The Cupcake Coven by Ashlyn Chase Page B

ever hit anyone again, or we’re through!”
    Her father slowly sat up, rubbing his jaw. “Don’t say that, honey. Dru. I don’t know who you are or where you came from, but that’s a mean right hook you have there. I wish I had you in my corner, but at least you’re on my daughter’s side, and she might need you.”

    A regal woman with long white hair, wearing a white robe with a braided belt appeared in front of Hanna as she sat down to watch TV in her room.
    She shrieked. “Eep. You startled me. When are you going to learn to knock?”
    The woman folded her arms. “Hanna, I need to speak with you.”
    “Okay, Fayleen. What do you need?”
    “It’s what we need. The world isn’t getting better fast enough, and I think we need to step it up. Recruit a few more members for the supernatural coven.”
    Hanna snorted. “Who can do anything with the politicians blocking every sensible idea while lining their own pockets?”
    “I know. They’re a problem, but so are we.”
    “Huh?”
    “We’re only a handful of witches. We need a few more high priestesses to spread around to other covens.”
    “Fine. But you know our criteria. We can’t allow fools to drink from the grail. Just one immature asshole could cause irreparable damage.”
    “I know, but there must be one or two in your coven who are ready.”
    “I’d recommend Myranda, but she’s needed in her present capacity.”
    “Think outside of the box. We can always train new recruits. Just try to find someone who has the proper maturity level—without being too stuck-up. We don’t want to suffer every dark moon with some sanctimonious bitch, who has no sense of humor.” Fayleen sat on the sofa next to Hanna.
    “I can’t think of anyone like that in my coven.”
    “No one? Seriously? What kind of witches are you letting in?”
    “Huh? No. I meant the stuck-up bitches. We don’t have any of them.”
    “Oh! Whew. I was about to feel very sorry for you. So, you’re saying you have some members who are mature and fun to be around?”
    “Yes. Most have the training, but not the years of experience and growth we’d like. I suppose I could give them a test to see how they’ll handle real power.”
    “Good idea. And it might not hurt to get a second opinion. You’ve known these men and women from when they were still learning the basics. There’s a tendency to miss the growth that’s occurred if you’re too close.”
    Hanna hated to think she’d be holding old mistakes against her witches. “Fine. A fresh set of eyes would probably lend some perspective.”
    “Good. So I can observe?”
    “You?”
    “Why not me?”
    “Uh…well, it’s just that…I mean…you um…”
    Fayleen tossed her hands in the air. “Oh, come on. I haven’t made it rain glitter in decades.”
    “Or turned towns upside down?”
    “I had to find those bombs. Besides, no one remembers a thing.”
    Hanna sighed. “I suppose…”
    “Okay, so how will you introduce me?”
    “How about a visiting high priestess from…I don’t know…Milwaukee?”
    “Milwaukee?” Fayleen leaned away and stared at Hanna as if she’d lost her mind. “What do I know about Milwaukee?”
    “Whatever you can learn between now and the next full moon.”
    Fayleen huffed. “Fine. I haven’t visited Michigan in a while.”
    Hanna sighed. “Milwaukee is in Wisconsin.”
    “So, geography isn’t my forte. Sue me.”
    “I’ll have to kick someone out to make thirteen—at least temporarily.”
    Fayleen smirked. “How about that guy who messed up the love spell?”
    “Dru? I already told him he could stay.”
    “And I guess you never change your mind, because you never make mistakes.”
    “Sheesh. You’re being a real hard-ass tonight.”
    Fayleen crossed her arms. “It’s important.”
    “I know,” Hanna said. “Okay, fine. I’ll give him the bad news.”

 
    Dru knew he was in deep shit with Rebecca, but he couldn’t believe her father would call his own daughter a