Spells on Shelves

Chapter 17 || Spit it Out

Taji, Kai, and I surveyed the results of our combined effort. I had to admit, having two bodyguards had its perks.

The shop front was impeccable. Magic scrolls for were neatly stacked behind the counter, sorted alphabetically from contracts to wards. Gems and crystals were on display, categorized by branch and purpose.

I went to brew coffee and pulled out the freshly restocked cookie jar. Taji plopped onto a seat at the long table in the back, inspecting the bones we'd brought back from the forest. After leaving the cookie jar on the table, I reclaimed my seat behind the counter.

The sound of munching soon filled the air. Between my two bodyguards, the cookies wouldn't last more than five minutes. Another thing I'd learned over the last week: shapeshifters ate a lot.

Since leaving Taji in my care, Paxton hadn't bothered to show his face or update me on the case. I'd almost thought that a look at the ritual was all he needed. But then he'd called a few minutes ago, shattering that hope.

Magic pinged in my head.

"Incoming," I said.

The boys appeared at my side in an instant. Taji snatched a spell book on magic gems and dropped into the seat next to me. He held it upside-down, peering over its rim. Kai parked himself behind me, imitating his best impression of a stone statue.

Marietta entered the shop, her gaze sweeping the sales area through overly large spectacles. A twig stuck out from her wild hair.

"Jade," she said. "I see you've...rearranged."

So, she'd noticed.

I got up, unable to suppress a satisfied smile. "We just finished organizing everything today. It's all sorted by name and purpose—"

"Oh, dear. No wonder you're in that state. Too many restrictions can limit your aura, darling."

"I—what?"

Taji stifled a laugh.

"Taji has the right idea," Marietta continued. "Reading a book upside-down—now that's the spirit. But why do you look like a Smurf?"

Taji gawked at her, running a hand over the ends of his still-blue braids. Next to me, the statue twitched.

Without missing a beat, Marietta rounded on Kai. "Kai, dear! Still as lanky as ever. Are you eating enough? You should drop by the bakery more often."

Kai turned crimson. Taji's shoulders shook, but not a peep escaped him, apparently determined not to draw her attention back to himself.

Marietta bustled forward. "Come on, kid help me out in the back. I'll never be able to find anything."

She disappeared into the storage area. I shooed a wide-eyed Kai after her. Who knew what chaos she'd leave behind if left alone?

As soon as they were gone, Taji burst into barely contained giggles while I sank back into the chair next to his. I had to admit Marietta had a way of handling everyone. Maybe I should learn a thing or two from her.

A few minutes later Kai returned, carrying a mug filled with muddy-looking substance that smelled suspiciously of coffee. "She told me to give you this," he said hesitantly.

"What did she put in there?"

Just then, the door to the shop opened again—this time without warning—and Paxton slipped inside, dragging a hand through his already tousled dark hair. He wore his usual gray-blue sweats and sweatshirt but for a moment, the image of his shirtless chest flashed in my mind, replacing reality.