The Windhaven Witches Omnibus Edition : Complete Paranormal Suspense Series, Books 1-4 by Carissa Andrews (graded readers txt) 📕

Abigail cross over? She’s been dead for so long, I’m worried that maybe…” My eyes fall to the mug of coffee. “Maybe her time has come and gone. Is that why she’s still stuck here? Is that why she’s so angry?”

Wade slides the eggs and bacon onto plates and walks around the counter with one in each hand. Handing me one and taking the seat beside me, he shakes his head. “I don’t have a good answer for you on that one. I wish I did. It’s something I can definitely bring up with my dad.”

I smile weakly. His dad and I aren’t on the best of terms and I doubt he’ll offer much in the way of help.

“But are you absolutely certain it’s Abigail causing all of these problems?” Wade asks, picking up his fork and staring at it.

“At this point, I don’t know much of anything. But I remember when all of this first started, she came at me like I was meant to help her somehow.”

He takes a bite of his eggs but shakes his head. “I just keep going back around to…if she’s been in the manor so long, why would she start getting violent about things now? You’ve worked together as a team. Why couldn’t she just ask you again for what she really wants? Something about it doesn’t make any sense.”

“So, if it’s not Abigail, what do you think is going on?” I ask, picking up my slice of bacon and biting off the end.

“We already know how powerful you are. Your powers have developed quickly, and I just wonder… What if other energies are being drawn to you?”

“What, like a magnet?” I ask, considering.

“Maybe?” he shrugs. “I’m thinking it might not be a bad idea to start with a cleansing of the home first. Bust out the sage and lemongrass. Put up some new wards, cast a few spells that keep out spirits that specifically don’t belong there. Then you’ll know for sure what you’re dealing with. If it keeps happening afterward, then you know it’s gotta be Abigail. Right?”

“That’s a very smart idea, Mr. Hoffman,” I say, tipping my head. “Then, if it stops, problem solved. If it doesn’t…we know I have to move on to more drastic measures. Let’s stop and get the supplies we need before we head to the manor.”

Wade nods, taking another bite of his breakfast.

These new thoughts coil around my mind, releasing a torrent of unwanted anxiety. There’s still so little I know about being a necromancer and postmortem medium. I’ve barely scratched the surface with my studies at the academy and I highly doubt any of them are prepared for someone like me, anyway.

What if this horrible haunting activity is because I haven’t learned to control my abilities? Am I becoming some sort of lightning rod for unwanted paranormal activity?

Chapter 14

Banishment & Protection

After a quick stop to pick up supplies for the banishing and warding spells, we find ourselves taking the final turn down my long driveway. As the multicolored trees blur by, a swell of dread threatens to consume me.

What if this doesn’t work? What if it only pisses off the angry spirit—Abigail or otherwise—that’s haunting the manor?

Shuddering away the uneasiness, my gaze extends beyond the cab of the Impala and I focus on the beauty of the scenery. Fall has always been my favorite time of year, but the ghostly malevolence and thinning of the veil associated with the season are hitting a little too close to home. Literally.

Wade pulls the car around to the front entry. A few construction vehicles litter the driveway, and men walk in and out of the building, just as the sheriff had said. I hop out and Wade grabs the supplies from the back seat.

“Think they’ll care if it smells like sage?” Wade asks, a twinkle in his eyes.

“After the mess in there, I doubt anything could faze them,” I say, raising a knowing eyebrow.

“Fair point.”

Wade closes the door to the back seat and walks around the car. Together, we head up the stone steps to the gaping entryway. The door to the manor is wide open as workers come in and out like bees. Not a single one of them seems like they have time to spare a glance in our direction.

“Talk about dedicated,” I mutter, shooting Wade a sideways glance.

He nods, reaching for my hand. As we enter the building, I stand back, viewing the space in utter astonishment. With the exception of portions of the staircase still being replaced, the majority of the damage has been completely erased by their hard work.

“Holy shit, that’s incredible,” I say, blinking back my surprise.

Wade nods, his mouth agape. “I’ll say. It’s almost as if nothing ever went down. Another few hours and you’d never even know.”

“Right?” I whisper, meandering through the workers as I make my way to the kitchen.

Just as expected, James is hard at work, a mop in hand. He stops, brushing the sweat on his forehead aside with the back of his hand. “Ah, Ms. Blackwood. So good to see you.”

“Autumn,” I say out of habit. It’s been a year now and he still hasn’t taken to my first name. It’s doubtful at this point he ever will.

James tips his head and turns to Wade. “Mr. Hoffman, I presume?”

Wade sets the bag down on the counter and walks over, extending a hand. “I am. Nice to meet you, James. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” James says, shaking Wade’s hand. Then, he turns to me with a knowing gaze. “So, the manor was in quite the disarray this morning.”

“Yeah, understatement,” I say, nodding. “Have you seen my dad? Did he tell you what happened?”

“I did see your father this morning. I believe he’s somewhere on the grounds,” James says, his features tight as he swaps his gaze between me and Wade. There’s an uneasy air about him, like there’s more he wants to say, but he’s unsure if he can