Page 31 of Witch Bound and Down

Chapter 7

Hazel

Bertha's inn was even more magical inside than it had appeared from the parking lot. The lobby was an eclectic mix of southwestern charm and dragon luxury—overstuffed leather furniture that probably cost more than most people's cars, alongside rustic wooden beams that looked like they'd been hewn from trees older than civilization. Crystals hummed with protective magic in every corner, and the air itself seemed to shimmer with barely contained power.

"Now then," Bertha said, her silver eyes twinkling as she looked between Hazel and Bullseye, "let's get you two settled. I've got just the room for you."

"Actually," Hazel said quickly, glancing at her watch, "we can only stay a few hours. We've got maybe eighteen hours left to make our deadline, and we lost time with the detour."

"Rooms," she added belatedly. "We'll need two rooms. Just for a quick rest."

Bertha's expression was pure innocence, but there was something distinctly mischievous in her ancient gaze. "Oh my dear, I'm afraid I only have one room available tonight. Very popular time of year, you understand. Desert spring season brings all sorts of travelers."

Hazel glanced around the completely empty lobby. "It seems pretty quiet to me."

"Appearances can be deceiving," Bertha said cheerfully. "But don't worry—it's my best suite. King-sized bed, private hot tub, soundproof. Perfect for... resting."

The heat that rushed to Hazel's cheeks could have powered a small city. Beside her, Bullseye cleared his throat.

"We appreciate the accommodation," he said diplomatically. "Though we should mention, we're being pursued by some rather determined individuals."

"Oh, those nasty little enforcement types?" Bertha waved a dismissive hand. "Already taken care of. I put up my 'No Soliciting' wards the moment you pulled into the driveway. Nothing with hostile intentions can get within five miles of this place now."

"Your wards can detect hostile intentions?" Hazel asked, impressed despite herself.

"Honey, I spent two hundred years dealing with corporate dragons before I retired. I can smell trouble from three states away." Bertha's smile turned sharp, showing just a hint of her true nature. "Besides, I don't like it when young love is interrupted by business."

"Young love?" Hazel squeaked.

"Oh please," Bertha laughed, a sound like silver bells mixed with distant thunder. "The magical resonance between you two is visible from space. I haven't seen a mating bond this strong since my great-niece found her phoenix."

"Mating bond?" Bullseye's voice came out strangled.

"Now, now," Bertha said, suddenly all business, "let's get you settled before you both combust from magical tension. You said you only have a few hours, so let's make them count. Hopper, dear," she turned to the frog on Hazel's shoulder, "you can stay in the kitchen with me. I've got some lovely flies I've been saving for special occasions, and we can swap stories about these two lovebirds."

"Finally," Hopper croaked, "someone who understands proper familiar hospitality. And honestly, I could use a break from all the magical tension. It's making my skin tingle."

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