A Different Witch (A Modern Witch Series: Book 5) by Debora Geary Page A

tricky situation.  And perhaps one that’s yet destined to end well.”
    Lauren’s lips twitched.  “That’s an optimistic outlook.”
    “We can’t change the past, my darling girl.  And whatever you and Jamie might have said or done, you’re two people with very good hearts.  You set change in motion, and that’s not always easy.”
    “Beth might not see it that way.”
    Perhaps not, but that could wait to be discovered in the fullness of time.  Moira had a different patient at the moment.  “It’s not just Beth who suddenly finds herself on a journey.”
    Lauren frowned, and Moira could feel the leaking hints of exhaustion.  Cookies and sleep didn’t fix everything.  She reached out and took two cool hands in hers.  Even an old healer witch could help with that a stitch.  “You’ve been in the middle of things ever since we fetched you.  But it’s a different role calling you now.”
    The frown deepened.  “What do you mean?  I’m too tired to look and too cranky to guess.”
    “Solstice makes us all a mite cranky, my dear.”  Moira smiled, brushing a confused cheek and sending along another little trickle of power.  “We all have different reactions to the dark.  Some nest, some seek the light.  Many of us set our feet on new journeys.”
    And some old witches realized they didn’t have too many solstices left.
    An unexpected grin chased away Lauren’s tired eyes.  “Is that why my husband suddenly has the baby bug?”
    Moira chuckled, delighted by the wisdom of her young friend.  “That, and he loves you very much.”
    “Mmm.”  Lauren rolled her eyes.  “Should I be worried about all the nice tingles you’re sending me?  Thanks for those, by the way.”
    “You’re welcome.”  Moira fingered a sturdy flower vine climbing the back of the bench.  “And I’m very sure Devin isn’t going to be needing any help from the likes of me if it’s a baby he wants.  I do believe he’s got some negotiating to do with you, though.”
    “Maybe.”  Lauren shifted back to looking out over the waters.  “I don’t know about solstice and all, but I’ve been restless lately.”
    “A wise soul can smell a journey coming.”
    “I smell the tang of salt and occasional whiffs of linguine.”
    Ah, the young could be so literal.  “Still afraid of the hocus-pocus, are you?”
    “Is that what this is?”
    “Some.”  Moira was well aware that not everyone shared her mystical soul.  “But you’ve chosen Beth as yours, and that’s very real.”  A leader emerging, even if she didn’t realize it yet.
    It pleased her greatly that Lauren didn’t misunderstand.  “Am I wrong to do that?  Nell’s got the right magic to train her.”
    “She does.”  Moira paused, treading carefully.  “But perhaps not the right soul for this witch at this moment.  You see Beth’s heart.  A soul that needs some careful tending.”
    “She’s not weak.”
    Perhaps.  That also remained to be seen.  “Even the sturdiest flower can need special care if it finds itself suddenly planted in a foreign garden.”
    They were silent again for a while, a crisp winter wind blowing off the water.  Waves crashed against the cliffs below, soothing the restless beast that had been clawing at Moira’s soul lately.  She accepted it all with gratitude.
    Lauren finally leaned over and kissed her cheek.  “Thank you.”
    There was no thanks necessary.  “We old witches still like to be useful.”
    “Good.”  The second kiss was firmer.  “We’re going to be needing you for a long time yet.”
    The restless beast certainly hoped so.

Chapter 5

    Beth stepped out of the cab onto Addison Street, blinking at the sunlight.  What a strange place, this California.  It didn’t feel like winter at all.
    She took her bag from the driver, looking up and down the street.
    “Sure this is where you want to be, miss?”
    “Yes.”  She turned back to him, aware that most people didn’t consider