48

Cassie and Adam arrived at the abandoned house and Faye suppressed a snicker at their guilty looks. Even Diana knew they had hooked up, so why not get over themselves so they could return to Circle business? Faye was sick to death of the drama, even though she caused most of it. "So why drag us out here on a Sunday night?"

"The Crowhaven coven has asked us to step in as their high priest and priestess," Cassie said, her blue eyes landing on each of their faces.

Faye yawned. "Is this like some symbolic thing? Because who really gives a damn? They crown you with flowers, simulate the Great Rite, and everyone goes home."

Diana flashed her a sharp look. "It's an honor to be asked. But why you two?"

Adam shrugged. "Because we helped them get rid of John Blackwell."

Faye said, "And unleashed Francis Balcoin. Way to go."

Cassie frowned. "That wasn't our intent."

Jake's eyes narrowed. "Why aren't we included?"

Faye grinned. "Oh, are your feelings hurt? Trust me, you so don't want to go there. Unless you like getting your clothes torn off by a bunch of horny old bags."

Adam asked, "They perform skyclad rituals?"

"Got it in one."

Cassie looked uncomfortable. "I'm sure it's not forced on anyone."

Faye laughed. "Are you sure?"

Cassie retorted, "I don't know, why don't you come along and find out?"

Faye held up her hands. "No thanks. Just be sure this symbolic thing is on the straight and narrow."

"It is."

"And you're the expert because?" Nobody had the stones to stand up to Cassie, so it might as well be her.

"I trust Karin. She wouldn't steer us wrong."

Faye snorted. "You trust a Balcoin who's stolen someone else's life? Not sure what that says about you."

"Faye," Adam said crossly.

Diana said, "She does have a point, Adam. You need to be careful - we all do."

"Whatever it is, I can handle it," Cassie said.

Faye sighed. "Let's hope so. Because none of us are saving your ass if something goes wrong."

Sibyl toured the grounds of Peggy Whitmore's place after seeing the immaculate house. Her mind filled in play areas and other places that would delight children. "It will do," she said. "I'll take it."

She filled the agent in on whose names belonged on the deed, then followed the agent to her office to sign her life away. Might as well, since her very existence on this plane would soon come to an end. She wrote a very large check and handed it to the realtor with a smile.

"This is very unusual," the agent stated uncomfortably. "There's still time to change your mind."

"I don't need any more time." Sibyl said. "Be sure this deed and the keys are given to Ethan Conant on May 2nd - no later than that date."

"Very well, Ms. Balcoin. Is there anything else?"

"That is all."

Sibyl drove back up to the cliffs where her new cottage seemed to hang over the water and decided the ritual should be here. It was a fitting location for one life ending and two lives beginning. Stairs were carved into the rock and she made her way down to the water, wind whipping her hair and cold water lapping at her toes. With a silent prayer to Neptune, she tossed a flower out into the surf and watched until it was pulled under. She turned and sensing a presence, she scanned the area for intruders. But there was nothing but the whisper of a sea breeze caressing her neck.

It was the day before Beltane, and Adam's nerves were jangling. He was worried about this symbolic joining as well as what Francis Balcoin's presence portended for Karin. He paced his rooms like a caged tiger after school, and even a rousing romp with Cassie in his truck couldn't settle him down. As they lay entwined in blankets, her hands and mouth distracted him and soon turned his thoughts to more pleasurable pursuits. Cassie rode him like a Valkyrie and sent him swooning into orgasm as she moved against him rapidly. She collapsed against him, their bodies slick with sweat. "Did that help?"

His laugh rumbled against her. "And then some. Let's hope we aren't expected to revive this tomorrow night."

She traced the fine dusting of hair from his collarbone to his navel. "We won't. It's not really about us anyway."

He perched on his elbow and looked down at her. "How so?"

Cassie kissed his cheek. "It's about Sibyl saying good-bye."

Adam thought about his Dad, who suffered in silence, not fully realizing what was about to happen. He'd tried bringing it up, only to be told it was none of his concern. "So maybe my Dad should be there."

"Will he come if we invite him?"

His Dad had no magic, and barely acknowledged pagan holidays. "Maybe."

"Want me to persuade him with some dark magic?"

"Naw, I'll try some old-fashioned guilt and see if that stirs the pot." Guilt was something his Dad thrived on , so it would probably work.