Of Witches and Warlocks: The Complete Series

Book 3: Blood of the White Witch - Ch. 1

Chapter 1

This was something very unusual— at least it was for most sixteen-year-old girls. The fact I was even getting to experience this now had been the result of a huge compromise on behalf of my parents. They wanted it to happen at a much later date, but the circumstances changed, and the situation demanded we change with it. The discussions had been long and arduous, the pros and cons weighed heavily before any agreement was reached. Even now, I was pretty sure my mom and dad were still having terrible misgivings, though I could see they were trying to put on brave faces and be supportive for my sake. I appreciated that.

"There." My best friend, Shelly, finished what she was doing, stepping back to survey the result. "You look beautiful!"

Turning, I stared at my reflection in the ceiling-to-floor mirror—barely recognizing myself—but agreeing with her assessment, without any conceit.

The dress was perfect—the square-cut neckline and tightly fitted bodice flowed into the full, bejeweled taffeta skirt with a bubble hem and chapel train. It looked as if it had been made specifically to enhance every turn and curve of my body.

My long, black hair was piled intricately in becoming swoops and swirls on the top of my head and had tiny pearl pins running throughout the design. A simple pearl-adorned comb had been inserted in the back of my hairdo, and my straight sheer veil hung softly from it.

Shelly placed a bouquet of fresh red roses, bunched together and tied with a white satin ribbon, into my hands. "You're going to knock Vance's socks off!" she said, with a soft smile.

"I hope so!" I laughed, thinking of my handsome groom, who was probably doing something similar to this with Brad, elsewhere in the building.

Vance and I had gone through so much together in the last few months. Magic, mystery, and mayhem, had been a large part of our existence and continued to be so. In fact, it was the reason this wedding was taking place eight months earlier than planned, but I didn't want to think about that right now. I simply wanted to savor every moment of this day.

"Oh, Portia!" my mom said, entering the room, her red formal dress suit rustling slightly as she closed the door.

Stopping to stare, several emotions passed through her eyes. Love and happiness appeared there first, right before worry and doubt crept in—followed by moisture. She patted her perfectly coiffed dark hair, trying to hide her reaction.

"Mom, don't you dare start with that already!" I chastened her. "You'll get me started, and it'll ruin my makeup."

"Sorry, sweetie." Laughing slightly, she hugged me. "You're just so beautiful!"

"Thanks, Mom," I replied, hugging her tightly. "Is the photographer here yet? I want to get a picture of the three of us together."

"Yes. She's waiting outside. I wanted to make sure you were ready first." Releasing me, she turned toward the door.

"I'll get her, Stacey," Shelly said, rustling past in her dark red, satin dress, which hugged her flawless form. She looked more like a Barbie doll than I'd ever seen her.

The photographer came in and introduced herself politely. "Hi. I'm Sam. Congratulations! You look lovely."

"Thank you. It's nice to meet you. I appreciate you coming on short notice."

"No worries at all," she replied. "Now lets get the three of you posed in front of this beautiful mirror so I can get your gorgeous gowns from the front and the back." Artfully positioning us, she lifted the camera. "Beautiful!" she said, clicking away in rapid succession. "I grabbed a couple of shots of the groom and his best man before I came in here," she added. "You two are going to make a fabulous looking couple."