Page 20 of Mated to the Monster Under my Bed
“Purple isn’t a danger color. But it is rare. It usually indicates a powerful emotional bond…or desire.”
Desire.
My stomach did a slow flip.
“There’s a…a presence in the cottage,” I murmured. “I saw it—well, I saw its eyes. And I can feel it even when I don’t see it. Madam Healer said it was male. It seems familiar, but… I can’t quite remember why.”
Goody looked at me over the rim of her mug.
“Do you want to remember?”
I hesitated.
“Yes…No. I don’t know.”
“You don’t have to take the hard path,” she said gently. “I have a memory tea I can give you. It’s quite mild—brings back little pieces of your past at a time, rather like opening an old photo album.”
“That sounds a lot better than the alternative,” I said gratefully. “Madam Healer had a memory potion, but she made it sound like I’d be drinking the magical equivalent of Fireball if I took it.”
That got a laugh out of the whole table.
“Goody’s teas are always lovely,” Harmony assured me. “You should try it.”
“In fact, I have some with me. I was working on a new batch just this afternoon and I asked one of my brownies to bring it to me when I got Madam Healer’s message.”
Goody reached into her enormous purse and pulled out a glass vial with a cork stopper. The liquid inside shimmered faintly.
“Here. Steep this in boiling water and drink it under the light of the moon. Sip slowly and let the memories come in their own time.”
I took the vial carefully, holding it like it might break.
“Thank you.”
“We’re glad you’re here, Danni,” Goldie said warmly. “Especially now.”
“Why now?” I asked, surprised. Had they been waiting for me?
The women exchanged another look between them.
“We’re preparing for the All Hallows Eve ceremony,” Celia said. “It’s how we renew the magical bubble that protects Hidden Hollow.”
“It keeps out the bad things—the evil Creatures that can’t coexist with regular Creatures and magic users like us,” Sarah added.
“Creatures?” I raised my eyebrows in confusion.
“Monsters,” Sarah explained. “Like Orcs.” She smiled. “I’m mated to one of those.”
“I am too,” Harmony admitted, grinning. “I love my big, growly Orc. But Celia’s with a Demon and Willow’s Heartmate is a gargoyle. Well, he used to be a gargoyle. But it turns out he’s more of a Fallen Angel. Oh, and Goldie is mated to not one, not two, but three huge, hunky Werebears.”
“Only because I’m half-Succubus and I need more than one guy to keep me happy,” Goldie said, grinning.
“Wow…” I looked around the table. “So you’re all married to supernatural creatures?”
“All but me,” Goody Albright said, smiling sadly. “I had my love many years ago. Since my darling Ethan died, I’ve had no love to give to anyone. He was a Blood Lover in case you’re interested,” she added. “What I believe you younger girls call a ‘vampire.’”
“You were mated to a vampire?” Sarah’s eyes grew wide. “I didn’t know that!”
“Not many do since my beloved has been dead these many years. I always think of him this time of year, near All Hallows Eve.” Goody Albright sighed again. Then she straightened up and shook herself, as though brushing off old memories like cobwebs. “But now we must get down to business. The town’s bubble must be renewed, and we need a full coven to cast the renewal spell properly.”
