Page 26 of Which Witch Is Wicked?
Keep this high priestess occupied and hopefully they won’t stay long.” She paused for a moment and nailed Claire with a look. “Whatever you do, don’t act scared or guilty or anything she might pick up on. Calm, peaceful, happy. That’s the only shit going on under this roof. Got it?”
“Got it.”
“And don’t tell Tierra or Moira what I just said until Justine and this woman have left. They’re too kind-hearted and will give away their feelings in a second.”
“Shit,” Claire hissed as she raced back down the stairs. She stopped for a quick second to fill one of Tierra’s pots with water and placed it on the stove. Then she made a beeline for the greenhouse.
Scents of moist dirt and greenery attacked the moment Claire entered the room. She spotted the four witches in the back corner and strolled nonchalantly toward them. Dru’s red pulse thrummed inside her, and she forced it down with a calming breath. There was no reason to be alarmed. Justine and her friend hadn’t threatened any of them. Yet. As far as she knew, this was a friendly visit. Acting alarmed might derail her and Aerin’s intentions.
“What do you think?” Claire asked as she approached. She gave the group an easy smile. “Aren’t Tierra’s skills amazing? I wish I had her talent.”
“Truly amazing,” Lucinda agreed. “We could use someone of her skill back in Ireland.”
Justine coughed, drawing attention away from Tierra. Normally, Claire would have called her for stealing the show, but this was exactly what they needed at the moment.
“I taught Tierra everything she knows. Isn’t that right, dear? Practically raised her from a babe after her mother…died in childbirth.” She blinked wide eyes and gave Tierra a fearful smile.
“That’s right, Aunt Justine. You’ve taught me everything I know.” Tierra grinned, and Claire could see right through her ruse. Smart of her sister not to give anything away. Then again, Tierra had a lot to hide.
“How’s the tea coming?” Lucinda asked Claire. “I don’t mean to sound rude, but it seems that Tierra has quite the extensive collection of brews. If you haven’t chosen a particular one for my visit, I’d love to see her selection.”
“Of course,” Claire jumped in before anyone else could volunteer. “If you’d like to come with me, I’ll show you the stash.”
She strolled away from the group as though the occasion were nothing more than a girlfriend tea party, but inside, she said a prayer of thanks to Tierra’s goddesses for protecting her. Lucinda’s heels clicked on the kitchen tile as she followed behind until Claire stopped in front of a massive, hand-crafted cupboard that had once belonged to their mother. She pulled open both doors, displaying upwards of eighty different tea blends.
Lucinda released an excited breath. “My goodness. When she said she had a plethora, she was quite serious.”
“If there’s one thing Tierra is serious about, it’s tea. While you’re in town, you should stop into our shop. Ambrosia’s Brews and Charms? It’s down on Water Street.”
“Yes, I believe I recall noticing the quaint little shop the day I ran into you on the street.”
Claire lifted her brows. “You remember, then?”
“Of course.” Lucinda chuckled. “I never forget a face or a circumstance, even if you and your sisters look very similar. You seemed to be in quite a hurry that day if I remember correctly.” She pinned her with an exacting look.
Claire shrugged and gave a nonchalant laugh. “Late for an appointment. Again. I’m always forgetting something.”
“Really?” Lucy lifted a sculpted brow. “I wouldn’t have pegged you for the type. If someone were to ask me to describe you after only knowing you a short time, I would say you’re determined, calculating, and something of a risk-taker.” She laughed, the sound tinkling through the air. “But then again, everyone knows you can’t take initial reactions at face value. They’re only correct fifty percent of the time.”
Claire smiled, pretending to be good-humored along with their intriguing guest. “That’s so true, isn’t it? My first impression of you was someone who had an agenda, other than visiting for tea and getting to know the local witches. But anyone can see you’re friendly and social, a warm person at heart.”
Claire recognized the undercurrents of their tête-à-tête, knew she shouldn’t do anything that might cause suspicion or bring forth the ire of their guest, but she couldn’t resist letting this woman know she was on their turf now and Claire wasn’t impressed with her credentials.
The friendliness faded from Lucinda’s expression, and Claire braced for battle.
“You’re an interesting witch, Claire de Moray.”
“How so?”
“Harder than your other sisters, I’d say. Not much gets by you.”
“Not much gets by them, either.” She wouldn’t let this friend of Justine’s insult any of her sisters.
Lucinda laughed. “You misunderstand. Tierra and Moira seem to carry more of a nurturing spirit. Not meant to impugn you or them. Just an observation. You are more focused, less likely to be led astray.”
Claire was sure her sisters would disagree after the previous evening’s activities. “What’s your point?”
She turned from Claire and studied the contents of the cupboard. “How about this one? It contains strawberries and grapefruit. Both good for fostering new relationships and trust.” She grasped the container and presented it to Claire.
