Winter Witch

By J.M. Cagle

Shema Black is an aspiring sculptor who is working diligently to succeed in her field. She is hard-working, kind and loving. She is also a witch with a multitude of problems that her witchery cannot seem to resolve. When she and her concert pianist sister are invited to a ski resort by her best friend she accepts eagerly; thinking a short vacation is just what the doctor ordered. But it turns out to be everything that Shema was expecting and more. She encounters Jordan Vancouver a handsome man that she had briefly met days before but never expected to see again. The meeting leads to intrigue, danger and romance. Shema is unsure how to handle issues that are turning her life upside down. But the danger does not just affect her. Shema’s sister’s life is in danger as well. How can she protect them both? And it doesn’t help that she has a jealous mother who would rather die than to provide the nurturing that her daughters crave. But Jordan proves to be an ally that takes her completely by surprise and she finds herself falling in love. Will Shema be able to make sense of the chaos that her life has become and allow love to enter in? Or will unknown enemies destroy her chance for love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mark Mulle
• Release date: Aug 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310629860

J.M. Cagle

J.M. Cagle began writing stories while in high school. She went on to attend California State University, Dominguez Hills and continued her pursuing her writing interests by interning at KTLA, a Los Angeles television station. She also became a sports writer for two community newspapers. She would attend sporting events and write articles on the games. Ms. Cagle also worked part-time at internationally acclaimed The Studios at Paramount where she garnered first-hand knowledge of the intricacies of television and film production. She has since gone on to write a multitude of screenplays and theatrical productions.Ms. Cagle’s focus is now centered on the writing genres of romance, paranormal and suspense novels. She also enjoys writing in the spiritual genre as well. When she isn’t engaged in her favorite pastime of writing she takes pleasure in singing, visiting the beach, bicycling, reading, walking and spending time with her loved ones. Ms. Cagle currently resides in Michigan where she continues to speak her heart through her writing.

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Winter Witch

(Book Three of the Enchanted Love Series)

By J.M. Cagle

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 J.M. Cagle

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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eBook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author,

and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or

non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage

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authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Other Books in the Enchanted Love Series

Book One: A Search for Love

Book Two: A Wicked Vision

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

About J.M. Cagle

Other Books by This Author

Connect with J.M. Cagle

Chapter 1

Shema Black waited impatiently for the elevator to come back up to the third floor of the department store she’d been shopping in. She’d already passed on one trip because it was bursting at the gills with people. She hoped that it would have fewer people on it the next time it arrived. She shifted her packages to the other hands and checked her watch. If she didn’t hurry she would miss her train. Normally it didn’t bother her to wait, but today she was anxious to get home because she wanted to start packing for her trip. Shema had been looking forward to this trip all week. Her best friend, Shiloh Wrightwood, had invited her to upstate New York for a ski trip. Shiloh’s family owned a lodge in the community of Breckenridge, New York where people flooded for great skiing. Shema loved to ski, and she jumped at the opportunity to go. It had been a long time since she had skied, and she was longing to feel the snow swoosh beneath her skis. She’d had come downtown to purchase a few items she would need for her trip and ended up spending more time in the shops than she had intended. Finally the elevator arrived, and it was fuller than the last one, if that were possible. She shook her head to indicate that she would not be boarding and moved to the stairs. She looked down at her watch again as she opened the door and entered the stairwell. She ran smack into a man coming down the steps.

Oh! I’m sorry, she gasped.

He caught her shoulders to steady her as she tilted toward the floor.

Are you okay? he asked anxiously as he straightened her.

Yes, I’m fine. I should have seen you coming. I wasn’t looking up unfortunately, she smiled wanly.

Not a problem, he smiled. I was in too much of a rush. I’m running a little late.

Please, don’t let me keep you. I’m so sorry for ramming into you, Shema said.

You didn’t. I think it was a mutual collision. You are sure you’re okay? he asked.

Yes, I’m fine, she said.

Goodnight then, he said amiably.

He ran down the three flights of steps and was soon out of sight. Shema thought he was a very attractive man. Tall, broad, dark hair and green eyes--a woman could gaze forever into his sparkling eyes. She wondered how he would respond to her supernatural abilities. She always speculated about their reactions when she met a man she liked. For some reason she didn’t think he would mind. Strange how she would think that. She knew nothing about him. Shema sighed and began trotting down the steps. She would probably never see him again, so there was no sense in mooning over him. But he was handsome. Shema reached the first floor and walked through the street level of the store. As she approached the exit doors she pulled her coat collar tighter around her neck. Winters in New York were brutally cold, but she wouldn’t live anywhere else. She loved the bustling city with its theatres, museums, fashion and eclectic vibe. There was always something to see or do, and the people accepted you for whoever you were. You could do your thing, and it was cool. There was just no other city like it. Shema left the store and made her way to the subway. She arrived on the platform just in time to catch her train. She sat in a window seat and stared out the window. She could see her reflection in the icy pane. She smiled at her visage for she had a wool hat pulled so low on her head that it almost obscured her smooth cocoa brown skin and pert nose. Her hazel eyes could barely be seen beneath the rim of her hat. And her muffler was so tightly wrapped around her neck that it practically covered her full lips, sensuous lips. Shema shrugged at her appearance. It was wintertime in New York. No one expected you to look cute in single digit conditions. Shema relaxed and thought about her upcoming trip. Her sister, Jada, would be coming with her. Jada knew Shiloh and her family as well as Shema. As they were only fifteen months apart they grew up very close. As the oldest, Shema always looked out for Jada. It took Jada a while to grow out of her shyness, so Shema, who was the extrovert, would always include Jada in everything she did. They were two peas in a pod as children, and that had not changed as they grew into adulthood. Jada grew out of her shyness when she entered high school and became one of the most popular girls on campus. Jada became the cheerleader, and Shema played volleyball and softball. Shema smiled when her teammates couldn’t understand how she could dive so quickly for a volleyball dig or throw the ball so fast as a pitcher. Only Jada knew her secret, and the two of them would giggle about it for hours in their bedroom. Shema’s special gifts came in handy while playing sports in high school. But she was careful when using them as an adult. The people around her now were wiser and more astute. They could figure out her secret if she gave them too many clues.

Her stop came up fairly quickly, and she got off the train. She walked briskly two blocks then turn down her street where her brownstone house was located. She shared it with Jada, and it was the perfect arrangement. Each sister gave the other all the space they needed, but they were also great company for one another. Shema climbed the stoop and stomped the snow off of her boots. She then unlocked the door and entered the house. Shema sniffed the air and smelled the aroma spicy chili. Shema dropped her packages on the couch and went into the kitchen.

Hey, Jada. Something smells great, Shema called out.

Jada came into the kitchen from the pantry. She carried a bottle of cumin and garlic powder.

Hey, Shema. Did you find everything you needed?" Jada asked. She went to the stove and took the lid off of the large pot. She then sprinkled in the spices liberally.

Yes. Macy’s had some great sales on boots and hats, Shema said happily.

And of course you bought two of each, Jada said dryly.

Of course, Shema laughed. One never knows when you will need an extra pair of each.

Jada laughed at Shema carefree spirit. It was so like Shema to live life to the fullest. So of course she would buy two instead of one; that was just Shema.

So, do you have everything you need? Shema asked as she sat on the island stool.

If I don’t I’m sure I can borrow from you, Jada smiled.

True. I am so excited about this trip. I really need it, Shema said.

So am I. Shiloh’s timing is perfect. I wonder if we will meet any handsome men on this trip, Jada said speculatively.

Shema looked at Jada and thought if they did, then the men would jump for Jada’s attention. She was totally hot. Jada’s calm, classy confidence drew men to her like a moth to light. She could enter a room, and within minutes she’d be surrounded by the male species. Slender, 5’5" inches tall, with curly brown highlighted hair and a rockin’ figure, Jada was ethereally beautiful, soft spoken, gentle and loving. She took life as it came and was at peace with however it turned out. Shema wished she could steal a page from Jada’s book sometimes. Her cherry auburn hair was indicative of her temperament at times. Sometimes Shema wished that she had kept her cool rather than allow her temper to fly. But although she could anger quickly she would cool just as fast. She had steadily worked on that particular flaw over the years, and she felt she had a firm handle on it.

I doubt there will be a lack of them, Shema said. There always seem to be lots of men invited to the Wrightwood family functions.

Jada stirred the chili.

Things could get interesting, Jada murmured.

Shema grinned.

I’m looking forward to it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shema and Jada arrive at the Breckenridge airport. Shiloh was supposed to pick them up, so they hurried to baggage claim to retrieve the luggage. It didn’t take them long to spot their bags and grab them off of the carousel. Just as they exited the terminal they saw Shiloh drive up. She waved at them and popped the trunk of her Jeep Cherokee. The girls stored their bags and got in the truck. Shema got in the front seat as Jada hops in the back. They hugged each other, and then Shiloh drove off.

I’m so glad you are here. The snow is fabulous--great for skiing, Shiloh enthused.

I can’t wait to get on the slopes. It’s been a long time, Shema said.

What about you, Jada? Are you going to give the slopes a try? Shiloh asked as she looked in her rearview mirror at Jada.

Yes. But I’ll be taking it slow, Jada smiled. I won’t be able to keep up with all of you, but that’s okay.

We won’t leave you behind, Jada, Shema grinned. Don’t worry. I’ll hook you up with a handsome stud to take care of you.

I know just the guy, Shiloh laughed.

Jada groaned.

Oh God! Jada grimaced. I will really be okay on my own.

But you won’t have to be on your own. One look at you and the men will be falling over themselves to be your escort, Shiloh smiled.

Jada blushed. Shiloh looked in her mirror and laughed.

A black girl is actually turning red, Shiloh giggled.

We blush too. Especially Jada, Shema grinned.

Mom has a fantastic week planned for us. And she can’t wait to see you, Shiloh said. She must have asked me fifty times if you were coming.

Your mom is terrific. So is your dad, Jada said.

How did two such awesome people produce the likes of you? Shema teased.

Shiloh laughed.

That’s what my parents keep asking. They can’t believe I’m their daughter, Shiloh exclaimed.

It must have been a mix-up at the hospital, Jada smirked.

Well, they’re stuck with me. Good or bad, Shiloh giggled.

Jada looked out the window and sighed.

It’s so beautiful out here. How lucky you are to have a lodge in Breckenridge, Shema said. If it were me I would live out here.

It is pretty spectacular. The snowcapped mountains standing majestically as the background to the snow-covered valleys and slopes. It’s breathtaking, Shiloh said.

It’s so serene and peaceful, Jada said.

Until the skiers and snowboarders descend upon the tranquility, Shiloh said. But I understand what draws them here. How can you resist being a part of this beauty, if only for a little while?

True. I certainly can’t, Shema said.

Look, Jada pointed to the sky. It looks like a storm is rolling in.

A night of snowing will make conditions even more perfect for skiing in the morning, Shiloh grinned. But I will hurry. I don’t want to get stuck in a snowbank.

Good idea, Shema said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They arrived at the Wrightwood lodge amidst warm welcomes, hugs and kisses. They entered the lodge, and Shema was once again amazed at the grandeur of the residence. It was more of a splendid chalet than an ordinary lodge. Shema always thought that the Wrightwoods called it a lodge to downplay the splendor of it. But how could you not see the richness and sumptuousness in every detail of design? It was simply luxury at its finest.

Come sit by the fire, ladies, Janice Wrightwood said. Cameron will take your bags to your rooms.

At your service, my ladies, Cameron bowed. He was Shiloh’s handsome blond brother and loved to joke.

Go, Shiloh ordered.

Janice Wrightwood was Shiloh’s mother, and she was as sweet and kind any person could be. She wore her brunette hair in a short chic cut, and she had merry blue eyes.

Would you care for some hot cider? she asked.

Yes, Jada and Shema said simultaneously.

I’ll be right back, Janice laughed as she moved her slightly chubby form into the kitchen.

James Wrightwood, Shiloh’s dad sat down on the fireplace hearth.

So, I hear you have a showing coming up, Shema, he said.

Yes, in three weeks. There’s a sculpture that I’m working on that I want to include in the exhibit. It could very well be the crown jewel if I can finish it in time, Shema said.

So you’re a sculptor? a new voice said.

Everyone turned to see who spoke. A handsome, tall, dark hair man was trotting down the sweeping staircase. Shema looked at him closely as he moved to the couch. Janice came back with a tray of hot cider.

Ah! Perfect, he said appreciatively as he reached for a mug.

Put that back. I didn’t include you, Janice retorted.

How could you not include me? You love me like a son, he teased her.

Janice set the tray on the table.

You’re such a charmer. I will get more, she pretended annoyance. Jim, introduce him to the girls.

He stood by the hearth.

Shema, Jada this is Jordan Vancouver, Jim said.

Hi. I’m Jada, Jada smiled.

And I’m Shema.

He shook their hands.

A pleasure to meet you. Which one is the sculptor? Jordan asked.

I am, Shema said.

I think I heard you say that you’re having a showing, he commented.

Yes. I’m excited about it, Shema replied.

I bet. I would like to attend. I very much support the arts. Is this your first exhibit? Jordan asked.

No. I’ve had several before, although this is my largest showing, Shema said.

Shema is a superior sculptor. Collectors come from all over the world to attend her showings, Jada said. She was very proud of her sister’s accomplishments.

Circle the date, Janice said as she returned with more hot cider. We’re all attending. Shema’s pieces are extraordinary.

I will, he smiled at Shema.

Shema looked into his green eyes, and she instantly remembered him.

I know you, she announced.

Everyone looked at her in shock.

Well, I kind of do, Shema amended.

You do? Jada said.

Jordan smiled.

I wondered how long it would take you to recall our collision, he said.

Your collision? Janice asked. She was baffled.

Yes. I was waiting on the elevator in Macy’s, but it was too crowded. So I opted to take the stairs, Shema explained. I entered the stairwell and crashed into him.

Clumsy, Shema, Shiloh teased.

I wasn’t looking where I was going. I was checking my watch, Shema said ruefully.

Running late as usual, Jada said.

So was I. The incident was just as much my fault as Shema’s. But no harm was done, he said mildly.

So you recognized Shema right away? Shiloh asked.

Absolutely. I never forget a gorgeous face, he complimented.

Shema was bemused.

My face was practically covered, she said in disbelief.

I could never forget your remarkable eyes. They looked to be grey at the time. But now they appear greenish yellow, Jordan was clearly amazed.

Shema has our dad’s incredible hazel eyes. They change color with her mood or what she’s wearing, Jada said.

I’m so jealous. I’m stuck with dull brown eyes, Shiloh pouted.

With a mane of thick black hair that most women would kill for, Janice reminded her.

And when can we expect another concert from you, Jada? Jim asked.

I’m performing at Carnegie Hall in six weeks, Jada said softly.

Jada is a brilliant concert pianist, Shema said proudly. Now, she’s the one to stand up and take notice of.

Shema, Jada whispered for her sister hush.

It’s true, Shema insisted.

Another date to circle, Jordan, Janice said.

My calendar is filling up, he grinned. I wouldn’t miss it.

I’m going to take liberties as your surrogate dad and ask you to play for us while you’re here, Jim smiled. It’s not every day that we have an internationally acclaimed pianist in our midst.

Of course, I’ll play. I can’t think of anything better I’d rather do, Jada laughed.

Ah! She knows how to please an old man, Jim sighed.

You’re not an old man. You happen to be my favorite surrogate Dad, Jada said as she went to sit beside him and kiss his cheek. Jim blushed profusely, but it was obvious that he was moved.

Shema and Jada had come to love Shiloh’s parents. They began referring to Jim as a surrogate father shortly after their own dad had died in an automobile accident. That had been a very rough time for the girls and for their brother, Braden. They adored their father and he them. They had actually been closer to their dad than their mother because of his easygoing nature and perception. Walter Black could always tell when one of his daughters was troubled, and he knew just what to do or say to resolve it. Jim Wrightwood knew he had huge shoes to fill. Walter was a special man, and he loved him dearly. And he loved Walter’s girls as much as his own children, and there was nothing he