“But Barbra killed her brother-in-law!” Marty nearly yelled.

  Ophelia turned on him like a snake. “Yes, and she will be punished for doing so. But by a jury of her own kind, her peers.” Then she faced me. “And the contract promises you will never speak of this night or of the fact that there are monsters in Haven Hollow to anyone.”

  “I don’t happen to have a pen on me,” Marty said acidly.

  Ophelia’s smile dripped sweet venom as she released me. Then she reached inside her blazer and withdrew a square of paper. She flattened it on the table top and pushed it towards us. Then she reached into her other pocket and withdrew something glittering and sharp.

  She offered Marty the broach, turning it around to reveal the sharp clasp on the back, an evil glint in her eye.

  “Blood will do just fine.”

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Two Weeks Later

  The side effects from my concussion lasted around a week, maybe. Ophelia’s healing power had certainly helped me quite a bit and my recovery wasn’t as long nor as difficult as I’d assumed it would be. I mostly just felt… tired. The side effects from our discovery... well, that lasted longer.

  I was surprised to find how relieved I was to learn that Darla had merely returned to the house after the situation with the wendigo. Once I’d broken the bond between us, Darla’s energy had been as shot as mine and she’d blipped out of existence, returning to her source—the pencil box. She hadn’t been able to take physical shape for at least a week although she could still speak and complained about the fact night and day.

  With Barbra’s secret exposed, the haunting had immediately stopped—at least that’s what Marty said. I wasn’t sure what Layla’s reaction had been to the news that her sister had murdered her husband, but I imagined it couldn’t have been good. All I did know was that Barbra was in the custody of the council and Layla was taking care of the girls.

  As regards the rest of the mess, even though I’d pressed a bleeding index finger to Ophelia’s contract, I hadn’t needed to. There was no way I wanted to talk about the events of the night to anyone, not even myself. It was almost like I thought the memories would go away by not remembering. Or maybe this was just a good example of being in shock and denial.

  Finn was angry when he asked me what happened, but I couldn’t tell him. I desperately wanted to tell him everything: that sasquatch was real and happened to be Roy Osbourne, that Stanley was a centaur and Lorcan a vampire. But the contract had stated, in no incomplete terms: No mundane could know anything about the monsters in Haven Hollow.

  Ever.

  Finn realized, of course, that I was keeping something from him. And Marty’s poker face wasn’t much better. Thus, Finn started giving everyone the cold shoulder, even Marty. And that was saying something.

  I was still getting side-eyed by Ophelia, though most of the other supes, as they called themselves, welcomed us with open arms. There were several dozen of them in Haven Hollow ranging from Gregory, the OCD werewolf to a pair of demonic twins, Fifi and Angelo, a succubus and incubus respectively.

  And realizing Fifi was a succubus made a hell of a lot of sense when I remembered how she just happened to be the most attractive woman I’d ever seen. Then there was the way everyone responded to her at the Half-Moon Grill, including my son. But, not including good ol’ McFly. Hmm, that was interesting, for sure.

  ***

  Roy and I were seated on my newly acquired porch swing, watching the moon rise incrementally as we sipped hot cider. It was nearly midnight.

  “I still haven’t called a contractor,” I complained as I took a deep breath.

  “Yeah, that kitchen isn’t going to start remodeling itself,” Roy answered with a laugh.

  “Tomorrow,” I said with a quick nod. “Tomorrow I’m going to call someone—first thing in the morning.”

  Finn had gone to bed without saying good night or giving me a kiss for the third time in a row this week. I knew I had to give him time. I’d explained that I’d been sworn to secrecy and I couldn’t tell him why or I’d break a blood contract, but that hadn’t seemed to soothe his anger. He still felt like I should be able to tell him anything, owing to the fact that he was my son. And while I agreed with him, I also had given my word and my finger print in blood. There had to be ramifications for breaking my promise, and I didn’t want to find out what those ramifications were.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” Roy asked, nudging my shoulder, once I grew quiet. This was our first time alone since everything went down.

  “So... you’re a bigfoot?”

  “Sasquatch,” he corrected me mildly. “Or Gigantopithecus if you want to be scientific.” He shrugged. I laughed.

  “I can’t believe I’m out on a date with Sasquatch,” I laughed. “I feel like I should be committed or something.” I cleared my throat, realizing how that sounded. “I mean to an insane asylum… not like committed in a relationshippy sort of way.”

  “I got what you mean. And that’s natural to feel a little… nervous about the whole thing. Shelby felt that way too, when she first met Stanley. Now she’s married to a centaur.”

  “She’s human? Or mundane, as Ophelia calls us.”

  “Them not you,” he corrected me.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, frowning at him.

  “Well, you’re hardly a mundane. You possess magic.” He took a deep breath. “Everyone is still in shock by what you were able to do with Barbra—turning her back into her human form. That was… impressive magic, Poppy.”

  I shrugged. “I’m still human.”

  He cocked his head to the side and then took a swig of his cider. “Anyway, yes, Shelby is human.”

  “I bet Ophelia had a field day with that one.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I can’t imagine she likes the idea of humans marrying monsters?” I asked.

  “Yeah, well, Ophelia is old school and doesn’t like a lot of things.”

  We were silent for a little while, watching a moving van and an expensive Benz pull into the house across the way. I’d heard I’d be getting a new neighbor from Ophelia. Wanda something or other. She’d be running the clothing shop across the street from my store.

  “Am I crazy?” I whispered.

  “Aren’t we all a little bit crazy,” he answered with a grin. “But, why do you ask?”

  I faux elbowed him in the chest, but not enough to cause him any pain. I did, however, get to feel his muscles which were like trying to elbow a brick wall.

  “Because I don’t mind,” I said, sipping my cider as I thought about it and was amazed by the dawning realization overcoming me.

  “Don’t mind what?”

  I shrugged. “All of it! Any of it! I moved to a town full of monsters... erm... supernatural creatures, and I’m not thinking about moving away.” Then something occurred to me. “Is Finn safe here?”

  Roy nodded immediately. “We have strict rules where humans are concerned. We don’t hurt them. And, regardless, all of us know who you are and if anything, your boy is safer here than he would be in any other town. He’s got… monsters looking out for him.”

  I smiled broadly. I liked hearing that. “I think Haven Hollow may be the best decision I ever made.”

  Roy reached out and patted the top of my hand. This was our first date, and we hadn’t so much as hugged. It had just been pretty… platonic, actually. And that felt good to me. I needed to move slowly with this dating stuff. Not just owing to everything I’d been through lately.

  “I think you’re going to do just fine here,” Roy said, his voice deep and soft.

  “I think so too.”

  My smile withered as I turned my head and spied a shape moving through the headstones of the cemetery in the rear of my yard. A closer look revealed a pale, lithe woman weaving in and out of the graves, dancing around the mausoleums, trilling a high laugh.

  A witch’s cackle echoed across the cemetery as ancient, heady power rode the air.

  And a witch’s cackle meant one thing…

  A witch.

  The End

  ~~~~~

  Return to Haven Hollow!

  Cashmere Curses

  ~~~~~

  Please Note: Cashmere Curses picks up right where Gypsy Magic leaves off. In it, you will meet the character of Wanda (remember the witch dancing in the graveyard?) and we think you’ll love her.

  ~~~~~

  Turn the page for a list of ingredients and directions to all the potions in this book, and to learn more about Haven Hollow!

  ~~~~~~

  Return to the Table of Contents

  Poppy’s Potion Recipes Referenced In This Book:

  From ‘The Complete Formulary Of Magical Oils’ by Celeste Rayne Heldstab

  Gypsy Magic Oil:

  ¾ part Peppermint Oil

  ¼ part Thyme Oil

  ½ ounce Borage Seed carrier oil

  This is a simple, yet effective divination oil. Use this oil to anoint your third eye prior to any divination or spellwork.

  Calming Oil:

  Equal parts: Lavender Oil, Geranium Oil, Mandarin Orange Oil, Cypress Oil

  Use for relaxing and calming after a hard day at work or with difficult people.

  Compelling Oil:

  4 oz clear base

  Equal parts: Verbena Oil, Jasmine Oil, Rose Oil, Lilac Oil, Myrrh Oil, Lavender Oil, Violet Oil, Honeysuckle Oil

  Gain power for yourself. Use this oil to change things so they go in your favor. This oil compels others to give in to your desires.

  Dreamtime Oil:

  Equal parts: Carnation Oil, Sandalwood Oil, Vanilla Oil

  This oil is used for peaceful, healing sleep and creative dreaming. Use it in a diffuser, or make it into incense.

  Enchanted Spiritual Oil:

  Equal parts: Frankincense Oil, Myrrh Oil, Heliotrope Oil, Cinnamon Oil

  This oil is for protection from all harm. Use this as an anointing oil to protect you from the harmful thoughts of others and to remove all negative magic that is trying to cling to you.

  Fiery Command Oil:

  Equal parts: Dragon’s Blood Oil, Frankincense Oil, Myrrh Oil, Cinnamon Oil

  Will force others to do your bidding without question. Use with care.

  Get Away Oil:

  1 part Red Pepper

  1 part Black Pepper

  1 part Patchouli Leaves

  1 part Powdered Ginger

  1 root of High John The Conqueror

  ½ cup base of carrier oil

  This oil helps to protect against all night phantoms and nightmares. Anoint a white candle and burn for fifteen minutes before retiring. Also anoint windowsills and doorknobs. Do not wear.

  Gris Gris Oil:

  ½ teaspoon Sandalwood Oil

  ½ teaspoon Bay Oil

  Asafetida, a pinch

  Dill Seed, a pinch

  ¼ teaspoon Uncrossing Oil

  2 teaspoons Benzoin Tincture

  A Voudoun recipe for all-purpose power. Use in any situation when added energy is needed.

  Memory Drops Oil:

  Equal parts: Rosemary Oil, Vanilla Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Clove Oil.

  A few drops of honey

  Improves mental processes. Can assist with remembering names, numbers and locations.

  Magus Oil:

  Equal parts: Lemon Oil, Orange Oil, Frankincense Oil

  Sandalwood Oil, a few drops

  Vetiver Oil, a few drops

  For protection and power. Anoint a purple candle with this mixture.

  Purification Oil:

  ¾ part Eucalyptus Oil

  ¼ part Camphor Oil

  A few drops of Lemon Oil

  Add to bathwater to be rid of negativity or illness.

  Tranquility Oil:

  ¼ part Sage Oil

  ½ part Rose Oil

  ¼ part Benzoin Oil

  To bring some quiet and tranquil times to any upsetting situation. Use in a diffuser.

  Uncrossing Oil:

  Equal parts: Lemon Oil, Rose Oil, Lily Oil

  Bay Oil: a few drops

  Rids the wearer/ user of bad luck and hexes

  Return to the Table of Contents

  CASHMERE CURSES

  Haven Hollow #2

  (Wanda’s Witchery)

  by

  J.R. RAIN

  &

  H.P. MALLORY

  Cashmere Curses

  Published by Rain Press

  Copyright © 2020 by J.R. Rain & H.P. Mallory

  All rights reserved.

  Ebook Edition, License Notes 2.0

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Cashmere Curses

  Chapter One

  “Come now, Wandellmellia you can’t truly mean to move to that... that cesspool of a town?”

  Mother’s voice grated against my ears, despite the draughts she’d taken over the years to keep it as sultry as it had been in 1755 when she’d been known as the ‘Siren of Scituate’. She wasn’t a true siren, of course, but to the sailors who worked in the coastal town, she may as well have been. Now, she was the High Witch of Crescent Circle—a coven I’d belonged to a couple of weeks ago.

  It wasn’t the timbre of her voice that grated on me. Honestly, she could have made a killing operating a sex line. She never turned down the charm, even when addressing her daughters. No, it was the tone that needled its way under my skin. Like she was talking to a stupid child, and at her wit’s end trying to get her point across.

  That was Mother, for you.

  If I clenched my teeth any tighter, I’d grind my molars into dust. The powdered tooth of a Blood Witch might be a handy way to make money if I was ever desperate enough. Now, the thought just made my jaws ache.

  “Haven Hollow is a perfectly respectable Hallow, Mother, and it’s the closest one to Portland and Crescent Circle. Would you prefer I move to the East Coast, to say… New Jersey?”

  I glared out the windshield at the two-lane highway. I couldn’t deny the countryside was picturesque under the moonlight—with Christmas lights in the distance twinkling and glowing. Generically pretty, like a stock photo. I swore I’d seen something similar as the backdrop on my laptop. The rain-slicked highway wound like a silver ribbon through the thick groves of Aspen trees.

  Mother gave an exaggerated splutter like I’d attempted to give her heart failure. As if it would be so easy. Her wards were flawless…

  “New Jersey? Honestly, Wandellmellia! You’re only saying that to get a rise out of me!”

  It was true. I knew my mother couldn’t stand Scarlett Velardi, the High Witch of the Sub Rosa Coven in Newark. Scarlett had married and stayed monogamous to appease the Don of the local Mafia, Guy Velardi. Unseemly behavior for the head of a witch line. Especially one so firmly matriarchal.

  But, if Mother left me no other choice, I’d take all the patriarchal crap the mob could throw my way. After all, the mob scared me way less than my own mother.

  “I’m not moving to New Jersey, Mother,” I said on an exhale.

  “And thank the stars above for that.”

  “Apparently your wits are starting to fail you,” I added with a wry, little smile.

  “What are you talking about?”

  I shrugged, even though she couldn’t see me. “Clearly, you’ve forgotten the conversation we had a few weeks ago when we agreed I’d settle in Haven Hollow,” I reminded her. “It was our compromise, remember? Close enough to Portland for you to visit, but far enough to avoid any problems from my recent… incident.”

  ‘Incident’ sounded like too sanitized a word. Try ‘calamity’. ‘Apocalypse’. ‘End of Days’.

  To think, it had only taken one head-on collision with an orthodontist’s office to pull my life down around my ears. I’d been wallowing in the resulting fallout in the weeks since, trying to plot a way to salvage something from the wreckage.

  Mother sighed, and I could just imagine her pinching the bridge of her nose like she did whenever my miscreant antics became too much for her.

  “Yes, well,” she started. “I’ve changed my mind, Wandellmellia.”

  “You can’t just change your mind,” I nearly yelled at her. “Not when I’m already here!” I took a breath. “And for Tituba’s sake, stop calling me Wandellmelia! You know I hate it!”

  “Wandellmellia is a respectable family name,” she argued.

  “You know I’ve always hated it and you also know I go by ‘Wanda’.”

  “Ugh!” she grumbled and I could just see her waving away my little outburst with an unconcerned, but perfectly manicured hand. “Why you insist on the shortened, human form of your name will forever perplex me.”

  The way she said the word ‘human’ revealed her blatant disgust with them.

  And it wasn’t a prejudice pinpointed to Mother. Oh, no. Celestine Depraysie, High Witch of the Crescent Circle Coven of Portland, Oregon had iron convictions about the role of mortals. Most were to be avoided at all costs. Mortal men were only valuable when a witch came into her power and had the potential to create life.

  Men were tools, in the figurative and literal sense. Well, human men anyway.

  Mother snorted.

  “Humans are such… animals. Come home to Portland, girl, and we will figure out the rest. I’ve got my eye on a quaint little cottage-style home in Tacoma, Washington. With a little renovation, you could live quite comfortably there. It could be a home away from home.”

  “I’m already in Haven Hollow,” I managed. And I had no interest in moving even further north.

  She exhaled a heavy breath. “This foolish little idea of yours is already being whispered about behind closed doors, and your cousin Astrid is taking inspiration from your antics. Come back for her sake, at least.”

  I gritted my teeth harder. Trust her to bring Astrid into this. Astrid was one of the few members of my family I could stand. Closer to me than any of my twelve sisters.

  And as for my brothers... well, I wasn’t sure where they’d all settled, and Mother hadn’t kept in touch with them after they turned eighteen. Most of them were dead in the ground. As a general rule, men didn’t inherit the magical gene, and they aged at a mortal rate.