Bewitched, Bothered, and Bitten Read Online Free PDF

under my breath. I couldn’t believe that she sprang all this on me the day before the meeting.
    I pulled out a pair of black slacks and a knitted tunic with a cowl neck. It was dressy without being staid and, after a glance at my clock, I realized it would have to do. I pulled on the pants and sweater and stared at my shoe collection. Black pumps would be the obvious choice, but it was also the boring one.
    Instead, I picked up a pair of pumps with a peep toe and a striking pattern of black, white, red, and yellow. They were uneven, random slashes of color, but I adored them. I predicted that Belinda would give these shoes a thinly veiled look of distaste, but I wasn’t going to change who I was because she suddenly decided I’d make a good successor. In fact, she and I would be having a conversation about that as soon as I saw her. I wasn’t at all sure I wanted the job of High Priestess. Ever. Not to mention the fact that the elders would likely conspire to have me removed if I accepted, perhaps even plan to do worse.
    I hurried into the bathroom and swiped on some light make-up, just enough to make my cheeks glow and bring out my eyes. My curly brown hair refused to be tamed, so I rubbed a little product in it to fight frizz and hoped for the best.
    Five minutes later, I was sliding gold hoop earrings in my ears and walking out the door with my purse. Though the meeting wouldn’t take place until later in the day, Belinda asked me to pick her up at ten. Probably because she knew I intended to interrogate her.
    I drove the thirty minutes to Belinda’s home. She wasn’t very far away, but in Dallas traffic, even a short trip usually took a half hour. It always surprised me that she lived near Southern Methodist University. Then again, while she definitely wasn’t a Methodist, she was prim and proper and always slightly disapproving. So, maybe she fit right in.
    I pulled into her driveway and walked up to her front door. She was quick to open the door when I knocked and I was surprised that she looked genuinely pleased to see me.
    “Good morning, Kerry. Please come in.”
    “Good morning, Belinda.”
    She ushered me inside. “I’ll brew us some tea.”
    I hadn’t been to her home in a long time and I was surprised by the bold colors and cozy feel. It certainly didn’t coincide with my perception of the High Priestess or my memories of her from the past. Honestly, I expected several shades of white and cream, blended with black and grey with a distinctly modern edge. Something a little cold.
    Instead, she had cushy micro suede couches in navy, scattered with throw pillows in shades of teal, magenta, and lighter shades of blue. Her kitchen was beautiful, full of clutter and herbs on the counter near a huge window that looked into her back yard.
    “Your home is beautiful,” I told her.
    She smiled serenely as she put the kettle on a lit burner. “You seem surprised. Did you expect me to live in a cave or a dungeon?”
    I had to smile in return. “No, it’s not that. Though I did expect a little bit of modern minimalism.”
    Belinda brought the teacups to the table and paused. “You think I’m cold?” I thought I saw a glimmer of hurt in her eyes.
    “Reserved and refined,” I answered.
    “Very diplomatic response. Not exactly what I expected from you either.”
    I laughed. “Good point. Tact is not one of my strengths. Still, I don’t think you’re cold, Belinda. I do think you have to keep yourself removed in some way due to your position in the coven.”
    The kettle began to whistle and she poured the water into the warmed teapot and lowered the large tea ball into it. She brought the tea pot over and sat down, putting the pot on the table. Each motion was graceful and efficient.
    Belinda folded her hands on the table in front of her, her eyes intent. “And that is why I chose you.”
    “I’m sorry?”
    She smiled a little. “I understand you, Kerry. I knew you would have a lot of questions,