Christmas Brew (Witches of New Orleans #2)

Epilogue

“ T his is what you were meant to be,” Hecate says from behind.

“Is she…is she dead?” I ask.

“No. She’s very much alive, but she’ll be out of commission for a few years. Maybe more if we’re lucky. You sent her to a different dimension.”

“How did Rose know what to say?” Drake asks.

“Magic is in her blood.” She turns toward Drake. “As it is in yours.” Hecate spreads her arms wide, surrounding us in an energy bubble.

“I feel like I should…” Zeke points to the edge of the bubble.

Hecate smiles. “Xyqloux, you are valuable and needed. Rose and Drake could learn much from you.” With her words, Zeke stands a few inches taller, straightening his shirt slightly. The goddess turns back toward me. “Strengthen the protections of your home, and you will be safe. ”

“Thank you, Hecate.” My words are no louder than a whisper.

“You’re welcome, daughter and son of the moon.” Joseph joins the goddess, and the two of them disappear, leaving us standing alone in the middle of my yard. The energy Hecate surrounded us with slowly disappears.

“That was fun,” Zeke says, interrupting the silence.

“I’m not sure fun is the word,” Drake adds. “Your house is destroyed.” He points toward the hole that was blown through the side earlier.

“It’s gone,” I answer, realizing the house looks as if nothing happened. “The hole is gone.”

“Joseph said your home wouldn’t be damaged. Maybe that vampire knew what he was talking about after all.” Drake holds his arm toward me, and I wrap mine through his. “Let’s get inside before something else happens.”

“Agreed,” Zeke answers just as a loud caw sounds behind my head.

Odin lands on Drake’s shoulder since mine is currently occupied with an imp. He’s back to normal size and caws several more times, trying to tell us something.

“What, Odin?” I ask.

He leaps off Drake’s shoulder, flying a broad circle around us before landing once more. “Dammit,” Zeke says, crossing his arms. “He’s trying to tell us to go get Bessie.”

“Oh, my goddess Bessie. How could we forget?”

“I vote we leave her there awhile.” Zeke’s words make me laugh.

I turn toward the raven. “Odin, please go get Bessie.” On demand, Odin lifts into the air, heading back to the small island where we left the elderly witch.

“She’ll be back soon,” Drake says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

“Why’d you go and do that for? A good night on a secluded island would’ve been good for the old hag.”

“Zeke, be nice.”

“This is me being nice.”

……

Not long after we enter the house, Bessie walks through the sunroom door. She looks better than when we left her. The color is back in her face, and her hair looks finger-combed. “Thanks for sending the bird,” she says, walking past us and up the stairs.

“It was my idea,” Zeke calls after her.

“She didn’t ask what happened,” Drake whispers.

“Don’t let her fool you. She knows.” Zeke jumps off my shoulder, moving toward the stairs. “I’m going to bed.” He pauses, taking a deep sigh. “You did good, kid. I’m proud of you. Proud of both of you.” He claps his hands loudly. “Ok, enough being nice. Goodnight, losers.” He disappears in front of my eyes.

“Invisibility is a cool trick,” I say, moving in front of the Christmas Tree.

“I agree.” Drake moves behind the tree, plugging the long cord into the wall. “Do you know what tomorrow is?” The tree glows, filling the room with ambient light.

“Wednesday?” I shrug.

“Christmas Eve,” he answers, moving back to my side.

“How did that happen? Wasn’t it just Halloween?” I scoff at the thought. “Christmas hasn’t always been the best for me.”

“Yeah, me neither. After Mom died, it wasn’t the same.” Drake stretches a long arm behind my back, pulling me into his body. “Maybe we can start a few traditions of our own.”

I look up, staring into the pale blue eyes of my handyman. “I’d like that.”

Butterflies take flight as Drake looks me in each eye before glancing at my lips. Being bolder than usual, I raise on my toes, moving my lips closer to his. A large palm cups my cheek as he leans closer without hesitation. “Rose?” he whispers, asking for what I hope is permission.

I don’t answer with words. Instead, I press my lips to his, and at that moment, a spark ignites between us, sending warmth through my body. We move slowly, enjoying the tenderness of each other’s touch. It’s gentle yet electric at the same time.

I pull back, unable to keep a smile from spreading across my face. “Is this tradition number one?”

“I’d like that.” He pulls away, moving toward a bookshelf across the room. He moves a few books around, reaching behind them to pull out a small box. Back in front of me, he hands the wrapped box to me.

“What’s this?”

“What I hope is a second tradition.”

“I…I didn’t get anything for you,” I stammer over my words .

“It’s okay. I saw this in a store the other day and couldn’t pass it up.”

Taking my time, I slowly unwrap the perfectly decorated box. Finally breaking through the paper, I find a white jewelry box. Butterflies take flight at the sight. This is the first time I’ve ever received jewelry. Lifting the lid, I’m met with a beautiful silver chain.

As I hold the chain, its links shimmer in the light of the tree like moonlight. Tiny swirling patterns run throughout the metal, giving hints of ancient magic. At the center, silver vines twist softly around the perfect home for the crystal that started this whole mess. I pull it from under my shirt and slowly slide it off the leather strap I bought in October. Placing it into its new home, I’m amazed at how perfectly it fits.

“This is beautiful, Drake. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Rose.” Drake’s arms tighten around me, pulling me closer to his chest. “I hope it’s just the beginning of what can be.”

“Me, too,” I whisper.

Gazing into the soft glow of the Christmas tree, I can’t help but think how much my life has changed in such a short time. I have a home, more money than I ever dreamed of, and, most importantly, I’ve discovered who I truly am. And here, in this moment, with Drake, I feel like I’m finally where I’m meant to be.

Hecate, who’s been missing in action since we returned, rubs against my legs—soft purring vibrating through my soul. Her silent approval feels like a final blessing, an affirmation that this is exactly where I belong.

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