Page 29 of Sweaty Nights & Gator Bites

Dre quirked an eyebrow and shook her head. “Unless we disrupt his connection in those locations. We could get rid of that and put a crimp in their plans.”

I pointed to the first few locations. “I was wondering if we could do that. We know nothing about the magic they are using.”

“You would need to be careful. The enchantment is designed to attach to power. You six are lightning rods of it,” Adèle interjected.

Lucas straightened and shot Lia a look. “I don’t like the idea of you guys going out there and pissing off people who have already murdered two and attacked more.”

Lia cupped his cheek. “We have no choice. We won’t take unnecessary risks, but we have to do something. We can’t allow them to keep killing and taking power. They’ll kill everything in the bayou eventually.”

Adèle discussed ways we could disrupt the flow of their spell without putting our magic out there. The methods were mundane and not something I would have considered. We were used to using magic now.

CHAPTER 10

DAHLIA

The morning sun filtered through the ancient oaks surrounding Willowberry. It was one of the things I loved about the property. I watched the stream through the canopies while my sisters and I sat around one of the wooden tables on the back patio. It was a peaceful site and made me want to curl up with a good book. ‘You have never laid around reading. You have always been busy doing something’.

“The witches want to back out,” Dani snarled to her phone. She tossed the device onto the table. “They’re saying we will be facing 'unforeseen supernatural disturbances’.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "This is getting ridiculous. The rumors are worse than when we were in high school and Aubrey told everyone that Rachel got around.”

Kota leaned back in her chair, staring up at the canopy of trees. “It seems ridiculous, but their fears are valid. There is a chance for an attack.”

Dre nodded thoughtfully. “We all know this is about more than a jealous rant.”

“This is all true,” I agreed, standing up. “Which is why we should go talk to them. We can't let this reunion fall apart because of last-minute jitters.”

Dre tossed me my small crossbody bag from the table next to her. “We really need to convince Adele to help us learn how to teleport. It’d save so much time.”

I laughed as we climbed into my car. “Eh, I’m pushing Tegan or Mack to mate with a djinn. They’d have to cater to their mother-in-law if they want to get on my good side.”

Dani grinned at me from the backseat. “I like the way you think.”

We drove through the narrow, winding streets of the French Quarter. The air was heavy with the unique combination only found in New Orleans. It was the smell of Cajun food, alcohol, body odor, and urine. The sounds of jazz drifting from open windows softened the sharp scents. The vibrant colors of the historic buildings blurred together as we made our way to the small catering business run by the witches.

We got lucky and found a spot along the curb. We got out and looked up at the window that was hand painted. NOLA Creole Catering was done in purple with gold fleur de lis on either side. Spices and freshly baked bread replaced the astringent smells outside.

The witches greeted us with wary eyes. A slender woman in her late sixties with smooth, olive-toned skin and sharp, emerald-green eyes greeted us. Her hair had once been a rich ebony but had since turned a soft silver. “We should have known you would come down. We haven’t met yet. I’m Mabel, and that is Elise and Harriet.” I swear Elise’s eyes looked through to my soul.

Dani stepped forward with a soft smile. “We’re here toappeal to your sense of community. We need your help. It's too late to get anyone else to cater the Leveau reunion.”

Elise crossed her arms, a skeptical look on her face. “Why should we help Marie Leveau? She’s done nothing but cause trouble for us and now we get word a big attack is being planned for the event.”

Mabel nodded her head, making one of her braids fall loose from her updo. Her striking hazel eyes narrowed on us. “You six are talented, but you’re still new to magic. We can’t afford to get tangled up in something that could destroy this business. We’ve worked hard to get here.”

Kota leaned forward and matched her glare. "We understand your reservations, but this reunion is about more than just Marie. It’s about healing old wounds and bringing people together. I won’t stand here and recount how we managed to thwart a Skinwalker from killing recklessly in our city. Or how we stopped a magical hurricane and sent an evil loa back to his plane. According to rumor you’re the best caterers in town now and we believe you can help make this event a success.”

I lifted a finger and added, “Not to mention we have been working with our familiar to create protective measures that have never been possible before.” Dropping the familiar part was a risk because witches were trying to keep their return on the downlow. I knew it would impress these women. They weren’t as likely as a young witch to become tempted by a familiar’s power enough to steal it and become Tainted. I did feel bad about not telling them those measures had yet to be tested and made a mental note to test the new wards.

Elise glanced at her partners. Mabel’s deep mahogany skin wrinkled as she frowned. Harriet’s curly salt and pepper hair bounced lightly as she nodded. “We could use the business,” Elise finally reluctantly admitted.

Dre gave them an understanding smile. “Look, we knowMarie has a complicated history. Hell, we have worked hard to overthrow her reign. But she’s trying to make amends and we need to give her enough leash to hang herself or succeed. We aren’t blindly doing this. Lia is right. We have made numerous changes and will be talking about more security for the actual event.”

Elise sighed, and her shoulders relaxed. “Alright, we’ll do it. But we expect to be paid well. And we’re not tolerating any nonsense from Marie.”

I took a deep breath and stepped forward. “We understand how you feel. We told her the same thing about us hosting the event at the plantation. She had to agree to more conditions than there are stars in the sky. You’ll get far more business for doing this because you three are setting aside your feelings and being the bigger women. It proves that you're professionals who can rise above past conflicts for the sake of the community. That kind of reputation will earn you more business in the long run."

Elise's eyes softened as she considered my words. “You really think so?”

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