Crazy For Brew (Spellbound Ever After Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 1)

by Annabel Chase

  I was anxious to see what it was. At home, Daniel had speculated that it was a sculpture of a unicorn, since a unicorn horn had been instrumental in breaking the curse.

  The meeting was adjourned, and Daniel took my hand to guide me out of the crowd. All things considered, I was impressed that any decisions had been made at all. Congress had nothing on the council.

  Mayor Lucy intercepted us before we reached the outdoors. Her smile was so bright that she looked lit from within. “You look amazing. It was the best time, wasn’t it?”

  I nudged Daniel. “It was, wasn’t it?”

  “You’re doing a great job, holding down this fort,” Daniel told her. “It can’t be easy.”

  “It isn’t,” she replied. “But I feel so lucky to be the mayor right now, shepherding the paranormals through so much change. You don’t get a chance like this every day.”

  No, certainly not. “I hope the immigration issue gets resolved soon,” I said. “I want newcomers to have a clear message that they’re welcome.”

  Mayor Lucy nodded in agreement. “That’s my hope, too. If anyone can get that message across, it’s you and me. We just have to stay the course.”

  Although it sounded good in theory, I had my concerns. In a sea of change as tumultuous as this one, it seemed to me we’d be lucky not to drown.

  Chapter 3

  The first annual Spellbound Day was in full force when we arrived downtown. Vendors were taking full advantage of the crowds; they lined the cobblestone streets with tables and stalls, selling everything from packets of pixie dust to magical food. Even Brew-Ha-Ha had an outdoor coffee kiosk.

  Daniel pointed to the sign on the kiosk. "A special Spellbound Day latte. You have to get that one."

  I took a look at the sign. It read: Sorceress’s Special. The Emma latte includes a shot of hope and a shot of persistence.

  I beamed at Daniel. "I love that." It helped that I also loved their lattes. I wasn't a regular customer for nothing.

  We approached the stall, where Henrik was pouring foam onto a latte. A pink heart floated on top.

  "And there she is now," Henrik said, handing the cup to a waiting customer. The berserker smiled at me. "This lady just ordered the Emma. You'd better get one now before we sell out."

  "Is that why there’s a heart on top? For me?" I queried.

  "We're doing white foam stars for the Daniel," Henrik said.

  Daniel and I exchanged glances. "Wait, there’s a latte in honor of Daniel, too?" I asked.

  Henrik nodded, his mohawk as stiff as ever. "Couldn't leave out the angel of the hour. If it weren't for his ultimate sacrifice, the curse would never have been broken."

  He wasn't wrong. The whole thing had been a team effort. I couldn’t have done it alone. It was only thanks to witches like Laurel and Millie that the ability to break the curse even came to light. Some called it fate; some called it luck. I didn't mind either way. I was just grateful for the outcome.

  Daniel stepped up to the stall. "One Daniel and one Emma, please." He grinned at me. "That seems unreal."

  My heart fluttered. “You’re telling me.”

  Henrik set to work preparing the lattes. "The original plan was to have these offerings today only in honor of the unveiling, but these have proven so popular that I think we might keep them."

  "I can't pretend it's not a little embarrassing," I said. Too much attention made me anxious, and I’d certainly had more of my share in Spellbound.

  "What time is the unveiling?" Daniel asked. He glanced over his shoulder toward the town square. "I think I see the mayor now."

  I followed his gaze to see Mayor Lucy conferring with Amanda. I couldn't wait to see what the youngest Gorgon had come up with for the statue. Despite Daniel’s prediction, my money was on some kind of obelisk, maybe with a unicorn horn on top.

  Henrik handed us our drinks and Daniel pulled a handful of gold coins from his pocket. Henrik waved him off.

  "These are on the house," Henrik said. "Can't have their namesakes paying for the privilege."

  I wagged a finger at him. "Only today. With the amount of money I spend in Brew-Ha-Ha, you don't want to lose me as a paying customer."

  The older berserker smiled. "Too right, Emma. Enjoy."

  Daniel and I took our drinks and wandered closer to the town square. I wanted to have a good view of the statue. The location was perfect—it was on the open patch of lawn in front of the clock tower, but separated by the pedestrian walkway. The shape and height suggested it was not an obelisk. Part of me was relieved because I didn't want anything to obscure the beloved clock tower. It came a close second to Swan Lake in terms of favorite views from above.

  "Emma, you're here," Begonia said. Her boyfriend Demetrius was by her side, looking refreshed, like he’d spent the last week on a massage table. My body melted just imagining the luxury.

  "How was Greece?" the handsome vampire asked. “It’s been quite a long time since I’ve visited there.”

  "It was wonderful," Daniel said, sliding an arm around my waist. Daniel always got a little territorial when Demetrius was around, only because he knew the vampire had been interested in me when I’d first arrived in town. It didn't seem to matter that Demetrius and Begonia were now a committed couple. Daniel always harbored a sense of insecurity around the vampire.

  "How about you, Dem?” I asked. "Have you managed to leave town yet?"

  He smiled, showing his fangs. "We did, thanks. We spent a long weekend in Dreamer’s Bay. It was one of the best weekends of my life." He winked. "And that's saying something."

  I didn't miss the deep blush of Begonia’s cheeks.

  "It seems like everyone in town has come out for this," Begonia said. “I saw Millie and some of the other witches over by that stall for What Ales You.”

  I peered through the crowd. "What's that?” I pictured an urgent care healer’s station.

  “Somebody new in town," Demetrius said. "A craft brewery.”

  My brow lifted. "A new place already? Word sure travels fast."

  “There are two, actually,” Demetrius said. “New Brew came in and splashed serious money around. I’ve never seen offices built so fast. I bet that’s why What Ales You is here giving out free samples. They need to keep up to compete.”

  “I’d like to try a sample,” Begonia said. “It looks pretty good.”

  Daniel’s ears perked up at the mention of free samples. “Should I check it out?”

  “No, we have our lattes,” I reminded him, and took a sip of mine. It was delicious.

  “I already stopped by the Blood Bank Co-op this morning,” Demetrius said, and patted his stomach. “I’ll be good until dinner.”

  "How’s everyone adjusting to the big move?” Begonia asked.

  I heaved a sigh. “Daniel and I have been trying to get the house in order before Gareth loses his fangs. He doesn’t do well with change.”

  Demetrius chuckled. "I can only imagine the trauma for him. Between boxes and a new roommate, he must be ready to commit to the Other Side."

  "I wouldn't object," Daniel said good-naturedly.

  I jabbed him with my elbow. “Don’t say that. Gareth is like family to me.”

  “What about his hellbeast?” Demetrius asked. “I suppose Magpie’s still skulking around.”

  “He held down the fort while we were away,” I said. Magpie was more effective than a guard dog.

  The sound of Lucy's voice drifted through the crowd. "Residents of Spellbound, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the first annual Spellbound Day." Paranormals cheered and whistled. "As you know, it has been and will continue to be quite the challenge adjusting to our new circumstances. The borders are open and so our minds and hearts must follow.”

  Glancing around, I noticed many heads bobbing in agreement. I knew there was tension regarding the influx of new residents. The inhabitants of Spellbound had been a closed society for so long, that it would be an uphill battle to welcome new neighbors. My presence ha
d been unusual for many reasons, but this was a whole new level.

  "The council would like to thank Amanda for providing us with this brilliant new statue commemorating the breaking of the curse. Now, without further ado…”

  Lucy fluttered up to the top of the statue and tapped the sheet with her wand. The cover dissolved, revealing Amanda's creation. I gasped at the sight, and my hand flew to my chest. If I’d owned pearls, I would’ve clutched them.

  "Well, the Gorgon seems to have captured your likenesses," Demetrius said, chuckling. I didn't miss the mischievous twinkle in his dark eyes.

  I was too horrified to speak. I could only stare at what was clearly meant to be Daniel with his wings spread wide, and me riding high on his back with my arm raised in triumph. In my hand, I gripped a golden unicorn horn.

  Daniel seemed equally gobsmacked as he stood in stunned silence.

  "On the plus side," Begonia said, "your boobs look amazing. I think she may have enhanced them."

  I clamped a hand over my eyes. It was bad enough that I looked like I was riding my husband in an intimate way. Now my boobs were bigger. My statue’s expression could only be described as rapturous joy.

  "I think my statue is fairly accurate," Daniel said.

  I bumped him with my hip. "That's because you're already perfect. No enhancements required." Apparently, Amanda thought I needed a little more up top.

  Daniel pulled me close and kissed the top of my head. "Look on the bright side, the less it looks like you, the less likely paranormals will recognize you."

  "It would've been better if she’d just whipped off her headscarf and let her snakes turn you to stone."

  I whipped around to see Millie behind us, holding a small cup bearing the What Ales You logo.

  "At least this is just a replica," I said. "I wouldn't want to be turned to stone and placed in the town square for everyone to gawk at for eternity."

  Sophie and Laurel hurried over to join us.

  "So, what do you think?" Sophie asked, inclining her head toward the statue. "I think it's pretty cool."

  "Really?" I queried. Maybe I was being paranoid.

  "Sure," Sophie said. "That unicorn horn looks nothing like a sex toy. I don't care what anybody says."

  My throat tightened. I hadn't even focused on the unicorn horn. I was too thrown off by the rest of it.

  Demetrius stifled a laugh. "I think you look like Lady Victory on her way to declare her triumph to the heavens."

  I shot him a grateful look. "Thanks, Dem.” I didn't believe a word he said, but it was a valiant effort.

  “Does anyone want this?” Millie asked, holding out her cup. “I don’t know why I took a second one when the first one tasted disgusting.”

  Begonia scrunched her nose. “How disgusting?”

  “You’re not an ale drinker, Millie,” Daniel said.

  “It’s an acquired taste,” Demetrius agreed.

  “Here,” Millie thrust the cup into Begonia’s hand. “I need to find something to wash away the taste.”

  “And for our final part of the presentation,” Mayor Lucy’s voice boomed, “I would like to ask Emma Hart to join me up here.” The fairy surveyed the crowd from a great height. She zeroed in on me and began to wave me forward. “Come up, Emma.”

  I handed my latte to Daniel, my heart thumping. I did not love being the center of attention. Everyone clapped as I threaded my way through the crush of bodies. When I finally reached Lucy, she was back on the ground with a long, thin box in her hand.

  “On behalf of Spellbound, we thank you for your service,” she said.

  “Thank you.” I opened the box, and my eyes immediately filled with tears. A wand stared back at me, Tiffany blue and absolutely perfect. My gaze met Mayor Lucy’s. “How did you fix her?” My beloved wand had been broken by Mayor Knightsbridge on my wedding day, and I’d thought the damage was permanent.

  Mayor Lucy smiled. “How do you think? Magic.”

  I hugged the wand to my chest. “I can’t believe it.”

  “Test it,” someone yelled, and everyone cheered me on.

  I focused my will, extended the wand, and chanted under my breath. Confetti glitter rained down from the sky, much to the crowd’s delight. The children ran beneath it, hoping to collect as much as they could on their heads.

  “Good job,” Mayor Lucy whispered. “You didn’t even puke.”

  “I know, right? I think I need a drink, though.”

  The fairy hugged me. “There are plenty of free samples floating around. I think I’ll grab one, too. Today is a celebration, after all.”

  We joined the throng of paranormals and immediately got separated as Daniel swooped in to embrace me.

  “Is it really Tiffany?” he asked.

  I held up the wand for inspection. “Good as new, it seems.”

  “I’m so pleased. I know she means a lot to you.”

  I planted a kiss on his lips. “Do you know what else would mean a lot to me right now?”

  “The rest of your latte?” he queried.

  I shook my head. “Getting me out here so we can go home.” My anxiety was starting to flare thanks to the crowd. I didn’t want to vomit on anyone, or, worse, have a complete panic attack. Some hero I’d be.

  “Your wish is my command,” he said. He tapped my wand. “You can put this away now. No wand required.” He flexed his massive wings. “All aboard.”

  I moved to hook my arms around his neck and a sly grin emerged. “What?”

  He jerked his head toward the statue. “How about one for the crowd?”

  My brow wrinkled. “What do you…? Oh, gotcha.” I unhooked my arms and climbed onto his back instead. Since I didn’t have a unicorn horn handy, I made do with my wand. I thrust Tiffany triumphantly in the air, as Daniel took to the sky and headed for home.

  Below us, the crowd roared.

  Mission accomplished.

  Chapter 4

  I was in the midst of talking encouragingly to the plant on the windowsill in my office when I heard the click of the door. I turned to see an enormous head filling my doorway and nearly screamed until the big head smiled.

  “Emma Hart?” a voice rumbled.

  “Yes,” I squeaked.

  “We’re the Goldmans,” the voice said.

  Goldmans? Why did that name sound familiar? “Do you have an appointment?”

  “You’re going to show us around, I think,” the giant head said. “At least that’s what the registrar said.”

  I smacked my head. “Of course! The Goldmans. Come in, I’m so sorry.” I’d completely forgotten about their tour of Spellbound. “Thanks for coming.”

  “Is this a bad time?” Mr. Goldman asked, squeezing his way into the office. “You look like you’re having a very serious discussion with your plant.”

  I laughed. “I have the opposite of a green thumb, so I have to work extra hard to keep this fella alive or risk the wrath of my assistant. I tell him the world’s problems and ask for solutions. Sadly, he never offers any.”

  The other two Goldmans followed behind, and I tried not to gawk at their massive size. Definitely giants.

  Mr. Goldman nodded. “That kind of thinking keeps my daughter awake at night. Isn’t that right, Lizzie?”

  Lizzie Goldman’s gaze dropped to her huge feet, embarrassed.

  “I totally get it,” I said quickly. “I’m the queen of anxiety. Ask anybody here.”

  Lizzie perked up. “Really?”

  “Yep. I have to take a potion every morning to keep me from freaking out about the most insignificant things. Everyone thinks I’m so level-headed, but it takes great effort for me to be that way.”

  Lizzie seemed like she wanted to hug me. “I keep myself awake at night worrying about where all the non-biodegradable garbage will go. Where will we put it all?” She shuddered. “There isn’t enough room on the planet. We’ll destroy the oceans with it and all the sea life. Mermaids, selkies…they’ll lose their natural habitats.”<
br />
  Mrs. Goldman placed a comforting arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “It’s okay, Lizzie.”

  “We need more young paranormals like you,” I said. “Otherwise, the planet is doomed.”

  Lizzie gave me a hesitant smile. “Will you show us the library on the tour? It looks awesome from the outside.”

  “Sure. Then we’ll go through the main part of town, and I’ll point out all the necessities.” I knocked on the adjoining door to Althea’s office. “I’m heading out.”

  The loud hiss of her snakes greeted me, and I noticed Lizzie’s eyes widen. “Don’t worry,” I said. “They’re perfectly harmless…sort of.”

  Mrs. Goldman steered her daughter out of the office without another word. I immediately directed them across the street toward the library.

  “You’ll be able to register for library cards as soon as you have proof of address,” I said. “That’s a new addition to the system, since it was kinda obvious before the curse was broken that we all lived here.” One of the few perks of being trapped in town.

  “It’s such a good size,” Lizzie said. “The library in our old town was so small, it was physically uncomfortable.”

  “I think it’s pretty impressive, too,” I replied. I gestured down the road to the right. “There’s a place further down called Moonshine that plays live music. Too old for you, Lizzie, but your parents might like it.”

  The Goldmans smiled at each other. “We love music,” Mrs. Goldman said.

  “If we go left, we’ll hit the main stretch of downtown.” We walked along the cobblestone as I pointed out shops. “Broomstix caters to witches and wizards. Trinkets has lovely gifts for special occasions. Brew-Ha-Ha is the best coffee shop in the world.”

  Mrs. Goldman laughed. “I’ll definitely bear that in mind.”

  I spotted a familiar set of pink wings up ahead. “Perfect. There’s Mayor Langtree now. I’ll introduce you.”

  “To the mayor?” Mrs. Goldman seemed surprised.

  “She’s a good friend.” I motioned for them to follow. “Lucy!”