Page 5 of Pure Magic
Her eyes widen, and she shakes her head in the way my mother used to when I let my mouth get ahead of my brain. “I was born into this coven, and my mother was high priestess before me.”
“She must have died very young. I’m sorry.” It’s a silly diversionary tactic, but I’m used to skirting the truth.
“She did. I’ll not be distracted, Adam.” She pushes a stray hair back into her tight bun.
It’s probably wrong, but I love the sound of my name on her lips. I love her lips. Brushing those baser thoughts away, I nod. “You have never known the loneliness of being a solitary witch.”
Warning flashes in her dark eyes like daggers. “You have your brother.”
Pain slices into my gut. “My brother and I have gone our separate ways. I thought, foolishly, that I could guide him back to the light. Maybe a better witch could have, but I failed. I have to live with that. Still, I miss family. I miss a coven and having a purpose in life. You’re right, I could make my way through life with money at every town and perhaps even a woman willing to spread her legs for me. It’s half a life, a torrid and empty existence.”
Sarah Beth stares at me silently for a long minute. The skin on my neck and chest tingles. “At some point, I’m going to need the full story, Adam. For now, you may stay in Windsor. When I know your character better, I may allow you to live in the coven house, but for now, not being expelled from this town is the best I can offer.”
I let out my breath. “You are very kind.”
“I am not. But I am curious. You do not feel dark. I saw a foolish man on stage today, yet you come here with apologies and sincerity even if it’s not total honesty. Two faces on the same man. What I am, is curious.” She stands. “If my curiosity turns to fear for my witches, I’ll have a price to pay.”
Standing with her, I bow. “I will not betray you, Sara Beth. I swear it to Goddess.”
The air around us tingles with fire and light. Magic sifts through like a warning before settling with warmth and love. I touch my cheek and find it warm with my flush of nerves.
Cheeks pink, Sara Beth chuckles. “You had better keep that promise. I fear breaking it would anger Goddess.”
“Is that what that was? Did Hecate hear me?” I follow her to the steps.
Standing on the first brings her almost to eye level with me. She presses her hand to my chest. “Goddess always hears us. When something important is afoot, she responds. I take it as a good sign that she favored us with notice this night.” Her gaze flits to my lips and then back to my eyes.
I’ve never wanted to kiss anyone more. Where had that come from? Keep your wits MacNab. You need Miss Ware on your side.
I think she’s going to take the decision out of my hand and lean forward until our lips touch, but she jerks back. “Dinner should be ready. Join us and get to know more about the coven.”
“Thank you, that would be a treat.” She can’t know how much a family dinner will mean to me. It’s silly, but these are the little things that hurt the most.
We’re halfway up the steps when the door below opens, and a tall gentleman, well-dressed with a hat clutched under his arm and a lovely green-eyed woman walk in. The woman is wearing a fine wine-colored dress with a white cloak. “Are we late?”
“Not at all.” Sara Beth grins down at them. “Come up and meet our guest. I’m just about to carve the chickens.”
Esme and William Meriwether introduce themselves to me. Williams’ magic feels different from any I’ve ever noticed before. Perhaps he’ll tell me about it when we know each other better. For now, it’s none of my business.
The gathering is loud and full of laughter.
I follow Sara Beth to the kitchen. “Can I help you with the chicken? I’m quite good with a knife.”
She cocks her head to study me. “You’re a guest. You should go and drink wine with the ladies.”
I’d rather serve food with her. “You prefer to work alone in the kitchen. I understand. Perhaps you’ll let me cook a meal one evening to prove my skills.”
As if Goddess sent a miracle, Sara Beth smiles. It’s only for an instant, but my heart soars at the sight. Her expression returns to serious. She turns away, her skirts swirling around the swell of her hips. “Perhaps another night, Adam. Go meet the men and women of Windsor coven.”
Reluctantly, I leave her to her kitchen and join a group of ladies chatting with Prudence Bishop. The great mother’s gray hair is pulled up in a bun. Her eyes are bright blue and full of kindness. She takes my hand and draws me to the bench beside her. “She didn’t toss you into the street, our Sara Beth. You must have impressed her.”
I give her hand a little squeeze, as gently as possible. Stooped and ancient, she’s frailer than I expected from her strong handwriting and kind letters. “Thank you for the invitation, Great Mother. I pray it will work out for all.”
She pats my cheek. “That is my prayer as well, child. Now, Sylvia, pour this man some wine and tell him all about your virtues.”
The blond witch in question is curvaceous and a fine flirt. If I had never seen Sara Beth Ware, Sylvia would be very attractive to me, with her full bosom pressing for freedom from an earthy green dress.
Cocking one shoulder down until her dress slides to show a bit more skin, Sylvia grabs a glass and fills it with dark red wine. “My pleasure. Mr. MacNab, where is it you come from in Scotland?”
