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

“That’s some imagery I won’t be able to get out of my head,” Wade mutters.

“Go Mrs. Gilbert,” Dominic says, clearly impressed. “Rawr.”

Colt’s hand flies to the back of his neck. “Can we not talk about our conception?” he says, standing up.

A woman sharing a remarkable resemblance to Cat walks out the front door, wiping her hands on an apron as she does so. “Did I hear someone say my name?”

“Mrs. G.,” Dominic says, beaming. He practically races up the stairs with his arms open wide.

“Dominic,” Mrs. Gilbert says, matching his stance and embracing him on the porch. Her smile is wide and her dark eyes sparkle with mischievousness. “It’s been a while. So good to see you, dear. How’s your grandma?”

Dominic pulls back a bit, his lips pressed tight. He shrugs slightly, then says, “She’s been better. You know how it is.”

Mrs. Gilbert nods knowingly, patting him on the shoulder as she steps out to the top of the stairs. She reaches out for Colton, kissing the top of his head as he stands a couple of steps below her.

Diana grins, walking up the steps next, with Blake following closely behind. One after the other, they give her a hug until all that’s left is Wade and me.

“Autumn,” Mrs. Gilbert says with a hint of reverence in her tone. “It’s so good to see you, dear.”

I smile back and wave awkwardly. Even though I feel like I should know her, and I guess I may have as a kid, I just don’t remember.

“This is Wade, Autumn’s boyfriend,” Cat says, sweeping a hand out toward him.

Mrs. Gilbert’s eyes take him in, assessing his situation. “You all right, sweetie?”

Wade lowers his chin, chuckling under his breath. “Yeah, I am now, thanks to Colton.”

Mrs. Gilbert grins broadly, patting his shoulder.

“I don’t mean to cut this reunion and introduction short,” Diana says, choosing her words delicately. “But we have a situation that needs to be dealt with.”

“What can I do to help?” Mrs. Gilbert asks, her face suddenly serious.

“I’m afraid it’s going to be a matter for the twins,” Diana says.

As if this makes total sense, the twins’ mom simply nods.

Diana turns to me, her face the epitome of resolve. “You consulted your grimoire on how to help your dad. Care to get everyone else caught up to speed?”

Chapter 26

In His Likeness

For the most part, Diana is stoic as I tell the group everything I know about my dad’s death. But I can tell none of it surprises her.

I explain why he died, how he became a Lemure, and why we need a biomancer like Colton to find his body and a fire starter like Cat to finish everything off. As I mention the Moirai, Diana and Wade exchange a significant glance, but neither of them says a word.

Throughout the entire conversation, each of them stares at me with rapt attention. Even Mrs. Gilbert doesn’t move a muscle. However, her dark eyes cloud with tears as she waits, listening until everything I know is now in their hands.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Dominic says, standing up and brushing off the front of his jeans. “Let’s get to work.”

“Hold up there, cupcake,” Diana says, patting Dominic on the chest. “We need to get clear on our roles and take things one step at a time.” She shoots him a knowing glance.

“Yes, ma’am,” he mutters, shrinking back and sitting down.

“Good god, call me ma’am again and we’re gonna have some problems,” Diana says, shuddering. “It’s also getting dark. We need to decide if we’re going to press on tonight or—”

“This can’t wait any longer,” I interject. After everything I’ve experienced and now know, the last thing I want for my father is to allow his torment to continue.

Diana turns to me, her expression thoughtful. “All right. Does the spell require anything specific? Or is Colton free to locate the remains as he sees fit?”

I drop my shoulders, tipping my chin to the sky. “Shit. In the rush to get out, I didn’t even think. We need something of my dad’s. The grimoire mentioned something that’s tied to him or shares his likeness.“

“I think I can help with that,” Mrs. Gilbert says, twisting around and heading inside before any of us has time to respond.

“Mom keeps everything,” Cat says, smiling as she rolls her eyes.

Colton nods in agreement. “She really does.”

After a couple of minutes, Mrs. Gilbert walks out, extending a framed photograph to me. “Will this do?”

It’s a small, four-by-six-inch photo surrounded by a rustic-looking wooden frame. The picture is old, at least fourteen or fifteen years by the looks of it. My mom, dad, and I are huddled together on the left-hand side of the shot and the Gilberts are huddled on the right. Everyone looks so…happy.

I run my index finger over my face, staring at it. Even though I know there’s still time I’m missing from my childhood, it’s strange to see photos of me when I don’t remember being there. I don’t remember my time with the twins—or having ever met Mrs. Gilbert before now.

Sighing to myself, I stare at my parents’ faces. They both look oblivious to the pain lying ahead as they huddle together, holding onto me and each other.

I look up to everyone’s expectant gaze.

Clearing my throat, I say, “I—uh, I think it will do. One way to find out, I guess.” I hold the photo out to Colton, letting him take it from me.

Diana tips her head. “Agreed.” Turning to Colton, she adds, “Are you up to giving this a try?”

Colton walks down the remaining steps from the porch and walks to Diana. “Wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”

Diana beams, patting him on the shoulder like a proud parent. Mrs. Gilbert clasps her hands in front of her chest, smiling softly.

It must be so weird for her, having the twins whisked away and staying with Diana.

“So, there’s no incantation or anything? I’m just…free to locate him?” Colton asks, staring at the photo.

I nod. “There was no