Page 31 of Obsession

“What did the coven decide?”

“We didn’t. It wasn’t long after the meeting that Lucy confronted me for challenging her authority as high priestess. I was the one ousted,” she says with a bitter laugh. “Then Cora took off without so much as a goodbye.”

“Why would Cora have done that?” I ask, knowing Mama returned home to Memphis pregnant with me. But why the disappearing trick, that I don’t know, and it leaves me with an uneasy feeling.

“Maybe she and Lucy had it out. I wasn’t there, so I can’t say for sure.”

“Where did you go?” I ask.

“I moved here with my Aunt Mable,” she says, pointing down to her costume. “My aunt passed away several years back, but I carry on her tradition.”

“You didn’t keep in touch with the other members when you left?”

“No. That chapter of my life, for better or worse, was closed.”

“And you have no idea who this man was Cora was seeing?” I try.

“No, she kept that to herself.” She pauses for a moment, giving me a penetrating look. “Cora must have cast a powerful cloaking spell to keep you a secret all these years.” I pull a Chris Sullivan and give her an icy stare, saying nothing. It’s an effective tactic, because she continues, “So if your mama went to all that trouble to keep you a secret, why are you digging around?”

“Lucy came to visit me before Litha.” And because I found Mama’s book of shadows, I don’t say. “I just want to know the truth, whatever that may be. Besides, I’ve taken the red pill,” I explain and Damion snorts. Bettina arches an eyebrow and I explain, “Sorry, bad joke. It’s a movie reference.”

“Where is Lucy these days?” she asks casually.

“Thank you for meeting with us. If you can think of anything else, please call me,” I say, not answering her question. I hand her a Memphis Magic business card and she escorts us out.

Stepping outside, we walk to a secluded spot, and Damion sends a text to his father letting him know we’re finished.

So what do you think? I ask Damion.

Not enough information to make a call, other than I don’t care for that woman.

I feel bad for even saying this, but should we—

Check Bettina’s story to make sure she’s telling the truth about her mother’s death? He finishes for me. Mmmm, another favor. I look forward to calling due what’s mine.

As do I, demon. As do I.

Chapter 15

Grandma and I are working in the kitchen, making lemon roasted chicken and parmesan-crusted zucchini—the zucchini from Florence’s garden. I’m prepping a small side salad with poppy seed dressing. Poppy seeds are known for their ability to increase awareness, so I add extra, as I could use increased awareness where Mama’s case is concerned. Holding my hands over the bowl, I channel my intention as I whisk clockwise seven times.

After dinner, I get sucked into watching Archangel with Grandma. If this show is to be believed, archangels get it on more than incubi, and that’s really saying something.

“I know you’re in the honeymoon period with Damion, but if things ever go sour, I want you to switch to team angel. You’ll have a unique basis for comparison.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” I dryly say. The show ends and I decide it’s time to lay my cards on the table. “Grandma, you know I met Lucy Parks. Well, I met another former coven member today, Bettina Davis. Mama’s coven was into dark magic.” If this surprises Grandma, she doesn’t let on. “Please tell me everything you know. I deserve to know the truth.”

“Sugar pie, I wish I had the truth to give you. But the truth is, I don’t know.”

“Then tell me what you do know,” I beg.

She’s quiet for a moment, then she says, “Your mama and I butted heads, and she left Memphis the day she turned eighteen.”

“What did you butt heads about?”

“What didn’t we butt heads about?” Grandma shakes her head with a sad smile.” Cora told me she was moving to New Orleans, and she was finally going to be a real witch, not a pretend kitchen witch,” she says, fiddling with her hands. “I did use divination on occasion to check on her without her being aware. I knew she was in a coven and was into dark magic. But I figured my daughter was an adult and free to make her own decisions, so I wouldn’t interfere.” She takes a deep breath and continues, “She came back pregnant with you, about a year later.”

“And she wouldn't tell you who my daddy is?”

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