Surge Of Magic (9 page)

Missy looked at her quizzically as if she thought Teagan might be lying. “About what?”

If her sister Izzy should mention that Teagan asked to speak with Ophelia, and Teagan hadn’t confided in Missy, her cousin would be upset. Because no one else was in the store, she decided to tell her. Hopefully, Missy wouldn’t ask too many questions. “I needed to make an appointment with Ophelia. That’s all. Izzy set it up for me.”

“Why do you need to see Ophelia?” Concern flooded her face.

Wendayans didn’t often ask to see the powerful witch. “If you must know, I want to see if there is anything I can do to help Randy retrieve his magic back.”

Missy’s face scrunched up. “Are you insane?” She leaned closer. “If Changelings are involved, you could be killed.”

Teagan waved a hand. “I’m not planning to drive into the mountains and ask questions.”

Missy’s shoulders sagged a little. “Then what?”

“I’m not sure. I want to know what a vision about a Changeling would look like in case I have another one. Every one of us is at risk, and I refuse to stand by with my thumb up my ass and watch while other witches have their magic stolen.”

Missy’s eyes widened, probably because Teagan hadn’t been this passionate about doing something in a long time.

“I’m well aware of the danger, and I also agree that those evil werewolves might not be happy at just stealing Randy’s magic. I imagine they will desire to take everyone’s. Why wouldn’t they want to go big and try to rule the world?”

A shiver rippled up Teagan’s spine. “Exactly. It’s bad enough they can shift into a werewolf and even morph into another human. Add magic into the mix, and they could be unstoppable.”

“Horrible thought. Perhaps we should take shooting lessons.”

Teagan almost laughed. “My luck, I’d be carrying a gun, and when I pointed it at the Changeling, I’d lose my courage. Then he’d wrestle it away from me and kill me with it.”

“You have a point,” Missy said. “Let me know what Ophelia says. I would like to help too, but my powers aren’t conducive to becoming a super hero.”

Teagan hugged her. “I know. Mine aren’t either, but there has to be something I can do.”

“Let me know what she says.”

For the next hour, Teagan kept busy, trying not to dwell on the meeting. She needed to figure out how to phrase her concerns in the most succinct manner. Most likely, Ophelia, who she’d met only a few times, would talk in circles then disappear, and Teagan wanted to make sure she asked her questions quickly and effectively. Elana had told her that the old witch had held Elana’s hand and hummed, which meant that Teagan had to remind herself not be disappointed with the outcome.

At five fifteen, she said goodbye to Missy who was closing out the cash register, and then headed back to the Cove. Izzy’s house was the last home before Cove Lake and afforded the most privacy, which was probably why Ophelia had chosen that spot instead of meeting at Teagan’s house.

When she parked in Izzy’s driveway, it wasn’t until she’d slipped from her car that she spotted the diminutive lady stepping from behind a tree. It was a strange hiding place, but Teagan was sure she had her reasons.

Teagan rushed up to her. “Thank you, Ophelia, for meeting with me.”

“These are serious times.”

Izzy must have filled her in on what happened to Kip’s brother. Even though Teagan had practiced what she wanted to say, she wasn’t sure how to begin. Taking care of her anger issues might be the most pressing problem. “I had an incident this afternoon that occurred because I lost my temper. Is there some kind of spell you can perform to help calm me?”

“A spell? I could perform one, but I don’t think that would make you happy. You have the ability within you to control your life. Just slow your pulse and eject negative thoughts.”

That was easier said than done. She needed a more direct approach with this woman. “Okay then, can you tell me what I might do about my undisciplined telekinesis powers that keep erupting at all the wrong times?”

Ophelia grabbed both of her wrists then closed her eyes. She hummed just as she had with Elana. A moment later, she let go then looked at her. “Practice. You have a lot of talent within you, and you need to recognize it for what it is.”

That was kind of like what Rosa had said. “I’ll try. I don’t know if you heard or not, but Kip Landon’s twin brother, Randy, had his magic stolen, and I’d like to help get his powers back.”

Ophelia’s gaze went straight through her, sending uncomfortable pulses of fear all the way down to her toes. “Destiny must play out. Interfering with fate can have consequences you can’t foresee.”

“I don’t plan to charge into the mountains and search for the location of the stolen magic.” Though if she thought she’d be successful she would try.

“I’m glad you realize that would be dangerous.”

“I do.” Teagan wasn’t surprised she said that, but she couldn’t let the subject drop. “Do you have any idea what our magic by itself would look like?”

“It glows,” Ophelia said as if she’d seen a witch’s powers outside of her body.

“It glows? Like a firefly?”

A small smile lifted her lips. “Precisely, though different powers give off different colored auras.”

The old witch was talking in riddles again. “Is there anything I can do to help Randy, and maybe future Wendayans who are robbed of their most precious commodity?”

“There is a black aura over our kind, but if you use your powers for the good, you can help eliminate this aura for a long time.”

Excitement pulsed through her veins. “What do I need to do?”

She tapped an area on the left side of her chest. “Your heart will lead the way.”

Really? That was all she could offer? Teagan needed answers, not platitudes.

Ophelia smiled, turned, and headed toward the lake.
Don’t go!
While Teagan was tempted to follow her, she had to respect the woman’s privacy.

Aargh
. Teagan clenched her fists to keep from sending a branch or a rock flying through the air. With her luck today, it would hit Ophelia in the head. The old witch was right. Teagan seriously needed some help with her self-control. Damn. She had so many other questions to ask, but the old witch had thrown her off her game by humming and talking nonsense.

Once back in the car, Teagan called Kip hoping he could help her figure out a few things.

He answered on the first ring. “Hey, I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon.”

When he’d left after their fantastic lovemaking session, she had told him she needed time. “I’ve come to my senses. Would you be up for dinner?”

“Sure. How about Nate’s Pizzeria?”

She had been thinking more along the lines of the Lake Steakhouse, where the booths were more secluded and no one would rush them. However, with the way he came up with the pizza place so quickly, he must have a hankering for some. “Works for me.”

“How about I pick you up at seven? I’m in the middle of running down a clue or I’d come over now.”

“That’s okay. Seven is perfect.”

Once Kip disconnected, she started the car. With over an hour before their date, she had time to shower and change. It had been bad enough entering the Silver Lake Café smelling bad, and then having to order take-out because she didn’t want to offend anyone.

When she had returned to work with her meal in hand, she’d quickly donned one of the white lab coats she and Missy wore when giving facials. Even though she’d rinsed some of the spots from her pants, she hadn’t been able to remove all of the garbage stains. The whole event of running into the can and then tossing the container in the air still rattled her.

To save Kip the inconvenience of having to drive back to the Cove, she probably should have asked him to meet her at the restaurant, but she liked going together. It made for a more romantic date.

Two minutes later, she arrived at her house and rushed inside. She couldn’t wait to wash up, and even figured she had time to luxuriate under the warm water for a bit. After dumping her clothes in the laundry, she jumped in the shower and scrubbed every inch of her body.

After a wonderful fifteen-minute shower, she dried then went in search of the perfect outfit for tonight. She had put Kip through a lot recently, and she wanted to make it up to him. More than ever, she needed his guidance and wanted to show him just how much she cared for him.

Because he liked the pair of straight-legged jeans that had rips in the thighs, she chose them. She had to admit they looked really good with her short leather boots. To go with the sexy jeans, she slipped on a black camisole and then drew on a deep blue lacy top over it. When she’d worn this outfit a few months ago, Kip had said the top matched her eyes. Because the evening could turn chilly when they left the restaurant, she grabbed a sweater to take with her.

After she dabbed on some light makeup, she was ready. Because she’d had a good night’s sleep, she almost appeared refreshed. Too bad there wasn’t a makeup fix for her stomach. Every time she pictured that flying can and the possibility someone had seen her, acid would burn another hole in her gut.

Right on time, the bell rang, and she rushed to answer it. When she pulled open the door, she had to swallow her desire. Kip’s silky black hair was still wet and slicked back, but he had tied the longer hair in the back with a leather strap. His usual white shirt was replaced with a starched black button down one that gave him that devil-may-care attitude look. Hot and sexy didn’t come close to describing his appearance. The jeans and boots alone made her drool.

“Hey.” She smiled then did a second sweep of his body.

“Hey, yourself.” He stepped inside, leaned over, and kissed her. Sparks flew. As much as she wanted to have a repeat performance of the last time he stopped over, not only was she hungry, Teagan needed his opinion on what to do about the trashcan incident. Another such performance could end in disaster.

Regardless of her good intentions to stop, she indulged in his wonderful scent and luscious lips until her stomach grumbled, and she broke off the kiss. “Sorry about that.”

“Never be sorry to kiss me.”

“I meant for my stomach grumbling.”

He chuckled. “I figured.”

From the way his eyelids lowered and his mouth had parted, he was waiting for her to resume what was just started, but she had important matters to discuss. “Let me get my purse.”

Needing to put some distance between them, or take a chance on giving into her urges, Teagan dashed to the bedroom and grabbed her purse and sweater before returning to the living room. “All set.”

After locking up, she slid into the front seat of Kip’s truck.

He jammed the key into the ignition and fired up the engine. “I have to admit, I was surprised you called so soon after our discussion.”

She figured he would be. “I needed to talk to you.”

His jaw tightened. “About?”

“I had an incident today.”

He glanced over at her. “What kind of incident?” His voice had turned sharp and protective.

“Let me back up so you’ll understand why it happened.” She started by describing her conversation with Rosa. “She made me see that my visions can help people because I can warn them.”

His brows rose and the corner of his lip quirked up. “Haven’t I been telling you that all along?”

More guilt assaulted her. “Yes. You were right, but it was because I cared so much for you that I pulled away.”

His shoulders relaxed, but she didn’t miss the grunt. “So we’re good?”

“We’re good,” she said.

“This incident?” he asked as he turned onto the road and headed toward town. “Tell me about it.”

“I know I hurt you by not rushing over to the hospital after Randy was stabbed, and I wanted to make it up to you.”

He slowed, probably so he could take longer to shoot her a look of concern. “What did you do?”

“I haven’t done anything yet. I thought I’d get Ophelia’s opinion on how I could help. She seems to have a magic all of her own and knows things others don’t. Izzy swears by her as does Elana.”

“What did she say?” While his words came out even, she knew him well enough to tell he wasn’t pleased. He turned down Main Street and headed north toward the restaurant.

“She saw a black aura over the Wendayans, which isn’t surprising.” He nodded. “She also said we can’t change destiny but that if I use my powers for the good, the aura will lift.”

“That was a bit cryptic.”

“That’s what I thought, and when I asked her about it, she smiled and walked away.”

Kip searched for a parking spot on the street. Finding none, he slipped down the alley between the Pizzeria and the craft shop and parked in back. He then undid his seatbelt and twisted toward her. “You still haven’t told me what this incident was.”

“I’ll tell you when we get inside.”

Kip came over to her side and opened her door. She slipped out and just as she placed her hand in his warm palm, the light above the parking lot extinguished. For a few seconds, it was eerily dark behind the restaurant. Then the light blinked on.

He squeezed her hand. “Was it bad?”

She looked up at him. “Was what bad?”

“What happened?”

If anyone had seen her little demonstration, it would have been catastrophic. “I hope not. I kind of lost my temper and caused something to sail through the air.”

“Tea-gan.” He dragged out her name in a playful admonishing tone.

“No one saw me.”

They were almost to the sidewalk that led to the restaurant when a cool blast of air rushed up her shirt. She stopped. Not only didn’t she want to have this conversation in the alley, she was cold. “I need to go back to the truck. I left my sweater on the front seat.”

“I’ll get it. Wait here.”

As Kip jogged back toward the truck, she sauntered toward the rear parking lot, her arms crossed over her chest to prevent the chill from seeping through her lacy top. The light that had illuminated the alley extinguished once more and she halted, not wanting to step in one of the potholes littering the alleyway.

The truck door squeaked open. As it closed, someone clamped a hand over her mouth and around her waist, and every one of her senses shot to high alert. Adrenaline supercharged her fight instinct, and she kicked her assailant’s shin with the heel of her boot. He groaned, but didn’t let up the pressure one bit.