Bewitched on Bourbon Street Read Free Page B

putting my shoulders back. Second-guessing my choices would get me nowhere. What I needed now was a plan.
    I stood, swaying a little, as Bea made her way back toward us.
    “You ready to go home?” Pyper asked me. We’d ridden to the blessing together in her car.
    I shook my head. “Not yet.”
    “We’re headed to my shop to see if we can pinpoint who cast this spell,” Bea said to her. “You and Kat are welcome to come with us if you want.”
    “I would, but I need to pick Lucien up across town. His Jeep is in the shop,” Kat said.
    “And I have a body-painting job I have to get to,” Pyper added, glancing at her watch. “I assume this means you’ll be riding with Bea?” she asked me.
    “Yes,” Bea said before I could answer.
    Instead of leaving, both of my friends stared at me, their emotions conflicted. Their unease crawled over my skin, making me itch. They were worried, probably not happy about leaving me after learning about the curse. I backed up, putting distance between us. “It’s fine. Bea and I can deal with whatever we find out, and then I have to get home. Kane will be waiting.”
    We had a date set for seven. Between his demon-hunting commitments and the shadow walking I’d been doing for Chessandra, we’d spent very little time together lately. Even Christmas Eve had been interrupted by the Brotherhood. Kane had been called to deal with a demon who’d been playing Santa down in Jackson Square. Talk about a nightmare before Christmas.
    “All right. If you’re sure,” Kat said, her expression skeptical.
    “I’m sure.”
    They both gave me a hug and made me promise to call after Bea and I were done with the testing.
    I waved as they reluctantly left. Bea crossed the room to let Rosalee know we were going, and I sat at the table by myself, watching the dwindling blessing party. All the remaining guests were alternating between staring at me and pretending I didn’t exist, trepidation streaming off them in waves. Sighing, I picked up Pyper’s abandoned daiquiri and took a long swig. If everyone in the room was going to treat me like a leper, then I was going to need copious amounts of alcohol.
    After I’d finished Pyper’s drink, my vision turned fuzzy and I no longer cared what anyone thought. I was the one cursed, not them. And it wasn’t like black magic was contagious.
    The room was spinning by the time Bea came for me. “Jade?” she asked. “Ready?”
    “Absolutely,” I slurred and got to my feet, stumbling sideways. Giggling, I clutched her arm. “I probably shouldn’t drive.”
    “That’s obvious,” she said dryly. “Come on. Let’s get you out of here.”
    Bea wrapped her arm around my waist and guided me out of the lavish house. The late-afternoon sun blinded me, and I stumbled once more, crashing into the railing. At least I hadn’t flailed down the porch steps.
    “Oh, boy. I think maybe you need a restorative.”
    “Why? I feel great.” I tilted my head up, enjoying the warmth of the day.
    “You won’t when that booze wears off. If the left side of your body isn’t bruised, it’ll be a miracle.”
    I waved an impatient hand. “I’m perfect. For once, all this witchy B.S. isn’t bothering me one bit.”
    “How could it? You can’t feel a thing.” She tightened her grip on my arm and carefully tugged me to her silver Prius. “Get in.”
    I slid into the passenger’s seat and glanced around. “Where’s Pyper? I came with her.”
    Bea started the car and shook her head. “She left already, remember?”
    I blinked, hard. “Um, yeah, I guess.” But I didn’t. The day’s colors were blurring together, and I wasn’t even sure where we were anymore. “I might be a little drunk.”
    “You don’t say.” Bea patted my leg. “Don’t worry about a thing, Jade. I’ll have you fixed up in no time.”
    I sat back and closed my eyes, only to have my world spin out of control. Renewed nausea made bile rise up to the back of my throat. My eyes popped