Southern Illusion: Entangled in Wicker, #3

By Sarafin James

Remember the days when the only supernaturals in Wicker were witches and druids? Well, those days are over. Not only is the town overrun with creatures of all types, but another god has decided to give the town a visit. When Remi gets kidnapped, twice, the Druid and Witch's Councils get involved. 

 

Fortunately for Remi, the new god doesn't want to hurt her. He just wants to make her a little bad to influence her partner. The problem is that Remi's evil version doesn't seem to want to do anything bad except with Kian McKnight. 

 

Throw in a fairy queen and her prince, a leprechaun who doesn't mind offering up the goods, and a demon teaching her magic, and Remi is about ready to board up Ol' Bea and lock everyone out...if only her house didn't like Kian so much. 

 

This is book three of the Entangled in Wicker Series. Book four, Southern Glamor, is now available.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sarafin James
• Release date: May 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215460634

Book preview

One

Irounded a corner and bounced off the brick of the building on the other side of the narrow alleyway. My hand scraped across the coarse mortar, but I kept running, picking up speed as I hit a straightaway. I wasn’t nearly fast enough, though. With that knowledge in the forefront of my mind, I worked to strengthen my shield. I shouldn’t have been able to even touch the building next to me if my shield had been in place. Problematically, it took concentration to keep the shield up, and that was easier said than done when I was also trying to figure out a way to thwart my attacker.

I reached the end of the alley and used my magic to make me stronger, so when I put the toe of my boot against the wall and pushed off, I was propelled up and into the chain-link fence that blocked the exit to the street. I stuck my shoe into one of the links and pushed off again.

A hand wrapped around my ankle and yanked me to the ground. I had just enough time to reform my shield before my back struck the ground. The difference was that instead of hitting concrete, I hit my magic, which was softer but no pillowtop. I jumped to my feet, pulling my short sword from its back sheath as I turned to face my opponent.

The vampire quirked a brow but, otherwise, didn’t look impressed. He moved around me in a circuit too fast for me to see, only pausing now and again, so I could see the disappointment on his face. He hit my shield in various places, testing its resolve. I struck out with my blade when he made to pass around me again, but he easily dodged.

I put my hands on my hips, making sure to keep the pointy end of my sword away from me. That’s not really fair. No one else is as fast as a vamp.

Ezra stopped in front of me; his own sword held ready. On the contrary, I can name several species who are as fast as I.

I rolled my eyes. Only name the species you’ve seen in Wicker.

He pursed his lips and looked off into the distance as he collected his thoughts. Vampires, present company not included. Then, there are gods or at least one god. I saw a Sylph the other day. Being wind spirits, they are fast. Although, they tend to be pretty benign. But they could turn. You just never know. He shook a finger at me to prove his point.

So other than Kian and a sweet Sylph, vamps are it?

There may be others. The point is to know what to do in any situation.

I kept my shield up.

He looked at my scraped hand, and I fisted it so he couldn’t see. I didn’t ask him if he could smell the blood. I already knew the answer was yes.

You are better at shielding, but you need to be able to go on the offensive.

I tried, but it’s hard when your opponent can move at the speed of light.

It doesn’t help you that you broadcast your moves ahead of time either.

I didn’t broadcast anything.

He just raised a brow. You could try using your magic more too.

My eyes widened, and I shook my head. I...I wouldn’t trust myself throwing around energy balls or offensive spells. I’d hate to have to find a new trainer if I killed you.

I tried for a smile, but he wasn’t buying it.

The more you use your demon magic, the better control you’ll have. It would hasten your speed. I’m sure you could be as quick as I if you used the full force of your magic.

I do use my magic.

He huffed but didn’t argue further. When he lowered his blade, I slid my sword back into its sheath and pulled my shirt away from my back where it had become stuck from sweat. We have got to start training later.

Ezra didn’t appear the least bit winded, let alone hot. It’s almost August. The only time it isn’t hot enough to cause sweat without exertion is before the sun rises. Would you prefer to train then?

I wouldn’t want to shuffle to the coffee pot that early, let alone fight an attacker.

I will keep that in mind.

When you start leaping out at me first thing in the morning, I’m done.

You can’t quit.

I can.

You won’t.

And you won’t try me before I’ve had my morning cup of brew.

Agreed.

We walked back down the alleyway and took the corner back to the street. Ezra only glanced at the building as we turned the corner. I knew he scented where I’d cut my hand, but he didn’t comment.

At the street, I started toward my car, which was where I’d been headed when Ezra had accosted me. He’d taken his job of training me very seriously. After spending almost a month showing me various moves to combat an attack, he’d begun surprising me by attacking randomly over the last couple of weeks.

Since he knew Ol’ Bea would alert me to his presence if he did so while I was at home, he’d used most of his opportunities while I was out. That meant I couldn’t leave my house anymore without being constantly vigilant. He’d even attacked me at one of my client’s homes. He’d waited until I’d taken control of their mind and then jumped out of the hall closet like some psychotic creeper. We’d fought throughout the house while my client stood there waiting for my direction, and when I’d finally landed a hit, he’d conceded and left me to erase the incident from my client’s mind and repair all the damage we’d done with magic.

Today, I’d been leaving a shop where I’d gotten a new dress for my next date with Scott when out of nowhere, a dagger flew at my head. I was glad we were alone on the street.

I reached down and picked up my bag off the curb next to my car, where I’d flung it after dodging the knife. Thankfully no one had stolen it while I was running for my life. Ezra got into the passenger seat, and I took that to mean he would ride with me. Since he lived in my neighborhood, I didn’t mind giving him a lift. He could, of course, run home far faster than I could drive.

Would you like to go out? I could introduce you to more supernaturals, he said as I pulled away from the curb.

Not tonight. I have plans.

I thought you wished to know more supernaturals.

I do, but as I said, tonight I have plans.

Tomorrow night, then?

I have the Lughnasadh sabbat. Maybe the next night. Just not to Mabel’s.

I hadn’t been back to the club owned by a fairy queen since he’d taken me almost a month and a half ago because Kian had warned me that Mabel and a leprechaun had some kind of turf battle going on and that I shouldn’t get involved.

Ah. You are avoiding the dark druid. I understand, but I do not think you will find him there.

I’m not avoiding Kian. I’m just enjoying not being around him.

You have not seen him then?

I haven’t, but I’m sure he will reach out to me if I’m needed.

Ezra didn’t say anything else, so I maneuvered the streets in silence. I smiled as I stroked the steering wheel of my new SUV. Well, it was new to me, and it was, in fact, the newest vehicle I’d ever owned.

After I’d helped the council find the rakshasa who’d been killing others of their kind, as well as a couple of humans, Abigail had left me an envelope. It had sat on the coffee table she’d set it on for nearly a week before I saw it and opened it. Inside was a check for services rendered, or so the memo section had said. It was almost as much as my business made in a month of cleanings. I felt it was fair, though, since I’d had to fight for my life in the process of bringing the killer rakshasa to justice. Well, Kian had landed the killing blow, but the rakshasa had been about to end my very existence. The added income could be considered hazard pay, if nothing else.

A few days after I’d found the first paycheck, however, another arrived in the mail, and a week later, another. I’d reached out to Kian, leaving him a message asking if there was something I should be doing to earn the money I was receiving, but he hadn’t returned my call. I’d then asked Abigail Rhinehart at the last moon ceremony. She had told me that I was now officially on the council’s payroll and would receive a salary regardless of caseload.

I immediately began putting the money to good use. I now have a newer SUV than I’d previously driven, and I’d contracted out a few remodeling jobs for Ol’ Bea. I pulled into the drive and appreciated how much better the old girl looked. A few of the wooden slats on the siding had to be replaced, and the old peeling paint had to be sanded down before a new coat could be applied. A few shutters and a new roof made her look close to her old glory.

Next, I would replace the wrap-around porch, but I’d already depleted my meager savings and everything I’d made so far with the council, so I’d have to save up for a little while before that project could be completed. Between my income cleaning houses and the added income from the council, it wouldn’t take long.

Ezra said his goodbye before leaving in a blur. I entered Ol’ Bea and found an irritated cat waiting on me.

I didn’t do it, I told her.

She looked from me to the bowl and back. Oh yeah. I didn’t do it. I reached into the cabinet, pulled out the bag of cat food I kept stashed there, and fed the starving beast before she attacked.

While she ate, I sat at the bar and looked at the most recent book of spells I was reading. It had once belonged to the rakshasa Kian had killed, and afterward, he’d brought me a box of magical paraphernalia that had belonged to the deceased creature. Since she’d been the one to hex Willamina Baker, my neighbor and the council leader, I needed either the rakshasa or the spell she’d used to transform her into her current cat status. Kian obviously felt guilty about condemning the witch to a cat life, so he’d given me the rakshasa’s spell books, the best chance of changing back the witch.

No. Who was I kidding? Kian hadn’t given it a second thought, not for killing the rakshasa or cursing the head witch.

After a couple of hours, I found nothing of use in this spell book and closed it. I’d found several spells in the myriad of magical belongings, but each had failed to remove the transformation.

I’ll find it. Don’t you worry, Willa.

She licked her chops and then returned to grooming herself. I gave her a quick pet before going upstairs to get ready for my date.

Scott and I had been seeing each other regularly since I’d told him about me being a witch. He’d taken the news with aplomb, even acting relieved to finally know the truth. I felt just as relieved not to keep it from him anymore.

While Scott and I weren’t officially a couple, we did spend most of our free time together. I think we were both keeping it casual so we didn’t mess up the good thing we had going. And it was a good thing. While we’d both changed a lot since high school, he was still the same sweet guy I’d fallen head over heels for as a teen.

I liked to think I hadn’t changed much, and really I hadn’t, other than my use of the darker magic inside me. Using it regularly was a complete one-eighty from my thoughts only a year ago. Heck, only a couple of months ago, I’d been convinced it would turn me evil if I used it too much. 

Kian had convinced me that the magic was whatever I wanted it to be and would only do evil if that was my intent. Since I wasn’t an evil person, I wouldn’t do bad things with the magic. Now, I had all but stopped referring to it as dark magic and just called it other. I had witch magic, and I had other magic. I used them in tandem and only when needed.

Ready?

I took the last couple of steps to the landing and kissed Scott on the cheek.

Just about. I need to make sure Willa has food. You should have seen the stink eye she was giving me earlier.

He followed me into the kitchen. Maybe she’s bored. You should get her a cat condo or something.

You are not serious.

Cats need exercise too, especially older ones.

I swear Willa narrowed her eyes at him.

Grab the food out of the pantry, would you?

I grabbed her water bowl and started for the sink while he walked into the small pantry and the door shut behind him.

Scott?

I’m stuck. His voice was muffled through the door.

I turned the knob, and nothing happened. Ol’ Bea?

I didn’t receive a response, which wasn’t surprising.

Your house doesn’t like me, Scott observed.

It’s just an accident. You’re reading too much into it.

Really? And what about when I was trapped in the bathroom a couple of weeks ago.

It’s an old house. Sometimes the doors get stuck.

How many times have you been trapped in a room in this house?

We both knew the answer was never. I turned to the room and raised my voice. Ol’ Bea. You release him this instant. You don’t have to like who I bring over, but you will allow it because this is my home.

The doorknob clicked, and the pantry door swung open. Scott shot me a perturbed look, and I tried for an apologetic one.

The restaurant was busy for a Thursday night, and the hostess led us to a table in the back. Scott held out my chair for me and then kissed my cheek before sitting across from me.

Did you save many lives today? I asked plainly.

No lives. A foot, perhaps. That is if they would have continued using Old Wives Tales instead of seeing a doctor.

Tell me they didn’t pee on it.

He nodded, and I laughed. He’d told me many stories about encounters he’d had while treating people in our local hospital and the one he’d worked at in Michigan.

That’s enough talk about work. How was your day? he asked.

Well, I spent a couple of hours doing that thing you don’t want to talk about, and then I did a little shopping, which ended with me being chased down an alley by Ezra.

He rolled his eyes. He’s taking his job of training a little too seriously. Don’t you think?

I shrugged. He wants me to be ready for anything, and I will admit I’ve been more alert knowing he could jump out at any corner.

That’s no way to live.

Again, I shrugged. He’ll grow tired of it eventually. Or at least I hope so.

He laughed, and I joined him. That was the thing I liked about Scott. He knew how crazy my life was and was okay with it. Everything was easy and familiar with him.

He cleared his throat. So, I want to ask you something.

His voice had turned timid, so I knew whatever he’d say next was important.

I wanted to ask you to move in, he concluded.

You want to move in with me?

Um, not exactly. I want you to move in with me.

I looked at him like I was waiting for the punch line. You want me to move out of my ancestral home?

Well, you drive all over town for your job, so it wouldn’t be a longer commute for you. My house is much closer to the hospital than yours.

The whole of Wicker isn’t but a dozen square miles, so it’s not like that’s much of a commute.

It’s just that my place is new and yours...it’s old, Rem. Wouldn’t you like to live somewhere other than the house you grew up in?

No. I’d never even considered living somewhere else.

Is this because of getting locked in the pantry? She’ll stop eventually. It’s just her way of welcoming you.

He must have read the indecision on my face because he took my hand.

We don’t have to decide anything tonight. Let’s just think on it for a little while.

I nodded in agreement.

He walked me to my car and stood there watching me until I got self-conscious and looked down. He lifted my chin and kissed me softly, and I felt it to my toes. Then, he gave me one more chaste kiss and left while I tried to catch my breath.

I’d just opened my door when I felt a presence approach,