Magic, New Mexico

by ML Guida

  Theo flipped one of his famous cheese burgers that were a mix of chorizo and beef. The smell made her mouth water. It wasn’t just his hamburgers that made her mouth water. The juncture between her thighs was still sore from their love-making. She couldn’t wait to feel his hands and lips on her again tonight.

  She slid her palms together. “Quit complaining. There’s a whole another bag left.” She rubbed her belly. “Can I help it if the baby loves them?”

  “Uh, huh.” Theo glanced at his watch. “They’ll be here in a few minutes.”

  She walked over and put her hands on his muscular bicep. “Not even a hint, who is coming?”

  “Nope.” He grinned and kissed her on the nose. “You wormed some of the surprise out of me, you little minx, but I won’t give you all the details.”

  She cupped his ass hard, and he jumped.

  “Gwen,” he warned. “You’re playing with fire.”

  “I know.” She laughed and walked toward the kitchen to get the crock pot full of baked beans. She unplugged the crock pot when the door bell rang.

  Adrenaline surged through her like lightning. She raced to the front door like a little kid and whipped open the door. Her mouth dropped open and she gripped the door jam tightly. “Oh, my God.”

  “Gwendolyn. You shouldn’t use the Lord’s name in vain.”

  Gwen’s chest tingled. She wiped the wetness off her cheeks and laughed. She missed this banter so much. Her identical twin, Grace, stood next to Topper, who was smiling. She held out her arms and Gwen burst into tears.

  “I canna believe you’re here.” Gwen’s voice cracked. “I’ve missed you so much.” She hugged her as tight as she could, afraid this was a spell and Grace would disappear.

  Strong arms slowly circled around her waist and she glanced up at Theo. Tears formed at the back of her eyelids. She bit her lip. “How?”

  “Me, of course, my dear.” Topper brushed past her. She liked to change the color of her hair, and this time it was bright pink. She had swirled it up into a purple clip, making her hair look like an Easter egg.

  Grace looked up at Theo and scowled. “Who is this gentleman? And why is he being so forward with you, Gwen? ’Tis not proper.”

  Gwen clasped Theo’s hand and kissed it. “Grace, this is my husband, Theo. Theo, this is my sister, Grace.”

  Grace curtsied, still wearing a long yellow gown from the seventeenth century complete with a bustle and bonnet. “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, sir.” She frowned and covered her mouth. “Gwen, why pray tell are you wearing such a garment? ’Tis not lady like.”

  Gwen slid her arm into her sister’s and motioned toward her legs. “These are called jeans, Grace. And in this century they’re proper. Come into our home. I’m so glad you’re here.” She stopped. “Is Leif here, too?”

  Topper sighed. “No, he was not at Morgana Fey’s home. He was away at sea.”

  Gwen glanced at Theo. “He’s with his crew, looking for the demon.”

  Theo rubbed her back. “He’s a dragon and a vampire. He’s safe.”

  Gwen nodded, but heaviness flared in her gut. She remembered his red eyes and the gigantic spider that flung her through time. She shuddered. But the demon was more powerful than anything she’d seen in Magic. She hoped to God Leif was careful.

  Chapter Three

  Theo was parked underneath a shady tree when a red Ferrari convertible whizzed by, flicking dust into the air. He flipped on the screaming siren and chased the red blur that headed toward Magic.

  Heat flushed through his body. His nostrils flared and smoked swirled around in the car. The car slowed but didn’t immediately pull over and sped up. The damn fool could run someone over in his sleepy town. Besides, Gwen was taking her sister around to all the residents today and would be in danger. His dragon demanded to be released and he had to take deep breaths to keep it under control. He grabbed his microphone. “Martin, do you read me?”

  “Ten four, I read you, Sheriff.”

  “I’m chasing a red Ferrari–”

  “You’re kidding? Seriously?”

  “Damn it, Martin. Listen, clear Main Street, or this idiot’s liable to kill someone.”

  “Roger and out, Sheriff.”

  Theo picked up speed, the cruiser shaking and whining. Suddenly, the Ferrari skidded to the side, splattering dust onto Theo’s windshield. He slammed on the brakes and jumped out of the car, his gun drawn.

  “Roll down the window and put your hands on the wheel now!”

  The window rolled down and a young man, who looked like all the meat had been sucked out of him, clutched the steering wheel. “Is there a problem officer?” His innocent voice sent Theo’s dragon into a snarling fit.

  “Damn right, there’s a problem. Do you know how fast you were going?”

  The man shrugged. “No, I was in hurry.”

  “Obviously.” Theo slowly lowered his gun, wondering why the man hadn’t been frightened of it. “Where were you going?”

  “I think that’s my business.”

  “You’re in a heap of trouble, Mister. I wouldn’t use that arrogant tone with me. Now, driver’s license, insurance, and registration.”

  The man reached over and opened up the glove compartment. He handed Theo the registration and insurance. He opened up his wallet and handed him in his license. “Do you know who I am?”

  “No, and I don’t care.” Theo read his driver’s license––Donald Elliott. He heard of the name, but wasn’t going to give the arrogant bastard the satisfaction. Donald Elliott was the heir of Trumpet Computers, but last he read, the man had cancer and his prognosis wasn’t good.

  Donald narrowed his eyes. “I’m late for an important meeting.” The hallow of his cheeks were sunken in and he had dark circles underneath his eyes.

  “You’re going to be even later––Donald. Up ahead is Magic, which is my town, and you could have killed someone with how fast you were going. Sit here while I radio this in.” He walked away not giving him a chance to argue.

  Martin pulled up next to Theo. “Everything all right, Sheriff?”

  Today, Martin was a werewolf. He looked like something out of an old horror movie with his ripped shirt and furry face and fangs. As a shape shifter, he could change into anything he wanted for kicks, but his silver eyes were serious. When it came to being a deputy, he took the job sincerely.

  “I’ve got it under control.”

  “That the joker tearing up our streets.”

  “Yup.”

  Martin shook his head. He slowly drove passed the red car and released a chilling howl.

  The man jumped and bumped his head on the top of his car.

  Theo chuckled. He typed in Donald’s registration and his driver’s record indicated he had numerous speeding tickets, but all of them had been dismissed. He must have a damn good attorney and gotten off on a technicality. Rich, stuck-up bastards always stuck in Theo’s craw. Why was Donald here? There were no fancy hotels or resorts. The back of the hair on his neck stood straight-up. Something wasn’t right.

  He wrote out a speeding ticket and walked back to the car nice and slow.

  Donald was drumming his fingers on the steering wheel. “Can I go now?”

  “Not until you sign this ticket.” Theo handed him the clipboard.

  “Fine.” Donald scribbled his name on it.

  Theo gave him back his information. “Drive slow or next time, you’ll end up in my jail.”

  Donald snorted, but didn’t argue. He turned on the ignition, gunned the motor, and pulled onto the road.

  Theo hurried back to his car and caught up with Donald who was driving the speed limit. He was determined to find out why Donald was in Magic. Not many people knew of this town, because the witches had put a spell to keep intruders out. Someone had to have invited him in order for him to get past the spell. Theo needed to find out who.

  Donald turned down a dirt road that led to The Sleepy Inn, which was managed by a vampire––Byron St.
Claire. Byron was a loner and kept to himself, but he’d always followed the laws of Magic.

  A yellow Camaro and a silver diesel truck were parked at the two-story adobe inn. Usually, Byron was lucky if he had one customer––let alone three.

  Theo pulled along side Donald who jumped out of his car. He marched around to Theo’s side.

  Although he was at least a foot shorter than Theo, he growled, “Are you following me, Sheriff?”

  Theo took off his sunglasses. “Yup.”

  “You’re violating my rights.”

  “You’re not under arrest, Donald.”

  Donald put his shoulders back. “It’s Mr. Elliott.”

  Byron opened the screen door and came down the steps. He had on black sunglasses and a leather jacket.

  “Problem, Theo?”

  Theo motioned toward Donald and the other two cars. “Your place seems to be busy.”

  Bryon shrugged and took off his sunglasses. “It’s been dead for weeks until Mr. Elliott made reservations. Reserved the whole Inn.”

  “Really?”

  Donald glared. “Is there a crime in that, Sheriff?”

  Theo met his belligerent stare. “No. But this is a quiet town. Strangers haven’t always been a blessing to us.”

  “I haven’t broken any laws.”

  “No…not yet.” But every gut instinct in Theo told him he would.

  Donald turned toward Byron. “Now, are you going to check me in or not?”

  Bryon rolled his eyes. “Tourists.” He leaned close to Theo. “If there is anything suspicious, I’ll contact you.” He put his famous sunglasses back on and motioned for Donald to follow.

  Theo lifted his eyebrow and leaned against the hood of his car. That wasn’t very comforting since Bryon hadn’t thought anything was wrong when he accepted the booking. But the Sleepy Inn wasn’t exactly a money maker for him, either. It only got busy when Topper had one of her witch’s conventions which wouldn’t happened for another three months.

  He rubbed his chin and then wrote down the Camaro’s and truck’s license plates. Tingles flickered over his skin and his lungs tightened. All of his dragon senses were on hot alert. Something was up. Something bad was going to happen and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

  Chapter Four

  Gwen sat on the veranda with Grace at her favorite Mexican restaurant–Tortilla Flats. Grace had her gown and bustle in a bag. She had on a long yellow beaded dress with a pair of sandals, which was as wild as Gwen could get her to go. She still thought jeans were way too provocative. The only way she would wear the sleeveless dress was if Gwen put on a similar one.

  Grace picked up a tortilla chip and examined it.

  “What do you call this?”

  “’Tis a tortilla chip.” Gwen picked one up. “You dip it in salsa, which is made from tomatoes and spices.”

  Grace followed her example and took a bite. Her eyes immediately filled up with tears and she choked. Gwen got up from her seat and patted her on the back. “Here, drink some water.”

  Her sister gulped down the water and waved her hand in front of her face like a fan. “Oh my goodness, that was so hot.”

  Gwen laughed. “I should have warned you. The green one is mild–the red hot.”

  “Gwen! Gwen!”

  Jonah and Joseph raced down the street toward them, their cheeks rosy and their eyes full of excitement. The only way she could tell the twins apart was by their black and white hats. Joseph wore black while Jonah white. Unless they decided to switch them.

  She tilted her head. “Oh, oh, here comes trouble.”

  Joseph reached them first. “Beat you.” A long pink forked tongue appeared underneath his black hat.

  “Naw, I let you win,” Jonah insisted.

  Grace grabbed Gwen’s hand. “What is that underneath that poor boy’s hat?”

  Joseph grinned and took off his hat. Grace squealed and both boys burst out laughing.

  “This is my pet lizard, Larry. He goes with me everywhere I go.”

  “I see.” Grace had her hand over her heart.

  “Are you a pirate like Gwen?” Jonah asked.

  “Dummy, she’s not dressed like one.” He frowned. “Why are you wearing a dress, Gwen? You never wear them.”

  Grace knotted her eyebrows together and clicked her tongue. She ate another chip without dipping it into the salsa.

  Gwen smirked. “’Tis the only way I could convince my sister to dress in this century.”

  “Gwen isn’t dressed like a pirate now either, but she’s a pirate.” He put his hands on his hips. “I’m going to tell Mom you called me a dummy. She says I’m smart.”

  Joseph rolled his eyes. “Look, genius, she doesn’t even have a sword.”

  Jonah pointed. “Gwen’s not wearing one now!”

  “Okay, you two–Stop.” Gwen gestured with her hand. “This is my twin sister, Grace.”

  “Cool.” Jonah clapped his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “You’re twins like us. Exactly alike.”

  “Except for her eyes. Their brown–not gold.” Joseph clasped the iron rod. “Are you going to marry a dragon? Then, you two will be twins and both be married to dragons!”

  Grace smiled. “I’m afraid, boys, that my sister is not a pirate–especially being in the family way.” She gave Gwen one of her infamous you’re-not-being-ladylike gazes.

  “Aw!” Both boys moaned.

  Gwen winked. “Despite what my sister says, I’ll always be a pirate.”

  “Yeah!” They both yelled.

  “Wow! Look at that!” Joseph’s eyes widened and Larry peeked from underneath his hat.

  A red Ferrari slowly passed them with dark windows.

  Jonah took a step off the curb and the Ferrari gunned its motor. The engine roared and tires squealed.

  Gwen jumped up and grabbed the railing. “Jonah! Get back here!”

  Dirt spewed into the air and the Ferrari sped off as if hell hounds were chasing it.

  Jonah looked at her with his eyes bulging. “Gwen, he wasn’t going to stop.”

  His usual excited voice was quiet and small.

  His brother pushed him. “That’s cuz you walked out in the middle of the street, dummy.”

  “Stop calling me that!”

  “No, he should have stopped. This is a small town.” She picked up her phone.

  Theo answered on the first ring.

  “Hey.”

  “Theo, a red sports car almost hit Jonah.”

  “What? Where?”

  “Grace and I were eating at Tortilla Flats when the boys saw us. The car slowed down, then when Jonah stepped into the street, it sped off.”

  “Is Jonah all right?”

  “Yes, he’s fine.”

  “I’ll check into it. Tell the boys to stay away from that car,” he growled.

  “I will.” She hung up. “Boys…”

  “We know, we know.” Joseph kicked a stone. “We’re not supposed to go near the car.”

  A tall muscular man with short white hair came out of a hardware store.

  “Look.” Jonah pointed. “There’s Frost. Let’s go see if he brought anything back from outer space.”

  The boys tore down the street like mini-hurricanes toward the broad shoulder man.

  “Outer space?” Grace sat back in her chair and put her arms over her chest.

  “Frost is from the planet Glacier.”

  Grace raised a delicate eyebrow.

  “Donna look at me that way. He’s a Star Ranger and married to a witch. No one in this town is who you think they are. There are witches, vampires, werewolves, trolls, fairies.”

  “Except for you,” Grace said quietly. “We’re just normal folk.”

  “I know.” Gwen bit her lip. “That’s what scares me, Grace. I’m pregnant with a dragon. I don’t have any mystical powers. What if I can’t carry this baby?” Tears formed behind her eyes and her throat dried up. “What if something happens?”

  Grace
took her hand and squeezed it gently. “I know you’re scared. That’s why I’m here. We’ll figure this out together.”

  Gwen forced a smile. “Thank you. I just wish Leif was here.”

  Grace sighed. “He’s off on his pirate ship determined to kill the demon. I was angry with him for leaving his pregnant wife, Isabella, but I’ve come to trust the witch Morgana Fey. She’s in good hands. My task is here with you.”

  “Thank you.” She glanced up and their waiter was carrying two plates of their steaming food. “Our food’s here, and I’m starved.”

  Their waiter, Juan, placed the tray on the edge of the table. “Chile rellenos?”

  Gwen raised her hand. “That’s me.” The smell of roasted peppers, melted cheese, and hot black beans made her stomach growl. She picked up her fork and cut a big slice of the Chile relleno that was smothered with guacamole. The baby flipped in her stomach and Gwen didn’t know if it was for excitement or dread.

  Grace picked up her fork and poked at her food. “What did you call this again?”

  “A chicken burrito. You’ll like it. Try it.”

  She shrugged and took a dainty bite of the burrito. Her eyes widened. “Oh my, this is delicious.”

  Gwen swallowed her bite, the cheese and spicy pepper warming her throat and belly as she waited for the baby’s response. The baby was more active. She hoped that was a good sign and cut another slice of the stuffed relleno.

  “Can I try yours?” Grace looked at Gwen’s plate.

  “Sure.” She scooted her plate toward Gwen.

  Her sister dipped her spoon and scooped up a small bite. “That’s spicy. Do you think ’tis good for the baby?”

  Gwen put her hand on her belly. “She’s very active and my stomach’s fine.”

  “Good.” Grace patted her mouth. “I need to use the ladies’ powder room. Where is it?”

  “The powder rooms are called restrooms.” She tilted her head. “’Tis right on the other side of the bar.”

  “If you’ll excuse me.” Grace neatly folded her napkin and put it to the side of her plate. “I’ll be right back.”

  Gwen nodded as she took a bite of her black beans. She sipped some water, wishing it was a Margarita. Since she’d been in Magic, she’d grown quite fond of tequila. She sighed. No drinking for a year.