Should I talk to her? She might know more than I do about this situation. Hell, maybe she’s a witch.
Also… Okay, ulterior motive: she’s smoking hot. And she looks like the complete opposite of Sean with his pressed shirts and preppy attitude.
Oh shit, she caught me staring. Quick, look busy. I’m just a normal person writing normal things while definitely not speculating about her sexuality and whether she knows about magic…
She’s still looking at me. And is that…a little smile?
Help, my heart is going double-speed.
Pros of talking to her:
+ Might know something about the chimera situation
+ Could be a witch (!!!)
+ Really pretty
+ Keeps looking over and possibly checking me out?
+ I promised myself I’d do things that scare me
Cons:
- Might reject me because she’s got better things to do than talk to a normie
Okay, pros win. Seriously, there’s a chance they’re all true—that she’s not only checking me out, but she’s also a witch who has insight about the chimera.
I know, I’m being hopeful. Like I’m desperate to find my version of Natalie.
But…what if? This could be my door into the magical world. Katie has held me on the outskirts, and I know she’s keeping me safe, but…maybe I don’t want to be on the sidelines anymore. I’m tired of being the one who stares at my phone waiting for updates while Katie and Natalie dive into danger.
This might be my chance to get swept off my feet and into the world of witches and magic.
And if this stranger isn’t a witch, well, then I will have said hi to a pretty girl. Can’t go wrong either way.
Screw it, I’m talking to her.
Will report back.
Chapter 8
Chimera Catching 101: An Introduction to Shapeshifting
AsNataliesteersusdown Marine Drive, pedestrians on the boardwalk crane their necks and point at something we can’t see. Traffic is backed up as cars slow down to look. Dark clouds gather overhead, wind whips through the trees lining the street, and magic pulls at my blood like a tide.
I fold my arms across my queasy stomach and sink lower in the passenger seat. This would be less daunting with Sky and the other Shadows here, but Fiona made herself clear in that special brand of ice-queen disapproval she saves just for me:“This is not a Shadow’s job. You’re lucky I’m letting Natalie help you.”
So I’m here with my intuition and Troy’s enchanted net in the trunk, hoping for the best. Oh, and a fake Animal Control uniform to match Natalie’s.
Meanwhile, Natalie’s hands are steady and capable on the steering wheel, her fingers tapping a rhythm as she navigates traffic. Does she ever doubt herself? Or is insecurity not in a witch’s repertoire?
She parallel parks, and we climb out into the salty sea air. Train tracks and a boardwalk separate us from the rocky shore, where seagulls, driftwood, and tangles of seaweed bob in the high tide. The town’s iconic wooden pier stretches toward Washington, and trotting along the weathered planks is… Yup, that’s a pig all right. Round, pink, and as bizarrely out of place as…well, as a pig at the beach. It’s chasing seagulls like an excited puppy.
My skin prickles as magic hits my senses. While my eyes see ‘escaped livestock,’ my gut screams ‘dangerous magical creature that’s about to ruin everyone’s day.’
“How is the coven planning to explain this when it shapeshifts?” I ask, fastening the enchanted gauntlet to my hand.
“Publicity stunt.” Natalie cuffs the sleeves of her Animal Control shirt. With her toned arms filling it out and her hair in a low bun, she manages to make the fake uniform look hot. “Some influencer with zero regard for public safety trying to go viral.”
