All Hallows' Magic Read online

  The church was locked and the grounds were deserted, and Ben led the way down winding paths between the graves to an older part of the cemetery at the rear. Old Haven Church was out of town, high on the hill above the coast, and very few services or burials were held there anymore. Gil’s had been an exception because of the family mausoleum.

  At the edge of the oldest graves at the rear of the cemetery was a small wood. The trees were a mixture of mainly oak and beech with some shrubby undergrowth, and at this time of year their branches were bare except for a few hardy leaves clinging on. The rest were thick underfoot.

  “This is where we’ve set up the cameras,” Ben explained, as he pointed to a couple of devices situated in a sheltered spot on the edge of the wood, protected from the elements by a wooden box. “We’ve found that this place is the most likely to have spirit manifestations—probably because it’s the oldest part of the grounds. We train the cameras on the graves. But the weird twig-things are further in.”

  The wood was left to grow wild and unkempt, and he led Avery through the tangle of branches and over fallen, mossy tree limbs and rotting trunks to a small clearing. He pointed to where one item swung from the branch of a huge, gnarled tree in the centre, twigs and feathers bound together in an odd shape. “Does it have a name?”

  Avery frowned, puzzled as to who had put them there. “Witch runes, witch twigs, spell-casters. They have lots of names. Their intent is more to offer the warning that a witch is around, to scare others, too. They look spooky to the uninitiated. But why are they here?”

  Ben looked as puzzled as she did. “Would Reuben have put them here? Because of his brother?”

  “No. This is not Reuben’s style. It’s pretty old school, to be honest.” Avery moved closer and squinted up at it. “I’m not sure I recognise this sign.” She pulled her phone out of her bag and snapped a picture of it so she could look it up later.

  “Why don’t you take it with you?” Ben asked.

  “I don’t know who’s put it there, and I’d rather they don’t know that we know it’s here. And I can feel the magic around them. I don’t suppose you have any footage of whoever put it there?”

  “No. They obviously spotted the cameras.” He shrugged, “I mean, we haven’t tried to hide them. And whoever put these here could have approached from any direction. This wood backs onto fields with only the low church wall between them.”

  Avery looked around, astonished. “I honestly did not know that the wood was this big, and I certainly didn’t know there was a clearing in the middle of it.” She turned and explored the surrounding trees, looking carefully to see if there were any more hidden in the tangle of branches, but apart from the couple Ben had told her about, she couldn’t see any. And then realisation dawned, and she groaned. “This is a yew tree. That changes everything.”

  Ben looked confused. “Why?”

  “Because yews have huge significance. They’re present in churchyards across the whole country. Some have several, many at the gates of the church. They protect against evil, but they are also guardians to the Underworld, death, and the afterlife. Churches were built next to them deliberately,” she mused, “not the other way around. Many yews are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old.”

  “Another case of Christians jumping on pagan traditions?”

  “Absolutely. They are a potent force for protection against evil. ” Avery pointed. “Look at it. The trunk isn’t like a normal tree. It has several trunks forming one tree, and the older it gets, the more the trunks are hollowed out, forming a space within the tree. It keeps its needles all year round, and every bit of it is poisonous.”

  Ben stepped into the space. “You can walk right into and through this one. It’s huge.”

  Avery frowned. “I’m going to do a bit more research on yews. As for the witch-signs, there’s too few to create a big spell, but maybe whoever’s put them there is starting slowly. When are you next due to come here?”

  “Another couple of days, why?”

  “Keep me informed if any more appear. I think we have another witch in White Haven, and I don’t know what he or she wants. I’m worried it’s nothing good.”

  Ben led the way back to the edge of the grove and started to exchange the camera memory cards while they were talking. “I’ll check these later. If there’s anything interesting, I’ll let you know. If there’s spirit activity, do you want to come up one night?”

  She sighed. “I suppose so. And I’d better tell the others.”

  4

  The next night, Avery was with Briar at the Shifters’ house. Hunter was sitting up in bed, wincing as Briar inspected his wounds, and Avery stood to the side watching, Josh and Holly next to her.

  “They look better,” Briar said, looking pleased. “They’re already closing up. How do you feel?”

  He watched her deft hands admiringly. Interesting. It seems Briar has another fan. “I feel a lot better. What did you do?” His voice was deep and resonant with a Cumbrian accent, yet surprisingly gentle.

  Briar smiled briefly. “I used some healing Earth magic. Combined with your own natural magic, it worked well. They were nasty wounds. You’re lucky I got to you before the infection killed you.”

  “I know. Thank you,” he said, his eyes appraising her.

  Hunter, when he wasn’t as white as a sheet and covered in sweat, was handsome in a reliable, easy on the eyes kind of way. His dark hair was tousled, and his muscled physique was fit and athletic, although covered in scars. A lot of him was on show, despite the sheet draped around him.

  “Before you put my dressings back on,” he continued, “can I have a shower? I smell like crap.”

  “Of course,” Briar said, stepping away from the bed. “It’ll help clean your bites.”

  He smiled and stood, pulling the sheet around him. Avery turned to Josh and Holly. “How are you two feeling?”

  “Happier now that he’s well,” Holly said, watching her brother leave the room. She met Avery’s eyes. “I still don’t know what we’re going to do, but at least we have some thinking time.”

  “We have to go back at some point,” Josh pointed out. “I don’t think we can stay here forever.”

  “I know, but part of me doesn’t want to fight Cooper.” Holly sat on the bed and looked at her feet. “If we go back, it means more fighting, and Hunter might not survive.”

  “He might win,” Josh pointed out.

  “Perhaps, but how long would it last?” Holly said, glaring at her brother. “Cooper wants us to influence his businesses at the expense of our own. It’s a nightmare, but I don’t think it’s worth losing a life over. And even though Hunter is a good fighter, he’s not a killer. We can sell our house and move here!”

  Once again, Piper appeared in the doorway like a ghost. “I don’t want to move here. This isn’t home!”

  “You want to fight Cooper? Go ahead!” Holly said, her voice dripping with disdain. “I’d like to see how far you get. Hunter fights better than any of us, and look what happened to him.”

  “We ran away. You’re cowards,” Piper spat.

  “Take that back!” Holly leapt to her feet, her voice dropping to a snarl.

  “Never.” Piper squared up to her. “We ran, and I’m ashamed.”

  “Shut up, Piper,” Josh warned, pushing her away. “Holly has a very short temper right now. You want to get a few bites, too?”

  Holly’s eyes had turned a molten yellow, and her face started to lose its human appearance. Avery stepped back, alarmed, and she noticed Briar did the same. Avery instinctively called the wind to her, and a gust blew around the room and energy sparkled in her hands.

  That was enough to snap Holly out it; her shoulders dropped and her eyes returned to their normal pale brown, watching Avery warily.

  “Sorry. Instinct,” Avery murmured. “How much control do you have over shapeshifting? I mean, I’ve never met a Shifter before.”

  “Very good control,” Josh said befo
re Holly could respond. “Except when you’re as injured as Hunter, or provoked. But Holly knew what she was doing, didn’t you?” He was clearly expecting Holly to apologise.

  “I’m tired,” she explained. “And annoyed at someone’s constant whingeing.”

  Piper just glared.

  “Are you all wolves?”

  “Yep, runs in the family—like witchcraft, I guess,” Josh said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

  “And you turn from a young age?”

  “Not really until our teens. Some earlier, some later, but that’s the average.”

  Briar had been listening as she prepared more bandages and salve for Hunter’s wounds. “I guess you learn to control it as you grow, like we do. I can sense it—it’s a different sort of magic.”

  Avery agreed. “Me, too. I could sense it when you first walked in my shop. It’s stronger when you’re worried.”

  Holly laughed. “The Wolf creeps closer to the surface, then. It’s a defence thing.”

  Briar looked up, frowning. “So, where are your parents? Can’t they help with this Cooper guy?”

  “’Fraid, not,” Josh said, his voice tight. “They both died a few years ago. Car accident.” He didn’t elaborate further.

  “Sorry,” Briar murmured, and Avery added her condolences.

  Piper narrowed her eyes. “You’re asking a lot of questions.”

  “We’re curious, that’s all. Ask us about being a witch if you want,” Avery shot back.

  “Don’t care,” she said simply and flounced out of the room.

  “Sorry,” Josh said, sighing. “She’s not normally so nightmarish. She’s just missing home. And she adores Hunter, so she’s been more scared than she wants to admit. She’ll come round.”

  “She’d better,” Holly said, following her out of the room.

  As she left, Hunter strode back in with a towel wrapped around his lower half, his sheet in his hands. “That’s better. I’m all yours,” he said, smiling at Briar.

  His injuries haven’t affected his libido, Avery thought.

  “Your injuries are horrendous,” Avery said, noting them fully now that he was standing. Huge claw marks were raked down his back and side, and also across his chest. One streaked across his neck, almost hitting his cheek. And he was covered in bruises. “They must hurt.”

  He winced as he sat down close to Briar. “They do, but the potions helped. Thanks for allowing us to stay here, and helping us.”

  “I’m sure Josh must have explained that’s not how it works in White Haven. You don’t need our permission to be here.”

  “But you’ve given it, right? Allowed us Sanctuary?” He was strangely insistent.

  “Yes. If you want permission, you’ve got it,” she said, bewildered.

  “And you are witches?” he asked, wincing again as Briar dressed his wounds with a salve.

  “Yes. There are five of us in White Haven, and more across Cornwall. But you have witches in the Lakes, I understand,” she said, remembering what Josh had told her.

  “Yes, and they control what goes on. They wouldn’t appreciate unknown paranormal creatures showing up unannounced.”

  Strange. She had so much to learn about other witches. “Maybe it’s because there are a lot of Shifters where you come from. What about this Cooper character? How much control does he have?”

  “Not as much as he wants.” Hunter scowled, and Avery wasn’t sure if it was in pain or from the thought of Cooper. “He caught me by surprise, the bastard. That’s why I’m so badly injured. But I’ll go back when I’m healed.”

  Josh almost jumped in surprise. “We will? I wasn’t sure you’d want to.”

  “Of course I want to,” Hunter said, glaring at Josh. “Our home is there. You didn’t think I was just going to roll over and let him think he’d won, did you?”

  “I wasn’t sure what you’d want to do, if I’m honest. He almost killed you, and I had to protect our sisters and get out of there.”

  Hunter’s eyes softened momentarily. “And you did the right thing. But I will go back. It’s not over.”

  Briar spoke softly as she unrolled a long bandage. “Well, you’d better prepare yourself for a long wait. These will take weeks to heal. If you fight too soon, they’ll open up again. Lift your arm.”

  He smiled at her and did as instructed, watching her as she leaned in and wrapped the bandage around his chest, turning slightly to help her.

  “At least I know if I get injured again you could help,” he said, pleased with himself.

  “Not if you’re in Cumbria I won’t. It’s a bit far.”

  “You wouldn’t visit?” he teased.

  “Nope. I have a business to run.” She kept her head down and concentrated on his dressings.

  He fell silent and Avery tried not to smirk. “What do you guys do for a living?”

  Josh answered, Hunter clearly distracted by Briar. “We have a family business, taking groups of tourists around the Lakes—day trips, walks, kayaking, hiking, camping. We know the place like the back of our hands.”

  “Does everyone know what you are?”

  “No way. It’s a Shifter community, but nobody outside the pack knows. That’s the beauty of the Lakes. It’s wild and areas of it are remote, so we can shift with complete privacy.”

  “We keep a low profile, too, as much as possible,” Avery said. “Will anyone come looking for you here?”

  “Let’s hope not,” Josh said, tiredly running his hands across his face. Avery noticed, however, he refused to meet her eyes. “We don’t aim to bring any trouble to you.”

  “Don’t worry. We handle trouble pretty well.”

  ***

  “I think you have an admirer,” Avery said to Briar as they walked down the hill into White Haven. It was a calm night, cold and clear, and stars sparkled in the sky above them. It would frost later, the chill was already gathering. Avery pulled her jacket together and huddled into her scarf.

  “He’s a flirt,” Briar said, embarrassed. “It means nothing.”

  Avery adopted a teasing, singsong voice. “Hunter and Briar sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

  “You have to be kidding me! How old are you?” Briar exclaimed.

  “Sorry,” Avery said, laughing. “It’s nice. He’s nice. I can sort of see you together.”

  “Really? Mr Hunter Shapeshifter, I’m going back to fight the big bad wolf. I don’t think so.”

  “Do you and Newton catch-up anymore?” Avery asked, hoping she wasn’t prying too much.

  “No. I’m a witch, he’s a detective. It doesn’t work. And besides, I have work to keep me busy right now.”

  “Never too busy for love.”

  “That’s because you’re all loved up with Alex. It’s not a complaint,” she added quickly. “I’m pleased for you. Anyway, moving on from my love life, why are we meeting tonight?”

  “I think there’s a rogue witch in White Haven. Come on, get a move on. Last one in the pub gets the round.”

  They arrived at The Wayward Son breathless and with flushed cheeks. Briar was surprisingly quick, and Avery followed her through the door wishing she hadn’t made the bet. She headed to the bar and ordered two glasses of wine, white for Briar and red for her, but Simon, one of the regular bar staff, gestured up towards the ceiling. “I wouldn’t bother. He’s got wine upstairs. He said to send you up.”

  “Fair enough,” Avery said, and they wound their way through the crowded tables to the small room at the back of the pub, and the stairs that led to Alex’s flat.

  He answered the door with a flourish. “Welcome, ladies.” He leaned in and gave Avery a breath-taking kiss, and Briar sidled past them. “Missed you,” he murmured.

  “Get a room,” Reuben yelled from the sofa in Alex’s living room.

  Avery laughed and headed into the flat as Alex closed the door behind her. “Thanks, Reuben. As usual, you completely spoil the mood.”

  El was leaning against the counter that se
parated the kitchen from the living area, giggling. “That’s what he’s here for. How’re our Shifter friends?”

  Briar shrugged her jacket off and put it on the back of a chair. “Hunter’s better. But he’ll be scarred for life. There’s some stuff I can’t heal.”

  “Will they go back?”

  Avery nodded. “Oh, yes. He intends to fight this Cooper guy.”

  “I’d do the same,” Reuben said. “Let’s face it, we did it here. You protect your own space.”

  “Well, he’s not well enough yet,” Briar answered. She took the glass of wine that El passed to her. “By the way, Gabe, the Nephilim, came into my shop today, and he brought Eli with him. I think they’re shortening all their names so they blend in a bit more. Eliphaz sounds so Old Testament.”

  “And?” Avery asked, curious.

  “Eli is starting with me on Monday—tomorrow, in fact!” She looked baffled. “I must admit, I didn’t think one of them would want to work in my shop. It’s not exactly exciting. He’s going to be bored stupid.”

  Alex laughed. “It’s money. I’m sure he’ll be fine. Which one is he?”

  “He’s tall—”

  “Aren’t they all?” Avery interrupted.

  “Olive-skinned, green-eyed, brown hair, clean-shaven. And silent. Didn’t say a word. This could be really weird. Cassie never stops talking.”

  Reuben grunted. “Just one more thing for the locals to comment on. Ash started a few days ago, too. He’s pretty quiet, but can he carry stuff! He works twice as hard as anybody else.”

  “I wonder where else we’ll see them around town?” Avery asked. “In fact, I’ve been trying to work out which one was at the Church in Harecombe.”

  “Maybe it’s better we don’t know,” El said.

  Alex started to get food ready in the kitchen. “We’re bound to work it out one day. Zee starts his first shift tomorrow, so let’s hope he can communicate. It’s better in a pub to have chatty bar staff.”

  As he was talking, Avery’s phone rang, and she reached into her bag and saw it was Ben. She inwardly sighed. I know what this is about. “Hey, Ben. Let me guess. More witch-marks.”