Page 36 of Hungry As Her Python

I stood there like the world’s most patient shopkeeper (read: lying through my teeth) while the old biddy peered into my display case, squinting as though the last remaining tray of day-old biscotti might suddenly reveal the mysteries of the universe.

Spoiler: they would not.

Half the shelves were bare—I’d already started clearing things away for tomorrow—but there she was, humming and leaning in like the fate of Castor’s Corner rested on whether she went with a cinnamon scone or a sugar cookie.

Lady, I had things to do.

A wall to paint, for one.

And after that? Haul my curvy Witch butt out to the pine barrens for our monthly Trifecta gathering.

That’s right. It was that time again.

And no, not that time of the month—our collective hormones were none of your business.

I was talking Trifecta time.

Every month, like clockwork, my cousins-slash-besties-slash-fellow-hot-Witches and I hiked out to our little hidden clearing deep in the forest—right on top of some serious ley lines—to give the wards around our town a magical tune-up.

There was always a bonfire.

There was always singing, chanting, and communing with the Goddess.

And yes, there was always some enthusiastic naked dancing under the moonlight—because nothing says protective barrier magic quite like three buxom Witches shaking what their ancestors gave them in the flicker of open flame.

You think I’m kidding.

I am not kidding.

It kept Castor’s Corner safe from mortal eyes.

Which was important.

The last thing we needed was a tour bus full of non-magicals rolling into town and Instagramming their way through our secrets.

And sure, a few Shifters had slipped through over the years.

Not our fault.

Mostly.

To be fair, Jaxson made an excellent Sheriff. Ryan was a great Fire Chief and in my kitchen, he was magic. And Conrad—ugh.

Conrad was making a name for himself as both a Deputy, a firefighter, and an electrician, and I was thrilled for him.

Really.

Couldn’t be happier.

Also, I really hated the way we’d left things.

Because Conrad was confusing.

One second, he was all heat and smoldering snaky kisses.

The next, he was cool enough to chill the butter in my mixing bowls.

He turned on and off faster than my set of magical mixing bowls.