Page 45 of Hex and the Kitty (Whispering Pines #9)
FORTY-FIVE
“ M y cupcakes show probable outcomes based on current paths,” Molly countered, settling onto an empty stool. “Not wild possibilities that might never happen.”
“Where’s your sense of adventure?” Celeste asked, biting into a rose macaron. The subtle magic released a tiny shower of sparks above her head, illuminating her delighted expression. “Oh, these are divine.”
“I’m plenty adventurous,” Molly protested, thinking of how she’d boldly pulled Warrick into her storage room two days ago, how his powerful hands had lifted her against the wall, how his mouth had?—
“Earth to Molly,” Daisy waved a hand before her face. “Your aura just turned scarlet. Thinking of a certain fire chief?”
The room dissolved into knowing laughter as Molly’s cheeks blazed.
“Leave her alone,” Ellie said, though her eyes twinkled. “Not everyone broadcasts their romance like you and Roarke, Daisy.”
“Speaking of broadcasts,” Daisy pivoted, passing out small vials of shimmering liquid. “These are pre-future potion supplements, each tailored to our unique magical signatures.”
Molly examined the amber-colored liquid in her vial. “What does mine do?”
“Enhances your natural prophetic talents while opening you to wider possibilities,” Daisy explained. “Everyone’s is different—protection, clarity, grounding, balance.”
“In other words,” Ellie translated with a fond smile, “Daisy’s gone overboard with preparation as usual.”
“Better safe than sprouting antlers,” Daisy replied with mock indignation. “It happened to my cousin once during a scrying session.”
Sera raised her vial, her usually composed demeanor softening. “To girls’ night and glimpses of the future—without antlers!”
They clinked their vials and drank. The liquid tasted of honey and starlight, warming Molly from within. Her fingertips tingled with heightened magic.
“Lark nearly lost his mind when I told him about the baby,” Sera shared, her hand resting on her small bump. “He transformed mid-sentence and flew circles around our house until the neighbors complained about the dragon shadows scaring their cats.”
“Bram cried,” Tabitha revealed, affection softening her features. “The toughest bear shifter in town, sobbing into his hands when I showed him the test. Then he carried me around the house for an hour, refusing to let my feet touch the ground.”
“Kade installed a bell system throughout our house,” Celeste added, rolling her eyes fondly. “So I can summon him from any room without raising my voice. As if his wolf hearing wouldn’t pick up a whisper.”
“Reed ordered a specialized pregnancy pillow from some shifter craftsman in Norway,” Ellie continued. “It cost more than our entire bedroom set and makes whooshing sounds like a womb.”
Their stories filled the room with laughter and warmth. Molly imagined Warrick’s reaction to such news—his serious face slack with wonder, those golden eyes wide, his strong arms cradling her with infinite gentleness. The thought squeezed her heart in a way that frightened and thrilled her.
“Right,” Daisy announced, clapping her hands. “Let’s get to the main event while our protective potions are at peak effectiveness.”
She directed them to gather closer around the table, where a large copper cauldron now sat, its polished surface reflecting their faces.
“Everyone, three drops of blood for the connection,” Daisy instructed, passing around a silver pin. “Don’t worry—it’s sterilized and enchanted for painless extraction.”
One by one, they pricked their fingers, allowing three drops to fall into the cauldron. The previously clear liquid began to shimmer with colors reminiscent of twilight.
“Now, iridescent powder for clarity,” Daisy continued, sprinkling a sparkling substance that disappeared into the swirling mixture.
“Sage leaves for wisdom,” Celeste added, dropping seven leaves that dissolved instantly.
“Crystal shards for amplification,” Ellie contributed, carefully placing jagged pieces of quartz into the bubbling concoction.
The cauldron’s contents shifted from midnight blue to aquamarine, pulsing with their combined energy.
“Join hands,” Daisy instructed, her voice slipping into the formal cadence of spellcasting. “And repeat after me: Tempus revelat, futurum illustrat .”
Their voices merged in perfect harmony, the familiar surge of coven magic—far stronger than any individual could produce—rippling through the circle. The pharmacy’s lights dimmed of their own accord, leaving only the cauldron’s ethereal glow.
“ Visions of days yet to come, paths that might unfold ,” they continued, following Daisy’s lead. “ Show us glimpses, hints, and signs of stories yet untold .”
The cauldron’s contents defied gravity, rising in a column of misty, luminescent liquid before exploding into fine droplets that hovered above the table. The mist rearranged itself, forming moving images as clear as reality.
“Oh!” Daisy exclaimed. “Molly’s first!”