“Valen’s trying to help me out and the others want to support, but I guess it didn’t pan out the other day, did it?” I’m rambling and making little sense, thanks to my nerves. “They might’ve done more harm than good.” I tuck an errant strand of pink hair away.
Jade takes one more bite and tosses her apple core into a trash can across the room in a way it should be impossible. Physics seem to bend to her will.
“It’s nice you have the support system you do, but for now, it’s best to have fewer people involved. Let’s get down to business.” She wipes her palms on her skirt. “I feel your power, and it’s strong, but it doesn’t want to come out yet, as we found.” Her blue, almost purple, eyes narrow as she thinks. “It’s going to take some digging on my part.”
“Can I ask you a few questions for now since the power thing is at a standstill?”
Jade nods for me to continue.
“What can witches do? I know what I’ve seen in shows and movies, but it could all be fake. Did you always know you were a witch? Do you have other witch friends? Do we ride brooms?”
“Whoa.” Jade holds her hands out. Her nails are long and sharp on the ends, painted a plum color today. “Slow it down. I promise I’ll answer all your questions, but one at a time, please.”
“Sorry.” I wince. “I’m clueless. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact thatI’ma witch.”
She gives me a sympathetic smile, and her glossy black hair falls over her shoulder in effortless waves when she glances off to the side.
“I always knew I was a witch, as the gene is passed strictly from mother to daughter or father to son for warlocks.” Hereyes grow distant. “My powers manifested when I was a little girl. Unfortunately, my mom was with me when it happened, and it resulted in her death.” Jade’s eyes glaze over with unshed tears, and I reach over to place a hand on hers. “Powers can manifest in times of great stress, and that’s exactly how mine did.” She slides her hand out from mine and plays with a frayed piece of her jeans. “My mom owned this apothecary shop and dealt with all kinds of supernaturals. She was well-known for her powerful spells, and they came from far and wide to see her. She also had a passion for stationery, which made the shop a perfect cover. I remember sitting in her lap as she cut and arranged her pieces.” Jade smiles sadly. “Being that powerful meant she had enemies too, and a warlock who felt wronged by her painted a target on her back. We were out shopping when we were attacked. Mom was bound, and I watched helplessly as they beat her. Wanting to do something, I fought until my powers manifested, and the explosion of magic did what I wanted it to. It killed the bounty hunter. Unfortunately, it also killed my mom.” Jade sighs and paces around the room.
“Jade, I’m so sorry.” Not knowing what else to say, I leave it there. There’s nothing I can say or do to make up for that kind of tragic loss.
“I’ve had plenty of time to wallow. My dad blames me for the situation, even though it’s not like I was trying to kill my mother,” she bites out. “I keep the store running on both sides because it makes me feel close to her.”
“For what it’s worth, I’m sure she’s very proud of you. And fuck your dad for being the way he is.” I flip my hair over my shoulder and shrug.
Jade laughs and sits back down in her wingback chair.
“To answer your other questions, there are many covens throughout the United States. Witches tend to keep to their own kind, but certain ones, like my mom, help the supernaturalcommunity at large” She picks at a flaking piece of nail polish. “Brooms are a harmful stereotype but technically can be done.” Jade’s eyes dance with amusement. “As for what we can do with our powers, it depends on the witch. Let me try and feel for your magic again.”
I place my hands in hers like the other night.
She closes her eyes and her dark brows wrinkle. A small tingling sensation starts in the middle of my chest, and I try to open myself up to her even though I don’t really know what I’m doing. The feeling grows and feels like it’s on the precipice of something when it fizzles out.
“Damn.” Jade looks at me thoughtfully. “Hang on.”
Walking over to one of the shelves, she pulls out an old book and flips through until she finds the page she wants. Running her finger over the text, she mumbles the words to herself until she taps victoriously.
“Aha. I’ve never encountered this before, but I think your magic was locked by someone.” With a snap, she closes the book and places it back on the shelf.
“Who would’ve done that and why?” I wonder aloud. Everything about this is confusing. Could it have been my birth parents? If my mom was a witch—which she had to have been—then why would she have wanted my magic bound?
“Who the hell knows? You’re from a powerful bloodline, so maybe your real parents did it to protect you,” she says, somewhat echoing my own thoughts.
“Can you feel that it’s locked?” I lean forward eagerly. I want answers, even if it means learning I can’t access my magic.
“It’s an odd thing.” She drags her finger down another book’s spine. “I feel your magic pulsing inside you, but it feels like a ball of yarn all tangled up in itself. I was hoping I could coax it loose with my magic, but it’s not that simple.” Her silver bracelets jingle as she puts a hand on one hip. “I’m going toteach you some exercises to see if it helps. Valen’s your mate, so maybe you should try some with him to see if it helps. After all, he’s a part of your soul.” She says it like it’s common conversation, and as someone who isn’t caught off guard often, I sputter.
“We’re not bonded yet.”
She arches a brow. “Well, bonded or not, you are mates. I’m giving you some homework tonight. Sit with him like we’ve been doing and focus on that pulsing core you have. I can work on untangling it, but it’ll go faster if you can do it too.” She paces the small room. “Try to focus on unraveling that ball of power and use his presence to ground you. We’re going to try everything we can to access your magic. Meanwhile, I’ll keep researching here.” Jade claps in finality, and I stand up, a tad disappointed to once again have made no real progress.
“Jade?” a deep voice calls from the main store area.
“In here!”
A large, imposing figure ducks under the curtain and finds us hidden in the back. He must be privy to the witchiness, because he doesn’t bat an eye at all the odd goods throughout the room. With light hair swept to the side and blue eyes, he reminds me of Spencer.
Turning to me, his eyes widen, and I recognize the subtle heat behind them.
