Essence of the Witch Read online

  Wanda went down in a heap and let out an oomph.

  “Mom, Dad, are you two okay?” Cameron called as he walked into the room. He quickly took stock of the room and then stared at her. “Wanda? What’s going on?”

  Wanda’s brain finally kicked in, and she reached back for the blanket at the end of the bed and wrapped it around herself. “I, um, was trying to surprise you.”

  He looked between Wanda and the other two people in the room. Then he started to laugh.

  “I don’t think your friend is amused, dear,” the woman said to him.

  Cameron wiped tears from his eyes and nodded. “She’s not now, but she will be.” He smiled at Wanda and then said, “Mom, Dad, meet Wanda. My… friend.”

  Friend? Friend! Wanda wanted to shout the word at the top of her lungs. Would someone who was just a friend sneak into someone else’s hotel room and offer themselves up like Thanksgiving dessert? No. She didn’t think so. She and Cameron were not just friends.

  She’d show him friends.

  With her head held high, she grabbed her clothes, retreated to the bathroom, and less than two minutes later, returned fully clothed. “My apologies,” she said to Cameron’s mother. “I had no idea you were coming with him.”

  His mother’s eyes flashed with amusement just the way that Cameron’s often did. “Don’t worry, dear. I’ve done the same thing for his father more times than I can count.”

  Oh, no. That was just TMI. Wanda cleared her throat. “That’s great, Mrs. Copeland. Keeps the passion alive, I suppose.”

  Why in the hell was Wanda encouraging this conversation? Before Mom could say anything further, Wanda apologized one more time and excused herself from the most awkward situation of her adult life.

  “Wanda, wait!” Cameron called as he caught up to her in the hallway. “I’m sorry for laughing.”

  She shrugged, pretending it didn’t matter. “Sorry about that. I had no idea.”

  “I didn’t either to be honest. They decided last minute they wanted to see Keating Hollow.”

  Wanda nodded. “Sure. I can see that. You have been spending a lot of time here.”

  He chuckled. “Are you kidding? They don’t care about that. They just wanted to see the town that inspired the television series Miranda and I sold.”

  “Right. Okay. I better go. You have your hands full.” She turned to leave but was pulled back into Cameron’s arms.

  “I’d rather have my hands full of you,” he said nuzzling her neck.

  “I’m sure that’s true,” she said, “but I’d better just be on my way. I wouldn’t want anyone to get the idea that we’re anything more than friends.”

  “Oh, dammit,” he muttered, running his hand through his hair.

  “Goodnight, Cameron,” she said softly and then left the inn with Cameron staring after her.

  * * *

  ***

  Get the next Witches of Keating Hollow book: Muse of the Witch (Witches of Keating Hollow, Book 9).

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  Dear Reader, Reviews are always appreciated. Did you love this book? Please take a moment to let others know in the form of a review on your favorite vendor. XOXO, Deanna

  Deanna’s Book List

  Witches of Keating Hollow:

  Soul of the Witch

  Heart of the Witch

  Spirit of the Witch

  Dreams of the Witch

  Courage of the Witch

  Love of the Witch

  Power of the Witch

  Essence of the Witch

  Muse of the Witch

  * * *

  Witches of Christmas Grove:

  A Witch For Mr. Holiday

  A Witch For Mr. Christmas

  * * *

  Jade Calhoun Novels:

  Haunted on Bourbon Street

  Witches of Bourbon Street

  Demons of Bourbon Street

  Angels of Bourbon Street

  Shadows of Bourbon Street

  Incubus of Bourbon Street

  Bewitched on Bourbon Street

  Hexed on Bourbon Street

  Dragons of Bourbon Street

  * * *

  Pyper Rayne Novels:

  Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier

  Spirits, Rock Stars, and a Midnight Chocolate Bar

  Spirits, Beignets, and a Bayou Biker Gang

  Spirits, Diamonds, and a Drive-thru Daiquiri Stand

  Spirits, Spells, and Wedding Bells

  * * *

  Ida May Chronicles:

  Witched To Death

  Witch, Please

  Stop Your Witchin’

  * * *

  Crescent City Fae Novels:

  Influential Magic

  Irresistible Magic

  Intoxicating Magic

  * * *

  Last Witch Standing:

  Bewitched by Moonlight

  Soulless at Sunset

  Bloodlust By Midnight

  Bitten At Daybreak

  * * *

  Witch Island Brides:

  The Wolf’s New Year Bride

  The Vampire’s Last Dance

  The Warlock’s Enchanted Kiss

  The Shifter’s First Bite

  * * *

  Destiny Novels:

  Defining Destiny

  Accepting Fate

  * * *

  Wolves of the Rising Sun:

  Jace

  Aiden

  Luc

  Craved

  Silas

  Darien

  Wren

  * * *

  Black Bear Outlaws:

  Cyrus

  Chase

  Cole

  * * *

  Bayou Springs Alien Mail Order Brides:

  Zeke

  Gunn

  Echo

  About the Author

  New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Deanna Chase, is a native Californian, transplanted to the slower paced lifestyle of southeastern Louisiana. When she isn't writing, she is often goofing off with her husband in New Orleans or playing with her two shih tzu dogs. For more information and updates on newest releases visit her website at deannachase.com.