Romance Rules for Werewolves (Charming Cove, #3)(43)

Poor Poa. I’d had no idea that my familiar was also uncomfortable, but she was definitely happier.

The entire process felt like it was over in seconds, but I wanted it to last longer. It had been incredible.

As the golden sparks faded, the witches stood. “Well?” Hazel asked.

“I feel better.” I drew in a deep breath. “I hadn’t even realized I’d felt bad. But everything just seems…aligned? I don’t know how to describe it.”

I do. Poa looked up at me. Amazing.

I gave her an apologetic smile, guilt tugging at me. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea you were all tangled up, too.”

Well, it’s better now, so let’s forget it.

“Wow. That’s unexpectedly forgiving.”

She glared at me. Don’t get used to it. You owe me tuna.

I grinned. “There’s the Poa I know and love.”

She purred and rubbed against me, and warmth filled my chest. She was definitely feeling better.

Hazel walked toward me. She held out a hand toward my chest, stopping before she made contact. “May I?”

I nodded.

She pressed her hand to the same spot as before, and her magic flowed into me. She grinned broadly as she removed her hand and stepped back. “You’re a Reader. The most powerful one I’ve ever felt, in fact. With practice, one day, you’ll be able to read any spell, curse, or enchantment that has been placed on a person or object. Eventually, you’ll be able to undo the magic if you desire.”

Wow. I’d heard of Readers, but I couldn’t believe I was one. I looked from Hazel to the other witches, turning in a circle to make sure I could see all of them as I said, “Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”

“Tell us by practicing,” Hazel said. “Emma will take you up to the workshop to help you get started. We want you at full power if you’re planning to become an apprentice.”

I wanted to salute but resisted. “I’ll get there. Thank you again.”

Emma led me upstairs, and Poa stuck close to my heels. Penelope joined her, and as they communicated in their silent familiar language, I had a bad feeling that they were planning something.

“This is fantastic,” Emma said as she walked into the workshop. “The coven hasn’t had a Reader in years. And I mean years. It’s been at least a couple decades. This is going to be so helpful with our work.”

Her words thrilled me, filling me with an intense desire to start practicing. I wanted to be the best damned Reader this coven had ever seen.

“We’re going to start with enchanted objects,” Emma said when we stopped beside one of the tables. “You touch them and see what you can feel.”

“All right. Let’s do it.”

We spent the rest of the day practicing my power. I felt guilty about spending the time away from Lavender House, but if I could use this gift to more accurately identify the spell that had been placed on it, I could perhaps improve its mood even faster. With any luck, I could make it cheerful enough to let workmen inside.

In the long run, the time spent practicing would be worth it.

Emma and I finished as it was getting dark, and I felt much steadier in my magic. It would still take a lot of practice to fully come into my power, but I had faith I could do it. I’d learned so much from her in such a short time, and she’d even told me about Avalona, a tiny island just off the coast of Cornwall where my magic would be enhanced, if I wanted to try it there.

I definitely did.

On the way back to the house, I stopped at Codswollop’s and ordered two fish and chip dinners with an extra piece of fish for Poa. Then I headed toward the boathouse. Lavender House was lit with lanterns, no doubt because Rafe was still up there working. I parked the car, planning to bring the fish up to him, when I spotted the vase of red roses on the ground in front of the door.

I frowned. “What the heck?”

I climbed out of the car and knelt by the flowers, pulling the card out. My heart pounded as I flipped it open, finding a message that made me grimace.



I was the worst sort of sod. Please call me. I still have my old phone. I want to explain. Love, Tommy.



“Ugh.” I crumpled the note up. Why was he trying so hard? He’d spent most of our relationship ignoring me or telling me the laundry needed to be run. Why did he suddenly have to have my attention?

Was it because I was withholding it?

Probably.

And I was going to keep withholding it. I’d do one better, actually. Two better.

First, I dumped the roses in the trash, then called Mr. Ludlow, the solicitor. He had no news about the deed to the boathouse, but he did agree to send a letter to Tommy threatening him with legal action if he didn’t leave me alone. I didn’t know what kind of legal action I would take, and Mr. Ludlow didn’t seem particularly bothered by the details.

“I dislike the idea of this bounder harassing you,” he said, his tone stiff. “I will take care of it.”

I smiled down at the phone as I rang off. That Mr. Ludlow was a good sort.

My last call was to Emma, requesting that she and the coven put a spell on the boathouse to hide it from Tommy. I didn’t know how he’d found me, but Emma said that she’d see to it he forgot.

My smile was even bigger as I put the phone away, and I was more grateful than ever for finding my way to Charming Cove.