Goddess, Awakened by Cate Masters

Author:Cate Masters [Masters, Cate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, fantasy, goddess, cooking
Publisher: Kensington
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

The ritual left Joss invigorated rather than weakened. When she’d embraced Eric’s disembodied self, she’d also accepted her true spirit. Doing so rewarded her with empowerment. It completed her, healed her disparate selves into one. She’d never again deny that part of herself. Whether she would actively use such power, she couldn’t say. Probably not before better understanding it. Certainly not as entertainment, like Aunt Lydia. Possibly to enhance certain aspects of running the inn—some herbs and flowers, such as lavender, positively affected those who ingested them. Definitely if another situation arose where she could use it to protect another.

Especially Eric. He’d been a pawn in this game, but why?

Gram knew, Joss was sure of it.

Her grandmother averted her gaze. “He needs to recover.”

Joss moved to one side. “Let’s put him in my bed.”

Lydia supported his other side. “Lucky you.”

She wouldn’t fall prey to her aunt’s lascivious humor. She’d sleep in Kyle’s room, if she could sleep at all. Energy coursed through her veins, filling her with bliss. Physically, she and her aunt shouldn’t have had the strength to lift Eric’s full weight. Somehow, they carried him with ease.

After lowering him to the bed, Joss lifted his legs and untied his shoes. “Will he be safe?”

“Here, yes. Tonight, he must rest to regain his strength.” Gram crept to the hallway.

Joss left the door ajar to listen for him and followed Gram to the kitchen. “And tomorrow?” Some part of her hoped Gram would say he’d have to stay longer.

“We will enlist their aid in protecting him.” Her grandmother took the steaming cup Lydia offered.

Joss also accepted the mug her aunt held, and her embrace. Lydia kissed her forehead. “Good work, sweetie.”

Gram gazed outside, where illuminated orbs floated around the pane. “Yes, I’m proud of you, Jocelyn. You were wonderful tonight.”

Past tense, unfortunately. Guilt now plagued Joss. “I’m not proud. This is my fault, isn’t it? None of this would have happened if I hadn’t moved here.”

“No one can blame you, dear,” Gram said. “I’ll venture the people here would have succumbed to their false promises.”

Lydia sipped her drink. “Your positive influence disturbed their roots. They’re trying to frighten you away.”

“By threatening Eric.” In a strange way, it was perfectly logical. “Won’t I make things worse for him?”

“Absolutely not. Your presence will only enhance the protective effect.”

“The lavender.” Joss remembered the lights above Gram’s field when she was a girl.

Gram smiled. “They do love it, you know.”

Pointing a glossy nail at Joss, Lydia added, “So will your customers.”

Delight filled Gram’s face. “Mm, lavender sugar is lovely on cakes.”

“Lavender lemonade’s so refreshing in summer.” Lydia sipped her drink.

“Yes, I’d already planned to use the recipe and many more. Are you sure no one else will be hurt?”

“We can never be sure of anything, only try our best. And we will.” After sipping the last of her tea, Gram stretched. “I’m ready for bed.”

“Me too.” Lydia carried her glass to the sink.

“I’ll get those. You two go get settled, relax. It’s been quite a day.

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