A Wicked Good Witches Paranormal Romance Books 1-7 (Wicked Good Witches Seasons) (53 page)

“They do have a lot in common,” said Charlie with a grin. “They’ve both been alive for an impossibly long time.” He laughed.

“I can’t imagine what she’s about to go through,” sympathized Emily. “I know she’s picked up plenty even being a ghast and all, but the world is going to be so different.”

“At least the wrongs done to her can be undone,” said Charlie. “She’ll have the chance to finish her life, even if it’s not the one she should have had. Shall we get started? We’ve got lots to get ready.” He began rummaging through the baskets they had brought with them, calling out instructions as he handed things to whoever came over.

For the first while, Eva kept her distance, leaning against the cavern wall, averting her gaze from Charlie’s, acting like a silent spectator. But quite suddenly, she joined in. Charlie figured she had to talk herself into it.

He smiled, kindly, handing her some candles, telling her to lay them on the stone with Lizzy’s body. She said nothing, just nodded.

Before long, Melinda had magicked the old cauldron clean, and had it filled with a bubbling mixture, which Charlie had told her to stir constantly at a slow pace.

Michael had shown Emily how to arrange candles around Lizzy’s body as well as throughout the cavern, so that when lit, they would be the most potent for channeling magical energy.

The Deane brothers had hung various dried herbs around the cavern, burning some so that the aroma filled the cavern with scents of lavender and frankincense and sage.

Eva continued to assist silently, and would now and again break her blank stare with a curt smile. When Charlie had handed her the last item from the basket he kept hold of it, not quite handing it over, forcing her to look directly at him.

He spoke softly to keep the conversation between the two of them. “Are you okay, Eva? What happened back at the house… I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “I feel like that’s all I say to you.”

To his surprise, she kneeled down, as close as she could without drawing any suspicious looks. “No, I’m sorry, too, Charlie. Something like that’s never happened to me before. It’s like I wasn’t even present in my own body.”
That’s one way to put it.
She had no idea what the hell had happened, and it was freaking her out. To a point where she might even have to tell her father once she got him back. 

“It was the same for me.” Charlie scrunched his face in thought. 

“Was it? I-I’ve never lost control like that.”
And why am I feeling the need to tell him this?
“It’s like I was suddenly possessed or something, and the really messed up part is I don’t even remember most of it. Only that I felt perfectly content. Blissful even,” her pale cheeks turned pink as she spoke. “A bit drunk actually. And then it was like all of it was just yanked from my mind. Like I was just dreaming it all.”

Charlie didn’t know what to say to her. Was it him? Her? Was his wolf doing something to her? This connection they had made no logical sense to him.

Eva shouted into her own mind.
What the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you talking to him like this? You’re his alpha! You need to control
him!
He’s making you weak.
And for some reason her wolf got a thrill from this… she let out a silent scream that she swore was loud enough someone had to have heard it.

She let out a breath filled with irritation, and the need to regain control.

“What do you want me to do?” Charlie asked Eva, misinterpreting her release. “After tonight I can stay away, avoid you. Pretend we never met if we happen upon each other on the street.”

She lowered her head and when she picked it back up, wore a weak smile.
Maybe this isn’t a bad thing. Maybe my wolf knows what I need to do to get Charlie to give in to me. Perhaps getting closer is the right thing to do.

He smiled back. “How about we get your dad back. We all get some much needed rest. And we don’t even worry about it right now.”

“I am very tired,” she conceded.

He reached up and caressed her cheek. She lifted her hand and held his for just a moment. A current flooded in between their touch and she let go. He handed her the remaining candles, avoiding contact with her skin and she hastily got up and delivered them to Michael.

“Thanks.” He took them from her, turning away in a hurry.

Her emotions had turned back on. They were weak. But there. And all mixed up into a deluge of unbalance. Almost like there were two personalities, each trying to vie for dominance. He’d never sensed anything like it before.

No, that wasn’t true. He had. One time about six months ago.

They’d gone to visit an old family friend on her death bed. She was in the hospital and Michael had entered the wrong room upon arriving. The man in the bed had intrigued him and he’d stayed for a little while. It turned out he had a multiple personality disorder. And when one personality was fading and another rising, Michael could sense the battle for dominance.

What he sensed from Eva was similar. Was that why her emotions worked differently? Why they could suddenly just turn off. Did she have some similar type disorder? As he thought about it, it wasn’t dissimilar to his brother, either. When the wolf was more present in his brother he could feel a similar tug of emotions.

But he wasn’t going to just come out and ask Eva if she had some kind of personality disorder. It wasn’t a question to just come out and ask someone. But it would explain a lot. He’d have to tell Charlie later.

They placed the final candle around Lizzy’s body and looked around at each other. Everything was finished. They were ready. Lizzy Deane was just minutes away from being returned to her body. Except they were minus the most important part of the ceremony.

“Where are those two, anyway?” wondered Michael. “I kind of thought they’d be back by now, seeing as they can both move so super-fast and all.”

They stood around waiting. And waiting. Melinda allowed Riley to take a turn stirring the contents of the cauldron as her arms were getting tired. They didn’t want to bring any attention to themselves so they kept things to small talk. But Melinda had a difficult time being so close to him, and not just being herself. The self she had started to be when around him.

Tensions mounted. Everyone eager to get the ceremony completed. To learn more about the Soul Hunter. To get Eva and her father reunited.

At one point, Charlie left to speak to Mack, checking in that all was quiet outside. He’d returned and still William and Lizzy were not back yet. Another twenty minutes later, they heard voices nearing.

CHAPTER 16

William came striding into the cavern at normal human speed, with Lizzy twirling alongside, as if they were merely taking a stroll. She burst out in satisfied laughter as they entered the cavern.

“I wish I’d known how fun that was years ago! I can almost feel my heart beating.”

“I did not win,” William explained to their onlookers. “But if I had a living heart it would be racing at the speed of sound in my attempt.” There was a glint of something in William’s eye the Howard’s had never seen before.

“Oh, and by the way, Eva. It is Eva, right?” asked Lizzy.

“Yes,” she answered, shooting a glower in the ghast’s direction.

“If you step outside you will find your father, safe and unharmed.”

“What?” Eva wasted no time in leaving the cavern.

“Lizzy?” questioned Charlie.

“I’m really not a terrible person. I feel quite confident you will not fail me,” she cast her gaze towards William as she spoke. “You’re all very different than the people I have dealt with in the past. I can see this now.”

“Thank you, Lizzy. For doing that,” said Charlie. “It’s very gracious of you.”

“Yes, well, don’t let me regret it.”

“No,” determined Charlie.

“William did also bring it to my attention that there was a little something we had not thought of. If we use magic to protect the doors, until they are closed permanently, there would be no way for Mr. Jordan to come back other than to open them, giving the Soul Hunter a chance to escape. I can see that keeping the Hunter on the Isle is of utmost importance to you. So thus, I still have my leverage. Just in case.”

She clasped her ghastly hands together.

“Shall we get this party started?”

“Is there anything else we need to do? Oh, and this was on the list but I had no idea what it was needed for.” Charlie held up a bottle of tequila.

“Oh, that’s for me.”

“You are about to be human again for the first time in hundreds of years and the first thing you want is a shot of tequila?” Michael grinned. “I think I’m starting to like this girl.” Emily rolled her eyes at him.

“I’ve never had it before, but I’ve heard tell of it from the lovers that frequent the lighthouse. I’ve been dying to try it,” Lizzy spoke ravenously. “And if there’s anyone on this planet that deserves a drink right now…” she pointed to herself.

“I think we might all need one,” interjected Charlie.

“Fine, it’s settled. Once I’m back in my body it’s tequila time.” She floated overhead, hovering just over her body’s head. “Oh my, I’m actually quite nervous.”

“It won’t hurt, will it?” asked Emily.

“No. I don’t think so. At least leaving my body did not. It was terrifying when it happened, but it didn’t cause any physical pain.” 

Michael began lighting the candles with a torch made up of burning sage. Once all the candles were lit, he asked everyone to gather around Lizzy’s body.

“The candles will draw from our combined energies and collect around her body, assisting her soul back inside,” he explained.

“And what about all the herbs and things?” asked Lucas.

Michael shrugged.

“Oh, I just miss the smell,” exclaimed Lizzy. “I want my first re-breath of life to be mind-blowing.”

“And the cauldron of boiling goop?” Melinda nodded at the bubbling mixture.

“That will be for William to use actually,” explained Lizzy. “Once you’re all holding hands and channeling your magical energy, William will pick up that pot of goop and throw it on my spirit form. It will capture it, and then you can channel that energy into pointing my spirit in the right direction. Back into my body of course. After that, I wake up.” She floated back a few feet, preparing herself. “I assume you all don’t want to be covered in boiling goop?”

“Back up as far as you’d like,” insisted Melinda.

Charlie held out his hands, Michael grabbing one and Emily the other.

“Should I?” she asked after already doing so.

“Yes, you don’t have to possess magic to add to the circle,” Michael told her with a grin.

“Oh, good, I was hoping I could help.”

Riley grabbed hold of Melinda’s hand, a smile escaped her lips. Her reaction elated Riley and the two locked eyes, poorly hiding the fact that they were quite comfortable holding hands.

Charlie noticed, and his face said it all. He glanced at Michael, who was suddenly very preoccupied with looking in the other direction. This is what Michael’s empathy had picked up on previously, and he had missed. Charlie cleared his throat and let out a weighted breath that turned into a scowl. Yelling at her would have to wait; they had a ceremony to get on with.

Of all the guys…
a Deane…

She’s an adult and you can’t tell her what to do.

She’s young. And naïve.
And an easy target.

And just because you’re older you know everything? You can’t even keep your own shit together. Guardian ring or no ring…

At times like these Charlie really missed their mother. And father. But raising a sister was proving difficult and he worried he’d failed miserably. He wasn’t a good replacement as a parent. She really needed a mother. Someone who understood how a young woman’s brain worked because he sure didn’t have it figured out. He couldn’t help but feel responsible. He should have done so many things differently after their parents died.

It would all need to wait. They needed to get this ceremony finished first.

Only Lucas needed to grab hold to finish the circle. He looked apprehensive to do so.

“You have to,” urged Riley. “Our family’s partly responsible for this mess, remember.”

Lucas took hold of his brother’s and Emily’s hands and held firm, nodding that he was ready.

“Everyone focus on the energy collecting around you,” said Lizzy. “Allow it to flow freely into the circle. Charlie, I will put you in the lead, and inform William when you’re ready.”

The energy they drew came rushing into the circle, almost like a force field wanting to push its way out. They tightened their grips so as not to break the circle. It filled, expanding and pressing against them. Pressure building like a balloon about the burst.

“Now, William.” Charlie grunted in the effort.

Lizzy closed her eyes and threw her arms out to her sides.

William picked up the pot of goop and emptied the contents, throwing it onto her hovering frame. The goop vanished and what remained was an opaque haze in the form of Lizzy. She could no longer speak to them. She was in transition.

Charlie took over giving the orders. “Don’t let go. Don’t break the circle. Focus on Lizzy moving towards her body. Allow the energy to claim her, to pull her in.” He had to shout, as the energy inside the magic circle swirled madly, clamoring to escape the circle, making it difficult to be heard.

Lizzy’s opaque frame moved forward, heading toward her body in jagged motions, a few inches at a time.

“Hang on,” ordered Charlie as the circle became nearly impossible to hold. The closer she got to her body the more push they felt against their chain of hands.

Quite suddenly, her frame fell downwards lying just over her real body and slipped down onto it, seemingly melting into each other. With a torrent of blinding light, the circle blasted apart, their hands breaking their grips. 

Everything went dark and silent. The torches doused.

No one moved. Had it worked? Had Lizzy returned to her body?

They heard a deep inhale and exhale.

A torch popped back to life. Followed by another and another until the cavern was bouncing with fiery shadows. With the flick of his hands, Charlie cleared away the candle nubs that remained around Lizzy’s body. The circle of energy had nearly burnt them to nothing.

Lizzy’s eyes flickered open and she sat up, her dark eyes gleaming against her porcelain skin and dark veiled dress. Her hands ran over her face and chest, checking to be sure she was really back inside her body. A wide smile spread across her face, and without warning she turned, throwing her feet over the side of the slab and stood. She had just a moment’s trouble balancing her body, before extending her arm, motioning impatiently to Charlie.

“Tequila,” she reminded.

Charlie thrust the bottle at her. He didn’t say a word. Just stared in awe.

Lizzy tossed the bottle back daringly, a stream dribbling down her chin. “Oh my God that’s freaking good.” Her voice was throaty and low, tinged with a hint of crazy.

She thrust the bottle back into Charlie’s hand and stepped over to William, grabbing his shirt and pulling him down to her height. Before William knew what hit him she planted her lips on his and kissed him passionately, letting out a satisfied groan as she let go, licking her lips.

“Couldn’t help it,” she excused herself. “It’s been,” she paused, “way too many years.”

William, for a moment, went speechless, before making dramatic attempts to straighten his shirt for far longer than necessary. He ignored the chuckles and caught throats holding back laughter.

Lizzy stretched her fingers, looking intently at each one. “I can’t wait to try a pedicure.”

“Manicure,” corrected Melinda. “Pedicure is for your feet.”

“I want both!” she spoke with eagerness. “God, I can feel that drink.” She caressed her throat, her chest, her stomach. “It tingles.” She eyed at the bottle. “More.”

Charlie passed her the bottle again and once she’d given it back, took a deep swig himself, passing it to his brother. It went around in this manner a few times as they allowed Lizzy to come to life again.

“Um, not to spoil the moment or anything,” said Charlie after a bit. “But there is the matter of the doors…”

“Oh, yes. Of course, let’s take care of that now, shall we?”

“What do we need to do?”

“We’re all going to hold hands again,” she excitedly held hers out for Lucas and Riley, barely able to contain herself as she felt her skin in contact with skin.

“All I need to do is recite a spell; it will keep the doors permanently closed. Everyone ready? Good,” she replied, without waiting for an answer. She shivered, getting sidetracked. “Do you have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve felt cold?” She squealed like a teenager. “Okay, sorry, doors.”

She took a deep breath, regaining focus.

“Screw these doors, they really suck! Open no more or I’ll have to seriously kick some fucking ass, except that it’s not my God damned problem anymore! So if some friggin’ idiot comes along and opens the fucking things… don’t come looking for me…” She let go, let out a huff, and looked quite pleased.

“Um, huh?” said Melinda, thinking there had to be more to it than that.

“I know, terrible spell. But what else would you come up with after having them be the bane of your existence for like,
ever.
”

“Touché.” Michael chuckled, letting go and breaking the circle.

“So that’s it?” asked Lucas. “It’s done?”

“That’s it,” said Lizzy. “No more doors to protect, no more ghastly form, just magnificent me back in my skin.” She ran her hands up and down her black lace covered arms. “Oh how I missed touching myself.”

Charlie coughed, biting his tongue.

She smirked. “What?”

“Um… nothing.” He tried very hard to hold in a laugh.

Melinda tried to save poor Lizzy. “Ignore my ass-hat of a brother. Some words just have additional meanings they didn’t have in your day.”

“What do you mean? Is it a bad thing to want to touch myself? To feel again is…” she shuddered.

“It is
not
a bad thing,” Melinda spoke, her tone indicating she had far too much personal experience. Her cheeks got hot and her lapse into boldness shut down her vocal chords.

Riley’s breath hitched and he dropped his gaze. She swore if she turned around, William’s emerald greens would be drilling her direction. This wasn’t a topic she wanted to talk about. Not in the current company. Riley… William… her brothers… she didn’t know who was worse in this case.
Can this night please end already?

“Oh my God. You people are ridiculous.” Emily hopped over and got close to Lizzy, whispering in her ear hoping not to embarrass her.

“Oh…” Lizzy’s eyes took on a reckless flicker. “We may not have called it that, but we still
touched
ourselves. Women on the Isle weren’t prudes, even way back then. Well, us witches anyway.” She winked at William.

So blunt,
Charlie choked out a cough. There was something almost refreshing about it though. He shook his head and laughed. This Lizzy was going to bring a whole new level of insanity to the Isle.

Melinda tried to ignore the pang of jealousy slamming in her chest. It was stupid, but Lizzy clearly had the hots for the vampire. And she was bold and didn’t hide it. Just let it fly. Melinda had a hard time imagining being that daring all the time. She had been though, at least a little, with Riley. He was easy to be around. Made her comfortable. Not that William made her uncomfortable, but he was much more intimidating. Which was also stupid, seeing as she’d known him her entire life.