SEER’S ORDERS
SEER’S ORDERS
Grammy locks eyes with Starla.
“You may not be a seer, but you’re incredibly perceptive.
I worry that, while Councilman Taylor helped us get rid of the Goldsboro coven’s meddling and their attempts to buy the bar, it may have given your father the idea that threatening the place could be an effective way to get to you.
Not to mention it probably confirmed for him that your life here is not purely to spite him but that you care deeply for this location and those around you. ”
“That should have been obvious when I stopped going to visit him,” Starla grumbles.
“Perhaps. But those who view relationships as transactions do not always recognize care and compassion in others. Regardless, he’s now well aware of your attachments and has had months to deduce the best way to use this leverage against you to get what he wants.
He undoubtedly has an angle for this visit.
I want you to be able to get through this event with as few distractions as possible, and then solve Leena’s curse. ”
“And you’re sure we should address things that order, and stick together?” I ask.
Maybe we’d be better off if I tried to handle the curse myself. That way, I’d have full use of my song and could intervene if Starla’s father attempted anything.
“The magic is clear. You go together. Starla first, then the curse. I have also seen that doing things that way will provide the final clue to the mystery of how Leon got the idea to transfer magic from supernaturals to humans.”
Grammy puts a hand to her temple as everyone bursts into speech yet again and the rising voices drown her out.
This time, it’s not Grammy who gets things back under control.
Pickles lets out a particularly loud awooo.
Grammy beams at the basset hound.
“Thank you. This trip will be a three-birds-with-one-stone situation. Particularly since … well, never mind. You’ll come across the answers you need for yourselves, which is how it has to be.”
“What exactly does that mean? Do you know more than you’re telling us?” Starla asks.
“If I did, and I kept it to myself, that would be because it’s what magic demands.”
“Magic could stand to be a bit more forthcoming,” Starla grouches.
Grammy’s dark blue eyes flicker at her granddaughter.
“I do encourage you to express yourself however you’d like to your father once you’ve upheld your end of the bargain. Think of that as a reward of sorts for getting through the weekend. And, back to my initial point, you need trustworthy people here at the Sea Wench while you’re away.”
Keegan’s chest puffs up a bit when the coven leader looks at him as she mentions trustworthy individuals. Brody dips his chin.
“We’ll take care of it,” the red wolf shifter promises before cracking his knuckles.
Grammy claps her hands.
“Splendid. I’ll keep an eye on things myself, of course, and I’ll be sending Imogen back and forth between here and the coven house, as both she and Shanell will be the coven’s boots on the ground, so they can also keep me informed.
There’s been enough supernatural shenanigans going on in this area for a lifetime.
We’re not getting taken by surprise again. ”
I catch Brody’s smile when Grammy mentions the witchy lawyer, but I’m more focused on her determination to protect CB and those who reside here. It ought to give me peace of mind.
Or it could make them all targets if Starla’s father does decide he wants to intervene in her life here. What if Leon gets out or his unknown associate chooses to attack while I’m away?
I take a few deep breaths as Grammy continues speaking.
“And that leaves who will be going along on this trip. The four of you—”
Pickles barks, and Grammy grins at him.
“Sorry, five. The five of you. I do see that some more individuals will come into contact with you on the way, but it’s important you trust your own judgment on that, so I won’t cloud it for you.
Just know that you should follow your instincts when it comes to whom you should include in your plans. You should, however, bring Ji-hwan.”
The Were she mentions has a supernatural ability for seduction, and I can only guess that Grammy has seen the necessity of schmoozing at the winter ball.
“I’ve already given Ji-hwan a call. As you know, he’s been helping some friends out on a case, but luckily he is available to head straight back here. You all should be able to leave tomorrow. Never has given him, and by extension the rest of you, use of her jet to get to England.”
Another unique Were, Never can read emotions and kick butt—the second trait being less of a magical ability for her and more of a lifestyle.
“That should get us to, and therefore through, our misery a bit quicker,” Starla laments.
“At the very least, Ji-hwan can use his powers to serve as a distraction for when you inevitably lose your temper on some pompous individual,” Jackal teases the witch.
She flashes him a mischievous grin, and I’d gather she’s already imagining how many unique, Southern-style insults she could lob off at someone while the rest of the guests are focused on the seductive Were.
Grammy must catch the expression as well, because she looks at Starla sternly.
“One last thing. And before I say it, I’m warning you now that this is non-negotiable. I’ve seen it in my visions. You need to adhere to this advice, because that is how you will come across the information needed to break Leena’s curse.”
Starla’s smile falters, but then she looks at me and back to Grammy again.
“Whatever it takes.”
Grammy sighs.
“I must stress, once more, that this is necessary, or I wouldn’t ask you to do it.
Your father is, I am certain, going to hoist a bevy of sorry suitors in front of you.
You must play the part. Go on the garden strolls, say yes to the dances, flirt and be the absolute pinnacle of charm.
No insults or slaps or stomping away mid-dance.
No storming out of the manor. You will participate in everything for the duration, and that is how you will find the answers you need.
To break Leena’s curse, but also for closure with your father. ”
Starla squeaks, and I whip my head around to see her lips pursed. Her cheeks puff out, and go redder than a summer strawberry. She stomps one foot into the ground several times, before letting the breath out and nodding.
“Yeah, sure. Of course,” she manages hoarsely once she has her temper under control.
Your fault.
My thoughts are an ever-present reminder.
Starla is going to be miserable on this trip, for me.
I’ll make sure it counts—and that I pay her back, no matter what it takes.