Read Online Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway - Free Book Online Page A

figure. She would have looked severe and decidedly unfriendly had it not been for her quick and easy laugh. Diane found so much humor in the world that she was rarely without a broad smile or a deep, explosive belly laugh. She was a kind and fair teacher, if demanding. I always really liked Diane, even though, at first, I’d been scared of her gruff exterior.
    I was glad that Diane would be the one officiating this disaster. If anyone could potentially salvage it, it would be her.
    Now Diane was waving everyone off to their respective assignments. After a noisy exodus, the five of us remained in the room. Diane came up to the circle of friends, and gave each a soft smile. “Okay,” she said. “I want you all to take a moment to meditate before you take your positions in the circle. The Initiation is more than just a test. It’s a coming of age. When we are finished tonight, you will be transformed into witches of the coven—full members with all the benefits and responsibilities that entails. While you’re meditating, I want you to consider what you will contribute to our group. When you’re ready, come out with an open and willing heart.”
    “In perfect love and perfect trust,” the four of us intoned with a weighty seriousness.
    Diane laughed. “Remember to have fun too.”
    “Thanks, Auntie Diane.” Bea smiled.
    “Yeah, thanks,” the rest of us agreed, though my voice was softer and more nervous than the others’.
    Diane seemed to sense my hesitation and caught my eye. She put a hand on my shoulder and gave it a quick, reassuring squeeze. “Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Make your own destiny.”
    I frowned in mild confusion. That was certainly a strange thing to say for a pep talk. “Uh, okay.”
    With a nod to everyone, Diane swept out the sliding glass door with a flourish, leaving us on our own.
    “What’s with the destiny thing?” Bea asked, jealousy creeping into her voice.
    “Shhh,” Shannon admonished, bowing her head. “We’re supposed to be meditating.”
    “I’m sure she meant that for everyone,” Nikolai said. “She just happened to be looking at Ana.”
    “You guys, you’re breaking my concentration,” Shannon said, moving away from the group to stand on the other side of the built-in stone fireplace.
    “Sorry. Jeez, who knew you needed absolute silence to concentrate? I thought you were supposed to be some kind of magical genius,” Bea said, though her eyes stayed locked on me.
    I just wanted to shrink away from this whole affair, so I said, “I meditate better outside. I’m just going to step out onto the porch.” Before anyone could protest, I went to the back hall and grabbed my shoes. Without even bothering to put them on, I slipped through the glass door and closed it behind me.
    Once outside, I let out a long, slow breath. The glow from the interior electric lights cast soft yellow light on the wide, cedar planking of the deck. A few patio chairs rested against the wall, and I plopped into one and pulled on my tennies.
    Bea could be so jealous, and of the stupidest stuff. Honestly, I would happily exchange places and let Bea be the one with all the so-called “destiny” hanging over her head. Why had Diane said that, anyway? Had she dreamed something specifically about me after all? And did it have anything to do with Ramses showing up?
    As if tonight needed more complications.
    Once my shoes were laced, I got up to lean on the railing. The wood creaked, startling a rabbit from its hidey spot in the peonies underneath. The bright white of its cottontail quickly disappeared into the thick forest.
    Was that a good omen?
    Honestly, I didn’t know much about animal totems. It really wasn’t my area of expertise. Nikolai would know, though. I thought about going in and asking him, but when I glanced back at the cabin, I could see that he and Bea were holding hands, their heads bowed. Trust Bea to find a way to meditate and flirt!
    Turning back toward the night,