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“And classy,” Elara adds. “I’m sorry you got knocked out, Nadine. I thought your potion sounded very interesting.”
Josie nods. “Would you like to join us?”
Nadine casts a glance around the table. “Would that be weird?”
“Not at all. Please.” Josie gestures to the empty chair at the table, then looks at my brother. “Finn? Could you get us another round?”
“Aye, my pleasure. What’s yer drink, Nadine?”
“I’ll have a Black Widow’s Bite, thank you.”
Finn shuffles off and the girls get back to their conversation.
“I meant what I said,” Nadine says. “If I can’t be there, I’m glad you will be.”
“That’s very kind of you. Thanks.”
“Not at all. When my first attempt exploded, I think it was a sign from Mother Gaia that I wasn’t on the right path. The explosion left me scattered, and I forgot one of my key incantations. Doesn’t matter. I only tried for it to ensure someone kind and honest would lead us going forward. It doesn’t have to be me.”
Josie frowns. “You don’t think Summer and Beatris would be good coven leaders?”
Nadine shrugs, looking like she might have said more than she meant to. “I won’t speak unkindly of my fellow witches. I just hope we can get back to a true feeling of sisterhood and not make everything about who is strongest or best or has the right last name.”
“Huzzah!” Elara shouts before throwing her glass to shatter it against the floor.
Josie blinks and throws out her hand, stopping the projectile glass in mid-air. With a flick of her wrist, it retraces its path, and she sets it back on the table. “Do we need to cut you off?”
Elara laughs. “Maybe. I’m not a big drinker.”
“Clearly.”
“Another round for the ladies,” Finn says, setting the tray down at the center of the table.
Everyone reaches in except Elara. “Maybe I shouldn’t.”
I wave the caution away. “Go for it. Josie and I will make sure you don’t start any riots and get you home safe and sound.”
Elara grins and checks with Josie.
Josie backs me up. “Absolutely. If you want to unwind, we’ve got you, sista.”
“Best offer I’ve had in ages.” She reaches over to the tray and grabs her drink.
The girls have dissolved into a happy chorus of budding friendship when an unexpected visitor makes his way through the crowd.
Dressed like a pip, the warlock has split-dyed hair with one side of his hair yellow and the other orange. As bizarre as it is, it sort of suits him. And he can get away with it because despite being close to two-hundred years old, the guy doesn’t look a day over twenty-five.
“I hear congratulations are in order, Miss Dumont. I’m glad to hear you’re settling into your life here in NOLA. Having a Dumont witch around will certainly stir things up.”
“Mr. Crane. It’s good to see you again. Thanks for coming over to say hello.”
Callius dips his chin. “May I have a private word? I promise it will only take a moment.”
Finn and I stiffen. Look at that. My brother and I are back to sharing common ground—like snapping the neck of a smarmy warlock who dares to speak to our girl.
Josie must feel our reaction over our bond because her head turns, and her eyes widen. “You may speak freely, Mr. Crane. We’re all friends here. What can I do for you?”
He scans the group of us at the table and must realize he’s not getting a better offer, so he shrugs. “I wanted to remind you, the paperwork and the trust information for the Dumont home and estate have been switched into your name. I just need you to come into the office and sign.”
