Secret Witches: Bellarose Cat Cafe, #1

By L.A. Boruff, Lacey Carter and Lia Davis

Cate, Heather, and Rae Bellarose move back home to Cave River, Arizona to fulfill the terms of their grandfather's will to work together for one year in their family's cafe and cat rescue. If they succeed, they get a big pile of money. If they fail, they go back to their regular lives, no worse off.

This should be a breeze. Cate is determined to make it work, whatever it takes. Too much money is at stake.

Off the bat, things are beyond strange. She keeps seeing impossibilities that she can't explain. Floating feather dusters, lights that aren't there. Then, all the plants in town die.

Something is way off.

Cate and her sisters discover an ancient book in a hidden room in the family's mansion. That's when things really get weird.

Suddenly, Cate has powers! So do her sisters, daughter, nieces, and aunts!

Also, some insane warlock is trying to buy the whole town and that sends up red flags in all directions. The sisters need to find out why and how to stop him or they might lose the money before they get a chance to inherit it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Phantom Pen
• Release date: Aug 23, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215884485

L.A. Boruff

L.A. Boruff lives in East Tennessee with her husband, three children, and an ever growing number of cats. She loves reading, watching TV, and procrastinating by browsing Facebook. L.A.’s passions include vampires, food, and listening to heavy metal music. She once won a Harry Potter trivia contest based on the books, and lost one based on the movies. She has two bands on her bucket list that she still hasn’t seen: AC/DC and Alice Cooper. Feel free to send tickets.

Book preview

PROLOGUE: FIONA

Fiona?

At the sound of my name, I poked my head out of the study I’d been dusting and looked down the hallway. It was so faint I wasn’t sure if I actually heard him. Ed?

My brother-in-law hadn’t seemed like himself the past few days, so I’d been keeping a close eye on him. Because, unfortunately, my sister couldn’t, as she was dead and not a ghost, whereas I was dead and had been a ghost since the day I died in my thirties. That was more years ago than I wanted to think about. I’d been tied to this house ever since, though I still hadn’t figured out why.

Some sort of unfinished business, I guess.

Fiona? Ed called again.

I scurried toward Ed’s bedroom and found him in bed in the middle of the day. He’d gotten up for breakfast, but he must’ve gotten tired after. What are you doing lazing about? I asked as I drifted to the window and threw open the drapes.

It’s time we talked, Ed said, and the tone of his voice told me he was serious even before he added, about the girls.

Ed’s granddaughters: Cate, Heather, and Rae. The apples of his eye, and his greatest heartache. They’d grown up and grown apart, to his lasting regret.

The girls, now grown women, leaving Cave River had devastating consequences on the town, which used to thrive on the magic of the Bellarose family. It hadn’t been the same since.

I perched on the edge of his bed, which was harder than it seemed. It’d taken me years to be able to move about like I wasn’t a ghost. Now I did it without thought, but it was draining to be solid all the time. I had to spend my nights floating in nothingness, recharging my aura.

My version of sleeping.

What about them? I asked, then, feeling awkward talking to him in bed I suggested, Don't you want to get up and sit in your chair? In all our many years together in this house, we’d never once had a conversation with one of us sitting in bed. The whole thing just felt strange in a way I didn’t understand.

Ed shook his head slowly, then sighed, glancing down at his hands. I can’t say I’m regretful about this, because it means I’ll see my Annie again.

Antoinette Alexandra. My dearly departed sister, who’d moved on when she’d died. She’d gone beyond the veil. Little Cate had been seven when the curse had finally taken my sister.

Yes, the curse. The Bellarose family had a curse. The thing none of us wanted to talk about, but haunted this house with its dark presence in a way I never could.

But that was not what we’re talking about, we were talking about regret, something I didn’t really understand. What in the world was going on with Ed? You’re regretful? About what? I asked, confused. What’s going on?

Annie had a premonition a very long time ago, a vision that I’d die old and alone in my bed. She saw the calendar. He motioned toward the one he kept by his bed. He’d always had a calendar there, and it’d always had mountain scenes. Now it made sense.

Today? I whispered, horrified. For some reason, being dead didn’t numb me to death the way some people might have thought. Imagining my brother in law gone from this home we’ve shared for so long made my heart ache.

But Ed only nodded in response to my horror. There are things that have to be done about the girls. I’ve asked our family lawyer, Malon, to come to amend my will before I go. He’s on his way.

To what? I asked, trying my hardest to reign my emotions in and focus on whatever very important thing he seemed to be trying to communicate with me.

The girls have to connect again. They have to love one another and be a family. I’ve tried for years to get them all here at once, but one of them always has an excuse. Now I’ll let my money do the talking. He raised his eyebrows and nodded toward my legs.

Oops. I’d gotten so entranced in the conversation I’d let myself start floating.

You’ll have to watch that around the girls, he said. They can’t find out about magic until theirs unlocks.

I nodded and held up a hand. I’ll be careful. I know the prophecy.

Annie had the gift of premonition. She’d known the girls’ magic had to be locked away when they were too young to remember it. They couldn’t get their powers until adulthood, or the family curse would never be broken. Doom and consequences and all that fun stuff.

The doorbell rang downstairs. That must be the lawyer. I’ll go get that.

It was just me and Ed in the house now, there was nobody else to answer it. Not like years ago when this place was filled with laughter, love, and people. I missed those days.

Goodbye, Ed said, his voice edged with sadness. I’ll see you on the other side, okay?

It was difficult to get emotional as a specter, but if ever I’d been tempted to shed a ghostly tear, it was now. I was very fond of the old man, and I’d miss him greatly when he was gone.

As I backed away from the bed, my eyes on my long-time friend and brother-in-law, I sighed, trying to push away my sadness. He was going to see Annie again. That was something to rejoice about, even if in joining her he was leaving all of us on this plane, including his girls.

Whom I suspected wouldn’t take his passing nearly as calmly as I was, but only time would tell.

1

CATE

Jules? I yelled as I rushed into my downtown apartment. Are you still here, sweetie? I’m running behind for the reading of grandpa’s will. There was an issue at work. I should have been home ten minutes ago. I ran into my room, discarding my soiled work clothes as I went. Jules? Babe, you here?

I threw on the outfit I’d laid out on the bed before leaving for work this morning. Organization and efficiency were crucial to responsibility. At least that was the rule I’d lived by for the past twenty-plus years.

Hmmm… maybe she went back to campus earlier than planned. After putting the dirty clothes in the hamper, I hurried into my ensuite bathroom to put on a quick roll of deodorant and a spritz of perfume, then headed down the hallway to my daughter's part-time bedroom.

Reaching Jules's bedroom, I didn't expect to find her sitting in the middle of the bed with a face full of tears, red cheeks, and snot falling from her nose. Jules? Honey, what's the matter?

Without thinking, I charged into the room, wrapped her in my arms, and rocked her like she was a little girl again.

Mom… Jules hiccupped as she tried to get her words out.

Oh, baby, take slow deep breaths. I got you. I’ve always got you. Holding my daughter close, I rubbed her back and breathed with her to make sure she followed along.

Mommy?

I frowned, and my heart squeezed. Jules only called me Mommy when she struggled and was stressed to the limit, which had been happening more often lately. In her senior year of college, getting ready for the real world was bound to build the pressure. Heck, we all needed a good crying session when tensions were high.

Releasing Jules from her tight hug, I sat back to look her in the eye, waiting for her to say what she needed to. One thing I knew without a shadow of a doubt: rushing Jules at a time of crisis was the fastest way to get her to shut down and wallow. That was the last thing I wanted to happen.

Jules inhaled deeply. What if I don't get into medical school? This final is huge. My grades have to be perfect. I’ve planned my whole life around becoming a doctor. I can't fail now.

Oh, sweetie. I framed Jules' face between my hands and kissed her forehead, before staring into her big blue eyes. You’re intelligent, competent, and you got this in the bag. You work so hard. These nerves are normal because you want this so much. I don't know of anybody more prepared for this. I know you'll do well, and you’ll get into medical school.

Jules let out a couple of sniffles. How? How do you know that?

Because you're Juliette Alexandra Bellarose, and you’ve always accomplished anything and everything you set your mind to. Your track record proves this.

Jules wrapped her arms around me, and I couldn't help but do the same. I looked at this precious angel. Twenty-one years ago, I’d given birth to her and hadn’t been able to fathom how to raise a child. Now, here I was, soothing this young woman who was worried about getting into medical school. I couldn't be prouder of the daughter I’d raised.

She sniveled into my neck. Thank you, Mom. You're the best. I don't know what I’d do if I didn't have you.

Same here, baby. You're my everything. I kissed her head and pulled back to look at her. You got this.

A big smile played on Jules's face. I got this.

How about you stop studying, because you know this inside and out. Go soak in the tub and relax before leaving to take the exam. We can do brownies and ice cream night with bad TV if you want to come back after. How does that sound?

That sounds like a plan. Jules turned her head to the clock on the nightstand. Oh, Mom, I made you late? You hate being late.

I wiped tears from her cheeks, just like I had when she was a little girl. I hate your tears more.

I love you, Mom. Now go. I'm so much better now. She pulled away and pushed at my shoulder.

I love you too, baby. I'm so proud of you.

Jules' face lit up at my praise. Something I'd always made sure to do since she was born. Being a single parent with no partner, I’d worked hard to ensure Jules hadn’t felt the absence too keenly. I’d made sure she’d felt loved and cherished.

After one final kiss and hug, I beelined to my car and checked the time on the dash. Ah, crap. My stomach dropped at how late I was. Tardiness wasn’t a responsible trait, and my responsible character ruled me.

Ever since I’d gotten pregnant in high school, the most irresponsible thing I could’ve done, now everything had to be in perfect order. Sometimes, okay, most times, I took it to the extreme, as my near and dear ones liked to point out. After all, I had another human being relying on me. I had to keep her alive and hopefully thriving.

As I worked my way through traffic, heading to the freeway to Cave River and my family home, I fought the urge to speed and weave around drivers. Catching every red light wasn't helping the matter either.

Before hitting the freeway and the faster-flowing drive, the car’s sound system chimed that I had a call coming in from work. Had to love the specific ringtones, I didn’t even have to look to know who it was. Hi, Corinne, what's the matter?

My extremely confident assistant manager and my ultimate saving grace gave a small chuckle. What makes you think something is wrong?

Oh, please, you never call me when I take time off work unless there’s an issue. You worry more about me having a personal life than I do. I laughed.

Okay, you're right, as always. I smiled at the smirk in Corinne's tone. I’m sorry to bother you. Especially because I know going to hear the reading of your grandfather's will and seeing your sisters is a bit much for you. I really do hate having to call, but there's an issue with the order. As in, it didn't come. I went through your desk, and I can't find an order slip or a contact anywhere.

That’s unacceptable. We need that order ASAP. My voice rose in panic.

I know, and I'm going to take care of it. I just need a phone number.

I'll text you the contact info, but please call me if there are any other issues, and I'll get them squared away.

Cate! I. Can. Take. Care. Of. It. I just need the number. She was joking, but if I pushed it any further, I’d be annoying her. I knew her well enough to know when to back off. She continued, I promise I won't bother you for the rest of the day.

Okay, yes, but if something….

If something is seriously wrong, I'll call you, but only then. I'll wait for your text with the number. Bye-bye. Corinne hung up before I could get another word out.

I made my way through the streets and now that I needed one, I didn't get a red light. Dang it. I didn't want to take the time to pull over if I didn't have to.

The universe threw me a bone by giving me a red light just before getting onto another freeway, and I quickly texted the contact info to Corinne. I was feeling more than grateful for having such a competent, dependable assistant who also knew how to handle my controlling nature. Owning the catering business was a lot of work and long hours. I’d worked my way up from an entry-level position right out of high school to purchasing the business a couple of years ago. And I did it all while being a young single mom.

My history with the company helped me know it intimately—guiding me when I’d hired my second in command. Corinne had been with me for years, and if worse came to worst, the business would be in good hands.

I merged onto the freeway, thanking my lucky stars. Traffic flowed faster, making me feel more comfortable stomping hard on the gas and pushing the speed limit.

Rolling down the windows, I let the beautiful May wind revive me. Living in the Flagstaff area, I counted my blessings: I didn’t suffer from the oppressive Southern Arizona heat. That was the biggest one, really.

Pulling to a stop in front of the mansion's gate twenty-two minutes late, I paused before punching the code to get in. A knot formed in my throat, and my chest seized at the grief of losing my loving and doting grandfather, and at the continual sorrow of my dad's death two years ago from a heart attack. At the loss and unknown feeling of maternal love from my mom, who’d died in a car accident when I was seven years old. So much loss. So much pain.

The heartache was choking me, and the memories were attempting to drown me. I took in a deep, slow breath. Precisely what I’d guided Jules through so many times over the years and did myself just as much. I had to be solid and confident since I’d be spending time with my younger sisters.

I loved my sisters, Heather and Rae, truly I did… but from a distance if at all possible. We worked and functioned better as siblings that way. With the sadness surrounding us, I didn't have it in me to be a mediator. I didn't want to deal with any arguments that may come up, which was bound to happen with a will reading, or at least my mind had been going