Chapter 2
Bluebell
“Congratulations, Bluebell,” says the bespectacled female minotaur behind the desk at the Titles it was one of the original keeper’s projects that never got completed so I’m doing it now.
I did ask Jasper if he was interested in helping.
His green magic is so strong, ya know? But he said, and I quote, ‘what a ridiculous waste of time. There’s already a garden behind the shops.
’” She looks at me. “Can you imagine a green witch saying that?! I know he’s prepping for his level-three mastery test, but damn. ”
I sigh as sunshine filters through the haven’s protective ward above us, warming my skin after a long morning dealing with paperwork and resident requests. “Any green witch? No. Jasper? Absolutely.”
Shadow sucks at her teeth. “Well, Dain and I are back to Rainbow this week to wrap up some stuff with my job before we move back here. Mind keeping an eye on the pots? They shouldn’t need much, but I bet Jace would fix them up even if Jasper won’t.”
My youngest brother is the quietest Tucker, and that suits him fine. He’s observant and actually thinks before he speaks, a character trait the rest of us didn’t inherit. Of my three brothers, he’s the most likely to help with this project of Shadow’s to brighten up downtown Pine Gulch’s main drag.
Personally, I think it’s already perfect despite the dirt street and railroad tracks running up the middle of it. It’s home. But if Shadow wants to make it a little brighter, that’s fine, too.
“You got it,” I promise, flashing her a final smile before turning to face the building to my right. I let out a sigh of excitement at seeing the Buxom Bodice Outfitter in a new light, knowing she’s all mine.
The building’s gorgeous with dark paneled siding and red window trim. A door on the right side leads to the Whiskey Business Saloon. But the left and the two apartments on the second story? Those belong to me now.
A deer with giant boobs winks down from a wooden sign that announces the shop as the Buxom Bodice.
Bright cowboy boots, turquoise jewelry and trappings, and silver belt buckles shine from the huge singular front window.
The building’s quiet as I stand there, but her longtime owner just sold her to me, so it’ll be an adjustment, I’m sure.
Like all the buildings in Pine Gulch, she’s got a big, saucy personality.
“Hey, sweet girl,” I say softly, stepping forward to run my fingertips up the front door admiringly.
My black magic pings and twitches, and tiny sparks fly from my fingers.
The front door creaks and groans, an angry sound that has me cocking my head to the side as a warning sensation fills my chest. My magic shouldn’t hurt her—it’s meant for healing.
Shadow joins me. “She snapping at you, Bloob?”
I stick the key in the door and unlock it. Yet when I push on the glossy red surface, it doesn’t open. Frowning, I push a little harder. It gives way quickly, and I stumble forward, falling onto matte rust-colored entry tiles.
Shadow jumps to my side and grabs me by the elbow, helping me upright. When I stand, wincing at the pain in my kneecaps, she gives me a concerned look. “You okay?”
I nod. “Guess that door’s a little bit stuck. I’ll have to work on that. Thank gods I can fix her right up.”
“Yeah,” Shadow murmurs, glancing up at the ceiling as the Bodice lets out a grumbly, unhappy-sounding groan. Shadow turns to me with a forced smile. “Okay, I’m gonna leave you to it because I’m off to meet Dain. Comm me if you need me?”
A thumbs-up is my answer, and she heads back out the door, which opens easily, the bell above it dinging to announce her departure.
Looking around the store, I admire how beautiful she is.
Shoe boxes are stacked floor to ceiling on the left-hand side.
Displays of jewelry, shoes, and western-style clothing fill the space in long rows leading to the checkout counter and changing rooms toward the back.
I haven’t been in the storage section yet, but that’s where all the extra product sits, and I purchased everything in stock from Rebekah, the prior owner.