Page 64 of Which Witch is Willing?
“Here comes the bitch squad now,” Aerin said.
Every time Claire encountered Gwen, half of her wanted to run, and the other half wanted to smash her face into the dirt until she screamed. If it had been up to Gwen, Claire would have been dead before she’d ever had a chance to escape from Dru or meet her sisters.
Luckily, fate had intervened, and Dru really did have a heart.
To make matters worse, Gwen hadn’t taken kindly to the fact that Claire had stolen Dru’s heart, something Gwen had always wanted for herself but had never obtained.
Claire steeled her gaze on the ghastly woman.
Gwen forced a smile as she reached the top step. Most likely, Gwen thought if she didn’t, she might be denied entrance. Claire would have loved to push her backward and watch her land on her ass in the dirt and grass. But Tierra would have her hide for ruining the party and for any damage to Tierra’s garden.
“Welcome to the de Moray mansion,” Aerin said coolly.
Both women responded with thanks to Aerin and completely ignored Claire as they passed into the house. Claire sneered after them. “If this wasn’t Tierra’s special day…”
Aerin chuckled. “But it is. However, if you’d like, I’ll help you search our grimoire for a noxious spell to get even with Gwen once this is all over.”
Claire grinned. “Deal.”
When the last of the coven had gone inside, Claire and Aerin closed the doors and double warded them. Honestly, the place was locked down tighter than the Gates of Hell. No one was getting in who wasn’t supposed to be there.
Claire and Aerin hovered at the entrance to the parlor. The second Tierra spotted them, she waved them in. “Come on in, guys. We saved spots for you.”
Tierra patted the folding chair next to her. “Aerin?”
“Goddess, help us,” Aerin muttered and stepped farther into the room.
Tierra pointed toward a couch near her that was already three-quarters full of two plump, older ladies. “Claire, you can sit next to Martha and Hattie Mae.”
Claire pasted on a friendly smile for the sake of her sister. Great. Martha and Hattie Mae.
“Hello, ladies,” Claire said and sandwiched herself between a severe-looking black woman who narrowed her eyes at Claire in distrust and an older blonde who reminded Claire of a faded version of Marilyn Monroe who’d refused to age gracefully. Hattie Mae’s stifling, cheap perfume brought tears to her eyes, but at least she emitted a friendly vibe.
Aunt Justine stood, looking like she was years closer to the grave than she had when Claire had first arrived in town. An apocalypse could do that to a person. The older woman clapped her hands together. “It’s so wonderful to see everyone together. My friends,” she said, and then glanced at Claire and her sisters. “And my family. In times like these, we must stick together.”
Claire was certain she couldn’t get any closer to members of the coven than she was right now. At least not with Martha and Hattie Mae.
Murmurs of agreement echoed throughout the room, but Claire sensed the disharmony between the coven members and wanted to call bullshit. Ever since Lucy’s short stay with the coven, dissension amongst the group reigned supreme.
Martha sniffed loud enough to draw Claire’s attention. “I noticed that your sister Moira isn’t here, and I wonder where she could be on such a momentous occasion.”
Claire gave a half-smile. “She’s a little under the weather today and didn’t want to share her germs.”
Hattie Mae scooted closer to the edge of the couch as though Claire might pass along whatever Moira had. Claire grinned inside, appreciating the extra space on the couch.
Aunt Justine looked toward the kitchen. “Sunny? Do you have the bottles ready?”
Sunny strode in, all turquoise hair and piercings, with a huge smile on her face. She carried a tray of baby bottles, each half full of different colored liquids. “Hi guys. I’m helping Justine with the shower, and she put me in charge of the games. So, this first one is called Drink Up, Baby. The goal of the game is to be the first to finish your baby bottle.”
31
Claire choked on a breath. “Wait. What?”
Sunny wanted her to drink from ababy bottle? Uh…no.
Aerin shook her head. “There’s no fucking way I’m drinking from a nipple.”
Tierra nudged her. “Come on, Aerin. You have to join in. It’ll be fun.”
