Page 46 of Cocktails & Cauldrons

“In good time. For now, I need her magic to satiate my demon. I plan to feed on her for days.” With that, Odessa retracted her wings, extra appendages, and claws, then sauntered up the stairs. She ran a hand along Moira’s graceful neck and gripped the young woman’s throat. “So much magic,” Odessa whispered with a deep inhale… seconds before she kissed her.

CHAPTER 19

Brenna walked through the doorway in time to hear the Aether’s daughter’s statement. She also heard a colorful round of swearing in her mind over the threat of Loman O’Connor, courtesy of both Damian and Eoin. Shoving aside their grim telepathy, she knelt in front of the girl.

The two of them studied one another for a long minute.

“I’ve never met a Siren before,” the adorable sprite said. The light of curiosity shone brightly from her.

“And I’ve never met a young Aether before,” Brenna replied with a warm smile. “It’s a first for each of us. That makes today very special, indeed.”

She didn’t cringe when chocolate-coated fingers reached for her hair. After all, shampoo was a girl’s best friend. But the child stopped and drew back.

“I forgot to wash my hands,” she said in a stage whisper. “Mama’s going to be so cross with me.”

“Doubtful. I’m not sure how any mother could be cross with a daughter as awesome as you.”

The girl beamed, and Brenna grinned right back.

“I’m Sabrina.”

“I’m Brenna.”

“I know.”

“Of course you do. I’ve learned Aethers know all the things.”

“I’m sorry everyone wants your magic.” This time, when the girl reached for Brenna’s hair, her hands were spotless.

“Neat party trick.” Brenna sat still and let the girl finger her myriad of caramel- and mocha-colored curls. “And it’s not your fault that people are greedy, though. And I won’t let them have it if I can help it.”

“I like you, Miss Brenna. You’re different from the other one.”

“The other one?” She glanced up at Damian, puzzled by his daughter’s comment.

He shook his head and gave a slight shrug.

Looking at her father, Sabrina requested silent permission. Brenna found it disconcerting that she was subject to their thoughts as well as Eoin’s.

“Who is the other one, and why can I hear the two of you communicate?” she asked, climbing to her feet and clasping Sabrina’s small hand as the girl offered it.

As if unconcerned by the fact Brenna could hear her inner dialogue, Sabrina grinned and swung their hands between them. “The other one’s older and different from you. Meaner. But you’re stronger. Remember that, okay?”

Brenna shared a bemused look with Eoin, but nodded to Sabrina anyway.

“You’ll understand when the time comes, Ms. Sullivan,” Damian said. “The things Beastie predicts may seem vague, but they have a way of falling into place.” He ran a palm over the top of his daughter’s silky hair. “Now, young lady. You’ve met the Siren and given your prediction. It’s time you run and do child things or help your mother make breakfast.”

“We’re witches, Papa. We conjure food.” She put her hands on her hips, the image of a saucy little minx. “Besides, I haven’t given Mr. Eoin what he came for.”

Brenna fell in love. The girl was too precious and precocious for words.

“And what did he come for?” Although Papa Aether’s expression was skeptical, heavy indulgence weighted his tone.

“You’re a pushover, Mr. Dethridge,” Brenna said in an aside as Sabrina approached Eoin.

“You have no idea.”

They shared a chuckle and tuned in to what Sabrina was saying.

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