Page 87 of Forced Plus-Size Mate

They squeeze back, and I know the movement has been shared around the circle to all thirteen of us.

Now.

My mental command rings through the circle, and as one, every witch releases her power, letting it flow into the center. Each of us has an individual vibration, but when we work together, it all knits together into one incredibly powerful, cohesive wave.

I open my eyes and look into the center. The others open their eyes, too, and small exclamations of delight sound as they see what we’ve conjured.

My smile is a thing of pure joy. Between us, surrounded by our clasped hands, is a crowd of spirits clothed in pure, gleaming white. They emanate joy and peace, and look upon us with gratitude and an air of eternal wisdom.

One of them turns and looks right at me. All the spirits are beautiful creatures, white, shrouded figures with barely discernable faces. Their eyes are defined, but it’s impossible to see if they are male or female, or guess their identity.

One spirit approaches, bending to me. I can’t see it smiling, but I can feel its joy.

Gratitude, healer.

My pleasure, I answer.

The peace of the entity flickers briefly as it reads into my aura.

Beware the Ancient Ones.

Even though the words rock me, I don’t let it affect my energy. I keep myself steady with an extreme act of will and direct my power into the circle.

I will. Be at peace.

The witches and I look up to the sky, directing the spirits to find their completion, wherever that might be. I feel a great sense of purpose, being able to gather the restless dead and aid them on their journey.

Ever since the battle a couple of months ago, the coven and I have been meeting regularly to work on our rituals and see what our powers can really do. When we were waiting for an attack by the wild wolves and Decker, I wasn’t the only one who heard the voices of the past. And soon, the spirits began to be attracted to us.

Actually, helping them find their afterlife was not something I ever thought we would have the power to do. The first time we invited one into our circle, no one was more surprised than me when our magic cleansed its aura, brought peace to its soul, and allowed it to move on.

Since then, we have gathered regularly and called in spirits that are wandering lost in the mountains, too full of turmoil to release their unfinished business. Every time we do it, I feel the energy of the surrounding wilderness change, becoming lighter, less burdened by death and pain.

There are still plenty that won’t ever move on, though.

I try not to think about that as we break up the circle and head back towards the great hall. New Hope has turned outto be the best place for us to practice, far away from modern technology. It is not polluted by chemicals or rowdy with the thoughts of too many humans.

Near the hall, Lucy is sitting with Sarah and some of the other witches from Silver Meadows. Anyone who has ever practiced has gotten a power boost since my battle out in the woods, and Lucy is training the girls to form a new coven.

Two covens, strong and thriving with a variety of magical talents. It’s more than I ever could have dreamed!

As we approach the long tables, I see Body at the grill with Peter and wave to him. He waves back and grabs a beer for me as he comes over.

“How was the ritual?” he asks.

“Perfect,” I say. “Couldn’t have gone better.”

He puts his arm around me, and I take a sip of beer, my attention caught by a couple of the girls gathering at the end of the table.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“I didn’t say anything,” I say.

“You don’t have to. I’m about as psychically deaf as it gets, but even I can sense your aura now. What’s the matter?”

“Zoe and Alisa,” I sigh. “Zoe hasn’t talked about it, but she’s still worried about Grant, the Decker wolf. Alisa said she has someone, too, but hasn’t talked about it.”

“Is it serious?”

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