It was nice to finally feel like I was out of survival mode. To be able to breathe in and take stock of the people around me. It was even nicer to have the power not only to recognize their needs, but to meet them.
When I first arrived at the Magnolia, I’d thought the lobby was empty. I’d worried the business was failing, when what had actually failed was my ability to see things for what they were. Even during our quiet lunch hour, a stream of supernatural creatures moved through the lobby. A minotaur hobbled through the door to physical therapy. A human-passing warlock bid us hello on his way to the salon.
My new position, so far, was exhilarating. There was no way I was going back to New Orleans. I barely remembered the Simone who’d stood outside the Magnolia a mere two weeks prior, picturing herself as the main character in a movie, before her life was changed forever.
But I’d yet to share my intentions with anyone other than Ethan. Maybe I was afraid that if I told them I was staying and screwed up again I’d make an even bigger mess. Or maybe it was because I wanted everyone to accept me for who I was before I made declared myself Supreme.
Besides, Agatha’s final warning still lived in my head rent free.
The chains of magic can bind, but the bonds of family can shatter even the strongest link.
What the heck did that even mean?
Whatever it was, I got the feeling the board meeting was the first of my hurdles, not the last. And friendship was a two-way street. If Lauren was nervous, the least I could do was soothe her. I closed my eyes again and searched for my gift. It was cool in my throat, like I’d swallowed concentrated peppermint.
When I opened my eyes and spoke, it was as if my words were carried on the wind. I couldn’t hear my own voice, but I felt the power of it all the way down to my root.
“No one in the Magnolia can see or hear us for the next five minutes. Not even our mystical protector.”
I hadn’t actually known Gumbo was near until I noticed Brianne’s hand was under the table. He let out an indignant meow and scampered away from the table. Brianne wiped her fingers on a napkin and grinned at me.
“I know they’re bad for him, but he’s so dang cute.”
“He is. But this is for the three of us only.” I wasn’t sure exactly what I was going to say, but I had their attention. “Agatha and I had a nice chat last Sunday. And an unexpected visit to Bridge Island helped me recover my memories from my youth. All my memories.”
I halted to stare pointedly at Lauren, whose pretty peach skin blushed red.
“I’m settling into my position as the Division Head for Magnolia Mental Health. I wanted you both to know I have every intention of accepting my position at the next board meeting.”
The response was more than I’d expected. Brianne leaned all the way over to hug me. Lauren bounced up and down, clapping in a way that reminded me of her old cheerleader days. Without the self-important smirk. They started speaking over each other, peppering me with questions.
I appreciated their enthusiasm, but apparently, I wasn’t done speaking. I held up a hand to silence them. Vivid blue lightning danced across my palm. Whoa.
“But my position as Supreme is not secure. Someone is coming.”
Bolts flew from my fingers, zapping the air around us. They barraged the table with a dozen charred scratches.
“Who is coming, Simone?” Lauren ran her hands over her arms with a shudder.
“I’m not sure,” I answered between chattering teeth. I had a chill ofmy own. “All I know is they’re coming to challenge me, and I’ll need all the support I can get.”
It felt like my body was acting without my control. I had no idea what I would do next. I placed both hands on the table, rubbing them like I was trying to start a fire. My palms were like ice against the charred surface. I exhaled, and the marks of my lightning attack disappeared.
Well, that was cool.
“What I need to know today is whether or not I have your support.”
“Brianne?” I turned to her first, already knowing the answer. She laid her hand over my left hand, still resting on the table.
“Abso-effing-lutely.” I’d take it. It was as close to a cuss word as Brianne would get.
“Lauren?” Even with this power weaving through me, my uncertainty was apparent in my voice. I did my best to hold still and keep her stare.
I had to admit, her confident smile and the fact that she didn’t hesitate were a shock to my system.
“You have my support, Simone.” She laid her hand over my right hand, then reached across the table to take Brianne’s, forming a circle. “I’m on your side.”
“Good. Thank you. Thank you both.” I blew out my breath and stood up. “We’re clear.”
