White Magick

  White Magick

  Book of Shadows 3

  Lacey Weatherford

  White Magick

  Book of Shadows Series

  Book Three

  Copyright 2019 Lacey Weatherford

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Published by Moonstruck Media

  Edited by Weathergirls Editing and Proofreading

  Smashwords Edition

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  This book is available in both print and ebook formats.

  Created with Vellum

  Author’s Note

  Book of Shadows is a companion series to the #1 Bestselling Paranormal series, Of Witches and Warlocks series. It's the same storyline of events but told from the main character perspective, and reader favorite character nominee, Vance Mangum. While this follows the same line of events in the previous series, there will also be unique new chapters, scenes, situations, and dialogue, that the reader hasn't seen in Of Witches and Warlocks, making both series a distinctive and exciting look into this magical world. You can continue the Of Witches and Warlocks and Book of Shadows storyline in the sequel series, Of Witches and Demons, book one, Craft. Both Of Witches and Warlocks and Book of Shadows can stand completely on their own. You do not have to be familiar with one to read the other.

  For all the men who've been my inspiration for Vance at one time or another.

  Matt, Jake, Pepe, Aaron, and James.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  ###

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  About the Author

  Books by Lacey Weatherford

  1

  Frustration loomed as I paced the floor, trying to figure out the best way to swing this argument in my direction. Despite all my best efforts to prove myself, once again I seemed to be coming up short, my desires falling just beyond my reach. Why was it so difficult to get anyone to treat me like an adult around here? Couldn't they see the situation warranted speed? It was time to stop dawdling around.

  Glancing at Portia, I could see the hopelessness in her eyes, and knew she felt the same way I did. She lifted her shoulders in a slight shrug as if saying she didn't know what to do either.

  “Vance,” Sean said. “Calm down, son. Why don't you stay here and finish the rest of your senior year? I'll try to gather some more intelligence for you through my connections and see if we can find some solid news. Who even knows if this Darcy girl was being honest?” he added, referring to information we'd received from the less than trustworthy witch from my late father's coven. “She's a demon after all. There's no sense in running off halfway around the world without getting all the facts.”

  “You have to be kidding!” I retorted. I couldn't believe he'd want to put off something like rescuing my mom. “There's no way in hell I'm going to sit here and do nothing while there's a chance she's alive and suffering. I'm going as soon as I can make the arrangements.” Why couldn't he understand my need for haste? Who knew what she might be going through?

  “And what about Portia?” he asked, changing his tactic. “Are you really going to leave her behind again? Even after the way the two of you physically suffered through your connection before?”

  “No. She's coming with me. I won't leave her.” On this point, I wouldn't budge. There was no way I was going to risk the two of us being separated again, no matter how much Sean hated it, which, judging by his current expression, was a lot.

  “Oh, no she's not!” he replied, his tone low and dark as he stared hotly at me. This conversation was quickly spiraling in a direction I hadn't intended. “She's my daughter, and I'll say what she does Vance, not you! I'm not going to have the two of you running off together doing who knows what. Portia stays here.”

  Dammit! I was screwing this all up, and he was never going to agree to what I really wanted. Despite me bringing it to his attention, Sean seemed to conveniently forget what I'd been alluding to.

  “Dad,” Portia spoke up in a soft tone. “You're misunderstanding what we're asking.”

  “Which is what?” Sean asked, staring at her. I wanted to shake him. Why was he so insistent with pretending he was oblivious? He knew what I wanted.

  “We know how you feel about us being alone, but Vance is anxious about his mom,” Portia continued. “And you're right. It's tough for us to physically be apart. We don't want to be separated. So we thought to appease you, and help ourselves out as well, we'd ask your permission to let us get married now.”

  “What?” Sean jumped to his feet as Stacey gasped, leaving me to wonder if this was all a show for her benefit. I knew she was reluctant to even consider me marrying Portia. Not that I blamed her. My track record hadn't been the greatest, but that was all behind us now.

  “Think about it, Sean,” I said, rising. If this was how he wanted to play it, then so be it. I had my argument ready. “It makes sense. I know Portia is young, but you have to admit she's also very mature for her age. You know we're going to get married anyway, eventually. It's inevitable with the magical connection between us.” I glanced between the two of them, changing tactics a bit. “I'm trying to respect your wishes here regarding your daughter and her reputation. This seems like the wisest course of action. Why put off something that's going to happen anyway when it helps us both out in the end?”

  Sean stared blankly at me for a second. “Absolutely not!” His tone was softer though, which gave me some hope. “Look, son. I know you're worried about your mom, but Portia still has a year and a half of school left. I'm not going to let her throw away her education to go with you. It's too risky. I think you need to stay here and finish the half year you have left as well.”

  Did he really think I was that much of an idiot? I wasn't so stupid that I didn't have a solid plan. I'd already been lining my ducks up. “We've already discussed this,” I said, referring to the discussion Portia and I had before this. “I've contacted a tutoring agency and researched all the particulars. The tutor will help me with testing out so I can get my diploma and will get Portia caught up on everything so she can pick up right where she left off. Both of us have excellent grades, so catching up shouldn't even be an issue.” I paused, but when neither of them said anythi
ng, I continued on. “I've done my research, Sean. We aren't running into this like a couple of stupid lovesick kids.” I took Portia by the hand, pulling her to stand with me. “We want to respect your opinions, and we'll abide by whatever you decide. We just want you to hear us out and have an honest, open-minded discussion with us.”

  Sean stared at Stacey for several moments, before she gave a slight shrug. Sighing, he sat beside her. “All right then, let's hear it.”

  Relief flooded through me. If they were willing to continue the discussion, I knew I could win them over; otherwise, it would be a hard no at this point. Portia squeezed my hand in encouragement, and I glanced at her, unable to hide my feelings for her.

  “I love your daughter more than anything.” I glanced back to Sean and Stacey. “You're both young. I'm sure you remember what this feels like. I see the way the two of you look at each other.”

  I wasn't above flattery or bribery to make this happen. I'd do whatever it took to make Portia legally mine. I watched the two of them as a brief smile flashed between them, confirming this was definitely the right way to approach this conversation. Sitting back down, I plowed ahead, determined to make my dreams of a life with Portia a reality. There was nothing in the world I wanted more.

  Portia squealed as we stepped into the hall. She threw her arms around me, kissing me soundly on the lips. “I can't believe it! You actually convinced them!” Her eyes positively sparkled with joy, and I was sure mine mirrored them.

  “Two days,” I replied, burying my face in her great smelling hair. Closing my eyes, I relished the feel of her in my arms. “Two days until you're officially mine.”

  She leaned back so she could stare at me, her smile wide. “I know! I'm so excited!” She slid her hands to my face, kissing me again before jerking back abruptly.

  “What's wrong?” I asked, puzzled by her sudden change in countenance.

  “Oh my gosh! There's so much to do!”

  I grinned. “Like what?”

  “We need to rent a place, call people in Sedona, and I need to find a dress,” she rattled off. “What if we can't do all this on such short notice?”

  “Portia, we're in Vegas, the land of spur of the moment weddings,” I reminded her. “Trust me, everything will be fine. We'll call one of the wedding chapels and have them arrange all the particulars. All you need to worry about is finding your dress. Brad, your dad, and I can go get some tuxes while you go shopping with the ladies. I assume you'll ask Shelly to be your maid of honor? I'm asking Brad to be my best man.”

  “Of course. She's going to be so excited!” Portia giggled. “I'm so excited.”

  “Me too,” I said with a chuckle, her enthusiasm contagious. “Why don't you go tell her the good news. We need to get moving.”

  She kissed me one more time, and I slapped her shapely butt as she ran off down the hall, unable to keep the grin off my face as I eyed her retreating form. Personally, I'd be content to just make out with her until the wedding. I didn't give a shit what we were wearing, who witnessed it, or whether or not we had decorations. Portia could be naked as far as I was concerned.

  I chuckled to myself, allowing that mental picture to form in my mind before giving a sigh. Turning to go into my room, I found Brad staring at me with his arms folded, leaning in the doorway.

  He shook his head. “I can't believe you got them to say yes.”

  “I told you to stop underestimating me,” I replied, holding my fist out toward him. “Best man?”

  He bumped my fist, a smile spreading across his face. “I should say no just so you don't get your way once in a while, but you'd probably trick me into it anyhow.”

  I laughed. “Whatever. You're just jealous.”

  “I am. Very.” He didn't even try to hide it.

  A round of squeals echoed down the hall, and we both glanced in the direction. “Sounds like Shelly just found out,” I said.

  Brad smirked. “Yep. I'm sure it's all I'm going to hear about. More swooning over Vance and Portia,” he added in a facetiously high tone as he clapped his hands together. “Yay!” He bounced on his feet, mimicking Shelly in her excited mode, before abruptly stopping, giving me a deadpan look.

  I couldn't help chuckling. He nailed it. “So, keep her mouth busy doing other things,” I suggested, clapping him on the shoulder as we turned to go into our room.

  “Hmm. There's an idea.”

  I shook my head. “You need to be more aggressive, dude.”

  “I'm plenty aggressive,” he replied wryly.

  I laughed. “No, you aren't.”

  “Just because I'm not humping my girl against every wall we pass like you do, doesn't mean I'm not aggressive.”

  I grinned widely. “Not every wall.”

  “Every wall,” he reiterated. “Having the two of you as best friends is like having my own porn membership.”

  I laughed loud. “Whatever, jackass.”

  “Seriously. Look in a mirror once in a while. You'll see.”

  I shrugged. “It wouldn't change anything. Although mirrors do sound fun.”

  He rolled his eyes. “I give up.” He dropped onto his bed.

  “Exactly my point. You give in too easily.”

  “Sorry. I didn't realize decorum was so offensive, Mr. PDA.”

  I laughed again. “Come on. Get your shoes on. We need to go shopping.”

  “Perfect.” He sighed and grabbed his sneakers. “You know how much I love to shop.”

  “Hey, you're getting a free tux out of it. Shelly won't be able to keep her hands off you.”

  “Okay, you've got a good point there,” he finally conceded.

  “See? You'll benefit from me getting hitched too.”

  “I still think you're the luckiest bastard I know.”

  I couldn't wipe the grin from my face, feeling like I'd won the lottery or something. “Right now, I'm inclined to believe you, buddy.”

  2

  Nervous energy radiated through me, and I peeked out the door for the umpteenth time at the small chapel filled with guests. Most of them were coven members and their families, but there were also a few of Portia's friends from school and some guys from my mechanics class. I was happy to see a guy I did regular business with, Laramie Jackson, who'd helped to outfit half the coven with new athames from his knife shop, as well as making custom metal work for motorcycles I worked on. I wondered who the pretty girl was sitting next to him? I'd have to ask him later. Good for him! I was all about romance today.

  I had to admit I was surprised that so many people had been able to make the trip on such short notice, though. It made me feel good that others wanted to be here for this. I wanted Portia to have her dream wedding. Shutting the door, I moved back to the mirror, rechecking my tie.

  “Dude, you've got to stop pacing,” Brad said from where he casually reclined in a chair with a can of soda like he didn't have a care in the world. “You're making me dizzy.”

  “Sorry,” I muttered, checking my black tux one more time. “I just want everything to be perfect.”

  “You worry too much. Portia's going to take one look at you and probably faint.” He stared at me, shaking his head. “Damn lucky bastard.”

  I grinned. “I am, aren't I?”

  “Lucky enough you should probably buy some scratcher tickets. You'd probably win the lottery—oh wait, you already won. And you weren't even trying. Again, damn lucky bastard.”

  I laughed, knowing he was referring the fortune I'd just inherited from my very evil, very dead father. “I don't want the money.” I glanced at him. “Name a price. I'll write you a check.”

  “One hundred thousand dollars,” he spit out with a grin.

  “Done,” I replied.

  He eyed me nervously. “I'm totally kidding, man. I don't want your money.”

  I shrugged. “What else am I going to do with it? Might as well give it to people I love.”

  “Did you just say you love me?” Brad raised his hand and waved at h
is eyes as he blinked rapidly as if he was trying to preserve his mascara. Man, he had these Shelly impressions down pat.

  I snorted. “You're such a dick.”

  Dropping his hand, he laughed. “I love you too, bro.”

  “Sure, you do.” We both chuckled, and his phone buzzed. He glanced down to check it. He didn't realize I was completely serious, though. He'd have the money in his account before the night was through. It was the least I could do for a fantastic friend. He'd stuck by me through thick and thin. It would be an honor to help him out financially. What good was money if you couldn't spend it on the people who meant the most to you?

  “Shelly says it's time for you to take your place.”

  Just like that, thoughts of money went out the window, replaced with nervous energy. I glanced in the mirror one more time, checking my mussed hairstyle.

  Brad rose, taking me by the shoulders and steering me toward the door. “You look fine, Cinderella. Let's go.”

  I took a deep breath and nodded, opening the door and walking out. Stepping up onto the dais, I shook the minister's hand and smiled, as organ music filled the air.

  “You ready?” he asked with a wink.

  “Beyond ready,” I replied, standing tall next to Brad. I smiled out at the sea of faces, before my eyes lit on the double doors at the back of the room, waiting with anticipation.