Page 38 of Grimoires & Glamoury

“Magistra,” she said.

The husky feminine voice had come from above, and so I calmly glanced over my shoulder and up towards the second-floor library. “Ekaterina,” I said, spotting her at the interior balcony railing. “Thank you for inviting me to your home. It’s stunning.”

Ekaterina Olarescu was poetically beautiful. Tall and willowy, she appeared every inch a Vampire. Dark brown hair fell to her hips and her complexion was pale with eyes that were expressive and huge.

I stayed where I was and waited for her to either come to me or invite me to take a seat. Truthfully, I was in her home for the first time, and I didn’t know what sort of protocol her House followed. So, it was smarter to wait, take my cues from her, and see how the evening played out.

She began down the stairs to the main level, and her expression was set and serious. Ekaterina wore a long, dark lace dress. Probably custom made and couture, it flowed around her body too well to be anything less. She descended the stairs in a way that put me in mind of a panther or a tiger...deliberately, smoothly, and with power barely restrained. This was an apex predator, and yes, it was unnerving watching a gorgeous Vampire stalk closer. But I kept my eyes on her, lifted my chin, and held my ground anyway.

Seeing my chin go up, she smiled, and it changed everything about her appearance. In the blink of an eye, she went from predatory to joyful. Ekaterina rushed forward, so quickly that she blurred. She was laughing as her outstretched hands clasped mine.

“Lorna,” she said, pressing her cheek to mine in a greeting. “It’s good to see you.”

“You’re more beautiful than ever,” I said as she eased back from the embrace. “That’s so unkind of you.”

“Lies.” She waved the compliment away. “Tell me a few more,” she added a heartbeat later.

“That dress is stunning,” I said, looking her up and down. “It’s designer, right?”

“Of course, darling. It’s bespoke.” Her eyebrows went up. “Your dress is charming as well. Very witchy.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I ordered it online.”

She tossed back her head and laughed merrily at that, and then tucking my arm in hers, she led me over to one of the sofas. We sat side by side and chatted for a few minutes. She inquired about my bookstore; I asked how her how her work with the board of the botanical gardens was proceeding. Last I’d heard she was working on creating a new section in the garden that would feature all night-blooming flowers.

Nadia reappeared carrying over two glasses of wine on a silver tray. I accepted mine and took a sip. It was a nice semi-sweet. “Mmm,” I said, “this is good. Blackberry?”

“Yes, it is. Do you like it?” Ekaterina asked. “It’s from our own winery.”

I took another sip. “I really do like it. My Granny used to make homemade wines from berries, but they were always very, very sweet. This,” I took a third sip, “is so much better.” I slanted Ekaterina a look. “I’d appreciate it though if you never told her I said that.”

“Never would I repeat such a thing.” Ekaterina patted my leg. “Now before the males arrive and ruin our visit with all their seriousness, tell me what you know about Shelby Murphy.”

“She was my personal secretary for the Witch community business.”

“Was she your friend?”

“No,” I said bluntly. “We were casually friendly, but I wouldn’t call her a friend. It was more a business relationship. She did her job well, kept me organized, and also acted as treasurer for the community.”

“Ah.” Ekaterina nodded. “That must be how she had access to the Witches Ball funds.”

“You heard about the theft.”

“We did.” She nodded again. “I also heard that someone stepped up and made a donation to replace the stolen funds.”

“That’s true.”

“It was very generous of Dex,” she added smoothly.

“The donor wishes to remain anonymous,” I said as politely as possible.

“Of course, of course,” she agreed. “Still, I would have loved to have seen the look on Naomi Poindexter’s face when she found out that Dex sold his shares of the company to his uncle.”

My stomach tightened at the mention of Dex’s mother. Still, when I spoke I made sure my voice remained calm. “I wasn’t aware that you knew Naomi Poindexter.”

“Unfortunately, I do.” Ekaterina took a sip of her wine. “We’re on a few of the same committees for various fundraisers. She’s horrid.”

“Won’t argue with you there.”