A Snowstorm & A Stronghorn (Evershift Haven #4)

Chapter 5

A FEW DAYS AFTER IT all began—and the morning after we made love—the howling wind outside Bram’s cabin finally dies down, replaced by an eerie stillness. I peer out the frost-etched window, marveling at the pristine blanket of snow covering everything in sight. The storm has transformed the landscape into a winter wonderland, sparkling and untouched.

Bram’s deep voice breaks the silence. “The storm’s passed. Would you like to see the town?”

My stomach flutters with excitement and a bit of fear. I’ve been curious about Evershift Haven since he first mentioned it, but the reality of stepping into a magical town filled with supernatural beings is daunting. “I... I’m not sure,” I say, twisting a lock of hair around my finger. “What if they don’t want a human there?”

He gives me a soft smile. “Fiona, you have nothing to worry about. Evershift Haven welcomes all beings, magical or not. Besides, you’re with me.”

His reassurance bolsters my courage. I nod and smile. “Okay, let’s go.”

We bundle up against the cold, and I giggle at the sight of Bram squeezing his massive frame into a puffy jacket. He leads me outside, his large hand enveloping my hand with his while we trudge through the snow toward a sleigh. He helps me up, and I look around for an animal or team of animals, but there’s not one in sight. He flicks the reins, and the sleigh takes off.

I grasp the edge. “Whoa.”

“Magic,” he says with a grin as the wind whips around his, blowing his mane in and around his face in a frantic whirl.

I nod, holding on for dear life and not able to relax fully. As we near the town, a shimmering barrier becomes visible. It’s like looking through a gossamer veil, distorting the view beyond. Bram guides me forward, and I gasp as we pass through. The air tingles against my skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. It reminds me of my encounter in the forest that night my car crashed, making me suspect I walked through the barrier then.

Evershift Haven unfolds before us, a sight that steals my breath away. Quaint buildings line cobblestone streets, their architecture a whimsical blend of styles from various eras. Floating lanterns bob gently in the air, casting a warm glow over the snow-dusted scene.

“Welcome to Evershift Haven,” he says, a note of pride in his voice.

We make our way down the main street, and I struggle to take in all the magical sights. A group of children zoom by on sleds that hover inches above the ground. A snowman waves cheerfully at passersby, adjusting his carrot nose. Even the icicles hanging from the eaves seem to twinkle with an inner light.

“Bram Stonehorn,” calls out a booming voice. “Is that you?”

We turn to see a striking woman approaching. Her wild mane of silver-streaked purple hair seems to move of its own accord, and her vibrant purple eyes glow with an inner light. Her skin has a pale green tint, and she’s draped in flowing, colorful robes adorned with mysterious symbols.

“Grizelda.” Bram greets her warmly. “I’d like you to meet Fiona MacLean. She’s new to our town.”

Grizelda’s eyes widen with delight. “Fiona! Oh, how wonderful to meet you, dear. I’m so glad Bram found you.” She envelops me in a hug that smells of cinnamon and starlight. It’s a strange thought, since I have no idea what starlight smells like, but if it had an essence, it would be her. “I’ve been expecting you.”

I pull back, startled. “You have?”

A knowing smile plays on Grizelda’s lips. “Let’s just say that storm wasn’t entirely natural. Sometimes, the universe needs a little nudge to get people where they’re meant to be.”

Before I can process this revelation, a familiar voice cuts through the air. “Fiona? Is that really you?”

I whirl around to see Candice Winters, my old college roommate, rushing toward me. Her long blonde hair is braided intricately, adorned with what look like living flowers, and her bohemian outfit seems to shimmer with its own inner light.

“Candice?” I exclaim, shocked. “What are you doing here?”

She throws her arms around me, laughing. “I live here now. Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe you’re here too!”

As we pull apart, I notice two other women approaching – Suzette, Candice’s sister, and Evony, another friend from college. My head spins with the improbability of it all.

“Come on,” says Candice, linking her arm through mine. “We have so much to catch up on. Let’s go to ‘The Enchanted Espresso.’ You won’t believe their coffee and spells.”

I glance back at Bram, who nods encouragingly. “Go ahead. I’ll catch up with you later.”

Candice leads our group down the street to a cozy-looking café. As we enter, I gasp in wonder. The wallpaper shifts and changes, morphing from a soothing forest scene to a vibrant underwater landscape. Cups float gently through the air, descending to tables as orders are called out.

We settle into a booth that seems to mold itself to our bodies for perfect comfort. A menu materializes in front of me, the text swirling and rearranging itself.

“I recommend the Snowflake Latte,” says Candice with a wink. “It’ll give you a personal snow cloud for about an hour.”

I shake my head, still trying to process everything. “I’ve had enough snow.”

“In that case, try the Fae’d Latte,” says Suzette. “It’s a staple on the menu and will give you fairy wings for an hour or so.”

I nod in agreement at the woman who takes our order, still feeling dazed. “I can’t believe you’re all here. How did this happen?”

Suzette leans forward, her brown eyes twinkling with gold flecks. “It’s a long story, but I guess we all found our way here when we needed it most. For me, it was after I burned out at my law firm in the city. I accidentally drove through the barrier during a working vacation and never left after meeting Throk.”

“What do you do now?” I ask, curious.

Suzette grins. “I’m the town’s magical law consultant. You’d be surprised how many legal issues arise in a place like this. Just last week, I had to mediate a dispute between a family of brownies and a troll over property lines.”

Evony speaks next. “I’m just getting settled in, but I’ve been helping Frost, my boyfriend, with his shop. I might take on some more accounting clients once I figure out the full scope of all the magical items the townspeople use to barter and trade when they aren’t using cash and credit cards.”

I blink at all that information, unsure how to absorb it all for the moment. Instead, I turn to my old roommate, who’s practically vibrating with excitement. “What about you, Candice?”

“I’m learning to magically farm, and I live with Ronan. He’s a lycan—kind of like a wolfman, since he can’t shift between forms—and he just makes me so happy.” She lets out a long, happy sigh.

As they share their stories, our drinks arrive, floating gently down to the table. I take a sip of my Fae’d Latte, and a tingling sensation spreads across my back. Candice holds up a mirror, and I gasp at the sight of delicate, shimmering wings sprouting from my shoulder blades.

“So, how are you adjusting to all this?” asks Evony, her gaze sympathetic. “It can be overwhelming at first. I’m still settling in. I came for Christmas and decided to stay forever, but it’s still an adjustment.”

I nod, trying to find the words. “It’s...incredible. Terrifying. Wonderful. I’m not sure how to process it all.”

Suzette reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. “We’ve all been there. It takes time, but you’ll find your place here. Evershift Haven has a way of helping you discover parts of yourself you never knew existed.”

As they tell me more about their arrivals here, and the men they’ve met, I sit back, sipping my latte and marveling at the strange turns my life has taken. The coffee shop buzzes with energy around us. A pair of goblins argue over the last blueberry muffin while a mermaid in a hovering water bubble orders a seaweed smoothie, and a young witch practices levitation spells on her cookie.

Evershift Haven is unlike anything I could have imagined, full of wonder and possibility. As I listen to my friends’ stories and watch the magical world unfold around me, I begin to think maybe I’ve found a place where I truly belong.

LATER, AFTER MEETING up with him again, Bram and I stroll through the snow-dusted streets of Evershift Haven, the magical energy of the town humming around us. Colorful storefronts line the cobblestone path, each one more whimsical than the last—a bakery with cakes that float in the window, a bookstore where the books flutter like birds, and a clothing shop with mannequins that strike poses and wink at passersby.

“This is incredible,” I say, my eyes wide with wonder. “I never imagined a place like this could exist.”

His deep chuckle rumbles beside me. “Wait until you see my workshop. It’s just around the corner.”

We turn down a side street, and I spot a large, rustic building with a wooden sign that reads “Stonehorn Creations” swinging gently in the breeze. The scent of freshly cut wood and varnish wafts through the air when we approach.

Bram pushes open the heavy oak door, and I step inside, my breath catching at the sight before me. The workshop is a wonderland of wood and magic. Intricate carvings line the walls, depicting scenes of mythical creatures and fantastical landscapes. Half-finished furniture pieces float in mid-air, tools working on them seemingly of their own accord.

“Welcome to my world,” he says with pride.

I wander through the space, running my fingers along the smooth surface of a beautifully crafted table. “This is amazing, Bram. You made all of this?”

He nods, looking bashful by the way he ducks his head. “It’s my passion. Each piece has a bit of magic woven into it.”

As if on cue, a nearby rocking chair begins to gently sway, emitting a soft, soothing melody.

“That’s for a family of lullaby spirits,” he says. “It plays a different tune each night to help their little ones sleep.”

I turn to face him, overwhelmed by the beauty and creativity surrounding us. “You’re incredible, Bram. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

His expression softens, and he takes a step closer. “I’m glad you like it, Fiona. I’ve enjoyed sharing this with you.”

The air between us seems to crackle with energy. He cups my cheek, and my pulse skyrockets when he leans down, his lips meeting mine in a tender kiss.

For a moment, the world fades away. There’s only Bram, his warmth, and the softness of his fur against my skin. When we part, I’m breathless, and my mind is spinning.

“Bramwell Stonehorn? There you are. Not a word in days.” The booming, but not angry, voice shatters the moment. We spring apart, and I whirl around to see an imposing figure filling the doorway.

She’s a Minotaur like Bram, but where his presence is gentle and calming, hers commands attention. Her fur is a mix of deep chestnut and silver, and her impressively large horns curve upward, adorned with small beads and charms. She wears a practical dress with an intricately embroidered apron, and her eyes – so like Bram’s – are fixed on us with an intensity that makes me want to shrink into the floorboards.

“Mom?” says Bram, his voice carrying a faint tinge of embarrassment. “I didn’t expect you today.”

“Clearly,” she says, darting her gaze between us, but she’s smiling. “And who might this be?”

Bram clears his throat. “Mom, this is Fiona MacLean. Fiona, this is my mother, Thalinda Stonehorn.”

I step forward, extending my hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Stonehorn.”

Thalinda bypasses my hand entirely, pulling me into a bone-crushing hug. In the process, I get a glimpse of her hand, confirming she also has just three digits, so it must be a Minotaur trait. “Oh, none of that ‘Mrs. Stonehorn’ business. Call me Thalinda, dear.”

When she releases me, I gasp for air, my ribs aching. Thalinda doesn’t seem to notice as she looks me up and down, her expression curious.

“So, Fiona,” she says, her tone deceptively casual, “What exactly are your intentions with my son?”

“Mom,” he protests, but she ignores him.

My cheeks burn. “I... uh... We only recently met, actually. I’m new to Evershift Haven.”

“Oh?” Thalinda’s eyebrows rise. “And how did you two come to be acquainted?”

Bram steps in, resting his hand protectively on my shoulder. “Fiona had an accident during the storm. I found her and brought her to safety.”

His mother nods with approval. “How gallant of you, Bramwell. Just like your father.”

She turns back to me, her gaze probing though her tone is gentle. “Now, dear, tell me all about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do? Any magical abilities? Previous relationships? Thoughts on having children?”

“Mom.” He snorts softly. “Don’t you think that’s a bit much?”

Thalinda waves a hand dismissively. “Nonsense. I’m just getting to know Fiona. Now, dear, about those children...”

I laugh nervously, looking to Bram for help. He seems just as flustered as I am.

“Actually, Mrs... I mean, Thalinda,” I begin, “I’m still figuring things out. I recently lost my mother, and I’ve been traveling, trying to find my place.”

Thalinda’s expression shifts to one of sympathy. “Oh, you poor dear. I’m so sorry for your loss.” She pulls me into another hug, gentler this time. “You’ve certainly come to the right place. Evershift Haven has a way of helping lost souls find their path.”

As she releases me, her eyes twinkle mischievously. “And it seems you’ve already found quite the guide in my Bramwell.”

Bram groans. “Mom, please.”

Thalinda ignores him, linking her arm through mine. “Come, Fiona. Let me show you around the workshop. I have so many embarrassing stories about Bram’s childhood to share.”

As she leads me away, chattering about Bram’s first attempts at woodworking, I catch Bram’s gaze. He looks mortified, but there’s warmth and good-natured resignation in his gaze that makes my heart skip.

Thalinda guides me to a beautiful rocking chair, encouraging me to sit. As I do, the chair adjusts itself, molding to my body for perfect comfort.

“Now,” she says, perching on a nearby stool that scurries over to her, “Tell me more about yourself, dear. What was your life like before coming to Evershift Haven?”

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “I grew up in a small town in Oregon. It was just my mom and me for most of my life. I studied business in college, thinking it was the practical choice, but I never felt truly passionate about it.”

Thalinda nods encouragingly. “And what did you do after college?”

“I... I put my career on hold.” A lump forming in my throat. “My mom got diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and it was aggressive. I spent the last few years taking care of her. After she passed, I felt lost. That’s when I decided to take this road trip, to try to find myself, I guess.”

She reaches out, patting my hand. “I’m so sorry, dear. Losing a parent is never easy, but I have a feeling you were meant to find your way here.”

Bram joins us, leaning against a workbench. “Mom’s right, Fiona. Evershift Haven has a way of calling to those who need it most.”

Thalinda beams at her son. “Indeed it does. Now, Fiona, have you given any thought to what you might like to do here in town?”

I shake my head. “Not really. Everything’s happened so fast. I haven’t had time to think about it.”

Her eyes sparkle with excitement. “We simply must introduce you to everyone. We’ll throw a welcome party!”

Bram groans. “Mom, I don’t think—”

“Nonsense, Bramwell,” she interrupts. “It’s perfect. We’ll invite the whole town. It’ll give Fiona a chance to meet everyone and learn about all the wonderful opportunities here.”

Before I can protest, she’s on her feet, pacing the workshop as she plans. “We’ll have it at the town square. Bella from ‘The Enchanted Espresso’ can provide refreshments. Oh, and we simply must have Heather from ‘Mystic Melodies’ perform – her siren songs are to die for. Literally, if you’re not careful.” She chuckles at that.

I glance at Bram, who shrugs helplessly. It’s clear that once Thalinda gets an idea in her head, there’s no stopping her.

“And of course,” Thalinda continues, “We’ll need to get you a proper outfit. Can’t have you meeting the town in those travel-worn clothes. We’ll visit Madam Threads at ‘The Whimsical Wardrobe.’ She’ll fix you right up.”

My head spins with all the plans and names. “That’s really not necessary—”

“Of course it is, dear,” she insists. “Consider it a proper Evershift Haven welcome. Let’s see... We’ll need decorations. Frost from ‘Frost’s Festive Finds’ can help with that. His enchanted icicles are simply magical. They never melt and change color to match the mood of the party.”

As Thalinda rattles off more plans, Bram moves to stand beside me. “I’m sorry about this,” he whispers. “Mom can be a bit overwhelming.”

I smile up at him. “It’s okay. It’s sweet that she wants to make me feel welcome.”

His expression softens. “That’s Mom for you. Once she decides you’re family, there’s no escaping her love.”

The word ‘family’ sends a flutter through my stomach. I’ve missed that sense of belonging.

Thalinda claps her hands, drawing our attention. “It’s settled then. The party will be tomorrow evening. Fiona, dear, I’ll come by in the morning to take you shopping. Bram, you’ll handle the invitations, won’t you?”

Bram nods, resigned. “Yes, Mom.”

“Excellent.” She beams and pulls me into another hug. “Oh, I’m so excited. You’re going to love it here, Fiona. I just know it.” As she releases me, her eyes twinkle mischievously. “Now, I’ll leave you two alone, but remember, Bramwell, your father and I raised you to be a gentleman.”

He snorts and grunts, looking like he wishes he could disappear. I’m torn between embarrassment and amusement myself. “Bram’s a perfect gentleman.” With a huge cock and ways of pleasing me I’ve never imagined.

Thalinda winks at me before sweeping out of the workshop, leaving a whirlwind of energy in her wake.

I turn to Bram, still processing everything that just happened. “Is she always like that?”

He chuckles while running a hand through his mane. “Pretty much, but trust me, having Thalinda Stonehorn on your side is a good thing. She’ll move mountains to help those she cares about.”

I nod, feeling warm and pleased. She’s a lot, but it’s clear her heart is huge, and she’s prepared to welcome me. That will make life easier if I decide to stay—and the thought of leaving fills me with dread.