Read Bewitched, Bothered, and Bitten for Free Online

area and be used on multiple people. A witch would have to focus on the person speaking to see if they were being truthful. Each amulet was different based on the witch that created it. Some would have green for honesty and red for deception, others blue and yellow. My mother had been powerful enough to create them and, when I demonstrated that I would have the power as well, she taught me. I preferred to use white for honesty and black for deception. Rarely in life were things that clear cut, but it seemed poetic.
    A truth was a truth and a lie was a lie. That was all the amulet could tell us. It couldn’t account for the intent behind the untruth, malice or protection. A wise witch wouldn’t rely solely on an amulet or charm, but also on her own instincts. That was something my mother drilled into me while teaching me about my craft.
    “The amulet will remain purple for truth and orange for lie.”
    Belinda’s words brought my focus back to the task at hand. “Are you suspicious of any one in particular?” I asked.
    She shook her head. “I think they are all trustworthy, but I want to be sure I don’t believe that because I want to. I’ve wanted to establish a relationship with both the shifters and the vampires for a while. However, in situations such as this, I have to be sure I’m not placing the coven in danger.”
    “I understand.”
    “Ready?” she asked.
    We got out of the car and walked toward the front door. Brian, one of the younger MacIntire pack members, stood on the steps, looking surprisingly stern.
    He nodded to us. “Ms. Smythe, Ms. Gayle.”
    Just the night before, I’d chatted with Brian during the engagement party. He seemed like a young, flirtatious shifter, but there was no trace of the wolf I’d met last night. His face still looked young, but his eyes were hard, guarded. He appeared formidable and cold.
    The smile on my face faded as he opened the door and stepped to the side to let us pass. I glanced over my shoulder at him, suddenly wary. Brian winked, his eyes once again warm as they had been the night before.
    Still feeling unsettled, I returned my focus to the task ahead of me. Belinda seemed to know where we were going, walking through the foyer to the hall that led directly to the back of the house. She knocked on a door to the left.
    It opened almost immediately by none other than Finn.

Chapter Five

    I f he was surprised to see me, Finn didn’t show it. He gestured for us to enter. I realized that we must be in Lex’s study, only it was bigger than any study I’d ever seen before. Three of the four walls had built in bookshelves, all filled with books. A polished cherry table was a few feet from the door, surrounded by twelve chairs, most of which were occupied, and a fire burned in the fireplace on the far end of the room. There was an ornate desk that matched the table set at an angle in the left corner.
    Conner rose from the head of the table. “Ms. Smythe.” He looked surprised by my presence, unlike Finn. “Kerry, what are you doing here?”
    Before I could answer, Belinda spoke, “Kerry is my successor.”
    The room fell silent, all eyes turned to us. I wanted to fidget under the scrutiny, but forced myself to remain still. Showing weakness or discomfort in a room full of vampires and shifters would be a very bad idea.
    Conner smiled at me. “Congratulations, Kerry.”
    “Thanks.”
    “Please, have a seat. As soon as Lachlan arrives, we’ll be ready to begin.” Conner remained standing as Belinda sat at the table.
    I leaned in to speak in her ear. “I’ll sit on the sofa so there will be room for Lachlan and his group.” I also wanted to be far enough away that I could use the truth amulet discreetly.
    Her only answer was a nod.
    I walked around the table to the sofa, settling in the corner and crossing my legs. I glanced at the vampires seated around the table and my eyes met Finn’s. The expression on his face was disconcerting. He studied me intently,