Page 20 of Shadow Witch

A shiver shot through her as they piled into the stretch limousine waiting for them.

“Ahhh, this is the life,” Dewey said as he sprawled on the seat. “I hope your dad is giving me a quality room, Abs.”

“If you keep making fun of how I look, I can’t make any promises.”

Dewey’s eyes went round. “You know it’s all just playful ribbing, right?”

“Really? Because sometimes it feels…really mean.”

“Nah. I’m not mean. Only snarky.” Dewey winked at him. “So, about that room…”

“We’ll see what he gave you in a minute,” Devon said as the car rolled to a stop outside the castle.

Paige climbed from the car, wrinkling her nose as she stared up at the gothic castle rising in front of her.

Devon slid his arm around her shoulders. “Welcome home, babe.”

She struggled not to roll her eyes as bile crept up her throat. The front door popped open, and Dominic strode toward her, setting her heart to pound against her ribs. She tried to force a pleasant smile onto her face as he closed the distance.

“Well, lovely to see you again, Ms. Turner. Let us hope this time around does not involve a sword being held to my son’s throat.”

Paige gave him a nervous laugh as she wrung her hands. “Just…flirting where I come from. You know, where’s the fun in just giving in, right?”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “Interesting. Well, I hope that feisty behavior remains intact, though.”

“Ahh, I’m sure it does,” Devon said as he tightened his grip on her shoulder. “My little Paige is a firecracker.”

She’d never make it through this weekend. Ever.

“Well, I hope so. Because we have a major problem.”

Paige’s heart skipped a beat. Problem? What problem? And would it cost her the chance to find her mother?

CHAPTER 5

“Problem?” Paige repeated, her throat going dry as her heart started to pound. She flicked her gaze to Devon, her eyes wide.

“What’s the matter?” Devon asked. “Caterer’s unavailable on short notice? Can’t get Father Dominic to perform the ceremony? Ohhh, no black roses?”

“Black roses?” Paige questioned.

Dominic shook his head.

“Well, what is it, Dad?” Devon asked.

“There has been an Amor Fortis demanded.”

“A what now?” Paige asked as Dewey and Drucinda gasped.

“No,” Drucinda said. “By whom? Let me guess…Ivy.”

Dominic nodded. “Yes, Ivy.”

“What is this? What is happening?”

“It’s a challenge of our marriage,” Devon said with a shake of his head. “Dad, can’t we just ignore it?”

“Tradition dictates that we cannot.”

---