Chili Cauldron Curse. Lynn Cahoon
Mostly because she hated any type of politics.
“Your grandmother’s new beau, Dorian Alexander. He’s a nice guy. He wants the coven to grow but not at any cost. This other guy, Silas Miller, he’s militant. He wants the coven to take over Magic Springs. Make this some kind of refugee camp for the magical residents of the world.”
“And you support the kinder, less militant side.” Mia had known Kev a long time. He typically stayed out of the coven politics. She’d never seen him use his magic for anything but good for others.
“You know me. A few spells and good wishes for an awesome ski season is about all I conjure lately. I’d hate to be a part of a group that sees the good of the coven as a mandate to take over the world.” He glanced at Christina who was walking toward him. “Anyway, Dorian could use another sane voice of reason when the vote happens.”
“Let’s say I’ll think about it and talk to Grans. For now, come on over and I’ll explain what we’re doing.” Mia moved toward the table where the inventory notebook and design for the warehouse sat. She went through the work that needed done, and started the group on the pile in the middle. As she worked, she thought about the coven. Circle was their closing ceremony and typically was done in the nude. Of course, since they lived in a mountain community, they had to use magic to keep the outdoor ceremony area warm enough to not freeze, especially in winter months. She’d heard that once snow fell, they moved their ceremonies to a local hot springs where they used the heat from the warm water to keep them from freezing.
Another reason she didn’t play with the coven crowd, either here or in Boise. She had a relationship and didn’t want to have to explain why she needed to stay out all night once a month. Her magic was more of a personal thing. A part of herself she couldn’t walk away from, but that she didn’t want to let take over her world. She had her job and Isaac to do that.
At six, she glanced at the dwindling pile of boxes. Christina’s paper shelves were looking well stocked and a few of the others had started stocking the shelves in the vegetable section since they were running out of room in front to stack boxes.
Kev stood next to her. “I think you need us back tomorrow. I’ll see who’s not working and bring them over in the afternoon. Same time?”
“Works for me.” Mia rubbed an aching shoulder and then stretched her neck. “I’m heading back to Grans and to bed early.”
“I could come rub out some of those aches.” He winked at her. “No charge, no commitment.”
“I don’t even have the energy to slap you down for that comment.” Mia tapped his arm. “I’ve told you before, I’m not going to be one of your notches. See you tomorrow.”
“A guy can dream. Have a good night, Mia.” He smiled and then whistled. “Come on guys, I’ll buy everyone dinner over at the Hook and Hoof tonight.”
Christina came up to Mia. “Are we going with them?”
“I’m not, but you can. Do you know how to get to Grans?”
When Christina hesitated, Kev waved her toward the door. “You can ride with me.” He paused and waited for Mia to catch up. “Don’t worry, I’ll get little sister home safe and sound. She’s still got a lot of work here to do.”
Christina sighed. “I’m so counting this as my community service project for the parents. They better be happy with me when I get home or I’m going to tell them about all the starving children I saved, over and over.”
Mia laughed. “Just be in by ten. Grans is a light sleeper and I’d hate for you to wake her up late at night.”
“Curfews are my life.” Christina waved at a girl that was leaving the warehouse. “Hold up Lacey, I’m coming with you guys.”
As she left, Kev put a hand on Mia’s shoulder. “I’ll watch out for her. And the crew knows not to talk magic while muggles are around.”
Mia smiled at the word. Since Harry Potter had become popular, the magical folk had started using the fictional descriptors for their own lives. And it was great cover for the world that normal people never saw. “I’m counting on you.”
“Scouts honor.” He headed to the door and as he left, an older man came into the building. Mia watched as the two men met gazes, then Kev nodded and left.
She walked over to meet the newcomer. “Hi, I’m Mia Malone. If you’re here to volunteer, we’re actually closing up for the day.”
“Actually, I came to see Mary Alice, but I guess she didn’t come to help?” He glanced around the warehouse.
“No, she stayed home to work on a project today. I’m going to the house. Can I have your name and I’ll tell her you stopped by?” The man looked like he was one of the Sun Valley crowd. He wore a black suit that had to be designer the way it looked. His salt-and-pepper hair was grayer at the temples, making him look thoughtful, powerful, and strangely enough, rich.
“Forgive me. I’m Dorian Alexander. I’m friends with your grandmother.” He held out his hand. “She’s told me a lot about you, Mia.”
When Mia shook the hand, she felt the power that oozed out of the man. And she felt something else, a calm, friendly spirit of a really nice man. She didn’t doubt that he could be dangerous, but he was basically a nice guy. And he was a bit infatuated with her grandmother.
“Well, that’s one of us.” She studied the man. Grans could do a lot worse. Then she relaxed her gaze into a smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“I’m away on business a lot, so I’m not surprised my name hasn’t come up, but I hope to be hanging out here in Magic Springs more often. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
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