Alpha Asher By Jane Doe

Chapter 161 – “She can be charming and nice…until she isn’t.”

No matter how many times I told myself not to take Emilia’s warning to heart, her words played on repeat in my head.

I had no choice but to force what I’d learned about Cassidy to the deepest reaches of my mind. After all, Asher had said she didn’t handle embarrassment well. I t didn’t excuse her obvious vendetta against Emilia, but I had bigger fish to fry at the moment.

One of those fish happened to be standing in the kitchen of the house I’d soon be wielding magic in.

“Dad?” I frowned, pausing within the doorway as I spotted his bulky figure hovering over grandma in the kitchen. “What are you doing here?”

“He’s about to find himself on his a*s if he doesn’t stop hovering over me.” Grandma grumbled, gripping a plastic bowl in her hands.

She shuffled to the left a few feet, to a clear patch of countertop that wasn’t littered in flour, sugar, and other various baking ingredients. Dad’s movements mirrored hers, his hand stroking the length of his newly trimmed beard. Grandma began mixing the contents of the bowl furiously, her arm moving so fast I worried for Dad’s safety as he hovered too close.

“Your grandma is practicing her magic.” Rowena’s voice was as warm as her laughter as it trickled from upstairs. She appeared seconds later, sweeping down the steps in a flowing skirt that reached her ankles. When she spotted grandma’s furious baking and the way dad shadowed her like she was handling unstable chemicals, the tender look on her face dropped. “Oh… well, I wonder how this will turn out. I suppose only time can tell.” She murmured and made a beeline for the kitchen, pausing to turn and call out over her shoulder, “Lola, why don’t you head upstairs and begin with Cordelia while I watch over these two. I’ll call you down shortly for our lesson.”

“Ma, you got a piece of eggshell in there.” Dad’s voice was low, but I’d never mistake its depth.

“Don’t need nobody watching over me…been doing this for thirty-five years and I’ve never needed a babysitter …” I heard grandma mumble, followed by a light thwack and the sound of my dad grunting.

I found Cordelia upstairs, rummaging through her trunk of ancient looking spell books. The urge to tiptoe closer and sneak a glance over her shoulder was overwhelming, but I managed to keep myself still. From the scowl on Cordelia’s face when she turned around, I decided my self-control was a good thing.

“Are you alright, Cordelia?” I asked, unable to keep still for any longer when she swiped a hand over her face. The silvery strands of her hair were falling out of the bun she had it in, and more than once her fingers grazed the amulets around her neck.

with a comforting smile that appeared to be genuine. Without another word regarding

you sure-” I began to ask, but a

the sense of surprise in my chest swelled. As the sound stopped, Rowena’s head of auburn hair appeared in the doorway.

is just getting a hold of her magic. It’s a bit more…powerful than I anticipated, but not to worry. I’m going to need just a few more minutes though.” She said in between light

shook her head softly, a hint of that troubled expression appearing within the creases on her face. She turned her attention to where I stood and slipped a book off the top of the pile she constructed. “…but yes, I’m sure. Time is not a luxury you have, I’m afraid. Witches are taught the craft from the time of their birth. They have years to discover their unique type of magic and to hone it. Unfortunately, you do not. We’re cutting some corners, which can be dangerous

is already dangerous.” I finished for her, letting a wry smile form on my face when she nodded softly.

asked Cordelia, shedding the jacket I wore as a warm breeze whipped

melted into gentle pastels as stars began to pop into existence. Beneath my b**e feet the grass was cold and still damp from

of the sliding glass door. Rowena had

sure.” Cordelia replied, flitting through the book in

throat as I stared at the small kitchen window, waiting to see a flash of grandma’s face behind the glass. When I

watch the entire time, s o if you need help simply ask, but I would like to see you complete this on your own. It’s a relatively basic sigil, so if

her hands, small in size though I could see numerous candles, oils, and incense within. The scent of sandalwood and dragons blood trickled in

frowned, even though a kernel of excitement bounced around in my

Is it?” She replied but gave no further advice as she walked a few feet away and perched herself on the edge

ridiculously small print but was short lived when I spotted the small sigil and it’s

asked even though the words

keen sense of sight, but you’ll notice this is different. I’ve done it a few times myself and it’s an incredible experience.” Cordelia replied but gave no further explanation before gesturing to

vision.” I murmured, “…can’t be too