Cursed-3 sisters trilogy

by Vivianleighwishesshewasme

Summary:

The DeGhant witches, a trio of modern sisters travel back to 1919 to undo the Shelby family curse.
Reworked and reuploaded.
May contain adult themes. Mentions of past abuse and language, adult themes, death and sex. Don’t interact if under 18

Chapter 1: Prologue

The 3 Sisters
A time traveling gypsy witch story in the Peaky Blinders world.

 

Prologue
___________________________________________________
The three thinly veiled women stood on the golden grassy hill overlooking Birmingham. The soft yellowing sunset casting a ray of light blinding the spectators below and haloing the three witches as they schemed and laid new plans. To a visitor they were just three gypsy women clad in finery mourning over a freshly dug grave.

No tears were being shed for the grave for no one laid below it. Just cold metal guns in wooden boxes. A fate choice that would start a chain reaction to the curse of the Shelby line. A choice that in the future would affect the DeGhant women’s bloodline horribly.

“ So, we're all still in agreement.” Violet asked flatly. She was the eldest at 32 and had been dealt a harsh hand in life. She had wanted to time travel to the beginning to unravel the thread. She played with time and they were all stuck now, truthfully they’d all rather be stuck together anyway but goodness knows what fate awaited them here. Uncertainty awaited them at every turn.

Three modern women, unlucky in family and love. Tied together through thick and thin. Violet sighed, waiting impatiently for an answer. All three had their own missions, secrets and strengths but they were bound by blood and magic, a triumvirate of power.

Violet’s cocoa brown hair gleamed in the sun as her royal purple colored veil slipped off her coiffed hair and onto her shoulders exposing her tired, lined and stone sober face. She was a lovely woman with a soft rounded face,violet eyes that glittered like crystals.

Violet was feminine energy, curvy, short at 5,2 and with a rounded face. Everything was earthy and natural, yet ethereal. Dark green blouses and patterned floral shifts and swished around her accentuated her childbirth giving hips. She looked like a queen of the forest.

Her soul however wasn’t as well put together at the moment. It was churned into a mess of fractures and streams at the moment. Her destiny was broken. She had a kind of tiredness that sleep can't fix. Her husband of seven years had taken their children when she was ill, “To let her rest.” four children and her husband left for a fun filled day in the car and never came back. To make matters worse the drunk driver who killed them took his own life before she could seek understanding, forgiveness or curse the wretched soul. She was truly alone in her modern life.

Her tear filled eyes rolled to Seraphina, at 26 she was a modern woman by every sense of the word. Truth be told she was the ones the eldest and youngest worried about. “Phina” as she preferred to be called, was calculated, charming and beautiful and skillful with pointed objects of all kinds. She mostly favored sewing needles and higher education. Only one was valued here in this timeline.

Her beauty was murderous causing men to fall all over themselves and seek out her company sometimes at radical costs. She had hair so black it showed blue or red highlights depending upon the lighting in the room. Her pale grey eyes, almost white, the color of the moon, her dark irises were known to pull people in like a gravitational pull. Her Ruby red lips were known for smirking in amusement more than laughter. Her face was old world, her features more carved and high then delicate like Violets or Sabrina’s.

Her mind was lethal, ever thinking, quick and sharped edged like her tongue. She was the most dangerous out of the three sisters. She would be the one most likely to kill for her family, consequences be damned. Her magic was all about sex, seduction and fire. Red and black were her soul colors.

She might be cold at times to others but loved her sisters more than anything believing they could change fate if it were the three of them. Family first at all times was her motto.

She wore a long black velvet coat down to her ankles, nipped at the waist it showed her Victorian stacked figure. Gold rings in garnet and rubies adorned her fingers and her black lace prayer shawl draped elegantly over her head framing her eyes.

“If we dont change our past, we can't have a future for the DeGhant line, even if we never go back to see fate rewritten.” Seriphna knew the plan well, after all, she’d come up with it. Violet's curse was intertwined with Shelby’s ambitions. All of their curses were, she’d just been the one with the harshest blow thus far.

The older women turned to their 23 year old sister. “Sabrina? Are you ready?” They said in unison. The blonde girl threw her head back and laughed. It was filled with joy and light.

Brina was always the first to start an adventure. She’d started life as the odd one out, a fair haired product of her mothers later affair. A happy child to an unhappy family.

Her “Father” traveled around modern day Europe oblivious to his child or her power.

Her mother long dead due to depression and yet, she pushed on, eager to create her own life and happiness.

Sabrina“Denny” DeGhant was the balm to the weary heart in the family. Her honey wheat blonde hair was tucked up like a princess, soft and billowy and a veil pinned to the back. She wore a cream veil that accented her blue and brown eyes, swirling like a galaxy. A Mixture of her otherworldly heritage.

She wore traditional Romani dresses of bold embroidery patterns and fabrics in pinks, gold and creams. Her gold pocket watch gleamed on her vest, a stolen relic of her soulmates past and future. The duke of Saxon was etched into the back, safely dangling by her ribs.

She could see and talk to spirits making her predictions far more accurate then those around her. She had a mission too. To heal a Shelby man with her tender heart and quiet the dead that so desperately sought his demise.

The sister joined hand and touched foreheads whispering good luck and thanks as they split in three opposite directions ready to stir up faith and change lives of those around them.
___________________________________________________

I answers comments. Any interaction is appreciated.

Chapter 2: Chapter 1

Summary:

3 perspectives to one chapter...

________________________________________________________________
Chapter one

No shrinking Violet.

Camping was never Violet’s thing. She loved to cook, bake, craft and garden, which was ironic considering she absolutely hated getting dirty.

She’d set up her camp outside of a prominent gypsy encampment next to a deep flowing river. She didn’t want to stir up the community yet, introduce herself in daylight and slowly work her way in with her warmth. That was her plan.

What wasn’t the plan was her atrocious fire making skills. Her fire was a pathetic attempt to start something akin to dinner. She aired out her caravan after using sage and blessing it. She’d miscalculated the timing in arriving to1919. It was almost dark and her meeting with her sisters had run over. She won't have much time to cook until it gets late enough for bed.

Truthfully even though she was just thirty two years of age she got tired more easily now then when she was at Seraphina’s or Sabrina’s age. She had blamed it on her four children and husband, now she just knew it was life slowly draining her. “ Ugh, I’m never going to bed tonight!” She slammed down the stick she was using to stir the embers which seemed to roar upward with her temper.

“Tsk, you keep that up and it'll stay lit just in fear of your temper.” Violet turned the amused voice and met the eyes of Charlie Strong. She smirked, earning her an honest smile from him. The warm light spilling out the caravan showed his smile lines and kind eyes. She felt she could trust him. She cleared her throat begging her head to do the same.

“My husband used to light the fire since I'm obviously inept at it.” She groaned and glared at the dying light.

“Here.” The kind man took the stick off the ground and gently pushed at the flames. “ Your wood is too green, it won’t burn well.” His smile grew as her scowl deepened. She’d been in such a rush to “Fix this life” that she’d forgotten to do any real research to survive.

“I have some coal,I can spare a bit for tonight.” The white haired man turned and walked to his boat to retrieve a pail of dark salvation for her.

None of this was like her at all. She was kind and well thought out. Her kitchen had labeled drawers back home and her dinner lists were planned weeks in advance. She was out of her element here. She had old coins, money and knowledge of magic to run a business but no basic life skills, her sisters were doomed since she was the responsible one at least in her mind.

She glanced around, darkness was now properly set astound her. Darkening blue sky with black trees silhouette the forest around her. She took a deep breath and felt a warm breeze caress her face. Their grandmother Wilimena DeGhant had always said a warm breeze was a soft caress of life. She took in the smell of clean grace and flowing water as the scent wafted past her.

She knew this was the right decision, even if their other family members had accused her of running from the pain, sometimes you had to remove yourself to heal. She wouldn’t heal around her children's toys cluttering her living room or her sneaking to her husband's side of the closet and smelling his clothing. She knew it had been right to burn down their home sending up her broken dreams like dying prayer and smoke to heaven with them. Her attention was once again back on the cursed flames as she heard him approaching.

 

“Here, I can’t leave a widow to languish away.” Mr. Strong returned and built her a real fire that would keep for the night and perhaps early morning for breakfast if she was lucky. She watched as he bent down and took his time really padding up the fire, moving rocks and shifting embers. He was content here to help her and she appreciated his soul's kindness.

“Thank you. I’m happy to pay.” She offered in earnest and lurched forward to hand him some coins. She was surprised when he pushed her hand away gently. He scoffed and waved her off with another brilliant smile.

“I appreciate your help.Would you like some very late soup? She smiled but faltered when his eyes darkened and his smile went tight. She recognized that look. He saw something…no someone in her eyes.

Grief. Her throat tightened as her stomach lurched. She was so ill prepared. She’d known he'd never married after the Shelbys childrens mother had drowned by her own hand. This poor kind man had fished his love out of the river and stayed nearby to keep her family together but….it had been unrequited.

“I’m so sorry, I know water holds memories and we're kind of surrounded by it.” Her brown eyes cast down to the ground. He gave her an odd look and locked his mind. He sat down and fiddled with carving something as she worked around her now lit fire dumping veggies and potatoes into a pot. She caught him stealing glances. He had no idea that fate had a kinder hand in store for the man.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Velvets and roses

London England, 1919 Seraphina POV
___________________________________________________________________

Seraphina had already done her homework. In a year the little black taylors shop would be shuttered and Fenacci would be in New York, on Mott Street.

The timing couldn’t be better for the master seamstress who would have enough time between now and then to establish a relationship established between her and the man to hopefully secure the shop.

She stood outside pretending to look at the displays in the window. While expertly stitched they lacked something, as most men’s businesses did. A woman's touch.
She smiled thinking of how she could add a little color and pops of haberdashery here and there to really style and sell the clothing. After all, each piece should be a compliment to the person wearing it.

She knew if she could secure the coveted position, she’d be able to tell when his fittings were, sink her teeth into him slowly once she knew his type, and twist his fate around hers. Thus preventing the demise of Tommy Shelby, if her sister Sab was successful it would prevent the Vendetta from happening.

Her sisters each had men they were trying to secure and subdue, depending on who you asked was how it was worded, She preferred to fuck and marry her targets…you know, as a proper lady did. She even knew how successful her lineage was and how extensive, provided she was successful of course.

 

The little bell chimed cheerily arranging her arrival as she stepped into the shop admiring the scents of different fabric and rich colors that stood like soldiers on mannequins for men and women of taste to peruse. She could wait to get her uncovered hands on the decadent and lush fabrics, she couldn’t wait to drap, pin and tuck the fabric into an intricate manipulation of pattern and design.

Oh! This was heaven to her.

She didn’t have to wait long for the elder man to come out of the back room and make a bee line for her.

She smiled and waited patiently. She’d worn a perfume that smelled of basil, citrus, jasmine.

She knew he’d smelled it and recognized instantly. His eyes watered and he took her dainty hand into his and kissed her red velvet clad hand. She smelled like his deceased wife, Lucia Fenacci. She knew the power that scent had on memory and first impressions.

“Signora, Come posso aiutarla?” She smiled warmly at him. She was surprised he’d offered to help her himself. The shop was busy, but this worked better for her.

“I need a job, I have fabulous references.” She handed him the paper, it was hand written in Italian and English. She was so glad she’d been a curious child. She stood admiring the work around her, even small details on the silk handkerchief he had sticking out. Red and white striped silk. His wife's favorite colors and hers as well coincidentally. She was made for this family.

“Do you have a sample of your work?” He asked, eyes gleaming with delight. She grinned at him pleased with how smoothly the meeting was going. She’d planned for everything, except it being this easy.

Seraphina took a quick glance behind her, mindful of the people milling about. She raised her hand and swept it over her body indicating that she had personally created her well tailored jacket, black lace blouse and jacquard velvet skirts. He inspects her lining to her jacket, a beautiful blood red satin. She’d used fine italian lace to tack over her seams to hide boning and little hems.

He flipped the seams and ran his fingers over her seams.

He pushed his glasses up and stood smiling warmly at her and took her hands into his.

“Bel lavoro.” She giggled and bounced on her heels causing him to chuckle. He complimented her on her work.

“Can you come in tomorrow at 8 am?” He asked. She was thrilled she’d gotten the job, now she just needed to secure lodging for a bit.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Signore.” She squeezed his hand again and thanked him profusely. Now she was on track.

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Eyes of the Faye

Sabrina Denny slipped through the dark and dingy streets of birmingham. This was no place for a girl, let alone a gypsy one unescorted. At least that's what everyone kept murmuring and she sped walked past hoping to not bump into anyone and send herself crashing.

She had an address and luckily for her, she could hypothetically get a room to rent near her target. She just had to get there before curfew. She bounded up the steps startling the people near her door. She pounded on the solid wood and cursed her breath failing her. Her asthma hated the humid weather and the smoke from the factories nearby wasn’t helping. Why couldn’t she live the caravan life.

She hung over the side of the railing feeling her chest tighten like a hungry snake. She squeezed her eyes closed and muttered a quick prayer before a soft cloth slipped over her lips. Startled, she reeled back and jolted upright to keep from falling back. A lovely woman about her height stood before her smiling. “

Take small breaths of fresh air love. City is no place for a wisp like you. “ The woman's lopsided smile was friendly but that gaze swept up and down. She didn’t trust her, hard brown eyes looked into her blueish ones searching for something. Sabrina nodded and pushed the older woman's hand away Gently. The elder was dressed well and her tailored coat made her look more intimidating than she needed. Sabrina knew who this was, a famous tea leaf reader and notorious gypsy herself. Polly Grey.

“What's an unchaperoned gypsy girl doing in a place like this pounding on a boarding house door. What could you possibly have for the money?” Her cold voice froze the girl in her tracks. She wasn’t planning on such an intimidating meeting yet. She also hadn’t even solidified her alibi yet, shit. “ Cat got your tongue? Deaf or stupid love?” The tone was amused but Sabrina didn’t know how to take this woman yet.

“Both?” She answered unsure, causing the older woman to laugh. Sabrina sighed in relief. She wasn’t an enemy yet nor an ally. At least she was amusing.

“The Scotts are visiting family in the countryside. No telling when they’ll be back. No boards are occupied as of now. “ Polly grew serious and gazed at the girl shaking her head. She was too soft for life out here.

 

Sabrina started softly crying. She hated being weak and had no plan…God, was she stupid! Sobbs started to wrack her frame as Polly grabbed at her and drugged her over to the Arrow house door.

“Enough, you're making a scene. God knows I can’t just leave a girl like you out here. You’d be dead or worse by morning if it even took that long. My house isn’t much better girl, look at me, stop your crying. You're a gypsy woman for god's sake. You're tougher than you know.” Polly’s no nonsense attitude snapped her out of it. Soft sniffles filled the night as Polly cursed in Romani. “Get inside.” She snapped. Sabrina followed clutching her bag to her chest. She looked around and followed Polly's lead upstairs.

“Lord help you, not sure I’m doing you any favors. House full of men, most of them back from the war. I don’t want trouble, do you understand?” The harsh tone made Sabrina very tired but she nodded gratefully and relieved for a place to stay. Once upstairs Polly addressed her gruffly while she draped her coat over a kitchen chair.

“What can you do?” The elder woman asked hands on her hip assessing the girl.

“I…um.I” Sabrina’s eyes were wide. She was inside the Shelby family home. In the dragon's lair and all she could do was stumble over her words. “ I can cook, clean, tell fortunes and I’m decent at math.” She closed her eyes to keep from laughing. Why had she said she was good at math. It was 1919. No one cared if she could do math, she was a woman.

“And how are you keeping secrets?” Polly was challenging her. Sabrina could feel the weight of the test bearing down on her. Hopefully she wouldn't say anything stupid. She met her gaze with a steady strength.

“I’m honestly great at keeping them. Half the time I can’t recall the secret anyway.” She’d answered honestly. Polly smiled. She’d passed the test.

“Oh my dear girl, that’s what I’m afraid of.”

_________________________________________________________

Fits of sleep came and went. Sabrina was in and out so much she couldn’t tell if the muffled voices were distant in her dream or beside her. A slam on wood rudely awoke her causing her to sit straight up wide eyed and wild looking. Polly's hands covered her mouth and she watched the women glare at the stone-faced man. Everything about him was cold. His chiseled face, tight lips and ice cold eyes daring her to keep looking lest she drown. He crossed the room and crouched down next to her face to face as she shifted on the couch. She reeled back a bit for space sake. A shiver ran through her. She wasn't cold due to the room temperature.

She was told you never made aggressive eye contact with a predator, that's what he was. No kindness in his eyes as he searched her for lies.

“Look at me.” It was a command, not a request. Her gaze flickered upwards and she inhaled sharply. “What's a good gypsy girl doing unaccompanied in Birmingham streets.” His eyebrows raised demanding an answer she couldn’t give him. “ Unless you aren't a good girl.” His gaze bore into her soul and her chest tightened but not due to asthma. His jaw clenched. “I asked you a question.” Sabrina remembered what Polly said.

“ A house full of soldiers.” She muttered. Her eyes glazed over and her head shot up. She slumped forward feeling his hard shoulders tense. She could feel the power rise out of her, a cold wind and her mutterings were quick and true. She convulsed and sat up a joint of cold power shooting her up. She blinked as her breath slowed back to a normal pace. She blinked rapidly as her blue eyes came into focus on him. Thomas Shelby's gaze softened. He glanced at Polly whose mouth was hung down and her eyes wide. She closed it and shook her head at the man. His gaze hit her again and captured her soul.

That shook her worse than his intimidation tactics.

“You're a powerful witch, Miss Denny.” He smirked. Her blood froze.” Were in need of a witch and fortune teller to the Shelby family. I have grand plans.” He stood up and took steps to Polly who stood frozen in place horrified by the events taking place.

“Her eyes Thomas, she has eyes of the faye.” Polly kept a stalwart watch on the girl. She was frightened. Sabrina slipped down hanging off the couch as sleep claimed her. Her power was exhausting and getting worse. She couldn’t ride it out like Jasmine or Violet.
At least she could escape his plans for a bit. She hoped.
______________________________________________________________________________
I answer all comments and appreciate them.

Chapter 3: Chapter 2

Summary:

Violet, Seraphina and Sabrina's story's are all interwoven.

Chapter 2
A Magic touch-Violet
_______________________________________
“ I heard Tommy has one. Polly Gray says she has visions. Pretty little blonde women. Warm like sunshine. I Like horses too, I heard.” Curly and Charlie were leaning against a stall for Tommy’s new horse he’d procured from the Lee’s.

Violet DeGhant had come along to Charlie's yard looking for work. Charlie had been stern with her since day one that he wasn’t looking for romance, didn't have anything to offer a woman and was just helping out a widow in need was all. He’d set his face to stone, pointed a finger at Violet and set a stern tone with her.

He’d caught the gleam in her eye however when he’d said it to her before allowing her to board his boat and work in his yard.

He had no idea what possessed him to ask the thirty something year old woman to stay and help with chores. He was paying her of course. He and Curly were getting the better of the deal however. He hadn’t eaten this well since Tommy’s mother had been alive and that was only if she had extra.

This woman had a green thumb like an earthy goddess. Grew everything in pots and it always seemed to be enough to keep the three of them full.

She had a kind tender hearted nature and genuinely seemed to like Curly, she spoke gently and easy with him. Most people were polite, Violet was genuine.

She could also get anything unstuck. He’d had a rusted gate the other day he’d been working on for hours. She gently placed her hand over his and the hinge opened as if it had been loose to begin with.

Magic.

“Tommy has a type, doesn’t he ,Curly?” Charlie mussed. “I don't know who she is,” He said pointing to Violet, she was drawing water out of the canal for her plants. She’d filter it in a water filtration system she’d made out of junk in his yard. The lady was smart.

“All I know is that if they are of the same family, they are true gypsy witches. Best to stay on their good sides.” Charlie looked down at his forge when her lavender color eyes met his warm worn eyes. She was smiling, he could tell from his peripheral vision.

“She's a good witch though yeah, both the cursing type.” Curly implored the older man.

“No, she's not the cursing type. Does Not belong to her in Birmingham.”

“Why not? Shouldn’t Birmingham have nice things? Can a little green go a long way in healing someone's soul? Why do you think people pick flowers?” Violet's soft tone and light voice was like balm on these grumpy men's hearts. Mostly Charlie Strong's.

She’d come in with home grown greens for Tommy’s race horse. She’d made a comment to Charlie and Curly earlier that she was concerned about its hood. It had black magic smog swirling around it.

Charlie couldn’t see it but he’d called Tommy nonetheless. Hopefully he'll be on his way soon. He was apparently bringing a gypsy witch to cast a spell over the horse.

Charlie scoffed causing Violet and Curly to stare at him. Something was off, he didn’t think it was the horse. This woman was too kind, too soft for this shit hole.

“Because Mrs. DeGhant. Birmingham and the surrounding areas are full of smoke, smog, fire and mud. No place to be gentle.” He shook his head, hardening his heart, or at least that’s what he was telling himself.

A slow knowing smile crept over the tan woman's face. She was unto him.

“Nature itself Mr. Strong, seems soft at first, but it literally grows lush and wild in any environment, wouldn’t you agree?” She grinned and turned walking out of the barn back towards her plants humming a song his mother used to sing. No doubt she was a witch.

“Magic that one. A green witch she is.” Curly added. He seemed so jolly and calm around Mrs DeGhant. Charlie couldn’t help it, he enjoyed her presence too. He couldn’t afford to be soft though especially if she insisted on it. Someone had to watch out for her. He felt like her own personal guard dog. If she asked him to come he doubted he’d stop himself from trotting over to her.

“Yes, yes she is.” He wasn’t going to share too much with Curly. He was still observing her. Waiting for her to tuck her tail in and leave. She was interesting at any rate until that time came.

 

Appointments and intrigue- Serafina DeGhant story**

She’d been thrilled when Senor Fenacci had re-penciled his nephew's appointment in the book. Instead of meeting with his uncle, he was meeting with her.

Serafina and her sister had each picked who they thought they’d be able to influence, or “Save”, as Sabrina had said.

Serafina had always liked interesting dangerous men. Bad boys were immature and annoying but, oh, how she adored truly powerful ambitious men.

Thomas Shelby was still too indecisive in his fate to read, she hadn’t been interested in him. Luca Changretta, now that man was a fascination to her.

He’d recently come back to Birmingham. Once a soldier to the Spinetta family in New York, he’d been called back by his father, Vicente Changretta to hold his own against and with The Sabini family. A proper underboos to his father’s mafia now.

He also had his little bank robbery gone wrong expunged recently thanks to Darby Sabini’s influence with a certain politician who was known to really spend on the races.

The whole thing was a perfectly spun spider web of corruption. Seraphina appreciated the intelligence of it all. It was well organized and thought out, just like she enjoyed her own plans.

She’d chosen to play with a lining that shimmered from dark red to almost a true black in the right light. She’d chosen to not meet him at the door. Make him come to her, see her reflection and thoughts in the mirror.

She wasn't a dumb broad. His usual type was the peroxide blonde American girls who fell over themselves and each other to claim a gangster on their arm. It was the trendy boyfriend type all the rage.

No, Sera was attracted to power, sex and good lineage.

All which a man like Luca Changretta provided. Enough spice to keep things hot and interesting. He was also the type to fall for a sharp minded ambitious woman, independent and cunning.

A type like her.

She knew she was his dream come true. No love spell needed.

“You are not like the others are you, of course, to a woman like you…I’d wager complimenting you on your beauty and wit would be dull right.” His husky, deep gravel filled voice wafted through the room settling low in her stomach tightening her core.

He was stalking slowly into the private fitting room, like a great black cat. He’d removed his hat showing off his lust filled green eyes. He seemed startled when he caught her staring back through the mirror.

Her eyes were so pale they shimmered white, reflective like the moon. With her pale skin, Ink black hair and ruby red lips ... .we'll, she did tend to startle people easily.

 

She smirked slightly but turned to look at him. She didn't stop tucking in the lining. She knew he was watching her movements taking everything in.

“What do you think? I like that the red fades into the black. It's mysterious and powerful looking.” She wasn’t sure if he was even trying to tear his eyes from her. She’d been pleasantly surprised when she couldn’t spell him with her gaze.

Mirror and eyes were a witches best friend.

“You seem to have good taste.” He said flatly and sat down on the couch near her, not coming closer. He was playing a game with her, irritating her.

She could see the predator's soul lurking behind his eyes. She wouldn’t be prey. She pinned and sewed, actively ignoring him like she was more interested in the actual fitting.

He sat back further and brought out a match and fiddled with it between his large calloused hands. He was watching her movements carefully. She wasn’t putty in his hands, he was intrigued. Finally,

“But my uncle.” He continued leaning forward slowly to get closer to her. They were a foot apart, her still standing. “ He has good taste too.” He gestured to his suit and opened his jacket flashing the label that read his uncle's name. He was baiting her.

“My uncle, he's the kind of man that falls for beauty first though.” He played with a matchstick before placing it in between his sinfully full lips.

Didn’t he know he was equally matched yet? She stepped back and looked over the jacket, impressed with her own work. She was trying so hard not to look at his handsome chiseled and very pissed face. He wasn’t used to women making him work for it.

“Beauty fades though, doesn't it.” He continued to goad her. This was too easy.

“Everything eventually gives away to Senior Changretta, except a man or woman’s reputation, someone who was groundbreaking and notorious.” She’d made sure to purr out the last little bit and flash him a big smile.
Who was the prey now?

“You aint like the others are you? You probably hear that alot.” He sat up straight. He was trying to impress her.

“Actually I get told I'm a cold hearted woman a lot. Bitter and barren. I prefer interesting and well rounded.” She winked at him and gently took the jacket off the form.

He stood and sauntered towards her, his jacket his uncle had made discarded disloyally into a crumpled mess on the red velvet couch.

He looked her curves up and down as she stepped around him to go behind and gently pull his new jacket over his broad shoulders. She pretended to smooth out the shoulders, intentionally touching him.

“Nah, you aint like the others. You're well thought out, deliberate in everything you do but not overly cautious.” He clucked his tongue at her as if scolding her.

“What's your name? If you’ll be fitting me from now on, I should know who you are. Respect and all that.” He grinned like a cat who thought he was going to eat the bird foolish enough to come out of the cage.

“ Miss DeGhant.” She nodded her head at him and adjusted the front of the jacket. If she was going to see him walk the streets in this suit with her name attached, it was going to look perfect on him. It didn't hurt that she could see his body outline, he was a fit man.

It took everything in her not to bite her lip.

“ We'll already know who I am but for the sake of being a gentleman, I’m Luciano Changretta.” A common ploy of a man to introduce himself so he could get your name, or you may appear rude. She was going to play him like a fine tuned piano and enjoy every minute of it.

“ How many more fittings would you say?” He asked her. God, he wouldn’t stop asking her questions. He was desperate for her to acknowledge him.

“At least two.” She spun her finger around to indicate that he needed to turn and look into the mirror.
“What do you think?” She laughed a bit when he smirked seductively at her.

“We’ll buy two fittings and we'll be best friends right? I think you got a first name and I'm very interested in using my friends' names. For proprioties sake.” She was getting wet with their little verbal foreplay.

“Of course Senior Changretta doesn't everyone use their friends' names?” She knew she'd have to give in soon. A little tic in his jaw informed her of his upcoming irritation.

“You're going to play with me?” He asked genuinely unamused.

“I thought we were going to be best friends? Don't you have witty banners with your friends?’ A wicked glint in her eyes tipped him off that she was flirting with him. He relaxed.

“I could always ask my uncle for your name.” He’d sipped his head looking up at her. He was trying to look less intimidating. She wasn’t intimidated though, just intrigued.

“Thought you were a gentleman? Isn't the first fitting a little soon for informalies?” He let out a breath and bit his lip. He was done playing.

“ Do I really look like a gentle man, miss?” He asked her slowly slipping out of the jacket. She’d caught how he'd split the word to have a different meaning. She laughed and bit her lip then making sure she slowly looked up at him, almost demure. God, he was easy to hook, as long as she avoided that temper of his.

“ Serafina, Serafina DeGhant.” She saw his face relax and his eyebrow rose. He hadn't expected her to yield.

“Serafina DeGhant. Pretty name. Serafina means angel in Latin, Fiery or burning also, right?” He liked her name, he was testing it out on his tongue.

“That's correct.” She took the jacket and walked an inch to his right. He was in his space. He could smell her perfume and she his aftershave.

“Serafina with an f or ph?” His question threw her off. She looked at him wide eyed.

“Why?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. She was naturally a suspicious person. She had a lot of her father in her.

“Because when a man sends a lady a dozen red roses, the name should be spelled correctly. Otherwise it's just embarrassing isn't it.” He’d pulled away from her leaving her speechless by the dress form. She’d caught him in the mirror facing her as he tilted his hat to her. He turned and walked out taking the tension with him.

“Wow.” she said under her breath…had she chosen her target well.
______________________________________________________________________
Chapter 2
Weaving Magic-Sabrina DeGhant**

Sabrina was light on her feet as she floated around Ada's old room. She had spent most of the later part of the afternoon with Thomas trying to tease a name out of him for his horse. Everyone knew you could spell anything without properly naming it.

She gathered her shell, sage, powder and spell they’d written down. She needed to hurry to the stables. In truth there wasn’t a rush. She was just elated from spending time with ehr crush.

She slipped on her little slippers and trotted down the hall practically floating out the door. Arthur had conveniently opened a moment before as if holding the door for her. She slipped past him and an amused John. She had a little mission to fulfill.

_________________

She was far too excited to see the horse to realize she was being watched and followed. She had greetled Curly and exchanged brief pleasantries. She had taken the time to explain to him what and why she was casting a spell on the horse. She knew he loved Horses, he had a sweet spirit and Sabrina loved him as a friend for that. She thanked him for bringing her a stool.

She’d just missed her sister Violet, apparently she and Mr. Strong were going to a picture show.

She sat her supplies down. Lit her sage and placed it on the shell as she muttered a spell over the horse. Four times to seal the spell, over and over she muttered her voice set in a tone and pace evenly to make sure it worked. The horse chortled in her face and whinnied. She opened her eyes and saw a sheen of glittering magic swirl around the beast and dissipate.

She grinned. It worked. She bounced on her heels and laughed, clasping her hands together.

He had told her there would be more horses after this race. She stilled as her thoughts drifted to the race.

He’d asked the new barmaid, Grace was her name, to go to the races with him. In their timeline, Grace was Tommy’s true love.

Sabrina felt her stomach toss, she hadn’t meant to catch feelings for the hardened gang boss. She shook her head as if the thoughts would tumble out with the gesture. She gave the horse a weak smile and petted him gently a few times before slipping him a sugar cube.

They had told her not to feed it sugar, that the horse would get bratty. Everyone deserves a little treat though from time to time right?

“Sabrina.” The booming voice was mildly amused but scolding nonetheless. She gently turned her head to look at him from her veil of golden blonde locks. She prayed he couldn’t see her sad lovestricked expression.

“ Do you remember why I said they couldn’t have sugar?” He reached out to pet the horse, his eyes fixed on her. She was trying to suck down her emotions and not look at him. She felt two strong fingers fix on her jaw, willing her head to turn to him. Tommy could be intimidating to her at times. She wasn’t sure what he thought of her.

He’d told her she was useful to him, not exactly a compliment at least not to her.

“Sabrina.” He said her name so softly. She felt her damp eyes roll to face him. She refused to fully turn to him though. He leaned over the horse stall looking at the race horse. “Didn’t take it huh?” He looked ahead, giving her privacy. She loved how gentle and perceptive he could be.

“Ah, no.” She chuckled. He looked at her, he seemed disappointed. “Oh, oh no! The spell took!” she added rushed and almost out of breath. She had confidence in the spells…just not her feelings. Unbeknownst to her sisters or anyone else really, she was a virgin. Never kissed and never touched. After her life feeling unloved around their father, she just kept to herself. To get close was to get hurt…she couldn’t risk it…but wasn't that the mission?
No, not really, the mission was to get close but love? Love wasn’t actually stated as right or wrong when she’d accepted Violet's invitation to lift the Shelby/DeGhant curse.

“Brina.” His voice was deep and husky, drawing her out of her own thoughts.He was leaning against the stall door casually but his eyes were deepened with concern. “Are you okay?”

She nodded mechanically. “I’m okay.” It sounded weak even to her, she wasn’t convinced. Would he care enough to pry? She didn’t have to wait for an answer for long. He was still intently watching her for anything that gave away her thoughts.

“Is this about you missing your sisters or…” He trailed off intentionally hoping she’d speak. Just shook her hair like a mane and tossed about her locks carelessly. He inhaled. He’d never told her but she smelled of strawberries. Fresh And sweet. He loved standing next to her. Sweet and soft, never perfumed like a whore.

“ You have to give me something huh?” He fully turned to her and grabbed her hips causing her to suck in her breath. Her eyes wide and wild like his horse. “Hey, hey, didn’t mean to startle you. Look at me.” He fisted enough hair of her close to her scalp that she had to look at him, whole not painful, yet, it was insistent.

“ Is this about Grace?” His question hit her like a mountain of bricks ready to crush her whole.

“It is, huh?” He let go of her hair and pulled back just enough so he could really look at her.

“Look at me, what's going on?” His question shook her up. She didn’t even know. How was she going to tell him?

She wasn’t good at protecting her face like Serafina. Always controlled and intentional.

She knew half a dozen conflicting emotions flashed across her features. She didn’t envy him to figure them out. She didn’t even know how to name half of them herself.

“ I need Grace for a side mission to become a legitimate businessman.” He seemed frustrated because he scoffed and grabbed her face again.

“ Grace can lie, she is not like you huh.” The words hit Sabrina and echoed darkly in her mind.

“She’s not like you.”

Sabrina pushed him away but his grip tightened holding her there. He kept searching for her, but she couldn’t speak. Her mouth felt as dry as cotton.

“Sabrina, that's a compliment.” He bent down to make her look him in the eyes. It probably looked comically since she was 5 feet and nothing else and he had some height on her. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. She hadn’t heard him.

Gods, this pain was searing through her heart. How could Violet survive what she did? She knew her sister had no choice. Death just simply happened. No favoritism and no unkindness, it just worked like that, she supposed. Ugh, the rejection.

“Oi!” He slammed his fist against the stall causing both the horse and Sabrina to yell out. “Are you listening to me, women? I said you are light to her darkness, to my darkness.” Oh, she heard, she almost laughed out loud. Not in humor though. It was just pure pain. They were wrong, all wrong….he couldn’t change could he? She kicked him sharply in the shins and dropped him enough to give her leverage to get away. She ran, had no idea where she was running too.but she didn’t care either. She just had to get away.

__________________________

“FUCK!” He yelled. He didn’t care if she’d heard his outburst. She was so soft to her hard dark edge. She was a light, pure light that chased the darkness away from him. No, she banished it away. He promised to himself and her in secrecy that he’d turn a new leaf. Become a legitimate business man. Be the man she deserved, that his family deserved. He screwed it up. He’d miscalculated her emotional state and caused her to think he…to think what? That he fancied the barmaid over her. He slumped over the stool. He had to find her tonight, he'd start at Arrow house and get John and Arther to help him. He had to find her and make her understand that his change of heart was all because of her bewitching nature.

_________________

 

Sabrina gasped. She felt truly frigid. Cold down to her bones. She’d had pneumonia when she was little. It almost killed her even in the age of modern medicine. This was worse. She crashed into the long yellow grass and gasped as she crushed it and it stabbed her in response. She’d fallen onto it and with it being so cold out and dry it was like little needles piercing her palms. She knew she had to go back, and had to face him. She curled up into a ball and sobbed her heart out. This was worse than her own father's rejection. He wasn’t biologically hers but she loved him. Her mothers death had hurt but not like this, this was searing and hot and cruel. She cried until no more tears came forth. When her head was a little clearer she sat up grateful for the full moon. She could see and her power was stronger, so were her emotions apparently. A bitter laugh spilled from her lips. She grabbed her crystal ball out of her rucksack and tried her sisters. Finally after what seemed like an eternity Violet answered. She could see her eldest sister slipping a robe on and tidying herself up. The intimate act pained Sabrina more. “ I need you.” She sobbed out before the world went black.
___________________________________________________________________________________-
Should I be splitting up each sister into a chapter?

Chapter 4: Chapter 3

___________________________________________________________________________________-
Chapter three

Stupid Girl-Sabrina**

She could feel the cold seeping into her bones and her whole body racked with pain. Everything was stiffer than a board. Great, now she is sick. She could tell. Her stomach didn’t roll, pain didn’t fill her, everything just ached the only way the flu could.

She tried opening up her eyes, the truth was she didn’t want to. She couldn’t let her sisters down.

Violet, poor Violet, was probably looking for her all over the town.

How selfish she had been.

“Hey, Hey, over here. I found her!” She could hear the bear's rough voice filled with fear and relief as if you could experience both feelings at once, she scoffed in her head. The bear in question was none other than Arthur Shelby. She nicknamed him that because he was gruff and intimidating, but she was kind hearted and loved his family. She knew he had fangs, she also knew she wouldn’t see him.

She felt someone sit her up, try to anyway. She was too hard to really move. She could feel heat on her face. Fevers could kill in this timeline, why had she been so stupid, she should have run home to Polly and cried in her lap, but then again he would have found her and she’d have to face him then.

She wasn’t ready last night to face him.

“Geez, you look like Death Babs.” John, she felt a pang of guilt then. They’d found her apparently worse for wear. His voice was concerned and she could feel his hands running up and down her trying to warm her up. “ Tom! Urgency and fear flooded his voice. She loved him like a brother, she’d never intentionally hurt him. Her eyes fluttered open. It was now daylight but it was a gloomy day. Good, she thought. It could match her mood.

“ What the bloody hell.” Thomas’s voice rang out. She could see him running toward her, concern riddled on his face. He knelt down next to her. She saw him shove John out of the way starting a little tussle. They were both concerned. She tried to give a weak smile and apologize. Her throat was raw and on fire. One hundred percent sick.

“What the hell!” He roared. He forced her to stand. She could see his uncle Charlie glaring at her. Also concerned but that didn’t help. She hadn’t meant to be dramatic, just needed to get away.

“I know a healer.” Charlie croaked out. He looked scared of her, no, he was scared for her.

“Go on then Charie, go fetch her, send her to Arrow house.” Tommy’s voice was deep and laced with concern.

“I’m sorry, I just needed to think.” She croaked out. Her voice was soft but rugged like she’d swallowed gravel and it hadn’t quite made it down.

“Yeah, did it knock some sense into you?” He demanded. She looked down at her legs. One was entirely exposed. A light frost covered her. She now understood the depth of his anger.

She had slept outside, no protection from anyone or even the elements. Granted she was in a graveyard so most people would be too frightened to have touched her.
She felt the hot tears slide down her face as she clung to him.

“Jesus, Tom.” Arthur scolded. He rubbed her back but quickly yelped with pain. “ Fuck off Tom. Making sure she’s alright.” He grumbled.

Thomas must have hit him. She felt her legs go out from under her as strong arms wrapped around her and carried her down the hill and into the vehicle. She was in for it and it was her fault.
________________________________________________________________________

She felt her eyes open and wished promptly that she hadn’t looked. Polly's stern expression was inches from her face.

“I know you're awake you silly girl. I saw the whites of your eyes.” She spat out. Oh, she was angry. Sabrina could feel the heat radiating off the motherly like women, her dark eyes flashing. She felt a cold cloth against her head. “ To take the fever down, sit up if you can and take your tea.” Her voice lost the edge, worrying smothering the anger.

Sabrina sat up immediately regretting it. The room swam around her and her vision swam. She could have sworn she was under water. She felt the warm pottery against her lips and sipped the tea. It was too hot, burning her tongue and throat. Maybe even hot enough to burn out the fever.

When she could focus she smiled weakly at Polly who glared at her and shook her head sending her ebony curls flying around her face. She was surrounded by foolish children.

Polly grabbed her , pulling her into a tight hug. The two women had gotten so close over the last few weeks. Polly even admitted that Sabrina felt like her daughter. They had an inseparable bond. Guilt ate at her for running off.

“Well I’ve gotten Tommy’s version of events. What's yours?” She sounded rushed and irritated but Sabrina knew better, she was worried. She kept smoothing back her hair as she cried and even brought a tissue to her nose as a mother would for a broken heart. When Sabrina was done she sniffed and asked Polly what she thought which was met with a hearty laugh.

“I think you're both fools, for what it's worth.” She shook her head and then laid it on the girls. “That’s two very different stories, love. You should have waited for him to explain. Not that he had told it well to begin with.”

“Are you done?” Thomas’s voice wafted into the room demanding Sabrina to look at him.
He stood like an unwavering mountain blocking the open doorway.

His jaw twitched with irritation and his muscles looked tensed. She’d really done a number on him. This hardened war hero, a criminal, gangster, yet he’d taken all night to find her.

He stepped in then faltered. Like he was unsure he should approach. She looked at Polly. She wasn’t the reason for his hesitancy, how awful did she look?

“I know that look. Thomas.” Polly resigned herself to leaving them to their talk.

Sabrina watched Polly's hand grip her nephew's arm, not softly mind you. They matched looks and then Polly left, closing the door behind her.

Once alone Tommy rubbed his face and walked up to her. He sat down gently on her bed but he looked ragged.

“Do you know we searched all of Birmingham for you last night?” He leaned down, placing his cool forehead to hers. “ Do you know how worried I was?” She felt bad. She leaned into him closer, slumping her body against his. He opened his arms and sat her on his lap. Her brain is too foggy to overthink his actions.

“Apparently not all of Birmingham or you’d have found me faster.” She tried to lighten it but as predicted it made it worse.

“Not funny Brina, not funny at all.” His voice was flat but his heart was racing. She had scared him.

He was still using his nickname for her so she knew he still cared. Everyone else called her Sab, like a luxury sports car or something. To him and only him, she was Brina.

She inhaled the smell of him. Long gone was the aftershave, he just smelled like sweat, whisky and tobacco smoke. She loved it honestly.

“What time is it?” She asked. She honestly couldn’t tell. No windows in Ada’s room.

She sat up straighter and looked at him confused. There was a widow, she wasn’t in Ada’s bed and it was dark as sin outside. She stared at him, she was in his room. It was meticulous except for the table near the window. Open books and spilled ink cluttered it. An unfamiliar scent stale but present lingered in the air. Opium.

Serafina had a perfume that smelled exotic back in the day. It was marketed to be scentually addicting like opium.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight today, God knows the chair is killing my back though. I need more breaks from it.” He was gruff and tired sounding. She saw the dark circles and guilt plagued her all over again threatening to devour her in pain again.

“I‘m sorry.” she weakly muttered. The ache was settling in her bones again. She could smell beef stew. Her eyes shot sideways and her head tilted away from him to glance at it. Manna from heaven that what it smelled like. If Polly made it, she was sure it was manna. Her head was tilted back to him. His gaze was intense on her. His cerulean blue eyes filled with pain and worry.

She had the devil of Birmingham on his knees.

“For what?” It wasn’t actually a question so much as a demanded confession of her stupidity. Her “father” had used that tone and tactic more than once to make her tell the truth.

“I was just hurt, and it was stupid and one sided.” She could feel herself getting ready to cry cursing the tears. She never cried this much in her entire life.

“One sided eh?” He echoed dully pulling her in closer to him as if to absorb her. “ We’ll before you run off, I was trying to tell you I fancy you. Now I realize that wasn’t the proper way I felt.” His voice dipped darker and deeper. She shuttered. Why was she so incredibly stupid?

“ Well you are so blunt with everything else, why don’t you just tell me straight now.” She scoffed. This fever was making her bold and restless. He chuckled. Apparently he was fine with it.

“Only good girls get the truth.” He baited her. She was done. Far too tired and worn out for this. Her DeGhant temper, while only half of her sisters, was ready to reel its head.

“We’ll then I guess we'll never know.” Her snotty challenge was thrown out of her mouth before her brain or heart could react.

His laugh was deep but unkind. He manhandled her and placed her on the bed. He stood and looked her up and down. He Smoothed out this shirt, pulling down his sleeve and adjusting his trousers to smooth himself out. She knew she couldn’t play games with him. It wasn’t like her anyway but how would he know that? They were just getting to know each other.

“Guess we won't then, huh?” He turned to walk away and she knew she’d lost.

“I’m in love with you!” She yelled it out and sent his pillow flying for his head. Her aim was off much to his amusement and it landed on the wall before hitting the floor unceremoniously. They’d only known each other for two weeks but they’d spent every moment together. He had her in his office. A chair next to her desk. She’d write out spells and create little vials, mostly love spells and charms for local Birmingham girls.
At home they were either around the table or in the living room most of the time near one another.

He hung his head and shook it out. Turning to her, a wide smile on his face, he approached the bed and turned her to him. She gazed at him through her hair. He brushed it back gently and looked at her with love.

“ I love you too. “ He bent down and kissed her head. “ Don’t run off on me again, you have no idea how upset I was.” But she did. She was upset at herself all over again.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 3
Violent Violet. ***

A sharp round of pounding resounded through the house. Violet was aware that strangers were shocked by her presence. The DeGhant women always wore veils especially while practicing magic.

Most women had done away with the practice thinking it drew too much attention or was old fashioned. Covering the head kept the power from seeping out. The head was truly where the soul was.

So not only was a scowling and veiling gypsy woman downtown in fine clothes but she was also making noise and disrupting the streets. People scattered around her, she heard the whispers and the slurs.

It was shocking to her honestly, in their timeline witchcraft was out in the open and travellers were only looked down on by a few. She still knew of cases where gypsies were persecuted but she hadn’t experienced the fear until now. Men glared at her. She needed in this house now!

She pounded more until the door flung open revealing a scowling man with a toothpick resting on his mouth.The harsh yellow light spilled out onto the dingy street casting a menacing shadow of the stout man.

She pushed past him, shoving him into a table near the door and started yelling Sabrina’s name. She was met with several other Shelbys at the dining table, wide eyed and suspended in time.
She cleared her throat and asked again for her sister, a bit more demure this time. The clock was ticking furiously and chimed while she waited for a response. It smelled like stew, warm and she could smell the carrots permeating the air. The lace tablecloth gleamed with spilled broth. It was an intimate family moment. One she had missed greatly in her own life.

“Who the fuck!” Violet narrowed her eyes and turned to the younger man, John Shelby. He looked as mean and smug as his pictures. She always thought his eyes were colder than Thomas’s. He stood strong and steady challenging her. She couldn’t blame him. She would be up in arms if someone had burst into her house while the family was visiting.

“I’m Violet DeGhant. My sister Sabrina, who’s in this house, needs me. Charlie said Thomas asked for a healer.” Her voice was rushed and almost out of breath. Her hand went to her stomach, she had been the one to raise her family when her parents were indisposed, which was often. Sabrina wasn’t just her sister, she was also like her child. There was almost ten years between them.

“She’s here love, just give us a minute yeah.” The dark haired gypsy women spoke strongly but kindly to the others. Her dark eyes pierced Violets. The elder woman's smile curved upward.

“ John, go check in on Tommy and Sabrina please.” The womens eyes went darker and squinted when John didn’t move. Violet could feel his breath on the nape of her neck. She gently rocked back causing him to lose his footing. She hated bullies. She knew of the Shelby tactics.

 

“John Shelby, I won't ask again.” Polly wanted anger flashing in her eyes. Violet felt his presence shift. He took his place back at the table slouching in the chair. She bit her cheeks to keep from laughing. He was acting like a scolded child.If he didn’t get his way then he simply wouldn’t comply.

A quick pang ran through her lungs thinking about her own children. They’d all eat together nightly. She hadn’t realized how much she missed it. Curley and Charlie were great, but it was different.

She looked at the now darkened doorway of the stairwell, an imposing figure stood there looking at her inquisitively. He was broad shouldered and his stair was pinning her down like a butterfly. His hands were clasped in front of his pelvis and his eyebrow rose waiting for an answer to a question he never asked out loud.

“Thomas Shelby.” She whispered. The man whose curse took down multiple families in her future.

“And you are?” He demanded to know. Sabrina had said it took a few days not to stutter or shy away from answering him. He was an imposing figure and his presence was that of a king. Demanded your loyalty.

Violet shook her head, why oh why, had she and Serafina sent little soft Sabrina to this man. She stood straighter and smoothed out her skirt.

“No one to trifle with.” She challenged. Cutlery hit the table and stunned faces met her strong gaze. He looked at her and grinned. His head tilted to the side clearly amused by her insolence. His smile lit up the room when their eyes met again.

“Definitely a DeGhant.” He nodded and motioned to the table. Once seated he looked up at her. Gaze sweeping her up and down. He shook his head smiling still. She understood Sabrina’s true plight at that moment. He had a flame of warmth to him. They were all drawn to it.

“She’s asleep. She needs her rest. Please, eat with us.” He motioned to a chair in the corner. “Finn, get the chair for the lady.” The youngest Shelby boy scrambled up to get the chair and bring it toward the table.

“Sit down boy, the chairs are as big as you.” She replied in teasing. His family chuckled, He scoffed at her.

“I’m eleven.” He said with authority. No mistaking he was a Shelby. Albeit a softer, less experienced version.

“And a strong young man.” Her hand touched his shoulder and squeezed. “Thank you.” She sat as a dark haired gypsy woman near John, handed her a bowl of stew. The younger woman with dark piercing eyes studied her.

“You're a DeGhant witch. I thought you was all scattered in the wind like leaves.” Violet raised an eyebrow. It wasn’t untrue. DeGhants were always scattered across time and distance and life experiences. They rarely suffered a fool, let alone each other.

“Esme, Sit.” John commanded his wife. He never looked at Violet's way or Esme’s. He was still sulking but anger burned under the surface. She’d have to tread lightly with him. Sabrina had said he was a jovial trickster. All Violet saw was darkness. Violet was clicking people into place as she glanced around the room.

“Let's eat before it gets cold. We can ask questions later.” Tommy brought everyone's attention back to the meal. Everyone smiled and went back to eating. Violet felt Thomas, John and the eldest Shelbys eyes on her. Not the position she wanted to be in. The stew was gobbled down but sat heavy. She wasn’t sure if it was the company that weighed the air or her concern for Sabrina. Perhaps it was both.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Seraphina*
Unexpected dinner date

Serafina walked into the little Italian bistro and waited. The smell was permeating outside through the cold. She was hungry and cold. This was the only place open at nine o’clock at night on a Thursday.

The shop had been extremely busy. Everyone was getting ready for the holidays and traveling to see family, people to impress at fancy dinners, the orders weren’t stopping. She hadn’t seen Luca in almost two weeks. Hadn’t even heard from him.

She found herself disappointed and wondering if she’d played her hand too well.

He had twelve dozen roses delivered to the shop as he’d promised the day after he’d met her. Her name is spelled with an f instead of a ph. She’d been impressed that he’d remembered. The roses had also been top quality. She had expected nothing less from the immaculately dressed man. He took pride in his appearance and she guessed his work too.

She’d also wished that she’d had gotten her hands on his address to send him a thank you card. Sadly, his uncle kept his records locked in the back. She had no reason to be caught back there. She loved her job. Modern people didn't need as much custom tailoring where she’d come from sadly. She’d even picked up a few tips and tricks from Signore Fenacci.

“One please.” She smiled at the waiter. He was checking her out while leading her to the middle of the restaurant. His quick look backs weren’t to make sure she was following. Rather his gaze swept to her full breasts and wide hips. She rolled her eyes. She wasn’t interested in him. She had her eye on another Italian man.

Who did she see other than her target, Luciano Changretta.

As luck would have it the waiter set her down near him at the next table.

He sat partially reclined on the dark wooden chair, clearly comfortable here. He was in the middle of the restaurant with his back to a wall. He could see the window and the door. Smart man. She looked for obvious guards and found none. That was odd.

“Don’t tell me you're eating out by yourself Miss DeGhant? It's a shame no man has a lady like you to wine and dine.” His seductive low voice rumbled through her chest. She grinned at him. He seemed to be dining out alone as well. That actually gave her hope. She’d hate to smell another woman's cheap perfume on him.

“Well there is this one man who sent me a dozen roses, but no way to thank him sadly. He keeps cancelling his appointments so I assume he must be busy with another lady.” She watched his face as she fished for information as to what he’d gotten so busy with over the last few weeks. He smiled warmly at her and licked his lips before speaking.

“You ain't wrong.” His blunt words stunned her. She wasn’t expecting a curt slap to the face. At least not yet.

Her smile fell instantly. That stung a little. His face changed and he sat up. His eyes softened and his hand relaxed on the table. She;d caught the black hand tattoo the first day she met him. A reminder that he was a very dangerous and capable man.

“My mac fell and is on sabbatical from teaching. I’ve been going over to help her while my father is working. She runs her help ragged otherwise. I take calls from her couch right now and keep her out of trouble.” She had been surprised by how much information he’d just given her. He honestly hadn’t owed her anything of that. She wasn’t his lady. Yet.

She sent him a sweet smile and nodded her head. She couldn’t keep the stupid relieved smile from her face. When he looked into his lush green eyes she caught her reflection in them. He was holding her stare. He wasn’t looking at her bosom. No, he was looking at her face waiting for her to speak.

“Had I known this other lady would take offence, I'd have invited her over for dinner. My mother would love another woman at the table, especially a lovely, well dressed one.” She blushed at his insinuation that she’d been jealous. She was but she didn’t want to be too obvious yet.

“Aww, you're a sweet Signore Changretta.” He laughed from his belly. Genuine and warm. This little softness between them was nice. She hadn’t expected it so soon.

“Sweet ain’t what I usually get called.” He meant what he said. She was sure he moved fast, he knew what he wanted. A man like him in his position would.

“Oh, dating the wrong people then?” she asked in a nosy manner. She wanted to know if she had a chance or competition to get rid of.

“Miss?” Before he could get started Luca stood and gestured for him to be still. He apparently had a request.

“Nah, Mario, move her to my table. Two desserts and more wine please. Tell my brother to come here when he isn't busy schmoozing with his paying guest.” Luca pulled a chair out next to himself and swept his hand over the empty seat. He sat her down next to himself. He could have sat her across from him to speak easier, instead it was beside him like a date.

The stress from the day was ebbing away. She hadn’t known this was Angelo’s restaurant. It had a different name from a picture she’d seen. That had also been a rebuild from when the peaky blinders had burned it down in retaliation of Lizzie stark dating an Italian.

“What are we having for dessert?” Serafina asked and smiled. Her cheek hurt tonight. He was being a gentleman. She hadn’t dated one of those in a very long time.

He was shaking his head at her. He’d caught the double meaning of the word dessert. He sat up straighter and adjusted his collar. She was getting him hot and bothered.

“I think we will discuss that on our next date, huh, Cara Mia?” He leaned forward. She could smell him again. Ugh, he smelled like an expensive man. She wanted to bury her nose against his soft neck and nibble on his ear. She could feel the blush creeping up on her face and chest.

He chuckled.

“Oh, so this is a date now. I don't remember being asked out.” She mused and leaned forward too. Two could play that game.

“I don't make anything easy Changretta.” She added watching his face contort. He was trying so hard not to laugh. She loved having that effect on him.

“No, you like to be asked properly, I can tell. You like to dance, don't you Serafina? I don't just mean out on the dance floor.” His hand reached out a bit on the table. He was asking for hers. She sat up and peeled her gloves off. She placed her hand in his. He was pleased with her reaction.

“Oh, I love to dance. Keeps the mind fresh.”

“You ain't wrong.” He leaned over to her table behind her brushing her arm with his broad chest. God, he was intentional too. He’d grabbed a menu for her and placed it in infront of her. She was too busy thinking though.

When they eventually gave into their shared passions, it would be hot, streamy and messy. She couldn’t wait.

“Order anything you want. I’m paying.” It so casually rolled off his tongue she’d briefly wondered if he said that after. She opened the menu barely able to focus on it to read anything. She could hear the china clinking all around her, music softly playing by a band in the far back. The ambiance screamed date night.

“Oh, so lobster then?” She asked coyly. That earned her a chuckle from the boss. She wanted to point out that he was trying to impress her, he'd hate it if she did.

“You can afford it, I've seen your shoes. Custom made italian leather.” She kept looking over the menu. She was almost too hungry to order now. Everything looked good.

“You have a fine eye.” His compliment seemed genuine.

“I’m a master seamstress. I like good materials. I like things that last.” She said they both had a lot in common. She’d seen that from one photograph long before she’d read anything on him. It had been his cousin's wedding. He was sharply dressed and groomed. She liked him instantly.

“Hmm, you don't have a ring on your finger, nobody snagged you yet? I find that hard to believe.”

“Like I said at your fitting Changretta, I’m fairly hard to get to know… generally.” She rolled her eyes back and forth playfully, hinting that she was warming up to him surprisingly quickly. He seemed pleased by her answer.

“Luca, please tesoro. I’m not finding it hard to get to know you.”

“Because I want you too.”Her boldness surprised him. But he nodded.

“I find you refreshing. People know where they stand with you at all times don't they?” He asked bluntly. She had never shied away from telling the truth. Sometimes it came at a cost.

“Luca, where have you been hiding this beautiful woman?” Angelo, Luca’s brother, stood beside her at the table. He’d brought wine and apparently himself. He sat down at the table earning a sharp look from his elder brother.

If looks could kill. She’d figured he’d have a jealous streak. She hadn’t expected to see it so soon.

“This is Miss DeGhant. She’s working at our uncle's tailor shop.” Luca relaxed when his brother had a twinkle in his eye and excused himself. Seraphine briefly wondered if he’d told his family about their meeting. She doubted it but stranger things had happened.

_________________________________________________________

Chapter 5: Chapter 4

Summary:

Race days and disappointments.

Chapter 4

Conversations with spirit balls
Violet***

“I’m telling you to be careful. Sabini isn’t on his radar yet, that's the key word Sera…yet.” Violet's usually sweet and cheerful voice was low and guarded. She was unaware that a dark brown set of eyes was watching her closely. Violet sat on a little metal stool in the yard, her back to the stables, she was talking in hushed tones to a crystal ball.

Polly could see the image of a dark haired woman with a similar face. Another deGhant perhaps? Violet sat the ball down next to her and sighed. Whoever she’d been speaking too apparently hadn’t listened. Polly knew what that felt like.

“ I’ve never seen anyone talk to a living person in a crystal ball. Interesting parlor trick.” Polly cornered Violet gently but she could see the curiosity in the elder womens face. She understood why Sabrina liked Polly. She was wise and unafraid of the other side of the realms.

“Well, I don't have to worry about phone lines while I travel.” She replied amused. Yes, she definitely liked Polly. They both shared a smile.

“God, if I had one of those when they took my kids I’d be able to know if they are still alright…or alive even.” Polly’s gentle but melancholy musings brought Violet's pain to the surface.

Violet felt a sharp pain in her heart. She knew all about the sharp taunting pain of not knowing if your loved ones were alive. That drive to the intensive care unit was the longest and most excruciating of her life.

“Are you alright,love?” Polly's concerned voice wafted through her ears and settled her back into her scenery of the open scrap yard.

Polly lit a cigarette and offered it to Violet. She shook her head, her stomach was already rolling.

“Yes, I lost all my children and husband on the same day. I remember getting the call from the police. Longest trip of my life.” Tears were not just welling up now. Saline laced droplets fell from Violet's eyes and dripped off her chin. “When I arrived I just knew..you know…” She looked at the elder women whose eyes were glistening over. “ I felt it in my bones. I was two minutes too late.” She looked at the other gypsy whose eyes were spilling with tears.

Polly reached out and squeezed her arm. She understood. Violet finally felt like, for the first time, one understood her pain. Other widows had reached out of course in her hometown, but this was truly a personal connection. Violet gathered her wits and wiped away her tears with her veil.

“You know, If you gathered a few personal things I could use a spell and my ball to see if I can find a location or at least a place where your children could be?” Violet's offer surprised the matriarch who actually stumbled back. Violet was worried she’d upset the other lady but Polly smiled at her and shook her head.

“As much as I’d love that, I don't give personal items to gypsy witches. My mother taught me better than that.” Violet nodded. She knew it was because of her last name, DeGhant. Polly was right, it would open her up to anything. Curses especially. No, she’s hopefully getting to know her and perhaps she could help another time.

“Of course, the offer stands if you ever change your mind in the future.” The ladies nodded.

“What brings you to my yard Pollyanna?” Charlie’s voice rang out clear and true over the soft neighing of the horses and roar of the multiple fires ever present in the yard.

“I came by with a payment for Thomas. He says this should cover next month's feed, goldfish and hay.” She handed Charlie the money, they both noted that Violet looked away at their little transaction and got herself busy with her plants.

“ I met Violet at the house the other day. She helped nurse her sister back to health. Healing hands that one. It’s a shame she can’t heal her broken heart though, did you know?”

“About her family? She said she’d been widowed, I guess the other was too hard to speak about yet.”

“ You know Charlie, the DeGhants aren't the only ones who see things. My great grandmother, Birdie Boswell had the gift of sight too. That one is special.” She pointed over to the veiled women who were now helping Curley empty a bag of goldfish into the trough. She seemed mesmerized by the tiny orange fish. Her hands swirled on top of the surface. She and charlie had laughed when one of the tiny fish tried nibbling on the women's finger tips.
“Yeah, I know she is.” Charlie’s wistful comment made Polly look up at him and then back at Violet. The pace might be slow, but they were definitely a good match.

 

________________________________________________________________________________

 

**Serafina**

When Luca had called and asked her to dress in her best attire for the races, she’d presumed naturally that she’d be attending with him.

She’d picked out her best fitting low cut dress. The fringe, filigree and velvet number was truly stunning. It fit her in all the right places, well, as well as a looser 1920’s dress could. But she’d made sure to cleverly use details in beads and such to accentuate her womanly figure.

She even took extra time on her makeup and hair. She wanted him eating out of her hand today.

A sharp knock brought her out of her preening as she took a bobby pin from between her ruby red lips and pinned the curl in place. She’s placed little pearl pins into her ebony hair, combined with her pale skin and lips, well she looked like a queen.

The king of Britain would want to crown her at the races if he laid eyes on her.

She flung the door open and seductively posed. He looked nervous and refused to make eye contact with her. What the hell?

“Good afternoon Serafina. Oh, Belladonna, you look stunning.” Luca Changretta stood before her clearly at a loss for words. He’d taken his hat off and placed it on his chest as if trying to guard his heart from her. He looked remorseful. Serafina cursed her natural perception.

“Ugh, Cara Mia, you're going to kill me.” He mumbled out, a pained look flashing across his handsome olive feature. Regret swam in his pale moss green eyes.

“Not exactly a compliment was it?” Her eyebrow, raised sharp and ready to kill. She stalked towards him and tilted her face up to his chin.

“You are far too perceptive for your own good.” His voice was soft. He raised his hand up to rub her arm as she shrugged her black shawl over his shoulder. It was a subtle refusal if he’d ever seen one.

His mother was going to love this woman. She refused to play along without calling him on his shit. He needed a strong woman like that. How did his ma put it?

A woman should be a brick in a velvet glove. Soft and feminine but ready to knock your ass out if you cross her. Strength in femininity.

“What did you do?”She asked, her voice raised but her tone was low, almost like a growl. Her moon colored eyes flashed with anger.

“Your eyes, like the moon.” He went to brush a loose curl that was trying to fall around her face. She smacked his hand.

He laughed at her audacity. No other women in the city would have struck his hand down. No other women but this little firecracker. She looked ready to burn down the whole city, starting with him.

He’d never wanted a woman more.

“Stop sweet talking me Changretta, what did you do?!” She demanded. She rose on her tiptoes as much as her heels would allow. She was a defiant little thing. Gorgeous.

“So, my father has an…agreement with Darcy Sabini…” He began talking unsure of what to say to defuse the situation. He knew truthfully they were past that. His hands made motion as he talked. She kept her sharp face trained on him.

If looks could kill.

“Ugh! tu maiale.” His eyes flashed with rage when she called him a pig but he’d been one. She turned to go inside but he pulled her back a little more roughly then he'd meant to. She crashed into his chest, her hand trying to push him away as he held her close to him. His breath ghosted over her hair causing a small shiver from her.

“Hey, I need a favor from you. I know you did all this for me. I ain't happy Sabini gets to see this dress, this should be my dress, yeah, that's what you thought so you did all this for me.” His voice was low and husky. She’d love to hear that tone again from him, while they wrestled in her bed. Today however, was not going to be that day.

Sarafina could feel the tears stinging her pale eyes. He wasn't wrong. She had done this thinking she was going to the races with him. Violet had told her the Changretta weren't “allowed” on the race tracks. She’d been played by him and his family. She hated feeling stupid. You could insult a lot of things about her.Being able to insult her intelligence was the ultimate face slap.

“Hey, go put a dress on that aint spectacular. I’ll drive you to the races and hand you off, when you're done being his arm candy you can come back and I'll take you out. Just you and I.” He handed her a small switchblade. She knew the intention behind him handing it to her discreetly, it was in case the other capo got handsy.

“You're a rat bastard!” she roared in english garnering quite a few ruffled feathers and shocked looks. She didn't care, she was a fucking DeGhant. She had power and prestige of her own.

How dare he!

“Yeah, I am. I know.” He gritted out. He looked pissed, his shoulder high and tight from tension, not the sexual kind she wanted to relieve. His jaw was set so tight he could cut diamond and she actually heard his teeth crack.

He realized what he’d done now.

She shoved him off of her, refusing the blade. She had a sharp and better one she knew how to use. She’d tuck in her garter.

She walked inside and paced, calling him all kinds of cruel and weak names in Italian knowing he could hear every venomous name. She meant them. She’d thought about a curse on his dick, then she remembered they were supposed to end up together. She didn't need a venereal disease and neither did their future children.

She smiled wickedly, catching a glimpse of herself in a mirror as she adjusted her hair. No, she still had the upper hand. She turned and flounced out. He had his back to her muttering what an idiot he was on the street. She agreed wholeheartedly.

“Let's go.” She walked in front of him and opened the car door. He grabbed her around the waist and gently placed her on the ground.

“Thought you were changing.” He looked feral. Good.

“Change of plans Changretta. See, since you tricked me and manipulated me I figured I’d stay in your favorite dress. So you can imagine him grabbing my waist and playing with the soft fringe around my hips. His hands, not your caressing the silk ruching by my ribs, no Caro, you get to think in time out in your cold vehicle while I have to be pawed at by another man you are delivering me too. Then if you are a good boy and stick around, then you touch my dress.” Her voice was laced with sex and false promises. She could see the blood rising through his coloring. He’d take her right here on the street if he could.

“I have other plans for that dress.” he growled out and placed his hands firmly on her waist trying to claim possession over her. She smirked.

“Oh, no sir. Not tonight you don't.” She removed his hands and tossed them away. She climbed into the black vehicle and slammed the door. He grinned at her from the window, that could mean later right?
___________________________________________________________

Sabrina**
Race day

 

Sabrina helped secure the pin near Tommys neck to keep his shirt closed. She giggled, making his eyebrow raise. She was seated on his dresser helping him prepare for his day. She loved these little intimate moments with him.

She was wearing his shirt, enjoying the feeling of him slipping his hands under the cotton button down. He kept edging his calloused fingered along the line on her underwear. She was ignoring him intentionally only driving him more into lust filled madness.

“Should I be concerned with how close the tack is to my throat and the fact that you are clearly amused.” His tone was low but his smile betrayed him. His blue eyes glinted with mischief. She loved this side of him.

Her laugh bounced off the walls of his room. His smile only grew around her. His family had made several comments that she had bewitched him and chased France out of his head.

He knew that wasn’t true. She just calmed his mind so he actually slept, which he hadn’t done since arriving in France years ago. The shovels were gone.

He knew she had been special the first day she’d muttered in Romany and tranced on their couch. She’d told him about his prosperity.

He’d known she was right and that the spirits were on her side.

“No, but I was thinking that I could keep you inline by holding your collar close to remind you that even though you have a pretty date today, that isn’t me….” She glared at him while she spoke. He was trying to bite his lip so he didn’t laugh which in turn made her laugh. She cleared her throat and tried to be serious, she just couldn’t.

“ You still belong here with me and have to live with me and all my moods. So Behave today” Her eyes widened as he placed a gentle kiss on her nose. The whole room was flooded with a gentle warmth.

She had watched him shave and helped cut his hair, which to both of their surprise came out straight. She was helping him with his shirt.

While they hadn’t done anything but lay in his bed every night since her sickness, they both knew their relationship was building to more and doing so organically.

“And need I remind you that I want to keep you safe, that's not the position Grace is in.” His voice betrayed him. He was concerned with her feelings, she knew. She buried her face in his neck and inhaled his cologne. She much preferred his natural everyday smell.

“I know.” She gasped when he brushed her hair away and deepened his kiss with her. They could both hear the footsteps clopping up the stairs outside of his room. It was Finn. The boys always sounded too loud for his feet.

“Tommy, John pulled the car around. Time to go.” She whined when he pulled away. He ruffled her hair and kissed her forehead.

“I promise to come home without Grace.” She nodded knowing he was right. She had plans with his uncle Charlie at the yard today. Curly was going to let her rise around to distract herself for a while. She hoped it worked.

“Come home smelling of just me!” She yelled after him. She heard him chuckle. She slumped against the wooden mirror once she heard the door click closed and the car pulled away. She hated feeling alone and just waiting.

Chapter 6: Chapter 5

Summary:

Violet and Sabrina weave love spells, Serafina heats things up with Luca

(tame)

______________________________________________
Chapter 5

The healers club-Violet

The yard was abuzz with activity much to Charlie’s chagrin.

He’d warned Violet that the yard was his place of business and that not all his acquisitions had been acquired legally.

He told her the last time that he ran a scrap yard, not a general store for people to mill about in and look around. Yet, here he stood looking at the que in front of him filled with curious people. He didn’t need that.

This could draw the police. He tossed his hands up into the air and wildly gestured to all the people milling about.

She sheepishly looked at him and mouthed a silent apology. He sighed and shook his head at her and rubbed his face in exasperation.

 

She felt really bad, truly, he was so introverted. He wasn't the type that enjoyed being around people too much.

Curly, her and a few Shelby's for a limited amount of time seemed to be his threshold limit of people he tolerated.

She’d seen him melting down jewelry and statues the past few weeks. She said she knew and understood yet there was a linen forming for the two gypsy women who were hawking their spells and medical teas to the entirety of Birmingham.

 

He seemed to be up to something. He was stashing money and working twice as hard. The board seemed in good condition and it wasn’t her business why he was working twice as hard to earn money.

Perhaps it was to purchase his own horse or something.

She held her breath as he marched towards her head down, he was muttering something in Rokka, she doubted he would intentionally let her hear what he was saying. He was on a mission though. His long legs carried him closer to him swiftly.

“Violet, we talked about this. You’ll have to take your business out of the yard when I’m busy.” He had addressed her in a common language between their families. She’d been so pleased now that her grandmother had insisted they learn the archaic tongue. Mr Strong, the Shelbys and Grey’s used the language a lot. His tone was gruff but firm.

She could see the deep dark circles under his eyes now. He needed rest.

“I’m sorry, it's mostly my fault.” Sabrina Deghant smiled up at him. He shifted on his feet and sighed. Violet hid her smile as Charlie softened around her baby sister. Sabrina’s sweet syrup like nature melted the men of Birmingham.

“You're the witch that blesses the horses and has my ambitious nephew wrapped around your finger.” His assessment of Sabrina’s witchcraft skills seemed to please the younger women. Her face lit up like sunshine.

“ And I sell love potions and spells.” She chirped as she held out her dainty clean hand to him. Charlie looked down at his blackened and cracked hands.
Violet had been surprised when he flipped his hand open towards her, palm up. That was trusting. His life lines show deep and dark through the cracks.

How Violet loved watching those strong hands work.

“Huh, do your little spells work? What if the other person doesn't reciprocate?” His question caught her off guard. It was interesting to her that he was asking. He was a smart man, he preferred to use his hands more than his mind however and he seemed genuinely interested in Sabrina’s work.

“There has to be a connection between two people or it doesn't work, then I give refunds.” Sabrina honestly seemed to startle the older man. She giggled next to her baby sister. Charlie had known her long enough to know the DeGhant women were anything but subtle.

“A gypsy that does refunds? “ He shook his head in disbelief. His face was riddled with amusement and confusion. “Never heard of that before. Interesting business practice.”

“Because she doesn’t have to give refunds.” Violet winked at Charlie as she said it. She caught him blushing at her cheekiness.

“Here, try this, wear it around your wrist.” Sabrina grabs his hand without asking and ties the Quartz crystal around his wrist. He glanced down at it with a slight distance causing the women to stifle their mutual laughter.

Here was this tall, muscular dirty man wearing a pink rock around his wrist.

“It’s a pink crystal.” He said flatley.

“It’ll bring you luck.” Sabrina grinned and turned to address a paying customer. Charlie exchanged glances with Violet, a silent question with his eyes as if he were asking if her little sister were touched in the head.

He arched his eyebrow at Violet as Sabrina stood on her tippy toes and draped a long pink quartz on her sister's neck. Sabrina winked at her elder sister.

“Think it looks better on you.” He admired the women before him. Violet felt a sift red flush creeping up on her face and neck.

“Come on girls, out onto the streets. “ His abrupt command forced them out of the almost soft moment. He led them to the main gate to usher them out onto the dirty streets to hawk their wares and spells.

He grunted and shoved at the lock to let out everyone onto the street. It refused to budge. He pulled back slightly as violet's soft tan hand slid down his and wrapped gently over.

She pulled and tugged gently. The lock released, but her hand didn’t move away from his.

Charlie sucked in his breath. They both glanced down at their entwined state.

“Then you must have enchanted the gates so only you can open them.” He teased Violet gently, earning a hip bump from her.

“Something is definitely enchanted.” Sabrina winked at her elder sister as she separated the two of them and walked through the open iron.
_________________________________________________

Green eye’d mobster

 

Serefina kept her head down as if she was finding the road interesting as a slick black vehicle pulled up in front of her.

He’d played her this morning, now it was her turn to seductively torture him.

Her game began once he climbed out and offered her his hand. She tilted her head slightly up, giving him inch by inch of her lovely face profile staring with her pale grey eyes. She smirked as his moss green eyes fell to her plump red lips.

She had him.

She extended her black gloved hand into his, she wasn’t surprised when he lifted to his lips and gently placed a kiss on the back of her hand. She hadn’t expected him to gently tilt her hand over to expose her palm. His soft warm lips ghosted over her soft flesh intimately.

His eyes flashed his anger as they continued their slow gaze up her arm. She had slipped into the bathroom before coming outside, intentionally pulled her slip out a bit to show off her shoulder and mussed up her hair to mess with him. She knew he thought Sabini’s hands had been roaming all over her.

He had remained tense in the vehicle for most of the ride home. She’d caught his little glances as she fixed her hair and dress making sure when she adjusted her bodice, she hoisted up her breasts for his wandering gaze. Serafina wasn’t a small wisp like Sabrina, no she and Violet had gotten blessed in the breasts.

He looked like a wolf biding his time at the edge of the woods. She caught the glances from him when she’d adjusted herself.

She wasn’t opposed to him devouring her, after all, she was technically a modern woman. She’d fuck and kiss on the first date if she wanted too.

The plan had been to go eat at his brother's restaurant and then he’d drop her off. She was surprised however when it blurred in black, gold and red. Luca hadn't attempted to stop.

She arched her black eyebrow at him. He stared straight ahead. He’d changed plans on her, this also wasn't the way to her apartment.

“Change your mind Changretta?” She teased. His jaw got a little tight, he’d insisted she call him Luca. She planned to, when she was in his bed, underneath him writhing in pleasure.

She scoffed and rolled her eyes, pretending something outside the window was more important.

They’d stopped at a town house in the much nicer side of the Italian neighborhood.

Luca Changretta oozed power, money and taste. The outside of his black and gold home was no different. His house lit up like a christmas tree beckoning them inside the gilded cage.

“Yours?” She mouthed and looked him up and down definitely. He grinned at her and nodded. That grin promised sex and predatory advancements.

She’d let him fuck a baby into her tonight if asked. She bit her lip and placed her hand in his for him to lead her into his personal space.

“You're a woman of refined taste and character Serafina, I ain't taking you to the normal places I’d romance a lady.” She smiled, he was taking her home, to his personal and most private space. Interesting move.

“So you took me to your home? That's presumptuous of you.” She purred at him.

“Only the best, come on, my brother is inside with his staff. Let me impress you Tessoro.” She’d been surprised when he’d called her treasure. That was quite the close nickname. She didn’t hate it. In fact, her core tightened in response.

He leads her inside gently guiding her with his hand on her back.

White marble veined in gold and black decorated the floors and walls, hand carved woods etched in the stairs and wooden furniture. He liked the color red as well. She's impressed. Hand cut crystal from Italy glittered in all the light sconces and chandeliers. The name had exquisite taste.

“All imported from Italy, including my staff. Are you impressed?” He’d led her into the dining room. She really looked at him, studying his face just then. He really cared what she thought of him.

Oh, the man was falling for her and oh so hard and fast.

“You certainly have exquisite taste.” She didn’t want to embarrass him, not yet , they didn’t have the relationship to joke established.

“I know. Thought that was obvious. “ His green orbs raked up and down her figure. She smiled and shot him a sexy smirk.

He pulled out her chair, choosing to sit next to her and not at the head of the table. Their chair seats were touching, as were they.

A decadent dinner awaited her, he’d pulled out all the stops. She smiled when he kept asking her to open her mouth so she could taste his dishes. She knew this game. A man had never played it with her though let alone so smoothly. Lobster, crab legs drenched in butter and pasta and oysters which he seemed to enjoy lining up to her lips and tilting her head back to watch her suck them in between her lips.

If the food wasn’t the aphrodisiac then his attention to detail and planning definitely was for her. He could treat a woman that was for sure.

After dinner he led her into the living room full of warm red velvet fabrics, fur draped blankets and rugs. She smiled knowing full well what this room was actually used for.

“You wanna dance with me Serafina?” She knowingly took his hand, aware of the double meaning. He wasted no time making his intent known. The jazz rose and fell drawing out the house noises as she swayed provocatively close to him.

He started placing his hands higher up the back of her dress leading her into confusion at first until she felt the tug of the corset laces.

She tried to not roll her eyes when he aggressively pulled at the loops, almost taking her back.

“I thought I made you promise that you weren't going to see her dress on his floor tonight.” She goaded him smack at his hand placing them firmly to her side. His eyes got wide and the most beautiful smile graced his chiseled face.

“I have a feeling that you aint impressed by all the glamour Sera. You're a woman that knows what she likes though.” He leaned in, being a few inches taller than her, her nose rested right in his collar bones. His clean cologne and aftershave invade her senses as his finger hooked into the neck of her dress. He stopped as if asking for permission.

That impressed her. A man like that was used to getting what he wanted. It was nice to know he could be a gentleman.

“I appreciate your fantastic taste and the glamour is nice Luca, I personally find the man more impressive though.” He kissed her then and she eagerly returned with heated passion. It had been way too long since she’d had a man.

She reached back to help him unlace her fully and shuck off her red dress.

“Don't lose those laces Tessoro, I’m tying you up in my bed with those later.” He replied huskily and hunger filled as he devoured her mouth.

Chapter 7: Your kind of people

Summary:

The men in the DeGhant women's lives cause headaches and heartaches.

Sabrina had been thrilled to go out with him. Since she lived with him and the extended Shelby clan, an invite out was a rare thing.

She never thought he was ashamed of her, rather she could tell he wanted to keep her safe.

She was going nuts staying with his house, the betting shop or Charlie's yard.

Sarafina had made her a pink tea dress dripping in soft pearlescent pink silk with gorgeous hand tatted lace from France. The younger sister had been too afraid to ask how much it had cost her. Apparently it was her birthday and Christmas gift which meant it was probably more than Sabrina could earn in a year even with all the spells, charms and blessings she did for people.

She gently pierced her hat, shuddering at the sound of the silver hat pin stabbing through the delicately woven material.

She was not a fan of the clothing for this time. There were so many layers, even in her traditional traveler clothing and each piece had an etiquette or social reason for its existence. Gloves and hats were a good example of this. She hated gloves, Tommy had chuckled when she’d had a twenty minute rant of the filthiness and uselessness of the garment.

He was a man, he had less structured layers.

“You look like a proper lady, had that dress been ready I could have taken you to the races.” He was leaning against the open door frame to their bedroom as she had been pinning things in place for last minute propriety. He bit into an apple and smiled looking at her surprised expression.

She had wanted to go with him. He could have made sure she had a dress. Did he really think she wasn’t capable of holding her own at a fancy event just because she liked to dress traditionally at the time? Her mouth closed and she brushed past him.

She was going out, with or without him.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------
The Garrison was busy and a flurry of excitement. Tommy had been holding meetings most of the night so she made herself busy by dancing and laughing with John or Arthur. If she didn’t have a sister, she would have wanted to be born into their family. They were amazing big brothers.

Tommy still hadn’t gotten the subtle clue that she was angry at him.

“That’s a beautiful dress.” Sabrina beamed at Grace. She’d moved to the bar to be away from the snug. She wasn’t happy about the business meeting he was holding. She thought they were going out together.

Being from the future she knew all about Grace's past, motivation and that eventually, in her former timeline she’d been Thomas Shelby's love.

She felt a bit bad for Grace. However their half sister Iris, who was clairvoyant, had informed her that Grace lived and had a great life after her divorce in New York, so, it wasn’t all bad for her.

“Thank you, so how do you like working for the Shelbys?” Sabrina found Grace pleasant enough. She had beautiful eyes and a great smile. She could see how Tommy had fallen for her, at least based on her looks. She’d never talked to her before.

“It’s never boring.” Sabrina laughed with her.She could relate.

“Try living with them.” Sabrina giggled into the beer Grace had offered her. She stopped drinking when the Irish women’s eye’s were blown wide open, a startled look settled on her face.

“Are you family?” Grace’s brogue was deep now, her tone laced with concern. Had she not known they were together? Sabrina’s blue and brown eyes flitted to the small door that separated the bar part where Grace was to the snug. What was going on?

“Oh I’m just…” Sabrina wasn’t sure what to say. She felt embarrassed and unsure what she was to him at the moment. She hated this feeling.

“Tom’s practically got a ring on her finger, be dumb to let this one go.” Arthur’s large hand came crashing down on her tiny shoulder, squeezing tighty. She was grateful he’d interrupted. Not sure she agreed with his interpretation of her relationship with his brother at the moment.

“Yeah, if he did I’d scoop her up.” John leaned on her and planted a drunken kiss on her cheek.

“John Shelby!”She admonished the jovial Shelby man and pushed him back gently. “ I don’t think I could handle you.” John and Arthur roared at her as she playful nudged him back again. He was coming in for another kiss. She wasn’t strong enough to push him off on a normal day, she didn’t want to hurt him drunk.

Grace seemed amused by the spectacle.

“I’d let you handle me Sabrina, any way you wanted.” He landed a kiss on her neck and toppled them both over. Sabrina wasn’t tall by anyone's standards. She landed on the floor with John Shelby between her legs. No one heard the door opening behind them.

“Oi, John! That’s enough, Arthur, take him to the snug and sober him up. Now.” Tommy lifted the young witch to her feet and helped smooth out her dress. She didn’t fight him, that would be coming later after she processed what John had said.

“You alright?” Tommy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear affectedly and kissed her head as he disappeared around the car to grab his own drinks before disappearing again. Sabrina watched him close the door and decided she was ready to go.

“John seems quite taken with you. Tommy is affectionate also.” Grace looked her up and down and smiled slightly. Sabrina could feel the energy shift. She’d just been proclaimed the enemy by the other blonde.

“Yeah, I thought he would have mentioned me. I’m sorry, must have slipped his mind.” Sabrina smiled sweetly. She wasn’t a game player, if Grace wanted to be jealous she couldn’t help that. Sabrina couldn’t ignore a slight however.

“Hmm. Must have.” Grace made herself busy down the bar as Sabrina finished her beer and strode briskly towards the door. She’d had enough tonight. She needed to see Violet.

 

_____Violet DeGhant______________________________

Violet mused that the weather was predicting her moods and adjusting accordingly. It had been foggy, rainy, chilly and moody like her for the last week.

Charlie Strong had gone down the river for various business ventures. Violet had wanted to come but wasn’t sure how or if she should ask. So she stayed behind and tended to her plants.

Since the incident over a week ago with the quartz she’d caught Charlie stealing glances at her more frequently but he also looked irritated and acted like her presence was bothering him. She had chosen to pretend to ignore it and let him sort out his feelings himself.

He hadn’t had a relationship in a very long time. His edges had grown quite sharp in their daily bachelor hood routine.

Violet was also aware that Charlie's love, The Shelby children's mother, had been Charlie's first true love. He’d helped fish her out of the cut.

Violet could be patient, understanding the pain of seeing your soulmate's body cold and unresponsive. The hot searing pain that knowing their soul, their essence was gone from you forever, that was the truest sharpest form of pain she’d ever known.

She’d been relieved when he announced a trip. She was surprised that he was still gone however. It wasn’t her business, yet it was bothering her.

She missed him. For all his gruffness he did have his own charm about him. He was an honest man, well in speech at any rate and he was full of interesting life stories.

A loud banging of the rusty giant gate announced the arrival of her blonde hair baby sister. Violet shook the thoughts of Mr. Strong from her head.

She’d been surprised to see Sabrina, looking like a proper lady in pink, briskly walking towards her, intent on a hug and probably a cup of hot tea from the looks of her.

Her usually delicate and sweet face, always ready to grace anyone with a smile was set in a thunderous scowl, her energy was swirling about her like a storm.

“What happened?” Violet barely asked her question before the petite woman threw herself against her older sister and buried her face in the other's neck.

All violet had been able to discern was something about Thomas, men being men and nonsense.

Violet stepped back and held onto her sister's shoulders. Sabrina was a pouty little princess.

“Come on, step into my caravan, I’ll get you some tea and biscuits. Then you can tell me all about the nonsense Thomas Shelby is getting himself into now.” Violet wrapped her arms around Brina’s shoulders and ushered her into the direction of the green and purple shelter shed made into a home.

_____

“What’s going on? Tell Violet all about it.” She passed the hot beverage to her sister and a plate of cookies for them to share. She raised a gentle scolding brow when Sabrina had slid the whole plate in front of her. She apparently wasn’t going to share the sweet treats.

“ So, you know how he insisted Grace go to the races and he paid her wayyyyy to much to buy that stupid red dress?” Sabrina’s tone was harsh and hot, her tongue poised for a harsh lashing about her boyfriend's character.

Violet was grateful she’d had over poured her cup so she had to focus on not spilling hot tea all over herself. She was trying not to smile at her jealous and slighted sister's version of events, while she didn’t believe her baby sister was wrong, it was the annoyed tone and exaggerated word choices that had Violet amused.

abrina was the most carefree, calm one out of the three sisters.

Seeing her riled up was a rare event. Sabrina wasn’t wrong to be angry about Grace and Tommy, she’d been happy Sabrina hadn’t been forced into a room with that vile beast of a man, Billy Kimber.

Even his name tasted like ash on her tongue.

“So today he looks at me in this fancy dress that Sera made for me, and he says says,
“You look like a proper lady, had that dress been ready I could have taken you to the races.”

“Seriously!? Like he’s the only one capable of looking above his station, I mean it's just clothing? Right?” Sabrina paused momentarily allowing Violet to think she could insert her own thoughts. She guessed wrong because just as her mouth opened Sabrina chattered right over top of what she’d been about to say.

“ And once we got into the pub, he did nothing but have secret squirrel meetings in his little room, leaving me to drunk men and Grace. Who, by the way started off nice and that quickly turned sour after she heard John call me Tommys girl and now, she hates me.” Sabrina huffed and took a deep breath. She had flung herself back against the bench and sloughed down. Violet grabbed the table to steady herself as the caravan rocked gently.

Violet tried not to smile while her sister shoved a biscuit into her mouth, no lady like nibbles.

“Sounds like an eventful evening.“ She commented watching the younger DeGhant’s mood sour more.

“Annoying evening, and then…” Sabrina sat forward and launched into her next tired. She was in a mood and Violet knew from experience to just let her go and get it out. A tired Sabrina was a thinking and far more gentle woman.

Violet chuckled, grateful Sab hadn’t caught her smirk. Thomas Shelby was in for it tonight. She didn’t envy him.

 

*****************Serafina DeGhant*********************

Changretta’s woman, as she was now frequently being called, much to her own irritation, as if she needed the identity and ownership of a man to have worth, was rushing around the tailor shop grabbing anything off her list that she could remember. An entire bridal party was behind her curtain.

Laces, strands of beads and pearls littered her over burdened hands. This appointment had been a nightmare with no waking end in sight.

The pressure to address her next impatient walk in appointment wasn’t helping.

Luca was still waiting for her to fit him and place the final touches on his new suit. He sat by the window and tapped his hands on the couch as if impatiently waiting for her attention.

It wasn’t her fault he’d come in unannounced.

“Sometime today Sera, I’m a busy man.” His little ill times comment as she dashed by was unwarranted and frankly, stupid.

She stopped near the couch, her foot through the curtain. Her head turned and her eyes narrowed in anger. She was obviously flustered, a pink flush permanently tattooed under her skin at the moment as the stress drove her anxiously through her day.

“You came in unannounced, Amore Mio, give me a few minutes. I have seven ladies behind this curtain.“ She rolled her eyes as he waved her off. She knew he was busy, she’d heard him talking the other morning on the phone in the next room about New York and a visit.

She’d woken up because the chilled morning air had started hitting her naked back and shoulders.

She wished he’d just let her work on his suit at home, he’d practically moved her into his home, his staff were discrete but some were judgemental. He was a soldier in the mafia, she really didn't understand why they expected him to play by anyone's rules.

She certainly wouldn’t either, that was just in her contrite nature.

A distant ringing could be heard through the shop but she quickly dove between the thick velvet curtains and started pinning trims and getting feedback unaware that her lover had found a little secret out about her.

“We’ll talk later Sera, I have business I need to attend to.” He’d spoken to her through the curtain. She heard his heavy footsteps pounding off and the little bell announcing that rapid departure. He was upset, oh well. She didn't just work for him.

_______________________________
He’d been quiet all through dinner and barely acknowledged anything she’d said. She could tell something had been bothering him and just dismissed it as stress from his dangerous line of work. She’d been thrilled when he’d asked her to accompany him on their evening walk.

She looked forward to the stroll through the wooded path in the heart of the busy polluted city.

She’d been startled when he had pulled her off the path and by some bushes. She was now getting upset with his moody and erratic behavior.

“I found this earlier, something you wanna tell me?” He’d been carrying a satchel on their walk, at first she thought maybe it was just a bottle of wine and cheese. They’d picniced out before. No, he pulled out her crystal ball. The faint ringing, she realized had been one of her sisters trying to call her on that silly thing. The connection was secure and it was portable. Her ball was the 1919 equivalent of a cell phone, she shouldn’t have brought it but thought it safe to keep it with her in the back room of the shop then at home where Luca worked sometimes.

“You have killed people Luca, don't tell me your catholic faith is shaken by the fact that I have a crystal ball.” She knew that wasn’t it. This was far deeper than an orb. He’d told her one night he didn’t believe in magic, she’d joked she had bewitched him. Truth be told she didn’t need to. They just had raw chemistry.

She also knew he wasn’t a good catholic so magic shouldn’t bother him. He was superstitious however. She found that out when she’d placed her hats on the bed and asked him to help her pick. Oh, the lecture that followed about bad luck….

“I didn’t realize you were one of those people. A traveller, it doesn't sit well with me Cara Mia.” Her eye’s were the size of teacup saucers now. He was serious, he was genuinely upset at her upbringing.

“Excuse me?” Her voice was high pitched and angry. She could feel her nostrils flare. She’s hated being taken aback. She prides herself on seeing little emotional nuances and shifts in people that no one else caught, yet she had missed his signals.

What was he doing to her? Softening her, that’s what.

“I went to school with the Lee’s, the Shelbys and the Greys, and I found out you are one of these….lying, thieving, Godless people?” A flash of hurt passed between them. He had felt betrayed, he wasn’t the only one.

Anger filled her, fueling the thought of inadequacies she’d had as a child when she’d been bullied for living in a caravan and moving around a lot as a kid.

“I am Serafina DeGhant, I am who defines me, not my background that I am proud to be a part of, of some xenophobic Italian man who should understand what it's like to have people think less of you due to your race, beliefs and background.” All her anger was rushing out her mouth now spilling between them both.

“Eh, you always tell me you're different, you ain't from here. I’m starting to believe you aint even from this century with all your new ideas and modern attitudes.” He tucked her orb back into the bag as if it bothered her that people could see him with a witches object.

Rejection, that's what she feared and hated. The fear of rejection due to what and who she was.

“I’m not, I’m from……my ideas are a hundred plus years from the future.” It wasn’t a lie. She just couldn’t tell him that. He already thought less of her now, however, what was one more earth shattering confession between lovers?

“Oddly specific.” He grumbled out as if he almost believed her. He might at this point.

“Enjoy your walk Changretta, I’m going home tonight.” She spat out and walked past him uncaringly. She hip checked him causing him to stumble as she walked past him.

He smacked his hat on his knee and muttered to himself. He blew it.

________________________________

He was pleasantly surprised to see her at the dining room table sewing his suit jacket.

He was bound for America in a few days and desperately needed it done. He hated seeing her work off the clock, even if she was stitching it special because she loved him.

They hadn't said those words yet, but why else would she be here at his table working.

“Thought you said you were going home.” He slowly walked into the room as if he was hoping approaching slowly and calmly wouldn't get her teeth embedded in his neck. Her eyes flicked up, hurt still hiding behind the silver white color that outlined her dark pupils.

“I did and I am.” She said coolly as she slammed the spool down harsher than intended.

He smiled at her little temper tantrum and placed his hand over his heart. He loved how passionate she was. You always knew where you stood with her and why.

“What you said was true.” He walked towards her but didn’t come within hitting distance. Neither one had ever laid a hand on one another, he didn’t doubt she’d throw something at him though if she was truly hot under the collar.

“I only speak the truth, it's not my fault if people aren't in the place to listen or believe it.” She shot back. He grinned wiped the smile off his face before she caught it. She was a livewire.

“I don't wanna fight with you Tessero. I already know I'll lose.” His soft confession made her laugh unexpectedly. She smiled at that.

He pulls out the chair next to her and sits down with his arm around her shoulder. He hated the thought of her walking the streets alone, angry and unguarded.

“Hey, take a break for a minute, I want to talk to you.” His request was said gently enough to disarm her. She pushed her woke away from him and turned her body slightly so they could look at eachother.

Even in her anger, she was respectful and thoughtful.

“Is the great Luca Changretta going to apologize and admit he was wrong.” He chuckled at her humor. That’s how he chose to take it at any rate.

“Don’t get cocky, that’s my role in this relationship.” He said. She kept her comment about roles to herself.

“You were right, I hate being treated like a second class citizen because I’m Italian. I’m proud of my heritage and my devilish good looks. I misspoke when I was surprised. I don't care who or where you come from. You are the most intelligent, highly educated woman I know next to my ma, you're a good worldly woman and I love all those things about you.” His sweet confession made her want to forgive him. A first for her. She usually refused to back down or compromise.

“So it's not going to bother you when my sisters and I go off into the woods in the spring and dance naked around a fire while chanting and covered in blessed mud.” She smirked as his eyebrows raised and he shook his head. She couldn’t resist getting a rise out of him.

“ I’m just stuck on you saying you’d be naked.” His confession made her laugh. She liked having that effect on him. She placed her hands on his face, holding him steady as she leaned in to pepper his face with kisses.

It was a start at least.

Chapter 8: Advice, contraception and Expansions.

Summary:

Violet feels remorse after trying to confront Sabrina about her attitudes being out of place for 1919, Serafina and Luca fight about Religion and babies, Sabrina and Tommy talk about London and Grace.

Violet***

She hadn’t seen Sabrina, Curley or Charlie in several weeks.

Violet tried to keep herself busy. She tended to the horses, met with people, sold her plants and teas but she was finding it harder and harder to pull herself out of her own head.

Violet had never really been truly alone her whole life. She’d gone for a large household, to marry her highschool sweetheart to babies…then to nothing suddenly but her sister had still been by everyday.

1919 life had them all more bogged down with survival making visiting a rarity.

She had allowed Sabrina to vent after the party at the Garrison.

Then when she had spoken she’d made the mistake of gently reminding her modern baby sister that she was dating a war veteran turned Gang boss from 1919. He didn’t see things the way she did. How could they fully understand being a hundred years plus apart?

Sabrina had sat back and crossed her arms, clearly upset by her sister's refusal to solidly take her side. Sometimes both women seemed to forget there was an age and maturity gap between them.

What further seemed to damage her attempt to “help” her sister was when she suggested looking at it from Thomas perspective.

He probably felt he was very attentive to her and showed her love by protecting her and keeping her out of his plots.

That had been when Sabrina suddenly kept track of time and had somewhere to be.

If Violet wasn’t so lonely she wouldn’t be this reflective of it all.

A gentle clear ringing forced Violet out of her thoughts.

“Hello?” Violet was relieved to see Serafina’s elegant face through their lifeline, a crystal ball.

“Hello Vi, what’s wrong?” Her little sister's concerned voice floated through the caravan.

Trust Sera to see through Violet's facade. She’d always had a supernaturally high intuition.

“It’s nothing Fina, how are you and the Italian Stallion doing?” Violet blushed violently when a masculine and her sister's feminine laugh intertwined. Luca was obviously next to her and now knew what her sister called him in private.

“Good, highly amused that you blurted out the nickname I used in private for him, that he wasn’t aware of until now.” Serafina’s face was flushed and her pale eyes sparkled and danced with a warning. How was Violet to know he was sitting next to her?

“I ain’t complaining.” Luca’s deep grumping voice filled her ears. Violet, while mortified, was amused that her possible future brother in law found it so entertaining. He’d probably request the name now.

“I’m so sorry.” She was truly mortified for them both.

“This is why I don't tell you things….Have you heard from Brina?” Serafina switched the subject so fast she’d barely had time to process the question or catch on.

“No.” She felt guilty about that. She should go visit her. “She refuses to talk to me. I’ve never seen her act like this. She's always the first to fix a relationship. She gets too anxious. Do you think this is Thomas’s influence?” Violet hated to think less of the man. She was by no means ignorant to his means to violence to get what he wanted. She’d seen him with Sabrina though. Firm and yet tender. He genuinely cared for him. She’d even heard that her soft sweet baby sister had the Devil of Birmingham smiling again.

“She’s growing up Violet. She’s only twenty two. She takes after her peers as part of her stage in life. She’ll grow into herself. Do you need company? I’m off for the weekend due to a catholic holiday. Thought I’d come to bug you. Luca is leaving for America.” Violet's face changed to alarm. She knew in his timeline he had gone to New York and taken over but it could change, what was happening?

“I would love that. You have to sleep in the caravan.” Violet needed to talk to Serafina alone. If she let Luca go the Vendetta might still happen. John had been recently married to Esme so Lizzie Stark was wandering Birmingham, including the Italian district.

“I’ve slept in worse places for you, remember when we camped out in the rain, downhill near a lake for a weekend around college.” That was a mess. That had also been the last time Serafina ever roughed it with her sister.

“You aint gonna gonna come to church with us Sera? See me off to America?” Luca’s question seemed to catch the middle sister off guard a bit. Sera hated saying temporary goodbyes.

“We’ll talk later Fina, I'll come out soon.”Violet hated cutting the call short. She’d heard the tension in Luca’s voice. They were going to fight. Both of them had fire in their souls, she didn’t need to see how heated things could get between them.

“Of course, bye sis.”Serafina seemed annoyed, at whom Violet could only guess.

The ball swirled to an empty clear glass orb once more. Violet wished she had more people to talk to on it. Perhaps she’d have to go sell things at a market stall, it would at least help her meet people even if it was only at a transactional level.

She needed to do something while she waited for Charlie Strong and Curly to come back. She’d bonded with them like family.

A man like Charlie however would always roam….the question was would he take her with him or not in the future?

 

++++++++++++++Serafina DeGhant+++++++++++++++++++

 

“You don't know Violet, something is wrong.” Sera felt bad that she hadn’t discussed the holiday plans with Luca but they weren't married so as far as she was concerned, she was a free agent unless she accepted an invitation to an event.

“I know you come from a different background but what's going to happen if we get married Sera, you're going to try to raise the bambinos pagan, cause that ain't gonna work for me and my traditional Catholic family.” Luca’s sudden talk of babies had Sera’s feet frozen to the ground and her heart hammering in her chest like a rabbit caught in the thicket. It was caught.

Serafina DeGhant had never considered monogamy. She always left when things got serious. That hadn’t been her intent when she’d sought the eye of this particular Italian man, but old fears gripped at her heart. Leaving before you got to involved meant less hurt….usually….she just realized how quickly he’d ensnared her and her heart.

“ Your whole family is built on crime Amore, my going to church with our imaginary children is where you draw the line?“ She could hear her heart inside her head, feel it slamming into her throat threatening to cut off her air supply.

“ If we keep up living together, Sera, they ain't going to be imaginary for long.” He smoked at her and reached out to stroke her arm. They both startled when she yanked her arm back and drew them around herself.

She needed to think, needed time to think. That required privacy.

Now she had to think before she responded. Before they left the modern world she had an IUD done. She had no idea what would happen or if Luca would even take to her. She also hadn’t wanted a drunk man to overpower her and stay with her by implanting a child within her walls. It happened in the 2020’s, it was no different in 1919.

Proof that a woman could be covered from her neck to her ankles and she could still be,”asking for it.” As Sabini had tried to tell her before he’d gotten a wayward fork into his thigh that she had accidentally on purpose placed there.

While not advised she could take out the contraception herself. She had to in this timeline, if a 1919 Doctor saw it, well she could be tried as a witch or advances in medicine safety for women could come early. She didn’t know the consequences so women everywhere would have to do without the discovery.

“I’m on birth control, Luca.” He pulled back and looked at her. This was going to be a fight. She could see it in his green eyes shimmering with anger. His jaw tightened subtly. She nibbled and sucked at that jawline enough to know when he clenched it in anger, his nostril flared. He hadn’t started gesturing wildly with his hands yet, the minute hand gestures started they were in deep.

He was very catholic. She mostly dismissed it because she didn’t see how you could willfully commit any sin that you wanted, pray it away and pretend it didn't happen just because you asked for forgiveness was a concept she couldn’t wrap her head around personally.

She also knew from her grandfather taking her to mass a few times that birth control was forbidden. Children were a gift from God. However much he gave you was his will.

She found it irresponsible personally.

“When did you decide that?” He was pissed. It almost hadn’t sounded like English.

“ I don't want a baby yet Luca, with you eventually, yes, but I don't dream of being an unwed mother. Besides, we don't know how long it will be before you get back to London.” He hadn’t asked her to go. She had thought about what her answer would be, would she be the woman who followed him. She’d always preferred to be career driven but this wasn’t her time. She was already older then most women who married for the time.

“I’d marry you the day you got a doctor's confirmation Serafina. I aint a dead beat.” He stood up and started ranting and raving. She grabbed her sewing carefully, put down the glass ball and picked up his jacket. She was almost done. Little did he know she was sewing in her initials, blessed with a witches prayer into his pocket.

Her mind was racing, that was his idea of a marriage proposal, getting her compromised so no other man would want her, then how could she say no? For a romantic man Luca had missed the ball on that one.

 

“So, not only, will you not come with me to America, but now, you won't even marry me.” She bit her cheeks from laughing, so a baby was in love? Not a proposal first. He was an interesting man.

“Don't be dramatic Caro, that's not what I said. All I said was I dont think I’m ready to be a mother. We just started living together.” She was in retrospect glad he knew what he wanted, saw no one else in her place but…goodness, he moved like lightning.

“Mary was a mother at fourteen, you think she was ready when God blessed her womb?” She bit her lip. This….religion was going to be the contention between them.

“ Mary was….” She stopped herself before it came out. To an unbeliever it was… a fairytale at best. She had wanted to believe, wanted to for her grandfather, she just couldn’t.

Could she for Luca? She doubted it, she’d let her children decide though.

“Say it….fuckin say it Sera.” He stepped towards her placing his hands on either side of her chair lording over her. He knew she hated that. She was just as fierce though, and truthfully it was probably in response to her “ignoring him.” to fish his jacket. She was trying to stay level headed.

“I’m not fighting with you about religion Luciano, I respect you and what you believe, I wish I could believe…I just can’t.” Great now she was standing. He backed up, allowing her to move. He was an incredibly intelligent man.

“ You wont try.” It was an accusation more than anything. She knew better than to bite.

“If it means that much to you then I’ll go. I’ll sit there and listen, but I won't participate if it's not genuine.” She wondered if he would do that for her, she doubted it. He seemed fine if she practiced and he didn’t see it or smell her witchy weeds.

“Fine!” he gestured and tossed his hands. He won, barely.

“Fine!” She yelled back, tossing her hands up. She felt like a child. Two fires only created a large pyre.

“I want you to come to America with me. Sera my Uncle is closing up his shop after Christmas, you’ll be out of a job, please, come with me.” He rushed her, taking her into her arms. She stood stiffly.

“What? I’m sorry, he was going to mention this when?” This was all fresh news to her. When was anyone going to tell her? She couldn’t buy the shop. She was unemployed. Shit.

“Why do you think he's got so many orders huh? They know the best Italian tailor is leaving. It was naturally assumed you’d be coming with him and I to New York Sera. Think of it! Big modern buildings, American’s, a new life where no one knows us.” She scoffed at him, she could feel a panic attack coming on. She’d already started a new life and in a new place with a man she barely met, she was committed to. This was all new to her.

“Serafina, did you hear me? He ain't expecting you to stay, he thought the same why I did. That you’d follow my cause you’d be knocked up.”

“ Wow, you could put a ring on my finger first, Changretta!” She roared. God, he really was trying to lock her down!

“ I’ll get you a ring if you follow me to America and quit trying to kill my seed.” Oh, men and their legacy! He was already a few years older than her. Could he have married and knocked her up? Why now with her?

“ Can I think about this?!” She was now standing on the other side of the room daring her with her steely gaze to be dumb enough to cross and try to hold her again. He really wasn't going to give her a choice was he? To be fair, in 1919 there weren't many ways to prevent pregnancy, not effectively. She definitely did not was an abortion in this timeline. Ouch. He’d definitely leave her then being a staunch Catholic.

“Of course, we leave tomorrow at 10am Tesoro.” He had made up his mind. Her head slowly swiveled to look at him. She could kill him right now.

A string of Italian profanity and insults left her mouth much to his amusement. She had to call Sabrina and Violet. It was supposed to be the three of them, the triumvirate. How could they be a triangle of power with just two?”

___________________________________Sabrina__________

A loud resounding knock on the door frame caught her attention. She looked up to see his tall gaunt frame in the doorway, he looked exhausted.

“I’m going to London for the weekend with Arthur and John. Do you want to tell me what a rat bastard I was before I go or not?” The great Thomas Shelby, leader of the peaky blinders, was standing in his sister's doorway, addressing his little pink and gold clad gypsy princess one last time trying to appeal to her sweeter nature. Mind You he didn't apologize.

Trullyfully Sabrina was hiding from his Aunt, who she loved like a mother, because when they were talking earlier Polly had admonished her for trying to make a man guess what he did wrong. She insisted the girl get herself together and lay it out.

She then had been told to quit being a brat and suck it up by John. She loved John like a brother, now he was another She;by to avoid.

She hugged her pillow tightly. She just hated trying to talk about this stuff. It was hard and the lump in her throat wanted to strangle her.

“I’m not begging you anymore.” He was firm. She knew he had a right to be upset too. She had just been ghosting him in his own family’s home.

“Wait. “ She shot across the room and pulled him in causing them both to stumble.
The door closed in time for Finn to walk by and see his brother fall on top of that dainty woman.

Tommy descended on her like a love starved man kissing and sucking at her. She was weak to it now, since she’d had a taste of him. He didn’t seem to care that he had her rough;y pinned to the cold wooden floor. He was devouring her.

“Tommy… we …need…” She tried talking, let alone breathing between his lust filled kisses hot and passionate. While she wasn’t oppressed to his molestation, they did need to talk and clear the air. Especially if he was going to London, the loud glittering city with loose women.

“Talk later.” He’s tearing at her clothes.”I need to feel you, taste you before I go to the city.” He did need her, desperately. He loved to touch her and be reassured through her touches. She’d been cold to him, depriving him of sleep as well.

“No! Just give me a minute, I want you, I do. Back up.” She was panting from his aggressive sexual advances. She wasn’t complaining.

“Why are you always so afraid to talk to me eh?” He sat on his haunches looking at her, seeking out an answer in her blue and brown eyes. He was far more vulnerable than most people ever got to see him. She loved that he was soft and would open up to her, in most cases, unless it was business. Supposedly that was for safety.

“It's not just you. I do this to my sisters and family too.” She whispered. The lump in her throat was back.

“What did I do wrong eh?” He leaned forward trying to grab her hand. He wanted contact with her. She placed her delicate hand in his rough large man hands. He was eager for her touch, drawing lazy circles around her tumb. “Tell me, I want to fix this between us.”

“It’s me too. I just hate being cooped up here and…” the door flung open revealing Arthur who quickly apologized and closed the door. She could feel the breeze on her bare legs, her skirts were up to her hips. He’d gotten quite a view of her limber legs.

“We have to live somewhere where other people aren't barging in all the time.” That hadn't been what should have tumbled out of her mouth but it was genuine. Finn banged on the bathroom door all the time. She and Polly often joked he was more of a girl then they were fussing about his appearance.

“Hey, hey, Sabrina, look at me, look at me.” He cupped her face tracing his slowly cirles near her jaw. She adored this gesture the most. Oh, she loved this man. She could feel the bones her neck melting to jelly as she leaned into his embrace. She knew he held her. “ I promise, when I get back from London everything is going to change. I promise. I’ll buy you a house, get married, fill it with feral little Romany children that run a full staff ragged.” He watched her expression change as he kept adding to a laundry list of white picket fence ideas. They sounded great..over time.

“I’ll take you traveling to the country whenever I can eh.” That was the most romantic thing he’d said to her. He’d take her out camping.

“You're going to get busy Tommy.” She knew, she knew what awaited him with London, Sabini, Solomons and expansion. Her house would come after his next near death experience.

“I promise.” she couldn't tell him she knew about a few key unchanged events. Key Points in his life. She knew she’d be cooped up in a mansion if he fell for her. The grounds seem nice but she also foresaw his political campaign…..dark futures if she couldn’t help him untangle the Shelby curse he apparently wasn’t even aware of yet. It had befallen them years ago just before his mother passed. She’d seen it. His mother was a spirit guide of Sabrina’s but she wasn’t ready to tell him that yet.

“Tommy, I..” She needed to warn him.

“Yeah, promise me, promise me you’ll be here when I get back and you won't be sour with me.” She couldn’t promise that. She needed to go to London. Maybe soften things with Solomons, Serafina and Luca could meet with Sabini…. She might have to do this one on her own. Oh, she hated being alone in this timeline! Men weren’t the same. Gentlemen her backside, this was not the era of gentlemen if there ever was such a thing.

“I’m mad about you spending more time doing business in the front room of Arthur's pub and leaving me with Grace. I thought you….that comment about being able to take me to the races. I can dress well, I’ve had etiquette classes. I dress like this because I love it, I feel closer to my family like this, I want to be included, Tommy. I want to help you.” She prayered her sincerity would get through to his big stubborn man's head. Once he shook his head she knew she’d be slinking around behind his back.

“No, no Brina, because I don't care what happens to Grace, I care what happens to you. I need you safe, do you understand me? I need you at home, to be my safe space. Everything I do is for you and my family.” Ah, this again!

“Violet said that.” Sabrina regretted the words the moment they flew out. He of course latched on.

“She's my new favorite sister then.” He liked people who agreed with him and saw things his way. Who didn’t.

“You haven't even met Serafina.” She smiled coyly knowing full well they’d clash. A sharp ringing filled the room. Her ball wanted her attention. No doubt a sister with a warning or a scolding.

“ When you're done with your crystal ball call, seek me out. I want to spend the night with you tonight. Alone.” He patted her on the thought and offered her his arm. He pulled her to her feet and placed a soft kiss on top of her curly blonde head.

She hated luring him into a false sense of obedience, she already knew she was going to London somehow.

 

___________________________________________

What do you think about the modern clashes of attitude and cultures? What choices will the ladies make?

Chapter 9: Girls Holiday 1

Summary:

Sabrina, Violet and Serafina meet up in London to discuss details of Sera's move and their future as a triumvirate.

______________________Girls Holiday____________________________________

 

Luca Changretta stood on the steps of a club he and Angelo owned in downtown London waiting for Serafina's sisters. He was getting impatient.

He'd said he would wait while he smoked but how long did it take the ladies to get here. She said five minutes.

He tossed the butt of the cigarette to the cobblestones and used his heel to grind the sparks into the ground. It had been ten minutes. His fingertips had gotten too close to the smoldering tobacco.

He heard the whispers and tal before he'd seen them emerge from the cold London fog.

Luca recognized Violet instantly. She and Sera spoke the most. Being the two eldest and the one who helped raise Sabrina had created a bond between her and his woman.

"Violet, ice to finally see you face to face." He extended his hand and pulled her closer. He placed a kiss on the back of her hand. Violet blushed but leaned in to kiss each of his cheeks.

"Serafina isn't the only one who's dated a high class man, Senor Changretta." She smiled as he removed his hat and placed it over his heart.

"I knew she got her good taste from somewhere. " He commented and smiled at Sabrina tipping his head.

"You're the baby sister, Sabrina, right?" His low voice and manners caused the little blonde witch to blush. No wonder they didn't see serafina anymore.
She was obviously very busy with her charming man.

"Come on, she's inside staying warm, I reserved a good table for you ladies." He extended an arm each, linking elbows with the gypsy ladies and escorted them in.

No one would bother them once they saw the boss arm in arm like old friends.

"You aren't joining us?" Sabrina's sweet voice barely made it over the loud live jazz and clicks the dancers shoes.

"No, I need to finalize some plans. I leave for New York tomorrow. " He waited until the ladies were seated and refreshments had been provided. He kissed Serafina's cheek before he disappeared behind a black gilded door.

The two sisters noted that she'd leaned into his kiss and seemed relaxed around him.
"What just happened?" Sabrina asked with curiosity filling her voice. " Has the great serial romancer, Serafina Marie DeGhant settled down?" She tried to bite her lip to keep from laughing when her older sister's elegant black brow arched in question to her middle name being brought out.

"It is oddly refreshing to see you in love, Serafina. So, are you going to America tomorrow? How will this work? We're here to undo the curses." Sabrina slumped forward and played with the straw in her drink awaiting her sister's answer.

"Well the Shelbys were the main concern and you two have that front covered. I have to get Angelo to America and keep him and Luca there so he never meets Lizzie Stark and her love curse." Serafina rolled her eyes. They'd seen the forlorn love sickness Lizzie had floating around her aura. She deserved love, they all agreed to that, but sadly unless she met another gypsy family that could help her, the DeGhants couldn't seem to untangle it.

"So you'll keep the Italians busy in New York. What if we are all needed?" Sabrina's question was said softly but Violet was wondering the same thing. Did they seek out other witches? Other DeGhants in this timeline? How would they do that?

"Then make sure you can hold off for three weeks. That's how long it'll take me to come back." Serafina smiled as she said it but quickly stumbled back. "I can send my spells and power through the ball. Keep yours on you. We'll do the best we can. I had no idea my employment would end abruptly and I have to keep an eye on this man as he moves through the ranks. He dies earlier and the timeline is disrupted for us all. Same for your men." Serafina's gentle but firm reminder was laced with the truth that they would inevitably live separate lives, just as they had before. Violet had been married with kids in a city several hours away, Sabrina travelled in a van all around the country.

They were always far away.

"So, you look guilty baby sister, he doesn't know you're here does he?" Serafina grinned like a cat and leaned forward. Sabrina scoffed and crossed her arms.

"He's here with his brothers on "holiday" ,messing with Darbi Sabini. As long as I stay away from those Italains he'll never know I'm here." She shot back. She hoped that was true. She'd left a spiritual paramore at the Shelby home. His family hopefully was none the wiser. As long as no one touched her image, there was no way to tell that Sabrina wasn't physically there. It was only foolproof if she pulled it off.

"So no." Sera said, grinning at her little sister. All three ladies chatted about their respective partners, towns and environments long into the night.

Sabrina was the first one to head back to the hotel. She stood waiting for the vehicle that Luca said was pulling around for her.

"We'll poppet, don't you stand out. Yeah, you blondie, you here with those peaky men?" A man's gruff London twanged voice filled her ears. Sabrina locked eyes with Alfred Solomon's. The "Baker" of Camden Town.

Tommy had a meeting with him tomorrow.

"You don't speak English eh, it's okay. You're a lovely little thing to look at anyway." He smiled at her and kept his gaze on her as if memorizing her. A black vehicle pulled up and the door opened for her. She was grateful to scoot in the warm space and avoid further contact with the jewish man. She knew he was a dangerous associate of Thomas's.

She hoped Tommy didn't get wind of this. He'd never forgive her for going off without him.

Chapter 10: Sex, schemes and gypsy things.

Summary:

Sabrina gets caught, Violet meets up with her love interest and Serafina baits Luca into sex*

Sabrina felt the snap as soon as it happened. Someone discovered her secret out about her paramore at the Arrow house. She felt the tingle of gold and pastel magic as it glittered around her, getting reabsorbed.

Her stomach tightened remembering Thomas's words to her. "I'll punish you when I get back if I found out you went to London."

She packed quickly looking around the stunning white and gold hotel room Luca had paid for as a thank you for visiting her own sister before he sailed off with her to America. She stuffed her toiletries into her small pink pouch and checked out.

Panic was fluttering in her stomach like a tree filled with butterflies. She made it out to the hotel's front steps, the sun blinding her vision.

"Had a meeting with one Alfed Solomans today. Mentioned seeing a beautiful blonde haired gypsy girl." Sabrina froze and bright her daint hand up to shield her blue and brown eyes as her head shifted to the sound of her irritated lover's voice.

The man who'd captured her heart stood posh and proper under a tree. He wore his blue 3 piece suit, a favorite of hers and no doubt intentional. His peaky hat shaded his piercing curelane blue eyes. He stood smoking, the white cloud swirling around him like her magic had done to her recently. He snapped his fingers and pointed to the empty spot on the sidewalk in front of him.

She slowly walked up to him. She kept her head down demure knowing she'd intentionally lied to him and was now caught. She had to accept her fate.

"He kept going into detail, her eyes were like the night sky swirling mysterious and knowing. Sweetheart face, petite and long wavy blonde hair the color of corn silk. Dressed like a traditional woman. Solomon waxed quite poetically about you." His brows were knit tightly in disapproval, his jaw was set and his eyes gleamed with anger.

Sabrina's stomach hurt. "I just wanted to see Serafina before she went off. I was safe and smart. I am those things outside of you Thomas." She met his eyes. She hated facing him but she knew her words rang true.

"I'm trying to keep you safe." He sighed and tossed his cigarette into the ground, grinding it out with the toe of his polished shoe. "This world.." He glanced around and tipped his head in greeting as some men walked by glancing at Sabrina. "My time is different from yours. It's not as…gentle Sabrina, as you have all made it out to be." He brushed her locks away from her face. She felt more vulnerable everytime he did that gesture. It was a rare moment of tenderness from the hardened gangster.

"I'm sorry I lied to you and snuck out to London. I was technically supervised though by my sister's Mafia boyfriend so…I was safe about it." She smiled and tried making herself look innocent. He pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly getting a headache.

"Headache again?" She asked, concerned. He was getting those alot lately.

"Yes, I started naming my headaches:Sabrina." He smirked as she scoffed and crossed her arms clearly not amused that his head pain was named after her.

"How did you manage to convince my family you were home? And don't lie to me again Sabrina. I'm hungry and my head hurts." He sighed. She could see the cut on his head. He'd gotten into another scrap. She knew from her timeline that he was starting his London expansion. This was the Eden Club era.

"I used a spell that made it look like I was there as long as no one touched that version of Sabrina or found out," She paused to glare at him." It was fool proof. Except apparently I'm a fool and accidentally bumped into your future man bestie." She grumbled. His confused face caught her eye though. She was speaking like a "modern" woman again.

"You can make people think you are physically present with them when you aren't? You don't get hurt." He was thinking, she could see it behind his blue eyes. Never a good thing when Thomas Shelby got an idea.

"No, it's just an image…why?" She was highly suspicious now. He was plotting whether for a time now or later….he put her magic trick to use. She had no doubt.

"That may help us both out in the future…" She tossed her arms up in the air at his admittance. She hated being right sometimes.

"I hate when the cogs in your brain start turning like that." She reached up, her gestures as if she were turning the cogs herself. He smiled warmly at her.

"Cogs eh? I like that. You're not off the hook young lady, I'm still going to punish you for lying to me." His stern expression and mischief were emerging in his tone.

"Technically it wasn't a lie, I was there….as an image." She knew she couldn't save herself. He shook his head indicating that the punishment would benefit them both.

"Technicality eh?" I fear how smart and manipulative our children will be." He retorted. She blushed to her core feeling it tighten. He thought of children with her?

"You want to have babies with me?" She gushed and gave a little bounce forgetting they were in public. When she looked at him the rest of the world blurred around her. He smirked. "I have plans outside of the family business." His voice was low and husky. He kissed her senseless. She yelped in surprise and pulled back when she felt his firm hand smack her ass.

Vehicles now." he pointed and let out a genuine chuckle at her flush. She was kind of into it.
_____________________________________________Violet_______________________________________________________
She felt a heaviness in her heart with her sister's departure. She'd seen Serafina off at the docks exchanging tearful goodbyes and giving advice to Luciano Changretta on how to handle her sister's fear of water and moodiness.

She'd felt better after she'd been able to talk to the man. He seemed well equipped to handle her headstrong passionate sister without smothering her spark. She felt better knowing that he genuinely cared for the fire witch.

She'd even gotten to meet the great Thomas Shelby, Sabrina, whom her youngest sister fought with frequently and was madly in love with. He'd driven Sabrina down to the docks to see their sister off. He surprised her by asking if Charlie was taking her home on the boat or if she'd like a ride. She hadn't thought of Charlie passing by. After several weeks of no contact, she'd be lying if she said she hadn't had a desire to see him.

"How much to buy passage to Birming" Violet was smiling ear to ear waiting for the older gentlemen to remove his hat and look at her. She'd found Charlie's boat tied to a moor at a dock near Camden town. According to Thomas, Charlie had some cargo he'd sold and would be leaving by noon. He was resting on the bow, hands on his chest and his peaky hat over his face to blot out what sun may show its face for a few moments.

"I'm not interested in taking on passengers." He said gruffly unaware that it was Violet DeGhant, the lady who's caravan sat in his yard, addressing him.

"Charles Strong, if you leave me stranded I will never forgive and once I get back to Birmingham I'll hex your tea." She scolded him harshly. She had his attention though.

He sat up, hat sliding off his face held in one hand. He laughed and shook his head once he realized it was Violet. He cocked his head and scoffed looking at her with his weary face.

"What business do you have unaccompanied in London, luv?" He stood and reached his hand out to her. A flurry of emotions rushed over his gentle eyes. She accepted and was pulled into the boat. She handed him her little carpet bag which he tossed with a thud against a small door no doubt leading inside.
She raised an eyebrow at his posture. He was a tall thin man, who stood over her by several inches. His hands were on his hips and his eyes glued to her awaiting an answer.

"My sister sailed to America today. I came by to have a few hours with her last night to visit and then see her off today." He looked over, his face softening a bit. "Besides, Thomas was around and dropped me off here. I wasn't alone." She smiled at his concern and squeezed his hand. "So will you take me back?" She asked gently. He nodded his grin, a slow lazy smile coming across his face.

"Come on, it'll give us a chance to talk without your customers interrupting or Curly talking to us." He sounded gruff but she caught a little glimmer in his eye.

Maybe he'd had enough time to think…maybe about her.
_________________________________________________Serafina ___________________________________________________________

Sera hadn't expected to feel so emotional and upset by the departure. To be fair she really hadn't time to process when Luca had sprung the move to America and her abrupt job loss. She had to pack, see her sister and pack a house. It was too much too soon for sera and her carefree personality.

Serafina DeGhant paced back and forth trying to unpack a few objects and keep her body, fingers and mind busy.

"Sera, sit down, you're making the staff nervous. I've taken hundreds of ships back and forth. This is an easy trip. Relax." Luca patted his lap indicating where he'd like her to sit.

She stopped minwalk and turned to glare at him. Flying and time travel were far less jarring to her than a ship. A steel clad tomb she'd called it earlier when he'd scolded her for being dramatic. Of course that just inspired her to be more dramatic to tease him.

He'd taken her by the stairs, it was a lovely aggressive way to destress.
He must have seen into her thoughts from her facial expressions because he chuckled and undid his belt buckle….just in case. " Come here." He commanded, his voice husky and low.

She smirked, wondering how far she could push him to ignite a much more passionate dominant response from him.

"You want this belt across your ass naughty girl. Come here." He snapped his fingers at her. She tossed her head and laughed over her shoulder knowing this was going to be a good distracting fuck.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 11: Regrets, roses and Regression

Summary:

Sabrina gives Thomas a different perception on their relationship, Violet has regrets and Serafina realizes shes about to step into her new era.

"Why are we here?" Sabrina clung to Thomas's arm as he led her into the back end of a warehouse. Whiskey barrels lined shelves and the floors around them standing like soldiers stalwart and true, patiently waiting for something.

"We are here to meet with a new business partner and I'm using your pretty face for negotiations." He stopped and turned to face her his strong hand gently on her waist. " We need this contract Sabrina, it will help create a partnership between Camden town and Birmingham. It will further the family funds and bring about legitimacy."

Sabrina's stomach tightened as she glanced around. She knew that was false. It would bring in more spirits for the garrison which was the legal facade. The darker side she saw was the looming prohibition. Rebellion, excess and rumrunners.

"What about the illegitimate part, the dark side to this Thomas. IF the opportunity presents itself illegally to make money will you take it?" She tilted her chin up, definitely already knowing his answer. He scoffed at her and exhaled the tobacco swirling around her like ghosts she knew haunted him. He wasn't going to stop. The curse was within him….perhaps him.

Her heart slammed in her chest with that revelation. She was already deeply in love and intertwined with this man. She would need to figure out his drive and desire behind all of this. She needed to grow in her own strength to guild him and pull him out of hell he was creating for himself and those he loved.

"What?" He snapped at her. His jaw was set firm and the gravel was thick in his voice.

"You have blinders on like a horse, you can't see the danger encroaching behind you as you pass Thomas." Sabrina watched his face feeling the sight of her overcoming it. It was getting more gentle now that she wasn't fighting it, riding it out and accepting it.

"You can? Eh?" He asked like an alley cat. She could see his hackles rising. She had to calm him down.

"Yes, luckily for you I'm at your back." She remained calm as she kept her tone even. She wouldn't allow him to bite at her. She wasn't the enemy.

"This deal is necessary. I need to know you trust me to make solid business deals and create a future for us, for my family, for us." His voice had a rawness she loved and rarely heard. He really believed this was the way. She nodded and gently touched his face.

"I trust you in business and with good intentions." She watched him relax at her gentle words. "You need to trust me that I have you back and can fight the shadows behind you." His face softened and he sighed. He cupped her face with his hands gently to not burn her with his waning cigarette and his razored cap as he placed his forehead to hers.

She knew they'd be alright then. " Come on, I'll stay behind you and listen." She raised up on her toes and kissed his nose.

She would have to go into the woods soon and seek answers by herself and for herself.
She hoped he could understand her need to build her own power base with and for herself…for them. Now she needed to be patient again for him.

____________________________________Violet_______________________

Violet had been thinking, which was a dangerous pastime for her. She felt lost and untethered. She was always the one in large important roles in the family.

Always the other for her own parents, sisters and her husband and children. Now Serafina and Sabrina were off untangling the fates and curses of two strong men. Stepping into their own power and fates.

While she was off selling plants and herbs. Her life was quiet, routine and seemingly to her, without need or purpose.

Was Charlie and Curley a distraction? Why was she in Birmingham other than to occasionally be a support again for her younger siblings.

Serafina didn't need her now, probably hadn't in a while. Violet scolded herself for missing the growth of Sera and was now concerned how much Sabrina might be growing without her.

Why was Violet here?

"Hey, I made ham sandwiches. Are you alright hun?" Charlie's deep even tone floated down to her in the cabin. She understood his concern. She'd been laying on the cot all morning lost within her own introspection and loss.

If she didn't face all this soon it would pull her under and drown her…hell, she may allow it too.

She shifted on the cot, removing her arm from her eyes. She cast a small smile his way. He was a sweet man. A hard man but intelligent and business savvy even if it wasn't completely legal.

She laughed and sat up feeling lighter. She would deal with her pain and would have to, but it was okay to allow someone to cheer her up and sit with her wasn't it?

"I would love a sandwich and perhaps some sunshine." She stood and reached out to him allowing herself to take his hand.

Maybe the healer could be gently healed slowly by others? She'd unpack her feeling of being left behind later. Now she needed to bask in the actual sunlight and Charlie's gentle gruff nature.
____________________________________________________________________

"You're basically pacing the deck Tesero." Luca's deep gravelly voice floated to her. She'd finally stopped near the bow.

She smirked realizing she was about to have her own Titanic moment. Whether that meant bonding with Luca on the ship and feeling free, or about to capsize she didn't know.

"Thought you'd be happy to get me out of the cabin and the bed Caro." Serafina turned and smirked at him. He walked up to her and placed his arms on either side of the rails pinning her in. She loved his masculine side.

"The cabin, yes, the bed…eh, I don't mind being in bed all day as long as I'm there with you." He kissed her full and deep.

She was grateful it was a cool morning. Not many people walk by and cast morally superior glares their way for displays of affection and adoration.

"Restless in my head still Luciano. " Her soft confession seemed to surprise them both. She laughed. She usually surprised them both regularly by the thoughts that spilled like water carelessly from her mouth.

"You aint upset about being on the water anymore, you seemed to make peace with it as long as it's calm. What's got you restless?" He raised her gloved hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. Instead of letting go he held her hand and rolled small circles soothingly over the leather.

Gods above she loved this man with all her heart and soul. She'd never met or thought she'd meet someone who matched her passion and desire like he did. It was almost silly that she had to time travel to find a man of his caliber for herself.

"You ain't thinking sad thoughts anymore Cara Mia, I can read your face." He grinned at her and glanced around. No one was around on deck. He leaned forward pinning her to the bows railing and kissed her senseless.

"How about we get back inside, I'll order breakfast in the cabin, we'll throw on a record and you can tell me what's going on in the beautiful head of yours, eh." He stepped back and offered her his hand. His concern etched across his face when he realized she wasn't taking it.

"No." She smirked watching his face change. She was challenging him. This could go either way or them both. She didn't want to be cooped up. "I want the fresh air and the stinging of the cold." She replied calmly. He shrugged clearly giving into her today.

She liked days where he selfishly catered to her and didn't try to change her moods or mind.

"Is this your concern about America again?" He grabbed a cigarette and offered her one. She quickly accepted. She stayed quiet while he found his matchbook and struck it against the black line. It hissed and danced to life the flame flickering in the wind. Her hand raised up to block the air from extinguishing the flame.

They worked well as a team, in tandem.

"I'll figure it out once we land. I'm just antsy to get started working again." She watched his face. They'd had a massive argument that caused them to be in separate cabins the other day. Crews orders.

The argument had been about her working. He really wanted her to stay at home, to get married immediately and start working on a baby.

She had argued that their new home needed to be broken in first and comfortable before she was willing to raise a child there. She explained that witches brought life and energy to homes. He didn't disagree with her on that point.

They'd come to a compromise. She'd take out her birth control and once she got pregnant, they both knew it wouldn't take long, then they'd married and she'd run the home and business with him inside their luxurious mansion.

She'd already seen glimpses of the future. She also knew she had a while to work before she conceived.

"Not sure if I should tell you this but you're losing track of time, Serafina. Look at the horizon." He pointed past her as she turned her gaze from him to the almost faint outline of land. The smoke from her cigarette blew in her face like the upcoming impending fog that would cover the industrious ever growing beast of a City. Her future kingdom.

Chapter 12: Talks, truths and truces

Violet was aware Charlie's heavy gaze was on her while they sat on the bow of the boat slowly enjoying their lunch. They had several light and polite conversations within the slow hours. She was trying to ignore his staring but it had gone from flattering to intuitive perception quickly. She felt like an insect about to be pinned down to a white board and examined. Each section is a detailed dissection of her innermost thoughts and being.

She shivered. Being a natural born witch she was highly intuitive and good at reading people. It was unnerving when someone could do that to her.

Charles Strong came from good rich traveler blood. He probably had a witch in the line somewhere. Most families did here.

"Violet, look at me." He commanded. His already right voice wafted through her ears and tugged at her soul. She reluctantly turned her head and gave him a soft smile. His eyes bore into her soul. He moved the oar slightly to adjust his lean limber body to face her.

"You are not okay. What's going on and don't you dare tell me your fine or you'll be fine. I already know you will be." His voice was firm but demanding. She sighed and rolled her eyes earning a raised eyebrow and scoff from him. "Stubborn woman." He muttered under his breath. She was looking at him. Anger, pain and aggression lurked behind her purple eyes like a predator brought back to an awakened state.

Violet didn't want to talk. The last thing she needed was to show him her darkening deep heart. He didn't need to drown needlessly with her.

"Look, you wont hurt me Violet. I know what it's like to lose the love of your life. I watched mine marry another man, be abused and neglected in ways you can only imagine. I allowed myself to harbor her in my heart and when she needed it my bed. I had a child I could never fully raise with her until her husband left her. I watched her depression slowly drown her until she finalized her pain. I fished her out of the same canal I take on every trip. I know the exact spot I pulled her from. I hold my breath everytime I pass it." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He was feeling the pain again, allowing it to pass through him.

Violet's eyes widened as the realization hit her. He was talking about the Shelby's mother. He had been in love with Amara Shelby and watched her demise leading up to her final act of pain. Death by her own hand.

"You take a particular interest in Thomas. Even Sabrina says he looks up to you like a father." Violet's eyes honed in on his tired blue orbs. Thomas Michael Shelby was indeed Charlie's biological son born in forbidden love between a pain filled woman and this hardworking man.

"What I'm trying to say is, I know a thing or two about pain. How it can slowly erode a good person and drive them crazy." His voice was lower and slower. Like he was trying to calm a crazed animal. Her heart felt caged and terrified like a bird realizing it had been caught and kept.

Violet nodded stunned into silence. He was safe, she adored him and trusted him…so was it that she was afraid to talk about the pain of their deaths…or her feeling left behind with her sisters moving on.

"It's…confusing to me." She felt the saline prick the back of her eyes. She could feel the damp rolling around her purple orbs ready to spill out. Her heart was still raw but maybe she needed the tears to purify and heal the tender organ. There was really only one way to find out.

"One conversation at a time, yes?" She wasn't asking permission even though it almost felt like she was, sounded like she was. He nodded. She had his attention and empathy. She sucked in a breath.

"I'm not good at talking." She confessed. His chuckle had startled her and forced her partially offended gaze to meet his soft face.

"You my dear are i deed great at talking, I'm convinced you probably talk in your sleep." He chuckled at his own joke. She started giggling. The tears slipped out and ran down her face with such intensity they were both caught off guard.

" Fine, I'm a good communicator…except when it comes to sharing my fears. I feel." She paused, feeling the anxiety rising and slowly constricting in her chest like a snake coiled tight and ready to strike."

"Take your time luv, we have a full day before we get back. You have time." He took her hand in his and squeezed.

"I feel left behind. Like suddenly my sisters have their own lives. My life advice isn't sought anymore, I just feel….like I have no purpose. I have all this knowledge and for what? Do I teach, do I rest, do I go crazy…..I have no idea. Does it even matter anymore?" Her voice dipped with pain and Charlie's face morphed with understanding and sympathy. He wrapped her fingers around her chin firmly and forced her tear stained eyes to meet his. He looked like he'd been slapped in the heart. She knew the feeling.

"You're too physically young to be an old Violet, you may feel that way. I promise you I understand. Any person who ages and watches the kids they made grow up will tell you it's always sudden and painful to watch them grow up and not need you anymore or as much. You might not agree with their decisions and sometimes their choices cause you pain. It doesn't mean you don't have a purpose. This time's for you to reconnect with yourself. " She really looked at him, into him and saw the wisdom in his words and the pain that had shaped him into an intelligent man.

"What?" He looked at her. She was staring at him.

"I knew you were smart and kind, I didn't realize how emotionally intelligent you are." She meant her words not as honeyed kindness but profoundly amazed by his words. She took his hand from her chin and kissed his palm.

"You learn a few things, even if you don't want to as life drags you along." He smiled at her. He squeezed her hand and grabbed the oar. She hadn't realized but they were at a turning point in the canal. He helped guide the boat back to Birmingham and she couldn't help but wonder if the symbolism in that was her sign that she could process everything now and bloom on her own.
____________________________________________________________________________________Sabrina_________________________________________________________________________________________
Thomas tucked Sabrina behind him as if he was keeping her protected like a gentleman. She felt the shift in him. She'd wondered what had happened between him and Grace during the races. When she'd come to the garrison Grace almost looked worried about Sabrina, had Thomas treated her like this? A pawn in one of his dangerous schemes?

She'd take him to task if he had and make him publicly apologize to the Irish women.

She heard a familiar voice greet her boyfriend. He suddenly sat down and took her hand guiding her to stand beside him. She placed her hand on his shoulder. He looked up at her and gave her a soft quick reassuring smile.

It helped for a moment. Why exactly did he need her here? She was more than content to not be a part of his business deals. She felt so uncomfortable here.

Sabrina smiled at the whiskey maker but tried not to meet his eyes. He'd been rustling around in his desk and pulled out some hand drawn papers. They looked official whatever they were for. She wondered what they pertained to and why Thomas had insisted she be here.

"Hey, poppet. How are you?" He smiled up at her his eyes dancing with excitement. Tommy, that's the little gypsy girl from the other night I was telling you about. Looks like she came right out of a movie screen, she does." Sabrina blushed deep and crimson at his words. She was not good at flirting or accepting flirtations.

"So you're his woman are you?" He asked her. Sabrina nodded, her heart racing, something about this man made her shut down and guard herself. He seemed polite and jovial...to her at least. Thomas seemed pleased that Alfie was so taken with her. She wasn't thrilled that her boyfriend was okay with other men finding her attractive.

"She doesn't talk much does she?" Alfie asked the Birmingham man. Thomas chuckled and raised an eyebrow at the other man as if challenging his question. He knew otherwise.

"Cat seems to suddenly have her tongue, Alfie." Sabrina scowled at Tommy and rolled her eyes. She might be embarrassed but she wasn't going to let that slide.

Alfie laughed. His laughter bounced off the walls and filled the space. Thomas had described him as moody, unpredictable and sullen at times. Where was that man?

"See I knew she had to have a personality. I couldn't see you with a small quiet girl." He sat up and slid the contract towards Tommy. Sabrina smiled at the Jewish man politely. She was trying to keep from being rude and glancing at the contract.

"Me, I'd like a sweet little woman like that. She's got Tom's wife's eyes Tom. She's be making your dinner fresh and hot every night, rocking the babies to sleep and she is loyal. You can tell by her demeanor towards you. If you ever get tired of this mean man let me know. I'd marry you poppet. House by the sea even. " His offer seemed legitimate. He sat back and crossed her hands over his stomach looking her in the eyes. He meant it. She was briefly taken aback by his boldness. Thomas was busy reading. She almost wanted to slap the back of his head.

Alfie winked at her. Sabrina giggled as Thomas read over the contract. He looked up and raised an eyebrow glancing at both parties. He didn't look angry but she could see the jealousy seeping in. It didn't bother her.

He was a man of quick violent actions. It was nice to see the human side coming out.

 

"Right well, here's my proposition….." Thomas said firmly as he addressed the Camden town" baker".
______________________________________________________________________________________________________Serafina/Luca___________________________________________________________________________________

 

"Where is it?!" Sera's screech of frustration had Luca refilling his whiskey glass. He thought she'd go back to some sense of normality after they had left the boat. He had been proven very wrong.

They booked a hotel suite while they spent time apartment shopping. She was like a caged animal. She was restless, crying and harder to deal with than usual. He enjoyed her passion, her scathing tongue not so much. Her most recent episode included tossing clothes trying to find the crystal ball. Her energy was like lightning: quick, hot and unpredictable.

Luca was actively trying to avoid her but there were only so many rooms.

He heard the sharp ringing. He tested the phone but it wasn't a normal call. He searched around the living room area and found it buried under a pillow.

"Hello! Sera, can you hear me. Oh, hi Luca." Luca shook his head. There were a lot of mysteries surrounding Serafina DeGhant. How this piece of glass showed an image and turned into a long distance phone was one of them.

A frustrated screech tore through the apartment. Luca shook his head. He was about to call the Bronx Zoo and acquire some tranquilizers.

" How bad is it?" Sabrina's soft sweet voice asked cautiously. She'd lived with Serafina. She knew the depths of these episodes. She honestly looked worried. Luca wasn't sure how he felt about that.

"She's literally tearing apart the hotel's suit. I gotta find a home for her to nest in soon." He looked over his shoulder to make sure she wasn't lurking somewhere ready to hex him. " I thought the ship was bad, she screeching like a harpy."

" Yeah, speaking from experience…go lock yourself in the bathroom, take snacks and wait for her out. If it falls eerily quiet…your safe" Luca's eye widened at the seriousness of Sabrina's often caring tone. Geez, what was he in for?

"Good to know." He replied sarcastically.

"Can I talk to you actually?" Her request startled him. Why in the world would she want to talk to him? He technically wasn't married into the family yet. He didn't understand this witchy stuff.

"You wanna talk to me?" His voice is low and gravel filled. He felt overly cautious but his curiosity won. She was a nice girl so how bad could her question be? "About what exactly?"

"Oh nothing bad…I'm dating a gangster in Birmingham." Sabrina blurted out rapidly. Her breathing had increased slightly and she was flushed. Something had happened. He'd seen enough of his own women find out something or see something less desirable about his line of work and start to panic in the past.

"I heard, I must run in the family huh?" He tried to distract her, calm her down a bit. She chuckled and blushed. He still had it.

" I….I don't want to be a part of what is going on with his business and illegal dealings. I just want to bury my head in the sand like an ostrich…is that bad? Am I a bad partner?" He could see the guilt building in her eyes and threatening to spill over as hot tears.

"Take a break Sweetheart. Is he trying to get you involved?" Luca kept his voice soft and steady. Trying to keep her calm and focused.
"Not necessarily…." She looked frustrated. She wasn't sure how or why she was feeling her emotions. His heart was wrenched. He hated when women cried. He looked around for his woman…she was nowhere to be seen. Maybe a mixed blessing.

"What are you trying to ask Sabrina?" He knew she'd called to talk for a reason. Not initially with him but he'd help if he could. He just needed to know the exact question.

"I don't know." She sighed and bit her lip. " I guess I'm not sure how I can take his stress off, how good I am to him or if my witch powers will be of much use." She was doubting herself and her role in his life. Luca knew a good woman was a massive part in a gangster's success and a longer life.

"If he's with you for your power, he ain't gonna treat you right princess. Dump him and find a nice Italian across the canal." He tried hiding his smirk. Her head shot up but she was focused now. Just like he wanted.

" I just…I don't have a place. I cook, I help his Aunt keep the house and I sell my spells and such I just…" She wasn't sure she was important. He should be telling her that but Luca knew British men could be oblivious to emotions.

"You and Serafina are very modern women, you know that. I don't know who this guy is…but if he loves you and he's from the same time I am…he appreciates knowing you are safe at home and waiting for him. Our life is hard Sabrina, not just for us but the strong women we choose to share it with. It ain't for the faint of heart but knowing some stuff about you DeGhant's…you got what it takes." He meant it. He knew that having a strong, safe and loyal woman at home was the balm to a shitty day. Especially if a good man died next to you or because of you. It was a massive need.

"I see how you were able to ground Serafina. You're a smart and sweet Luca." Sabrina's compliment puffed him up a bit. It was nice to see he was appreciated by his lady loves family.

"I'm Italian." He said tongue in cheek. He winked at the crystal ball causing them both to laugh. She looked lighter now. Sounded better too.

Sera stood silently by the door frame watching the exchange between the love of her life and her baby sister. She had no idea he had such a sweet insightful calming side to him. She was more willing now to try to give him a child.

"Thanks Luca." Sabrina's sweet voice filled the room.

"Your sister appears to be calm now." He commented on not hearing her rage anymore.

"I'm good now. Thank you for taking my call. Go. Take her out to eat and tell her she's beautiful." Sabrina's advice would be perfect if he already wasn't the perfect partner to her sister and adaptive to her needs.

"Everynight." He smiled. "She deserves to be spoiled and treated like a queen. I know how good I got it." He grins at her little sister as she aww'd. The ball went blank and he sighed, shaking his head. These women would be the death of him.

Movement caught his eye to the left of him. He turned and raked his eyes slowly and appreciatively over her scantily clad form. Her long black hair was down and her slip had a slit right up to the top of her thigh. He loved it when she looked seductive, dangerous and confident in her sexuality. He was a lucky man.

"What? He asks Sera. He extended his hand handing her the glass orb. She smiled and tossed it to the side. She looked ready to fuck.

"That was pretty sound advice there Mr. Changretta. Makes me realize that you could probably handle children a lot better than I can." She purred and slowly stalked toward him. He smirked and rubbed his lips. Definitely turned on now.

" You wanna practice making them then?" he offered as he grabbed her by the hips and pulled her flush to his thin form.

She laughed and grabbed him by the collar roughly forcing his face dangerously close to her lush red lips "I always enjoy the practice."

Chapter 13: Practice, Punishment and Pain

Summary:

Serafina/ Sabrina and Violet

Serafina walked in through the front door and flung her coat over the entry table. She dropped her letter into the conch shell and started deliberately and slowly peeling off her glove finger by finger.

She could feel Luca's eyes boring into the back of her head. She glanced up at the mirror. He was rubbing his jaw. He looked frazzled already today probably because of her little excursions. His hair looked as if he'd been raking his long digits through it, his shirt cuffs were rolled up and wrinkled and he was only in pressed white shirt, no waist coat and no tie.

She'd broken so many rules this morning. She didn't care however. She knew she would be absolved from his wrath soon enough.

She'd taken the car without permission or a driver, she took no armed escort and she hadn't told him or anyone for that matter where she was going.

She was a powerful witch in her own right and a woman harboring a secret. No one was going to be stupid enough to stop her, not even her husband-to-be.

"Serafina." He growled low and laced with danger. His jaw was set tight and his green eyes flashed with war. " How many times do we gotta fucking talk about this. It's for your own safety." He stalked her like an angry beast.

The staff slowly melted away, disappearing into narrow rooms or corridors. Smart.

"I don't know Caro, until you understand that I am far more dangerous than any gun or knife blade." She challenged uncaring for his attitude. She picked up the paper from the bowl and turned to address him clearly unafraid of his anger. He was practically vibrating with rage. He was also an inch from her if that.

"Both of which, may I remind you CAN and Probably still will kill you Tesoro." He stood over her. His hand forcefully grabbed her jaw and tilted her head upright to force her to look at him. She smirked, causing his teeth to grind.

"I had errands to run, important ones I promise. You, my love, had work." She said softly as she ran her fingers tenderly across his jaw.

"Sera, we are having this argument far too often for me to be so forgiving anymore." His hands settled on her shoulder. Gods he was beyond pissed. She could actually see him holding back his anger. " You've gone too far now Cara Mia."

" I'm pregnant." She waited for a flurry of emotions to race across his mind and face. He released her as if she'd suddenly burned him. " I removed the birth control device while we were on the boat…or ship whatever. I thought I was sure it would take awhile but my vision seems to be as shifting and sure as sand beneath my feet. While warm and lovely, utterly useless." She had been upset that her timeline was off. Perhaps a side effect. Violet wasn't answering her ball and Sabrina well she was too young to understand her sisters fears and concerns about her powers growing, shifting and waning.

She'd been watching her power shift and morph. She needed a retreat, alone, now she knew that was going to happen. She needed to lock herself away and figure out what was going on.

"Serafina." He husked out his face and voice soft and tender towards her. "Where did you go baby? Come back to me, to this conversation in this very important moment." They locked eyes. Silver to green. She wondered what color their child's eyes would be.

"Are you okay with this?" His soft and sweet question threw her off her guard. She'd removed it without telling him she was doing so she was in control. She had hoped it would be a pleasant surprise.

"I am. Forgive me if I don't seem excited Caro, I am, truly. " She tapped the papers in her hand before handing them over. It was confirmation and the baby's heartbeat. Luca took his hand and rubbed his jaw. His eyes raked the paper over, catching every detail twice.

"You wanna fill me in on why you are concerned then, did the doctor say the pregnancy was dangerous?" His hand gently lay on her stomach. She smiled at him and shook her head no. He released a deep ragged breath.

"He's healthy Luciano." He was. She already knew that from her readings and dreams.

"I can't read your mind Sera. I'm going to need you to tell me what you're concerned about." She smiled softly and lay her head on his chest. His arms wrapped around her. How could she explain her fears of her powers shifting or being incorrect. What use was she?

"My power, it's not waning per say, it's just…changing. I've never heard of a DeGhant witch changing powers before." She had no clue what to think herself, let alone convey it properly.

"What do you mean by changing power? " Luca gently grabbed her arm and pulled her into the study. He closed the door. " I doubt they'd hang you in America as a witch in 1919 but why risk it?" She nodded understanding she needed to get better at hiding things, her powers, her pregnancy…" She closed her eyes and sighed.

"Why ain't you calling your sister about this?" She looked at him and rolled her eyes. He'd seen her trying hadn't he?

"For what? And I've tried. I have no idea what's happening, how would they?" Her voice was raw, a lump formed deep within her throat cutting off her air supply. She was scared.

"You think it's the baby?" he asked curiously and cautiously. His large hands settle on her stomach again. He was always an affectionate man, now she'd never have a minute to herself.

"No Caro, I'm a DeGhant. He'll get no power from me. The bloodline powers are only passed to women. If he is powerful it's because of his father and his influence." She smiled. Luca nodded. " But a girl….she'll be a witch."

"A boy, eh?" He shifted on his feet. She could see the moisture in his eyes. "So I gotta watch out for floating baby rattles and stuff eh?" He teased me. She rolled her eyes. He'd seen her float while she meditated. He now held her in his arms every night to keep her grounded…to keep her safe when staff came in to tend to the fire.

"I'll figure it out." Sera said firmly. She meant it.

"We'll figure it out. I got a cousin down south, Cara Mia. I'll ask him about the witches in New Orleans or something." She kissed his face. eHe was always so caring.

" First things first, I promised you a wedding. You should probably start planning. I won't be getting any smaller " She teased him, causing him to chuckle and clutch his chest.

He remembered her promise that she'd show up and wear what he'd chosen and eat what he'd picked out but she cared not to plan anything for the wedding.

" Why do you always gotta remind me that I'm your bitch?" He laughed. His hand settling on the back of her head top held her face to face with him. He kissed her gently and placed his forehead against his. An intimate gesture of their every growing closeness.

"Because you're strong enough in your masculinity to take it, Caro." She teased. His breath ghosted gently across her face as he laughed. They were both happy at that moment.

 

______________________________Sabrina_____________________________________

 

It had been a quiet ride in Thomas' car back to Birmingham. Three hours and twenty eight grueling minutes she sat in silence with her boyfriend and very little of it had been comfortable.

She knew the closer they got to Birmingham the tighter her stomach twisted with a barbed wire feeling.

When Tommy helped her into the car and smacked her ass sharply, as he said he'd do, he reminded her that the closer they got to Birmingham, the closer they would be to the overprotective and justifiably sharp tongue of Polly gray.

Birmingham came into view. Sabrina knew she was squirming. Tom smirked and shook his head at her. Smoke billowed out of his mouth like the chimney approaching the industrialized town.

She gripped the shallow door clutching it as if her life depended on it. It wouldn't shield her from the angry hot energy no doubt that the house held right now.

"Tommy, Sabrina! Your back!" Finn came racing up to them and grabbed her door handle flinging to open before the car properly sputtered off.

"Finn." His elder brother addressed him. The boy was practically bouncing from excitement. Sabrina couldn't help but smile. Next to Thomas Finn was her second favorite Shelby man.

"Polly running hot like a kettle. She is fixing to tie you to the shop Sabrina. Says she's gonna lock you in the room with the safes. " Finn was practically yelling the information. He was far too excited at the thought of her being handcuffed or tried inside the betting shop.

Thomas tilted his head down clearly amused. She could still see the smirk, a cocky smile on his handsome chiseled features. He was probably thinking of one her upcoming tongue lashing and two tying her up himself. She'd be down for the second part as long as long as it was in bed.

"Were going to handcuff you to the metal bars in the safe room, eh?" He raised an eyebrow. Sabrina turned and laughed. Her nerves were making her silly now.

Thomas held her hand protectively and firmly to walk her through the main door of the home. Sabrina tried sneaking around him. He chuckled deeply and pulled her forward into the dining room. She breathed a sigh of relief until she heard the heels clicking to he rside. Shit, he just led her out in the open. She glared at him

"Sabrina Anne DeGhant. You have some explaining to do." Polly's eyes flashed in anger, her curls settling down on her shoulders. "Sit." Sabrina sought out her boyfriend. He dipped his head at Polly in reverence and walked up the stairs. Coward.

Sabrina glanced at the angry women. A swarming hornets nest could compete right now to an agonizing death and her money would still be on Polly being worse and far more creative with her death.

She sobered up quickly, the anger fading and sat down.

"There, now that your man is gone you can face me grown woman to grown woman." She leaned down over Sabrina. She could smell the cigarette smoke clinging to the other womens jasmine perfume.
Sabrina felt awful. Polly had been worried, the anger a façade for her concern.
" What the hell were you thinking? A note, a Blinder…someone should have known. God forbid Sabini or Campbell find you and toss you in a canal. Would we have known where to find you?" She sounded like a concerned angry mother.

"I wasn't thinking." Sabrina answered softly barely above a whisper. She felt like she had disappointed a parent.

"No, you don't give a half ass answer. " Polly sat down, pulled out the chair and grabbed Sabrina's hands in her.

"God, you are such a sweet soul, I know what Thomas see's in you." Her intensity was causing Sabina to feel pressure behind her eyes. She was going to cry. "Hey look at me. He sees past your growing power, even if he doesn't say it. It's a relief to him that you can protect us. "Polly rubbed gentle circles into the back of her hand.

Sabrina appreciated hearing it from someone that was a Shelby.

" You are a salve to his soul Sabrina, he can't afford to lose you now that you've healed a bit of France from his heart, but you should know and come to terms with the fact that you drew in an ambitious, dangerous, loyal man." Polly was trying to get her to understand.

"I'm not trying to change him. I know I can't nor do I want to. I just need some freedom. I understand this is 1919 and I'm his…..property. " Sabrina spat out, almost unable to swallow. Polly chuckled.

"He doesn't want to tame you or own you. He knows you're a wild rose. I wish he'd be smart enough to say this to you but he's a man. They pretend they don't have sentiment but it's the farthest thing from the truth." She mused.

"I am sorry I scared you. I'll tell you next time. I just needed to see my sister off. Everything is changing, more rapidly now and…I feel a little lost and powerless to stop it." Sabrina could feel her chest tightening again. She didn't know if it was asthma or anxiety neither were a fun option.

"Talk to your sisters luv. Trust me, they understand far more than you know and both are a bit more experienced with life." Polly patted her hand, the expression on the older woman's face far more soft than moments before.

" I'd hate to lose another daughter and not have answers." Polly's sentence was the final blow to Sabrina's young adult facade. She could feel the disappointment firmly biting into her soul now.

"I could get you answers. " She whispered, glancing at Pol, whom she loved like a mother.
______________________________________________________________________Violet______________________________________________________

 

They had stopped an hour to Birmingham for Charlie to buy some scrap to melt down. She enjoyed watching him interact as a businessman.

Violet had been wandering close to Charlie, aware of his protective gaze on her. She tried to stay near the man he was negotiating with. This felt off. She wasn't sure why. The man kept looking at her and shifting on his feet.

Several children gathered around Violet inspecting her and grabbing at her.

"Violet!" His sharp call surprised them all. The kids scattered like seeds in the wind." I can't barter a deal and worry about you getting into trouble." His face was strong and stern. He nodded his head and yanked it toward the direction of the boat.

"I'm a 36 year old woman, Charles Strong. I can take care of myself." Violet gathered her skirt and watched his eyes floor her as she made her way to the January.
His rough warm hand snagged Violet's arm, yanking her back.

His voice was low and filled with caution, his eyes spoke of deep concern. What had she missed?

"In certain circumstances you are more than capable. You are too naive here right in this moment Violet." His face softens as he addresses her. The "Thieves Violet, the children are a distraction to steal. Go." His voice was low but firm. She nodded. She had nothing on her but she didn't want to argue with him in front of a stranger lest he be seen as weak.

"Your wife is welcome." The other man said grinning. Violet and Charlie glanced at him both seemingly unimpressed.

"I bet she is." Charlie stared at the man. Violet could see his son, Thomas Shelby in him now. Violet cocked her head and shook her brain clear. He did not correct the man about the nature of their relationship. Perhaps it was to protect her, nothing too deeply to read into. She blushed crimson nonetheless.
____________________________________________________
Violet wrote in her journal staying quiet occasionally looking for him. He eventually loaded the boat and secured his goods. Money was exchanged.

She felt the now familiar lurch of the boat going forward. She wasn't sure what his feelings were for her after the last two days. She only knew her heart.

"Violet, can you come up here?" She set her book down and ducked under the metal door frame creeping up to the bow where she knew he'd be standing or in hand. He looked like a ferryman.

She walked up to him and patiently waited.

"I like you Violet. I haven't felt this way towards a woman since Alma." His voice hitched and she watched his adamsapple bobbed up and down. It pained him to speak about her still. Violet understood the pain of missing a partner all too well.

Wait, was he confessing to her?

"I like you too." She smiled and waited. He shifted on his feet. They were quiet and unmoving for several moments both afraid to speak. Her eyes flickered down to his wrist. He pushed his sleeve up showing his bare wrist.
She was looking for the quarts.

" It shattered over a week ago. I don't need witchcraft to fall in love with you Violet." He leaned forward and kissed her. When she didn't pull back he deepened the kiss.

Chapter 14: Spies, Spinning the yarn and Supplies

Summary:

Sabrina takes over a piece of the business, Violet gets involved with a plot and Serafina gets some

Sabrina practically ran to keep up with her boyfriend as his longer strides carried him to the Garrison. He'd decided he needed to keep her busier. She knew it was truly to keep a better eye on her since her disappearing act to London.

She knew Campbell and Grace were closing in. Thomas had confided in her one night while they both lay awake and he gently rubbed small circles into her back that he knew he had a rat. He just didn't know who.

After some digging he and Sabrina had traced it back to Arthur. Grace was their secretary and kept track of the books. He was going to have Sabrina help for a month to see if that tightened anything up including Arthur's lips.

Sabrina felt bad keeping her eye on dear Arthur as she affectionately called him. Thomas had choked on his tea when she'd mention that he was a teddy bear with fangs.

She had loved hearing Thomas laugh with abandonment. It was so pure and rich. She treasured every smile too knowing they were a precious commodity.

The eldest Shelby man had nixed that name. He claimed he didn't need all of Birmingham thinking he was a snuggly teddy bear.

She told him of an illustration she'd seen as a child where the teddy bear had brandished a sword and protected the sleeping child from the monster in the closet.

 

"Come on, we haven't all day. I'm needed at the shop today, eh." He patted her bum as he ushered her inside.

The day wasn't even beginning. Grace and Harry were putting down stools and doing some last minute prep. Thomas nodded to Grace who was ever vigilant. She watched as Thomas took her into the side room where the books were locked in.

Thomas got her all set in and showed her all the supplies, how he wanted the numbers to be columned going forward and so on.

Sabrina noticed Grace's looming presence before the other women cleared her throat.

"What's going on?" Grace asked cautiously. Sabrina raised her head and smiled at the other blonde woman.
"Grace, we're getting busier in the Garrison especially with your sing alongs. Thought I'd keep my women busy and out of trouble. She can read her cards and spin her spells after hours." Thomas kept his voice light and airy so she would suspect anything.

Sabrina felt a soft spot for the other women. She was just here to do her job which was to spy on the Shelby's. Sabrina knew she could be friendly but guarded.

"Oh, of course, Arthur is aware of this?" Grace asked curiously. Her tone was harsher now. The glass she was polishing might be thinner if she kept standing in the doorway.

"Arthur isn't the boss. The garrison might be his but I'm the head of the family. What I say goes, yeah?" His eyes were narrowed and he stalked towards Grace blocking the women from looking at one another.

Sabrina hated when Thomas talked to her like that…"I'm the man.." nonsense but she was in his time.

"Alright." She walked away her receding footsteps heavier than her cat like stealth from the beginning of the talk.

Tommy leaned down over her his arms braced on either side. She could smell the whiskey on his breath as it softly ghosted over her face.
" She gives you any trouble, you have any of your ... .intuitive feelings, you come straight to the shop to see me. I don't care if I'm in a meeting. " He looked at her sternly. She smiled softly, appreciating the fact that he trusted her so deeply. She nodded.

He peppered her with soft kisses before he strode out to begin his work day. Sab could feel eyes on her. She tried to ignore them…she wasn't spy material.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________Violet______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Violet was pleasantly surprised once they got back that Charlie was much softer and more welcoming about her clients and business. He was even engaging more people in conversation although not many.

Which was good because Thomas had brought more travelers into the yard to help move his product. His cousin Johnny dogged was a particular delight. Charlie even seemed to tolerate him more.

What Violet wasn't thrilled about was the fact that with Tom bringing in more illegal business mostly because it was taking Charlie away from her more.

The only time they spent apart as of late was when he was traveling. Of course he no longer allowed a lady onto the barge. Bad luck and all. She knew he was trying to protect her.

"Vi!" Violet's head whipped around to the sound of her little sister's voice. Even Thomas seemed surprised snubbing out his cigarette and leaping down like a boy to see what she was up to.

She carried two huge bound ledgers to switch her. Violet ran over to her and flung open the caravan door ushering her inside.

"Start the kettle, Thomas and I will join you in a moment." Violet smiled at Charlie. She had been missing Sabrina, especially since Serafina's departure.

"Bossy DeGhant woman." Thomas commented with a smirk as he entered her home.

"You got the least bossy DeGhant, soldier, count yourself lucky." She teased. Charlie chuckled.

"Isn't that the truth." Charlie ribbed at Thomas who just grinned and shook his head. Sabrina had already raided the cupboards and was setting up for tea.

"So tonight my numbers in that book will change right?" Sabrina asked over her shoulder as she pulled down clear containers to read tea labels. Not everything Violet cultivated was safe for human consumption.

"Correct." Thomas' voice was curt. He clearly didn't want to talk about it. Charlie shifted in his seat next to Violet.
"I know it's not my business but if you needed a cloaking spell I'd be happy to work with Sabrina. Make a fog thick enough to hide your…activities." Violet glanced around the table. Thomas and Charlie were exchanging looks and secret conversations through their eyes.

"As long as it doesn't take too much energy. I don't want Sabrina sleeping it off for days." Thomas replied off handed, sipping the tea his beloved had handed him. Violets frowned and raised an eyebrow at Sabrina who blushed and lowered her head suddenly interested in the flowers in her hot water.

"How often has this been happening?" She asked concern deeply laced in her motherly voice. She moved her tea away from her and honed in on her baby sister.

"Once." Sabrina said confidently not wanting Violets stern demeanor on her anymore.

"Once too many." Thomas and Violet said in unison. Sabrina leaned back in the booth. She hated being a baby sometimes. Violet smirked.

"You should try being the eldest sister sometime."
_________________________________________________________________________________Serafina_____________________________________________________________________________
"You gonna lie to me again today?" Luca's Lanky and predatory figure was reclining against the door frame of their expansive bedroom. His arms were crossed and he was picking at his nails. His moss green eyes studied her frozen form carefully. He had his shirt rolled up to his fore arms exposing his muscle.

He kept fit despite being the boss. He cleared his voice.

Serafina stood by a table in the bedroom, her bones, cards and candles purified.

"You are interrupting a staff meeting Caro." They both smiled at her amusing sentence. "Staff meetings", as she called them, were when she was trying to get other worldly answers. He didn't like it when she held her witchy meetings in the bedroom but he was getting used to her practice and methods. He was also wearing his rosary more.

"Pause your meeting, tell your constituents you'll be right back. You have more important business to attend to at the moment." He sauntered towards her slowly. She could tell by the stiffness in his jaw and the way he rubbed the slight stubble that he was displeased with her.

She smirked knowing she was still in trouble for something. She raised an eyebrow challenging him, hoping to provoke a reaction that would lead to sex.

"You ain't gettin any until you tell me how you're feeling." His voice was full of concern as he leaned against their generous foot board and crossed his arms. He was inspecting her.

Her eyes were smudged with dark circles and it wasn't from the kohl eyeliner. She was getting almost obsessive with seeking her answers. She made the phone calls to New Orleans and made plans to visit much to her fiancé's chagrin. He didn't want her doing any traveling in her delicate state. He didn't know she'd be exposed to our precious child growing within her womb.

"I'm feeling irritated my love. I can't seem to solidify any answers." She tossed her runes and scoffed.

"Why don't you snuff those candles and come lay down." He dropped his voice to a deep husk as he walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her neck and nudged her jaw with his nose. She tilted her head to the side and gave him access to start nibbling on her neck.

"Well how can I refuse with an offer like this Caro." She snaked her arm behind his head and allowed him to gently walk her to their bed.

"Lay down." He commanded. She grinned and ran her stocking clad leg up to his crotch. She giggled suggestively causing him to release a deep laugh.

"You're insatiable, you know that right." He said he gently lay on top of her slowly grinding into her still non showing form. Her breasts, ass and hips were filling out. He'd commented on them the other day and how he loved having more of her to hold unto.

She decided then that he was perfect. Just for her of course.

"Getting me pregnant made it worse." She crooned and licked his ear causing him to moan and buck into her harder.

"Nah, now you're just as insatiable as an Italian woman." He commented before sliding his hand up her dress. She smiled knowing she'd get her way with him.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for your patience. Let me know what you think and where you see it going

Chapter 15: Visions and theories

Sabrina had been working at the garrison for two weeks now. Every time she had to sneak away to have lunch with Tommy or her sisters she'd lock the door. To make it extra safe she'd put a spell on it to make sure attempts to pick the lock were thwarted.

Grace's hair was mostly worn down as of lately. Sabrina reported the lock getting stuck and Thomas unscrewed the hardware for the lock after hours. They found several broken hair pins.

Lately he had her carrying the books home every night and keeping them in their shared bedroom. The information leaks mysteriously ceased. Especially once Arthur was set up in London. His visits to the Garrisons became less for a few weeks.

It was an unusually quiet day in the bar at least for the moment. She slipped out of the office, careful to lock the door behind.

Grace was moving a lot doing some extra cleaning to occupy her time. She sang softly while she swept under the tables. Sabrina had remembered in a journal entry that Thomas had written about, in the original timeline, that Grace's singing had slowly made him fall in love with her. She felt a pang of guilt for taking them off course.

Violet scolded her, even inside the confines of her own head she could hear her elder sister's voice telling her that Grace lives to be an old high society woman in New York. She's better off not being with Thomas.

Sabrina tucked herself neatly on the barstool. It didn't take long for Grace's curiosity to get the better of her.

"Can I get you anything Miss DeGhant? Tommy said if you were thirsty I was to wait on you. A priority customer." She smiled kindly at the young witch. She was in a jovial mood today.

Sabrina smiled at the other blonde and laughed. " Priority huh? Maybe if others are waiting on me." said off handedly. Customer service was different, more stiff and formal in 1920. Grace was open and kind, almost soft. Sabrina's gut tightened. Unfortunately as much as she liked open banter she knew she couldn't trust Grace. She was on a mission after all. To take down Sabrina's man none the less.

"Are you not a priority once you clock out for the day? You and Thomas seem close, I thought." Sabrina caught the subtle shift in tone. She was grateful to have future knowledge of what Grace actually did as a career or she'd probably just thought the other woman was being friendly finally and in a good mood. No, she was fishing for information. Trying to find the cracks to separate them.

"Oh no, I'm spoiled. Tom is wonderful to me. I get plenty of witty remarks and kisses. I think I get to see a softer side to him lately than even his own family. Polly has threatened to chain me to the house if I ever get tired of him and try to leave." She laughed as if it were a joke and not an actual threat she knew the other women would carry out.

She tried to keep the mood light so as to not let Grace in on the fact that Sabrina was unto her tricks. She might be sweet but she wasn't dumb.

"Are you alright?" Grace's tone shifted to concern her voice laced with subtle fear. Sabrina could feel the fog overtaking her mind. A vision, not here, not now.

She heard Grace's disoriented voice as if she were speaking to her through glass and water. She felt herself falling and when her eyes blinked off and on fighting back the vision she realized she could see cracks in the wooden floor boards. She was on the ground now. She'd be bruised by mid evening.

"Get Tommy." was all she knew she said before the babbling started.

____________________________________________Violet____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Violet DeGhant came in like a storm, fast and furious. She knelt by her little sister and took her head away from Grace and placed it on her own lap.

By the grace of God Sabrina was sputtering off in Rokka and Shelta. Her eyes were clouded over. To an untrained eye it looked as if they were rolled back. Luckily Violet and Tommy were the only ones wiser.

Thomas and Charlie came crashing in like bucks in the fall practically tripping over themselves to check in on the fallen doe before them.

Grace had found Violet in the streets not far from the Garrison. She'd been speaking to a family man down on his luck, she'd stood just under the bridge as she'd seen the panicked looking blonde come tearing out of the pub asking for Thomas Shelby. Violet had sent the man to fetch him while she rushed to her baby sister's aid.

" Grace, what happened? How long has she been like this?" Thomas's voice was low and commanding. The five of them were the only ones in the pub. Violet wasn't sure why he was almost whispering. Was he telling Grace things now? She was grateful to see the concern etched on his face. He bent down over Sabrina and took her hand gently rubbing circles unto it to keep her tethered to them.

She couldn't help but smile. Thomas Shelby, The devil himself was truly, madly and deeply in love with her sister. It went deeper than using her magic for his gain. Sabrina had managed to bewitch him all on her own. She felt a beam of pride warming her heart like the summer rays.

"We were talking and…." Grace's voice held the tension as did her hands. She was concerned too. That was interesting. It was frightening to see a DeGhant having a vision. It was a shakeless seizure. Terrifying on its own.

"What were you chatting about Grace? What triggered this?" He demanded. His eyes were as sharp as his tone. He'd shred the innocent women unless the elder DeGhant stepped in.

" That's not how vision works, Thomas." She cut in roughly. She wasn't afraid of any Shelby, strong or Grey. She was a fucking DeGhant, as Serafina would say. Her soft purple eyes landed on Grace who looked perturbed now. Her green eyes wide at the site before her.

" You know what we are, yes? Romani witches…" they met each other unflinchingly. Violet appreciated Grace's grit. The blonde Irish women stood a little straight almost definitely. Serafina would have liked her had they had the chance to meet.

"I've heard, I don't care what you all are. Sabrina is actually nice to me, no competition." Why violet smelled the slight lie she also saw the truth, Grace actually liked Sabrina. The soft nature won her over. She was grateful to have that knowledge. It meant her sister had an ally outside her lover's family. She needed one.

No matter her doubts, her little sister was the right choice for the complicated situation between the Shelby's, Campbell and Grace. She'd call Sera later and share the interesting piece of information.

"She's talking to fast Tommy." Charlie said. He was nervous. Violet didn't have the sight. Probably something both adults were happy now had skipped her. Charlie looked spooked.

"Have you had a meeting with HIM yet?" The Deghant asked her future brother- in law. They both knew she was speaking about Billy Kimber.

"No, we just did him over at the races. I'm expecting it any day." He seemed sure about that. Violet had little doubts. The only thing holding Kimber back was washed out spring roads at the moment. Kimbers fortress was tucked away in the country.

"We should move her." Charlie was as nervous as a mare who'd spotted a predator. The Men scooped her up like a rag doll and gently carried her into the snug. Grace held the door open for them as they gently laid the young women on the soft leather bench. Thomas held her head on his lap making sure she didn't slip to the floor under the table.

They all sat for several tense moments discussing the information that Sab was spouting. Violet knew the English tongue was too tempting for Grace.

"Thomas, Rokka and Shelta only." She said gently but firmly. Violet senses Grace is listening through the crack in the window.

"I need to do a series of protection spells and a privacy spell. I can feel her presence." Violet had sisters, eavesdropping was an Olympic event for a DeGhant girl early on.

"Charlie, get a pad of paper and pencil from Miss Burgess please. Then go fetch Finn so he can get Mrs. DeGhant's supplies, eh." He watched his Uncle who appeared more annoyed at being ordered around by a young whelp. He and Violet had spoken quite openly on the boat about Thomas' ambitions and dramatically changed behavior since he'd come back from France.

" Too old to be an errand boy Tom." The warning did not go unnoticed by the younger two people in the room.

" I'll go then." Violet offered softly, Charlie shook his head no immediately. He didn't want Violet walking around the streets of Birmingham by herself.

"Stay with them love. I'll go for you." He squeezed her hand affectionately before shooting his son a disapproving look. The door closed gently behind him. Thomas scoffed but she'd caught the smile he'd given her quickly. He approved of their relationship, not that his opinion mattered too deeply to her. Charles Strong had stolen her heart whether the head of the Shelby's approved or not.

____________________________________________________________________Serafina____________________________________________________________________________________________
"I'm telling you Cara Mia, as gently as I can, blue is a girl's color. Think of the virgin Mary. Her veil is blue. If you think you're having a son, which I'm happy about then we'll just paint the room yellow, eh? Problem solved." Luca shrugged nonchalantly as he leaned against the wall. A small smirk ghosted across his lips and he leaned against the stark white wall. He'd crossed his arms. He was baiting her.

"The problem is not solved, I'm not fond of yellow Caro." They'd been arguing in the room for an hour. Well she was arguing. He was still being logical up till this moment where the blood was clearly rushing to his uncircumcised head.

She shook her head as she chuckled. Men and their cocks. That's why they were arguing about nursery colors in the first place.

"Of course it's not, everything's gotta be a non negotiable fight with you." He said smiling as he pushed off the wall and sauntered towards her. He wrapped his arms around her and placed his face onto her shoulder. His breath tickled her neck. She fought not to laugh or elbow him away. She smirked and crossed her arms.

"See that just makes you more irresistible to me, Tesoro." He grinned into her neck taking in the sandalwood and jasmine scent that clung to her skin. He was sure at this point that it was perfume, just Serafina's natural smell. He found it comforting, no doubt their babies would. His hand slipped down and rubbed her swollen stomach gently. She was feeling flutters now. He was still waiting for little baby feet to kick his hand.

She lay her head on his shoulder, her ebony locks veiling around their faces for a few peaceful moments.

As always the peace never lasted long.

Her crystal ball rang sharply and instantly from the corner. She untangled herself reluctantly from his arms and kissed his chiseled jaw quickly. He moved with her intent on listening.

He claimed it was so he could keep the stress off of her but she knew he was naturally protective too.

Violet rattled off what had happened to Sabrina and that her visions were getting progressively more intense and increasing with rapid speed.

"Violet, I have a theory." Serafina interrupted her sister. This was urgent now. " Luca and I were talking on the balcony last night while we listened to music. He asked if our powers started increasing and getting stronger once we came farther back in time." Serafina allowed a pregnant pause to pass between the three of them. She knew Violet was intelligent, as was Luciano. It had some merit to the thought. " As if they might be waning in the present because they aren't as needed or valuable as they are in these uncertain times. I agree with him." Her matter of fact statement caused the tall lanky man behind her to snort in her hair. She pulled back to glare at him.

"Finally. You can agree with me on somethin." His gravely voice held an air of wit to it. She held her fingers up. Two on one hand. It was his second warning.

"Silence Caro." She said darkly. He kissed her lips.

"I ain't afraid of the mother of my child…yet." He grinned.

"Sera, I think you're the only one ballsy enough in any timeline to tell the head of a mafia family to be quiet." Violet's amused tone wafted from the crystalline orb.

Their call ended with the three of them laughing. The tension is broken for now.

Chapter 16: Visitations and Bloodlines

Summary:

Sabrina shows a harder side, Violet and Charlie are concerned and Serafina gets an unexpected guest to her home.

Sabrina sat in a chair at the stables reading a book and eating a small plate of food that her elder sister insisted on. Her drink sat untouched as she got lost inside the book's pages.

Truthfully it was the facade. Sabrina was mulling over the warning in the vision about Campbell, Grace, guns and Kimber. All things she knew, except River DeGhant's involvement with Kimber.

That was what truly occupied the young witches mind. River Deghant, in the original timeline, drowned by a river when she was seven. Wilhelmina, her elder sister, went on to keep the DeGhants traveling and safe during world war two. She'd managed to create an actual bubble of magic that was a safe harbor and invisible refuge for all who meant their traveling community harm.

In this vision, River was close to Sabrina age, Long sharp face, piercing dark eyes and black hair as jet as Serafina's. She was alive, surrounded by dark magic and rage.

She was also coming. For whom went unseen by the young women, but she was no less unalarmed.

Violet, after she'd made a tonic to help revitalize Sabrina, slipped off into her caravan. No doubt called sera in New York and shared the day's events.

A series of soft knocks startled her out of her thoughts. It wasn't horse hives. She turned on the stool , her brown and blue eyes falling on the Irish woman in front of her.

"Sorry to bother you, you gave me a fright back there, thought I'd check up on you." Grace's tone was soft, her eyes weary. Whether from witnessing Sabrina's vision or just reassessing the young women remained to be seen.

Sabrina closed the book and laid it on the table in front of her with a gentle smile playing on her lips.

"Thank you Grace, I'm fine now."

"Arthur said to bring you the books and the money for the end of the day." Grace sat across from her without invitation and slid the basket towards her. " No need to look at it now. I'm sure Tommy will want to see it later." Grace's tone was even almost sugar sweet and kind. Her eyes, her green eyes however held an edge. Sabrina focused and drew into them. She was a practiced witch. She wouldn't get caught in Grace's gaze.

She saw restraint and concern, although not for her, she felt at risk of being exposed or seen.

Sabrina cleared her own throat and blinked several times.

"You see things, really see things don't you. Not like reading palms or telling fortunes. " Grace was still and while she wouldn't show it, she was unnerved.

" Anyone can read palms Grace, Tarot and people take a different kind of intelligence, a third sight. A lot of people have it, most rarely ever unlock it.

Grace gathered her sweater and stood. Sabrina wasn't even trying to be her bubbly sweet self, her flash of steel wrapped in a smile, was now on full display.

"Feel better." Grace walked away. Sabrina turned and glanced at the clear bubbly liquid her sister had given her. She saw a slight reflection of Grace in her glass as she turned and really assessed Sabrina.

They wouldn't be friends nor friendly anymore. Grace KNEW the subtle strength that lay underneath the pink clad blonde now.

Sabrina took a swig of Violet's concoction. It was full of electrolytes and a sprig of rosemary,
an herb of protection.
______________________________Violet______________________
A flash of red caught Charlie's attention as she glided into the stables. His stomach tightened. Since being around Violet he was trusting his gut more. He laid his iron on the metal table of his iron shop and slid past the stables. He knew who she sought.
He darted between the door and the side of the stable where his lady parked her caravan. He slid the curtain over, grateful she had the door open inviting the breeze.

We have trouble. Grace is here to check in on Sabrina. She brought a basket."Charlie's voice was laced with concern. His eyes could stop darting the wooden horse dwelling. He adored Sabrina. It didn't hurt that the young woman was also his biological son's love interest either. She was family.

"Whats in the basket?" Violet felt the flush of embarrassment as soon as it came flying out of her mouth. Charlie wouldn't care for such trivial things. He was concerned for Sab.

"I didn't stop to ask Violet, I had that pull in my stomach and came to get you." He said curtly as he turned and left. There was a side to his heritage that she was bringing out that was still making him uncomfortable. She was pleased he was listening to it though, to her.
Her mind raced as Sera drolled on about something domestic.

Violet knew Thomas was out having a family meeting. Something to do with John. Sabrina was completely unguarded and weakened, something which Grace was now using to her advantage. Still, a small voice in Violet's heart told her not to rush. She was seeing a shift in her baby sister lately. A fire she'd never seen before and while small, it burned brighter and brighter.

"Serafina, Sabrina has a visitor and it's not of the blinder variety." Violet knew her bluntness would shut the passionate raven haired sister up immediately. Which it did. Something ghosted across her pale face. She was getting a feeling too.

Violet rose and covered the ball as Sera lodged several complaints against the cloth obscuring her view but a sharp ring rang through the wooden Caravan indicating her leaving as well.

Violet leaned into Charlie and wrapped her tan arms around his waist while she settled her chin on his shoulder. If Grace came out it would look like a loving moment between the known couple.

They listened carefully so they could report to Thomas.
_____________________________________Serafina________________________________

"Mrs. Changretta, I'm sorry to intrude but you have a visitor. A DeGhant?" The maid curtsied quickly and existed. Serafina sat at her tarot table that Luca had lovingly purchased as a wedding gift for her.

Her mind racing like wild horses across a plain. A Deghant, how curious. She'd just "seen" Violet via the crystal ball call. Sabrina was safely tucked in the same yard as Violet occupied.

What Deghant would risk getting stuck in 1920 New York? Unless, the Deghant was of this time.

She rose, the chair scraped harshly across the wood inlaid floor. No doubt Luca would scold her for that later.

She walked out of their bedroom and stood on top of the dark polished mahogany staircase and looked down at a tiny dark haired lady. She dressed like a fashionable girl of the time.

"Minerva DeGhant, gracing my halls." Serafina's was in all. "Minnie" as the family called her was the only known necromancer to ever exist in the DeGhant line. Her fathers parentage is unknown, but judging from the dark shadow that seemed to ling lovingly towards her, it was no doubt death himself.

She smiled now intrigued.

Minnie looked up and grinned.

"Do you have a second to talk?" Her broad sweet smile and light tone instantly caused Serafina to soften a bit. She loved pouring over Minnie's diaries when she was a girl.

"For you, I have all the time in the world." Serafina said graciously as she descended down the stairs. And truthfully she did….well at least for the next four years if the Vedetta ran true of course.
____________________

sorry its short. I have plans for the next chapter though outlined.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Cursed 3 sisters trilogy