“Does Archie know you’re doing this?” she asks. “Anyone in the coven?”

I don’t reply. Instead, I pick up my mug of Earl Grey and take a sip. Then another.

“For fuck’s sake, Gwyn. You’re mixing types of magic. Shouldn’t you ask someone if it’s safe? Or ethical?”

I set my mug on the table. “Do you think Seamus would agree to teach me if it wasn’t? How is it unethical? He’s a witch. A trustworthy one who saved my life a couple of times and helped the coven when Cordelia Davenport wreaked havoc in Bearsden.”

“Hmph. You know why Seamus is helping you. Because he loves you. And that’s why you aren’t telling Archie.”

“I don’t want to argue with you. I came to ease your worry. If both of our intuitions are accurate, I need to at least strengthen mine. Agnes met with me twice to work on it. I’ve been meditating daily with an amethyst geode she gave me, adding other crystals to find the most effective duo. Unfortunately, I haven’t discovered the correct combination yet. I’ve concentrated so much on intuition, I’ve not practiced with the crystal grid. Aunt Gorawen made me promise to take my time, so that option is off the table.”

“Please, be careful, Gwyn.” Folds form in her brow. “And I’m not talking about the crystals.”

As the rain taps on the windowpanes, Leslie begins our regular Thursday circle with a tap of her Elder staff. “Elijah would like to address the coven before we begin our discussion. Councilman, you have the floor.”

He stands to address us. “I want to thank all of you again for understanding my predicament on Monday evening. I was in a tough spot. But that’s not my reason for speaking to you tonight. The shelter is going to be very short-handed this Thanksgiving, and we could use as many volunteers as we can get. I understand if you have individual family plans. Any help you could provide would be appreciated. Of course, we’ll set you up with a free, scrumptious meal.”

Tyler raises a hand. “Zoe and I would be happy to volunteer. Mom and Archie will be there, anyway. An awesome excuse to avoid spending Thanksgiving with my grandmother in Virginia.”

Zoe’s signature grin brightens her face. “I love playing with the kids. I’m happy to entertain them.”

“We missed last year,” Tanner says. “Spence and I can come.”

“I’d love to help, big man,” Spence adds. “Tell us what time, and we’ll be there.”

Ronnie sticks a finger in the air. “Count me in. And Derek. I’m too close to my due date to go visit my parents this year. It’ll be fun to spend it with all of you.”

“I can’t think of another place I’d rather gather,” Shane says, “than with my witch family.”

The rest of us, including our coven leader, confirm our commitment with a raise of our hands. All except Agnes. She lowers her head, attempting to hide her prune face.

Leslie nods with a smile. “Splendid. Thank you for providing this much needed assistance to those less fortunate in our town.”

“You know I hate hanging out with huge crowds,” Agnes mutters.

I glare at her. “You can deal for one afternoon. Besides, we all want you there.”

We all stamp our feet, and a rumble fills the Pumpkin House parlor.

“I guess I’ll go,” she says, rolling her eyes. “But I better get two fucking desserts.”

Elijah chuckles. “Agnes, if you come, I will personally serve you as many as you like.”

Our councilman sits down, and Trinity takes over the meeting. “You have all read the news by now. This morning, the Bearsden Police concluded their search of North Basin Creek Park. They found no evidence pointing to the kidnappers using the woods as a hideout. Gwyn, I appreciate your warnings, but your intuition must be pointing to something else.”

“But I had similar feelings,” Ronnie says. “Recently, my motherly instincts have intensified, filling me with an insurmountable dread.”

“Couldn’t your emotions be anxiety about your future baby?” Skye asks. “Not that I know anything about that.”

“Sure,” Ronnie replies. “Jump on the ‘you’re moody’ train. I’ve had enough of that from Derek. I’m in the third trimester. It’s not my fucking hormones.”

Wrinkles form between Trinity’s eyes. “I remember my pregnancy with my daughter. Don’t rule it out, Ronnie. But we’ll take heed of what you are both experiencing.”

“Does it sound like a coincidence to you?” I ask. “We’re both getting these signals.”

Archie leans forward in his chair. “Perhaps a few of us should investigate the park.”

“Don’t look at me,” Ronnie says. “I’m done walking in there.”

“No offense, honey,” I say. “But you said your intuition sucks.”

The young witches burst out laughing, and Archie frowns at me.

“I don’t know what you think you’re gonna find in there,” Agnes says. “It’s a fucking nasty bog full of mosquitos and gnats. Nothing else. My property backs up to the woods. If there were people or supernatural beings hiding in there, I’d have noticed by now.”

Skye taps her chin. “Unless there’s a masking bubble over the area. If there is one, we’d never realize it. Right?”

“You young witches think you fucking know everything,” Agnes replies, smirking.

Leslie attempts to quash a smile. “I trust our youth implicitly because we trained them well. In all my recollections, this is the first time we have had a full coven of witches at level three status. Archie and Gwyn, I recommend you take the young ones with you to obtain a fresh perspective.”

“Don’t be surprised when you come up dry as a goat turd,” the hedge witch adds.

Shane chuckles. “Agnes, you have a way with words like no other.”

“Well, I do sleep with an academic,” she replies, guffawing. “Must have rubbed off.”

We all crack up, and Trinity stands to dismiss us. While we’re hanging out on the porch, Archie and I schedule a time to visit the park with the young witches. We settle on Tuesday in the late afternoon after classes. I’m excited about the prospect, actually. Although their intuitions are less developed, they have the skill.

Archie and I stroll through the Green under a blanket of cloud-filled skies. A cold front has moved in, and a slight drizzle wets the paver walkway. I snap open my umbrella, and we squeeze together underneath. When we arrive at Drummond Lane, I stop.

“What are you doing?” he asks. “You’re not staying with me tonight?”

“I don’t think so. I need to get a good night’s sleep. We both know that rarely happens when I stay at your place.”

“Aye, but you never complain afterwards.” He kisses me. “Do you have an important presentation for class in the morning?”

I can’t tell him about my special training sessions with Seamus, but I won’t lie to him either. “I’m exhausted. It’s best I catch up on my sleep. I’ll stay over tomorrow. OK?”

“Do I have a choice?” He kisses me again. “Goodnight, my love.”

“Night, honey.”

Archie continues on toward Duncan Street, and I dart up Drummond to home. Storm winds blow through my fleece jacket, chilling me to the bone. While the pitter-patter of the rain pings on the top of my umbrella, I tremble, thinking about tomorrow’s session with Seamus. It has to work, because I’m out of options.

Chapter sixteenA Protector’s Gift