Dreamspell Goddess

Excerpt from Melina’s Moonlight Magic by Linda Houle
"We drove an hour just to get to a creepy old shack out in the back woods?” Daphne glared at her friend as their car stopped on the side of a dark country road—in front of the only house they’d seen in over a mile.
“This is the address…” Sue hoped. She rolled down the window and squinted at faded numbers on the rusty mailbox. One major drawback to selecting a psychic romance consultant on line—making an appointment over the phone then following vague website directions. Who’d expect such a remote location? Downright dark and spooky—no streetlights. Only moonlight kept her from veering into a ditch along the rutted dirt road.
“I’m not getting out of the car.”
“Hey, it’s been a long time since we’ve had an adventure. Come on, humor me?” Sue pushed open her door and climbed out of the silver compact car—now powder coated with caliche dust. She paused to wait for Daphne and stared up at the cabin. A creepy, weird cabin—ready for Halloween but they weren’t here to play trick or treat. She shivered and rubbed her arms.
A splintered post and rail fence surrounded the overgrown property. Huge oak trees guarded both sides of the house, their menacing branches reaching forward to warn away unwanted visitors. Or maybe snatch them up and eat them. Two windows by the doorway glowed yellow/orange. Add a toothy smile and the whole building would turn into a leering jack-o-lantern.
“Let’s go.” Sue started toward the gate but a sudden gust of wind tossed a heap of dried leaves at her feet. “Weird.”
The girls kicked fall debris out of their way and tried not to trip on the uneven path. They stumbled to a stop a few steps later at an ear-piercing screech overhead.
Daphne covered her head and jumped back. “What the heck?” She peered upward and the source of the banshee wail waved at her—rusty chain barely holding a swinging sign. Spells, Potions, and Fortunes, hand-stenciled lettering on weather worn cedar greeted Melina’s visitors. “You’ve got to be kidding.” The gate hung open, inviting them to enter.
“Guess she’s been in business for a long time.” Sue chuckled. She wouldn’t turn back now, no matter what. “Come on already—we made this trip here for you.”
Daphne refused to take another step but her friend grabbed her hand and dragged her through the archway. A second later the girl’s mouth opened in a silent scream as an owl swooped out of a giant oak and snatched something off the ground a few feet away. The bird took flight again on silent wings, crossing the sky in front of the bright waxing moon.
“We’re leaving.” She stammered and attempted an about-face but Sue tightened her grip. “Let go of me!”
“Nope.” Sue vowed not to show any fear but her legs practically gave out when that owl appeared.
“Y…you can’t make me go into…that place.” Daphne managed to yank free then wiped her sweaty hands on her jeans.
Sue willed strength into her rubbery legs, then struck her best hands-on-hips no nonsense pose. “Who’s been whining night and day about never finding a soul mate? I went to a lot of trouble for this meeting.”
“Yeah yeah. But when you said we were going to get something special to help me attract the right guy, I thought we were going to a shop in the new mall to buy pheromone perfume, not go in search of the scariest place on earth…” Another gust of wind slammed the gate shut—Daphne leaped forward as it smacked her behind. “Holy crap! That smarts. Forget guys, I’m out of here.”
“Come on already. You aren’t hurt, are you? Let me see.”
“Keep your paws off me. I’m fine.” She rubbed her backside.
Sue hoped Daphne wouldn’t bolt back to the car, though it seemed they’d stepped right into a cliché movie scene. “It can’t get any worse… Let’s go meet Melina, we’re expected at eight.” She marched up the gravel path without looking back.
“Hey…wait for me.” Daphne peered over her shoulder. Every wavering branch turned into a lurking axe murderer waiting to strike. She got her legs moving again but took baby steps, watching for snakes or mice or whatever else owls liked to eat.
Sue stopped on the top step of the rickety porch and released the breath she’d been holding. Her pulse raced and she placed her hand over her heart to keep it from jumping out of her chest. Part of their adventure she reminded herself.
Daphne kept looking back as she ran up the steps. She bumped into Sue and almost knocked her down. “Sorry. Just watching for the boogie man. Hey, we made it!” She glanced back again—no homicidal maniacs wielding chainsaws anywhere in sight.
“Of course we made it. Stop acting like a little kid going to a haunted house.” They stood in front of the door and spotted the source of the golden glow—dozens of candles flickering behind yellowed gauzy drapes.
“This is kinda cool. Visiting a real witch—I mean psychic advisor—right before Halloween.” Sue reached up and tapped the rusty lion’s head door knocker three times.