Page 45 of Offsides Attraction

She thanked them for Penny’s increasing powers and dedication. Penny tried to ignore the subtle jab.

Elspeth thanked them for keeping Harper safe and blessing her with the ability to find the truth. She also noted Harper’s improved skills and her newfound ease with her practice. Penny seconded that. It was nice to see Harper magicking without narrowing her eyes and pursing her lips. Until recently, she’d always looked slightly constipated while practicing.

After the thanks, it was quiet devotional time. Their monthly ritual wasn’t that different from what they’d experienced at church, other than the lack of music and the passing of the donation plate.

Penny shivered violently and Elspeth squeezed her hand, whispering, “A few more minutes to carry us through the holiday season and into the new year.” Penny gritted her teeth, finding little comfort knowing her sisters would drag her frozen body back to the farmhouse and not abandon her to the coyotes like a frozen pot roast.

Elspeth raised her arms up and everyone followed. “Next year will bring great changes for all of you if you stay focused on your responsibilities and your place in the coven. We each have our role and we are bound together. If one of us falters, we all falter. Strong powers can’t overcome weak commitment. Our commitment to each other and the coven is the greatest commitment we can make.” She ended their moon bathing with a hug circle, whispering, “I can always count on you,” when she reached Penny.

Penny usually basked in Elspeth’s praise, but tonight it pissed her off. It felt like Elspeth’s group rah-rah message was cloaked with messages aimed at her. To warn her and keep her in line. Harper and Maggie linked their arms through Penny’s as they walked toward their cars, leaving Elspeth alone to finish, as they usually did.

“The only motivational dribble missing from it was the classic we’re only as strong as our weakest link,” Harper said.

“Which is my job, so don’t be taking it.” Maggie hip-checked Penny and Harper did the same, turning their middle sister into a human pinball game. “You okay?”

“So, I wasn’t imagining the passive aggressive digs?” Penny asked.

“No. Any idea what you did to tick her off? Usually you’re teacher’s pet,” Harper said.

“I don’t want to be.”

“Liar,” Maggie teased. “You love it, and that’s okay because it takes us out of her crosshairs.”

“Really?” Penny knew Mediocre Maggie was happiest out of the spotlight, but Harper loved being the center of attention.

“It’s true.” Harper linked their pinkies together. “But until this blows over or you figure it out, lie low.”

“Hard to go dark or off the grid when I work with her every day. This is so unfair.” Penny kicked her car tire and then swore as pain shot through her toe. “A little relief would be nice,” she said through gritted teeth, hopping on her good foot and glaring at Maggie.

“I can’t cure stupid,” Maggie said, but she yanked off her mitten and placed her hand on top of Penny’s boot. The pain eased, but Penny’s foul mood didn’t.

“Go home and go to bed. Nothing good ever happens when you get this mad,” Harper said, infuriating Penny as she unlocked her car.

“Are you now going to tell me what to do?” she asked Maggie.

“Nope. But call me if you need to talk or if ice cream’s involved. Remember, you’re a grown-ass woman, and you can do what you want.” Unfortunately, what Penny wanted to do was a bad idea, which made doing it all the better.

Chapter 20

“Hey, I can take that for you.” Penny walked toward the delivery person getting out her car.

“Sweet,” the high-school-looking guy said. “I’m running behind and this helps a lot.” Penny slipped him a few dollars, and the kid looked at it wide-eyed. “Seriously? You’re finishing the delivery and giving me a tip?”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll collect from the guy inside,” Penny said, pointing to the house while balancing the pizza.

“Thanks.” Penny heard the car drive off as she rang the front doorbell. She heard footsteps on the other side of the door and then a heavy sigh. Bash opened the door, frowning.

“Surprise,” Penny said. The only thing missing from her enthusiastic greeting was jazz hands.

“I ordered pizza, not you.” Bash sounded grumpy as he took the pizza from her and walked to the kitchen, setting the box on the counter before walking toward the bedrooms. Penny regretted her decision to come. She’d envisioned him welcoming her with open arms and holding her close while smoothing her hair and asking what was wrong. Who’d upset her and did she want him to beat them up? She needed Bash to be less Bash-like. And she needed a cup of tea. Tea always helped.

She added water to the kettle as Bash came back into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes with his glasses on his head. He looked tired, and a little dangerous. He reached around her and pulled a plate from the cupboard before filling it with pizza. “Yes, I’d love some pizza. Thanks for offering,” she said, grabbing her own plate.

Bash shrugged as he sat, pulling on his glasses. So unfair that someone that rude looks that hot in glasses. Life was unfair. “What’s wrong?” It sounded more like a demand than a question, and Penny didn’t answer him.

Bash shoved half a piece of the cheesy-goodness into his mouth before standing and grabbing a sparkling water from the refrigerator.

“I’d like one, too,” she said as he sat.

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