Page 84 of Wicche Hunt

“How do they keep getting up there? There are no trees that brush up against the gallery.”

Bracken paused and looked up. A smile slowly spread across his face. “You have raccoons?”

“I don’t have them. They just show up,” I said. “They’re Otis, Daisy, and Jasper.”

Bracken raised his eyebrows. “You named them?”

“In her defense,” Declan said, “she names everything.”

“That’s true,” I confirmed.

“And she feeds them,” he continued.

Bracken and Declan shared a look.

“Arwyn,” Bracken began, “they’re wild animals. You can’t make them reliant on humans. It’s unsafe for them.”

“I’m not! It was just Otis at first. He looked really hungry but was too polite to ask, so he just sniffed at the basket where I had a muffin. He sat like a little gentleman by the basket, waiting to see if I’d share. I mean, come on. Look at them. What? I’m supposed to say,Starve, you adorable little forest creature. I have more than enough food to share, but I’m selfish and won’t. Is that it?”

“Bracken, I don’t know if you understand how hard she’s fighting the impulse to run inside and get them food right now.” Declan scratched his beard, trying to hide his grin.

“Oh, shut up.” I ran inside and got three cinnamon oatmeal raisin muffins. I’d been experimenting. Mom had said it wasn’t a popular flavor, but those few customers who bought one really enjoyed it.

I defrosted them in my hands, adding a bit of warmth while I was at it. When I came back out, Declan and Bracken were sitting on a bench, looking up and chatting—that was nice. I looked up as well but didn’t see the raccoons’ noses. Thankfully, it only took a moment before they popped back out again, sniffing the air.

“Okay, you guys.” I held up the three muffins, so they knew they’d each get one. “Otis, you’re first.” I tossed up a muffin and little paws shot out to grab it. “Daisy, you’re next.” I tossed and more little paws. “Jasper, are you ready?” One last toss and two more paws shot out. “Have a warm meal and then enjoy your adventures tonight. But be careful up there!”

I turned to the men. “Let’s eat.”

Bracken went in but Declan pulled me into a hug. “How worried are you about them falling off the roof?”

I slumped into him. “Very. They’re babies and it’s so high up there. Where are their parents? That’s what I want to know.”

He kissed the top of my head and pulled me into the studio. “Come on. I’m hungry.”

When we went in, Bracken was sitting at the worktable, correctly assuming it was also the dining table. “Declan, can you give the food boxes to my uncle? He can warm up the food while I get plates and utensils.”

The studio filled with mouthwatering smells as boxes were opened and spells were used to heat the food. I put out the plates, silverware, and napkins. “What would you two like to drink? I have water, milk, soda, beer, and tea.”

“I don’t suppose you have horchata?” Bracken asked as he continued to spell the boxes, heating up the food.

Declan and I shared another look. “I’m afraid I don’t.”

“Oh, well. Water will do fine for me. Thank you, dear,” Bracken said, finally sitting back down.

When I returned with drinks, our feast began. All our plates were piled high and still there was more food. Of course, Declan loved leftovers. They took the guesswork out of the next day’s lunch.

Bracken finished quickly and then went back to his motorhome so he could continue his research, leaving Declan and me alone. He’d just shoved his plate aside, his eyes wolf gold, when we heard a knock on the back door.

Slumping back in his chair, he growled.

I waved Hernández and Osso in.

“Oh my God,” she said, “that smells amazing!”

“I’ll get two more plates.” I hopped up. “What would you guys like to drink?”

“No, no,” Hernández said. “We don’t want to take your food.”

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