The Keepers: Declan Read Free Page A

he’d been her target, her goal, and she’d almost lost sight of that during their brief time together. It had been so easy to lose herself and enjoy some fun. That night, Declan had wiped away the nagging worry that bore in her gut constantly, reminding her that she was marked. He’d given her a glimpse of what it felt like to have someone strong and powerful as her ally.
    Only, they could never be allies. Not after she’d snuck out of his room after midnight, taking his enchanted key with her. How much he remembered of their night together was anyone’s guess, given the endless shots of whiskey.
    And the herbs.
    But
she
remembered.
    With his boyish charm, cheeky smile, and blue eyes that frequently danced with mischief, the man had made her quiver all over.
    A shiver ran down her spine which had nothing to do with the cool morning air. The image of his furious expression came to mind, sparking an inward cringe. He’d recognised her - knew she’d crossed him; stolen from him. Twice.
    And something told her he wasn’t about to let this go.
    He’d set chase with a vengeance. She’d eventually shrugged him off but couldn’t resist the constant urge to check over her shoulder.
    Kate sipped her coffee and grimaced at the harsh taste, her stomach flipping. Ignoring the adrenaline-fuelled queasiness that was becoming her constant companion, she tossed the empty container in a nearby bin and glanced around to ensure no one was tailing her – an action that had become second nature. She crossed the street and headed to the store on the corner.
    Magic and Mirrors was small and enchanting. It belonged to Hazel, an old friend of her mother’s who’d befriended Kate shortly after her death. Their grief over the loss of a woman they’d both loved gave them companionship. Hazel had become a surrogate mother, taking care of the smallest details at a time when all Kate knew was heartache and fear. In the months following the accident, Hazel had encouraged frequent visits to New Orleans. Needing space from home and its painful memories, Kate had accepted – and without her mother’s influence, their friendship had blossomed.
    Her stomach rolled, as it always did with memories of her mother.
    A woman whose entire life had been dominated by the fear of magic, shunning the supernatural world. She had forbidden all use of magic, only encouraging Kate’s ability to negate magic.
    And only because it was a means of self-defence.
    Kate paused in the doorway of the store and slowly exhaled away the memories and guilt that nipped at her heels.
    The bell shrilled as the door swung open to reveal an older woman with striking black hair and long nails painted a morbid maroon. A wide smile softened her expression when she spotted Kate.
    “Good gracious. You’re back!” Her words came out in a gush of air and she pulled Kate into her arms before waving her inside. “Come out of the cold.”
    Hazel stepped outside, casting a suspicious glance along the street before following Kate inside.
    The faint aroma of herbs filled the store. Several shelves containing roots and herbs lined the back wall. A jewellery case stood in the centre of the room, displaying silver pieces. Strewn across the floor in neat piles were tattered books that hinted at age and wisdom.
    “Did you find the daggers?” Hazel asked, eyes wide with hope.
    “Not all of them.”
    Surprise tugged at her smile and her shoulders fell. “That’s not good. Come, I’ll make some tea and you can tell me what happened.”
    Kate followed her to the small kitchen at the back of the store and held back in the doorway as Hazel assembled a tray. It was a familiar dance for them, a platform for hours of chats. “Has the store been busy?”
    “Not recently, but maybe this weekend. I’m considering casting an enticement spell to draw people in. I need to clear out some stock.”
    It hadn’t taken Kate long to figure out that Hazel was a witch. They’d first met at her