Sacred Circle by Rachel James Page B

I can see the fascination in living here. The nearest neighbor is what? Fifty miles away? Plenty of room for casting spells and shit.”
    Offended by the glib obscenity, Rufus offered a rebuke.
    “To label our community as practicing ‘shit’ is a mockery of the Wicca Creed—and of course, to all of us who hold respected positions in the Coven Council.”
    Brianna twisted towards the desk. Rufus hadn’t changed a bit. He was still tall, dark, and not at all likeable.
    “Stow your criticism, Rufus,” she stated. “Tommy meant no disrespect.” She stepped towards the desk, holding out the Coven Pentagram. “Coven protocol dictates we seek your blessing after evoking the Dispensation Law.”
    He took the Pentagram, his cool demeanor warming slightly at her apology.
    “I suppose you felt compelled to come home after hearing about your mother.” He studied the man behind her. “But I must say I’m surprised to see you here, Devlin.” A light tug emanated on her jeans pocket, and Brianna looked down.
    “Introduce me to this tall fellow behind you, blue eyes.” Tommy said. “He looks too urban to be a witch.”
    “He’s Devlin Janus. We grew up together here in Green Sapphire.”
    Surprise permeated Tommy’s face; however, Brianna chose to ignore the look. If she focused attention on Devlin, Tommy would automatically assume they shared some type of intimate relationship.
    “You two grew up together? Here?”
    Devlin roused behind her, placing his hand on Tommy’s shoulder.
    “I’m sure Brianna will find time later to bring you up to speed on our relationship. Right now, we have urgent business with Reverend Lord. Give up your seat.”
    He bolted up and took a seat on a nearby futon. Seeing his puzzled look, Brianna knew his firecracker brain wouldn’t stay puzzled for long. He was a master at solving mysteries.
    “I suppose Doctor Ellis has briefed you on Sienna’s condition,” Rufus stated, settling back in his chair. He focused on Brianna’s face, and then switched to Devlin’s lowering form. His voice took on an amused tone. “I’d like to know how you intend to disrupt the barrier, since neither of you can enter the clearing.”
    Brianna made a face at him.
    “What difference does it make how we do it, as long as we do it?”
    His good-naturedness dampened.
    “I won’t allow you to make a mockery of our ways, Brianna—even if you are Sienna’s daughter.”
    “That’s a little high-handed, don’t you think?” Brianna asked. “Given the circumstances.”
    Brianna felt a light pinch on her arm and she snapped her mouth shut. Her bitterness was showing again, and Devlin was warning her of it.
    “We’ve told Francis we have no intention of getting in anyone’s way,” Devlin interjected. “And we mean it. However, I’m at a loss to see why you would be so dead-set against our taking a look at the circle, especially when the High Priest of this coven has given us his seal of approval.”
    “I’m not against you entering the clearing. All you have to do is marry Brianna, and I shall gladly walk you both to the clearing myself.”
    “We have no intention of getting married, just to appease the Sanctity law,” Brianna stressed. “But I think you knew that as soon as we entered the room. So, I’ll ask you straight out, what is the Council hiding about Mother’s collapse?”
    “Nothing. It’s far too premature to assume anything. Nothing has been ruled out at this point.”
    “Surely you have some notion,” Brianna chided. “An angry elemental, a door left open . . .”
    Rufus cut her off.
    “Interference by a stranger? I know all the possibilities, but I would be a poor Third Elder if I centered on the criminal aspect, and ignored the spiritual possibilities first.”
    “Where does the Council stand on her collapse? We heard of an unsacred circle being constructed.”
    “Conjecture only. We have inspected the grounds and found no hint of anything dangerous being constructed.