Forever Charmed (The Halloween LaVeau Series, Book 1) (30 page)

“
What’s going on?” Annabelle asked as she sniffed an aromatherapy candle.

“Why don’t you both have a seat?”
I pointed at the stools.

Annabelle looked at my mother. They both walked over and sat on the stools behind the counter. I stood in front of them, searching for the right words. My mother waved her hands, telling me to get on with it.

I shrugged then said offhandedly, “The Coven just had some questions about my new magic skills.”

My mother’s face was all smiles.

I stared at her. “Do you know about the books?”

She smiled wider and nodded.
“I just found out. I am so proud of you.”

I frowned.
“For what? I didn’t do anything? It’s not like I made the books or something.”

“
What’s going on? What books?” Annabelle’s brow creased with worry.

I didn’t answer and my mother continued.

“Don’t you see, Halloween? You were chosen for this. That’s why your magic was bad for so many years.” She pasted on smile of nonchalance.

I shook my head.
“I don’t believe that.”

My mother shrugged. “
Well, believe it or not, it’s the truth.”

“
Will someone please tell me what’s going on?” Annabelle frowned. 

“There’s an U
nderworld. As far as I can tell it’s not really underground,” I said, trying to sound casual.

My mother shook her head.

“Anyway, it’s like the overseers of the paranormal world. And yours truly is now the leader of it.”

Annabelle started choking. My mother handed her a bottle of water and I patted her on the back.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

When she finally caught her breath, she said,
“Are you kidding me? Is this a joke?”

I shook my head.
“Unfortunately, I am not joking. I don’t even want this.”

“But you can’t turn it down now,” m
y mother said in a panic.

“
What if I gave someone else the book and let them be the leader? I just want a normal life.”

My mother gasped.
“You can’t do that. No, no, no.”

“
You’re not the one thrown into this crazy world,” I said.

“I realize that, but if you’re meant to do this,
then you need to give it your best shot. Now I know I didn’t raise a quitter.”

She always threw that line at me.

“So what does this leader of the Underworld do?” Annabelle asked.

I shrugged.
“How am I supposed to know? I didn’t get an orientation packet. I have a couple of strange men running around, one telling me not to accept it, and the other one saying the same thing but he wants the book for some reason. He claims he’ll destroy it.”

My mother shook her head.
“No way, don’t let him have that book. I wouldn’t trust him.”

I let out a deep breath.
“Don’t worry. I didn’t give it to him and I don’t plan on it either.” I looked at Annabelle, then to my mother. “Part of the special skills is that I can reanimate the dead.”

“That’s the part I don’t like,” m
y mother said. “You should stay away from that.”

“
I’m trying to stay away from all of it. But I accidentally turned the ghost that was living in the manor back into a living, breathing annoying snot of a person. It’s like the freakin’ pet cemetery at my house,” I said.

“
What? There’s a ghost in the manor with you?” My mother swayed a little then sat back down on the stool.

I rushed over and steadied her.

“Well, she’s not a ghost any more. It was the woman I brought by here. Her name is Isabeau and she is a pain in the butt.”

“
Can’t you get rid of her?” Annabelle asked.

“
Well, I haven’t found the counter spell. Besides, I don’t think the spell lasts forever. Soon enough she’ll be gone.”

My mother shook her head.
“No, you need to get rid of her. I’ll come over today and help you find the spell that gets rid of her.”

I picked up the sampler for the new lip gloss that my mother had made. I smeared it across my lips then puckered in disgust.
“This stuff is terrible.”

She snatched it from my hands.
“Well, it’s not finished yet,” she said defensively.

I didn’t even try to argue with my mother about finding the counter spell for
Isabeau. When she set her mind to something there was no stopping her. Must be where I got my stubbornness from.

“
There’s something else I want to tell you,” I said looking at my mother.

“
I don’t know if I can handle much more, Halloween.” She clutched at her chest.

“
I think you’ll enjoy this news.”

Her eyes brightened and she sat a little straighter.
“I’m listening.”

“
The Coven has asked me to host the annual Halloween Ball,” I announced.

My mother gasped and clasped her hands together.
“I can’t believe it. My one and only daughter is finally being welcomed by the Coven.” She waved her hands in front of her face to fend off the tears.

This
was what made her proud? What about that I’d started a small business? I didn’t need the approval of some club. Or did I? Why was I so excited about hosting the Halloween Ball?

Annabelle sat up straighter. “
I don’t know, Halloween. I don’t think you should give them the time of day.”

I cast a glance at my mother. She would not be happy with Annabelle for that statement. I gave a warning glare to Annabelle, but she didn’t take the hint.

Annabelle scoffed. “They didn’t want you before, so why should you allow them into your life now?”

There was no way I could let my mother down now. The look of happiness on her face was priceless. As much as I’d disappointed her with my magic in the past, I owed her this one. Besides, I couldn’t deny that I liked being wanted for a change. I was popular and it felt good.

“I see your point, Annabelle, but this way I can show them I am in charge. I can finally prove myself.”

My mother beamed. Annabelle shrugged. She’d come around to my way of thinking soon enough. I gestured with a tilt of my head for Annabelle to look at my mother.

When she noticed my mother’s smile, she nodded in understanding. “Well, I guess now that you’ve explained it, the party at the manor does sound like a good idea.”

When I returned to the manor that evening for my date with Liam,
Isabeau had Nicolas cornered in the library. She was running her hands through his hair. Why didn’t Nicolas just tell her to get lost? I was all for manners and Southern hospitality, but I had to draw the line somewhere. Isabeau had to go. My movement must have caught Isabeau’s attention because she turned around and glared at me. Nicolas’ fangs reached over the bottom of his mouth and his eyes had a glazed-over look. I wouldn’t even bother to ask what was going on.

Isabeau
smirked and laughed. “Good evening, Halloween.” She said my name with disgust. “Are you all ready for your evening with Liam?”

She
touched Nicolas’ face as he stared at me. I couldn’t read his expression, but it looked like there was hurt in his eyes. I hadn’t told him of my plans with Liam. I hadn’t planned on it either. There was nothing to my date with Liam, right? I’d wanted to get more information from him. That was all. He seemed more forthcoming about the whole situation with me anyway.

Nicolas shouldn’t be jealous when he was flirting with
Isabeau. I didn’t hang around and give Isabeau another chance to mock me. There was no telling what she had said to Nicolas. I had to get rid of her right away. No more feeling sorry for her and no more Ms. Nice Girl.

I turned around and ran out the front door.
Now more than ever I needed fresh air and to get away from everyone. All I wanted was to be alone with my thoughts. 

Nicolas called out to me,
“Halloween, please, I want to talk with you.”

I glanced over my shoulder as I ran.
Nicolas moved with lightning speed after me. I knew I wouldn’t be able to outrun him. What did he want? There was nothing to talk about. Up ahead, the ghosts waited for me. They didn’t even try to hide this time. They were becoming bolder and obviously losing their patience waiting for me to perform magic. If they were anything like Isabeau there was no way I would ever turn them.

My side hurt and my legs couldn’t move any faster. My speed was slowing. W
hen I reached the line of trees, Nicolas grabbed my arm from behind. He spun me around and pulled me toward his chest. His eyes were clear and focused on my face. His gaze slid down to my lips and he pressed his mouth against mine. I sucked in a sharp breath. My heart raced as his tongue met with mine. I couldn’t stop myself. His lips were warm and delicious and I relished every moment of it. His tongue traced a sensuous path down my neck and I sucked in a sharp breath. The tips of his fangs eased against my warm flesh.

Finally
, I let my mind break free from this moment. I pulled away and stared at him.

“Halloween, d
on’t go out with Liam tonight,” he said.

“
Is that what all of this is about? You just don’t want me to go out with him?”

“N
o, that’s not what all of this is about.” He stepped closer to me and I moved back a few steps.

I stared at h
is fangs and then back at him. “This is just all some weird macho game you all have going on, isn’t it? You don’t care about me at all.”

“
That’s where you’re wrong. I do care about you.” His gaze fell to my neck..

“T
hen why shouldn’t I go out with him tonight?” I stared at him waiting for an answer.

“
Because I want you to go out with me. I want to be with you.”

T
he ghosts had found us. I looked around and they had me surrounded. It was like they were planning their attack. Nicolas didn’t seem to notice or, if he did, he didn’t care.

“
What is going on with Isabeau? You looked awfully cozy together.” I tried not to sound accusing.

He shook his head. “
There is something going on with her and I’m not sure what.”