Yeah, no.

  “It was all part of the celebration, Chief,” I lied. “We were having a… a scavenger hunt around town. Everyone had a list of things they had to find and no one could find the item that would win the grand prize.” As the tale spun wider and bigger and more bizarre, I threw myself into it. It didn’t have to make sense, but I had to tell him something—anything. “Everyone became convinced that the winning item was in Roy’s truck. So, they started following us, and when the others got the idea that someone was going to beat them to it, they joined in the chase, too. The whole thing just got a little out of control but… no one got hurt. No property got damaged so… no harm done. Right?”

  I prayed to High Heaven he bought the story, otherwise, Haven Hollow was going to have a very serious public relations incident on its hands.

  He scowled even deeper. “I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. It’s reckless. Most of the people in that mob were grown adults who should have known better. I had to issue at least thirty citations for driving in the wrong lane and at least half of the vehicles involved belonged to someone other than the drivers. And in my books, that means theft. What am I supposed to do—arrest half the town? We wouldn’t have a town left if I did that.” Then he sighed. “Not to mention the fire that started up on Highway 207, so we had to keep everyone from leaving town.”

  “Fire?” I started to ask, but then remembered my phone call to Wanda and her saying she’d come up with something to tell the police. She’d mentioned a natural disaster… I definitely owed her for this one.

  Chief Morgan fixed me with a death glare and I swear to God, in that moment, he knew. Something in his unflinching gaze told me he knew, without a doubt, that I was lying. He knew I was covering up and that my story didn’t hold a drop of water.

  He scrutinized me too closely. I trembled in my shoes, waiting for him to handcuff me and haul me away to jail, but he must have seen something in me that convinced him to go along with my story.

  He nodded without slackening his gaze at all. “I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I trust Osbourne to hold this town’s safety and well-being before everything. He was with you that day, so he must put some stock in you, too. I don’t like half the nonsense you and your weird friends or my harebrained cousin get up to in this town, but I’m willing to bet your heart’s in the right place. If you tell me right now the problem is taken care of and it won’t happen again, I could see my way to taking your word for it.”

  “It is!” I exclaimed, nodding enthusiastically. “I give you my word.”

  He nodded, but his expression skewered me to the core. He knew something was up. He had to know, or at least suspect. “If anything like this happens again, you’ll be the first person I come looking for. Just so we’re clear on that, Ms. Morton.” He nodded toward my store. “I don’t hold with all this potion business, you know. If I had the authority, I’d shut it down for fraud.”

  My mouth fell open. “Fraud!?”

  All at once, the veil shattered and I was back to dealing with the old Cain Morgan—muggle, mundane, null, bastion of law and order in a supernatural town. His job required him to doubt anything he didn’t understand. And I was fairly sure the world wouldn’t work the right way if he didn’t.

  Chapter Fourteen

  When Finn and I made it home, I breathed a sigh of relief. My house had never appeared better, even unremodeled. Finn eagerly flew up the stairs, wanting to see Piggy. I was happy to plop down in my comfortable chair in front of the fireplace and just sit there, doing nothing.

  No sooner did my butt hit the seat then the doorbell rang.

  Son of a…

  I got up, all the while wondering who was bothering me now. When I opened the door, I found Roy standing there.

  “Roy?” I asked.

  He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck as he did whenever he was anxious about something. “I’m sorry about what happened in the bar. We were just putting on an act like you said.”

  I shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what happened in the bar and I forgive you for any and all of it.”

  He nodded but didn’t seem convinced. “Thank you.”

  “You didn’t have to come here—not when you need to get those guys back to the colony.”

  “I also need to get you back to your Jeep,” he offered.

  I smiled, but shook my head. “Marty is going to take me,” I answered, even though I hadn’t even bothered to ask Marty yet. Even so, I knew he’d say yes. He always did.

  “Okay… well, I, uh… I just… I couldn’t deal with the thought that maybe you were jealous about me kissing Fifi. I just got… caught up in the moment. You said to play it up and I did. I’m sure Fifi didn’t mean anything by it, either.”

  “That’s okay. I don’t mind.” I did, but that was a different matter. And it no longer mattered. Nothing with Roy did.

  “Are we good then?”

  “We’re good.”

  He was quiet for a moment, and I could tell there was more. “I still think there’s a chance we can work this out, Poppy. It doesn’t have to be this….”

  I held up my hand. “Don’t. We’re from two different worlds and you deserve someone who can give you what you need. I deserve the same thing…”

  “Right and I still believe that man could be me,” he started, but I shook my head. I wasn’t really sure why he was fighting so hard for this relationship. I didn’t understand what he was so afraid of, that he felt like I was his safety.

  “No, that man isn’t you, Roy. It can’t be you and I think we both know that.”

  He nodded and there was something in his eyes that said he understood—he knew the truth in my words as much as I did.

  “Is it Marty?”

  I felt my eyebrows knit. “Marty?”

  “I always thought there was something between the two of you. I mean, it’s obvious he’s in love with you and has been since you moved here.”

  I shook my head. “Roy, there’s nothing going on between Marty and me and there never was.”

  “Don’t blow sunshine up my ass to let me down easier.”

  “I’m not. There’s nothing between Marty and me, not now and not ever.”

  He nodded as he took a deep breath and then gave me a sad, little smile. Before I thought to stop myself, I rose on my tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “Go back to the bar and deal with all those rowdy men. And don’t worry about me. I will be fine and so will you.”

  “I will always worry about you.”

  “And I appreciate that. We’ll find a way to be friends in time, I’m sure.”

  He nodded again and looked down at the porch.

  “You are going to be really happy, Roy, much happier than I could ever make you,” I promised, knowing I couldn’t say much more.

  “I hope you’re right.”

  I smiled wider. “I am.”

  “Well, I, uh, I do need to get back, before those guys destroy the restaurant.” He started down the steps.

  “Roy?” He stopped and turned around to face me. “Thank you.”

  He nodded and then he was gone.

  I continued to stand there in the doorway, even after the dust from his truck had settled.

  I wasn’t sure why, but I felt a deep, inner calm. I felt like I’d done the right thing. And the truth was, I would get over this relationship, just like I’d gotten over every other one that hadn’t been the right one. My life in Haven Hollow was complete as it was—I was happy. I wasn’t alone. I had great friends. I had Finn and my store. Really, this was the first page in the first chapter of the rest of my life.

  I turned away. This time for good. I started walking back into the house when I heard my phone ringing. Picking it up, I realized it was Wanda.

  “Thank you,” I started as soon as I accepted the call. “For everything you did.”

  “You’re welcome,” she answered, and the sounds of Libby, Hellcat, and Darla filled the background. “And don’t ever spring anything like that on me again, Poppy Morton! You have no idea the headache I have after being on the phone with Mother for the last hour.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Anyway, I was calling because… I wanted to see if you might… want to get… together for drinks sometime soon.”

  “That sounds like you’re asking me out on a date,” I said with a laugh.

  “I’m not asking you out on a date, Poppy,” she grunted. “And, besides, if I were into women, you wouldn’t be my type.”

  “Well, thanks for that,” I answered as an image of Sandy in the yellow dress assaulted my brain. “And, yes, I’d love to do a girl’s night whenever you want.”

  “Great, how’s tomorrow night?”

  “Um, I think it’s good.”

  “Okay, cool. Now I’ve got to go deal with these cadavers and the demon known as Hellcat. So, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Great… oh, and Wanda?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You wouldn’t um… happen to have any tight black pants and a black off the shoulder top, would you?”

  She was quiet for a moment. “You mean like what Sandy wears at the end of the movie?”

  “Yeah, kind of like that.”

  She chuckled. “I’ll see what I can find.”

  ***

  It was later that evening that my phone rang for the second time. It was Marty, asking what I was up to.

  Finn was already asleep and I was just sitting in front of the television and the fireplace, doing nothing but vegging.

  “You want some company?” he asked.

  I thought about it. “Sure.”

  After another few minutes, the sound of the rumbling hearse interrupted the otherwise still air and I opened the door to let Marty in. He gave me a big hug, and owing to his damp hair, I figured he’d just gotten out of the shower. He smelled like Old Spice.

  I closed the door behind him and walked into the kitchen, knowing how much Marty liked it when I had snacks on hand. I opened the fridge and pulled out a summer sausage I’d gotten specifically for him because he loved it paired with Gouda cheese and a slice of pickle, atop a Saltine cracker.

  “So,” he started, as he took a seat at the kitchen island counter.

  “So,” I finished.

  “Are you and Roy…”

  “No longer together?” I interrupted, then nodded. “Right.”

  He took a deep breath. “Oh, Pops! Is there anything I can do? Do you need an intervention?”

  I beamed at him. He really was a good friend and he’d been the first friend I’d ever made since moving here. I burst out laughing at the part about an intervention. “Thanks, but no. I’m actually… I’m doing… fine.”

  He frowned. “Are you sure? You guys seemed good together.”

  “We seemed that way on the surface, maybe, but underneath, we just weren’t meant to be.”

  He got up and hugged me around the shoulders again, and I leaned into him. I liked the way he smelled—I always had. He smelled like—comfort.

  “I’m lucky to have you as a friend,” I said.

  I leaned further into him and closed my eyes as I absorbed his warmth. Damn, it felt good to have his big arms around me—to feel protected against the pain that was still thrumming through my heart.

  “Back at you.” He held me even tighter. “So what’s the magic potion for a broken heart?”

  “You tell me,” I answered as I pulled away and started working on his crackers again. He walked back to the counter and resumed his seat on one of the stools.

  “Um, I’m thinking movie marathon of your choice, as many snacks as possible, and all the booze you can drink for self-medication purposes. If we drink enough, we might go out on a limb and burn an effigy in the backyard.”

  I shot him a grin. “Or two.”

  “Or three!”

  I paused and just looked at him, really looked at him. “Thanks, McFly. I really needed this.”

  He nodded and reached across the counter, placing his hand on top of mine. “What are friends for?”

  “Well… I’d like to thank you by letting you pick the movie for tonight.”

  He cracked a grin of his own. “Back to the Future it is.”

  The End

  ~~~~~

  Return to Haven Hollow in:

  Demon in Denim

  ~~~~~

  Turn the page for a list of ingredients and directions to all the potions in this book!

  ~~~~~~

  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

  Courting Oil:

  ½ part Lily of the Valley

  ½ part Lilac

  10 drops Musk

  5 drops Cinnamon

  This oil will help you attract the right partner.

  Caliph’s Beloved:

  ½ part Ambergris

  ½ part Rose

  Apricot carrier oil to fill bottle

  Excites sexual passions and attracts new lovers. Powerful aphrodisiac.

  Circe Oil:

  ¼ part Lotus

  ¼ part Lily of the Valley

  ¼ part Musk

  ¼ part Muguet

  Clove, a few drops

  Eucalyptus, a few drops

  Wintergreen, a few drops

  A romantic enchantment. Use to make someone become enthralled with you.

  Gypsy Magic:

  ¾ part Peppermint

  ¼ part Thyme

  ½ ounce Borage Seed Carrier Oil

  Divination oil. Use this to anoint your third eye prior to any spellwork.

  Fire of Passion:

  ¼ part Patchouli

  ¼ part Civet

  ¼ part Musk

  ¼ part Pine or Ambergris

  Causes the opposite sex to desire the wearer more passionately.

  Follow Me Boy:

  ½ part Jasmine

  ½ part Rose

  Include a piece of coral and gold glitter in the bottle.

  Favored by New Orleans prostitutes to ensure they’d make plenty of money in their endeavors.

  Bend Over Oil:

  ½ part Rose

  ¼ part Frankincense

  ¼ part Honeysuckle

  Vetiver, a few drops

  Makes other people do your bidding.

  Bat’s Blood Oil:

  ¾ part Magnolia

  ¼ part Peppermint

  Used in black arts practices. Creates discord, tension and havoc.

  Conquering Glory Oil:

  ¼ part Bayberry

  ¼ part Sandalwood

  ¼ part Tonka

  ¼ part Orange

  Gain power over others, no matter the purpose.

  Alsatian Sex Oil (Male):

  ¾ part Musk

  ¼ part Ambergris

  Muguet, a few drops

  Worn by men to sexually arouse women.

  Alsatian Sex Oil (Female):

  1/3 part Musk

  1/3 part Civet

  1/3 part Ambergris

  Patchouli, a few drops

  Worn by women to sexually arouse men.

  Amore’ Oil:

  ½ part Apple Blossom

  1/8 part Ambergris

  1/8 part Cinnamon

  An attraction oil to bring you love. Be careful as this one has a habit of making people follow you around.

  Banishing Oil:

  ½ part Frankincense

  1/8 part Rosemary

  1/8 part Bay Laurel

  1/8 part Angelica

  1/8 part Basil

  To banish anything unwanted.

  Return to the Table of Content

  DEMON IN DENIM

  Haven Hollow #6

  (Wanda’s Witchery)

  by

  J.R. RAIN

  &

  H.P. MALLORY

  Demon in Denim

  Published by Rain Press

  Copyright © 2021 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.

  Demon in Denim

  Chapter One

  Lorcan Rowe bared his vampire fangs in a fearsome snarl and dove for my throat.

  “Watch where you stick that pin, woman!”

  I smiled sweetly up at him from the floor, where I knelt at his feet. “I wouldn’t dream of hurting you, Lorcan…” I waited until he relaxed and faced front so he couldn’t see me. “Except here!” I jabbed the pin with all my might right into his ass.

  He let out an agonized howl and leaped off the footstool. “Aargh! What the bloody hell are you doing, you daft woman?”

  The first time I poked him was an accident, but this time was planned. I leaned back on my heels and picked up my pincushion. “I told you to stand still.”

  “I was standing still!”

  “If by ‘standing still’ you mean, turning to look at me every other second and talking with your hands nonstop, okay.”

  He faux glared at me, or maybe it was real. “I believe you poked me just for the fun of it.”

  “Perhaps,” I purred. “Regardless, the next time you call me ‘woman’, you’ll be pulling something sharp out of a place you really won’t like.”

  “That seems a bit harsh, no?”

  I frowned up at him. “It’s a better fate than you deserve after everything you’ve done.”

  He glared at me while he stepped back onto the footstool, but hesitated to turn his back on me again. “I should have my head examined for agreeing to this.”

  “Well, I’ll make it easier for you by reminding you that you didn’t agree to anything. This lunatic plan was your idea in the first place and I was the one who had to be convinced to go along with it.” I took a breath and thought about said plan, shaking my head as I did so. “I still say you’re out of your mind for trying to enchant such a powerful vampire.” The powerful vampire in question was none other than the founder of his bloodline. “Then again, you being out of your mind isn’t anything we didn’t already know, is it?”