You knew that, and you didn’t say anything,” I mourned quietly.

“I know, Ruby, and I’m so, so sorry. I wanted to tell Stella what I’d done, but I was too afraid because it disappeared. At first, I thought maybe it’d been returned to Stella’s office. But when she accused your mom, I realized it was gone for good. No one would believe I stole it but didn’t have it anymore.” She was pleading with her eyes for me to understand. “I asked Katie to back me up if I told the truth, but she refused. She said she would say I was the last to have it and nothing more. So, I kept it to myself all this time.” She grabbed my hand and placed it against her cheek. “Please say you forgive me.”

“Of course,” I said but pulled away my hand and stood. “We should get back. I need to help my family with the baked goods for Stella’s funeral.” With everything in me, I tried to be okay. It was a long time ago, I kept telling myself. Everything had worked out. But I couldn’t let it go. I needed some time to mentally digest what Val had just revealed.

“Okay,” she said, her voice soft.

It was nearly dark, and I could see my breath in the air as we puffed up the stairs. Once we were in the car, she didn’t say another word. And neither did I. When she reached my car parked behind the bakery, she put her car in park, too, like she wanted to talk some more. But I still wasn’t ready.

I got out.

“Ruby,” she pled, leaning over so I could see her face.

“Did you steal Katie’s journal?” I asked, clamping my teeth together to avoid saying anything I’d regret.

Her eyes fell, and her cheeks reddened. “I just wanted to rip out the pages that included what I’d done, and then I was going to return it.” She reached under her seat and held it out for me.

I took it and pinched my lips together. “Did you? Rip out the pages?”

“No, but …” she paused. “Gladiola made a copy of the journal on the printer in Stella’s office.”

“How could you?” I was talking about stealing the journal but also stealing the necklace.

“I had to. She was going to tell.” In her eyes, that was enough reason to take something that didn’t belong to her. Twice.

For me, it wasn’t. “I’m going to need a little time,” I said and hurried to my car.

I needed to speak with Grandy, but the bakery was closed. Before I found her, I had to check that the other book I’d hidden was still there. Grandy needed to see it. So, when I reached home, I ran up to my room. I’d hidden the Eye of Abernathy under my pillows. As I rushed down the hall, I noticed my bedroom door was open. Inside, I was horrified to see my bedding and pillows were askew.

“What the freak?” I flung away the pillow the book was supposed to be under and heaved a sigh of relief. It was still there. Somehow. Apparently, the intruder hadn’t been looking for this book. Or, they hadn’t been able to locate it.

I picked it up and held it against my chest momentarily, relieved. Then, I placed it on the dresser. I was taking that to Grandy. But first, Katie’s journal needed to be hidden. No one else should have it. Not even me, really.

Without much thought, I placed fresh candles at the points of the seven-pointed star still drawn on my floor. Then I sat in the middle of it. Closed my eyes and thought about the hidden shelf in my wall. I wanted to put it in there for safekeeping.

But my magic wasn’t cooperating. “Come on,” I whined. “Open.”

“That isn’t how you open a book, Ruby.”

Scared, I screamed, and my eyes flashed open. Pippy was hovering in the doorway, an amused expression on her face.

“I know that,” I snapped. With the wave of my hand, I put out the candles and stood.

“Well, then, what were you trying to do?”

“Nothing,” I retorted. Then, I glanced at my messy bed before turning to her. “Did you do this to my bed?”

“No, I did not. Honestly, Ruby. I’m a ghost. I don’t have that capability.”

“But what about possessing someone?” I hadn’t expected our conversation going this way, but it felt right. “Could you make an alive someone do it?” I didn’t want to believe Pippy was the one wreaking so much havoc in our town, but I’d be nuts not to at least ask.

“I guess if a ghost had enough power, they could possess someone. Why are you asking me this?” She glided into the room so we were close enough to touch one another.

“There’s some possessing of people going on, and I’m just wondering if you might be the ghost doing it?”

“Humpf. You’re accusing me of something I didn’t do. Death hasn’t taken a great enough hold on me yet. Most of the time, I don’t even acknowledge I am dead. But a ghost who can possess a living being? That is one who’s accepted and leaned into all a ghost can be. I’m not that ghost.” Her face fell. “And I don’t appreciate the allegation.”

“Hey,” I said, grabbing a bigger bag from my closet to carry the journal and the Eye of Abernathy. “You’re the only ghost I know. I had to ask. Sorry, Pippy.”

“Well, I guess I’ll forgive you if you watch The Bachelor on TV with me.” She smiled, showing that she’d already forgiven me.

“I’ll turn on the TV, but I can’t. I promised to meet Grandy.” I hurried out of my room, down the hall and the steps. I went into the living room and turned the TV to the right channel before going to the door. “You’ll be okay without me for a while?”

“I mean, I’m here alone most of the time anyway.” Her face scrunched up in sadness.

I wanted to help her feel better, but I didn’t have it in me. I was still reeling from what Val had done to Stella and to my mom. But I was also thinking about Lance, too. It was a lot and I was just trying to keep it together.

I knew I should tell Valerie to turn herself in. That once she explained what happened he would understand, but I doubted he would. He was a man of facts. And Val had in fact murdered Stella and then framed a vampire.

“Okay, good. See you later.”

Chapter 10

Interview Possible Suspects

The next day, I got up. Made myself breakfast while ignoring my broken table and all it represented, including my break up with Lance. Pippy usually floated in while I ate and complained that she couldn’t sleep or eat because she was a ghost. But today, she didn’t, and I could eat in silence, which wasn’t necessarily good. It gave me too much time to think.

When I finished, I thought about checking on her. Because if she wasn’t downstairs, she had to be in her room. But I decided to leave her alone and went to work. I arrived at the city building before Heath and got to work. There was plenty to do, like responding to emails, setting up social media releases for the next week, and taking calls.

At nine-thirty, Heath arrived with a coffee for him and cocoa for me. The smell of both struck my nose in a good way. It was sweet of him to get me something, and I took the drink he offered.

“Thanks, Heath.” I sipped the cocoa and immediately knew he hadn’t gone to BB’s but somewhere else. It tasted fine but wasn’t my Grandy’s recipe. I would not be wasting my calories on it. Not when there were plenty of scrumptious goodies at my parents’ bakery. 

“You’re welcome.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. I wondered if it was because Gladiola had dirt on him and forced him to attend that coven meeting or something else.

“Are you alright? You seem tired?” I set down my drink and shuffled some papers on my desk, trying to act casual.

“Fine. Why do you ask?” He headed into his office.

I followed behind him and closed the door when we were inside. “You look drained, is all.” I purposefully used the word drained, hoping it would spark a reaction.

Heath chuckled, dropping into the leather chair situated behind his desk. The phone was already ringing. Thankfully, his assistant slash secretary caught the call and took a message.

“Is that any way to talk to your boss and mayor?” He turned on his computer.

“Probably not,” I said with a smile. “But I thought we were also friends.” I made a point to emphasize the friends part, hoping he would open up to me about the meeting with Gladiola. That way, I wouldn’t have to pry.

“We are,” he said and then shook his head. “I’ve got a lot going on. Fern is pregnant, and that makes sleeping difficult.”

“Congratulations,” I replied, and I meant it. “When is she due?”

“Thanks, and in a few months.” He didn’t seem very excited. Or maybe he was already in work mode as he clicked on something and made a horrible face. “Listen, unless you need to discuss something PR-related, I better get busy.”

“Oh, sure.” I paused, playing with the pen on his desk. “About Grandy’s birthday, that was nice of you and Fern to show up. I know Grandy was pleased to have you there.”

Heath locked eyes with me. “Are you sleuthing, Ruby Crosswell? Because this feels like the start of an interrogation. Lance and Piper already questioned me about the party and the vampire. I don’t know anything.”

“Really?” I made a noise with the back of my throat like I was shocked he’d said such a thing even though he’d read my intentions exactly. “But I mean, you did have the means and opportunity.” I tried to give him my most disarming smile. He was another one without a motive.

But that was the thing. With this murder, I was unsure of the motive. Sure, the most basic would be someone wanting her job as Coven Leader. That would mean Gladiola. But it’d already been deduced that she was controlled by someone else.

He rubbed at his jaw. “As you know, I can sway your feelings, and that includes your desire to tell me the truth.” He sighed. “Only, I don’t have time for games, so let me just say this. I’m sure Grandy told you I was at a secret coven meeting. And I’m sure she mentioned the vampires and about Becca getting bit by one for not agreeing to Gladiola’s terms. But I had no idea that was why the vampires were there. The only reason I was there was that she somehow got dirt on me, which could ruin my chances of going further with my political career. She swore she wouldn’t reveal what she knew if I attended. But that was the end of it.”

I nodded, glancing at his computer. “Is she still blackmailing you? Have you done something but didn’t feel like you were in control or made others do things without their knowledge?”

It was Heath’s turn to be shocked. “Ruby, how dare you ask me such things?” He swallowed like he had more to say but didn’t.

Just that one move told me enough. Maybe he hadn’t been possessed. And perhaps he didn’t believe in Gladiola’s asinine plan. But he was definitely still being blackmailed.

“Don’t make me fire you for insubordination,” he finished. 

It was the perfect opportunity to tell him I was over my job. That I wanted to quit. My marketing days were through, at least where he was concerned. “Sorry for prying. And, actually, I did want to talk to you about my job,” I began, glancing down at my boots.

“What?” He rolled his shoulders back and locked gazes with me. “Why don’t you take some time off. The rest of the year is yours. We’ll discuss your job here in January. Sound like a plan?”

“Yes, thank you, Heath.” That was better than quitting. I went to the door. “Thanks again for the cocoa, and congrats on the pregnancy. I’m sure the child will bring you a lot of happiness.”

Heath grumbled and waved me away.

I went to my desk with a lightness in my chest I hadn’t felt in months. Grabbed my things, including my coat, bag (which carried the journal and the Eye of Abernathy), and keys. I said goodbye to the receptionist, left the building, and headed to my car.

The conversation with Heath bubbled in my brain, but I believed him when he said he’d only been at the meeting because he was coerced. And Becca obviously wasn’t doing the possessing since she’d nearly been transformed into a vampire. Still, that left Meredith, Belinda, and Constance.

Since the latter two worked at Broomstick’s only bank, I decided to withdraw some money. They’d seen a lot of me since I was renovating my house. So, that wouldn’t be out of the ordinary.

As I turned onto Ghouligan Avenue, I peered inside the bank to ensure they were both there. At the end of the street, I took a left, and then another left and made my way to the parking area behind the bank. There, I parked, shut off my car, and started for the back entrance.

Neil Shellstrom, the owner of Bella’s Book Nook, ran out of the bank like his non-existent hair was on fire.

“What’s wrong?” I yelled after him.

“It’s Belinda. She’s acting …” He skidded to a stop, resting both hands on his bony knees, and sucked in a large breath. “She’s blinking, possessed. I’d bet my bookstore on it. The woman is flinging around spells. She yelled at Constance and zapped her. And you know Merle.” He waited for me to respond.

“Not well,” I replied, curious about what our resident vampire had to do with the situation.

“He even tried to stop her, and she zapped him. No one is safe. I’m not sure if they’re dead, but I’m going to call the Sheriff.”

“You do that,” I said as he started running again.

I figured I might as well call too, and dialed 911, waiting for Mrs. Charleston to answer. Instead, a male voice came on the line.

“911. What’s your emergency?”

“Where’s Mrs. Charleston?”

“Out sick, missy. Is this an emergency or not?”

It was a fairy. I heard him suck in, smoking on his cigar. Then blow out.

“Right. Sorry.” I gave him the information about what was happening in the bank and then hung up. Inched my way toward the back door and opened it, listening intently.

“What do you think you’re doing, Ruby Crosswell?”

I squashed a scream and glanced over my shoulder. Lance was there, his arm and head outside of his cruiser. “You’re supposed to run away from trouble, not into it.” He shook his head with frustration.

“Did you hear about Belinda? Did Mr. Shellstrom find you?” I asked sheepishly. Clinging to my bag, I faced him. Watched him park his cruiser right in the street and get out. Piper was with him. Both looked prepared for a fight.

“He did. Now, go home,” Piper said. “We don’t need to worry about another person getting injured.” She went past me and opened the door.

Lance locked eyes with me. Sadness radiated off him. I wanted to say something to fix us, but it was no use. The man knew how to harbor a grudge. I glanced down at my feet and took a few steps back.

“Go on, Ruby. I need you to stay safe,” Lance said quietly.

I wanted to see his face when he said that, but he and Piper were already inside the bank. My brain told me to do as they said. To stay out of it. But I couldn’t do that. I needed to see what was going on. Not only that, but I had to make sure Lance would be safe, too.

He would've laughed if he knew that was my excuse for opening the door and slinking down the unassuming hallway leading to the front of the bank. The man was a werewolf. He could take care of himself. It didn’t matter that my brain knew that. The rest of me, including my tender heart, needed to see for myself.

And it was a good thing, too. Belinda was out of control. She was floating in the air like she rode an invisible broomstick. Her brown hair whipped around her face as magic shot from her hands and bare feet. Her expensive, high-heeled shoes dangled with straps still buckled around her ankles. Her black pencil skirt was ripped up the front in two places, revealing her thighs, and her green button-up shirt was untucked.

Was she the one doing all of the possessing? At my internal question, my witch song gathered and fizzled as though out of curiosity and not because it intended to be of help. But I was glad it was there.

Lance and Pippy stood in front of her.

Lance was demanding she stop while Piper was doing a spell of some kind. Neither appeared to be working.

I looked more closely at Belinda and saw that while her eyes glowed red, her mascara was running down her face. She wasn’t in control of herself but was being possessed.

“Belinda, you have to stop this now. I don’t want to hurt you.” Lance had one eye on her and the other on Constance and Merle. The vampire was alive. He sat up and shook his head but didn’t move to go after Belinda again.

“You can’t hurt me, Sheriff,” she said and cackled. “But I will hurt everyone here unless you make them give me all the money in the tills.”

“Belinda,” Lance barked. “That isn’t going to happen. You must get down from there this instance.” I sensed his werewolf near the surface. He would fight her. Take her down and possibly even end her life if he had to. “Please. You’re giving me no choice.”

During their interchange, I’d inched my way further into the room. Until I was standing beside Constance. A quick pulse check revealed she was alive. Relieved, I moved to stand behind Lance. I wanted to tell him about the possession.

But as soon as Belinda saw me, her features twisted into something monstrous. “Another Crosswell. You aren’t Gwyneth, but you’re on my list.” She flung a spell at me as she spoke words that I knew were meant to kill.

Before it reached me, my witch song roared to life and shot out of my hands, combating the spell. Our magic was locked for what felt like forever, though it was only a few minutes. Her hands dropped to her sides, and before I could stop my magic, it shot straight into Belinda, striking her in the chest. She let out a horrendous scream before the redness in her eyes dulled.

“It can’t be,” she yelled in frustration. Her body went limp, and she dropped to the ground with a thud.

Lance turned. When he saw me, he glared. “You never listen,” he said and then went to Belinda.

Piper was already there. “She’s alive,” she said. “Barely.”

“Good,” Lance said. Then he spun on his heels so that we were face to face. “Why did you come in here?”

“Hey,” I began, about to tell him I’d stopped her and saved them. But that all froze in my throat.

“Ruby Crosswell, I should arrest you for interfering with a police matter,” he growled.

“I’m sorry,” I said, feeling two inches tall.

“Then leave,” he hollered, pointing toward the back of the building.

“Fine. I will,” I yelled back. “But … you still owe me a table,” I added. That was a stupid thing to say. My hands were clenched in fists, and tears pressed against my eyes. I hadn’t meant to say that, but I was hurting and lashed out.

Lance was about to reply, then stopped. “I’ll get the information from you and order it as soon as possible. Now, please go.”

I glanced around the bank. There weren’t many people, but plenty who would tell the rest of town what had happened and how Lance had treated me.

“Right,” I snapped. Then added, “You’re welcome.” And ran from the room.

Chapter 11

A Dragon’s Soul

I was parked in front of my childhood home. It was dark. I’d spent the rest of the day moping, eating, sulking, and a combination of both. Pippy still wasn’t around but I didn’t think much of it.

An hour ago, Grandy had called and left a message asking me to meet her, which was why I’d come. It was the last thing I wanted to do. My heart hurt even more than when Chase cheated on me and he’d been my fiancé.

I climbed the steps and shuffled along the porch to the front door. The house opened its front door for me. “Thank you,” I whispered, patting the wall at the entrance.

In response, the wall rippled like it was purring. I took that as it was saying, you’re welcome.

“Hello?” I called out, peering first into the formal living room to see if Grandy was asleep or reading the newspaper in her favorite chair. She wasn’t, but Edith’s gaze was bearing down on me from her portrait over the fireplace.

The way I was feeling, my first instinct was to cuss her out, but there was no reason to shout obscenities at a painting. It wouldn’t do any good other than making me feel momentarily better.

“Ruby, is that you?” Dad called from the kitchen.

“We’re just having a snack,” Mom added.

I moved in that direction and couldn’t help the smile that pushed up my lips when I saw them. Dad poured a glass of wine while Mom sipped on her already-filled one. They had a charcuterie board bursting with crackers, meats, cheese, and fruit in front of them. It looked like I’d walked in on a date.

“Sorry, guys,” I said, feeling my face getting warm. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

The two of them beamed at each other. It was adorable how much love still radiated between them, even after so many years. I thought about the time in high school when Val had stolen the necklace. My dad had stayed by my mom’s side. He’d believed her. Stuck up for her. No one could say a single mean word, or they’d have to suffer a tirade from my dad. He was the kindest and gentlest man I knew. But if anyone messed with his wife, then a side of him I rarely saw came out. One that wasn’t the least bit kind or gentle.

“It’s okay, Rubes,” Dad said with a cheeky grin at using my least favorite nickname. 

“Did you want a glass?” Mom offered.

“No, I’m fine,” I said, despite being thirsty and starving.

“Nonsense,” Dad said, chuckling. With a wave of his hand, he magicked over another glass and a small dessert plate. “Help yourself.”

The board filled with delicious sustenance slid over to me. “Maybe just a little,” I said, taking some grapes, crackers, cheese, and meat and stacking them on my plate. Then I sipped the wine. “Whoa, Dad. That is so good it should be a crime.”

He chuckled warmly and took a sip. “It was inspired by your mother. A little spicy, warm, and a lot of sweet.”

“Awww.” The way he spoke about her made me want to cry. It seemed doubtful I’d ever find someone who loved me the way my dad loved my mom. I’d thought it might have been Lance. He had a lot of fantastic qualities. But it turned out that was a no. We were taking some time apart. My heart flinched with pain. 

“What’s wrong?” Mom asked, coming around and wrapping me in one of her amazing blanket hugs. “I heard about what happened at the bank. Several people said you stopped Belinda with your magic. Is that what’s bothering you?”

“No.” I shook my head. “Lance and I aren’t seeing each other any longer.” I popped a grape in my mouth and then three more to keep from crying.

“Tell us all about it.”

I hadn’t intended to, but I sat on one of the counter stools and shared what had happened with Grandy and Christopher and then at the bank. It felt good to get it out. And my parents were great listeners. I almost shared Val’s secrets, too, but I decided against it. They weren’t mine to tell, and as much as I was angry with her, she was still my closest friend. Still, it helped to talk about Lance. After a full glass of wine, a plate full of charcuterie, and a cookie, my belly was full, and my heart didn’t hurt as much any longer.

“Did you want to stay the night?” Mom asked. “We can make up your room really quick.”

Curiosity had me wondering what they’d done to it, but I didn’t want to stay. I loved my too-big house on Witch Light Lane. “No, thank you. I wanted to speak to Grandy. Is she around?” I’d placed my bag on the floor beside me while we chatted. Now that I was about to go find Grandy, I felt for it with my foot.

“She’s out in the herb shed.” Dad’s brows crinkled together. “Come to think of it, she’s been out there a while. I should probably go check on her.”

Nervous tingles danced along my skin. “It’s okay. I’ll go. You two finish your date.” I picked up my bag and then hugged them both. “Thanks again for being the best parents ever.”

“Aw, shucks,” Dad said and winked.

Mom squeezed my hand and hugged me one more time.

“Did you want me to come out there with you?” He glanced longingly at Mom.

“No, really. I’ll be fine. And I’m sure Grandy is, too.” I grabbed the bag holding both books and hurried out the back door, closing it softly behind me. Then glanced back through a window. Mom and Dad were toasting, and I was relieved.

The light to the herb shed was on, and I moved along the path. Reaching the door, I turned the handle, but it was locked. “Grandy,” I whispered. “It’s Ruby. May I come in?”

The door opened, and I pushed it far enough to step through before shutting it. Grandy smiled when I came in and twisted her wrist as she locked the door again. The funny thing was a regular lock wasn’t on the herb shed door. One wasn’t needed. But Grandy locked it anyway, which was impressive.

“Come over,” Grandy said. “Show me what you’ve got.”

I went through the different herbs my dad was growing, inhaling the scents of peppermint, ginger, rosemary, and basil until I reached my grandmother. She had a black cauldron on one of the wood tables and was filling it with different items. With each addition, smoke from the opening thickened.

“Is that the reversal spell?” I asked, peering inside.

The mixture was an unusual shade of purple. It gurgled and burped, sending black sparklers into the air.

“I don’t have the dragon’s soul, Grandy.” I pulled the Eye of Abernathy from my bag and showed it to her. “I have this, which I think is a dragon’s eye. But I haven’t had time to look through it. Nor do I know if it’ll tell us how to get a dragon’s soul.” Worry flinched through my heart. I didn’t want her to be disappointed in me.

Grandy turned away from her cauldron. As soon as she saw the book, her eyes widened and her mouth dropped. “Ruby, dear, where did you get this?”

“Well, that’s a story and a half,” I replied, placing it in her outstretched hands. “It fell from a secret shelf in one of the walls in my bedroom.”

“I knew it,” she hissed, running her hands along the front cover.

The eye blinked, and she let out a small scream followed by a nervous laugh. “You did it, Ruby. This is all I need.”

“Really?” I asked, coming in closer.

“Witches are taught that Broomstick Bay is the birthplace of magic, but we make sure only certain specifics are shared about why.” Grandy wasn’t looking at me but flipping the pages in the dragon book. “The Broomsticks don’t even know.”

That sparked my curiosity. “But you do?”

“Yes,” she admitted, glancing at me a moment. “The Crosswells know everything there is to know about the origins of magic, including the specifics of the seven magics. You might say that knowledge is our legacy.”

A shiver ran over my skin, and my witch song perked up. Somehow, it verified that Grandy was revealing facts rarely talked about. “Did Stella know the truth? Could that be why she was killed?”

“When she became leader of our coven, yes, the truths were revealed.” Grandy glanced up at the sky as though debating what else to say. “She never liked what she heard, and though we were friendly, she never really trusted that what I’d told her was right.”

“So, she might have shared the secret with someone who decided it was worth killing over?”

“Possibly,” Grandy said before returning to her book. “And while all seven magics are connected, a vampire would have little use for the information, except maybe to sell it.”

“What are the seven magics exactly?” My heart was racing with questions but also with worry over Valerie’s secret. Because I knew she hadn’t actually been killed by a vampire. “What if I told you it wasn’t a vampire who murdered Stella?”

That got Grandy’s attention. “Real quick, the short answer is this. You know the ingredients I needed for the reversal spell, including the dragon’s soul?” She held up the Eye of Abernathy.

“Yes,” I said slowly and recalled there were seven ingredients needed. “Oh,” I gasped.

“Each of the seven magics is represented by the seven original supernaturals, including dragon, vampire, elf, unicorn, troll, fairy, and the odd one out, a Hunter’s blood. We can delve deeper into the specifics another time. Right now, I need you to tell me what you know about Stella’s death?”

My head was reeling because witches weren’t mentioned as one of the seven. So, when did our particular kind of magic come into being? I wanted to know but I saw that Grandy was focused on Stella and so I would be too. “A lot, actually,” I said and sighed.

Grandy closed the Eye of Abernathy. It dawned on me it was a spell book but it had a dragon’s eye on the front. Did our magic come from dragons? A shiver of understanding ran through me and my witch song sparked. That had to be it. And I wanted to know everything, but as Grandy said, now wasn’t the time.

“Catch me up, please,” Grandy said earnestly.  

So I set aside my thoughts about magic and told her everything that happened with the symbols, the dragon, and the witch light taking me to Coven House. I told her that it had also taken me back in time so that I could see the killer. And then I also revealed that the murderer had been, I believed, possessed, and why I thought that was possible.

At some point during our discussion, we wound up seated in a rickety set of chairs. The herb shed silent except for the occasional gurgle from the cauldron. It amazed me that Grandy could still be doing spells while having a discussion. She was a powerful witch.

“You need to tell me who was possessed. That fact can reveal who might be doing the possessing.”

“Do you know who’s possessing Gladiola?”

Grandy cringed. “You really did see and hear everything.” Her cheeks reddened, probably because she was thinking about Christopher picking her up and what he’d said.

“Yes, I really did.” I patted her hand. “Whatever was between you was a long time ago. I like knowing a little about the woman you were before you became Grandy. In fact, at some point, I’d like you to tell me more.” I was thinking about the secret Christopher had mentioned and how he’d said it’d been her job to protect Broomstick Bay.

“You’re a sweetheart for saying so.” She patted my knee. Then rose, picked up the Eye, and returned to the cauldron.

“Do you know who possessed Gladiola?” I asked again. “Could they be the same person possessing the other witch?”

Grandy opened the book to a page that read: Conjuring a Dragon’s Soul.

“I might have an idea, but I can’t tell you who it is. Not yet. First, we need to finish this reversal elixir for Christopher. Then we’ll deal with Stella’s murderer. Deal?”

It wasn’t like I had a choice. “Sure.”

“Good. Just so you know, this book reveals exactly how to conjure a dragon’s soul.” She pointed at the title on the page. “Now that I see the words, it’s almost laughable how easy it is.” She placed the book on the table next to the cauldron. Raised both hands so they were over the kettle and then began uttering the words to the spell.

I watched in awe as her magic crackled along her fingers. An unseen wind fluttered the wispy hairs around her face. At the same time, a silvery-white light shone on her face.

After at least five minutes, I noticed she’d repeated the spell multiple times, but nothing had changed since she started. Finally, she dropped her hands. “This spell requires a different kind of magic.” She looked at me. “I need your help.”

That made me nervous. “Oh. Are you saying I have different magic?” It was never fun to be singled out.

“You do, and you know it. You can shift into a cat. And that is the magic I need. Will you repeat the spell with me?”

“Of course.”

“Move over to the other side of the table.” She waited until I was there. “Take my hands and repeat the words with me.”

She’d said them so many times I had them memorized. I nodded and locked my fingers with hers. “I’m ready,” I said, even though I was nervous. Because my magic was glitchy. What if I wrecked the spell?

Grandy began chanting, her eyes locked on mine.

I swallowed. Closed my eyes so that I could see the words in my mind. Then, I repeated the words aloud.

The first three times, nothing happened, and I worried I was messing up. But the fourth time, the wind smacked against my face, and light flooded the herb shed. Whipping my eyes open, I saw the same golden dragon that had been in my room flying above us. He dipped and curled above us several times before hovering over the cauldron. The dragon opened his mouth, and though it was just a golden outline, an amber-colored gem dropped into the bubbling mixture.

Immediately after, the dragon vanished.

A thick haze erupted from the cauldron. Within were seven colors, including silver, gold, green, brown, indigo, blue, and red. I guessed they correlated with the seven magics. The colorful smoke filled the herb shed and swirled around the room, knocking over several plants. The spell was so thick and loud that I couldn’t see or hear anything but the rainbow smoke. The noise increased until I believed I might go deaf. 

I sank to my knees and climbed under the table to wait it out. At one point, I thought I heard my dad shaking the door handle and my mom calling out, but I couldn’t be certain. Another minute passed, and I wondered if Grandy and I would be stuck like this in here forever.

But a moment later, the sound diminished, and the smoke evaporated. I’d been right about Mom and Dad shaking the door. They were still out there. Both were using different spells to break in, though none were working. Once again, that proved how powerful my Grandy was.

“Gordon. Abby. It’s all okay. Ruby and I are fine.” She chuckled lightly and rose to her feet. She’d been hiding under a table, too. “A spell got carried away, but it’s fine now. We’ll be right out.”

“Ruby?” My dad called.

“Grandy’s right. We’re fine.” I felt a little off-kilter, but at least I was alive.

“I’m giving you five minutes. If you aren’t inside the house, I’ll take apart the herb shed bit by bit.”

“Understood,” Grandy said, walking over to the cauldron.

“The time starts now,” my mom shouted. Her voice was a bit ragged, probably from all the yelling.

I came around to stand next to Grandy. “Did it work?” I could only hope because I did not want to go through that again. There was a slight ringing in my ears. I massaged the area, hoping to make it stop.

“I think so.” She peered inside the cauldron, and I did the same.

Within was an emerald-green liquid. “That’s the elixir to reverse the spell you put on Christopher?”

Grandy grabbed a small glass vial with a plastic stopper. The kind Dad used when creating new wines. She removed the cork and waved her free hand. The green concoction flew out of the cauldron and into the container.

“We did it,” she said, her face beaming with pride. “I need to get this to Christopher.” She flicked her hand, and the door to the herb shed unlocked. “Take the Eye of Abernathy and keep it safe. Do not lose it.”

I closed that book. Surprisingly, it didn’t look like the smoke and wind had touched it. My bag had been knocked off the table. I retrieved it. Verified Katie’s journal was still in there. Then I placed the Eye of Abernathy inside with it. “I won’t,” I said.

She turned off the herb shed light and exited. I thought she would go into the house, but she didn’t. “What about Mom and Dad?”

“Tell them I’ll see them later.” Grandy gave me a small smile.

“You’re going to him,” I said, standing in the doorway. By him, I meant Christopher.

“Yes.” Her eyes softened. Then she cleared her throat. “The sooner the spell is reversed, the sooner he’ll leave. And that’s what needs to happen.”

It sounded like she was convincing herself and not me. But I nodded. “See you later, Grandy.”

She was about to disappear around the side of our house, but she stopped. “I spoke with Lance today. I told him why you did what you did.”

My shoulders dropped at the thought of the Sheriff. “And what did he say?”

“He appreciated my honesty. But—”

“But I still chose to keep secrets, and he isn’t a fan.” I sighed. “Thanks for trying.”

“He’ll come around. I know it, Ruby,” she said with a wave. There was a whoosh, and I knew she’d hopped on her broom and flown away.

With her went all of her information about the seven magics. My Grandy was so much more than a quirky witch in yellow galoshes. She held the secrets to everything.

Chapter 12

Vampire’s Suck

“One thing I know for certain, even though I don’t know how, is that dragons are the key to a witch’s magic.” I spoke the words aloud, though I was alone, except for the plants.

After locking the herb shed, I went inside the house. Mom and Dad were still in the kitchen, but their wine and charcuterie were forgotten. They were speaking inaudibly to each other. Mom wringing her hands and Dad twisting his napkin. It seemed Grandy and I had ruined their date.

“Hi, guys,” I said, doing my best not to look guilty.

The thing was that my mom could sense thoughts and feelings. So, it didn’t matter that I was trying not to look guilty. She immediately knew that was how I felt.

“What were you two doing out there?” she asked, giving Dad a quick glance.

They’d obviously been discussing how to handle the situation. Grandy hadn’t said I couldn’t tell the truth. So, that was what I did and explained about the reversal spell and what all it had taken. I didn’t tell them about the Eye of Abernathy or Katie’s journal just because then I’d have to expound on how I got them, and I didn’t want to do that.

“You weren’t dabbling in dark magic?” Mom asked, her eyes a little misty.

“Goodness, no, I was not. You had to see all the light shining out of the shed, right?” I kept my tone soft. It now made sense why they were so concerned. They were worried I’d gone back to the dark side. But what did that say about Grandy?

Mom locked eyes with mine. Then nodded. “She’s telling the truth, Gordon. It’s okay.” Her body sagged with relief.

“Good girl,” Dad said, approaching me with a huge grin.

After more hugs, a couple more sips of wine, and a small piece of pie, I said goodnight to them and the nonchalant Pearl. Got in my car and drove home.

As I turned into my winding driveway, I observed someone running toward the backyard. They glanced my direction, revealing a flash of red eyes in the headlights. Had Christopher come back looking for Grandy? I hurried along the twisting driveway, wishing it was shorter until I reached the side of the house. Parked and got out, hoping to catch Christopher and tell him that Grandy wasn’t here. That the reversal spell was complete and she had it.

“Christopher,” I called, placing the bag strap over my head so it could hang across my body. “Christopher.” I moved along the side of the house and into the backyard. They’d gone in that direction, but I couldn’t see anyone. It was too dark back there, with the tall house blocking all the moonlight.

Nervous, I decided to go back the way I came, but before I could, a shadow emerged, obstructing my path. “Hello, little witch. I’ve come to suck your blood.”

My first thought was that it wasn’t Christopher. This vampire was too bulky. And I would’ve laughed at his comment, but he grabbed hold of my arms and had his fangs at my throat before I could. Some sort of sound escaped me that wasn’t a scream, even though that was what I was going for.

As soon as his fangs parted my flesh, everything got a little hazy and abstract. He smelled of pine from the forest, which I decided was nice. My mind was loose, and I felt loopy. Not scared or sad or happy or mad, just weird. Vampire fangs had toxins that relaxed their prey so they wouldn’t fight. That was happening to me, but I couldn’t remember how to combat it.

I was too distracted by the pulling at my throat, like I could feel my blood leaving my body. That wasn’t right. I tried to lift my arms and push him away with my magic, but my arms were so heavy. And then my body was too heavy. My knees gave out, and I fell into the vampire. He held me tight as he continued to suck.

I knew he was draining me dry. Soon enough, I’d be dead if I didn’t do something. But I couldn’t bring myself to care. Not even my witch song could be bothered. I called out to my magic, and it fizzled and sparked. Then, it went out.

A moment later, there was a whoosh. The vampire that held me was gone, and I was falling back. I hit the cold ground with my legs underneath me so that I was bent at a peculiar angle. Above me, the sky was dark except for a lone star. It shone brightly and was getting closer. With effort, I reached out for it.

“Ruby, it’s me. It’s Christopher. You’ve lost a lot of blood, and you’re freezing. I’m going to get you inside.”

I found the will to swallow. Closed my eyes and opened them again. That was all I could do to agree. A blurry vision of Christopher’s face appeared as he lifted me into his arms. I wanted to tell him I would be fine. But that was a lie.

He walked me deeper into the backyard. A door creaked open, and warmth struck my skin. Inside, Christopher hefted me through the kitchen, down the hall, and up the stairs. Then, there was the comfort of a soft mattress, blankets, and pillows.

Christopher filtered in and out of my view. “Listen, Ruby. I’m sorry,” he said. “If I don’t give you some of my blood, you will die. But if you allow it, my blood will help rejuvenate you.”

I wanted to cringe at the idea of drinking blood. I wanted to ask if I’d become a vampire if I drank it. I didn’t want to be a vampire. I was just getting used to being a witch again. And not only that, but a witch that turned into a cat.

My witch song. Why hadn’t it saved me? I was supposed to be powerful. It had saved Belinda. Yet a stupid blood-sucking vampire had gotten the drop on me. It was embarrassing.

“No,” I tried to say.

“You would choose death?” Christopher knelt beside me so that I could see his eyes. They shone red.

“No,” I tried again. I wanted to say I chose neither. I wanted to live, but I also wanted to be me.

“I don’t know what to do.” Christopher sounded distraught. “The vampire who drained you was angry I killed his wife when I rescued Becca. He swore he would make me suffer for what I’d done. I thought he meant that he would go after Gwyneth. I had no idea he would attack you.” He took my hand and held it in his. “If you die, Grandy will blame me, and she only just reversed the spell. I was on my way out of Broomstick Bay when I heard your scream.”

So Grandy had found him. That was good. Now, he could fall in love. I wanted that for him and for me. I understood Christopher’s yearning for it and didn’t want to die before I had the chance.

I tried to blink away the blurriness. “Yes,” I said. He was getting fuzzier, and the white ball of light was getting brighter.

With a cry, he tore at his wrist and then brought it to my lips. Blood flowed into my mouth. It was warm and tasted of rust, making me want to gag. I tried to push his wrist away, but he held it tightly against my mouth.

“Not yet,” he said. “You have to drink.”

When he spoke just then, it was more precise than before and not quite so far away. A few seconds later, the disgusting blood started to taste good. I grabbed hold of his wrist and sucked hard.

“That’s it, Ruby. Keep going. You’re getting stronger already.”

The white light retreated, and Christopher’s face sharpened. Then, it was too sharp. I could see more than the pores on his skin but beyond and inside.

I could see everything, which made no sense. And then it was too much. Noises and smells bombarded me all at once until I was shaking. It was hard to tell which way was up. The ocean roared in my ears, and the memory of the night I nearly drowned flashed across my vision.

“Let go,” Christopher said. His voice was so close I thought he was inside my head.

He pulled away, but I gripped him tight, refusing to release his wrist, until I realized it was his blood that was causing the change in me. I flung him away.

There was a crash, and I jumped up to protect myself, but the movement had me spinning. My hands in my hair, I sat back down, and that was when my witch song burst out of me like I was a lighthouse.

I let out the most horrendous scream before everything went black.

***

I was at the beach. The moon was out, and a summer breeze blew against my skin. But that wasn’t right. It was a never-ending cold in Broomstick Bay recently. I glanced down at myself and saw I was lying on the sand wearing a bathing suit. The ocean lapped at my toes in frothy bubbles. I giggled, enjoying the foaming luster of the water. The sky above twinkled with thousands of stars.

A ways off, there was a fire pit and a bunch of people gathered around. They were talking and laughing. Some held sticks and roasted marshmallows.

There was a click inside my mind, and I understood this wasn’t real. This was a memory. One that had started out great but turned into the least favorite of my life. It was the night I almost drowned.

At that knowledge, I stood, sliding on my flip flops before heading back to the group. A bunch of my friends and their parents. We’d been asking for weeks if we could build a bonfire at the beach like the high school kids did. Our parents agreed, but only if there was supervision.

As I hurried along the sand, listening to the wet scrunch underfoot and the snap of my shoes against my feet, dread filled my guts. I knew what was coming next. In the sand to my right something shone in the moonlight. I turned and bent down to see what it was. A fully formed and perfectly beautiful shell. Excited to show it off, I dug around until I could pull it out.

The next second, I gasped as water crashed over me. It was so cold that I lost my breath. Without thinking, I sucked in and took a bunch of salty water into my lungs. A moment later, and the wave was retreating. But it didn’t let me go. Instead, it carried me with it.

I dug at the sand, giving everything I had to stay on land. More than once, my parents had talked to me about sneaker waves. They were real, and there had been several people lost to the ocean because they turned their backs on it. A spell filtered along my thoughts and I tried to utter it but all that did was flip me onto my back.

And then something grabbed my hand and held me tight. It was another hand. Attached to a strong arm. I reached for it. Despite the wave pulling me, I no longer rolled with it. A second later, I was free of the wave and coughing up water.

“You’re going to be fine,” he said. “You’re safe now. Everything is going to be okay.”

I was young when the incident happened, but I swore I heard the cackle of a woman coming from somewhere. The woman said, “I’ll kill you before I let you become more powerful than me. I’m the rightful Crosswell heir. Me alone. And when you die, I’ll return to my full glory and take my place as leader of the strongest coven in the world.” Once I heard those words, I remembered that I’d heard them before. But all this time, I’d blocked them out. Who’d said that? Had it been to me? That couldn’t be so. I wasn’t hardly powerful. My magic more glitchy than special.

When I was finally able to breathe well enough to focus on what had happened and that someone had rescued me, the man was gone. But the voice? It now sounded so familiar to my ears. Yet I still couldn’t place it.

And then the weightiness in my mind lifted so that I thought I might be floating. My thoughts drifted away from the horrible night of my almost death, and I was returning to the land of the living.

***

“… She’s coming around. Her lashes are fluttering.”

“Mom,” I called. My voice didn’t sound right. More like there was a frog in it.

“It’s Grandy, sweetie. Open your eyes. You’ll see.”

I felt my hand in hers and knew she was right. I recognized the paper-thin skin and her knotted yet super soft fingers.

“Grandy,” I said softly and opened my eyes.

Her face came into view. But it was almost too clear. I could make out every age spot, every wrinkle, and the sparseness of hair in her arching brows. Her milky eyes locked on mine, dimming with the passing of time. But there was also her mischievousness, her inspiring happiness that radiated through.

I blinked several times, hoping my sight would return to its normal twenty-twenty because it shouldn’t even be possible to see better than that. But there was also the hearing and the smelling and the feeling. Where I’d lived my life at a nice even five, it now felt like I was humming at twenty-five.

“Grandy, it’s too much,” I whined, shutting my eyes again.

“It’s okay.” She patted my hand. “You’re alive, and that’s all that matters.”

Chapter 13

Ectoplasm Smells Like Bleach

“I feel funny,” I said, working to sit up. It was more than the extra senses that were stronger than Ruby-Cat’s. It was … my witch song. It was no longer nesting in a ball inside my body, mostly out of the way. It had bonded to my entire being. I felt the buzzing tingles everywhere, like what happened after waking from a particularly horrible bad dream. Or right before I shifted into Ruby-Cat.

“Give yourself a few minutes to get your bearings,” Grandy said.

“Would you like some water?” Christopher had a cup in his hand when he came into view.

Before I could respond, a rush of what happened with the vampire and then Christopher filled my mind. “I thought I saw you,” I said, rubbing my head. “And went into the backyard. But you weren’t there. Another vampire was. And he bit me. Drained my blood …” I touched my neck where he’d bitten me, but there was nothing there. No marks. I got out of bed with the intent of going to the full length mirror in my closet and was immediately there. “Whoa!” My reflection revealed freckled and creamy skin, just as it had always been. There wasn’t even the tiniest scratch of a vampire bite.

Grandy and Christopher appeared behind me.

“Am I a …” I let the question die in my throat. I didn’t want to say the word, afraid that would make it real.

“No,” Christopher said, shaking his head for emphasis.

I faced him, holding onto the nearest shelf for support. “I’m not a vampire?”

“You have vampire abilities because my blood still flows through your veins. But once your body filters it, the abilities should fade.” He glanced at Grandy.

“Christopher is right. And with your witch song, it should happen sooner rather than later.” She smiled uneasily, her hands twisting together in front of her. “You’re going to be okay.” It felt like she was saying that more for her benefit than mine.

Because other than the fact everything around me was too much, I physically felt better than I had since college. No more aching joints. No more shoulder pain from sleeping on my side. No more of any of the little things that plagued an aging body.

“My body feels like I could run forever and my emotions … I have so much love in my heart for you, Grandy.” I thought about hugging her, and I was rushing toward her. Before I reached her, Christopher stopped me, which was good, since I might have run her over.

He smiled as though he understood what I was going through. At his proximity, need for him pierced my heart. A voracious longing. “Chris,” I said, wrapping my arms around his waist. My emotions made no sense but they were also intense and hungry.

The vampire responded in kind, placing his hands on my shoulders and playing with my hair. “Ruby, you’ve never looked more radiant than right now, with my blood flowing—”

“Stop it,” Grandy yelled, trying to push us apart. “You’ve done enough, Christopher. It’s time you leave.”

Hurt rolled off him. I felt the pain in him. He didn’t want to go, and I didn’t want him to, either. He glanced down at me and smiled sadly. Then he leaned in, whispering so quietly that only I could hear. “I haven’t forgotten my promise to help with your cat.” Then he kissed my cheek and was gone.

“Why did you do that?” I asked, suddenly furious with her. “Christopher could love me. I know it. I felt it from him. Love and so much more. He has it in droves, just waiting to share it with the right person. I could be that person.” My blood felt like it was boiling.

“Ruby, it’s his blood that’s affecting you. This happened to your great, great …” She waved her hand in irritation. “Edith,” she finished. Her face fell as though she was reminiscing something she didn’t want to. “Let it wear off, and then we can talk about your feelings. Right now, you should sleep. Stella’s funeral is tonight, and you need to be there.”

A lot of time had passed since I drank Christopher’s blood. And I’d been out the whole time. Did my parents know what had happened? I didn’t ask Grandy about that, not ready to know.

Her eyes were sad but also empathetic. She said the same thing happened to Edith but had it also happened to her? Was that why she and Christopher had been an item?

“Come get under the covers,” she said, moving back into the bedroom. “I’ve already set your alarm.”

I wasn’t tired, but there was an odd heaviness to my body. “I’ll try,” I said and climbed into bed.

“Good. I’ll see you later.” She went to the door, but before she closed it all the way, I reached out.

“Wait. My bag. Grandy, where is it?”

Grandy smiled. “I put it under your bed. It’s safe.”

“And the other vampire? The one that did this.” My heart was racing with fear and worry that he might come back and finish what he started. My skin rippled with anxious tingles.

“He’s gone for good. Christopher …” She didn’t finish, and I didn’t need her to. I knew what had happened without her saying more.

“Okay.” I lay against my pillows. Sucked in a big breath. “Wait.” I wasn’t ready for her to go. There was too much going on in my mind and I was afraid of being alone. “Sit by me and tell me about how you’re in charge of taking care of Broomstick Bay. Tell me your secret.” I pulled the covers around my neck and waited.

“I wondered if you’d heard all of that.” Her cheeks got rosy and she sat on the bed beside me. “What do you think you know?”

I thought about it. Really, I didn’t know more than what she and Christopher had said at Coven House after the others left. But I thought about the book I checked out of the library. The Origins of the KPID. “I found a book on the KPID while researching in the library,” I began. It had nothing to do with Grandy but it felt like the right place to start.

Shocked dismay distorted her features, her eyes wide and unblinking. “That is impossible. I have the only copy.”

“I’m not sure how but I did check it out. It’s in my top drawer,” I said, pointing.

She went to the dresser and retrieved the book, studying it like she was seeing a ghost. “How can this be? I hid this years ago. Unless …” She didn’t continue, placing the book on her lap after she sat on the bed. “It was in the library?”

“That’s right. Is the book bad? I saw KPID stood for the King’s Paranormal Inquiries Division. That the group protected and fought against bad supernaturals.” I’d literally skimmed it quickly one night and wasn’t sure if that was even true.

“It isn’t bad. It’s just supposed to be a secret. The KPID is an organization that not many know about.” She pinched her lips together. “Not even your parents.”

“Edith knew about it. She was one of the first to join,” I said.  

Grandy nodded. “That’s true.” She opened to the page that had the signatures, running a hand over the names. “Her magic was exceptional. Probably at least as strong as yours, though she couldn’t shift into a cat.” A flicker of sadness filled her eyes. “After her mother passed on, she believed she should lead Broomstick’s Coven. But the witches voted and she wasn’t chosen.”

All of that I already knew.

“That the town’s witches didn’t vote for her infuriated her and she left Broomstick Bay. She went overseas and met a vampire named Sebastian Barrows.” Grandy offered a tiny smile. “He was the Duke of Vladimir at one point but became the leader of the KPID when the king of England created the group.”

I felt my mouth push into an O but couldn’t say anything.

“Sebastian and Edith were a couple for a while and she asked him to let her join the group. According to Sebastian, she was their best operative. If there was a haunting or possession or anything that involved magic, she was the one they called upon. And she worked with them for years … until she died.” Grandy shook her head at the recollections. “It was a very sad time for our family. Sebastian brought us the painting that hangs over the fireplace at the house as well as her ashes.”

“How did she die?” I asked, thinking about how that painting always seemed to be staring at me.

“Sebastian only said it was in the service of two countries and that he couldn’t divulge more.” Grandy closed the book and tossed it away like she couldn’t stand touching it any longer.

I watched her, admiring her fierce yet peaceful disposition. She was a woman with a past who was content with living in the present and took no thought for what the future might bring. “You are a member of the KPID too aren’t you?”

Grandy clutched her hands together in her lap. “Yes,” she said quietly. “Before Sebastian left, he asked me to join the group. I traveled the world for a while, which is how I met Christopher. But then I fell in love and Sebastian said I could stay in Broomstick Bay. That my only job was to keep the town safe.” She frowned. “I’ve failed. Stella is dead. The town is getting colder by the second, thanks to some unforeseen yet very powerful magic and I’m getting too old to do anything about any of it.”

For the first time, her age radiated out of her, as though she’d been protecting it with a glamour spell.

“Grandy,” I said, my emotions overwhelming me. “You are the best, most powerful witch I know. If anyone can get to the bottom of whatever is happening in Broomstick Bay, it’s you.”

“But Stella,” she began and then stopped. Tears filled her eyes.

“She’s the one who brought Christopher here. And I think she wanted him to kill you.” I took both her hands in mine. “It’s sad that she’s gone but you had nothing to do with that.”

“How do you know this?” she asked.

“I heard her on the phone, talking to someone.”

Grandy shook her head. “Then she was possessed the same as Gladiola.” She sighed, lifting her eyes to the ceiling as though something up there might give her an answer. “I’m at a loss as to who might be doing the possessing. It takes …” She paused.

“Whoever or whatever is possessing witches in Broomstick Bay, they did it to Valerie too. She killed Stella.” I got out of bed and showed her the needle. “She remembers her body doing the deed but not being in control of herself.”

Grandy’s eyes widened. “Valerie is a part of this?” she asked, disappointed. “I saw her at the coven meeting but this is too much.”

“She told me about the murder,” I said. “And I’m hoping she told Sheriff Wolfton as well. But I don’t know.”

Grandy nodded. “I’ll get this needle to Piper. With her gifts dealing with the dead, she’ll be able to cast a spell that can show what kind of magical residue is on it.” She stood and looked at me, a gentle smile tugging up her mouth. “You’ll keep what you learned about me between us for now?”

“I will. Of course I will.” I laid back against the pillows as I thought about something else. “I think it might be a ghost,” I added. Then thought of something else. “Also, whoever is possessing everyone has a copy of Katie Broomstick’s blackmail journal, and that’s why Heath, Valerie, and the others were there that night with Gladiola.” A slick of weariness came over me.

“By the goddess, I think … Oh, but it’s impossible. No, it can’t be,” she muttered as she went for the door.

“What are you thinking?” I asked as I yawned.

Grandy waved her hand dismissively. “It might be nothing. I need to go home.” She tugged on the door as though she would close it.

“Leave it open, please,”

She nodded and turned out the light. “See you tonight. Love you, deary.”

As I listened to her footsteps in the hallway, I adjusted myself, staring at the ceiling. My hearing was so sharp, I caught every creak in the floorboards as Grandy went down the stairs and then heard the click of the lock as she exited through the front door.

Silence, aside from the occasional groaning of the old house, permeated the room. I tugged up the covers and closed my eyes. But then it occurred to me that the house was too quiet.

“Where’s Pippy?” I asked, sitting up with a start. She hadn’t been around in a while, which was unlike my ghostly roommate. “Pippy?” I called out, knowing she could hear me and would come into my room. But there was no response.

Without understanding why, I knew something was wrong. Pippy was gone. Had the vampires taken her after all? And since both were dead, could she be in some kind of ghostly prison rotting away without hope of escape? At such horrible thoughts, I knew I had to find her.

My anxieties rolled through me, stirring my witch song. It erupted with more intensity than ever before. And I knew what that meant.

“No, no, no,” I whispered. But as soon as I thought about it, right on cue, it happened. I was transformed. My clothes were in a puddle around me, and I was my cat self once again. That I’d changed filled me with some gladness. Because if I was a cat, I couldn’t be a vampire, right?

I wanted to verify and ran to the bathroom. Jumped onto the sink and peered in the mirror. To my horror, fangs were protruding from my cat-shaped mouth. Ruby-Vampire-Cat activate.

“Fluffing-fluff,” I tried to say, but it came out as a meow.

There was no use complaining. Between my vampire and cat senses, I could probably sniff out a ghost and that was exactly what I intended to do. I hopped off the sink and ran into the hall, heading into the room I’d given Pippy. As a ghost, she didn’t need things, but she wanted space, which was what I’d given her.

Before, when I’d cleaned her room, I hadn’t smelled anything but the muskiness of unuse. Now, I could for sure smell something unusual. Not rotten eggs but bleach. Except I didn’t use bleach. I didn’t even have a bottle in the house.

Yet, as I moved back into the hall and down the stairs, I smelled it everywhere. The scent had to be Pippy. I could also decipher between her aroma, Grandy’s, Christopher’s, Lance’s, and another scent, almost as strong as Pippy’s. It was in the same family of odor as Pippy’s but slightly more pungent, like mossy dirt and bleach mixed.

All of the smells were distracting but I focused on following Pippy’s. It went out the back door toward the back of my property and the wrought iron fence. I followed the trail on four legs. I had to find her before it was too late.

Chapter 14

A Horse Of Course

With my nose to the ground, I reached the fence and easily squeezed through the bars. The forest floor was thick with dead pine needles, and the trees were dense, so I had to go under or around the low branches. But then the thick woodland wouldn’t have been a problem for a ghost. My question was, why hadn’t those who took Pippy left a trail?

Though the woods appeared empty of people, I could hear and smell so much, including deer, squirrels, an owl, and a couple of foxes. There were also bugs eating bark, writhing in the dirt, and crawling through the underbrush. Plus, the ocean waves crashed against the cliffs behind me. Through all of it, I focused on the bleach scent until I came upon a cottage. I’d gone much farther than I thought because I’d been to this cabin before. It belonged to Stella.

Apparently, Ruby-Vampire-Cat moved extra fast.

But I couldn’t ponder on that too long. Because lying in front of the house was a white horse. It saw me and whinnied.

“Hello, horse,” I said with a meow, moving in closer.

Between its eyes was an oval-colored indigo. It was like someone had shot the animal with a paintball. Except that didn’t make sense. 

“Hello, witch, enchantress, sorceress.”

The words weren’t spoken aloud but filled my mind.

“How can you tell I’m a witch?” I yowled softly.

“I can see your magic, color, enchantments. Plus, I am no horse but a unicorn without her horn.” She sounded miserable when she said the last part.

My fur stood on end at the idea that someone had cut off her unicorn horn. “Who took it from you?” I meowed.

“The one who is possessed. She’s inside, and I fear she is boiling up something horrible, terrible, awful.” She whinnied again.

I padded over to her. Sniffed what I now knew was a wound. “Why don’t you run away?”

The unicorn nickered softly. “I’m trapped, stuck, confined. And there are others in the same predicament inside.”

Turning my head (not that I needed to), I listened for movement or voices from within and wasn’t disappointed. There were three people inside the house, and one of them was Gladiola. I heard her chanting. I couldn’t tell who the other two people were since I only heard their breathing.

“Gladiola, stop this. Resist the possession, young lady. You don’t want to do this. Find your center and cast her out!”

That was Grandy. At learning my grandmother was inside, I swear something popped inside my head. I would do everything in my power to make sure no one hurt her.

And where was Christopher when she needed him? Had he truly left? He’d said he would be around. But I couldn’t even call his name. I was stuck as Ruby-Vampire-Cat.

Terror filled my guts, but I ignored that emotion and focused on my witch song. It tingled along my skin, causing my fur to stand up even further. “Free the unicorn,” I hissed, though it came out as a low growl as I placed a paw on her hoof. 

My witch song obeyed, and my magic flowed into the unicorn. She immediately stood up. Shook her head, causing her white mane to dance in the moonlight. Then she dug at the ground with a hoof and bent her head low. “Thank you for your help, assistance, aid. It will never be forgotten.”

I sneezed in response, anxious to see what I was dealing with in the small house.

The unicorn backed up, turned around, and took off. I heard her hooves pounding against the cold ground but focused on what was happening inside. I padded closer to the cabin, hoping whoever controlled Gladiola hadn’t taken the time to place a protection spell around the structure. I went over to the window without resistance and was relieved. Then I leaped up on the empty planter box and peered inside.

Not only were Gladiola and Grandy inside, but so was Pippy. The ghost was lying on the ground, her body forming a half circle. At the same time, Grandy’s body was also bent in a half circle so that together they formed a circle. Both of them fought against unseen bindings, holding them fast.

Gladiola stood in the center of the circle, throwing things into a boiling cauldron. Underneath was a black pot and a strange fire. But it wasn’t the kind created by wood and matches. The fire had been started using magic. Yet it was still hot. I noticed sweat dripping from Grandy’s forehead. Even Pippy seemed to feel the heat. I searched for the fourth person and saw Zelda, the woman who’d walked in while I was in the bathroom at Coven House.

“Zelda, where are the elven eyes. I need them both this instant if this restoration spell is to work,” Gladiola ordered.

“Edith, you don’t want to do this,” Grandy said, her eyes locking in on mine.

“How dare you say my name, Gwyneth,” Gladiola shouted and sent an electric shock into my grandmother.

At my great-great-great grandmother’s name, my brain seemed to shut down. Was Grandy saying it was our ancestor, Edith, who was possessing Gladiola? It sure seemed like it. But how?

Even as I listened to Gladiola babble, everything about this case finally clicked into place. Edith had a motive. Grandy said she’d wanted to be coven leader when she was alive but hadn’t been voted in. That she’d run away, joined the KPID, and died. Edith was dead. At least, that was what the leader of the KPID had said. He’d brought Edith’s ashes.

But just because someone was dead, that didn’t mean they moved on. Pippy hadn’t moved on. Her ghost had been with me for months. But that meant that Edith’s ghost had been around for over two hundred years.

Was that why I always felt like she was watching me? Because she had been haunting my childhood home for years. Waiting for the right time.

“All that is left is the blood of a Hunter. And you gave even that to me,” Gladiola said.

“I did not,” Grandy moaned.

“Oh, but you did when you rescued Becca. See, I knew you wouldn’t allow her to be turned into a vampire. That you would use Christopher’s blood to keep her alive. All I had to do was swoop in when you two were mooning over each other and take some of his blood for myself.” She cackled as she dropped the blood into the cauldron.

Red smoke rose into the air and twinkled like red stars before dropping back into the pot. Gladiola smiled as she jabbered more indecipherable words. “Next, I need all of your blood, and the spell will be complete.” Gladiola glanced at Zelda, who handed her a knife without a word.

“Crosswell blood will allow me to fully return.” Gladiola cackled. “But don’t worry, your sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

My breathing was coming out funny, and I thought I might hyperventilate. She intended to murder my Grandy. I couldn’t let that happen.

“But you can’t do the resurrection spell without a piece of a dragon’s soul, and I know you don’t have that,” Grandy said.

“Again, you’re wrong. Gladiola was able to get it for me. It cost all of her savings, but she doesn’t care.” She knelt beside Grandy and pushed away her braided hair, revealing her neck. The blade of the knife gleamed in the strange light under the cauldron.

“She does care, but you’ve possessed her, Edith. You need to stop this nonsense and move on. Your peers didn’t vote for you two hundred years ago, and they aren’t going to vote for Gladiola now. I’ll be the next coven leader. Either me or Ruby. You will never lead our coven. Never.” Grandy’s words were filled with anger.

Gladiola pressed the blade to Grandy’s neck. And then everything was a blur. I jumped through the glass. Heard it shatter around me. Saw Gladiola and her red eyes turned in my direction as I jumped at her. Claws out. Fangs out. I attacked her, doing my best to scratch the blade from her hand. The tip of it bit into my skin, but it didn’t faze me.

Once the blade dropped, Gladiola fell back, knocking over the cauldron so that it splashed on the ground, running straight through Pippy.

“Ruby-Cat, I knew you’d come,” I heard her say.

Grandy didn’t speak. I worried that she was bleeding out. But Gladiola had recovered and picked up the knife again.

“Take away her knife and restrain her,” I told my witch magic. Though I was still in cat form, my magic obeyed. Just as it always did when I was a cat. It was a sad truth that I was a much more powerful witch as a cat. I needed to remember that.

My magic slapped the knife from Gladiola’s hand. A moment later, her body was trussed up like a Thanksgiving turkey, and she fell onto her side, unable to move.

“What is happening? How did you do that?” Gladiola shouted.

The red in her eyes completely vanished, and a silvery-gray smoke exited Gladiola’s body. It swirled around the room and shot into Zelda. The woman’s eyes glowed red. “I will have what I want,” Zelda shouted. Then she ran to the door, opened it, and was gone.

I thought about going after her. But Grandy was wounded, and making sure she was alright was my top priority. I turned to her. Blood oozed from the wound at her neck, but it wasn’t too big. Without thinking, I licked at the wound. Tasted the blood and my Grandy’s magic.

A moment later, the wound healed. She opened her eyes. “Ruby-Cat, here to save the day,” she whispered.

I snuggled against her, trying to comfort her the best way I could as a cat.

“I’m still bound by Edith’s magic,” Grandy said.

“Oh,” I meowed, scooting back. “Release the binds holding Grandy and Pippy.” The words came out of me as a cat. But again, my witch song listened and worked on their bindings until both were loose.

Pippy floated over to Grandy and me as I tried to help my grandmother sit up. But it was no use. She was weak and needed help. I needed to go get Lance, as much as I didn’t want to.

Outside, a car door slammed. A moment later, Sheriff Wolfton was inside the house with his gun drawn. I sagged at using so much of my magic all at once. My power waning.

“You came,” I meowed.

“Ruby-Cat.” He hurried over to me and Grandy. “The unicorn found me and told me of the danger,” he said, helping Grandy.

“I’m alright,” Grandy said.

But she didn’t sound good at all. She needed to get to a hospital. And Gladiola didn’t look great either.

“Help Gladiola,” Grandy said. “She’s been possessed for so long that her body is weak. If she isn’t given the appropriate spell, she’ll die.” Grandy tried to move over to her but fell back to the ground.

Pippy hovered over Grandy, wringing her hands in frustration. “I hate that I can’t do anything for her,” she said. “I’m too weak to help. Just a stupid ghost.” She looked like she might cry.

“Pippy is here too?” Lance asked.

“Not for long,” Pippy said and flew through the wall and out of the cottage.

“Edith needed her for the spell. A ghost and a witch to bring her back.” The words came out barely above a whisper.

“Quiet, Grandy. I’m going to get you to the hospital.” He lifted her like she weighed nothing at all and carried her out to his vehicle. Once she was inside and lying in the back seat, I hopped into the back with her.

Grandy cuddled me against her chest. “Thank you for saving me, Ruby,” she whispered.

I nuzzled her cheek. “Hurry,” I said to Lance with a meow.

Lance returned to the house and came out with Gladiola. Once she was loaded in the far back, he started the cruiser and took off toward town. As he drove, he glanced at me in his rearview mirror. “Do you have fangs?”

I snorted and yowled. “Just call me Ruby-Vampire-Cat,” I meowed. There was so much to tell him, including that Edith was possessing Zelda, but my magic had weakened me beyond what I was prepared for. Even Christopher’s blood couldn’t stop the darkness from pushing around the edges of my vision. I meowed again, closed my eyes, and started purring.

Chapter 15

To Heal Or Not To Heal

Lance brought us to Dr. Franklin’s office. The closest thing we had to a hospital in Broomstick Bay. Gladiola was in a different room and in bad shape. Grandy and I were in the same room. The doctor had removed Grandy’s coat and her clothes so that she was in a hospital gown. Then she hooked Grandy up to an IV to give her fluids.

Me, she left alone. I was feeling better. Almost fully recovered. Even the spot where Gladiola had caught me with the tip of the blade was healing. Probably again thanks to Christopher’s blood. I hadn’t known vampire blood could be so powerful. It made me wonder if Dr. Franklin had more than just the regular fluids for dehydration in that IV bag. Perhaps that was why Merle stuck around. He provided blood to heal supernaturals, though I was curious how he fed.

Grandy’s blood had sung on my tongue. It felt life-giving, even though I wasn’t truly a vampire. It made me wonder how Merle resisted in a town full of magical and supernatural blood.

As though he read my mind, the vampire appeared. He waited at the door until Dr. Franklin came over. They spoke in hushed voices but thanks to my vampire and kitty senses, I heard their conversation.

“Sorry to bother you, Doc, but I was hoping for a spare bag.” Merle glanced over Dr. Franklin’s shoulder at me.

I looked away but he probably saw guilt all over my kitty-cat face.

“Of course. Hang on.” She went into the other room. I heard a refrigerator open. She rummaged around in there a few seconds before grabbing something and closing it. “Here you go, Merle,” she said when she returned. 

“Thanks, Doc. I’ll be back next week for my donation.” Half a second later he was out the door and gone. Probably back to his house to enjoy his blood bag in peace.

Dr. Franklin glanced at me. “You’ll keep that interchange between us? Merle is an amazing man and vampire. We need him. So, of course, I pay him in blood.”

“Meow,” I said with assurance. Except I wanted to say, aha! You use vampire blood without our consent to heal us. I didn’t know that for sure. It was just a guess but I thought I might be right.

“I’ll take that as an agreement. But just so we’re clear. I do occasionally use vampire blood to help with the healing process. It’s very rare and only with the patient’s consent.” She smiled, moving over to Grandy and checking the lines attached to make sure they were working properly.

I was relieved to know she didn’t use it unless the patient agreed.

“Your grandmother is going to be fine. She was just dehydrated and exhausted. Not the best combination for a witch her age. But she will recover.”

“Meow,” I said, grateful for the information.

At my response, she came over to me. I was curled on another gurney. It was covered in white paper and made a crinkling noise every time I moved. “What about you? There’s dried blood on your fur. Are you wounded?” If she saw my vampire kitty teeth, she didn’t say anything about it.

“Meow,” I said to let her know I was fine.

“Let me check you out just to make sure.” She smiled kindly after washing her hands in a nearby sink.

I rolled onto my back, revealing the area where I’d been stabbed.

“I see. It isn’t bad but a stitch or two and some antibiotic ointment might help. I’m going to shave the hair around the wound. Then I’ll give you a shot of local anesthetic.” She went to a cabinet and got a razor. “You ready?”

I wanted to run away. Needles were not my friend. But I nodded.

She shaved the area with a careful hand so I barely felt it. Then she went to the cabinet again and returned with a needle. “You might feel a pinch.”

I watched her move to jab the needle in me but before she could the front door opened and Christopher walked in without needing to be invited. “Where is she?” he growled, his red eyes flashing.

The vampire could be terrifying when he wanted to be despite that fact he was more handsome than any Prince Charming.

Dr. Franklin gasped in surprise. “Over there. See for yourself,” she said, pointing at Grandy.

It was at that moment my body shifted and I lay on my back naked as the day I was born.

His eyes snapped my direction and widened before he looked away. I gasped, rolling onto my side in an effort to cover myself. Dr. Franklin opened a drawer, grabbed a hospital gown, and quickly covered me with it.

Christopher cleared his throat. “Glad you’re safe, Ruby” he said, though he wasn’t looking at me. Instead, he went to Grandy’s bedside. There, he removed a small vial from his pocket and took off the lid. “Drink, Gwyneth. This will help.” He put a couple of drops on her lips.

Immediately, the color returned to Grandy’s face and she opened her eyes. Whatever was in there was definitely magical. Maybe a combination of magic and blood?

Grandy sat up. Her eyes darted around the room as she figured out where she was. Then she pulled out the IV’s in her arm and focused on Christopher. “I need your help. Get me out of here.”

Dr. Franklin handed her some gauze. “You don’t want to bleed out for goddess’s sake.”

“Thank you,” Grandy said, her eyes still on the vampire.

Christopher glanced over at me. A flash of admiration crossed his features and I thought he might say something. Instead, he lifted Grandy into his arms. Moved her over so she could pick up her clothes. “Where to?”

“Wait, I need to say something to Ruby.”

He came over. My grandmother looked so small in his arms. Frail and older than I ever remember her being. I wanted to cry at the sight of her but there wasn’t time for that. She was alive. That was what was most important.

So, I smiled. “You look better,” I said.

“Liar,” she replied but smiled. “Take my coat,” Grandy said, handing me her thick purple jacket. It wasn’t my style but I didn’t have any clothes so I’d wear it with gratitude. “It’s long enough nobody will know you’re naked underneath.” She winked.  

“Thanks, Grandy but won’t you need it. It’s so cold out there.” I covered myself with the purple coat that would hit me at my knees.

“I’ll be fine. And Ruby.” She reached out and patted my cheek. “Be on your guard at the funeral. Edith is possessing Zelda. She won’t stop until she gets what she wants.” Her eyes clouded with irritation. “I’m actually surprised she didn’t try to possess any of us, especially you.” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. What does is that she will be back. And what better place to make her final stand than at Stella’s funeral.”

I shook my head to clear it. Everything she was saying had me spinning. “Where are you going?”

She shook her head and patted her ears. “We don’t know where Edith is hiding. I don’t want to give her anymore ammunition than she already has. Just be careful, okay?”

“I will.”

“Good. And make sure you bring my coat to the funeral. I’ll need it then.” She smiled. “I love you, granddaughter,” she said. Then to Christopher, “Take me home.”

“Love you too,” I replied.

But she and Christopher were already gone. I stared at the door a moment, struggling to decide my next move. With Gladiola out of commission and Edith in Zelda’s body, the only move left was to do as Grandy said and go to the funeral.

“I need to get out of here.” I hopped off the gurney and put on Grandy’s coat, zipping it up to my neck. I was barefoot but at least I was covered.

“Your wound—” Dr. Franklin said when I flinched.

“Is fine,” I said, cutting her off. “It’s a little sore but I don’t need stitches. Thanks anyway.” The cut was more painful that I thought it should be. It was under my left rib and sent a shot of pain through my body whenever I breathed. But I didn’t have time for it to heal. The funeral started in less than an hour. Urgency pushed me toward the door.

“If you say so,” she said. “I’ll drive you home. I need to get ready for Stella’s funeral too.”

“Thank you, Dr. Franklin.”

“Call me Meredith,” she said, grabbing her bag and her keys and turning out the light.

“Oh, but Gladiola?” I peered into the other room. The woman was hooked up to several machines. But I also saw that there was someone else in the room with her. “Piper?” I asked, astonishment dancing along my skin. I hadn’t heard her breathing or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention. Because I could hear it now.

The woman looked up from the book she was reading and nodded. “I’ll make sure she remains here.”

I couldn’t imagine Edith wanting to repossess Gladiola with the shape she was in but felt it best to warn Piper. “Edith might come back. Be careful,” I said softly.

“Thanks, Ruby. I’ll be fine.”

Chapter 16

A Witch’s Funeral

Despite the frigid temperatures, Stella’s funeral was held on the beach. It was low tide. The sky was clear as ice and dazzled with millions of shining stars and a full moon. Their reflections glistened on the water, sailing toward us and back again as each wave rushed onto the shore and retreated. 

Many of our over three hundred residents were in attendance. All of them were wrapped in somber heavy coats, gloves, scarves, hats, and boots and standing in a very thick circle. Around us were at least a dozen werewolves from Casanova Cove standing guard along the edges, keeping watch. Their yellow eyes shone brightly in the dark. Occasionally, one would howl, and the others would join in. They were there, thanks to Lance. I’d called him while I was getting ready and told him everything that had happened in the house, including that Edith was possessing Zelda and what Grandy had said. Some of the wolves were searching for Zelda, too. Lance swore he’d do everything he could to make sure she didn’t get near the funeral. 

There were also a few people I didn’t know at the funeral. One of them had the longest and blackest hair I’d ever seen. She reminded me of a princess, maybe because of the crown of blood-red roses she wore in her hair. Or, the thigh-high black dress with a matching coat and over-the-knee boots that had me thinking of a modern-day monarch. Her eyes were piercing and caused me to shiver. 

As I located my family and walked through the crowd toward them, I kept glancing back at her. She felt familiar in a way I couldn’t understand. Did I know her from work? Or had she lived in my apartment building? It was the oddest feeling. But I felt positive if I’d seen her before, I would remember everything about her, including her name. She was unforgettable. 

When Mom saw me, she wrapped me in a blanket hug. I stayed there, enjoying the vanilla scent of her skin. Dad hugged the both of us, the giant of a man warming us like a heater. 

We were in the front row of the enormous circle surrounding Stella’s body and the altar her body rested on. I quickly glanced over at it. Stella’s body was wrapped in white silk. A blue ribbon wound around her and held the covering in place. Along the edge of her body were hundreds of ocean-blue roses. Not something one could find every day, but they’d been magicked. Just as the altar floated above a pyre of white birch wood. Candles also hovered above her, flickering and dancing with the breeze, though not one went out. 

“Have you seen Grandy?” I asked. She was supposed to preside over the funeral. 

“No,” Mom said, dabbing her cheeks with a tissue. “She called and said she’d be here but didn’t know when.” She paused and blew her nose. “She told us what happened at Stella’s house.” Mom bit her bottom lip. “She’s okay, though, right?”

“She is.” I took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Last I saw, she was with Christopher. He won’t let anything happen to her.” 

Dad rolled his eyes. “That is a weird relationship. He’s younger than you.” 

“Well, technically, he isn’t,” I started. 

Dad raised a hand. “Okay, I know he’s a vampire and older than he looks, but it’s still weird to me.” 

“He cares about her. That’s all that matters, though,” Mom said and gave us a watery smile. “And you’re wearing her coat. That’s nice.” 

“She asked me to bring it. I figured wearing it was the best way to do that.” I scanned the crowd and beyond to the wolves, curious if one of them was Orion.

“I sure it’s fine,” Dad said.

Several people were missing from the group, including Gladiola, Piper, Constance, Belinda, Valerie, Heath, and Fern. It seemed coincidental that all of those who’d been at the secret coven meeting weren’t in attendance. It worried me that Edith had something in the works. 

“Isn’t Valerie coming?” I asked aloud, even though I didn’t expect anyone to have an answer. 

“She’s here. I saw her with her husband and kids,” Mom said. 

Okay, so that was a relief. “And the mayor?” I asked hopefully. 

“I doubt he’ll come. Someone told me his wife was sick, and he rushed her to the city and a magical doctor there.” 

I didn’t reveal that she was pregnant since that wasn’t common news. “If Grandy doesn’t come, who will start the funeral?” I looked around for the person who might be in charge. It should’ve been Grandy. As she’d said, she was the senior witch. I wasn’t sure who the responsibilities would fall on with her not here. 

“That would be me,” Mom said, clearing her throat and adjusting the sparkling black scarf around her neck. 

Dad patted her on the shoulders. “You’re going to do great.” 

“Agreed,” I said, thinking I shouldn’t have been surprised it would be my mom.

She smiled at the two of us. Glanced at her watch and nodded. “I guess it’s time,” she said and then moved over to the altar so she was inside the sacred salt circle. 

Tapping her throat, she uttered a spell. “Thank you for coming,” she said, and it sounded like she was speaking with a microphone. 

I couldn’t help but think of Pippy and what she’d said multiple times since staying with me, which was, there’s a spell for that. She was right. There was literally a spell for everything. Even a resurrection spell since that had been what Edith was trying to do before I interrupted. 

The group quieted down so that the only sounds were the candles' sputtering and the ocean's roar. 

“I know Stella would be pleased with the turnout for her funeral. And I want to recognize our special guest, Silindra, the vampire queen.” Mom paused as a collective gasp sounded throughout the crowd. “Perhaps you’d like to say a few words before we begin?” Mom looked at the woman and waited for confirmation. 

It was a great privilege and a wonderful surprise that she was here. First and foremost, because she rarely left her realm of Sharra. And while Broomstick Bay was the birthplace of magic, she ruled over all magical and supernatural beings in all the realms, including this one.

The woman that had seemed familiar moved to stand beside my mom. 

So, that was Silindra, I thought. 

“Thank you, Abigail, for recognizing me. It’s an honor to be here. Stella was a great witch and a good woman. I had several opportunities to speak with her since taking over the throne and found her to be a leader full of wisdom.”

While Silindra spoke, I couldn’t help thinking about how she’d brought Christopher to Broomstick Bay with the intent to have her killed.

Silindra looked right at me. “She wasn’t perfect. But then, who of us is?” She lifted a brow in question. 

My cheeks got hot. Silindra was right, of course. But still, it was my grandmother she’d wanted dead. I was struggling to forgive her for that. 

“She was possessed the same as Gladiola and the others. Stella didn’t realize what she was doing,” Silindra said. 

Except she hadn’t said that out loud. She was saying other things, sharing a personal story about her interaction with Stella with the group. She’d said that to me in my mind. 

“I’m sure you’re right,” I said, not knowing if she would hear me. 

Silindra gave me a barely perceptible nod. 

She had to be correct. I hadn’t thought about Stella being possessed, but it made sense. And then Edith had possessed Val and had her kill Stella when she was no longer any use? I had a mountain of questions. 

“You are exactly right about that, witch. Edith must be stopped,” Silindra said into my mind. 

“Is that why you’re here? To stop her,” I returned. 

“The only one who can stop Edith is you, Ruby Crosswell. It is your witch song that can defeat her. She’s been alive too long, and her ghostly powers are very strong. But be warned, she will try to possess you. Now that she knows you have the witch song, she wants it. There hasn’t been another witch to possess such power in a long time.” 

“But …” I began and shoved my hands into Grandy’s coat pockets. 

“I have a gift for you,” the vampire queen said. 

At once, I felt something metal encircle my neck that wasn’t there before. I glanced down and saw a red gem dangling from an ornate necklace. “Thank you,” I replied and wanted to ask her why. 

But then she spoke aloud, “Farewell Stella Weaver. Your legacy will be felt forevermore. May you find rest in the afterlife, and may Broomstick Bay always remember your wisdom and strength.” She removed a flower from the crown around her head and placed it on Stella’s body. Then, she moved back to the man watching her with love. Together, they shuffled through the crowd. In front of them appeared a silvery slit. It shone like a crack in the very realm. In the next second, they were gone. 

My heart was racing, and my witch song skittered along my skin. I squinted at what I believed was a strange mist swirl above the crowd. I squinted, hoping some of Christopher’s vampire abilities were with me, but the mist vanished. 

I didn’t want to take any chances that it might have been Edith. 

“Mom,” I hissed softly. There was something that felt like a glass vial in the right pocket of Grandy’s coat. I wrapped my hand around it, curious about what it could be. Removed it and held it up so that I could see it better. The liquid was clear and looked like water. Strange, I thought, and put it back. 

“Mom,” I called again, but she was focused on speaking to the crowd. Saying words regarding our witch connection and how mystical forces surrounded all of us. 

“What’s wrong?” Dad asked, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. 

“I thought I saw something that might have been Edith,” I said. 

“Do you see it anymore?” He searched the night sky with me. 

“No,” I admitted. “But Grandy told me to be on the lookout.”

“I will, too. It’s going to be okay. I doubt she’ll come here with so many witches gathered.” 

I didn’t want to disagree and nodded. 

From behind us came a howl of a wolf. They’d obviously heard what I said. The other wolves howled in response. 

When they stopped, Mom went on, “Tonight, we celebrate Stella’s profound connection to all magic. And as we say goodbye, let us remember that her spirit endures in the spells she cast, the lives she touched, and the knowledge she shared. Now, let us raise our magic.” She paused and held out her right palm so that it was facing up. A ball of light appeared and lifted off her hand and went into the air. “Together, our magic will guide her into the afterlife.” 

“There you are, Ruby Crosswell.” The words sounded like they came from inside my head. And then a cloud overshadowed my mind. 

Chapter 17

Possession Is Nine-Tenths Of The Law

One by one, the other witches in the circle ignited an orb of magic into their hands and sent it into the air with Mom’s. Every witch’s magic was its own color, like a fingerprint, and the night sky lit up so that it was a beautiful cornucopia of enchanted light. 

Though I felt strangely off, I couldn’t tell why, and I lifted my magic as well, sending it to mingle with the rest. It didn’t look quite right. There was more gold than I was used to in my witch magic.

“Are you okay?” Dad asked. 

“I think so,” I said. Except it sounded like I was talking underwater. 

“Good,” he replied.  

Mom uttered another spell, and the magic gathered into a magnificent glowing sphere before gliding down into the birch wood and setting it ablaze. 

Despite feeling off, I was mesmerized by our town’s collective magic consuming Stella’s body. It was like watching a spell be born. Colors swirled and danced in the flames as they rose higher until Stella’s body could no longer be seen. 

In reverent silence, we witnessed her become one with magic until the flames became individual sparkling twinkles that winked out one by one. Along with Stella’s body glimmering into the night, the candles, wood, salt circle, and altar were also gone. All that was left was the somber roar of the waves. 

“Thank you all for coming. There will be refreshments at the Coven House. I hope to see all of you there,” Mom said. 

The crowd dispersed slowly. Talking was still at a minimum. We didn’t have a lot of funerals in Broomstick Bay. Or we hadn’t until I arrived. 

“You’re an outsider like me,” came a voice inside my head. “Don’t worry. You won’t have to be here much longer. Before you so rudely interrupted me, the resurrection spell was complete. After everyone was gone, I took Zelda back to the house and claimed what I needed.”

“Edith?” My brain felt addled like I was listening to a conversation but not part of it.

“That’s right, child. I’m your ancestor, Edith Crosswell, and your body is mine.” 

“But I thought you needed a ghost and a live person to sacrifice. You don’t have either.” My pulse pounded like a racehorse, and my witch song sizzled along my skin. 

“Your power is incredible,” Edith said, glancing at my hands. She was seeing them with my eyes. “And you’re right. Zelda will be my human sacrifice, and the ghost was easy to find. She’s always wandering near the cliff where she died.”

“At my house?” It felt like the more she talked, the more I faded. 

“You mean my house.” Edith lurched my body forward until we were running. “How very strange that you have vampire blood still flowing in your veins. I'm momentarily glad his abilities are still with us. And your cat? That you can shift. It makes no sense that you were given such power and have such little inclination on how to use it.” 

My mom and dad called after me, but Edith didn’t want to turn around and respond, so I couldn’t either.

In record time, we made it home. Edith walked my body to the front door, but the house wouldn’t let her in. 

“Open up, or I’ll burn you to the ground,” Edith said, though it came from my voice. 

The door creaked slowly open. I wanted to tell it everything would be okay, but I wasn’t sure that was true. I was being possessed by my great, great, great grandmother, and she had nefarious plans, including more murder. 

Except they wouldn’t know Edith had killed anyone; they would believe it was me. After all the time I spent away from Broomstick Bay and all I’d done to not use magic, it had come to this. My ancestor intended to use my body and rule over all witches. 

“Edith, please don’t do this,” I begged.  

“Quiet.” She walked inside the house and used vampire speed to get me to my room. There on the floor were Pippy and Zelda. Tied up, gagged, and unmoving, their bodies forming a circle once more. 

There wasn’t a cauldron in the center as there had been in Stella’s house. Instead, there was drawn a seven-pointed star. It was smaller but would still do the trick. 

“We just have to get inside the star.” She stepped over Zelda and sat in the center. “I believe the potion is in this pocket.” She reached in and withdrew the vial I’d believed held water. 

“That’s my grandmother’s,” I whispered solemnly. 

Edith chuckled, but it was with my voice. “That’s just what I wanted you to believe.” 

“You possessed Grandy?” I couldn’t believe it. When did she have the chance? 

“I possessed the vampire, Merle, to get the vial into Dr. Franklin’s pocket. Then I took over Dr. Franklin’s body to get it into Gwyneth’s. It was tricky and took some engineering, but after over two hundred years as a ghost, you’d be astounded at all I can do.”

“Then why not stay a ghost?” Frustration oozed out of my pores. 

“Because, despite all I can do, it isn’t the same as the power I can wield with a body.” She caused my body to shudder. “It took me a hundred and seventy-five years just to discover that a resurrection spell existed.” She crossed her legs and leaned forward. Then shuddered again. “I’m so glad I didn’t pick Gwyneth’s body. Yours is exquisite, and the old woman is more vampire than witch at this point anyway.”

That wasn’t a complete surprise, not with whatever she drank from Christopher. 

Edith was still speaking. “And while vampires have a semblance of magic, it’s nothing compared to a Crosswell witch’s. According to the resurrection spell requirements, all of a witch’s blood was necessary.” She smacked my lips together. “Not so with a Crosswell witch. I only needed a little.” She removed the stopper from the vial, tilted my head back, and poured it into my mouth. 

I gagged and tried not to swallow it, but it was no use. Edith was in total control of my body. The contents went down my throat and settled into my stomach.

“While we wait, did you know our lineage is descended from dragons?”

I didn’t respond, too busy trying to think of a way to save myself. 

“It’s true. Magic and witches aren’t one of the original seven magics, and that’s because our magic came from Abernathy. The original dragon. The first of the seven magics created by the Unknowns.” 

She was blabbering. Talking things that didn’t make sense. If I had control of my body, I would’ve been hyperventilating. As it was, I felt the potion in that vial begin to leech its way throughout my body. It started almost like an itch, like when a wound was nearly healed. But then it grew until it was burning. 

“Whoa, that doesn’t feel great,” Edith said. She lifted her hands. “I’m going to need complete concentration for this part. So, I need you to stay silent, Ruby.” 

“Wait!” I screamed out in rebellion. 

“Shouldn’t their eyes have glowed red when they were possessed?” 

“Your Grandy?” she whispered, verifying what I was talking about.

“And Dr. Franklin and Merle. All of them.” 

“That only happens when I’m using the person’s magic, but it isn’t required. Now, shush!” She raised her hands higher and started to chant. 

Immediately, there was a pulling from within, not inside my body but at the point where my soul existed. There was a loud rush that sounded like a waterfall, and the scent of bleach, sage, blood, and a whole host of others swirled around me. I saw what looked like a gray mist leaving Zelda’s body while Pippy’s was shimmering in and out of view. Whatever spell Edith was chanting, it was working.  

“I call upon the Unknowns and offer the sacrifice of a spirit, a living being, and a soul. All gifts in exchange for my soul being placed in this body. Take them and renew me, I humbly plead.” Edith’s voice and the spell shook the room so that the chandelier on the ceiling and everything else in my room shook like an earthquake was happening. 

The pulling hurt like a tearing skin, only worse like my very existence was shredding away from my body. Edith was ripping me out of myself. At the pain, my witch song flared to life and sparked like lightning along my skin. 

“Stop that,” Edith shouted. Then, she repeated the exact words. Again, the room shook. 

My bag, the one that held the Eye of Abernathy and Katie’s journal, fell off the dresser, and the books spilled onto the floor. Edith didn’t notice them. But it gave me an idea. In the past, when the symbols and the dragon appeared, I’d been in my room, sitting inside a seven-pointed star. 

And even though I wasn’t in control of my body, I cried out with my mind. “Please help me,” hoping the dragon would hear and save me, Zelda, and Pippy. 

“You do not get to speak,” Edith shouted, using my own voice against me.

My soul, or whatever existed within me, partially floated above my body. If I didn’t act now, I would be gone, and I didn’t want to go. A flash of my life danced through me. Living with Grandy and my parents in my childhood home. Growing up and going to school. Val and I playing and doing spells together. Falling for Chase and Lance. Nearly destroying the school. Running away to New York. Coming home. Using my magic again. All of it flickered across my vision at once, and at the same time, I felt like I was reliving all of it. 

When it stopped, I knew I didn’t want to die. I wanted to live a magical life. Not just one where I used spells, but one where I lived each day to its fullest. I’d worried so much about what I couldn’t do that I forgot to be grateful for everything I could do. 

“Yes. I. Do!” I said into my mind, and my witch song grew and grew until it was all I could see. In a small area of my mind, I heard Edith scream and plead with me to stop. To let her have what she always wanted. The next second, her voice was gone. The white light smelled of vanilla. Voices seemed to swirl around me. 

In the next moment, the loud roar of the waterfall dissipated, and all that was left was my witch song. 

“You did it. I knew you could.” The voice was the vampire queen’s. The voice was the vampire queen’s. I didn’t know how Silindra knew I’d defeated Edith. But hearing her voice was all I needed to confirm my murderous ancestor was gone and I could finally relax. My witch song's light faded, and the world around me shuttered into darkness. 

Chapter 18

I Choose Cat

“That’ll be eight fifty,” I told Constance after handing her an iced mocha and a banana muffin, her usual order.

She smiled shyly. “Keep the change,” she said, handing me a ten.

“Thanks.” I put it in the register and lifted my eyes to talk to the next customer, but Constance was still there. 

 “She’s really gone, right?” Fear emanated out of her chocolate brown eyes. 

I knew that the she Constance was referring to was Edith. “Yes, she is.” I smiled. “She won’t be able to possess you or anyone else ever again.” 

Constance blew out a big breath, and her shoulders sagged. “Thank you so much,” she said again. “It was the worst feeling of my life having someone else inside my mind. Watching them control me but unable to do anything about it.” 

She was right. It was horrendous. “Those are straight-up facts,” I said and smiled with understanding. 

“Sorry for everything.” She reached across the counter, gave me a swift one-armed embrace, and then hurried out of BB’s. 

I watched her go, grateful for her words. It wasn’t the first time that had happened, either. Since I’d banished Edith with my witch song, several of the others from the secret coven meeting had all come by the bakery to thank me, including Heath, Belinda, Meredith, Becca, Zelda, and even Gladiola. But not Valerie. We still weren’t talking. 

The last four weeks had been a whirlwind, though. 

Starting with when I came out of the fog of unconsciousness in my bedroom. Grandy and Christopher were hovering over me. Once they verified I was alive, they’d taken me to Dr. Franklin. I was fine. Just exhausted from all the magical exertion. 

Turned out that exorcising a ghostly possession and sending that ghost on to the afterlife wasn’t an easy task. It took powerful magic. The kind only I had. 

Silindra had somehow known, and Grandy knew it too, but she had been searching for a spell to channel my witch song. She hadn’t meant for Edith to take over my body. But possessing me was Edith’s grave mistake. And while I wouldn’t wish what happened on my worst enemy, I was glad she was gone. 

At Dr. Franklin’s, Lance arrived, and I’d given him my statement. With Grandy and Christopher filling in the blanks, the Sheriff cleared Val, Gladiola, and the others of any wrongdoing. He also suggested that Grandy create a law against ghosts living in Broomstick Bay. He knew that meant Pippy would have to go. I saw it on his face. 

Another worry had been over the fact that since Edith was a Crosswell ancestor, the residents would shun us or ask us to leave town. The opposite happened. Grandy was nominated as the new coven leader. She declined but nominated my mom, who was unanimously voted in. 

The first order of business had been to pass the law, as the Sheriff suggested, denying any ghost be allowed to live in Broomstick Bay. The law was approved right away. No one wanted a repeat of what had happened.

When I told Pippy, she was understanding. There was still some fear, but she was resolute.

“I’m sad to go,” she’d said. “But I’m also ready to see what the afterlife is like.” She’d smiled through her tears as we stood together in my kitchen.

I was crying, too. “It’s going to be okay. I firmly believe there will be peace for you.”

“I hope so.” She sniffled. “And just remember that whatever you want or need to do, there’s a spell for it. Okay?” She laughed, and I joined in. 

After all, I’d been through and witnessing Edith almost completing the resurrection spell, I had no doubt Pippy was right. “I’ll remember,” I said, reaching for her hand, but it passed through hers.

“Are you going to say goodbye to your sister?” She hadn’t been brave enough before. I wondered if she would be now. 

“No, I don’t want her to get in trouble since the new law has passed.” She wiped at her eyes. “But if you get the chance, tell her I love her and appreciate all she did for me.” 

“I will.” I took a tissue off the new table Lance bought and had delivered a few days ago.

“And the same goes for you. I am so grateful you saved me, Ruby.” 

“Anytime.” I’d paused and then remembered something. “I almost forgot. Just a minute.” I’d run to the kitchen and pulled out a card filled with a special spell I created for her birthday but neglected to give her. “I made a card for you,” I said. 

Pippy smiled. “Thanks, but you know I can’t open it.”

“I’ll read it to you.” Of course, I’d known. It was part of my plan. I’d pulled the card out of the envelope. On the front was a pizza, her favorite food. 

“You didn’t,” Pippy had said, licking her lips. “I wish I could eat it.” 

I smiled. “Just wait. Let me read it to you. It says, ‘Birthdays are a lot like pizza.’” I opened it. “Loaded with excitement, seasoned with love, and best eaten warm.’” 

Pippy was looking at me like I was the cruelest person on the planet. “Ruby,” she started.

Before she could finish, I’d said, “Happy birthday, Pippy.” Then I’d bent down and blown magic dust at her. 

“What the—” she’d started. As it twinkled down around her, she sniffed the air. “It smells like pizza.” She stuck out her tongue. “By the goddess, I taste pizza.” She spun in a circle, happily trying to catch every last sparkle. 

I laughed with joy while watching her and did my best not to start another round of crying. 

When Pippy had gotten them all, she rubbed her stomach. “That was the best birthday gift, Ruby. And your magic?” She’d whistled and gave me a chef’s kiss. “My work here is done.” With a final wave, she vanished. 

I was glad I’d given her a moment of happiness but sad that I was immediately alone. Probably because without her, I had no friends. Val and I still weren’t talking. She hadn’t come into the bakery, called, or texted. And I hadn’t made the effort either. Grandy said I should let bygones be bygones, and I agreed, but I was still harboring a grudge. 

That needed to change. As I organized the shelves in the front of the bakery, I decided enough time between us had been wasted. I could forgive her. I already did. I took my phone from my pocket and texted my best friend: Val, we need to talk. 

When I was done texting, I went back to organizing and mourning. Because other than speaking with Lance right after the Edith debacle, I hadn’t talked to him either. I desperately wanted things to go back to the way they were. I’d even told Christopher I didn’t want him to find a way to fix my cat problem. It was a part of me, along with my glitchy magic, and I wouldn’t trade it. 

Christopher had smiled. Kissed my cheek and said goodbye. I was glad he was gone for Grandy's sake, but I missed him. Not in a yearning way, like right after he’d given me his blood, but more like I thought we could’ve been friends.  

“Hey, Ruby, why don’t you take the rest of the day off. You’ve been working too hard lately.” My dad smiled when I met his soft gaze.

“Sure. Thanks.” It was true. Since I officially quit working for Heath, I had plenty of free time on my hands. 

“Good. Because someone in the back wants to speak with you.” Dad’s smile got bigger. 

“Oh? Who?” I removed my apron and pushed open the door to the back. “Val, that was fast. I just texted you.” My skin hummed with happiness at seeing my best friend. 

She smiled. “I was already here when you texted,” she said. “Want to go someplace and talk?”

I took several quick steps and yanked her into a hug. “I’m so glad to see you.” 

***

“So, magic comes from dragons?” Val asked. She was thumbing through the Eye of Abernathy, sitting on the dresser in my bedroom. 

“That’s what Edith said. I haven’t had the chance to talk to Grandy about it. But with that spell book in front of you, don’t you think it’s likely?” I was sitting on my bed flipping through Katie’s journal, though I wasn’t really reading anything but the names. Katie had dirt on everyone.

“I guess it’s possible.” She closed the spell book and moved to the little box beside it. The one that held the necklace Silindra had given me at Stella’s funeral. I hadn’t shown it to Grandy or anyone else yet. It felt like a special bond between Silindra and me, and I wasn’t sure who to trust with it. 

“What’s in here?” Val flipped open the box. 

“Wait,” I said, but it was too late. 

She came over and sat on the bed. “What the goddess is this?” she asked. Anger flickered through her eyes. 

“It’s a necklace, obviously.” I lifted it out of the box. “Silindra gave it to me the night of Stella’s funeral. 

“You’re joking?” She dropped the box and stood. 

“I’m not. I told you about the necklace. This is it.” Feeling defensive, I laid the necklace on the bed and crossed my arms. “What’s your problem?” I didn’t want another fight and couldn’t understand her reaction. 

Val came over and picked up the necklace. “This is the Seal of Gabriel. This is the necklace I stole in high school.” 

I felt my eyes get wide. “I mean, I don’t know what to say. That is the necklace Silindra gave me.” I took it from her and put it on. Then, I went to the mirror in the closet and studied my reflection. “I guess you should return it to the coven.” 

“You’d let me?” 

“Of course.” I yanked her into a hug. “We’ll do it now, Valerie.” 

“Okay. If you’re sure.” She eyed me with uncertainty. 

“I definitely am.” I closed it back in the box. We went downstairs, bundled up, got in Val’s car, and headed to Coven House. Music played softly on the radio, and I stared out the window, unable to help but watch the ocean. I still didn’t know who’d saved me that night when I’d almost drowned, but somehow, the memory wasn’t quite as painful. 

“Holy carp,” Val shouted and slammed on her brakes. 

“What?” I glanced out the front window. A white unicorn with an indigo and silvery horn blocked our path. It looked like the one I’d seen at Stella’s cabin in the woods. I opened the door. 

“What are you doing? Unicorns aren’t real.” Val was freaked, which was understandable, but also she was staring right at one. 

“I told you I saw a unicorn,” I said. 

“Why do supernatural creatures seek you out? First Pippy and now this … horse.” 

It was a good question, and it made me think of the KPID. “I don’t know,” I said. Maybe it was a Crosswell thing. Edith and Grandy both worked for them. Maybe we emitted a snooping frequency. Or something. “Are you here for me?” I asked the unicorn. 

“Yes, witch, enchantress, sorceress. If you’re willing, I need your help.”

* * *

Be sure to pick up Ruby’s next cozy adventure. Upside Down Tart & Unicorns will be out 7/24.

Welcome to Broomstick Bay! Here the electricity is glitchy, the townsfolk are witchy, and Ruby has a catastrophic secret that is clawfully twitchy.

* * *

While you’re waiting for the next Broomstick Bay book, check out Sinister Charm Casualty, part one in the Fable Wood Witches cozy mystery series.

Fable Wood Witches love their midnight fairs. But beware of dastardly artifacts and the wicked witchy murder.

Witch and one-time archeologist Gardenia Crescent is thirty-five and in need of a serious change. She’s had her fair share of gnome stalkers, vampire thugs, and a dead ex-fiancé. So when her cousin asks for help with a newly acquired antique amulet, she jumps at the opportunity.

Returning to her cozy small town of Fable Wood starts on a high note. And then Gardenia goes to the fair, where a witch is found dead.

Suspicion falls on Gardenia's cousin as the lead suspect. The local authority, Warren Prince, is all too eager to pin the blame on her, especially since he's close to the victim.

Things go from bad to worse when a sinister charm thrusts Gardenia into another land. What should have been impossible is suddenly a stark reality, bleeding into Fable Wood. Castles rise, dragons speak, and fiends emerge, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

With time running out, Gardenia must dig through the clues to prove her cousin's innocence before Fable Wood and its witches become an archaic memory.

GET IT HERE.

__________

FABLE WOOD WITCHES COZY MYSTERY SERIES:

Sinister Charm Casualty Part One

Poisoned Amulet Assassination Part Two

Cursed Hypnosis Homicide Part Three

Betrayed Monster Massacre Part Four

Malevolent Sigil Slayed Part Five

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About the Author

RaShelle Workman is an international bestselling author of reimagined fairy tales, science fiction, time travel, and romantic suspense. All of her novels have been listed on multiple bestseller lists, including her Blood and Snow series (now Seven Magics Academy), which has sold more than a million copies worldwide. Three of her books have been translated into Turkish.

When RaShelle isn't writing, she enjoys baking, creating new taco recipes, and watching her favorite new series. She lives in Utah with her husband, children, and their dogs. Find her online by visiting her website at www.rashelleworkman.org. And sign up for her newsletter to receive free books and get information on book release dates: http://eepurl.com/chMcej.

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Also by RaShelle Workman

RaShelle Workman’s Books in Reading Order According to Series World

BROOMSTICK BAY PARANORMAL COZY MYSTERIES

Paranormal Cozy

Zucchini Cake & Zombies

Wedding Cake & Werewolves

Vanilla Cake & Vampires (11/23)

Upside Down Tart & Unicorns (7/24)

FABLE WOOD WITCHES COZY MYSTERIES

Paranormal Cozy

Sinister Charm Casualty (8/23)

Poisoned Amulet Assassination (9/23)

Cursed Hypnosis Homicide (10/23)

Betrayed Monster Massacre (11/23)

Malevolent Sigil Slayed (12/23)

COVEN OF WITCHES COZY MYSTERIES (coming 2024)

Paranormal Cozy

Apple Pie Assassination

Harvest Festival Homicide

Sleigh Bells Slayed

Cherry Chocolate Casualty

IMMORTAL ESSENCE WORLD

YA Science Fiction Romance

Exiled

Destined

IMMORTAL ESSENCE BOX SET

SEVEN MAGICS WORLD

SEVEN MAGICS ACADEMY SERIES

YA Paranormal Reimagined Fairytales

Blood and Snow: Blood and Snow, Revenant in Training, The Vampire Christopher, Blood Soaked Promises

Fate and Magic: Prey & Magic, Masquerade's Moon, Seal of Gabriel, Telltale Kisses

Queen of the Vampires: Love Bleeds, Eye of Abernathy, Resolved to Rule, Vampire Ever After

SNOW'S BITE BOX SET

Deadly Witch: Witch Magic, Witch Land, Witch Time

Royal Witch: Witch Kiss, Witch Love, Witch End

CINDERELLA'S MAGIC BOX SET

Vampire Lies

Vampire Secrets

Vampires and Gargoyles

Vampires and Dragons

Vampire Magics

JASMINE'S WISHES BOX SET

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

SEVEN MAGICS ACADEMY BOX SET BOOKS 1-10

BEASTLY SERIES

A Beauty so Beastly

FAIRY ACADEMY SERIES

Hidden Princess

Broken Curse

Stolen Magic

AURORA'S CURSE BOX SET

DEMONLAND SERIES

Alice in Demonland

Alice Fights Demonland

Alice Takes Demonland

Alice Ignites Demonland

ALICE'S DECEPTION BOX SET

ETERNALLY ENTANGLED SERIES

Eternally Entangled

Thoroughly Tousled

Infinitely Intertwined

WYSTERIA'S HEART BOX SET

~~~~~

SEVEN MAGICS ACADEMY ULTIMATE OMNIBUS BOX SET BOOKS 1-21 + BONUS CONTENT

EERIE VALLEY SUPERNATURALS

Supernatural Suspense

Undercover Reaper

Twice Reaped

Reapers Creepers

Deadly Reaper (4/24)

ANGELS AND WOLVES OF FALLEN CITY

YA Paranormal Reimagined Fairy Tales

Midnight Wings

Midnight Bargain

Crimson Halo

Crimson Howl (coming soon)

Scarlet Messenger (coming soon)

Scarlet Promise (coming soon)

THE SHADE RASA WORLD

YA Paranormal Romance

WOLF BLOOD ACADEMY SERIES

Initiation

Induction

Inheritance

WOLF BLOOD ACADEMY BOX SET

MAGIC BLOOD ACADEMY SERIES

Elemental Outcast Games: Fire

Elemental Outcast Games: Water

Elemental Outcast Games: Earth

Elemental Outcast Games: Air

Elemental Outcast Games: Shadow

Elemental Outcast Games: Monster

MAGIC BLOOD ACADEMY BOX SET

THE FAIRYTALE CHRONICLES WORLD

High Fantasy Fairytale Reimagining

THE FAIRYTALE CHRONICLES SERIES

Royal Selection

Royal Contract

ACROSS THE AGES WORLD

YA Paranormal Time Travel Romance

ACROSS THE AGES SERIES

Goddess Curse

Mystical Gift

ACROSS THE AGES BOX SET

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATIONS SERIES

Supernatural Suspense

Ghoulish Whisper