Page 18 of Magical Melee (Stonewick Magical Midlife Witch Academy #1)

The bell above the door chimed as I stepped into Stonewick Teas and Sundries. The warmth of the shop enveloped me like a comforting embrace. The smell of spiced chai and lavender wafted through the air, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly baked scones. It was cozy, magical, and, if I were honest, a little overwhelming.

This could be my new life.

Stella was already behind the counter. Her signature sparkle radiated from her waiflike body. Today, she wore a shimmering purple blouse that seemed to catch the light every time she moved. Her chunky jewelry jingled as she poured tea into delicate porcelain cups. Her movements were smooth and precise.

“Well, don’t you look fabulous!” she exclaimed. Her eyes lit up as she caught sight of me. “Maeve, darling, you’ve truly embraced the spirit of this town.”

I glanced down at my outfit—a red velvet top and a flowing black skirt.

“Figured I’d try to fit in,” I said with a grin. “Didn’t want the customers thinking I was too normal.”

“Have I ever told you their names?”

“Whose?” I asked, shaking my head.

“Non-believers,” she whispered.

“No. It hasn’t come up yet.”

“We call them the mels.”

“The mels?” My brows arched. “Why that name?”

“Non-magical folk are really… mellow. Even when they think they’re getting all riled up, they’re just…not.” She shrugged her narrow shoulders. “So mels just fits.”

“I guess compared to goblins and color-changing tea, we could feel a little mellow.”

Her brows arched. “You’re not mellow. I heard about what you did to your husband the night you found out he had a mistress.”

“Several,” I corrected as my eyes narrowed on Stella. “How did you know about that? I haven’t even told Skye.”

I couldn’t help but smirk as the memory floated to the surface—a moment of petty genius in the wake of my absolute heartbreak. When I’d discovered my husband’s little extracurricular activities, I didn’t yell or smash his favorite possessions. Although, that had been equally tempting.

Instead, I’d added several tablespoons of cayenne to his protein powder. Watching him dart from the living room to the kitchen sink to slap his tongue with water mid-peloton ride had been oddly therapeutic. Sure, I wasn’t proud of stooping to such a level, but I had to do something with all my pent-up energy, and it was better than acting on my daydream of castor oil.

Right?

Stella laughed and handed me an apron embroidered with tiny stars and moons. “Trust me. No one’s going to mistake you for normal.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“I’d say so.” She winked at me. “Now, ready for your first day?”

I tied the apron around my waist and nodded. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

The afternoon rush hit like a tidal wave. Customers streamed in, their voices blending into a cacophony of chatter as their tea orders rattled off into the air. Their fingers eagerly touched all the witchy trinkets while browsing the shelves lined with jars of herbs and magical-looking odds and ends.

I quickly learned that Stella’s regulars were as colorful as her wardrobe.

Thankfully, my only job was to run the cash register.

“Do you have anything for… stress?” a frazzled woman in her mid-fifties asked. Her eyes darted around nervously.

“Try our chamomile-lavender blend,” Stella suggested, handing her a sample tin. “Guaranteed to calm your nerves or your money back.”

“Do you really give refunds?” she asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Not a chance,” Stella replied with a cheeky smile. “Because it’s that good.”

The woman huffed but came over with the tin.

I rang her up, and she frantically exited the store before a young couple came in.

They were wide-eyed and overly ecstatic. The guy leaned on the counter as his gaze flicked between me and Stella. “So… where can we see real witches around here?”

Stella didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, they’re everywhere. We’re practically tripping over them. Why, Maeve, here, is one of our most powerful—aren’t you, darling?”

I blinked, momentarily thrown off. “Uh, yep. Totally. But I’m more of a behind-the-scenes witch. You know, low profile. Won’t see me flying around on a broomstick.”

“No, she just makes magical drinks for her husband’s workouts.”

The guy smiled, and my brows arched.

“Ex-husband.”

The guy nodded as if I’d just revealed some grand secret. His girlfriend elbowed him, rolling her eyes. “Come on, honey. Let’s go before you ask about vampires.”

The boyfriend looked disappointed. “But—”

“Out,” she said, dragging him toward the door with a bag full of tea I rang up.

Judging by how much people spent here, Stella could have retired long ago.

As they left, Stella leaned over and whispered, “You’re a natural at this.”

“Customer service or dodging ridiculous questions?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Both,” she said with a wink.

The line eventually thinned out, and by the time the last customer had left, I felt like I’d run a marathon. I collapsed onto a stool behind the counter, wiping my hands on my apron.

“Is it always this busy?” I asked.

Stella shrugged and poured a cup of tea for us both. “Depends on the day. Some days, it’s slow; other days, it’s like a carnival in here. You handled it beautifully, though.”

“Thanks,” I said, sipping the steaming brew of pumpkin ginger tea. “But honestly, I’ve been dying to talk to you about something.”

Stella’s expression shifted slightly, her playful demeanor giving way to curiosity. “Oh? What’s on your mind?”

I glanced around the empty shop, making sure we were truly alone. Frank was sleeping behind the counter, and only his soft snoring gave him away.

“It’s about the cottage,” I began. “And Twobble.”

Stella chuckled, setting her cup down. “Ah, the little rascal finally made himself known, did he?”

“That’s putting it lightly,” I said, shaking my head. “He practically broke into my house this morning, bouncing on me like a squirrel on speed. And then he started showing me all these hidden features of the cottage, like a false floor that led to this… underground vault.”

Stella’s eyes widened slightly. “He showed you the vault? Already?”

“Yeah,” I said, leaning forward. “There was this pedestal with runes, and when I touched it, I saw… things. My dad, when he was younger. Then, a stormy night appeared with a figure in the shadows. It was intense. I don’t know what any of it means.”

“Wow.” She eyed me oddly. “I’m surprised you’re here to tell me about it.”

My blood turned cold. “Why’s that?”

Stella nodded slowly, her fingers tracing the edge of her cup. “The vault is a powerful place. It holds the memories and energy of every caretaker who’s lived there. It sounds like it’s starting to reveal its secrets to you. But… this is all so fast.”

I frowned, unsure that I would ever understand what was happening.

Stella sighed, and her gaze turned distant. “The cottage is alive in its own way, Maeve. It senses things—changes, needs, even danger. Much like our town.”

“It’s the Stone Ward, correct?” I asked.

She nodded. “Yes, it offers a place of refuge and protection for those who need it, including the town itself. But it’s a long and complicated history.”

I clenched my fists, frustration bubbling to the surface. “But why keep it all from me? Why let me stumble into this blindly?”

“Because sometimes,” Stella said gently, “we’re not ready for the truth until we’re ready. And maybe the cottage knew you’d find your way back when the time was right.”

I slumped back in my chair. My mind whirred at warp speed. “So what am I supposed to do now? Just wait for more visions? Let Twobble drag me around the house like it’s a scavenger hunt?”

Not to mention, I couldn’t shake the nightmare I’d had. Something about the guy made me curious, and I knew that shouldn’t be my reaction. He was scary and bad.

A very bad guy.

It was written all over him, but he was also wholly opposite of Alex, and his cockiness was kind of…

Attractive?

No. Not attractive or appealing, but possibly alluring.

A spell…

Spellbinding?

Exactly!

He was probably warping my mind with some voodoo.

I shook myself out of my thoughts. “I’m just worried that more things are happening than even Twobble knows, and if I’m not clued in, I’ll…” My voice trailed off.

“Twobble’s methods may be unconventional, but he’s a valuable ally. He’ll help you uncover what you need to know, piece by piece. He’s done it for over a century.”

“And Keegan?” I asked, my voice softer.

Stella’s smile faded slightly. “Keegan is… complicated. He cares more than he lets on, but he’s bound by responsibilities that even I don’t fully understand. Trust him, but don’t rely on him to give you all the answers.”

I nodded slowly, feeling a strange mix of relief and apprehension. “I wish I grew up knowing all this like it was second nature. Being in my forties and trying to let my mind believe in the unknown and the magic of it all is tough, especially with my life recently imploding.”

“It is,” Stella agreed. “But you’re not alone, Maeve. You’ve got me, Twobble, and this entire town behind you. Stonewick has always taken care of itself. We won’t stop now.”

I finished my tea and let the warmth spread through me. Despite the chaos and uncertainty, there was a part of me that felt… grounded in this shop.

In this town.

Like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. But when I thought back to the dream where the man was trying to coax me into another place…

A great amount of uncertainty toyed with me.

Stella stood as her playful smile returned. “Now, how about we restock those shelves before the evening rush? And maybe later, I’ll show you a few tricks of the trade.”

“As in tea or…”

She winked at me. “You’ve got the tea down.”

A ripple of excitement shot through me.

“Sounds like a plan,” I said happily.

This was exactly what I needed.

A task to keep my mind off the uncertainty, the unknown…the complete chaos of my mind.

“This goes behind the Cinnamon Bite Tea .” She handed me a tin, and I chuckled.

“As in a vampire?”

Stella nodded. “Indeed.”

I laughed and shook my head. “At least vampires aren’t real. That’s the one thing I can do without.”

“Oh, really?” She reached for some dried mint leaves.

“Can you imagine something actually sucking blood?”

“Mosquitos do it.”

“Right, but I can squish those. I don’t think I can smack a vamp.”

Stella started happily humming as we worked together. The shop felt less like a place of business and more like a second home. For the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of belonging—a connection to something bigger than myself. And despite the mysteries still waiting to be unraveled, I was ready to face them head-on.

The bell above the tea shop’s door jingled, and I looked up from the display of loose-leaf blends I was organizing.

The moment the man stepped inside, the air shifted.

Stella’s humming stopped as she arranged the scones in the pastry case. The warmth of the shop seemed to chill. The soothing scents of tea and herbs were replaced by something sharp and metallic.

He lifted his head as his gaze connected with mine, and I instantly recognized him.

The man from my dream.

He was just as striking in reality as he had been in my nightmare: tall, with dark, slightly curling hair that framed his angular face. His sharp jawline was dusted with stubble, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to glow, even in the soft light of the tea shop. He wore a long, tailored coat, the hem swishing slightly as he stepped forward. His presence commanded a respect I wasn’t willing to give. The guy’s broad shoulders doubled the size of mine, and I wanted to sink into somewhere safe.

“Good afternoon, ladies.” His voice was smooth yet sharp, like velvet draped over a blade.

Stella froze, her hands hovering over a tray of scones. Her cheerful demeanor vanished, and her expression became stern and displeased.

“We’re closed,” she said flatly, her voice devoid of its usual warmth.

The man’s smile didn’t falter.

It grew.

“Strange,” he said, glancing around at the clearly open shop. “It looks very much open to me.” He pointed over his shoulders. “Sign says open.”

“Leave,” Stella said.

Her tone continued to be firm, but there was an edge of unease in her voice that I’d never heard before.

His eyes drifted from Stella to me.

When they locked onto mine, I felt it—the same pull I’d felt in my dream.

He could see straight into my soul, peeling back layers I hadn’t even known were there.

My pulse quickened, and I gripped the counter's edge to steady myself.

“You must be Maeve,” he said, his smile sharpening. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but my voice caught in my throat. It felt like his words were wrapping around me, binding me to him.

And we’d already met.

I was sure he knew it.

“Leave her alone,” Stella snapped, stepping between us. She held up her hand, and I noticed the faint shimmer of magic, like a protective barrier, forming around her fingers.

So, she was a witch…

“You’re not welcome here, Gideon.”

Gideon. The name sent a shiver down my spine.

He tilted his head, and his eyes never left mine as a shiver ran over my flesh.

“Maeve and I have much to discuss,” he said, ignoring Stella entirely. “You can’t keep her in the dark forever.”

“I won’t let you hurt her,” Stella said, her voice low and dangerous.

Gideon’s smile faded slightly, and I saw a flicker of annoyance in his eyes for the first time. “I have no intention of hurting her,” he said. “Quite the opposite. But if you insist on being difficult…”

The bell jingled again.

I turned to see the three young guys from the laundromat the other night walk in. Their eyes were cold and predatory as they swept over me.

The playful bravado they’d displayed before was gone. It had been replaced by something far more sinister.

“Well, well,” the leader of the trio said. His voice dripped with mockery, leaving me with a sick feeling. “Looks like we walked in on something interesting. And this time, your superhero boyfriend isn’t here.”

“Ah, perfect timing then,” Gideon said, his smile returning. “These gentlemen have been very eager to spend some alone time with you, Maeve. Bryce, especially.” He pointed at the taller guy who pestered me at the laundromat.

I knew without a doubt that Gideon was the true leader.

Stella muttered something under her breath, and the shimmering magic around her hand intensified. “Maeve, get behind me.”

But I couldn’t move.

My legs felt rooted to the spot, and Gideon’s eyes held me captive. It was as if he were drawing me toward him with an invisible thread pulling tighter with each passing second.

The air in the shop grew heavier—an oppressive energy charged through each molecule.

Frank, who had been napping in the corner, suddenly jumped to his feet, barking furiously.

His little body bristled with tension as he positioned himself protectively in front of me.

“You should listen to her, Maeve,” Gideon said softly. “Stella’s a wise woman, but even she can’t shield you forever. You have a destiny, one that’s far bigger than this quaint little town.”

“Enough,” Stella said, her voice like steel.

She raised her hand, and a burst of light shot toward Gideon.

He moved faster than I thought possible and sidestepped the blast with a fluid grace.

The explosive energy hit the wall behind him, sending a shelf of teapots crashing to the floor in a pile.

Bryce and his friends lunged toward me with unnaturally quick movements. Stella countered with another burst of light, but one of the men deflected it with a swipe of his hand. His fingers left a dark, smoky trail in the air.

My throat clenched, and I couldn’t stop coughing as I reached for my throat.

Frank darted around the counter, snapping at Bryce’s ankles.

“Frank!” I shouted, finally finding my voice.

The thought of something happening to my one faithful companion gutted me.

Bryce sneered and kicked toward Frank, but the little bulldog dodged the man’s foot. His growls deepened as Gideon raised his hands.

A wave of dark energy surged toward Stella. The air thickened with black fog, making it hard to breathe again.

Shadows danced through the space, swiping and swirling as they reached for us.

Stella braced herself with magic, forming a golden shield around her body.

Her eyes flamed red as her body straightened, and a hiss seethed from her lips.

Gideon pushed his hands forward, and a wave of black thrust toward her.

The force of the attack pushed Stella back, her feet sliding against the floor, but she stood her ground.

She whipped her index finger toward Gideon, and flames ignited around him.

Surprise dashed over him for a split second, but he recovered with a snap of his fingers, and the flames extinguished as he darted toward her.

I couldn’t just stand there.

The thought of Celeste churned through me like a tidal wave. I had to be brave for her. I needed to choose the right side of this.

Summoning every ounce of courage I had, I reached for the nearest object—a heavy ceramic teapot—and hurled it at Gideon.

He laughed, catching it effortlessly. His eyes flashed with amusement.

“Fiery,” he said, setting the teapot gently on a table. “I like that.”

The room pulsed with an unrecognizable energy. The walls vibrated with the force of the clash. The floor rumbled under our feet.

Stonewick was awakening. Stella was holding her ground, but it was clear she was struggling. The trio of men advanced on her with fluid movements as inhuman as Gideon’s.

I glanced at Gideon, who was muttering something I couldn’t decipher.

“Maeve,” Stella said through gritted teeth, “you have to get out of here.”

“No,” I said, my voice firm despite the fear gripping me. “I’m not leaving you.”

“Think of Celeste.” Her eyes raged with anger as Gideon’s laughter filled the room.

Gideon took a step closer, and I felt that invisible thread pulling again.

“This is just the beginning, Maeve,” he said, his tone almost gentle. “There’s so much you don’t know. So much you deserve to know. So much I can teach you.”

I took a step towards Gideon and straightened my shoulders. “Get. Out. Now.”

On cue, Stella unleashed a final, blinding burst of light. The entire shop was bathed in a searing flame, and I had to shield my eyes.

When the light faded, Gideon and the three men were gone.

The room was silent, except for my ragged breathing and Frank’s low growl.

Shattered teapots and spilled herbs littered the floor, and the air was thick with the lingering scent of burnt magic.

Stella lowered her hand as her shoulders slumped with exhaustion.

“Are you okay?” she asked tenderly.

I nodded. “Who is he, and where did he come from?”

Stella sighed, leaning heavily against the counter. “That was Gideon. He’s… a powerful enemy. One who has his own plans for Stonewick—and for you. He’s from Shadowick.”

Just like my dream.

“Why me?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Because you’re more important than you realize,” Stella said, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. “And he knows it.”

I swallowed hard, the weight of her words sinking in. Whatever was happening in Stonewick, I was at the center of it. And Gideon wasn’t going to stop until he got what he wanted.

I turned to Stella and nodded. “I’ve already met him.”