Page 7 of Boundless Magic

“Holy hell! It’s Paul-Bunyan Alastair!”

Other than a sharp glance, her uncle ignored Autumn to warily watch the other man approach. Clearly affronted that his clone would wear anything off the rack of the local farm store, Alastair was filled with disdain.

His arrogance was laughable.

The lumberjack version eyed them but never crossed the protective barrier. He seemed to take particular interest in her, making Autumn just as curious about him.

Stepping in front of her, Alastair drew the man’s attention back to him. “Care to tell us who you are and why you’re roaming these woods? This is private property.”

“Lawd, tell me this version of me doesn’t always walk around with a stick up his lily-white ass, Tums,” Lumberjack Alastair said in a heavy Southern accent.

In an instinctive act, both she and her uncle clenched their fists to stem off the influx of locusts that came whenever Alastair swore. Better safe than sorry because who knew if the newcomer had the same curse?

“This version?” she asked, absently noting he sounded like Alastair’s cousin Boyd.

Crossing his arms over his well-muscled chest, the clone snorted. “I wasn’t born yesterday, girl. I knew immediately that I’d been thrust into another world. The question is, what the hell are y’all going to do about sending me back?”

They’d finally discovered what—or rather who—came through the portal her children had opened.

5

Isis was a no-show.

With Lumberjack Alastair waiting across the clearing, looking more bored than Autumn had ever seen the one from her time, she and her uncle closed the circle.

Keeping her voice low so it wouldn’t carry, she asked, “What do we do about him? Do you think he’s legit? Or is it possible he’s someone glamoured to look like you?”

“I’m highly offended you believe that ruffian resembles me in any way,” he replied with a sardonic smile.

Autumn paused to consider the earthier version of Alastair. “Oh, I don’t know. He has a certain appeal for women.”

“If he does, I’m not seeing it.”

As her uncle tugged his cuffs and straightened his tie, she struggled not to laugh. “Just don’t let Rorie see him. She’ll order you to dress in flannel shirts and hiking boots.”

“Heaven forbid.”

She laughed as he mock shuddered. When her uncle returned her grin with one of his own, Autumn knew he wasn’t offended. “Should I get you a gift card for the local farm store? You might be able to find some Wranglers and a Stetson that fits.”

“Your father didn’t punish you enough as a child,” Alastair muttered.

“He punished me plenty. I seem to recallyoualways snuck me out of my room to take me fishing.”

His brows shot up. “You remember that?”

“Yeah. It was sweet. But don’t for one second think I’m not aware you do it for the next generation.”

His rare burst of laughter was robust, echoing off the surrounding trees and drawing the attention of Lumberjack Al. The other man straightened from his slouched position and headed in their direction.

“Do you think he’s a decent guy just wanting to get home? I mean, he has the potential to be an evil asshat, right? Just like anyone, doesn’t it depend on formative years?” she asked, rushing to get her concerns out while they were still alone.

“Yes.” Alastair winked. “But he can’t possibly be more formidable than your old uncle.”

“That’s what I’m hoping.” She touched his arm. “Let’s get LJ and head home. I’m itchy and need to find my kids. They’ve been gone too long.”

“LJ?” he asked as they strode across the glen.

“In my head, he’s Lumberjack Alastair.”

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