Page 6 of Pure Magic
Thickening my brogue for effect, I say, “Lass, I go by Adam and hale from Inverness, where we fight the loch’s monster daily and drink ale for breakfast.”
Laughter fills the room as Sara Beth carries out a large platter of chicken, vegetables, and potatoes. Everyone rushes to sit, and I remain at the great mother’s left.
Sara Beth sits across from me and avoids my attention.
Admittedly, I can’t keep my eyes from her stunning face. Her dark eyes are full of worry and tenderness. Not to say that the other witches aren’t lovely. June is a young witch with pale hair and gray eyes. She’s almost otherworldly. There are some very pretty young witches whose names I can’t recall yet. But it is Sara Beth whose attention I seek. It’s foolish, so I push it aside and enjoy the wonderful food and family atmosphere.
Jonah is sitting to my left with his wife, Minerva, between us. He’s a giant of a man with much to say, and by midmeal, I’ve learned his passion is for herbs and fixatives. He and his wife are the town’s apothecary. “Adam, what kind of witch are you?”
Minerva elbows him then fusses with a bit of blond hair that’s escaped her braid. “That’s not polite.”
“Why not?” Jonah asks. “I’m an earth witch. My magic didn’t come to light until a year ago. Until then, I thought I was without any power. Now I know my powers lie in my medicinal mixtures. I can also detect dark magic from light.”
I hold my breath. If I were dark, would he know? Would he say, “You are not dark?” I wonder. My brother’s voice answers, “But you could be.”
The table has gone quiet, and everyone is staring at me.
“I’m a fire witch,” Minerva says, as if she feels required to divulge the information.
“You are not required to answer.” Sara Beth’s stare is so penetrating, I wish we were alone.
Ripping my attention from her, I look around the curious eyes at the table. When I reach Jonah, I say, “I’m an elemental witch.”
“Wow.” Sylvia shakes her head with a grin.
“I’m not familiar with that.” William finishes the last of his potatoes and places his fork and knife carefully at the edge of his plate.
Afraid of what I might find, I force my attention back to Sara Beth. “Shall I explain, or would you like to, High Priestess?”
She says, “An elemental witch is very rare. A witch who can command all four elements with equal success. I’ve never actually met one…until today.”
“Are you very powerful?” This is from a young witch in a simple brown dress who won’t meet my gaze.
“Trina!” Sara Beth admonishes.
Trina immediately lowers her gaze and fusses with the end of her long brown plait.
“It’s all right.” I hold up a hand to stop any further discipline. “The subject has been opened. I imagine everyone is curious. Trina, I would say that I am strong enough to be useful or dangerous. I hope to be useful.”
William laughs. “Well said, Adam. I could say the same about myself.”
Many witches nod and discuss others in the coven who they might say the same about.
Esme gives me a sympathetic look, and grinning, I shrug. I want to claim I’m in the light, but my own brother turned, so I have my doubts. Appetite lost, I poke at my food and avoid Sara Beth’s gaze. I feel her watching me, but I flirt with Sylvia, talk to Prudence, and joke with William and Jonah rather than see her scrutiny.
When the plates are cleared, more wine is brought out. I decline. “I appreciate the hospitality. More than I could have hoped for from an English coven to extend to a Scot. Thank you for the meal and the good company.” I bow, and I head down the stairs.
In the street, the prickle of magic warns me I’m not alone. Holding very still, I scan the street.
Sara Beth steps out of the shadows of the coven house. She must have floated down from a window, but I have no way of knowing. Still, she’s here, and I can’t help wishing I’d met her the way a normal man meets a woman. “High priestess, have I offended you?”
“Not yet.” Half a smile lights her eyes in the moonlight. “Why didn’t you tell me you were an elemental witch?”
“You didn’t ask, and it can sometimes put people on edge.” I close the distance between us. “I want you to like me.”
She shakes her head and clutches her elbows. “Oddly, I want to like you, Adam. I think you’ve had a hard life and that most of that is not your fault. However, I don’t trust you.”
Longing to touch her cheek, her neck, and the swell of her breasts, I make fists and keep them at my sides. “How can you? We’ve only just met. Trust must be earned.”
