Page 56 of A Match Made in Coven
“How delightfully useful to live in a witchy town.”
Lorcan pulled Sarah Michelle close, planting a quick kiss on her forehead.
Sarah Michelle dragged her nails down his chest. “Are you getting dressed, or what?”
He bit her earlobe. “Not if you keep acting naughty, detective.”
She pulled back and lifted her hands. “Go.”
Lorcan bounded up the stairs, taking the steps two at a time to get dressed. Moments later, they walked out holding hands as they headed toward the only witchy shop open until midnight.
Even two days after Halloween, the streets still pulsed with life as the last diehard costumed revelers prolonged their celebrations into the weekend. They entered the esoteric shop—ironically, one run by an unaware human and that didn’t sell anything even remotely magical—greeted by a plastic ghost wailing above the door. How fitting. The owner had done a stellar job of decorating the interior to look like a witch’s Pinterest dream come true.
The pungent aroma of incense enveloped them as they walked into the space. Shelves lined with crystals, tarot cards, and various “magical” trinkets.
“Welcome to Hex & Hoot,” a voice called out from behind the register. “How may I assist you tonight?”
Sarah Michelle and Lorcan approached the counter, where a young woman in her early twenties leaned against the glass display. Her dark lips, curled in a welcoming smile, contrasted with her pale complexion framed by inky black hair. Dressed in a corset-style top, a flowing black skirt, and a choker adorned with an obsidian pendant, she could’ve escaped a gothic fashion catalog.
“Good evening.” Lorcan flashed his most charming grin. “We’re looking for a Ouija board.”
The woman’s eyes lit up. “Oh, dope! Planning a séance? Follow me.”
As they trailed behind her through the cramped aisles, Lorcan leaned close to Sarah Michelle, whispering, “If only the humans realized how many spells happen right under their noses.”
“Let’s keep them unaware. We don’t need the Intermixing Department on our case again.”
The shopkeeper led them to a display of Ouija boards, each more ornate than the last.
Sarah reached for a simple wooden board with an elegant script.
The shopkeeper cooed. “That one is calling to you. I can tell.”
Lorcan grinned goofily at Sarah. “If it’s calling to you, darling, we should take it.”
Sarah handed the board to the shopkeeper and then discretely elbowed Lorcan in the ribs.
As they left the shop, Ouija board tucked under Lorcan’s arm, they walked faster, eager to return home and uncover the truth.
Back in Lorcan’s study, they set up the board in front of the fireplace to get warm after their stroll in the chilly November air and called upon Mary’s ghost. But the lady was a no-show. Lorcan yelled at thin air. After two nights of tormenting him, where had she gone? But the minutes ticked by with no response.
Sarah Michelle sighed, leaning back on her hands. “She could be shy now that I’m here?”
“Shy isn’t the word I’d use for her. And she’s your ancestor. She should be more comfortable around you.”
“Unless it was a Callidora who killed her. If Lysander loved her and the Blacks were happy getting our wings…”
“Could it have been one of your elders?”
Sarah Michelle nodded. “The more I think about it, the more it seems the only logical explanation. Unless she had another admirer.”
“She looked a lot like you.” Lorcan pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “So, that’s entirely possible.”
Her lids became heavy as he let his hand linger on the curve of her shoulder, then lower. As Lorcan’s fingers trailed along her collarbone, she audibly stuttered over her next breath. Her body swayed toward him, eyes falling shut. The Ouija board lay forgotten between them as the crackling fire cast flickering shadows across their faces.
“We should focus,” she murmured, even as she tilted her head to give him better access to her neck.
Lorcan chuckled, his lips following his fingers as they brushed against her skin. “I am focused. Very focused.” He kissed her pulse point, then trailed his way up to trap her earlobe between his teeth. “Plus, if we have a bit of time to kill.”
