Paige couldn’t stop fidgeting in the passenger seat as they followed Rhea’s green F-150. Her stomach felt queasy and her hands a bit clammy.
“You okay?” Levi asked.
“Not sure,” she replied. “I’ve searched for so long, hoping to find someone else like me...now that it’s happening, it feels like it’s moving too fast.”
“I get that,” he said, offering his hand. “I’m here. You’re not in this alone.”
She took his hand. “I know, and I’m thankful for that.”
He squeezed gently. “I hope they meet your expectations.”
“So do I.”
After about a half an hour, Rhea’s truck turned onto a long drive marked by short rock walls on either side. The words “Coven’s Grove” had been chiseled into one of the walls in an elegant script. Massive oaks lined the curvy path. A canopy of vibrant October reds, oranges, and yellows shaded the cars as they drove up to a sprawling, Craftsman-style mansion.
“Wow,” Paige said in awe. “We have big trees in Salem, but just wow. These are huge, and beautiful.”
“Did you miss the castle at the top of the hill?” Levi gestured to the large house they approached.
“I didn’t miss it, and it’s not a castle.”
“Might as well be. I mean, look at the thing. You could house an army in there.”
“We may need an army to stop what’s after us,” she said, ruefully.
Levi grimaced. “Don’t ruin it. So far, this is pretty cool.”
“You’re right.” She banished thoughts of the soul-sucking wraith from her mind for the moment. “This could be the answer to a lot of troubles I’ve had.”
He flashed that sexy smile. “That’s the spirit.”
The F-150 came to a stop under a stone awning on one side of the mansion. Rhea hopped out of the truck with a cell phone to her ear.
Levi parked the old pickup beside Rhea’s. It shuddered to a halt, then backfired as he cut the engine.
“Nice,” Paige mumbled.
“All class,” he replied. “I would have brought my other car, but someone wrecked it.”
She smirked. “Trusting fool.”
“Can’t help myself,” he said, as they got out of the truck.
Rhea slid her phone into a coat pocket, and motioned for them to follow. “Miranda asked if we could meet at my cabin. It’s not far.”
“You mean we aren’t going in there?” Levi asked, pointing to the mansion.
“Not yet,” the dark-haired beauty answered.
Levi openly admired the structure as they walked. “You know, I’ve lived here my entire life and never knew about this place. Now I’m wondering why.”
Rhea only smiled in response.
Probably warded, Paige thought. A place this grandiose would draw attention, unless magic or money diverted the public eye.
The trio made their way around the house and down a stone-worked path. Paige caught sight of several ghosts at the edge of the treeline. They were dressed in camo and snuck in and out of the trees, watching.
Weird. She would have asked about them, but they seemed satisfied with just spying. There were more important issues to deal with anyway.
Eventually, the walkway led them to a forest surrounding the back of the estate. The biggest and most densely-grown forest Paige had ever seen. Oaks, sycamores, elms, and a variety of other species she didn’t know stood tall and wide as far as she could see. Unfortunately, the bright fall colors were absent on a large number of them. It was as if a sickness had befallen the grove, killing the weakest of the giants.
“What’s happened to the trees?” she asked.
“The stream that feeds this woodland was poisoned last year,” Rhea said over her shoulder. “We are working to heal the forest, but as you can see, the damage is extensive.”
“Who would do such a thing?”
“It’s a long story, but one you might yet hear.”
Weird, part 2. Despite the random ghosts and evasive answers from Rhea, a sense of peace fell over Paige. The place felt akin to home, though they were nothing alike. The forest even managed to stave off her fear of losing Levi to a gruesome death at the hands of a vengeful spirit.
The farther they traveled into the wood, the stranger the flora became. Redwoods and other gargantuans replaced the more common trees of the region. She’d been to California to see the Redwood Forest, and had been awestruck then, but this place was on a greater scale than that. Even the undergrowth was huge. Ferns and shrubs the size of houses filled the gaps between the towering giants.
“Uh, what is this place?” Levi asked, putting voice to Paige’s curiosity.
“Coven’s Grove,” their guide said. “The heart of our sisterhood.”
“Some heart,” Paige replied, impressed. “Feels like we stepped into a time machine and went back a couple of million years.”
Rhea chuckled. “Some of these plants are old, that’s for certain.” She pointed at one of the behemoths near the path. “My cabin is just on the other side of that tree.”
They walked under a series of roots that bridged over the trail, each thick enough to be a fully-grown tree in its own right. Orangey-green lichen clung to the undersides, hiding from the stray beams of sunlight that broke through the canopy high above.
Once through and around the tree, a modest-sized cabin came into view. Tucked into the side of a hill, the structure was almost completely hidden. Only the mortared stonework, and smooth timber accents gave the cottage away. A patio, constructed from the same flagstone and ruddy lumber as the cabin, made up the front yard. An assortment of chairs and sofas decorated the central area. A stone hearth, bar, and pavilion put the finishing touches on the outdoor paradise.
Four women and three men took up most of the seating as they chatted amongst themselves. All four women had dark hair—three brunettes, and one with black hair fringed with purple. The men varied much more, from a redhead to a blond, and ending with a guy sporting dreads. The group seemed comfortable with one another, easily exchanging the occasional laugh or touch.
One of the brunettes took notice of the trio’s approach. She stood, her fiery brown eyes taking them in. “Welcome. Please, come sit with us.” She offered the empty chairs.
The others scrambled to their feet, smiling and offering hellos.
“Hi,” Paige said, to no one in particular. Though used to crowds and strangers, this group meant more to her. They all shared a something special. A lot rode on this meeting, and it made her stomach roil like a pot of boiling water.
“These are my sisters,” Rhea said, as everyone took a seat. “And these men, their houseboys...”
“Say what? I believe we’re called ‘Guardians,’ thank you very much,” the ginger retorted. The guy with the dreads and the blond started laughing at his indignant expression.
Paige had no idea what they were talking about, but their laughter proved infectious. She found herself smiling in spite of her nerves.
“I’m Miranda,” the woman who greeted them said. Taller and older than the rest, she exuded power and strength that only came from experience. She gestured to the others. “This is Hannah,” she said, indicating the woman with hair as dark as Rhea’s. Hannah’s solid stance and natural appearance made Paige think of what a mother should be. “Alix,” Miranda continued. The one with the purple-fringed hair smiled in welcome. Her mischievous grin and tattooed arms screamed rebel. “And Cassie.” The young brunette nodded. Her hard eyes and grim expression spoke of someone who had been through tough times.
“I’m Paige, and this is Levi,” she responded in kind.
Levi raised a hand in acknowledgement. “Hello.”
“I’m Dominic,” the African American said, offering a hand across the table. His build was similar to Levi’s, but a bit thinner.
They shook hands.
“Troy,” the stocky redhead followed.
“Caleb,” the blond and tallest of the group finished.
“It’s good to meet you both,” Miranda said, taking her seat. “What brings you to us?”
“I thought you summoned me, right?” Paige said, looking at Rhea. She still wasn’t a hundred percent sure what Rhea had told them was true, or even possible.
“We did put out a call for witches in need,” Miranda verified.
That sounded much less intrusive than how Rhea had put it.
“That’s not what brought her to us,” Rhea interjected. “Not directly anyway. She came to me for another reason.” One of her dark brows arched, expectantly.
Suppose that’s my cue, Paige thought with a sigh. Now that it was the moment of truth, she wasn’t sure where to start.
Levi reached over and took her hand, immediately calming her nerves. Alix and Hannah exchanged knowing looks from across the table. What it was they knew, again, Paige hadn’t the foggiest.
“I see the dead,” she began. “Ghosts, I mean. Levi’s sister, Nova, came to me and...” She continued to air it all out; everything that had happened since Nova had come to her apartment in Salem. Once she started talking, she couldn’t stop the words from flowing. The fear, the burdens of failure, everything, released like water through a broken dam.
Silence stretched for several uncomfortable moments while everyone took in her story. She wouldn’t have believed most of it herself if she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, but these women were witches. They must experience this kind of stuff every Thursday night.
“Holy shit,” one of the brunettes, Cassie, said. “That sucks.”
“I have to admit,” Miranda said. “You’ve been quite a curiosity. I’ve been able to sense when a potential sister comes into town, most vividly in fact, but you have been hidden to me. I’ve only been able to catch glimpses of your presence.”
Paige’s heart sank. “Does that mean I’m not eligible to join?” Even though in doubt about joining the group, she still felt the sting of rejection.
The matriarch smiled. “Of course you can join us, dear. You’re here, after all.”
She couldn’t deny the relief she felt, or the embarrassment that warmed her cheeks after being so forward. Despite the awkwardness, she pressed on. “So, can you help us?”
“We’ll try,” Miranda answered. “I have a few questions before we proceed.”
“Maybe we should move inside,” Hannah suggested. “I have some coffee brewing, and I have to check the oven anyway.”
“You’re using my coffee maker?” Rhea asked, incredulously.
Hannah raised her brows in challenge. “This is your place, isn’t it?”
Rhea’s eyes narrowed. “You know how I feel about people messing with my stuff, especially the coffee.”
“So I’m just ‘people’ now is it?” Hannah got to her feet.
“I’m not the one who went off and got herself tied to a Guardian...” Rhea fell silent and Paige noticed the glare she gave Dominic, the guy with the dreads.
Paige thought she’d seen some looks that could kill, but the hard-eyed stare Rhea laid on Dominic beat them all. She could have stopped a charging elephant with that glare. The others averted their attention from the conflict. Paige sensed some history here that she couldn’t begin to understand at the moment.
Miranda cleared her throat, loudly. “Going inside might be for the best.” The matriarch’s words seemed to break the tension. Everyone got up and started toward the cabin.
“I’m going to check on Brody,” the tall blond, Caleb, said. “He told me yesterday he was going to need some help with the foundation of the next cottage.”
“I’ll go with you,” Dominic chimed in, giving Rhea a cautious glance.
The stocky redhead, Troy, jumped up and followed the other two men. “You guys aren’t leaving me here with all these angry women!”
The purple-haired girl pursed her lips at the ginger. “I wasn’t angry, until now.”
Cassie laughed, as did the men.
“Maybe that’s for the best as well,” Miranda interjected. “Levi, would you like to go with them?”
“I think I’ll stay with Paige, thanks.”
She appreciated his answer, though she didn’t feel the need for his protection. Not while they remained here anyway. This place and these people put her at ease. The longer she stayed in their presence, the more comfortable she became. She couldn’t put a finger on it, but something here just felt… right.
“Very well.” Miranda shooed the others inside, then followed, Paige and Levi in tow. “The book the ghost gave you, do you still have it?”
“It’s at Levi’s apartment,” Paige answered. “I don’t know what kind of condition it’s in though. We had to leave in such a rush.”
Miranda nodded. “I understand. We’ll recover it.”
Levi frowned. “You sure? I mean that place literally crawled with those possessed people. And the police may be there by now.”
“Both are obstacles we can deal with,” Miranda assured. “The book must be recovered. We need to find out more information about the curse that burdens your family.”
Paige wanted the diary back, too. The book had nipped at her thoughts since she’d left it behind. She suspected Miranda’s motivation to find the book fell in line with her own. The diary had working knowledge of magic, and that was power. Considering what she’d been able to achieve under its guidance as a novice, there was no telling what an experienced witch could do with it. Still, she wanted to hear the reasons from the woman herself. “What’s so important about finding the book?”
“The diary is a relic of great value and power,” Mirand answered. “A rare item I suspect belongs with a set of journals in my library. Belladonna epitomized accomplished witches, no matter the era. Her words act as scripture for those like us.”
“There are more books?” Paige exclaimed. She couldn’t believe her ears. Finding such a treasure proved as miraculous as finding other witches. “May I see them?”
Miranda smiled. “In due time. First we must solve your specter problem.”
“I’m all for that,” Levi declared.
“So am I,” Paige agreed. She couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed though. To have a library of knowledge within her grasp, only to have circumstance hold it at bay. Story of my life.
“Coffee’s ready,” Hannah announced, as she approached with a tray of steaming cups.
Paige hadn’t been paying attention to the surroundings when they first walked in. Hannah’s announcement had her looking up and noticing the layout of Rheas’s home.
Exposed beams along the walls and ceiling gave the cottage an old-fashioned feel. It had an open floorplan with a couple of rooms off the main area. Nice, but not really Paige’s style.
“I wasn’t sure what the two of you liked, so I went simple. Just a touch of cream.” Hannah offered the tray to Levi and Paige.
“Thanks,” Levi said, taking a cup.
Paige did the same.
Rhea begrudgingly took one, and took a sip as the others accepted theirs happily.
“Tell us more about this Headless Man,” Miranda said, after everyone settled.
Paige took a thankful drink from her cup. “Not much to tell, other than he’s scary as hell, and almost killed me three times.”
“Is he actually headless?” Alix asked.
“Yes,” Paige answered. A shiver went down her spine, recalling the decapitated wraith.
Cassie leaned forward. “You fended this thing off by yourself?”
“Not really. I had help from the book, and Nova.” She glanced at Levi. They hadn’t seen or heard from his sister since their last encounter with the deadly specter. The assumption she hadn’t survived weighed heavily on both their hearts. Bringing up her name didn’t help with the pain.
He nodded, acknowledging her concern. “I’m okay.”
Miranda reached out and took both of their hands. “That the creature didn’t kill you outright is a miracle.” She studied Paige with hawk-like intensity. “I believe you are very powerful.”
“I’m not sure about that. If Nova hadn’t drawn it off of us that last time...”
“Nevertheless, you survived,” Miranda assured her. “And from no small effort of your own. You should take pride in that.”
A lump caught in Paige’s throat, but she managed not to tear up.
“So, how do we fight something we can’t touch?” Cassie asked, a doubtful expression on her face.
“I’ve only been able to ward it off,” Paige replied. “That’s why I kept searching for your group. I had hoped you knew how to kill it.”
“We will need to do some research tonight, but I’m confident we’ll find a solution,” Miranda said. “You’re welcome to join us, and stay the night in one of the guest cottages—we may be up late.”
Considering Willam’s broken-down sofa was the alternative, she more than happily accepted the invitation. “Thanks, that would be great.”
“I can go back to the res and try to get some more details from my grandfather,” Levi pitched in. “He might remember something we could use.”
Paige smiled. He’d loosened up considerably since they’d come inside and had a warm drink. His comfort with these people only validated her own feelings toward them. This could be the place I’ve been searching for.
“There are some elders that might know something as well,” Rhea said, finishing her coffee. “I can take Levi to his grandfather, and speak with them while we’re there.”
Paige tried not to frown. As well as this little meeting was progressing, she wasn’t sure about Rhea and Levi going to the reservation alone—together. It was a foolish worry. Petty jealousy actually, but that didn’t make it any less real. Levi belonged to her, or that’s what her heart kept telling her. Some she-hottie, skipping off into the sunset with him got her hackles up.
You’re leaving anyway, what does it matter? She almost sighed at the thought. Who are you kidding? You’ve got no idea what you’re going to do.
She loved Salem, but this place had so much potential... and Levi.
Survive The Headless Man, you idiot! Getting out alive had top priority at the moment. Anything else would only waste energy in worrying.
Levi leaned toward her, and whispered, “You sure you’re okay staying here?”
“Yeah, I’ll be okay.” She patted his hand. “Go easy on your grandfather. He’s had a hard life.”
“I will,” he replied. His dark eyes studied her. If he noticed her discomfort about him going off with some floozy, he didn’t acknowledge it. He glanced at the others, and asked, “When should we go?”
“Sooner is better than later,” Miranda answered.
“Okay, then let’s go.” Levi leaned down to place a soft kiss on Paige’s lips. The familiar tingling warmth filled her, despite the brevity of his touch.
Rhea got to her feet. “We should take my truck.”
Paige almost laughed, thinking of William’s jalopy. She couldn’t blame the woman for not wanting to ride in the old clunker.
Levi dug into his pocket and fished out his keys. “Here,” he said, handing them over to Paige. “Hope you don’t have to use them.”
She chuckled. “It’ll be fine.” On a more serious note she added, “Don’t take off that earring, understand?”
He nodded. “Yes, dear.”
A snicker came from Alix across the table. “You two sound married already.”
Paige’s cheeks flushed. Awkward.
Levi basked in the red glowing light that radiated from her face. “Interesting observation. Worthy of further investigation and future study.”
“Ugh. Shut up and go already,” Paige scoffed, pushing him away.
That brought a round of laughter from the table.
“Be careful,” Miranda advised, as the two stepped out the door.
“We will,” Levi replied, and then left.
The bottom dropped out of Paige’s stomach as the door shut. She fought the urge to run after him, like some frightened schoolgirl. After facing the Headless Man, she thought nothing could rattle her nerves. That obviously wasn’t the case. She feared for Levi and herself of course. But in that moment, what she feared more was falling short of her own and this coven’s expectations. What if she didn’t have the snuff to be a witch? What if, in the end, these women didn’t want her in their circle? The doubts raced through her mind, shaking her resolve.
“You okay?” Cassie asked. She reached out and touched Paige’s arm. “You look a little pale.”
“Just tired,” she lied. “It’s been a long couple of days.”
“I can imagine,” Alix commented. She tucked a lock of purple hair behind her ear. “Atingere can really take it out of you, if you don’t pace yourself that is.”
Hannah bit her lip to suppress a laugh, while Miranda sighed and rolled her eyes.
“I doubt that’s what Paige meant,” Cassie chided, having trouble quelling her own mirth.
Paige was at a loss. “What are you guys talking about?”
“The tingle when the two of you touch...and the heavenly fireworks that follow, it’s called Atingere,” Alix answered, giddy with excitement. “Your beau, Levi, looked up for the challenge.”
The consternation must have been plain on Paige’s face, because Hannah snorted and Cassie began laughing like a hyena.
“How did you know about that—” Then it hit her. Troy, Dominic, and Caleb. They’ve all experienced the weird touchy thing too.
She smiled, despite being the butt of a joke. “Did you have the crazy sex dreams too?”
The laughter came to a choking halt. “W—what?” The three of them stammered in unison.
“You know, the dreams that seem real,” Paige pressed. “And they’re so dirty—”
The brows of all four women raised into their hairlines.
Shit, Paige realized. They haven’t had the dreams. It must have been that first spell I cast.
“How dirty, exactly?” Alix asked, all smiles.
“Let’s focus on saving the two of them before we start harassing Paige about her lovelife, shall we?” Miranda announced, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Hannah went to the kitchen, still snickering. She started brewing another pot of coffee and pulled out a teapot as well. “Research at night requires coffee for some, tea for others.”
Paige glanced outside. Thick tress barred any view of the sky, making it impossible to guess the time, but it looked darker out. Who knew where her phone had ended up, otherwise she would have checked it. “What time is it?”
“Not quite five,” Cassie answered, pointing to the clock behind her.
“Thanks.”
“The two of you,” Miranda said, gesturing to Alix and Cassie as she stood. “With me.”
“Where are you going?” Paige asked, perplexed.
“We need books for research. We won’t be long.”
The trio walked across the room and stopped in front of the wall. Without a door or window on that side of the cottage, Paige had no idea of their intentions.
Miranda ushered Alix forward. “To the library, as we’ve practiced.”
The tattooed girl nodded, and then stared at the wall. After a few moments of silently doing what looked like nothing, characters, or runes of some sort, appeared on the wall. Unlike the circular shapes Paige had used, these runes formed a large rectangle. The symbols began to glow—orangey-red at first, and then becoming a blinding white.
Paige shielded her eyes. She heard a swooshing sound, like one of those sliding doors on “Star Trek.” The pungent smell of burning incense wafted through the air. Peeking through her fingers, she noted that the glaring light had dimmed. A hole now decorated the wall, revealing a room on the other side.
Paige’s jaw dropped. “Holy shit!”
Alix spun around, giddy. “I know, right?”
Miranda walked through the glowing doorway and into the other room. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled from top to bottom with a mixture of ancient and modern publications.
“C’mon,” Cassie said, tapping Alix’s shoulder.
With a grin from ear to ear, the tattooed girl skipped through the door. Cassie sauntered in after.
Paige stood staring, at a total loss for words. What had happened had been more than just some party trick with flashy lights. She had witnessed serious magic. The kind she hoped to work someday.
The clank of a cup brought Paige out of her stupor. Hannah had taken a seat beside her, and sipped on a steaming mug. She gestured to the one in front of Paige. “Drink.”
Page took the cup and raised it to her lips. The earthy flavor of a Pu-erh tea filled her tastebuds, making her smile.
“Alix has amazing power, as do we all,” Hannah said. Her dark eyes glanced at the impossible doorway glowing from across the room.
“Can we all do that?”
Hannah grinned with a nod. “Not like Alix does, but yes, it’s possible.”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
“Most witches have an innate power, unique only to them. That power can enhance certain forms of magic, or simply make it easier to perform magic in general. Take yourself for instance. None of us can see and talk with spirits as you do. To commune with them we need serious study and incantations. Even then, the effects would only be temporary.”
Paige took another sip of tea. “So Alix’s power opens doorways to other places?”
Hannah shook her head. “No. She can project images from her mind and infuse them with power. A very useful talent she can implement in numerous ways.”
“Makes me feel a bit inadequate,” Paige mumbled.
“You are a rare find,” Hannah reassured. “It’d be foolish to think otherwise.”
The kind words did little to drain Paige’s deepening pool of self-doubt. She’d spent so much time looking for people with similar abilities. Instead, she’d found a group that eclipsed both her own talent and definitely her knowledge of magic. It’s what you’ve always wanted. Someone to learn from. Quit being such a damn ninny.
“So, what is this place?” Paige asked, trying to move the subject along. “I mean, Rhea told me it’s a coven, but who owns it?”
“Miranda bought the land years ago, and moved her old plantation home here,” Hannah said. “We’ve all got a stake in this place, but if anyone owns it, Miranda does.”
Paige suspected as much. “She moved that mansion? From where?”
“New Orleans. There were modifications made as it was rebuilt, so it’s really not the same house anymore. Actually, modifications are still being made, and will continue as long as people like you keep showing up.”
“What’s the point?” she asked, somewhat concerned. “Not to sound negative, but it seems like a big risk inviting people with superpowers into your home.”
“It’s a bigger risk being out there on your own.”
Paige couldn’t argue with that.
“I don’t mean to sound paranoid, but some people hunt our kind,” Hannah continued. “Together we have a better chance of surviving them. It’s nice to not have to hide who you are all the time.”
She couldn’t argue with that either. Hell, she ran tours dedicated to the history of people hunting witches. And as far as being herself; she’d had trouble doing that her whole life. Maybe she could find herself in a place like this. Find out what she wanted, with Levi’s help.
“What is Atingere?”
Hannah choked on her coffee. Her eyes watered as she coughed. “What brought that up?”
“Just thinking about what I need to know before I make any decisions about the future. The last few days have really changed what I thought possible.”
“I see,” Hannah said. She dabbed a napkin to her lips. “Well, if you read the books, which grossly understate the effects of the phenomenon, they say it’s a mechanism or sign that a witch has found a match. A potential Guardian.”
“What’s a—”
Hannah held up a staying hand, “A Guardian acts as a witch’s protector and also, her soulmate. When a man receives the gift of Guardianship, he accepts power from Mother Earth, Gaia. These powers will help him weather the trials that test both witch and guardian. No longer will he be just a man.”
Soulmate? Powers? The thoughts took her aback. She got to her feet and started pacing. “That’s kinda crazy.”
“And inconvenient,” Hannah replied, dryly. “But worth it, if you find the right match.”
“Did you find the right match?”
Hannah’s cheeks reddened. “Yes.”
Paige was glad to see she wasn’t the only one to be uncomfortable today. “So, how did you do it? Grant the Guardianship I mean.”
“I’m not really sure. It just happened. But you’ll know when it does, trust me.” Her cheeks flushed bright red. “I may have said a little too much.”
“No, it’s okay,” Paige assured. “I want to know this stuff. Up till now, I haven’t had a chance to learn anything. Whatever you can tell me I...well, I can’t even begin to express how thankful I am.”
“It’s really no trouble.” Hannah smiled. “Do you have feelings for him?”
She nodded. There was no doubt in her mind or her heart about that.
“Then don’t worry about it. What will be, will be. Besides, you have bigger problems to deal with.”
Miranda walked in through the portal with a stack of books in her arms. “We can split these up into categories, and then...” As she continued, Alix and Cassie came in behind her. Alix toted a load of books similar in number to what Miranda carried. Cassie however, carried two or three times as many. The feat seemed impossible, considering the size of the massive tomes.
Once they laid out all the books on the table, Alix closed the portal and they all got to work.