Page 3 of Cursed Luck
“We were wondering what affinity you had, if any,” he said, and she noted the other curious eyes studying her.
Mia smiled. “Earth,” she said, opening her palm so they could watch a rose blossom materialize.
“Wow!” one of the women said and nodded.
Another shifted uncomfortably and peered past Mia. “Before we get carried away, are we sure it’s safe to… you know…”
Hugh waved a hand away and shook his head. “Nah, we’re good. That’s Edward, one of the Broderick brothers. Although, I’m not really sure what he can do.”
It took everything she possessed to not turn and take in the man occupying her thoughts. She gave Hugh a silent thank-you for providing them Edward’s name.
Edward. Edward Broderick.
The name was old and stuffy for the man who’d been at the bar. Old he didn’t look but possibly he was the latter? Laughter filled the air, giving her a reason to look over her shoulder. Serena’s and Edward’s heads were tipped back as the joyous sound filled the air. She doubted the man could ever be described as stuffy with a laugh like that.
She smiled at the sight, wishing she knew what had caused it. When the sound died down, she forced her attention back to the group—but not before remembering the bar.
“He may be a Broderick, but the bartender isn’t one of us,” she whispered before sipping her soda.
All eyes looked past her, and a collective sigh could be heard.
She chuckled and pushed to her feet. “Let me see if we can do something about that.”
Pushing her shoulders back, she turned as Edward slipped inside. Serena’s expression was worried, the opposite of what it should’ve been for a bride on her wedding day.
“Everything okay?” Mia asked, a few feet away from her.
Serena shook her head and offered her a sad smile. “Yeah, just stubborn men.”
“Ah… Are you close with all of your in-laws?” Mia asked before she could think better. Serena may have invited Mia to her home and wedding, but she was still the high priestess of a coven. They weren’t known for being open to such discussions.
Serena studied her before pointing at the odd egg-like chair Edward had vacated. “Join me?”
Mia nodded and gathered the material of her dress before climbing in, her legs hanging and plush pillows at her back. “Mmmm… now I get it,” she muttered.
Serena chuckled. “Yeah, it’s one of my favorite chairs. Put your feet up if you’d like.”
She made herself comfortable as Serena spoke, deciding to wait to ask her about the bartender.
“The Brodericks didn’t grow up like most of us, but they’re a tight bunch. Ethan aside, I’d say I’m the closest to Brandy, but it took time.”
Curious as to where the conversation was headed, Mia bit her cheek as to not pry. She didn’t have a lot of experience with high priestesses, but she didn’t expect them to be forthcoming with personal details. Perhaps Serena needed Mia’s help with something.
“When we met…” She chuckled and shook her head as Brandy stepped outside. “Well, let’s just say I was not her biggest fan,” Serena said as Brandy stopped behind her.
“That’s the understatement of the year,” Brandy said jokingly.
Serena rolled her eyes and made room for Brandy on her chair. “Well, what did you expect?”
Brandy laughed and lowered her voice. “My powers kind of trump Serena’s,” she told Mia with a shrug.
Mia stared at them. With wide eyes, she tried to understand what was happening. Witches—no, high priestesses—weren’t exactly known to accept such a blatant challenge. Serena seemed to take the words in stride, throwing Mia off guard.
“Fortunately for me, you have no desire of taking my place,” Serena stated, neither woman noticing Mia’s frozen state.
“Hell no, all this shit’s still too crazy, and the last thing I want to do is be responsible for guiding others,” Brandy said with a nod toward the group on the lawn. “Raising Gia and whatever siblings we give her is quite enough.”
“The Brodericks have had quite the go since learning they’re… you know,” Serena said, her gaze moving to the bartender.
