Witchy Woes Book 2: Candace Read online

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  Whiskey Creek Press

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright ©2008 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

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  NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.

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  CONTENTS

  Published by

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  About the Author

  For your reading pleasure, we invite you to visit our web bookstore

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  WITCHY WOES: CANDACE

  BOOK 2

  by

  Michelle Hasker

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Published by

  WHISKEY CREEK PRESS

  Whiskey Creek Press

  PO Box 51052

  Casper, WY 82605-1052

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Copyright © 2008 by Michelle Hasker

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN 978-1-60313-179-7

  Credits

  Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston

  Editor: Chere Gruver

  Printed in the United States of America

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  WITCHY WOES: TAMARA

  "Ms. Hasker's writing is both fast-paced and descriptive; even though the story is short the reader is given the impression of much lengthier tale. I appreciated the fact that the scenes describing the coven's meetings were just as detailed and vivid as the love scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next installments with great anticipation..."

  Mickey

  Simply Romance Reviews

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Taking A Chance in the Christmas Candy Anthology

  Morgan's Magick in Celtic Love Knots Volume One

  Sheila's Surrender in Celtic Love Knots Volume Two

  Tarot Anthology: Synchronicity Volume One

  Tarot Anthology: Synchronicity Volume Two

  Tarot Anthology: Synchronicity Volume Three

  Witchy Woes: Tamara

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Dedication

  Thanks, Jan, for taking a chance on my first WCPT title and giving many of my stories a home.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 1

  Candace jumped up and down as she tried to stay warm. It was unseasonably chilly, almost as if a warning not to perform tonight's ritual. When she glanced around at the others, no one seemed to feel the same sense of foreboding, so she pushed it aside. Sandra was the one with Sight. If anyone knew what the outcome of this would be, it was Sandra. But since one could never see their own future, perhaps even Sandra didn't know what would happen.

  "You made it! And on time. Thank you, Candace.” Sandra gave her a quick hug.

  Candace immediately missed Sandra's body warmth as she stepped back. “I aim to please."

  "No. You knew how important tonight was and you made it. Thank you, Sweetie."

  Candace blushed and turned away, looking for something to keep her mind off how cold she was. She watched Camryn set her tools in the center of the circle. Camryn looked not only very nervous, but like death warmed over. The poor thing was probably terrified of screwing up another spell.

  A strong wind sent shivers up her spine. Candace stomped her feet, debating jogging around the circle for warmth. Even though it was the perfect night and place for the spell, the beach seemed intimidating and haunted. With the waning moon they had plenty of light, but she still wished it had been at one of their homes, or at least some place warmer.

  As soon as Camryn finished laying out the altar items, Sandra handed her the broom. “As I sweep, may the Besom...” Camryn seemed more confident as she began to cleanse the circle. Perhaps she would do well after all.

  The tattoo on Candace's ankle warmed at Camryn's words. A rose. Her symbol for earth. The earth which was where her power came from. Tamara held the power of fire, Allison held air and Macy had water. As their High Priestess, Sandra was their teacher, guide and best friend. Camryn was new to the coven and so far hadn't exhibited any power or talent other than screwing up.

  Once Camryn finished sweeping, it was Candace's turn. Candace shrugged off her jacket and set it on the ground. She took her spot and lifted her hands up to the heavens. “I call upon light and earth at the north to illuminate and strengthen the circle."

  The sand beneath her bare feet sent a surge of strength to her. Candace gave a whisper of thanks to the Goddess. They needed all the help they could get tonight. She closed her eyes, reveling in the surge of energy from Mother Earth while the rest of her coven took their turns.

  "I call upon light and air at the east to illuminate and enliven the circle,” Allison said.

  A strong wind blew around the circle, whipping across her back, but not her front. Allison's magic was strong tonight as well.

  "I call upon light and fire at the south to illuminate and warm the circle,” Tamara said as she lifted her hands up.

  Candace gasped as warmth filled her, chasing away the lingering chill and leaving her feeling loved.

  "I call upon light and water at the west to illuminate and cleanse the circle,” Macy said.

  As the next wave crashed on the shore, all doubt and hesitation fled as Candace felt her mind clear. Thank the God and Goddess that Macy's power was so strong. Surely all of them had brought negativity to the circle, but now it was gone.

  Sandra lifted her athame and stepped forward. She stopped in front of the altar and said, “I draw this circle in the presence of the Lady and the Lord, that They may aid and bless us in our work.” As Sandra walked around the circle, Candace felt an answering hum from the earth.

  When Sandra finished, the ground shifted slightly and settled, but no one acted like they noticed. Continuing with the ritual as if nothing happened, Sandra chanted a spell to protect them while they cast tonight's spells. Finished, Sandra moved back to the altar and blessed the salt which she then sprinkled in a circle around them. As it touched the ground, the color turned bright white and rose, wrapping over them until they were sealed inside a huge bubble.

  Again, they went around the circle, starting with Candace once again. “I call upon you, Guardians of the North, Element Earth, to guard this cir
cle. By the body and strength that is ours, we ask you to attend this rite.” Before she finished speaking, a loud rumble sounded underneath them. This time she knew the others felt it when they smiled.

  "I call upon you, Guardians of the East, Element Air, to guard this circle. By our breath and thoughts we ask you to attend this rite.” Another strong gust of wind whirled around the outside of the circle. Allison grinned and turned to Tamara.

  "I call upon you, Guardians of the South, Element Fire, to guard this circle. By our energy and consumption of life we ask you to attend this rite.” As Tamara finished, flames leapt up surrounding the circle, reaching high and wide, like a protective shield.

  "I call upon you, Guardians of the West, Element Water, to guard this circle. By our emotions and blood in our veins, we ask you to attend this rite,” Macy said.

  A light rain drizzled down upon them, then ceased as Sandra lifted her arms up in the air, holding her athame up high. “Hail to the elements! Welcome to the Lady and Lord! We stand between the worlds surrounded by light, love and power."

  Sandra poured wine onto the ground for the Lady and Lord, and turned to face Camryn.

  "I know we've done spells before, but the power you five hold is amazing,” Camryn said.

  Even though she shouldn't feel pride at the words, Candace couldn't help it. Magic was the only thing in her life she did right.

  "Are you ready to begin, Camryn?” Sandra asked.

  "I'm not sure where to start. I did spells for love, money, health, a job and looks."

  "Did you follow my instructions?"

  "Yes, I did. But—"

  "No buts. Get your spells in order, Dear. Job, looks, health, love, money. Please start when you are ready."

  Camryn nodded, but looked nervously around the circle.

  Oh dear. This doesn't bode well. The cleansing obviously didn't work on Camryn. But why and how had it failed? We're doomed.

  Gritting her teeth together to keep back a groan, Candace watched as Sandra piled some small oak twigs inside the cast iron cauldron.

  Camryn rifled through her papers until she produced the one she wanted. After reading the paper, Camryn reached for the frankincense candle and lit it. “Please cleanse me, as I reverse the spells I cast in ignorance."

  The flame flickered, but held strong. Then Camryn drew in a deep breath, looked down at the sheet and repeated the spell. Fortunately, this time the flame stayed strong and true. When Camryn finished, she dropped the paper in the cauldron. It burned with a brilliant flash of light.

  Camryn smiled and looked around the circle before she pulled out the next spell. As she read this one her confidence was more assured, giving Candace hope Camryn wouldn't mess up the spells.

  When she finished the last spell, Camryn dropped the papers into the cauldron. A huge flame leapt out and split into five separate flames. One shot at each corner, and the last at Sandra as she stood next to the altar.

  A flame hit the ground at her feet, and immediately the sand parted, and her feet started to sink. “Shit! Goddess! Someone help!” Frantic, Candace looked around the circle and wept at the sight. Tamara lay on the ground, blue flames licking at her chest as she rolled back and forth. Macy flew out of the circle and landed in water, but didn't come back up. Allison was nowhere to be seen, and Sandra lay in a crumpled heap near Camryn who appeared paralyzed or too stunned to move.

  "Cam! Camryn, help me!"

  Camryn's eyes never moved toward her as she sank deeper and deeper into the ground. If this was quicksand, it would only be a few feet deep. As long as she didn't struggle she'd float back to the surface. Instead she sank further, the ground shifting underneath her, splitting open and swallowing her whole.

  The last thing she saw was the ground closing over her head as she gasped for air.

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  "Candace, please wake up. Candace!"

  Candace woke with a start as someone shouted in her ear and shook her. Coughing, she rolled on her side and opened her eyes. Blinking back as sand blew in her face and mouth, she gagged and rolled onto her back. Staring up into dark green eyes, she recognized the person she'd have picked last to see her like this.

  Brody Hollinger of Brody's Bakery stared down at her, worry etched in every handsome feature on his face. His full lips were in kissing range as his warm breath fanned across her cheek.

  "You scared me, Sweetheart. Are you all right?"

  How many times had she wished for tenderness and a lot more from this handsome cowboy?

  "I'll live. But Camryn might not,” Candace growled as he helped her sit up. She looked toward the water and saw Camryn and Allison attending to Macy. A quick glance in the other direction showed Sandra trying to rouse Tamara.

  "I've already called for an ambulance. You and your friends were dabbling in something you shouldn't have, weren't you?"

  "What?” She stared at him wondering just how stupid he thought she was. Then it hit her. What does he know about magic?

  "Magic isn't something that should be taken lightly, and dabbling in black magic is never a wise idea."

  "Trust me, we weren't dabbling in anything, and never black magic."

  "You lost your job again, didn't you?"

  Candace sputtered as she stared at him. And to think I thought he was the perfect guy.

  "It's okay, Sweetheart. I understand. You had to do something, right? I know you go through jobs like crazy. You got bored and joined this coven hoping for some excitement. Why don't you come work for me at the bakery?"

  "Excuse me?” Did she have a concussion or did he just make no sense at all?

  "You were down here trying to conjure up a job, weren't you? I know you need the income. Who doesn't? And the cost of gas is going up again.” He shook his head and gripped her hands. “What do you say? Will you come work for me and give up this magic stuff?"

  "Are you mad?” Candace pushed him away as she struggled to her feet.

  "Mad? No. As a friend I'm very concerned for you. This game of yours is a dangerous one. Innocent people have been injured. What did happen to knock you all unconscious anyway?"

  "Camryn. She happened. And I meant mad as in crazy, not angry."

  Brody cupped her elbow, but she jerked away from him. Dabbling in black arts, my ass. She nearly hissed at him as anger flowed through her. A rumble in the earth beneath their feet reminded her to control her power. Before she lost total control, Candace closed her eyes and focused on centering herself and releasing the energy and magic she'd summoned unintentionally in her anger.

  "I'm not crazy, Sweetheart, and you know it. Give up the magic and come work for me. Things will get better. You'll see. I know how much you love the bakery and the regulars. Besides, since Crystal left, I need the help."

  "Look, Brody. If you don't mind, I feel like I have the worst hangover of my life. I have sand in places you would not believe, and my friends are hurt. I don't need you criticizing me and accusing me of dabbling in the black arts. I'm Wiccan, damn it and I'm not dabbling!"

  "I didn't mean to upset you, Sweetheart—"

  "Stop calling me sweetheart!” she snapped and pushed against his chest. His eyes widened in surprise and she closed hers on a groan. Shit. I just pushed him with my magic.

  "That was weird.” He rubbed at his chest and stared at her with his eyes narrowed.

  "Look, Brody, I'll come to the bakery tomorrow and we can discuss this there. I need to know my friends are okay."

  "They're okay. Macy swallowed a bit too much water, and Tamara is still unconscious. There's nothing you can do for either of them."

  "I need to see that for myself, but thanks.” Candace pushed past him, without her magic this time, and dashed over to Macy. “Are you okay, Macy?"

  "Yeah.” Macy gave her a feeble smile.

  She looked like a drowned rat, and not okay in the least, but at least she was alive.

  "Can I do anything for you?"

  "No.” She coughed, then gestured to her throa
t. “I swallowed too much saltwater. I'd rather not talk too much right now. My throat is raw and sore. Puking saltwater back up isn't fun."

  Candace grabbed her and hugged her tight, before releasing her and stepping back into Brody. She sighed and rolled her eyes as she sidestepped him and ran over to Tamara.

  "She's still out cold, Candace. I'm worried about her."

  "I know. I am, too. Want me to take care of Camryn?"

  "No!” Sandra gasped and grabbed her arm. “Don't even talk like that. She did the spells correctly. What happened isn't her fault."

  Candace ground her teeth together, but listened to Sandra. She was their High Priestess not only because of her skill, but also her knowledge of Wicca and magic. If she said Camryn wasn't to blame, then she wasn't.

  "I think it was her old coven. Brody said he saw a group of women headed away from here."

  "I'd been jogging when I'd seen the flashes of light.” Brody met her gaze, but Candace looked away.

  He spoke the truth, but she felt more than a little uneasy. Why is he acting like this? She'd considered him a good friend, and often had dreams of him where she'd waken covered in sweat and tangled in her sheets. She'd never have wasted time dreaming of him if she'd known his opinion of Wiccans, witches and magic.

  "Brody, can you take Candace home? I don't want to see her suffer for what happened here tonight. The press will be all over us and none of us will have any peace in the foreseeable future."

  "I'm not letting him take me home. You're all my family. I'll stay here and face the music with the rest of you."

  Sandra looked up at Brody. “Please take her home even if you have to pick her up and carry her kicking and screaming."

  As he reached for her, she summoned some of her power and aimed it at him. She was shocked and frustrated when it bounced off him and hit her. Even worse was that he didn't seem to notice and continued toward her.

  She glared at Sandra. “You would actually force me to leave here?” Candace tried to summon more magic, but anything she tried failed. “Shit! You bound me. You freaking bound me!"