Page 17 of Vampire so Virtuous

“Spell suggestions for tonight, gang?” Eve asked, making an obvious effort to steer the conversation back on track. She wasn’t here for idle chatter, but for the mystique of it all—and it showed in her choice of jeans and a tight sweater, both in her usual black. In contrast, the others favored dresses, more suited for a social gathering than an evening with the occult. Cally had come straight from the dojang in her jeans and hoodie, and was here mostly because Eve had insisted. Though that wasn’t entirely fair; she liked the others too. Some of the time.

“My revenge spell?” Lily asked hopefully.

“Throw all the ideas in, but it’s Cally’s turn to choose,” Eve said, casting a quick look at her.

“Oh, whatever you guys want,” Cally replied, though she silently hoped it wouldn’t be another vengeance spell. The idea held no appeal, especially since she didn’t agree Lily’s neighbor deserved such an honor. Subtly shifting her weight, she tried to ease the strain on her hips and knees. Sitting cross-legged for so long was taxing, especially right after a session.

Would it kill Zara to buy some more cushions?

She eyed the couch wistfully. With that and both armchairs, there was enough seating for all of them, yet they always sat on the floor. Apparently, one had to suffer for the occult.

“Ooh! We could do a love spell for you!” Priya clapped her hands enthusiastically.

“No, thank you.” Cally shut that one down fast, smiling to soften the blow. Every group had a hopeless romantic, and Priya was theirs.

“If there are nobetterideas,” Zara said haughtily, “we could do a foresight spell.”

Lily gave an exasperated huff, quiet enough to not draw Zara’s ire.

“Cally’s choice,” Eve said firmly.

All eyes swung her way, and Cally bit back a groan.Why did I ever let Eve talk me into this?

She stiffly unfolded one leg and made to rise. “I’m pretty beat. If you don’t mind, I think I’m going to turn in early and let you all—”

“Don’t youdare, Calista Davis,” Eve said sharply.

Cally hesitated, glancing at her in surprise.

Eve grimaced. “Sorry, babe. But please? For me? Nothing ever works without you here.”

Okay, so that was an exaggeration—though the lack of objection from the others implied they agreed.

It was true there had been one time when the crystals had caught the candlelight so much they seemed to glow, which had been really weird. That had been during a spell for Lily’s curse on her ex. To her and Zara’s delight, the next day he’d fallen off his ladder and broken his leg.

Then there’d been the Ouija board incident, when the planchette had seemingly moved by itselfon Cally’s turn. She’d been going for ‘money’ to tease Eve, but after the first two letters, it had pulled sharply back across the board. Whenever Zara got out the Tarot cards, Cally seemed to end up with the High Priestess and the Magician. ‘Every time,’ Eve said with smug satisfaction, though Cally was certain she rigged the deck to make her feel more involved.

Besides, they’d done plenty of ‘spells,’ and the most exciting result had been her clothes reeking of incense on the way home.

Nothing ever works without me here? Nothing ever works, period.

It was like Eve thought magic was real, which was both cute and slightly aggravating.

She slumped back onto her ass. “Okay, but can we make it quick? I’m sorry, everyone, but I’ve had one hell of a day.”

“You still need to choose,” Zara said, then shot Eve an irritated look like it was her fault. That wasn’t fair at all.

“Fine,” Cally said coolly. “Foresight, then.”

Zara’s smile was too quick and lacked depth. “Good choice. I’m sure it won’t take longer than an hour or two.” Cally muffled a groan. “Ladies, your pins, please.”

There was a flurry of activity as they all drew needles from various pockets, unwrapped from silk or pulled from cushions.

“Do we have to do this every time?” Cally asked, feeling awkward. The blood thing was a bit further than she wanted to go, not least because—apparently—it had started because of her. “I haven’t brought mine.”

The one time the crystals had lit up, Eve had claimed Cally had a cut on her hand, but not until days later when Cally couldn’t remember. But she clearly recalled stabbing her finger on a splinter from Zara’s old Ouija board, because it slid beneath her nail and hurt like hell. Yet from that point on, Eve had pushed quite hard to bring blood into their spellwork, and to Cally’s dismay, the others had agreed far too easily.

“We don’t do it every time,” Zara said, her tone tart, “but wearedoing it tonight.”