Witch For Hire (Witch For Hire 1)

Catching my second wind, I pull away. He releases me, yet remains close as I gather my items.

“I will walk you to your vehicle.”

“I don’t need—”

“Please allow me the honor.”

There’s a steely tone beneath the politeness I don’t have the strength to battle.

PRESENT

I had no clue then that the encounter would completely alter my life. Perhaps if I had, I would’ve cleansed myself and prayed to my ancestors to remove the insatiable attraction and inexplicable connection we shared. Not that they would’ve. I’m a piece on a chessboard they aim to use.

Chapter Three

Magic prickles along my skin as I cross the invisible barrier laid out to dissuade humans and harm those who have ill intentions toward members of the community. There are bonuses to family history. The longer your bloodlines inhabit a place, the more power, protection, and control you have over the environment. As I steer my car down the winding roads, I wonder what awaits me. I didn’t place a phone call, because they already know I’m coming.

My heart is permanently lodged in my throat as I drive down the dirt lane roads seemingly untouched by time. Everything is crisper. Colors appear brighter, and the air smells of musky magnolia blossoms, moss, and wildness. It’s the scent of home. My eyes water as I round the curve and head deeper into the woodland area. It’s like crossing over into a different world.

The curving limbs let light filter through the branches, casting a kaleidoscope of shadows and light. Once you leave the small town and enter the outskirts, the wilderness is untamed, and the people you meet are equally so. The farther out I go, the sparser the homes. At the tail end of the stretch of land with nothing around for miles, I spy the white center hall southern home in the middle of ten acres of land. Mémé sits in her rocker on the porch where I’ve spent so much of my time.

A pitcher of what I know will be sweet tea sits on the table beside her with two glasses. She’s the welcoming committee.

Her hair has turned from silver to a shocking white mass she has tamed into a braid that makes it way down her back. The closer I get, the more I recognize the new wrinkles in her dark brown skin. She’s thin, yet spry. I park my car, and quickly exit, longing for the comfort only a grandmother can give. She rises from the chair, and I keep my pace just shy of a jog as I hurry up the stairs. No words are necessary as our hearts rejoice at being reunited.

We pull apart, and she smiles. I sense her forgiveness. It’s more than I deserve and everything I need.

“Come, take a walk with me in the gardens.”

I offer my arm, and we make our way down the stairs to the massive herb and vegetable garden we keep out back. I wait for her to speak as we walk the well-tended rows.

“It’s no coincidence we find ourselves gathered together again. We’re going to need everyone pulling their weight and doing their part.”

“Are we in financial trouble, Mémé?” I ask, concerned. I was out of the loop in more ways than one during my hiatus.

“Non, that would be easy. This is much worse. Once again, the Esçhete family is in danger. We had a lengthy period of peace, but all things come to an end.” She shakes her head, her brow furrowed. “There’s a darkness coming toward us, and we got no choice but to fight it. There will be no real sides to take, or neutrality allowed this time. It’s a ravenous, power hungry thing barreling toward us. Division in the family will spell our end.”

“Mémé,” I whisper, shaken by her words, “you can’t let that happen.”

“This is not my fight, bébé.”

“Don’t talk like that.” My throat constricts.

“I still got years of life in me, gal. I only speak the truth in this matter. It’s time to start building a new pathway. For the first time since I took the mantle of power, I can’t see what’s coming for us. I get the shape and the feel of it, but the more I try to see, the more shrouded it becomes. That means it’s not for my eyes.” Pausing, a shudder passes through her, and she places a hand on my shoulder. Her dark brown gaze bores into mine. “It’s pure evil, cher. I haven’t felt the likes of anything like this in my lifetime. Running from what you are meant to be and do never works, bébé. Da universe puts you back in the right place every time … believe me.”

I shake my head, unable to absorb what she’s said. “Mémé, if you can’t do this, surely we’re lost.”

She hisses, “Have you forgotten everything while you were away? Who you are and where you come from? We make the impossible happen and do what we must. This is no different.”

The meaning of her words are coming through loud and clear. She’s ready to pass on the torch to me. My gut aches. “Mémé, s’il vous plaît.”

She clicks her tongue. “Do you think you’re the only Esçhete overwhelmed by the daunting task of leadership and familial responsibilities? That none of us wanted to leave and never look back? Before your grand-père, I tried. I went to a fancy school out East, tried to temper my accent, and dreamt of a new life. I got a certificate in secretarial courses and even worked and lived on my own for a couple of months.”

My expression must have mirrored my shock. “Wait. You left?”

“Oui. Not that it mattered. My maman became sick, and I had to return home and manage my brothers and sisters. I met your grand-père not long after, and I stopped fighting what was meant to be. Upsetting the balance of things to keep myself happy was something I couldn’t stomach. It was more than Maman’s sickness that had gone wrong during my departure. The familial power was waning. The ancestors were displeased and made it known. They can take away as easily as they give. It’s no secret we have to toe the line to keep things running sometimes. If the foundation weakens, the house crumbles and the wolves, who are always waiting on the fringes, rush in to devour, leaving nothing behind but bits for the vultures to finish off. We’re more than a powerful family. We’re the keepers of the balance, charged with peacemaking, and defending those weaker than ourselves. We’ve always served our community. In return, we’ve been blessed because we respect the agreement. I allowed you your time to experience the world outside. Now it’s tim

e for you to be the strong, capable woman you were raised to be. More than you could imagine is at stake. Remember that.”