Crystal Clear

By Kris T. Bethke

Sequel to The 12th Witch

Justin Trews lucked out when he found Cole Demauro and the coven he’s joined. He’s still working through his trauma, but he now knows what it’s like to be supported and cared for. His magic is thriving, and so is he. And of course, dating Cole has proven to be the best part. The past three months have been the happiest of his life.

When the veil is the thinnest, Justin experiences Samhain as it is meant to be. It’s a far cry from how he celebrated in the past. With the coven gathered, he participates in the ritual to honor the dead and the end of the harvest season. His magic is full and so is his heart.

But when Justin’s past rears it’s ugly head, he’s faced with dealing with his family. Old hurts run deep and insecurities resurface. Its hard not to feel like a burden and an imposition. With his coven behind him, and Cole’s love buoying him up, Justin finds the strength not only to confront his family but to rely on his coven for help. And when the dust settles, Justin has taken great strides toward healing. Now Justin needs to show Cole just how much he loves him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Oct 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685503079

Book preview

Chapter 1

I should have known by now that this coven wouldn’t celebrate Samhain the way I was used to. Lammas had been eye-opening. Mabon only reinforced that. I don’t know why I expected Samhain to be the dour, somber, power-grabbing ritual I’d grown up with.

This was a celebration. Honoring the dead, of course, but it was done with joy and memories. Feasting and drinking, dancing and laughter. Magic sparking in the air, as the moon shone overhead. A memorial altar to pay respect, but celebrating life and the end of the harvest season. Friends and family of the entire coven were gathered here in Cole’s backyard, enjoying themselves.

It was such a stark contrast to what I’d known. Even though Cole had explained what the night would be like, even knowing that how my family’s coven approached Samhain wasn’t the norm, I was still overwhelmed with it all. So I stood on the edge of the party—because it was absolutely a party—and watched.

Watched as Cecily held court, telling one of her outrageous stories and had people in stitches. Watched as Tara and Rowan danced around the bonfire, enticing others to join in. Watched as Evangeline bustled about to make sure everyone had full drinks and plates, as Vaughn coaxed the night jasmine into blooming, as Maeve and Gwenna knelt before the altar and offered up prayers. As all the people they had brought with them laughed and talked and simply enjoyed themselves with this coven. My new coven.

Growing up, Samhain had been a solemn affair. My grandfather wouldn’t abide festivities such as this. There was no celebration at all. It was all ritual, and though there was communion with the dead, the spells we worked were to gain power from those who had passed. Certainly not to honor them. It had never sat right with me, as it wasn’t the spirit of the sabbat, but I hadn’t had a choice.

Thinking about my old coven reminded me of the phone call I’d gotten the day before. When I’d finally broken free of my family, I’d reported them to the Magical Bureau of Investigations, who immediately opened a case based on my allegations. There was a new agent leading the investigation now, as the original one had been reassigned, or the case had been, or something. All I knew was that Agent Toddington was decidedly less forthcoming than Agent Willis had been. I hadn’t heard much since Toddington took over, and I learned quickly there was no point in trying to contact the agent myself. So I’d been surprised when he reached out, but not as much when he said there hadn’t been much progress. It was still active, though, which was more than I could hope for.

Leland Trews had a lot of power and influence, and I’d have expected my grandfather to wiggle his way free by now.

I’d tipped off Toddington to how the coven celebrated Samhain, but he hadn’t seemed that interested in the information. It was frustrating, but there was nothing more I could do. My conscience was clear in that I’d done the right thing. And I was protected here, with my new coven. I didn’t have to worry about retaliation.

Much.

The light shifted, drawing me out of my thoughts. I glanced toward the sky and realized why. Though the moon was near full, the cloud cover rolling in spoke of a storm. I’d known it was coming—my affinity was with the weather, and I worked for The National Weather Service, after all—but I thought we’d have a few more hours at least. Originally, the rainstorm hadn’t been expected to hit until the wee hours of the morning, long after our celebration had concluded.

I couldn’t allow it. Not when I could do something about it. I wasn’t able to stop the storm completely. I wouldn’t anyway. Rain was an important part of our balance. But I could delay it, break it up so that we could revel for a few more hours, perform our ritual at midnight, and be able to clean up Cole’s backyard before it rolled in.

I gathered my magic, prepared to release it, when I paused. Checking the space, I found Rowan. He’d stopped dancing, and was now just relaxing next to the bonfire. I skirted the edge of the crowd until I could make my way to him. Rowan was young and hadn’t yet found his true magical affinity. We’d all be working with him at different points, sharing our knowledge and talents to help him. By all accounts, he’d been decent at everything but nothing really stood out. I hadn’t had much opportunity to work with him, and now felt like