Witchy Sour (The Magic & Mixology Mystery Series Book 2) (27 page)

Even so, this was a big step forward—not only for Zin, but for the entire Ranger culture. Whispers circled the arena as everyone watched and waited to glimpse the first ever female Candidate.

I couldn’t have been more proud.

“There she is!” Mimsey clapped her hands wildly, and then stood up and whistled so loud the entire stadium quieted. “Sorry, sorry,” she murmured as Poppy tugged on her arm. “Sorry, it’s just so exciting—that’s my niece down there!”

Despite Poppy’s efforts to calm her mother down, none of us could wipe smiles off our faces.

However, mine dimmed as Ranger X walked onstage, looking handsome as ever in a tailored suit. The confidence and grace surrounding him was second to none, and this time, the audience quieted on its own.

“Islanders,” he called out. “Welcome.”

A few last-minute arrivals squeezed their way into seats. After everyone settled down and all eyes focused on the stage, Ranger X looked up at the crowd and scanned the audience collectively.

I wondered whether or not he knew I was in the stadium. He’d probably assumed I’d be watching—a safe assumption since
everyone
on The Isle was here. Plus, Zin was my cousin. There was no way I’d miss the event. Oddly enough, however, his eyes skipped over our section and skimmed the rest of the faces as he made a full sweep of the arena.

“This is a year of changes,” he said, before spiraling off into a long introduction that detailed the long, strenuous process the Candidates would have to endure before becoming a Ranger. “The chances that more than two of these Candidates standing before you today make it to the final challenge—securing a position at Ranger HQ—are slim. But we applaud their effort. It’s not easy to become a Candidate, and the going will only become more difficult. When you see one of these faces on the streets this week, thank them. They are here to protect all of you.”

Another speech followed, detailing the rise of The Faction and the dangers that hid in our midst. Word of the attack against me had spread, and paranoia had seeped into the minds of some of the islanders. Children were called to bed early, and parents looked over their shoulders and locked their doors. Luckily there’d been no further incidents, but it was only a matter of time now. Chatter about the unity and strength of The Faction was loud and clear, and even the most skeptical of islanders were forced to pay attention.

I’d zoned out toward the end of the speech, not recognizing many of the names as Ranger X began to announce the Candidates one by one. When there was only one name left, Poppy elbowed me. “Look, she’s up!”

“I started this speech by saying this was a year of changes. Now and again, we must revisit the rules we have in place and ask ourselves why they are there.” He looked up, his gaze eerily falling on mine for a long moment before he blinked and scanned the rest of the crowd. “Our policy against female Rangers is one of them. It ceases to exist as of today. The strongest, the smartest, and the most deserving individuals will join our program. With that said, I am pleased to announce our first ever female Candidate. She has landed here through hard work, perseverance, and bravery. Above all, her selflessness has saved a life. I am honored to present Zinnia Dixie as a Candidate for the Ranger program.”

The applause was thunderous. Tears streamed down Mimsey’s cheeks, and even Trinket dabbed her eyes with a beautifully embroidered hanky. Zin’s siblings went as wild as orangutans on cotton candy, and the rest of the audience was no different. Ranger X had to signal upwards of four times before the islanders quieted down. “These next weeks will be difficult ones for the Candidates, but I believe that I speak for all of us when I say we’re looking forward to it. Without further ado… let the training begin.”

Chapter 30

“I had no idea becoming a Candidate was such an honor,” I murmured to Poppy as we descended the stairs from the arena amid a sea of excited bodies. “I mean, I knew it was difficult and honorable, but this is like a reality TV show. The Candidates are celebrities.”

“It’s the highest honor,” she said, looking over her shoulder in search of Zin. “I’m so proud of her.”

“Me too,” I said. “Will we get to watch the training?”

“You’ll be able to watch some of them via live broadcast, though there are a few private sessions.” She winked. “It’s an exciting time.”

“By the way, I forgot to give you this. I finished it up this morning.” From my oversized purse, I pulled out a sealed bottle of her Vamp Vites. “I tried it myself, and it seems to be working fine.”

“Oh, thank you,” she gushed. “I ran out of the temporary supply earlier today. I was going to check with you, but with everything going on, I forgot. You are a lifesaver.”

Before I could wave off her thank-you, a shadow appeared by my shoulder. “May I have a word?”

I looked up to find Ranger X’s large frame standing over me, his outfit impeccable despite the warmth of the sun this afternoon. I glanced to Poppy, who nodded back with wide eyes. “Okay,” I said. “But I need to find Zin.”

“I’ll be quick,” he said in a clipped tone. “I promise.”

“Take your time!” Poppy yelled after us as we walked away. “Zin will understand—I promise.”

I hid a small smile as we walked away, our shoulders not quite touching. We hadn’t spoken much in the past weeks.

Once we were a safe distance away, he peered through dark lashes at me, his gaze a complicated one. “Zin’s really something. You should be proud of your cousin.”

“I am.” I nodded. “I’m really happy for her.”

As we walked away from the arena toward the bungalow, we passed the same spot he’d kissed me on the night we’d discussed the complicated thing between us.

“I talked with my Rangers,” he said abruptly. “We sat down and reviewed our best practices and rules. All of them.”

“I suppose you had to, what with Zin becoming a Candidate.”

“All of the rules. Not just that one.”

“Mmm.”

He turned to face me. “I wanted to make sure I wasn’t changing the rules for selfish reasons. We’re a team at Ranger HQ, and that wouldn’t be fair.”

“That’s very noble of you. Then again, I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“We decided to open up the rules regarding relationships,” he said. “It’s on a trial basis right now. Turns out, most of the Rangers have a—shall we say—special sort of friend on the side anyway. It was unanimous.”

I cleared my throat. “That’s great. I’m sure it’ll make a lot of ladies happy.”

“Will it make you happy?” He looked out of the corner of his eye at me as we reached the front of the bungalow. “Because that’s the only lady I care about.”

“It does make me happy,” I said slowly. “But it’s also just a rule. A note scratched on a piece of paper. What would really make me happy is if you threw the rule book away and told me how you feel.”

Ranger X’s expression briefly flashed discomfort. Then he nodded. “Fair enough. Here’s what I want: I want to get to know you. Last time we talked, I was upset. I was angry, too emotional, and I shouldn’t have used that time to talk about us. But I’ve thought about it a lot, and I want to take things slow. I want to take you on a real date with a real kiss.”

“And your career?”

“I plan on staying on as Leader of the Rangers for as long as I’m able,” he said with a mischievous sort of grin. “Someone has to watch over Zin as she learns the ropes.”

“I like this plan,” I said. “If you’re happy with it.”

“I’ll be happy if you’ll have dinner with me tonight.”

I bit my lip. “We’re celebrating Zin’s accomplishment. It’s not the best time, I’m really sorry.”

“Another night, then,” he said. “No problem.”

“No,” I said suddenly. “Come with me tonight. The others would love it.”

Ranger X pulled me into a hug, dipping me low, dusting a kiss against my lips. “I’ll be there.”

“No, you won’t,” a voice called from behind us. We both straightened up so fast I got dizzy. “Not if you keep kissin’ like that. I’m tellin’ Mimsey on y’all if you don’t stop makin’ out in front of the bungalow. It’s unprofessional.”

“Don’t be a snitch, Gus,” I called to the old man tapping about on the porch with his cane. “Or I’m going to tell Mimsey you don’t like her toast. I see you hiding it under your plate.”

Gus fell silent, and I knew we had a deal.

“Get inside,” he growled finally. “We’ve got work to do. Your antidote for the poison is finished. It’ll burn if you don’t untangle your lips from that hooligan’s face.”

Ranger X spluttered. “Hooligan?”

“Yer a hooligan!” Gus pointed his cane at him. “Stop distracting my girl from her studies.”

At Gus’s words, my heart melted a bit. “I’ve gotta go,” I said to X. “I’ve been working on a potion to combat the poison Thomas was brewing, just in case we ever need it.”

Ranger X grinned. “He already thinks I’m a hooligan. Might as well live up to my reputation.”

Right in front of Gus, he kissed me on the lips and twirled me in a circle. He made the show a little extra long until Gus started cursing a blue streak. It was too distracting to ignore, so we broke apart with broad grins.

“So, what’s it called?” Ranger X asked as I made my way up to the bungalow a few moments later. “The antidote. Just in case I ever need it.”

I glanced inside the storeroom, smiling at
The Magic of Mixology
which, thanks to Zin, had been retrieved from The Forest and placed back in its safe. Still smiling, I turned back and took a bow. “Witchy Sour, comin’ right up.”

** **

Epilogue

Later that Evening

I made my way through The Twist dressed, as Hettie had instructed, in a black robe that covered my face and swished around my ankles. The hour was late, the moon creeping toward the sky as flowers the size of my kitchen table bloomed to either side of the path.

A few minutes later, swatting at a swarm of zingers—the magical nickname for mosquitos—I stumbled out of The Twist and into the well-manicured yard that Hettie called her lawn. Squinting, I realized that I wasn’t alone.

A second person dressed in all black robes stood at the front door. Just as I hesitated, trying to recognize his or her figure, the door swung open and a hand beckoned the stranger inside. The door closed just as quickly as it’d opened.

I hurried forward, hoping that Hettie hadn’t assumed it was me under that robe. I crossed my fingers, wishing the other guest to be friend, not foe.

I jogged down the cobblestone path and cleared the bridge over Hettie’s decorative, bubbling brook in an instant. I was at the front door with my hand raised hardly twenty seconds after the first figure had disappeared inside.

Hettie had called me here tonight for one reason.

She’d promised me answers.

After my tussle with Thomas in The Forest, I’d been left with some burning questions. Gus and Ranger X didn’t seem particularly chatty when I brought them up, and Poppy and Zin were either clueless, or they were great at pretending to know nothing.

“What are you doing?
Knocking?
” The door swung open, and Hettie’s eyes danced across the lawn. “What didn’t you understand when I told you to be
discreet
?”

“There was someone here before me—” I stopped abruptly at Hettie’s obvious stare. “Oh, you were expecting someone else, too.”

“Yes,” she grumped. “Come in now before the entire world sees you.”

“Nobody can get through The Twist unless you ring them in,” I said, stepping into the echoing hall that looked out of place from the cottage-esque exterior. I lowered my hood. “Well, and West Isle Witches, but nobody followed me.”

“I’m glad to see you can obey some instructions.” Hettie closed the door firmly behind me, and I scanned the hallway, looking for a tiger. I was pretty sure it didn’t exist, but I’d gotten into the habit of checking, just in case. Better safe than sorry, especially when it came to Hettie’s tricks. “Come out to the porch. It’s charmed to keep all sound inside so we won’t be overheard.”

I followed Hettie to the rear of the house where a full-sized wraparound porch spanned the length of the back wall. “Who else are we waiting for?”

“You’re both here.” Hettie gestured to the porch.

“Gus?” I moved forward as he pulled his hood back from his face. “What are you doing here?”

“This is my meeting, not his.” Hettie clapped her hands. “Attention on me,
por favor
.”

Feeling more confused than ever, I took a seat in a rickety old rocking chair and gave Gus a curious side-eye as I waited for Hettie to clear her throat.

“Lily, I asked you here tonight because I think it’s time you learned a few answers to those questions you’ve been annoying everyone with lately,” Hettie said. “You know, the ones about your history, and all of that jazz.”

“Annoying everyone?” I said faintly.

Gus gave a subtle roll of his eyes and a shake of his head. If I read his look right, he was telling me not to argue.

“Wonderful,” I said instead. “Answers?”

“When we brought you back to The Isle a few months ago,” Hettie said, “we wanted you to learn and grow and adjust organically to the culture. We knew it’d be a shock after spending most of your life in the human realm. We would have brought you over sooner, but unfortunately due to the curse, that wasn’t possible. We couldn’t find you. It took years and years to crack that curse.”

“Mimsey and Trinket have mentioned that before,” I said. “Who cursed me?”

“Your own mother cursed you,” Hettie said. “She made it impossible for us to find you for twenty-five years.”

“What?” I cleared my throat. “Why would she do that?”

“She wanted you to live to see your twenty-sixth birthday.” Hettie’s pace slowed, her eyes darkening as she remembered. “I can’t say that I blame her.”

I shook my head, still not understanding.

“She knew you had the Mixology gene, or suspected it, at least. I think we all did on some level when you were born. There’s something about you, Lily. A power that seeps from your pores. Even as a baby…”