Spells (Bayou Magic 2)

Is it because he brings such tranquility to my life that I’m able to relax and sleep peacefully? And is he not sleeping well because he’s taking that on himself, the way he does my headaches with just the sweep of his thumb over my forehead?

I don’t know, but I have a hunch that all of that is true.

This morning, he’s resting peacefully. His dark lashes fall against his cheek, and his breathing is even and slow.

I’ve been worried about him. He mentioned the other day—yesterday?—that he’s frightened. Lucien doesn’t show fear often. He’s so confident, so sure of himself. So hearing that he’s afraid was startling.

But he’s not alone.

I feel the evil creeping closer, and I’m not any closer than he is to finding a solution. But we’re stronger together, and I trust that we’ll meet the evil head-on and win.

There’s no other choice.

“I can feel your giddiness from over here,” he mumbles, not opening his eyes.

“It’s my favorite day,” I whisper to him and press a kiss to his bare shoulder. “And I’m excited to get started with preparations for the ritual and the feast. There’s so much to do.”

“It can wait,” he says as he rolls to me and cups my face in his large hand. His eyes are heavy with sleep as they drop to my lips. “First thing’s first.”

I’m expecting the frenzy that usually comes with our lovemaking. The swirl of air and flames.

But this morning, the room is calm and cool, and Lucien is slow and methodical as his hands journey over my body, waking it up to a slow burn.

He rolls me onto my back and stares down at me lovingly. Lucien is an intense man, and having that intensity directed at me, especially in the bedroom, is at once thrilling and overwhelming.

He links his fingers with mine, and I feel a light breeze blow over us. He locks his lips with mine, and the wind picks up.

A shiver of pure Power runs down my spine.

But it’s when his body joins with mine that the flames of the candles ignite around us. The room has gone from calm to powerful chaos at just the joining of our bodies and souls.

I sigh, and the wind swirls.

He moans, and the flames reach higher.

And with the crescendo of our bodies, the Power around us builds and then calms, until it’s just the two of us, spent and in love.

And feeling more connected than ever.* * *“Is this your family’s property?” I ask Lucien as he pulls into the small parking area of the farm where our coven celebrates our sabbats and holds our rituals and rites. “I mean, the Lucien from before? Is this where Sabrina grew up?”

“I do believe Miss Sophia mentioned that this property has been in her family for generations, so I think so,” he says. “All this time, we were walking where she once walked.”

“It’s mind-blowing,” I admit. “I think it’s going to take me a while to process it all.”

“You can take all the time you need,” he assures me. “I feel the same way. I understand it, but accepting it isn’t as easy.”

“Well, if you understand it, you’re light years ahead of me.” I get out of the car and open the rear door to fetch the food I’ve prepared for the feast. We’re not the first to arrive, and I smile when I see Cash pull in next to us with Brielle and Daphne. “Hi, guys! I’m so happy you’re here.”

“I brought pie,” Daphne announces. “I didn’t know what else to bring. But everyone loves pie, right?”

“I love pie.” Cash grins.

“And we brought some cornbread,” Brielle says.

“My mom’s recipe,” Cash adds.

“You guys didn’t have to bring anything at all. I’m just happy you’re here.” Lucien takes the gumbo I prepared this morning from my hands. “This cornbread will go great with the gumbo.”

“You made gumbo?” Brielle asks. “You know that’s my favorite.”

“I know. I did it on purpose. I’m grateful you guys came.”

“Honestly, I’ve wanted to come before,” Daphne adds, “I just didn’t know if it was appropriate because I’m not a practicing witch.”

“You’re always welcome here, child,” Miss Sophia says as she joins us. “We welcome everyone who wants to be here, so long as they come with an open heart and a clear mind.”

She turns to me.

“Did you tell your sisters?”

“About Mama? Yes, I told them last night.”

“Is she here?” Brielle asks.

“She is, and I just can’t wait for you all to see her.” Miss Sophia takes our hands and leads us past an old farmhouse, where a cousin of hers still lives, to a back yard covered with tents, tables and chairs.

This isn’t where we perform the ritual. That’s out farther in the field, and we’ll head that way to set up after we finish preparing and chatting.