Read Online Swamp Magic (Crimson Romance) by Bobbi Romans - Free Book Online

want me to start?” Beth asked settling in at the kitchen table.
    “At the beginning?” Grace suggested with a wise gleam in her eye.
    “Well, aren’t we ever the wise elder?”
    Grace wasn’t really old or offended. Beth always teased her overly age-conscious aunt. Grace was classic. She had that old Hollywood natural beauty thing going on but with a most un-classical twist.
    Grace had a special knack for reading people instantly. Which was unfortunate for most; if they didn’t wish to be read. The sheriff’s office even called her in as a consultant at times, though they did so reluctantly, afraid the local media would catch wind of it. Lord help them if the town thought the local boys couldn’t handle shit without the need to call in a psychic. It was a small town, where everyone knew everyone and local law enforcement officers came highly revered.
    Beth settled into the well-worn wooden chair and accepted the hot, spiced tea Grace handed her before beginning her much-edited tale of becoming lost in the swamp. She purposely left out Moss, and instead concentrated her story on the trouble she had finding her way out. She wove in her theories on the Bog Man legends. Her aunt listened quietly to the entire story, appearing deep in thought.
    Finishing her tale, Beth sat back, anxious of what her aunt thought. After several long, silent minutes, Grace shook her head, sighed, and began her own tale.
    “A very long time ago your Great-Great Grandmother Mirabelle used to tell bedtime tales of the Bog Monster. According to her, a monster he was not; in fact, she claimed him to be angelic. She credited him with bringing back a group of young campers who had gotten turned around out in the swamp’s ever-winding paths.”
    “He saved them?” Beth asked, awed but not the least bit surprised.
    “According to her, indeed he did. And apparently he still does. Many people return from the swamps claiming to have lost their way, and many have claimed to have seen the swamp come alive to show them their way out.” Sipping her tea, she told of salvation to those who had been lost and frightened out in the harsh, dangerous swampland. She spoke of grateful parents dropping to their knees in sheer and utter happiness at their children being returned to their arms.
    “Is there nothing of who he is or what happened to him?” Beth asked hopefully.
    “Honey, you talk like he’s real, and you’ve met him. Is there something you’re not telling me?”
    There was no point in lying. If anyone would believe her, understand her desperation, that person would be Grace. So she took another deep breath and filled in the gaps of her previous story, leaving nothing out.
    Well, almost nothing.
She blushed.
    “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
    “Yes. And I understand how unrealistic and rash it may sound, but … ”
    “But what?” Wise eyes narrowed, awaiting her answer.
    “But there is something about him that calls to me. Beckons me, like our souls are intertwined. Halves that found each other and can recognize it, even if we really don’t understand it yet ourselves. I sound crazy, right?” Beth rubbed her temples.
    Aunt Grace smiled one of her famous, all-seeing, all-knowing smiles. “Very well, then, you deserve the whole story, don’t you?”
    Beth sat upright. “Whole story?”
    “Yes, the buried part. The part our family has kept mum about for a long time. Too long, in fact.” Grace chuckled and added in a hushed whisper. “Yes, the proverbial family skeleton falls out of the closet now.”
    Beth wasn’t sure whether to be intrigued or scared.
    “Oh, come now. No reason for such an alarmed expression. You already learned good and well about our certain … ah, shall we say gifts?”
    Grace was right. Beth had always known they were all a bit different. Hell, most of the town seemed to shoot curious stares their way, but no one had ever elaborated on the stigma. Grace had a unique gift, which could only be