Almost Charmed Read online

  “He doesn’t know which way I’m going to run.”

  “I have a feeling he wants me though. He will come after me.”

  I hated to keep debating Liam on this, but I really felt I was correct. So that left me with no clue on what we would do next. It looked as if I was going to have to fight a werewolf. I would just cast a spell and hope for the best. A spell of protection. A spell of power and a spell to keep away the evil.

  I called to elements of the north, south, east, and west. “Help me give me strength and power. Take me away from the evil.”

  Liam might think I was crazy for casting a spell, but it wouldn’t be the first time he thought I was nuts. I recited the words over and over. Within seconds, the energy tingled inside me.

  Unfortunately, I didn’t get to finish the spell to see if it worked before the werewolf ran toward me. He was big and his movements were fast. I barely had time to blink and know what was happening. I instinctively darted to the right, screaming as loudly as possible.

  I didn’t look back to see how close the werewolf was or if it was going to grab me. I just kept going. I wasn’t even headed toward the manor. I was headed toward the road. Maybe if I got out there I could get to Liam’s car. Although I wasn’t sure what good that would do. Maybe if I got a little bit farther away I could move to the left and head into the manor’s property line. Just getting out of the trees might help, although they were offering a bit of a hiding spot for me.

  The longer I ran the angrier I got. How dare this werewolf chase me? Not only did I have werewolves after me, but a witch as well. As I ran to the left I heard Liam call out my name, but I couldn’t stop. I hoped he was okay. What if the werewolf wasn’t behind me at all? I had a feeling that the werewolf wanted me though. Probably for the book like everyone else.

  I didn’t have anything else. Just think, if I had followed Nicolas’ request and I wasn’t the leader anymore I wouldn’t have to deal with any of this. No one would bother me. Life would be so much easier. But as chaotic as it was right now I couldn’t let it go. Apparently I enjoyed this, as crazy as that sounded. I knew I was coming to the end of the tree line now and I just hoped I could make it all the way back to the manor.

  I broke out from the tree line now. No longer did I have the protection from the trees. I was more out in the open. Sure, there were a few trees around the yard, but not nearly as many as in that wooded area, obviously. It was still so far away to the front door. And that was when it hit me. I didn’t have the key. There was no time to cast a spell and try to get into the place either. Sure, some other bad witch could do a spell and get in. Probably get my book too. I would be stuck out here being mauled by a werewolf.

  Speaking of werewolf, it was really getting to me that I couldn’t help Liam. I wanted to look over my shoulder now. Was the werewolf getting closer? Was he back there at all? Had he gotten Liam or Thomas? Not to mention the fact that I’d run so much I was ready to collapse.

  Turning around to look was risky. It would slow me down and if the werewolf was back there it would give him the perfect opportunity to grab me. I just couldn’t resist though. It was a chance I had to take. I looked over my shoulder, slowing down a bit, of course. When I saw the werewolf wasn’t there I stopped running, panting and trying to catch my breath. I looked all around. There was no sign of the werewolf.

  This was worse than if he had been right behind me. I would’ve rather he chased me than Liam. I’d thought for sure he had wanted me. And now Liam was stuck in the wooded area with a werewolf. I was some sort of coward. I’d run away, leaving Liam to deal with the werewolf. What I’d thought would happen had turned out to be the exact opposite. I’d figured I was helping. Now I had to go back to the wooded area and help Liam.

  What would I find when I reached the wooded area? The thought was terrifying. I ran back toward the wooded area. This time I didn’t have to go as far out of the way or in a zigzag pattern. I could shoot right across and with any luck find Liam right away.

  I ran as fast as I could toward the trees. Movement caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. When I looked to the right I spotted the tall woman down by the cemetery. She went behind a tree and out of sight. I was almost certain it was her. Though I’d only seen her from the back. There was no time to chase her down now. But I knew she’d been at the manor. She hadn’t noticed me. I thought about calling out to her because I wanted a confrontation with her. I would let her know that she couldn’t have the book. She wasn’t getting it no matter how hard she tried. I’d have to let her go though. Liam and Thomas were my top priorities.

  I was under the cover of the trees again now. Everything was quiet. No sounds of a beast loping across the leafy underbrush. No sounds of Liam calling out for help. No sound of the werewolf. I listened for any sound of my furry familiar. Maybe it was a good sign that there was no noise. Maybe Liam had gotten away and they were looking for me. Could I get that lucky? Probably wishful thinking on my part.

  Nevertheless, I continued. My breathing was heavy, and my heart pounded. I wasn’t sure how much more of this I could handle. Just a few more steps and I would be at the spot where I had left Liam, but he was nowhere in sight. I stopped to catch my breath, looking around for any sign of him. Maybe he’d gone back to the car or to the manor looking for me. I had to find him.

  I also wanted to find Thomas. I wasn’t sure whether to go for the car or go back to the manor. I pulled out my phone, but there was no service around all the trees. I moved forward, making my way through the wooded area and back over to the neighbor’s place. When I reached the clearing I paused, scanning the area for any sign of Liam or Thomas. No one was in sight of course. It was dark and extremely hard to see. I checked my phone. Thank goodness I had limited coverage. Dialing Liam’s number, I waited for him to pick up, but that never happened. Of course I left a voicemail in a panicked voice.

  “Call me. Where are you?”

  I quickly sent a text. I couldn’t just stand around and wait for an answer, so I decided to head back down the driveway toward his car. I hated being all alone out here.

  Chapter 29

  I ran across the neighbor’s yard toward the driveway, looking back over my shoulder every five seconds for any sign of the werewolf or maybe that woman. This was crazy. I was out racing across my property and the neighbor’s looking for Liam and Thomas, all while being chased by a crazy werewolf and a weird woman. I should’ve been on my honeymoon. Maybe I should’ve just gone on that vacation anyway, but then again, that would’ve been a perfect opportunity for the woman to try to get the book.

  Thank goodness I made it to the driveway. My feet pounded against the pavement. I was certainly working off that cupcake I’d had earlier. Still, there was no sign of the werewolf or woman, but no sign of Thomas or Liam either. Why had they left me all alone? At least I was almost at the end of the driveway now.

  I had no idea what to expect when I reached the road. Would I find Liam’s car? I was out of breath as I reached the end of the driveway. When I looked to the right I spotted Liam’s car still there. But there was no sign of Liam or Thomas.

  I ran over to the car and tried the door. Unfortunately, it was locked. Not that it would’ve mattered anyway. It wasn’t like I would get in and drive.

  “Liam? Thomas?” I whispered.

  I knew I wouldn’t receive an answer, but I felt I had to try anyway. I didn’t want anyone else to hear me though, so I wouldn’t call out again. Perhaps the werewolf or the woman were somewhere nearby. I still had that uneasy feeling that someone was watching me, as if at any moment they would attack. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. My only option now was to go back to the manor.

  The walk back to the manor seemed even longer now. I didn’t go back through the woods this time. What was the point? I stayed along the side of the road, headed toward the driveway. There was no traffic. A dark sky full of a million stars. No sound except for the chirp from the insects and the crunch of my feet alo
ng the gravel.

  When I reached the driveway, I made a left. The long driveway stretched out in front of me. It seemed like a treadmill, making the long walk to the manor seem endless. Why I was headed back there I wasn’t sure, because I still didn’t have the key. I would have to try another way to get in, but I’d made this place a fortress. I didn’t think my magic would even penetrate. Perhaps I needed a backup plan for this type of situation. Like a spare key.

  I’d only made it a short distance down the driveway when the distinctive crunch of the pebble drive sounded from behind me. My heart spiked and adrenaline rushed through me. I spun around fully expecting someone to be back there. No one was there. I knew I hadn’t imagined it though. Was it some kind of magic?

  When would this nightmare be over? I stood there for a moment trying to calm down. No easy task considering that I knew something was out there. I walked backwards for a bit, hoping to spot whatever had made the noise, but I couldn’t walk all the way to the house like this. I had to turn around at some point. How could I be sure that it wouldn’t attack? There was no guarantee. And I felt like it was likely to happen soon. I had to be prepared. Perhaps a spell was in order right now.

  After I turned around again, it was only a few more steps until I heard the noise again. I spun around and screamed. Monica screamed as well.

  “What are you doing?” I asked. “Are you crazy?”

  My heart was really pumping now.

  “I’m sorry I scared you again,” she said.

  “What the heck is wrong with you? Why are you stalking around in the dark?”

  “I need to talk to you again.”

  “Well, guess what? We tried to call you and you gave us the wrong number.”

  “I know. I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess I was just so shocked by everything that happened, and I rattled off the first number that came to mind.”

  “Yeah, right. It was the Bubbling Cauldron. Plus, I saw you talking to him,” I said.

  “Who?” she asked.

  “Oh, don’t play dumb with me. You know who I’m talking about. The new owner of the Bubbling Cauldron.”

  “He was asking about you. He saw me talking to you and wanted to know if you were really the leader.”

  “Oh, please. I don’t believe that,” I said.

  She looked confused. “It’s the truth.”

  “I don’t have time for this right now. I’m looking for Liam and Thomas. They’re missing.”

  “What happened?” she asked.

  “I don’t know where they are. And there’s a werewolf around too.”

  Her eyes widened. “A werewolf? Those are real?”

  “Yes, they’re very real. And dangerous. You shouldn’t be out here wandering around.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “You should leave,” I said.

  “Well, I’m here because the ghost wants to talk to you again.”

  “Oh, here we go again.” I tossed my hands up.

  “No, this is serious. He says you have to reanimate him.”

  “I can’t do that.”

  “You can do that,” she said.

  “How would you know?” I asked.

  “You said it earlier.”

  “I can’t talk about this right now.” I turned on my heel and headed down the driveway.

  Monica followed along right behind me. “I really think that if you do this it will help the situation. It’s not just because he wants to be reanimated. He’s here to help you.”

  I stopped and looked at her. “Who is he? You can’t even tell me his name and I’m supposed to bring him back?”

  “He didn’t tell me. I don’t know his name.”

  “It’s important to know who he is. We don’t know where he’s from or his name. Or why he wants to be back.”

  “He says he can help you.”

  “I’m not buying that,’ I said with a wave of my hand. “I’ve been tricked before but not this time.”

  A rustling noise came from the trees.

  “What was that?” she asked, grabbing my arm tighter.

  “It could be the werewolf. It could be that woman. If it was Liam and Thomas I’m pretty sure they would just walk out over here.”

  “Unless they’re injured.”

  “Oh, my gosh, should I go look?” I asked.

  Her grip remained tight.

  “I don’t think you should do that. It’s dangerous,” she said.

  I tried to move my arm, but she just reached out and latched on again.

  “But what if they need my help?” I asked.

  “You can’t help them if you’re injured,” she said. “Don’t risk it. You should call someone to help out, like the police. They are trained for this.”

  “True,” I said. “I guess I could use some backup, but I wanted to have the coven members so that they can help me with a spell.”

  “Do that after the police,” she said.

  “I don’t know if the police will come out just because I saw a werewolf and tell them that the guys are missing.”

  “Maybe they aren’t missing but just left,” she said.

  “No, Liam would never do that. Thomas, on the other hand, he might try to get out of here as quickly as he could. Well, as long as I’m safe. He is seriously devoted to helping me. He probably thinks I’m with Liam. Therefore, he thinks I’m safe. He probably took off to get away from the craziness.”

  Chapter 30

  When I looked to the left I spotted Liam and Thomas. My excitement at seeing them again was short-lived when I spotted the mystery woman next to them. She was holding them captive. And she was doing this by means of the werewolf. He had his teeth bared and it looked as though if Liam or Thomas made one move he would maul them. I wasn’t sure what to do. I had to help them. I ran toward the wooded area.

  “What are you doing?” Monica yelled out.

  “I have to help them,” I said.

  “But that huge beast is there.”

  “Stay back,” I yelled.

  When I got near the trees I stopped. The werewolf had his attention focused on me. But then I realized he couldn’t get over the property line because I had cast a spell. It was actually working. Thank goodness.

  “Do you want them?” the tall woman said with a snarky laugh in her tone.

  “Who are you?” I yelled.

  She laughed.

  I supposed that meant she wasn’t answering my question.

  “My name is Louise Linville. Nice to meet you, Ms. LaVeau.”

  “Charmed, I’m not,” I said.

  “If you want them, you’ll have to come and get them.” She motioned for Liam and Thomas to walk.

  They turned and headed off through the wooded area with the werewolf right behind them. Louise stared at me for a moment with an evil smile. A couple seconds later she turned and followed behind the werewolf. What would I do now? I wasn’t sure if running after them would help. What kind of spell could I cast to stop her? The police would be here soon and would be my backup, I hoped. Oh, wait. I forgot to call them. Talk about scatterbrained. I had lost my cool under pressure. What would I do now?

  Monica stood beside me now. “I told you that you should reanimate that ghost. He’s here to help you.”

  What did I have to lose at this point? How bad could it be? The ghost was probably harmless.

  “All right, I’ll do it,” I said.

  I couldn’t believe I was agreeing to this. I hoped I didn’t regret it. However, I was willing to do just about anything to get Liam and Thomas back safely. Even reanimating a ghost.

  I really needed to get into the manor so that I could cast the spell. I needed my cauldron and I wasn’t sure that things would work out right if I didn’t have it.

  “Are we going inside?” Monica asked.

  “I’ll just do it right here,” I said.

  I didn’t want to tell her that I didn’t have a key to the manor and that I was locked out. I called to the elements o
f the north, south, east, and west. Earth, fire, rain and air.

  “The ghost that appears to me, let him be on earth and free.”

  I chanted the words and held my hands up toward the sky. I walked in a circle, chanting again and again. Monica watched, not saying a word. So far there was no sign of the ghost. I still had my doubts about this. I mean, who was this ghost and why did Monica think he was going to help me? I finished the spell and then looked around for the ghost.

  “Well, he’s not around, so it looks like he’s really not helping after all,” I said.

  Noise came from the right. When I looked over I saw the petite woman watching me. She was standing at the tree line waiting for me to come over. She couldn’t be serious. After she had been caught talking with the other woman, now she wanted me to speak with her again? But I supposed since obviously she couldn’t come over the property line and she wanted to hear what she had to say, then I would have to go over there.

  “Excuse me, Monica,” I said. “I’ll be right back.”

  I glared at the woman as I headed over to her. I stopped in front of her, crossing my arms in front of my chest.

  “May I help you?” I asked.

  “Have you seen her yet? The woman who is trying to take the book?”

  “I’ve seen her and I assume you have too,” I said.

  She frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I know you’re working together,” I said.

  “Okay, all right.” She waved her hands. “I’ll come clean with you.”

  “I highly doubt that, but all right. What do you have to say?”

  “Yes, I was talking to that woman, but I was only doing it because I wanted to help you.”

  “Why do you want to help me? I don’t know you. What’s your name anyway?”

  “My name is Nikki Elvina.”

  “Well, Nikki Elvina, why do you want to help me?”

  “Because I heard you’re a great leader and I didn’t want you to lose the book.”

  “I don’t believe you,” I said. “I can tell by the look on your face that you’re not being completely honest with me.”