Read Online Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by H. P. Mallory - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: H. P. Mallory
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done it together in time, but I don’t trust her, never have. I needed someone I could trust.
So, he didn’t trust the Wicked Witch of the West, but he trusted me? The thought made me tingle with pride, like the feeling a nerdy kid gets in PE when the popular kids pick him to be on their team.
There was a lull in the music, so I thought I’d give my voice a try.
“Why did she wait so long?”
“Witchcraft is a lot like technology, we make leaps and bounds over the years. Neither she nor I would’ve been strong enough to attempt something like this forty years ago.”
Hmm. That was interesting. So what did it mean that I was able to bring Jack back? Maybe I did have more ability than I thought. That was sort of a nice feeling. I’d never excelled at much in my life. Sure, I’d been a good enough student, but I never stood out. No homecoming queen or valedictorian for me. I was just the girl next door, the one on the sidelines. And now? Well now, I did have something to feel proud about, something infinitely better than homecoming queen or class president.
“Does this mean Christa and I can go back to L.A.?” I asked, sipping the last of my sour. I noticed Rand was already on his second double Jameson. Apparently, warlocks could hold their alcohol.
The music started up again.
I suppose so. You did the job I hired you for.
The very beginning of a smile tugged at his lips, his dimples just barely cresting. My blood warmed at the expression, and I had to look away. I couldn’t say I shared his amusement with the whole situation. The stupid truth of it was that I felt an infinite sadness with the prospect that our little mission was at its end. I downed the remnants of my sour, hoping I’d swallow my gloom at the same time.
It occurred to me I was developing feelings for Rand, and I was definitely not okay with that. Having a crush, or whatever you want to call it, on anyone was dangerous—that whole broken heart thing not sounding especially appealing. But someone like Rand…I couldn’t even contemplate it. True, I was a bit lonely but other than that, it wasn’t half-bad. I had a nice house and a reliable car, a cat that needed me, and a best friend. The last thing I wanted was an emotional devastation. Yes, feelings for Rand were not a good idea.
I looked up and found Rand studying me. A flush crept up my neck like a thief in the night, and I faced my drink again, playing with the ice cubes. I blinked and the glass was full. I had to stifle a gasp and looked up with wide eyes.
Looks like you needed another one.
Why’d you buy them the first time around? I thought, taking a sip. It tasted even better than the first—stronger, sweeter.
He shrugged. Best not to arouse suspicion.
It seems like you’re very careful about people’s suspicions?
There are rules in this lifestyle and one of them is that we have to blend in with everyone else, not draw attention to ourselves. It wouldn’t be a good situation were people to find out we exist.
I nodded, as if I could commiserate. Well, thanks for the drink .
I scanned the room, my attention falling on Jack and Christa who were dancing pretty close. Oh no, tell me she wasn’t going to go for the newly undead? Christa amazed me. Find a good-looking guy and she was all over him. I was somewhat surprised she’d given up on Rand. He was definitely more the prize than Jack.
What’s on your mind?
Hmm, might as well tell him the truth. I’m just watching Jack and Christa. I’m surprised she’s set her sights on him. I didn’t think she’d give up on you quite so soon. I held my glass up as if to cheers him and his incredible looks.
Rand chuckled. Ah, well, about that…I put a halt to it. Now, she thinks of me as her brother.
Surprise pulled on my eyelashes, forcing my eyes wider. Why’d you do that? Christa’s a beautiful girl.
Yes, she is, but not one I’m interested in. I don’t mix business with pleasure.
I couldn’t help but recall our
So, he didn’t trust the Wicked Witch of the West, but he trusted me? The thought made me tingle with pride, like the feeling a nerdy kid gets in PE when the popular kids pick him to be on their team.
There was a lull in the music, so I thought I’d give my voice a try.
“Why did she wait so long?”
“Witchcraft is a lot like technology, we make leaps and bounds over the years. Neither she nor I would’ve been strong enough to attempt something like this forty years ago.”
Hmm. That was interesting. So what did it mean that I was able to bring Jack back? Maybe I did have more ability than I thought. That was sort of a nice feeling. I’d never excelled at much in my life. Sure, I’d been a good enough student, but I never stood out. No homecoming queen or valedictorian for me. I was just the girl next door, the one on the sidelines. And now? Well now, I did have something to feel proud about, something infinitely better than homecoming queen or class president.
“Does this mean Christa and I can go back to L.A.?” I asked, sipping the last of my sour. I noticed Rand was already on his second double Jameson. Apparently, warlocks could hold their alcohol.
The music started up again.
I suppose so. You did the job I hired you for.
The very beginning of a smile tugged at his lips, his dimples just barely cresting. My blood warmed at the expression, and I had to look away. I couldn’t say I shared his amusement with the whole situation. The stupid truth of it was that I felt an infinite sadness with the prospect that our little mission was at its end. I downed the remnants of my sour, hoping I’d swallow my gloom at the same time.
It occurred to me I was developing feelings for Rand, and I was definitely not okay with that. Having a crush, or whatever you want to call it, on anyone was dangerous—that whole broken heart thing not sounding especially appealing. But someone like Rand…I couldn’t even contemplate it. True, I was a bit lonely but other than that, it wasn’t half-bad. I had a nice house and a reliable car, a cat that needed me, and a best friend. The last thing I wanted was an emotional devastation. Yes, feelings for Rand were not a good idea.
I looked up and found Rand studying me. A flush crept up my neck like a thief in the night, and I faced my drink again, playing with the ice cubes. I blinked and the glass was full. I had to stifle a gasp and looked up with wide eyes.
Looks like you needed another one.
Why’d you buy them the first time around? I thought, taking a sip. It tasted even better than the first—stronger, sweeter.
He shrugged. Best not to arouse suspicion.
It seems like you’re very careful about people’s suspicions?
There are rules in this lifestyle and one of them is that we have to blend in with everyone else, not draw attention to ourselves. It wouldn’t be a good situation were people to find out we exist.
I nodded, as if I could commiserate. Well, thanks for the drink .
I scanned the room, my attention falling on Jack and Christa who were dancing pretty close. Oh no, tell me she wasn’t going to go for the newly undead? Christa amazed me. Find a good-looking guy and she was all over him. I was somewhat surprised she’d given up on Rand. He was definitely more the prize than Jack.
What’s on your mind?
Hmm, might as well tell him the truth. I’m just watching Jack and Christa. I’m surprised she’s set her sights on him. I didn’t think she’d give up on you quite so soon. I held my glass up as if to cheers him and his incredible looks.
Rand chuckled. Ah, well, about that…I put a halt to it. Now, she thinks of me as her brother.
Surprise pulled on my eyelashes, forcing my eyes wider. Why’d you do that? Christa’s a beautiful girl.
Yes, she is, but not one I’m interested in. I don’t mix business with pleasure.
I couldn’t help but recall our
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