Page 18 of Which Witch Is Wicked?
“I’d heard she’d been banished, an outlaw looking for sanctuary,” her friend replied.
Needless to say, the whisperings had piqued Dru’s curiosity. He couldn’t believe it was a coincidence that this notable witch, whoever she was, had arrived after Claire and her sisters had broken four of the Seals. Undoubtedly, four of seven broken seals would capture the attention of many interested parties around the world.
Gwen entered the room moments later, followed by a voluptuous woman, the sight of which kicked Dru squarely in the gut. She’d tamed her blond curls into submission and had toned down her glamorous makeup and clothing, but he recognized her immediately.Lucy.
What the hell was she doing pretending to be a witch?
At the thought of her name, she swiveled her head in his direction, scanning the crowded room full of witches. He froze. She narrowed her gaze as though pin-pointing him, but then continued her perusal of the area.
He allowed shallow breaths, but kept his thoughts blank.
Gwen stepped onto the dais, looking pale in comparison to her counterpart. “Welcome sisters to this impromptu meeting. Thank you for making yourselves available.”
“As if we’d miss it,” whispered red-headed pixie witch.
“The Goddesses have blessed us this day with a surprise gift unequalled in recent memory,” Gwen continued. “This is high priestess Lucinda. She’s traveled from The Brehon’s Chair in Ireland, near the ancient druid ruins of some of our ancestors. She will be staying with us for the foreseeable future. Please make her welcome as she is our honored guest.”
A rush of murmurs drew over the crowd in a wave. As far as Dru could tell, none guessed her true identity. He could only imagine what crazy, devilish plans she’d concocted.
Gwen stepped aside, giving deference to Lucy.
“Thank you, everyone, for opening your home to me. My hope is that I may be of as much of assistance to you as you’ve been gracious to me. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you.” She bestowed a warm smile, but Dru knew it went no further than the surface. Lucy would consider these women trivial, pawns in whatever game she had in mind. His immediate task would be to figure out what that was.
“As I’ve already discussed with your leader, I and others like me have a grave concern about the recent happenings in Port Townsend. The fact that four of your coven have been so willfully careless and selfish to have allowed four Seals to be broken is, dare I say, an abhorrent act of disobedience. I’m sorry to say, but we cannot allow these deeds to go unpunished.Youcannot allow them to go unpunished.” She flashed another brilliant smile. “However, we do realize we would be unfair to penalize the entire coven, and so I am here to offer my services to help you bring a stop to these errant witches.”
“Technically, they’re not part of our coven,” Gwen pointed out, earning a silencing look from Lucy.
“Their mother was though, and their aunt continues to be, I believe. There are those who see them as your problem to solve. But, fear not. I am here to help.” Lucy tilted her ruby lips in a smile sweeter than spun sugar.
“She means to kill Justine’s nieces,” the dark-haired witch whispered.
“They deserve it,” murmured her red-headed friend with a vengeance. “Look what they’ve brought upon us. Better them than all of us.”
“True.”
How easy they turn on their own kind. Dru shook his head in distaste.
“I’ve had a long journey and shall retire for now.” Lucy touched a weary hand to her brow. “But should any of you have ideas on how to…eliminate this problem before it progresses any further, please don’t hesitate to stop by my room. I believe I’ll be occupying Gwen’s room since she’s assured me she wanted me to be as comfortable as possible.” She tossed an expectant look at their leader who widened her eyes in surprise, which then quickly flipped to panic.
“Of course, Lucinda. Our house is yours. Give me a moment to make your room ready.” Gwen made to step off the dais, but Lucy took her by the arm.
“No special treatment. Really. I’m sure it’s fine as it is.”
The alarm on Gwen’s face deepened, and she pulled her arm from Lucy’s grasp. “You’ll need fresh sheets, and there are a few items I’d like to gather.” Likeme, Dru thought. Gwen forced a smile and then stepped away before Lucy could detain her further.
The group dissipated shortly after Lucy followed Gwen from the room, and Dru made haste toward the front door. His energy had dropped to an all-time low, and he needed to slip away before he lost his edge and someone discovered him.
When the coast was clear, he slipped outside the front door and closed it quietly behind him.
“Dru, darling,” Lucy crooned before he took a step forward.
Her voice startled him, causing him to lose his shield.
“Fear not.” She ran a hand up his chest, sending shivers of frigid energy shooting into him like frozen arrows. “Let me help you, love.”
He drew from her power until he had enough to conceal himself again.
She turned and pressed her well-defined ass against him, pushing him until she’d pinned him between her and the door. To anyone on the street or watching from inside the house, it would appear she stood on the porch alone, perhaps to gain some of the Pacific Northwest’s fresh air.
