Spells Trouble, Kristin Cast [books to read in a lifetime .TXT] 📗

Emily drew a deep breath and turned to face her mom. “Mercy said that I need to get out of the house, and she’s right. Mom, I need a break. I have to have a break.” She blinked hard, obviously trying to keep the tears pooling in her eyes from spilling over.

Emily’s mom looked from her daughter to her friends. Her eyes were glassy, but her voice didn’t waver when she spoke. “Emily, you’re right. Go ahead. Be with your friends.”

“Emily?” Her grandma joined Emily’s mother.

“Grandma, these are my friends,” said Emily.

Grandma walked stiffly to Emily and rested one hand on her shoulder. “Yes, I can see that they are.”

“Beatrice, Emily was just going out,” said Em’s mother.

The older woman looked back at her daughter-in-law. “I think that’s an excellent idea. Helene, would you join me in the kitchen?”

Emily’s mom’s eyes filled with tears. She nodded. “Yes. I would like that. Very much.”

“What’s happening out there?” slurred her grandfather.

“Nothing!” The two older women yelled together, and then they shared a real smile.

“Go. Be with your friends,” repeated Em’s mom after kissing her daughter on the forehead. “We’ll be just fine.”

Emily seemed unable to speak, so Mercy tugged on her hand as Jax opened the door and they all filed out.

They all piled into the Camry Hunter had parked across the street from the Parrotts’ house, and as Mercy—with occasional help from Hunter and Xena—unfolded the truth behind the settling of Goode-ville and the tragic events of the past four days, the shadows under Emily’s eyes lifted. From her place between Jax and Xena in the center of the backseat, she sat up straighter, her expression growing more animated until she held up a hand and stopped Mercy.

“You’re real witches.” She looked from Hunter to Mercy. “I mean, I kinda knew it before, and that grief spell made me think that there was more to your powers than just herbs to fix cramps and an occasional love potion.”

“Love potions are not actually what you think they are,” said Xena. “It isn’t ethical to play with someone’s desires. Goode witches would never—”

“Xena, I don’t think that’s an important point right now,” interrupted Mercy. She met her friend’s gaze. “What is important is that you understand the truth. Since 1693, Goode witches have been guardians of those five gates—”

“Which are really the five weird trees?” Jax broke in.

“Yes,” continued Mercy, nodding at him. “And we have to close and strengthen those gates tonight—at sunset.” She glanced outside at the waning light. “Which will be pretty soon. Will you help us?”

Emily didn’t hesitate. “Yes. That’s what friends do, right? But it’s more than that. This is why your mom and my dad were killed. So, we’re getting rid of the Cyclops tonight?”

Hunter spoke firmly. “I promise.”

“I’m totally in.”

“Jax?” Mercy asked.

“Just tell me what I need to do.”

The band of tension began to release from around Mercy’s chest. She dug into her purse and pulled out the six sheets of paper she’d prepared the night before. Mercy handed out four of them, keeping two for herself—leaving the sixth sheet facedown on her lap. “Okay, ask any questions you have—anything at all. It starts with setting your intention. That means that as soon as we’re on our way to our trees each of us must focus. Read my instructions carefully. Hunter and I are going to be channeling powerful energy through you tonight. You have to be prepared for it.”

“How are we going to—” Emily began and then had to stop as three sneezes shook her body. “OMG, bless me!” She wiped her nose on the back of her sleeve. “Gross. Sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I usually only sneeze like this around…” Her words trailed off as her head swiveled to stare at Xena, who was licking the back of her hand and smoothing her hair.

“What?” Xena stopped mid-lick.

“We might as well tell them,” said Hunter. “They know everything else.”

Mercy shrugged. “Fine with me. Xena?”

The cat person shook herself, which sent her hair flying madly around her shoulders and made Emily sneeze again. “Emily, kitten.” Xena took her hand gently between hers. “I am a cat. Their cat. And by theirs I mean I’ve been a Goode familiar for generations. Please don’t ask for how many years—it’s impolite.” While Emily and Jax stared slack-mouthed at her, Xena nodded. “Oh, and Emily, I am truly sorry I make you sneeze. I give you my word I do not do it on purpose. I’ve always liked you, kitten.” She dimpled at Jax and made a little purring noise. “You, too.”

Emily and Jax turned their wide-eyed gazes from Xena, who went back to grooming herself, to the twins.

“It’s true,” answered Hunter and Mercy together—though they didn’t share the intimate smile that usually accompanied their twin-speak.

Emily went back to staring at Xena. “In a completely bizarre way that makes perfect sense.”

“Yup,” said Jax, who shot Xena sideways glances.

“Kittens.” She paused in her grooming. “Refocus on your intention. We can discuss how spectacularly magical I am another time.”

“I’m gonna have to get some Benadryl. A lot of Benadryl,” muttered Emily as her attention returned to the spell.

“Okay, so, to answer the question I think Em was starting to ask,” Mercy said. “We’re going to communicate through our speaker phones.”

“Except for me,” Hunter broke in. “There’s no way to know if I’ll be able to be on my phone. Mercy will use our connection to know when I’m in place. And then you’ll have to trust me to keep up.”

Mercy nodded. She didn’t look at Hunter. Good. She won’t try to take over. I’m better at this part anyway, Mercy told herself. “So, I’m going to lead you through the ritual, and I’ll be sure I don’t waste time on flowery words and such. We light candles, then seal the gates with—”

“Blood!” Emily squeaked, her eyes on the cheat sheet.

Xena patted her knee. “Yes, kitten, but not very much.”

Mercy barreled on