Mystic Maples Read online

  Table of Contents

  Excerpt

  Praise for Tena Stetler and…

  Mystic Maples

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Recipe

  Recipe

  A word about the author…

  Thank you for purchasing

  Also available from The Wild Rose Press, Inc. and other major retailers

  It was a beautiful summer evening lit by a full moon. What harm could come from simply popping over to Mystic Maples, digging my toes into the earth and seeing if there is any truth to the rumors? She shrugged. Sis wouldn’t have told me about it, if she hadn’t thought it worth investigating. Right?

  She toed off her shoes, pulled off her socks and straightened. With a snap of her fingers she left the room without a sound and landed smack dab at the edge of the maple trees. Glancing around, she could see the house in the distance and the outline of the sign. “Good, I’m in the right place.” She wandered farther in among the trees, the dirt beneath her feet was cool. Wiggling her toes deeper into the earth, she felt the warmth of the day and something else—a connection.

  Several trees had a slight glow to them, then it was gone. Am I imagining…She raised her arms out from her sides and turned her face to the starlit sky letting the magic surge through her. It had been almost a year since magic of any kind called to her. It felt so good, she was lost in the moment.

  Suddenly a male voice broke through her revelry. “What are you doing here?”

  Her heart thundered in her chest. She hadn’t heard a sound. Yet there he was standing not three feet from her, hands on hips, and glaring at her.

  Praise for Tena Stetler and…

  A WARLOCK’S SECRETS

  “A phenomenal world! It’s one where I fell in love with a Warlock and believed in the beauty of a gryphon.”

  ~Author Mary Morgan

  ~*~

  A WITCH’S JOURNEY

  “What a nice surprise to discover a well written paranormal romance with a touch of fantasy.”

  ~Books & Benches

  ~*~

  A VAMPIRE’S UNLIKELY ALLIANCE

  Voted Best Romance Novel 2017

  by Critters/Preditors & Editors Readers Poll

  ~*~

  AN ANGEL’S UNINTENTIONAL ENTANGLEMENT

  “One will dive into this book and get wrapped up in this incredible story of mystery, love, angels, wolves, & demons.”

  ~InD’tale Magazine’s

  Crowned Heart of Excellence review

  ~*~

  A MAGIC REDEMPTION

  “With plenty of twists and turns, intricate magic-driven action scenes and a full cast of characters, this is a must-read!”

  ~N.N.Light’s Book Heaven

  Mystic Maples

  by

  Tena Stetler

  Deerbourne Inn

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Mystic Maples

  COPYRIGHT © 2019 by Tena Stetler

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  Contact Information: [email protected]

  Cover Art by Kristian Norris

  The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

  PO Box 708

  Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

  Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

  Publishing History

  First Fantasy Rose Edition, 2019

  Digital ISBN 978-1-5092-2558-3

  Deerbourne Inn

  Published in the United States of America

  Dedication

  To my READERS,

  for whom I write the stories!

  ~

  To all the wonderful people in my life,

  personal and professional,

  who help me realize my dreams every day.

  Chapter One

  Time for a Change of Scenery—Maybe an Adventure in the Making

  How the hell had it all gotten so out of control? Mercy sat at the kitchen table of her beloved cottage in the Colorado Rocky Mountains staring at several purple wheeled suitcases tossed by the door. The warm golden rays from the sun spilled across the table. She slipped her hand in the bright patch. It felt so good.

  A cheerful melody brought her out of her funk. At least that’s what her sister and business partner had called it. She picked up her phone and swiped the screen. “Hi, sis.”

  “Gee, don’t sound so enthused. Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?” Hope chirped.

  She scrunched up her face. “I guess so. Are you sure this is a good idea? Business at Magic Mountain Floral is just starting to recover.” She sighed. It had been a tough year. Even after the court battle had come to a screeching halt in her favor, thank the Goddess. How could I have been so blind? I dated the guy. Trusted him with my secret. Thought we had something special. Only to learn he was a rich playboy who would do or say anything for a buck. In the end, I showed him. She released a heavy sigh. It was bittersweet.

  The defendant had been ordered to pay her attorney fees, which was a load off her mind. But she was positive that she’d never see a dime of the punitive damages awarded. He was such a sleaze. The long, sad sordid affair was at an end and she was tired.

  “Do you want to live the rest of your life a shell of what you once were?” her sister chided. “I found the perfect place to rejuvenate your spirit and bring back your sparkle.” Hope’s tone changed to a conspiratorial whisper. “There’s even rumor of an enchanted estate outside the town limits of Willow Springs, Vermont—at that quaint bed and breakfast, the Deerbourne Inn, and I made reservations for you.”

  “Oh, be still my thundering heart,” she snarked. With a swipe of her hand, the mail stacked in front of her rearranged itself by postmark or importance.

  “A little appreciation for all my hard work and research wouldn’t be out of line,” Hope teased. “Six months away from here should heal and reset your enthusiasm for life. Anyway, we’ll be there in a few. Be ready.” Her sister ended the phone call.

  Mercy stared down at her bare feet then over to her sandals and sighed. She slid off the stool, slipped her feet into the shoes and glanced around her cottage. A car horn sounded outside as several pairs of feet beat a path to her door. She waved her arm toward the door and it flew open. Her niece, Charity, and nephew, Zak, rushed in followed closely by her sister.

  “Mom says you’re going to miss your plane if you don’t get a wiggle on.” Eleven-year-old Charity giggled, then picked up the smallest suitcase. She struggled out the door and down the steps toward the van.

  “How much you going to pay me to stop by and check on the house while you’re gone?” Fourteen-year-old Zak was quick to ask. He tossed her garment bag over his shoulder and grabbed a suitcase.

  She watched in amazement as her nephew carried out the luggage without noticeable effort. He’d grown several inch
es in the last year; turning fourteen had changed the fun-loving helpful kid into a self-centered, demanding teenager. She didn’t envy her sister’s situation. After Zak was halfway down the path, she turned to her sister. “How’s things going at home?” Pausing for several beats, she took hold of her sister’s shoulders. “You sure this is a good time for me to be gone?”

  “If you don’t have new flowers next spring for our customers, the shop’s recent increase in business is going to be for naught.” Hope shoved the last suitcase with her foot toward her sister.

  “I know.” She shrugged into her overstuffed backpack, slung her camera case over her shoulder, and rolled the suitcase toward the door. “I meant with the kids and Justin.”

  “Same ol’, same ol’. Justin does his best but being the only mortal in a house of witches isn’t easy. Zak has come into his powers. His magic is strong. Charity is still young, but she reminds me so much of you. It scares me.” Hope blew out a breath. “We’ll get through it. Now what do I need to do for you while you’re gone?”

  She drew her bottom lip through her front teeth. “I don’t think…” She snapped her fingers “Make sure Mr. Miller makes the court-ordered payments to my attorney on time.” She stopped in the doorway. “Maybe I should stay until that’s all sorted out.”

  Hands on hips, her sister shook her head firmly. “No…I’m perfectly capable of seeing that he pays your attorney.” Hope gave her a friendly shove through the door and followed with the final suitcase.

  She elbowed her sister forward. “Move out of the way. I have to lock the door and set the alarm.” She wheeled the suitcase to a stop, kissed her fingers, and touched the door frame of the first home she’d ever owned. “I’ll be back,” she whispered, set the alarm and clicked the lock, then trotted behind her sister to the van.

  Hope climbed in the front seat next to her husband, Justin, who gave Mercy a broad grin. “All ready?”

  “I guess.” She waited for Zak to make his way to the back seat, then she slid into the seat beside Charity in the second row. Settling into her seat, she noticed the smirk on Zak’s face. The sibling battles started before they turned onto the highway to the airport in the southeast part of town. Zak threated a spell and Charity retaliated with a spell of her own. Her brother’s hair turned to pink porcupine quills. Charity whipped her phone out took a picture and cackled.

  She hid the snicker behind her hand, as Zak howled and raised his hand toward Charity.

  Hope flipped around in her seat and snatched Charity’s phone. “Reverse the spell immediately, young lady.” Her sister pointed and shook the phone at Zak, “Don’t you dare unless you want to spend all summer vacation working at the shop.”

  “But she…”

  “You shouldn’t plant monsters under your sister’s bed or in her closet. She is going to retaliate when you least expect it. It won’t be long, and her powers will be equal to yours. One day you’re going to be sorry. By the way, the snakes in her bed you conjured last night were uncalled for.”

  Silence reined in the van for the rest of the drive to the airport. When the van stopped, she hopped out and shut the door, leaning in Hope’s open window. She glanced across her sister to Justin. “Thanks for the ride. Could you unlock the back?” Her gaze returned to her sister. “I’ll have the sky cap get my luggage and you can be on your way.”

  Hope looked apologetically toward her. “Have a great trip. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ve got it.”

  Sure you do. Your hands are full with two maturing witches. “Uh huh. I’ll call when I get to Vermont.” She waved a sky cap down and pointed to the back of the van. “Will there be a shuttle waiting or do I need to provide my own transportation?”

  Hope’s face crumpled. “Oh shit. I forgot to make arrangements for a ride to Deerbourne. I’ll call the inn. They do have shuttle transportation, but you have to let them know ahead of time.” Hope grabbed her phone and tapped on the screen.

  She tried to put her hand over the phone, but her sister slapped her hand away. “Sis, don’t bother, I can handle it from here. Talk to you soon.”

  “I’ll text you the info,” her sister insisted.

  ****

  Rushing to the gate, Mercy was the last passenger to board. She glanced at her ticket and searched for the window seat. Pausing at her row, she was sure a teen was sitting in her seat next to a woman that had to be his mom. What is it about kids and me today? She shook her head and leaned toward the woman and her son. “Excuse me, I believe the window seat is mine.”

  “No way,” said the boy, scowling. His eyes met hers and he cringed. But it didn’t stop his tirade. “We got here early so I could have a window seat. I’m not moving.” He crossed his arms and glared at her.

  Her fingers itched as a tiny spark snapped at the end of her pinky finger. She clenched her fist shut. Glancing at her ticket, she showed it to the mother. “I’m sorry but your son is in my seat.”

  The woman glared at her, mouth set in a thin line, when the flight attendant stopped behind Mercy.

  “Is there a problem?”

  She handed her ticket to the attendant. “I think there’s been a mistake. It appears this young man is in my seat.”

  Taking the ticket, the attendant glanced from the ticket to the boy and to his mother. “You’re right. He is in your seat. Give me just a minute. I’ll see what we can do.”

  At her wit’s end unable to control the urge, she touched the corner of the seat, the boy yelped, and his mother jumped up twisting to stare at the seat. She bit the side of her cheek to keep from smirking, but a tiny snort escaped.

  “Good news.” The flight attendant returned with a wide smile. “We have one seat left in first class, and it’s yours. Follow me.”

  Relief flooded through her. She’d had enough confrontations over the last year to last a life time. She squelched the desire to turn around and smirk at the young man who was mouthing off to his mother again. She couldn’t hear what he was saying and didn’t care.

  Settled in first class, she rummaged through her bag, pulled out a copy of A Demon’s Witch from her favorite author, leaned back in the seat, and flipped to the first chapter. This was the first chance in over a year she’d had to relax or read. She’d been caught up in the drama of the break-in to her shop and the discovery that her prize creation had been stolen. Add to that the shock that the rich playboy flower shop owner had been involved. In fact, he’d orchestrated the whole thing and claimed it as his creation. A tiny spark emitted from her fingers. She covered her hand with the book. Closed her eyes and quelled the anger.

  Engrossed in her book, the six-hour flight passed quickly. She took a hop from Boston to Rutland Airport and realized as she got off the plane, she hadn’t called the inn. Heck, I don’t even have the phone number. Do I? In the front pocket of her backpack she saw an envelope sticking out with the logo of Deerbourne Inn on it. Bless Hope.

  Carefully slipping the envelope out of the pocket, she opened it. All the information on the inn, the surrounding area, phone numbers, and addresses were included. Except the shuttle information. Her sister had drawn a heart around an area northeast of town. Magic Maples. “Have fun, relax, and don’t get into trouble,” was scrawled on the paper.

  A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Her sister knew her propensity for curiosity was always getting her in trouble since they were children. She just couldn’t help herself. However, here, things would be different. Seeking peace and quiet was her only agenda.

  Her phone chimed with a text from Hope telling her the shuttle should be waiting out front of the airport when she arrived.

  After tucking the envelope and phone back in her bag, she followed the signs to baggage claim. Once all her luggage was piled on the floor in front of her, she sat on a bench. How do I get all this stuff to the front door of the airport?

  An abandoned cart sat next to the baggage claim doorway. No one was around. She rushed over, pulled the cart to her pile of luggage, an
d loaded it up. Pushing through the crowd as fast as possible, she made it to the front of the airport in record time without mowing anyone down. She grinned. Wow, my luck is changing.

  Outside, a young man stood beside a van with the Deerbourne Inn logo. He looked to be in his early twenties, longish brown hair and brown eyes that danced with amusement. His friendly demeanor put her at ease at once.

  “You must be Mercy Rose.” He smiled, a flicker of interest flashed when he looked at her, but he said nothing and took hold of the cart. “I’m Jason Simmons from Deerbourne Inn. Go ahead and get in. I’ll get your luggage loaded.”

  She watched appreciatively as his back muscles rippled while loading her bags in the vehicle. It had been too long since she’d been on a date. She climbed into the shuttle and stared out the front windshield.

  “You from Colorado?” the young man said, climbing into the vehicle. “I always wanted to go there. I have friends who have visited and the pictures they brought back were unbelievable.”

  “It’s a great place to live if you like to hike, bike, camp, ski, fish, that type of stuff. Which I do.” She was tired and didn’t mean to be unfriendly, but…

  “You look beat. It’s an hour ride to the inn. Time for a quick nap.” He smiled brightly and turned his attention to the road.

  Shifting in her seat, she watched the scenery zoom by. Her head drooped. I’ll close my eyes for a minute. The next thing she knew someone was tapping her lightly on the shoulder.

  “We’re here. The registration desk is right through those doors, to your left. I’ll be right behind you with your luggage.”

  She blinked and looked out at the Federal-style mansion with a wrap-around porch. Imagining herself sitting out here in the evening visiting with other guests gave her a warm feeling. The knot in her stomach she’d had since embarking on this trip loosened a bit.

  A tall, slender, well-built man with a great tan pushed the front door open and he grinned. His chestnut hair tousled by the breeze. “Welcome, Ms. Rose. I’m Nate. This is my place. Jared will get you signed in and settled in your room. Have a good flight?”