A Late Summer Bloom Read Online Free PDF Page B

to
defeat the evil rising up from the earth’s core, probably because she was never
given the proper information or shown the correct techniques necessary to use
her power. You must use my teachings, the teachings of the master, to help her
unlock her massive gifts. It is only then that she will be able to defeat Natas .”
    Julien shook his head in denial. “Why do you need me? Why wouldn’t you
go to her and show her everything yourself? Can’t all this be done by the
master and the travelers? Even her coven could lend a hand. Why depend on a
young girl who claims to know nothing?”
    “ Natas must be defeated in the earthly realm.
There are things you will not understand now, but given time, I believe you
will see the reasons for this path.”
    After a few moments of silence, a sullen Julien gave Jacques a nod of
acceptance.
    He put his hand on Julien’s shoulder. “Something has come to my
attention. An unforeseen issue is happening at this very moment with our witch.
Come. Let me explain.”

 
    Chapter Eight
     
    Giselle sat cramped, her feet propped up on a hump in the floor of a hot,
smelly bus. She had a window seat, a cold bottle of water, and some time to
herself. However, it wasn’t enough time to dream of a life filled with
possibility. Not even enough time to take in the sights of her old hometown. She
had only enough time to say goodbye to her oldest and best friend before traveling
to Cottonwood Landing. Would she ever see Aunt Angelique again? Her home? Giselle was beginning to realize this trip would
be her last. Tears began to blur her vision, so she focused on Desiree.
    Her only friend was, as many would say, her own girl. She did things to
please herself, not others. One of the most fun loving and lighthearted witches
Giselle knew , Desiree journeyed through life with joy.
But the last few times they communicated, Desiree was pessimistic about the
discovery of her own true calling. By twenty-two years old, most witches knew
their special gift. Not Desiree. She still waited.
    The more she thought about her old friend, the more excited she became.
Since Giselle had been a little girl, children and adults shied away from her. She could be cursed, they would whisper.
But Desiree would march straight past the stares and whispering, put her arms
tightly around her for everyone to see, and squeeze. “ Don’t let those fuck-wads bother you,” she would announce loudly.
    Giselle giggled at the thought and caught quite a few looks because of
it. Eh, I’d rather they think I’m crazy,
than cursed.
    When she disembarked from the bus, she was slapped in the face by air
as thick as molasses. The smell of the city was one she never forgot, but the
river breeze off the bayou made her long for home. A fleeting recollection of beautiful,
open spaces made Giselle long for Angelique and the safe haven of Washington.
But, when she remembered the warm beignets sprinkled with fresh powdered sugar
the city is so famous for, she happily made her way to the square.
    After entering the heart of the city, she stopped to buy the delicious
dessert. Her stomach roared with hunger as she took a seat on a bench. As she savored
every bite of the warm pastry, she tapped her foot to the jazz music bellowing
out of local cafes. She watched the people swarm the artists and tarot card readers.
Why did she wait so long to cut loose and visit New Orleans?
    There was no denying how much she’d grown to love Angelique over the
last ten years, but she’d stayed far too long under her thumb. And although her
time was limited, before a traveler comes to escort her away, she would take
the next few days of independence to cram in whatever she could. Helping
herself to another mouthful of beignet, Giselle’s attention was diverted by the
presence of a little Yorkshire terrier.
    “Well—hello there, little guy." The irresistible creature quickly
brought out the animal lover in her. She put her hand out to offer the dog a
small piece of