Sweaty Nights & Gator Bites (Twisted Sisters Midlife Maelstrom #12)

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

DANIELLE

“ L ia, how is the grouping with the fleur de lis coming along?” I called out as I scanned the area.

The sun hung low in the sky as we made our final preparations for the Leveau family reunion at Willowberry. The gentle breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the scent of magnolia blossoms. This reunion had to be perfect, not just for our family but for the protection and containment of the wards we had meticulously planned. We hadn’t yet dealt with the families but we had Cyran, Xinar, and Talindra waiting in the wings with some of their people should the families try anything tonight.

“Almost done, Dani,” Lia replied, adjusting the last of the floral arrangements. “Just adding a few more touches.” The gazebo was adorned with twinkling lights and a centerpiece that captured the beauty of Marie's heritage.

Dre and Kota were busy setting up the balloon arches, ensuring each was securely fastened to the stands. Phi worked on arranging the food tables under the patio. Her precision and attention to detail ensured everything looked impeccable. Dea was talking to the witches in the caterer’s kitchen while eating what looked like gator bites. My stomach rumbled hungrily. I hadn’t eaten anything since I started this process bright and early this morning.

“ Adèle, did you find anything out of sorts? ” I asked telepathically, knowing she was looking things over to ensure this went off without a hitch.

“ Ensure the eastern edge of the gazebo is reinforced. I sense a slight weakness there that might allow the ancestors to get free. We don’t want any lingering at the plantation ,” she replied

“ Got it ,” I replied, signaling to Dea. “Dea, can you reinforce the eastern edge of the gazebo with one of those wards.”

Dea nodded. “I will fix it. I imagine one of the lines was smudged when the tents were put up,” she explained before she moved to renew the rune.

The security measures were my primary concern because the threat from the families still loomed large. We couldn’t afford any mistakes. I walked the perimeter, checking each ward and containment spell we had set up while also making sure the decor was exactly as we wanted it.

We finished as Marie arrived. We stood aside and watched as her family began arriving. We’d enchanted the archway they walked through to act like a magic detector. We wouldn’t put it past the families to plant a Trojan Horse relic on one of those attending the event. Everyone passed through without incident. We watched them mill about for fifteen minutes before I approached Marie with a smile. “Are all of your guests here?” I asked.

Marie glanced around the gathering and nodded. “I'm not expecting anyone else. ”

I inclined my head and turned to my sisters. “Let’s activate the protection wards now.”

We’d set up protections that we could turn on and off. Nothing would be able to get past them once they were on. The familiar hum of magic built within my chest as I called on it. We activated the wards and watched as a soft glow spread outward around the perimeter of our property.

Lia joined me and nudged me toward the gazebo. “Dea is checking the ancestors’ containment before she starts.”

We made our way to the area where Marie’s ancestors would be called. Dea activated her containment spells and checked the ones she added from Marie’s books. The ancestors would power the latter protections. We went to great lengths to ensure the spirits were protected and secure. A soft hum enveloped the gazebo, the tunnel of tents, and the big tent.

“The spirits will be contained and safe,” Dea confirmed. “I’m going to summon them now.”

The twilight sky cast a soft, dusky glow over Willowberry as we gathered around the gazebo. Dea took her place at the center of the circle. She raised her hands and closed her eyes in concentration. The ceremonial candles flickered around her. Their flames danced in the evening breeze. We formed a protective ring around her with Marie’s family. My sisters and I were ready to lend our strength to the ritual if Dea needed us.

“Are you ready?” Dea asked Marie.

Marie took a deep breath and smoothed the front of her burgundy dress. “Yes. We are eager to visit with our ancestors.”

Dea began to chant. Her voice was low and melodic. It resonated with the ancient words of the summoning spell. The ground beneath us began to hum and the air around us crackled with spiritual energy. A shiver ran down my spine as the barrier between our world and the spiritual realm began to thin. Excitement buzzed through Marie and her family as the presence of the ancestors drew closer. The emotion was contagious and I found myself holding my breath.

“ They’re coming ,” Adèle whispered as she sat at our feet. “ The wards are strong but this could be when the families attack. ” We all went on alert and kept our eyes peeled. It helped to know we had others out there watching as well.

As Dea’s chant grew louder, the candles’ flames stretched higher. The spirits’ energy became stronger. They were a palpable force that seemed to wrap around us like a cloak. Lia and Dre held hands. and I felt their energies merge with the protective barrier around the circle. Phi, Kota, and I shared a look before we joined in.

The first spirit appeared as a faint, glowing outline that gradually took shape. Then another, and another, until the gazebo was filled with the ethereal forms of Marie’s ancestors. Their faces were serene and their eyes filled with love and affection.

Dea’s voice reached a crescendo, the final words of the chant echoing through the night. “Welcome,” Marie said softly in a reverent voice. “We honor you and seek to make amends for our bloodline.”

The spirits responded with a collective murmur. The sound was like the rustling of leaves in a gentle breeze. They acknowledged their family’s presence, and their energy blended with those of the living. It created a circle of unity and strength. It was a surprising turn of events but felt like the first step in the process of change for them.

Marie led the way through the tunnels and into the large tent. Her family and the spirits followed suit. My sisters and I stood back and watched as the Leveau family reunion commenced. Lanterns hung from the trees, their soft glow creating an inviting atmosphere. The air was filled with the sound of laughter, music, and the gentle hum of conversation. It was a picture-perfect scene. The six of us remained vigilant. We had to be on high alert for any signs of trouble. The families could attack at any moment.

I moved through the crowd, greeting relatives and making sure everything was running smoothly. The aroma of the food under the big tent was mouth-watering, a testament to the witches’ hard work. Everyone seemed happy. The adults talked to the spirits while the children ran around, playing games near the gazebo. The joy of the event was infectious.

“Everything okay here?” I asked Lia, who was fixing one of the decorations.

She nodded with a satisfied smile on her face. “Yeah. Nothing major.” She turned her gaze to the gathering. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.”

“I’m just glad the balloons are staying up, and no one is attacking,” I chuckled. I spotted an elderly aunt talking animatedly with one of the spirits. You would never know that was a conversation between the living and the dead. It was a beautiful sight.

I took a moment to breathe, allowing myself to soak in the atmosphere. It was heartwarming to see this family come together and celebrate their heritage. The reunion continued without a hitch, giving me a piece of mind that made my vigilance wane a bit. The music grew louder, and more people joined in the dancing. Even Lia and Dre were laughing with a couple of women.

“ There’s a slight disturbance near the western edge. Check it out, ” Adèle’s voice broke my thoughts, this time with a hint of urgency.

Kota and Dre exchanged a quick glance before moving towards the area Adèle had indicated. I followed along with Dea, Phi, and Lia. Their anxiety made mine worsen. This was it. When we approached, I saw the source of the disturbance. There was a faint shimmer in the air, and a ripple moved over the fabric of our wards.

“It’s minor,” Kota reported in a calm voice. “But it could be a test.”

Dre nodded in agreement. “Do you see whoever is testing things?”

Everyone’s head went on a swivel. “I don’t see anything,” I replied.

“They’re going to try and get the ancestors,” Dea said.

Lia grabbed her hand and said, “Let’s make sure the barrier around them is intact. It keeps them in and will protect them from attack, as well.” The pair turned their focus and checked the protective barrier around the gathered family members.

The rest of us kept our eyes sharp for any sign of the intruders. Phi stood by my side. Her energy was humming with readiness and prompted me to do the same. The first sign of the families’ attack came in the form of a dark, swirling mist that began to encroach upon the edges of our property. It was laced with malevolent energy, seeking to disrupt the harmony we had worked so hard to maintain.

“They’re trying to siphon the spirits’ power,” Dea said, her voice tight with concentration as she kept her focus on the barriers.

“They won’t get it. You worry about the wards around them and we will handle the rest out there,” Dre told her.

As the mist thickened, figures began to emerge. They had to be members of the three families. I recognized some from social media posts we’d looked over. Their faces were twisted with determination and greed. And they moved with purpose, aiming directly for the heart of our gathering.

“Not today,” I muttered, summoning a wave of fire to drive them back. The flames roared and moved through our protections to form a barrier of heat and light that forced the intruders to reconsider their approach.

Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. I squinted and saw the wolves. It was Lucas and Noah racing along the edge of our land. They were snarling and snapping at people trying to cross down there. They would tear them apart if they managed to get through.

A surge of water next to me made me gasp. When I looked over, I noticed Lia creating a barrier that merged with my flames. Steam hissed as the two elements combined to form a formidable defense. The others used earth magic to make the ground tremble and break beneath the feet of our attackers. Vines shot up and wrapped around ankles next.

“ Xinar and Terrence are coming to coral these assholes ,” Adèle informed us. She was in front of us prowling closer to the wards.

I spotted the head of the Montclair family. His hands were raised as he chanted a spell. With a determined shout, I sent a concentrated burst of energy his way, disrupting his incantation and causing him to stagger.

“Keep going!” I urged my sisters. We just needed to keep them distracted so Terrence could arrest them.

Dea’s spirit magic flared brightly before she threw a spell at those closest to her. We got in sync and began working in tandem. Their magic was a seamless blend of strength and precision. The mist began to dissipate. The families’ resolve was weakening under our relentless assault. I saw fear flicker in their eyes as they realized they were losing. Terence arrived them and threw chains at the individuals. They wrapped around their torsos, stopping their magic.

Shouts echoed, and people tried to run. Xinar, Lucas, Noah, Cyran, and Talindra moved to stop them along with their people. Terence laughed as he disabled the rest of them. “ I like working with you guys. My stats have never been better,” he said.

Shaking my head, I let go of the tension riddling my body. The families weren’t going to be successful. The air cleared, and the oppressive energy lifted. Marie and her ancestors continued enjoying each other’s company without any awareness of what had happened.

“I can’t believe we averted that disaster,” I mumbled as we headed back toward the house and the party.

Lia chuckled and wrapped an arm around my back. “You have to start believing in us, sestra. You should know by now that together there isn’t anything we can’t do.”

“Someday I will,” I assured her. When we got close it became obvious that there was a sense of renewed hope and unity among the Leveau family. The night ended on a hopeful note, the legacy of the Leveau family was honored and preserved.