Page 61 of Cursed By Fate
“I need to figure out how he’s doing whatever he’s doing. I’ll let you know when I have more information.”
If he wasn’t a true alpha, then the next option was magic. Good thing I knew someone with a lifetime of experience.
“I need to talk to you about something, but you have to swear to lock it in the vault,” I said to Meemaw.
The crone didn’t hesitate. She swiped a knife from the counter and sliced straight across her palm. Blood dripping from the wound, she held up her palm. “Done.”
“Um, I wasn’t requiring a blood oath, but okay.” I sucked in a breath and spilled the beans. “There’s something funky about Keith, the new werewolf.”
“The alpha?”
“He’s not an alpha.”
“Of course he is. Have you seen the way the other wolves submit to him?”
Not just wolves. “I think there’s something else at work. I checked out his condo and didn’t find anything obvious.”
“And you would like to know if magic is involved.”
“Yes.”
“I assume he was given a copy of the Neighborhood handbook when he moved in.”
“I saw it in his kitchen drawer, so yes. He was also apprised of the rules on magic during orientation.”
Her eyes twinkled. “What’s the problem with bossing people around? Worried that he’s stepping on your toes?”
“At the moment, that seems to be the gist of it, but I have concerns that he’s gearing up for something bigger.” I declined to reveal his attempt to compel me because then Meemaw would know it didn’t work and wonder why.
“I can try a counterspell,” Meemaw said. “If it works, then we know it’s magic.”
“But if it doesn’t?”
She shrugged. “It isn’t necessarily an answer. Worth a try, though.”
“How can you cast a spell without him realizing it?”
She patted my hand. “Leave the covert ops to me, dearie.”
“I want to be there when you do it.” If for no other reason than to clean up any magical mess that followed her effort.
“Why don’t I invite him to a card game tonight? I’ll invite all the new residents as a welcoming gesture.”
“What makes you think he’ll try to manipulate anyone?” I asked.
“It’s a card game, Maya. If he’s the kind of man you think he is, then he’ll cheat in order to win.”
I nodded. “No other witches. Just you.” I didn’t need him controlling a coven as powerful as this one.
“Margie’s out with Catherine for the evening. They went to a Jimmy Stewart double feature. I don’t expect her until late.”
“Perfect. Thanks, Meemaw. I appreciate your help with this.”
“If this Keith is a threat to the Neighborhood, then he’s a threat I’m happy to eliminate.”
My sentiments exactly.
She glanced at the microwave clock. “You might as well stay for dinner. I have plenty.”
