Cuckoo in the Coven: Witches of Raven's Landing, #2

By Saskia Walker

Enter a world of magic, desire, and danger.  Introducing Raven's Landing, a sleepy Cornish harbour town, a sanctuary where witches have lived in harmony for centuries—until now.

 

There's a new witch in town, but who is this mysterious stranger and why has he come to Raven's Landing?

Rowena Meldrum is the baker at The Witch's Brew café, and this shy young witch can only imagine sharing her precious moments with a trusted lover, until Caleb Meriwether strolls into her life. This handsome stranger beguiles and seduces her, but does he have a dubious motive for doing so? Rowena's instinctively wary because she once trusted a male witch who tricked her, and kept her prisoner. Nevertheless, her heart has been entranced, and even the disapproval of her own coven can't stop her falling in love with a man she knows nothing about.

 

Caleb is a loner, a male witch with no history, and no coven. He doesn't want or need a coven, but he's on the hunt for knowledge. He agrees to infiltrate the Raven's Landing community in exchange for vital information about his own origins, and sees Rowena as his way in. But the powerful London witch who holds the key to his past is playing a wicked game, and Caleb needs to find out what it is. Getting mixed up with an adorable innocent like Rowena is only going to hinder his progress, right? It's imperative he cast her aside. What he didn't account for was the power of love, the strength of the Raven's Landing coven, and the revelations they might reveal.

There's a new witch in town, but who is this mysterious stranger and why has he come to Raven's Landing?

Rowena Meldrum is the baker at The Witch's Brew café, and this shy young witch can only imagine sharing her precious moments with a trusted lover, until Caleb Meriwether strolls into her life. This handsome stranger beguiles and seduces her, but does he have a dubious motive for doing so? Rowena's instinctively wary because she once trusted a male witch who tricked her, and kept her prisoner. Nevertheless, her heart has been entranced, and even the disapproval of her own coven can't stop her falling in love with a man she knows nothing about.

 

Caleb is a loner, a male witch with no history, and no coven. He doesn't want or need a coven, but he's on the hunt for knowledge. He agrees to infiltrate the Raven's Landing community in exchange for vital information about his own origins, and sees Rowena as his way in. But the powerful London witch who holds the key to his past is playing a wicked game, and Caleb needs to find out what it is. Getting mixed up with an adorable innocent like Rowena is only going to hinder his progress, right? It's imperative he cast her aside. What he didn't account for was the power of love, the strength of the Raven's Landing coven, and the revelations they might reveal.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saskia Walker
• Release date: Mar 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393555520

Saskia Walker

Award-winning British author Saskia Walker first dreamed of writing her own stories when she discovered a handful of romance novels stashed away in her school library. An avid reader, she lapped up the adventures and the life-affirming emotion she found there. As well as fantasy and romance, Saskia writes paranormal, historical and contemporary fiction, with a special interest in witchcraft. Saskia's short stories have now been published in over one hundred international anthologies and magazines. Her novels have been published by two New York publishing houses as well as several smaller publishing houses. To her absolute delight two of her novels won Passionate Plume awards, and her work has twice been nominated for a Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers' Choice Award. Her Witches of Scotland series was widely translated and became a Scandinavian bestseller. In 2015 she became a USA TODAY bestselling author. It's been an amazing journey. Saskia is now a full time author and she has many more stories to tell. Saskia is happily settled in Yorkshire in the north of England, with her real-life hero, Mark, and a houseful of felines. 

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

​ ​Why on earth would I want to be part of a coven?

It was a ludicrous idea. Caleb Meriwether shook his head, dismissing Dimitri’s suggestion.

Dimitri Kustavos lifted his vodka glass and swirled the ice around. Useful contacts. People who understand you.

I’ve managed without for my entire twenty-three years.

You’ve managed because you’ve got me. Dimitri grinned. But you’d gain so much more meeting new people.

Caleb reached for his whisky tumbler, and took a swig from it. The music in the club bar was suddenly too loud, too annoying. Dimitri, who he’d known since they were kids, lounged on the sofa opposite, a woman draped on either side of him. The women were arm candy. Expressionless glamour girls who cooed over his magical abilities and his sexual prowess.

Yes, I’ve got you, Caleb replied, sarcastically, so I don’t need a coven.

I get it, Dimitri replied. You’re self-reliant, but there’s something missing from your life. You just said as much.

Caleb fixed Dimitri with a dismissive stare. You weren’t listening. I told you I’d given up trying to find out about my start in this world. I don’t care to know any more.

The very fact you mentioned it means you want to know. You’ve tried everything, haven’t you? You’ve even used your magic to find out your heritage.

Caleb shrugged. It was true, but he wasn’t going to beat himself up about it, especially not for Dimitri. What are you getting at?

There was always something behind Dimitri’s façade, some ulterior motive. They were old friends from boarding school days, and they met up occasionally for a drink, because they both had the gift.

I just wanted to see how you were coping. Dimitri didn’t deliver casual enquiry well. It’s been a while.

Caleb sensed Dimitri was lying. I’m doing fine. To be honest I find life more challenging when I don’t use my magic, and that’s what I enjoy, a good challenge. Using the gift makes everything too easy.

Dimitri gave a derisive laugh and stroked his hand along the curve of his female companion’s hip. You’ve achieved a lot, sure, but wouldn’t it be the icing on the cake to find out about your background?

Caleb didn’t respond. They’d already spoken about this matter. Dimitri knew everything about his own roots, his heritage. Caleb knew nothing.

It did irritate. Most of all he wanted to know why the truth had been hidden from him. He regretted discussing it with Dimitri though. Dimitri didn’t respect boundaries, nor did he take hints well. Caleb was ten years old when Dimitri arrived at his boarding school, having been expelled from his previous one for being a trouble maker. They were both on the verge of discovering their gift, and it bonded them.

What was Dimitri up to now though?  Caleb knew Dimitri was part of a coven, a community of the gifted, but the idea had never really appealed to him. But Caleb was bored, so he hung around, listening to him bragging about connections and implications.

You’re between projects, Dimitri continued. Why not use the time to learn more about your gift?

I know enough.

How do you survive without people around you?

I have people around me. They’re not into that side of my life, but it doesn’t bother me.

I suppose you always were a bit of a loner.

Necessity, given his circumstances, but he didn’t say it. I don’t like to rely on other people.

You could charm the birds out of the trees if you wanted to, especially with a coven behind you. 

That’s the key. I don’t want to be part of a community.

Dimitri carried on regardless, determined, it seemed, to convince him. I can put you in touch with my coven mistress. She’s looking for someone like you.

Caleb gave a derisive laugh. What does that mean, ‘someone like me’?

Someone who isn’t very well known in the network.

So that was it. There was an ulterior motive. It should have warned Caleb off and he knew it, but he was bored. He was indeed ‘between projects’ and he was looking for a new challenge.

Drusilla knows everyone, Dimitri continued. She’d have access to information about you.

What’s in it for her?

Trust you to think like that.

A businessman has to think about it from all angles. Besides, you already said she wants an unknown.

So I did. Dimitri pursed his lips.

Had he overstepped the mark? Caleb was curious. What does she want? Money?

Money isn’t an issue. She does want something in return, a favor most likely. Dimitri swallowed down the rest of his drink. Why don’t I take you round to her place now, introduce you?

Caleb didn’t have any pressing engagements. Perhaps that was why he was tempted by Dimitri’s suggestion. He didn’t need to know about his beginnings, it didn’t matter anymore. He’d established his life independently. He didn’t need anybody. The curiosity was there though, and it kept him from taking off and leaving Dimitri to entertain himself with his arm candy.

I told Drusilla about you. She said she might have known your mother.

Caleb sipped his drink and tried not to react. It was bait, wasn’t it? He couldn’t be sure.

Dimitri rose to his feet, pushing a wad of notes into his companion’s hand as he did so. The chance might not come along again.

Caleb had the urge to silence Dimitri, but deep down the questions were always there, whether someone was baiting him or not, so he decided to go along with it. That’s why he left the club bar with Dimitri that late summer Sunday night, because he was bored and curious, and maybe he did want to stretch his wings.

Dimitri hailed a taxi and they crossed London from the West End to the luxurious hotels close to Buckingham Palace. Their destination was an elegant self-contained apartment attached to the most salubrious hotel in London.

Caleb had heard of Drusilla Cavendish, albeit mostly from Dimitri and his cronies. She had a formidable reputation, and he’d heard that if you weren’t with her you were against her, an enemy to be brought down. So he entered the apartment warily. Drusilla was notoriously hard to impress but he learnt from others in London she was the one to be connected with, if a coven was your thing. Which it wasn’t, for Caleb.

A tall, suited man with a shaved head opened the door to them and nodded when he saw Dimitri, ushering him in. He remained by the door, safeguarding the entrance. Caleb scanned the surroundings. The place was luxurious, marble pillars and high ceilings. The furnishings were Moorish in style, expensive. Recognizable masterpieces punctuated the walls. A life-size sculpture of a young ballerina stood in the reception area, her arms outstretched, her hands throwing off heavy chains, her expression exalted. A visitor had to choose which side to navigate, to get past it.

Drusilla lay on a red velvet chaise longue, propped on one elbow elegantly, as if she knew they were on their way. She wore a black silk dressing gown, and little else. Her features were distinctive, some might call them regal. Her waist length black hair was secured loosely and draped over one shoulder, tied at the end with a scarlet ribbon.

Dimitri, darling. She put out her hands, but didn’t rise.

Dimitri crossed the room at a pace, and then bent over her hands, kissing them.

Good to see you, dear boy. Her gaze flitted immediately from Dimitri to Caleb. Who’s your friend?

Caleb walked slowly over to join them. He had the feeling she already knew who he was. Dimitri did the introductions, then stood in a far corner, leaning up against a marble pillar, one shoulder against it, observing.

Take a seat. She gestured at a low chair nearby.

Caleb chose to remain standing. He had no intention of getting cozy with this viper woman. He nodded his head, and stayed where he was. Ms Cavendish.

Call me Drusilla. She looked him over, staring quite blatantly. Dimitri told me about you.

So I understand.

You seek kin.

The urge to deny it was within him, but he resisted. I’m curious about my beginnings, that much is true.

If you were part of our coven, we’d assume the task of discovering your background, if we didn’t already know. One corner of her mouth lifted.

He stared at her, saying nothing.

I’d be happy to welcome you, she continued, still looking him up and down as if he was a piece of meat in a market, but we usually have some sort of initiation, or a task, through which you prove yourself. Are you willing to take such a challenge?

Caleb bristled. I’ve been reliably... He paused and looked at Dimitri, informed, that you might know something of my family origins. If you don’t, I’m out of here.

She broke eye contact, spreading herself out more comfortably on her velvet chaise lounge. Her black silk robe fell open, revealing her shapely legs. Caleb had the feeling she’d done it on purpose to attract his attention. She was a good looking woman, but that wasn’t why he was here.

Caleb Meriwether, Caleb Meriwether... She tapped one long red talon against her lower lip. The name rings a vague bell.

Irritated, Caleb rolled his eyes. How vague?

I do seem to remember some gossip within my circles. It’s likely I can find out more on your behalf. I’d fill your background in, for a price.

Which is?

Loyalty. Join my coven.

Now he was sure. He definitely didn’t want to be part of a coven. Ever. But he was hungry for the knowledge she might have about him. Depends on the task.

I’d like you to go south, meet some old friends of mine. She smiled. It was sinister. Specifically, I’d like to know what they’re up to these days. Let’s just say we have mutual interests.

You’re asking me to spy on an enemy?

My, you are direct. I prefer to call it getting to know them. She lifted her perfectly arched eyebrows, looking like a 1920s silent movie star.

She looked good, and he couldn’t help wondering how old she was. She had quite the reputation, so he figured she’d traded for more time.

Where? He didn’t really want to leave London at the moment. He had irons in several business fires, but he could handle them from a distance.

You’ll have to leave town for a while. Head down to Cornwall for a nice sleepy retreat.

Caleb couldn’t think of anything worse. He needed to be on the go, to feel alive and worthwhile. Sleepy?

Don’t be fooled by appearances. There’s a lot going on beneath the surface.

And you want to know what.

Exactly. We understand each other well, that’s good. That’ll save a lot of time.

And why do you think this is a suitable test of my abilities?

Because when they put their heads together, they’re quite a coven. I need to know you’re able to stand against them.

Caleb couldn’t help being curious. Just a little. Do you expect me to need my magic to infiltrate them?

You have to prove yourself worthy to them, and in doing so you’ll prove yourself worthy to me.

There was much more to it, he could tell. By infiltrating a different ‘worthy’ coven, don’t you run the risk of losing me to them?

She blinked, glanced away, and then looked back at him. You’ll have failed the task if you did that, and you won’t find out what you need to know.

The bait had been dangled. He could see she knew something. It glittered brightly at the back of her eyes.

You’ll have to tell me more about them.

The less you know, the more natural it’ll seem. She reached into her pocket and drew out a burner phone and a business card, setting them down on the coffee table.

Diamonds glittered across her fingers. The rings looked eerily like a knuckle duster. Caleb wondered if that was her intention.

I’ll arrange for my driver to take you there tomorrow. Be ready to leave at five a.m. He’ll have you there by midday. I’ll tell you more once you’ve ingratiated yourself. She waved her hand dismissively.

The meeting was over.

Caleb didn’t like her, and he didn’t like her attitude. But the need for knowledge hungered in him. He grabbed the phone and the card, and turned his back on her without saying a word.

Dimitri joined him as he strode back to the elevator.

Caleb shot him a warning glance.

Dimitri grinned.

Caleb shook his head. What the hell had he just agreed to?

Only when they got to the elevator did he look down at the card in his hand.

The Cauldron.

Esoteric gift shop

Raven’s Landing.

CHAPTER TWO

Baking was like making magic, Rowena Meldrum reflected.

She stood at the granite surface in the kitchen at the back of The Witch’s Brew café in Raven’s Landing, kneading dough, humming along with the radio. It was her favorite place to be. Whenever she was in this kitchen, baking, her mind always alighted on creative matters.

Her friend and mentor, Celeste, said making magic was like sewing, or quilt making, weaving the threads of life together through magic. But for Rowena it was definitely baking. Baking had the same sort of correspondence for her. She carefully chose the ingredients, bringing them together, crafting them, kneading them with love and affection, caring for them. The magic came about when she put her creations somewhere safe and warm to develop and rise. Once it was baked, the job was complete, just like making a spell.

Of course one had to be much more judicious when creating magic.

She was deep in thought on the matter when Willow, who owned the café, charged through the door and grabbed Rowena’s floured hand in her own, causing her to pause mid-knead.

There’s a new witch in town. Willow rounded her eyes, nodding her head back at the tea rooms. Try to get a look at him, Rowena. He’s handsome, drop-dead gorgeous.

Rowena gave an exaggerated sigh and wiped her hands on a tea towel before complying with her friend’s instructions. Willow liked to keep her finger on the pulse and always knew when anyone new appeared in town. She could also tell in a glance when the magic folk arrived in Raven’s Landing, homing in on them like a heat-seeking device. No one got past Willow.

Imelda, who helped out in the kitchen since her recent rescue from captivity, was stacking dishes for the day ahead.

Imelda, can you keep an eye on the oven for me, Rowena asked, as she re-hung the tea towel, while I humor Willow and check this guy out?

Imelda nodded and chuckled.

Rowena assumed the man in question was some poor soul who’d found his way here by chance, as so many of them had at one time or another, if they weren’t already residents. Rowena came from a nearby village, but even as a young teenager she knew Raven’s Landing was where she was destined to be, amongst like-minded gifted folk.

Willow waved her over and pointed through the doorway into the café. There was a round window inserted in the door and Rowena peeped through it. She was just about to ask who and where, when she caught sight of the most gorgeous man sitting alone at a table by the window. The other tables were filled with groups having a gossip or a giggle. The newcomer stood out from the other customers. Not only because he was alone, but because he wore a smart suit and appeared to be a businessman.

Willow nudged her from behind, crowding in to peep over her shoulder. That’s him. Isn’t he delicious?

Rowena looked at his thick black hair and handsome features. He had angular cheekbones and a strong jaw line. He was distinctive, and seemed deeply absorbed in his own thoughts. A folded copy of The Financial Times sat on the table in front of him. He wore a dark blue suit with an open-neck white shirt beneath. As she watched, he alternated between looking out the window at the street beyond, to glancing down at the phone in his palm. He appeared out of place, amongst the locals gossiping, and the tourists chomping scones and sandwiches before heading off to explore the location.

She craned her neck, trying to get a look at his eyes, to see what color they were, but she couldn’t make it out from here. Just then he looked their way, as if he’d sensed he was being watched, and both her and Willow quickly moved away from the window pane in the door. Willow stayed close by and risked another look, a moment later. He’s perfect for you, Willow declared.

Too good to be true, Rowena said dismissively, and strolled back to her baking. There was no way a guy like that would be interested in her. She wasn’t even going to venture there. Good-looking guys frightened her off. Well, they didn’t frighten her, exactly, but she was trying to be sensible, even though she had daydreams. What girl didn’t? But she’d had her fingers burned before. In the past she’d let herself be talked into a magical apprenticeship by a male witch, and it’d turned out to be her worst nightmare. Since then she hadn’t taken any risks with men. No, steering clear was the safest option. For now she would manage on her daydreams.

He actually announced himself, Willow said, continuing to peer through the glass into the cafe beyond. Asked me if I knew Celeste, and where he might find her. He obviously knows she’s our coven mistress.

And that’s how you know he’s gifted?

No, I knew before he asked. I can always tell. The older you get, the easier it becomes.

Rowena didn’t comment. She was still a relative newbie compared to Willow and Celeste, the matriarchs of their coven, and she didn’t get strong inklings about such things, not as yet.

Determined to avoid Willow’s continuing encouragement, Rowena washed her hands. I’m going to go next door and check stock in The Cauldron while the dough is proving. I’ll be back in half an hour. I’m sure you can cope without me.

Willow opened her mouth, ready to object. She shoved her orders notepad into the pocket on her army trousers, as if ready to take time out to convince Rowena.

Rowena headed off, determined not to be sucked into whatever plan Willow had in mind. She and Celeste did love to matchmake, and Rowena had already warned them not to do so on her behalf without consulting her. There may come a day when the ideal man appeared, but it was very important to Rowena she had complete control of the situation, and the man came to her willingly. She knew exactly where she stood on that point. Because her previous experience with men had proven she was totally incompetent when it came to dealing with the opposite sex.

The sound of Willow’s objections followed as she went into the café and then immediately out through the door that joined The Witch’s Brew cafe to The Cauldron gift shop. She ignored Willow, smiling ahead at Celeste, who despite being the main matchmaker in the area was much more sensible about things.

Oh, don’t you like him? Celeste said, when she saw Rowena arriving in the gift shop. Celeste rose to her feet from the stool she sat on behind the glass cabinet serving counter, and tidied her long, forest-green, velvet dress.

Good grief, how on earth did you know already? You’re not watching via magic?

Celeste chuckled, and pulled her hair back in her hands, tying it out of the way before she busied herself with a jewelry display on the counter. No, Willow came in here and told me about him before she told you. I had a look. I hope you don’t mind.

I don’t even know the guy. Why would I mind you looking at him?

​ I thought I should check him out before Willow drew your attention to him. Celeste lifted her eyebrows and fixed Rowena with an enquiring glance.

Rowena lifted her hands in a sign of exasperation. Leave the poor man alone. I bet he’s burning up under all this scrutiny.

They stared at each other in silence for a moment, and then made their way back to the open door to take another peep.

I wonder who he is. Celeste opened the adjoining door a crack wider, so they could look into the tearoom.

Rowena stepped closer, trying to peer over her shoulder. If everyone was having a little peek why shouldn’t she? Why don’t you just go and ask him if he’s so blooming intriguing?

Why don’t you? Celeste chuckled.

You and Willow are determined to do a match for me.

Of course we are, but this guy’s one of us, he’s got the gift, I can tell.

So what? Lots of gifted people find their way to Raven’s Landing.

Celeste and Rowena continued looking through the door.

Yes, Celeste said thoughtfully, but they don’t usually know why they end up here, they are drawn to like-minded folk, and he has specifically mentioned my name. Someone’s put him on to us.

Is that a bad thing?

I don’t know, but it’s unusual. I think we need to tread carefully.

Tell that to Willow, she was straight in there with her massive clunking feet trying to set me up with him.

Maybe you should get to know him, find out more for us.

Oh, yeah, that’s right, send me in as the sacrificial lamb to the slaughter.

My, my we are having a melodramatic day, Celeste said, looking at her with an amused expression. Me thinks the lady doth protest too much. 

Rowena gave an exasperated sigh. "Okay, he’s attractive, but why should I be the