Putting on the Witch Read Free

sounded sincere. His face appeared to be earnest. “Believe me, if your birth hadn’t been hidden from me by your mother, I would’ve been here long ago to claim you as my daughter and heir to my magic. Nothing could have kept me away.”
    His glance toward Olivia was both angry and unflattering. “It was wrong for you to keep her a secret, Olivia,” he said. “I did nothing but show you kindness. You believed the things the council says about me without giving me an opportunity to prove that I am not the man they say I am.”
    â€œIsn’t this excellent tea?” Elsie nervously laughed. “I’m thinking about a second cup. Anyone else?”
    But everyone else was involved in a staring contest as we all waited to see if Drago could or would try to take Dorothy away.
    Father’s and daughter’s gazes finally broke free. Dorothy’s uncertain brown eyes went to Brian for support. Drago saw where her attentions were riveted and looked down to study the tea in his cup.
    â€œI can see I make you unhappy,” Drago said. “I assure you, my intentions are honorable. I don’t want to disrupt your life, Dorothy. I just wanted to see you for myself. I’d like to be part of what you do from here on. I know it will take some time to get used to me. But I have as much time as you need.”
    He slowly got to his feet as we all watched him carefully—and held our breaths.
    â€œBut I won’t force myself on you, no matter what anyone has told you about me. Your mother did a remarkable job of hiding you. I truly didn’t know you existed until yesterday.” He smoothed a hand down her sleek hair. “You are the only child I have ever conceived, my only heir. That means something to me. I’ll be close by, my dear, if you decide you’d like to talk.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Let’s have lunch. I’m sure your protectors wouldn’t object. Shall I give you a call? Or you could call me when you’re ready.”
    â€œI don’t have your cell phone number,” Dorothy calmly replied.
    He smiled. “I don’t need one, darling. Speak my name and I shall be there.”
    He vanished, and the rest of us let go the breaths we’d been holding.

CHAPTER 2

    â€œNever mind the tea. I think this calls for a drop of whiskey.” Elsie got up to rummage around behind the counter.
    â€œThere is no whiskey. You don’t even drink whiskey,” Olivia snapped at her. “You’d better stop keeping company with that werewolf. He’s teaching you bad habits.”
    Elsie had been dating Larry Tyler, a local werewolf who lived on a houseboat so he could escape to the sea when it came time for his monthly change. All of us liked Larry—we’d known him as a shop customer for years. He was fun, vegetarian and a great friend. But Olivia was right. Dating Larry had changed Elsie. For the better, as far as I was concerned. She was a lot more like her old self that I recalled from our younger days. She was stronger and healthier. Even her magic had come up a notch or two. I was excited for her, though her daughter, Aleese, wasn’t.
    Olivia and Elsie just liked to give each other a hard time. It was friendly, the kind of joking that could be done with someone you’ve known all your life.
    â€œI’m with Elsie.” Brian dumped out his cold tea and took a flask from his pocket. He poured whiskey into his cup and held it out. “Anyone else?”
    Elsie took some with a scornful glance at Olivia, but Dorothy and I abstained.
    â€œI wish I could have a drop or two,” Olivia said.
    â€œAre you dating a werewolf too?” Elsie asked with a laugh. “Oh no. You’re a ghost. I almost forgot. Ghosts don’t date, do they?”
    â€œWhy are you always so mean about me being dead?” Olivia demanded. “It’s not like it was my fault. I don’t like