Charmed and Dangerous: An Appalachian Magic Novel (Appalachian Magic Series Book 1) by Debbie Herbert Page B

shook his head slightly. “Now I know what you’re doing. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that looking at other people’s auras without their permission is an invasion of privacy?”
    His mocking amusement made her flush. “Why did you want to see me?”
    “You called me. How could I not be curious about my own daughter?”
    “Is that all I am to you—a curiosity?” The words fell neutral and flat.
    She had few illusions about this meeting. Hadn’t expected he would declare his love and regret for years of abandonment. Still, she couldn’t help feeling some disappointment. Should have known better after reading his black book with its spells of binding and pain, all scrawled in carefully constructed selfishness. She shivered and mentally distanced herself from her father.
    “Would you believe me if I said I was sorry for not being a part of your life?” His tone was humble, and he cocked his head to one side.
    “Are you?”
    “Of course. I’ve thought of you often.”
    He was saying the right words and looking the part of repentant father, but she wasn’t buying it. Everything was too studied, and he kept up protective, screening barriers that prevented her from gauging his energy.
    “Then why haven’t you ever called?”
    “I did try to see you once.”
    Callie faked surprise, wondering if he would mention the Ouija board fiasco. “When?”
    “You were twelve. Ginnie turned me away out-of-hand.”
    “Must not have wanted to see me too bad if you only came once.”
    “Ginnie convinced me you’d be better off not knowing me.”
    “You could have come to see me in New Jersey. Mom and Grandma Jo couldn’t have stopped you.”
    “I didn’t know where you went. Besides, why did you want me to drive all the way down from Atlanta? To get on my case?” Irritation escaped as red wisps of steam from his self-contained mantle.
    She pursed her lips. If anyone should be angry, it was her. “You deserve it. Did you ever pay child support or have you been a total deadbeat?” She didn’t bother to hide her anger. He had it coming.
    A strong smell wafted in the air. That unique mix of menthol and licorice she had only encountered once before—the night of the Ouija Board incident. Grandma Jo said it was absinthe, from the wormwood herb. Her father had been there that night. Mom hadn’t lied about that. Even the Ouija board tried to warn her. She remembered the words: ‘A D-A-R-K V-I-S-I-T-O-R F-R-O-M Y-O-U-R P-A-S-T I-S A-L-M-O-S-T U-P-O-N Y-O-U B-E-W-A-R-E F–A --’
    It had been trying to spell F-A-T-H-E-R when Lucas attacked Mom.
    The book of black magic was his too. How stupid to think he might have changed.
    Lucas—she couldn’t bring herself to call him father now—said nothing and stared straight ahead. When he faced her again, his tone was gentle, jaw set in determination. “Callie, I understand the way you must feel. I won’t offer any more excuses except to say I’m sorry and I’d like to make amends. Yes, I’ve always paid child support, and I’ll help you now with college or whatever you’d like to do.”
    “Why?” She didn’t expect this. It was too easy, too suspicious.
    “My company’s doing well, even with the lousy economy. I’ve expanded my real estate business and started an import/export company. As a matter of fact, I’d like to offer you a job.”
    “What kind of job?” She couldn’t help being flattered, as he no doubt expected.
    He shrugged. “You could do something in public relations or take an administrative position until you figure out what interests you. With your special Gifts, you could be a real asset.”
    “And how would you have me use my so-called special Gifts?” Her voice was sharp with disapproval.
    “When you come into your full potential on your birthday, you’ll be a powerful witch. There are ways to use that to your advantage.”
    “You mean to your advantage. First of all, there’s no guarantee I’ll get special powers.”
    “It’s more