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“Is Zelda next in line to be the witch protectress? I’ve never met her, but from Farley’s stories, it seems like she’s the one most qualified. Farley has shared many stories about Hildy. Thinking of all you and Hildy went through together before you became The Baba Yaga, I was just curious about who could follow in your footsteps.”

The current witch protectress smiled at me. “Fabio’s daughter is definitely in the running. She’s wild-natured. Mac and the kids have matured her. She’s closer to being the right person than she ever was. Why do you ask, though? Are you interested in the job?”

“Me? No way,” I exclaimed in shock, before I burst out laughing. “I’ve seen what you do. So, no, I’m not interested. But I do enjoy working with you. I hope you continue to call on me when you need my help.”

Carol snorted. “And I hope you don’t ever feel the need to do to Farley what you did to Ethan.”

I chuckled low. “No worries with that. Farley is nothing like Ethan. We probably won’t work out long term, but that’s on me, Carol. Love isn’t in my DNA, but your nephew is honorable. He’s also incredibly easy to like. Whatever happens between us, I will do my best to remain his friend. And I will protect him with my life.”

Carol stood and dusted the cookie crumbs from her hands. “Well, now that confession time is over, I need to get back to looking for Lady Meagan. Thanks for the tea. Watch your back, Selene.”

“One more question before you go. Did it hurt when the inn summoned you?”

Her face wrinkled as she considered it. “It irritated me, but no, it was painless, except for the momentary weakness. The lack of control wasn’t enjoyable, but it hindered nothing magical I did. Are you thinking of summoning me again?”

“No, not you,” I said.

“Who then?” Carol asked.

I clacked my teeth and grimaced. “I think I might summon the fairy queen. If I talk fast enough, she’ll have little choice except to hear me out.”

“Abducting the fairy queen might net you time in a fairy dungeon, but it sounds exciting. Congratulations, Selene. You’re becoming an even bigger shit starter than me. The warlock posse is going to love hearing about it. I think they have a betting pool going on what happens to you.”

“Are they betting on whether or not I stay alive?”

“No,” Carol said with a smile. “They’re betting on whether or not you stay here.”

“Well, I’m not staying,” I said, sinking as much finality as possible into my tone. “Being an innkeeper is not the life I’ve dreamed of.”

“Being The Baba Yaga was my dream, but the reality of it is nothing like I expected. Don’t say no without giving it some thought. You were magical enough to stop a fairy army even though I’d dialed down your own magic. Imagine how much power you would accrue if you stayed on here. Imagine all the adventures you would have.”

“But it’s your inn...” I reminded her.

Carol waved a hand. “It was an inn in need of help, and I answered. We both know I don’t have time for it. Gotta run. Bye.”

A burst of purple glitter later, and The Baba Yaga vanished. I picked up my wand, waved at the glitter, and sent it flying to fall into the trash. And I managed to do it before it turned to dirt.

Would I feel any different about staying if I owned the inn? That was a possibility I hadn’t allowed myself even to consider. Completing the renovation would still take an enormous amount of work. If I sold my current house and Carol offered me a good deal, I might be able to renovate a couple more rooms. The dining room and parlor leaped to mind.

Paul and his mates would probably do the work if I asked.

It wasn’t like I would be tied to the place forever if I chose to stay. When there were no guests, I could do whatever I wanted. And I’d be close to Farley until we got tired of each other. My parents and siblings could come and stay at the inn during the holidays. I’m sure there were many negatives to consider, but none leaped to mind.

How crazy was I for even giving the idea some serious thought? Didn’t I already have an herb sales business and routine part-time work? Goddess knew, I had supported myself all these years in a variety of ways. What would change outside of my address?

I flexed my hand and watched my magic spark. How could I not have known Carol had dialed it down?

I enjoyed the inn’s guests, and I for sure wasn’t ready to put all those miles between Farley and me yet. Maybe I could stay for a short while—just until I got bored.

Goddess, I truly hoped Jezel wasn’t aware of what I was thinking. I didn’t want her to believe that she could talk me into other things if I stayed.

12

The next day, I decided to tackle the biggest obstacle in my plans first. Jezel paced in front of me while she considered what I wanted to do. Or floated. It was like her feet made any noise against the floors.

“Are you sure this is wise?” Jezel asked.

I snorted. “Goddess, no. I’m sure it isn’t wise at all, but I still want to do it. If I talk to her, I might get her to see the need to let Peace make her own decisions. If her daughter is to be the future fairy queen, the least Peace ought to be able to do is choose her own consort.”