No matter what I tried, I couldn’t banish the butterflies on the day of the coven meeting. Surprisingly, I saw all three new witches come in. Esme greeted them. I was on the second floor watching to see who took an interest in the fact that the secret room was closed.
Brenda tinted red, but I already knew she easily lied or at least hid her powers well enough to let a cake nearly drop. Trela tinted pink, as well as some of the others.
“Why’s the room closed?” Ellen asked.
There were mumbles of agreement in the confusion.
“Well, I guess we should start. I’m sorry to say someone broke into that room and stole some my mother’s spell books from the bookcase. For the new people, normally, we meet in there, so we’re not interrupted by the café and they aren’t bothered by us. The noise can echo. But, unfortunately, I don’t feel good about letting people in there, now. I don’t have much left from my mother, and that someone broke in there and stole...”
“I’m sorry. Brad mentioned something but then said he wasn’t supposed to talk about it,” Ellen said.
“I figured it’d gotten around to the staff, but that’s fine. The idea of opening this up, right now, is hard. I’m sure it’s none of the regular coven members, but we have some guests. Plus, I went to a magical ball. It was fun, but it also put me on the radar of some new witches and wizards,” I admitted.
“It wasn’t your boyfriend?” Brenda asked.
I shot her a look. “He’d have no reason to steal those. His family is very strong magically. There’s no need for him to see those old spells. We’ve added protective spells on this area and the café overall. I’m sorry. I know it makes everyone feel like we might have an enemy. Hopefully, it’s just me with these new acquaintances. But that shouldn’t stop us from meeting and welcoming new potential members like Brenda, Trela, and Amelia.”
There was a bit of applause but a general unease.
“Do you teach spells and things?” Brenda asked.
“No, not as a rule. Magic isn’t the goal. Community is. We do some fundraisers and charity efforts. We celebrate the special dates, though I couldn’t be there for this equinox because of the ball. Smaller groups do different things,” I said.
“Do you think it’s good to mix magical and non-magical? Seems uneven and odd,” Brenda said.
“How was your coven set up before?” Ellen asked.
“Magical only. There was a separate one for those without powers. The goals and challenges are different. It’s not better or worse,” Brenda said.
“Separate but equal? No thanks,” Genie said.
I grinned. “I agree. If all you want to do is collect powers, that’s no reason for a coven. Unless you want to steal powers or spells. Helping each other is one thing. Learning from each other. If you want a magical group for people trying to improve their powers, I’m not sure how much interest there would be, but we won’t include or exclude people based on their powers or lack of them.”
“And you’re the boss of the coven?” Brenda asked.
“Leader. Along with Esme. There are other covens if you don’t like our setup. But they aren’t as big. Inclusion is a plus to most people,” I said.
“Do you vote for who is the leader?” Brenda asked.
“Most of us work. We don’t have time to do the emails and rituals and update newsletters and meet new members,” Ellen said.
“And they’re the most powerful. That has nothing to do with it?” Brenda asked.
“This coven dates back a century. My mother and her mother were members. It’s worked just fine with people who have the time taking on the jobs that take time. Powers aren’t important when you’re not under attack,” I said.
Brenda pointed to the room. “But, now, you might be. Are you willing to fight?”
“Is that a threat?” Trela asked.
“I’m not threatening anyone, but someone broke in here. Maybe they just wanted the spells or maybe they wanted to hurt you and will do more. You don’t know,” she pointed out.
“I will find out. If anyone knows anything, I’d appreciate the information. But I’m hoping to have it all sorted out and solved by next month’s meeting. Now, any new business?” I asked.
“What about men? Do you allow men in your coven?” Brenda asked.
“Of course. We have a few male members. Derrick tries to make it, but he has a busy business in the evenings and Saturdays that fit with most people’s schedules. His mom keeps him informed.” I nodded to Genie.
She smiled. “A few other men are members online, but they feel a bit outnumbered in person.”
Brenda surveyed the room with smugness. “Shame.”
She let the meeting go on as normal. After the larger group broke up, I invited the newbies to stay for a drink.
Esme and I took a big table as the others ordered coffee.
“She’s a pain. We don’t want her,” Esme said.
I nodded.
Brenda joined us first. “Why do you waste your time on powerless people?”
“Are you talking about the women in the coven or the charities we raise funds for?” I asked shortly.
She grinned but her face was hard with disapproval. “Both. That’s not the point of a coven.”
“That’s the point of this one. Knowing what humans are up to. Having connections with them helps protect the truly magical. The paranormal. You must see the benefits,” I said.
“Sure. But it’s no use to me. I live in the real world with a bunch of humans. I want to feel my powers. I want to be better. To be different. Not like that silly cake. If they can’t feel my powers, I’m not strong enough for anything,” she said.
“You think I’m weaker because I caught the cake?” I asked, feeling very confused.
“You put your skills out there for their approval,” she said.
“No, I wanted cake. If you think that’s the limit of my powers, you’re very wrong.” I waved it off.
“I know. I can feel your powers, but you don’t use them enough. This coven would be boring for me. Sorry, but I have to tell you the truth. I can donate to charities. I want to expand my power and experiences.” Brenda stood. “I should just go before we argue more. Have fun with the solo witches. Thanks for the coffee.”
Esme and I sat silently as she left.
“Good riddance. Let her go boss around a smaller coven,” I said.
The other two sat.
“She’s not very welcoming, and she’s new,” Amelia said.
“We didn’t expect all of you. I don’t think we’re the right coven for Brenda, but you’re both welcome,” I said.
“I thought I’d give it a chance. I won’t have much time, but I don’t know many people,” Amelia admitted.
“I’m glad you did. The coven isn’t just about Wiccan things. We do a lot of things for women’s health,” Esme said.
“What about you, Trela? Have you found a perfect location, yet?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Not yet. I’ve had a lot of online orders. I don’t know if covens are my thing. Honestly, people can be nice, but I get so bored with meetings and groups or committees. That’s why I started my own business.”
“I understand that. I like being the boss,” I said. “But I try to keep the meeting stuff short and to the point.”
“It’s social, really. You don’t have to attend every meeting. Just join. The annual dues are minor and pay for the website. We send out the information in emails and newsletters, so you’re kept informed,” Esme added.
“Will you go to the next ball?” Amelia asked.
“If I’m invited, probably. It was nice.” I shrugged.
Esme nodded. “I usually make an appearance and join the coven. This year was different.”
I grinned but didn’t look at Esme. Trela grinned, as well.
“I understand what you’re doing with the café. Catering to humans and linking in the witch stuff. The paranormal. It’s hard to please everyone,” Trela said
“It is very hard, but I’m not trying to please. I mean with the coffee, yes. I want happy customers, witch or not. But I’m not trying to impress the magical people or pretend I don’t have powers to be closer to human. We all just need to be who we are.” I shook my head, trying to forget Brenda’s bad attitude.