Page 40 of Fire Dancer
“And…you know. Finances. Everything okay there?” Mike went on.
“The usual,” Erin bluffed.
Not the usual, but we were too proud to admit it. We’d received official notice of the new property assessment and back taxes to the tune of $30,000 — all due within thirty days.
Thousands we didn’t have, not even when we scraped every cent together.
I did my best not to exchange worried looks with my sisters. We could lose the ranch. Even more than a home, it was our keystone — the thing cementing the fragile construction we called family.
Abby’s eyes bored into mine, and she spoke into my mind and Erin’s.We’ll never let that happen. Never!
There was something even more significant about the ranch. The part we never mentioned out loud.
Magic.
Magic was rooted in the earth here, in the rocks, the earth, the sky. I could feel it in every wrinkle of the cliffs and every meander of the creek. Being here drew out the weak powers I’d inherited from my much more powerful parents. And ever since the vortex incident…well, those powers were becoming more and more evident.
“It’s great to see you both,” Erin said. “What’s the occasion?”
She glanced at me, then Abby, speaking into our minds.They’re checking on us, aren’t they?
Her father folded his arms, making his muscles bulge. “Do we need a reason to visit the four best girls in the universe?”
He left Nash out of the equation, but I suppose it was better than saying,the four best girls and that guy I’m forced to tolerate.
Definitely checking on us,Abby sighed into our minds.
“We just wanted to say hi — and to treat you all to a barbecue,” Mike added. “It’s been too long.”
“A barbecueanda bonfire.” When my father rubbed his hands in anticipation, sparks flew off the tips of his fingers.
“Careful, Grandpa,” Claire giggled.
He winked. “Oops. Sorry.”
Nash’s eyes went wide, but he was the only one who expressed surprise.
My father, like Erin’s, was a warlock — but while Mike specialized in wind and weather, my dad’s talents related to fire.
I could see Erin mouthing to Nash now.Pyromancer, remember?
A really, really powerful one — one of the few who could kindle fire from nothing, rather than manipulating an existing one.
Nash considered my dad, then me. I looked away just in time, holding my head high despite the harsh truth.My father is a powerful pyromancer, and my mother is a badass dragon shifter, but I’m fine with not having any of their powers.
Totally fine with that. Really.
Okay, so I knew a few small tricks that came in handy in the hot shop. But none of the cool stuff: changing into a mighty beast or flying. No conjuring, directing, or extinguishing flames at will either.
“Barbecue, bonfire,andstargazing,” Mike added.
Nash looked up and around. “It might be too overcast for stargazing.”
Mike flashed a smug grin. “Oh, I’m sure it will clear up in time.” Then he clapped once. “Come and help unload, everyone. We brought everything we need.”
“Ibrought everything we need,” my dad corrected him, motioning toward his truck.
Ingo pitched in, then waved goodbye and moved toward his vehicle.