Demonically Tempted (Frostbite 2)

“Where else would I put it? It’s not like we have a lot of grass here in downtown Memphis or around my condo.” Probably not the smartest of moves, but with all that happened, who gave a shit. “I wasn’t exactly in the mood to go hunting down a good spot last night.”

He never replied and merely looked forward, as we rounded the corner of the building. The jar sitting in the middle of the circle I cast remained.

Relief surged through me. It might have been my only choice, but I’d have seriously kicked myself if someone had moved it. I was glad to know that as I hoped no one came over to this side of the building last night.

I stopped in front of my circle and peered down. In the light, I saw I had drawn a perfect circle, which pleased me since last night I hadn’t been so sure.

Not until I started did I realize a flashlight would’ve helped. But I’d already drawn the first part of the circle and didn’t think it wise to stop.

“What do you have to do?” Max asked, drawing my gaze to him.

I gestured over to the garbage bins. “Just stand over there. Who knows if something will come out of it. I don’t want you to get somehow magically affected.” I snorted at the thought, but was actually quite serious. I had no idea what would happen.

After I placed my bag on the ground, I took out my notes and unwrapped my wand from the silk. I drew in a deep breath for bravery, tucked my wand into my back pocket and studied the note.

Once I gave it a quick read over, memorized the details, I tucked it into the pocket of jeans.

“I enter this circle in perfect love and perfect trust.” Then, I stepped in, but when nothing happened, I heaved another sigh.

I turned facing north. “Spirits of Earth, Guardians of the North, I call upon you.” I spun toward the east. “Spirits of Air, Guardians of the East, I call upon you.” I shifted to the south. “Spirits of Fire, Guardians of the South, I call upon you.” Then, I faced west. “Spirits of Water, Guardians of the West, I call upon you.”

I glanced down at the circle and the jar rested at the tips of my toes. “Thank you, Guardians, for awakening my spell to protect me.” I took the wand in my hand and drew the circle in the opposite direction. “What once was open is now closed.”

My cheeks warmed feeling more than ridiculous for doing such a spell, exactly my same reaction as last night. This was beyond anything I ever imagined myself doing, but if it worked, it worked. And I’d witnessed the way the demon reacted to the weed Dane lit. How could I doubt something I’d seen work with my own eyes?

I stepped out of the circle, approached my bag, wrapped the wand in the silk, and stuck it into my back pocket. I looked at Max. “I’m glad nothing…err…happened there, and you still have arms and legs with no added tail.”

He didn’t laugh at my joke, and approached. “Is that it?”

“I think so.” I glanced down at the jar. It wasn’t glowing or anything. But I trusted Gretchen and hoped that trust wasn’t misplaced.

I quickly grabbed the hem of my shirt, removed it, leaving me in my bra, then started to pull down my pants.

“What. Are. You. Doing?” Max demanded.

“Just hold these.” I handed him my clothes before I picked up the jar. “I have to rub this stuff on my body.”

He looked everywhere but at me and groaned, clearly stating he didn’t enjoy seeing me in my skivvies.

Within no time, I had the cream that seemed so much smoother than I expected considering it was made of rocks smothered over every inch of my body. And…nothing happened.

I didn’t have an overwhelming surge of energy to tell me that this worked, and that unsettled me. Shouldn’t I feel something?

Again, though, I put my faith in Gretchen and hoped whatever the cream was supposed to do worked.

I took my clothes from Max and re-dressed in a hurry.

Once finished, Max looked me in the eye again and gestured toward the circle. “Do you need to rub it out or anything?”

I chuckled, unable to help it. I hadn’t expected him to believe in all this, but then again, his world had been ripped wide open when he believed in ghosts. Maybe this wasn’t such a stretch. “Gretchen said this closed it. So, I’m guessing that’s all I have to do.”

“Good enough.” He gave a firm nod, turned and walked in lengthy strides toward his truck.

Within seconds, we were headed down the road. On the way, I read over my notes to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Max drove much slower than I would’ve expected. I glanced sideways and tension radiated out of him. “Are you okay?”

“I’m not pleased that you’re going into the house alone,” he replied, keeping his eyes trained on the road.

I chuckled. “The big tough Max has a soft spot for me.”