Page 37 of Another Man’s Treasure

As I watch Oz bullet into the sky to follow Saint, I wish for the millionth time I had wings. What I wouldn’t give to follow them and keep an eye on that city slicker asshole.

“Oz can take care of himself,” Willa says evenly. “He’s a big boy.”

“I know,” I growl. “But Saint’s⁠—”

“An asshole, I know.” My sister loops her arm through mine. “Wanna get out of here?”

“Good idea,” says Bluebell, appearing next to my sister. “Plus, you promised me a drink, Willa, and then you disappeared for like, two full days.”

Willa laughs and looks back at me, waggling her brows. “Shall we?”

Forcing my usual noncommittal grunt, I semi agree as I look back into the sky.

“He’s not gonna reappear,” Bluebell says. “You’re pining, Wilder; come on.”

I turn and frown. “I’m not pining.”

She pops onto her tiptoes and grips my chin, turning my face from side to side as she scans me like a scientific specimen. “You’re fucking pining. I know that look.”

Gently, I remove her hand and shake my head. “Not pining. Just know he doesn’t like that guy.”

She and Willa share a glance. Willa makes a tiny space between her thumb and forefinger. “Maybe a little bit of pining?”

I refuse to respond to the comment. I’m not pining, definitely not.

“You need a drink, then,” Bluebell says with a big smile. “For all the definitely not pining you’re doing.”

“We agree to that,” Willa answers for me, grabbing me and pushing me toward the edge of the crowd.

Half an hour later, we’re seated in a booth at Lizard Lick Saloon. Willa’s next to me, and Bluebell and Hadrian are across. Hadrian smiles. “Now that you’re a Gulcher, there are some things you need to know.”

Bluebell rests her tiny hand on his forearm, stroking the dark purple hair there. “Oh, yes, all the local secrets.”

He winks. “You know how we’ve never been able to keep a Keeper, so Sheriff Rygold functions as one despite not having the natural ability?”

I shrug. “Yeah, I knew that.”

Hadrian jerks his head toward the bar. “See those cowbells over the bar? There’s one for every failed Keeper we’ve had since our first Keeper, Sipan Varian. He was very beloved by the Gulch and died an unfortunately early, unexplained death. She’s run every other one off. To the point where Hearth HQ agreed to stop sending Keepers here until we figure out what we want.”

“Which is what?” Willa takes a sip of her gin and soda. “This place is wild. Maybe HQ just can’t find a monster or monstress wild enough to partner with the Gulch?”

Bluebell sighs, glancing at the ceiling as if she’s lost in thought. “Yeah, I think it’s more that most traditionally trained Keepers try to force specific keeping rules on Pine Gulch, but we like to be a little crazy. We like to do things differently. Headquarters didn’t love Sipan, because he was so creative. He did whatever he wanted, and I think the haven is looking for someone like that.”

Above us, the chunky wooden ceiling beams groan and creak.

Willa chuckles. “I think the saloon is agreeing with you, Bluebell.”

Hadrian smiles. “And don’t forget to have Oz show you the pumpkin maze and the underground river. The maze isn’t really a secret, although it's a teensy bit hidden, but the tunnels are a must-see.”

Willa and I share a surprised look. “Water-filled tunnels? Why? How?”

Hadrian chuckles. “That’s what I said, but we used to sneak down there when we were teenagers and drink mead because it’s often empty. Except there are sail-through drive-through windows for most of the businesses so you can pick up drinks and food.”

My mouth drops open. I haven’t been here long, but this is a total surprise to me. “Gods, what else?”

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg, friend.” Bluebell clinks her glass to mine. “You need a welcome book. I’m kinda surprised Oz hasn’t forced one on you yet.”

Naw, I almost say, we’ve been too busy dry-humping in tents and dancing around an obvious attraction.