Page 72 of Shadow Witch

Paige’s eyebrows shot up, and she dipped a finger into the filling and tasted it. Sweet berry flavor bloomed on her taste buds. Pleasantly surprised, she dove into the cake, polishing it off easily.

Dewey made a closing speech as Devon wandered into the room with his single rose amidst oohs and aahs. Heat rose in Paige’s cheeks again as chants for a kiss resounded. She offered him a chaste peck on the lips before the crowd heckled her for more.

Devon wiggled his eyebrows at her before he dipped her backward and planted a kiss on her lips. Applause rang out before the ladies collected their things.

Paige’s face hurt from smiling and thanking people for their well wishes before they finally were alone.

“Babe,” Devon called from the table housing the gifts, “we got the toaster.”

“We did,” Paige said with a slow bob of her head. “Now, all I have to do is win this stupid match, and we can keep it.”

“I’m keeping it no matter what happens,” Dewey said as a maid scurried into the room. “Have these gifts put away for Paige, thanks. We’ve got to get to your final challenge. That shower went way long.”

“Would have been faster if Paige hadn’t stared at every gift like it was going to bite her,” Drucinda answered.

“I’m sorry. Blood goblets?”

“Oh, no way,” Devon cheered, “who got those?”

“Aunt Pam,” Dewey answered.

“Aww. I’ll have to thank her. Those are so nice.”

Paige screwed up her face, wondering if she preferred to lose the challenge. She couldn’t survive as a vampire.

Dewey landed on her shoulder and patted her head, giving her no time to think more about it. “Let’s go, Paige. You’ve got a Venompire’s butt to kick.”

Exhaustion coursed through her as she slogged back to the ballroom. She hoped she could stay awake long enough for the challenge. Nerves gnawed at her as she tried to think of any memories of Devon that could possibly win this challenge. She didn’t have many. They weren’t a real couple.

She’d soon be exposed as a fraud, she concluded. She’d lose the last challenge, and Ivy would probably kill her. She hovered inside the doorway, wondering if she should cut and run now rather than even make an effort.

“Good luck, babe,” Devon said with a squeeze of her shoulder. “See you after to celebrate.”

“Hahaha,” she answered, feeling less than confident as Dominic called the competitors to the center of the room.

A magical realm entry floated behind him again. After the rules were explained, Dominic asked if they were ready.

The words sliced at Paige like a knife. There was no way she could win. Entering the realm was a death sentence. And she had no way to escape.

CHAPTER 17

Paige’s hands trembled as Dominic stared at her, awaiting an answer.

“Ms. Turner?” he asked again as she failed to answer, her eyes wide and her throat dry.

“That’s future Mrs. LaBlanc,” Devon shouted. A few hoots and claps went up from the crowd as Paige finally snapped back to reality.

“Uh, yeah, ready.”

“Ready to lose, I hope,” Ivy said as Dominic motioned toward the realm.

“Contestants, please enter and take your places at the podiums.”

Paige stepped forward, her feet feeling like lead as she walked and slipped into the other realm. Lucious greenery surrounded her as she climbed onto a pedestal and stared at a massive pink flower between them. Her heart skipped a beat as it opened its petal-like mouth and spoke.

“Welcome, welcome. I’m your moderator Fleur le Petal. I’ll be the one overseeing this challenge today. Contestants, before we begin with the coin toss to determine the order, I’ll explain the process.

“You must conjure images of powerful, heartfelt memories. Once you have your image, press and hold the red button in front of you to project it from your brain into the world. There will be three rounds. Judges will score after each round. Any questions?”

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