Chosen Witch (Paranormal Romance)

Chapter 1

I was in trouble. I could feel it. The dread in the air, the weight of the oncoming doom. This would be my end, and there is nothing I could do about it.

"Meredith Elizabeth Hawthorne!" My mama's voice rings out the moment I step inside the kitchen, "How dare you disobey me like that?"

Inwardly, I groan. Outwardly, you can't penetrate this pleasant mask currently on my face.

"Mama, you're being dramatic." That might've been the wrong thing to say.

"Dramatic?" Mama exclaims, hand against the heart in her typical dramatic fashion, "I told you specifically, you clean up your mess of herbs and potions before you can go to any dance and what did you do?"

"I didn't clean up the mess," I mumble, knowing full well I should've planned out my time a little better. The dance is tonight and even though I already have my dress picked out, Emily needed help with hers. I couldn't leave my best friend hanging. But I know better than to argue.

"I'm sorry, Mama. I'll get right on that."

"You better. You know we have company coming over tonight. You'll be here for it."

I stop reaching for the bowls, turning to Mama instantly.

"Please, please don't ban me from going to the dance!" I plead, reaching for her hands and wrapping them in mine. "I know I've been spacey lately, but I will do better! I promise I will."

At first, I think my pleas will have no traction. I have been failing a lot in the past few weeks. But Mama surprises me with a smile.

"I wouldn't take this away from you, darling," she says, running her hand over my hair. It's gotten so long and unruly. "But I need you to be more proactive with your actions. You're an adult now, and soon, your powers will manifest to the fullest. The coven needs to see you as a leader. And they're watching everything."

I breathe a little easier, thankful for my Mama's understanding, but also hating my predicament.

Maybe I should start at the beginning.

My name is Meredith Elizabeth Hawthorne. I am the only daughter of Elizabeth Hawthorne, the current coven leader and master of magics. My destiny is written for me. I am to take over my mother's position, and keep the town of Hawthorne, our namesake, safe from evils without and within.

But it's the last thing I want for myself.

"Thanks, Mama. I will do better." I reply, instead of saying all the things I want. She gives me a small smile, and a kiss on the forehead, before leaving me to clean up the mess.

I always think that one day I'll be brave enough to speak up and tell her I don't want to be a coven leader. But how can I break her heart like that? She has been the best mother and the best leader. No one knows of my secret desires. Not even Emily. It's my most guarded possession, information that no one has about me. In a small town full of witches, it's ridiculously difficult to keep anything to yourself.

It takes me less than thirty minutes to clean up the mess, and I really should've just done it earlier. But Emily called and I rushed over, because that's how it works between us.

She's been my best friend since first grade, and now we have graduated high school and this dance is the celebration of our youth leaving and adulthood coming in. Mortals call it prom, we call it Litha, the summer solstice. It comes on the heels of the Hawthorn moon. It's a time of celebration, but also raw energy that allows for best business decision and solidification of professional connections.

For those finishing school, it's a new beginning.

For me, it's a death sentence.

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